The 15th annual Mayors' Hunger Luncheon, "In from the Cold," will be held at noon on Thursday, November 8 at Bettendorf's Isle of Capri Convention Center. The mayors of the Quad Cities will serve a simple lunch of bread and hearty soup, reflecting the theme of "We eat simply so that others may simply eat." With the assistance of the United Way of the Quad Cities Area, "In from the Cold" has, since 1992, distributed more than $250,000 to fund services for the homeless, and at this year's luncheon, an additional fundraising raffle will give attendees the chance to win one of three Ralph Iaccarino prints. Tickets are $20 per person, with tables of 10 at $175, and more information is available at the "In from the Cold" Web site (http://www.infromthecoldqc.org) or by calling (563) 421-4343.

St. Ambrose University, the Davenport Civil Rights Commission, and the Putnam Museum are joining together to chronicle the civil-rights movement in the Quad Cities between 1940 and 1984, and its impact on the community. To create an archive of materials for future generations, the Civil Rights History Committee is conducting interviews and gathering archival materials such as photos, film, letters, audiotapes, diaries, other documents, and memorabilia. Additionally, the committee will create an exhibit at the Putnam. Anyone who played a role in the history of the Quad Cities civil-rights movement, or who is in possession of artifacts related to the movement, is encouraged to contact Arthur Pitz at (309) 736-0840 or (artpitz@hotmail.com) or Judith Morrell at (563) 326-7888.

The Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs (DCA) last week named Davenport one of Iowa's "Great Places." The announcement came after the Iowa Great Places Citizen Advisory Board concluded a four-day tour of seven finalist locations and made its recommendations to DCA Director Cyndi Pederson, who approved the advisory board's recommendations. The program asks communities to develop proposals that address seven dimensions that make places special: engaging experiences; rich, diverse populations and cultures; a vital, creative economy; clean and accessible natural and built environments; well-designed infrastructure; a shared attitude of optimism that welcomes new ideas; and a diverse and inclusive cultural mosaic. For more information, look at (http://www.culturalaffairs.org).

PBS and the Development Advisory Committee have recognized WQPT for excellence and innovative fundraising by awarding a Certificate of Achievement to the Quad Cities public-television station. WQPT previously won development awards in 1986, 1994, and 2001.