The Moline Public Library welcomes Coleman Harris, Dorian Byrd, and Shellie Moore Guy as they present Celebrating Langston Hughes on Tuesday, April 22nd at 6:30 p.m.  Poet and storyteller Ms. Guy, musician and composer Mr. Harris, and dancer Ms. Byrd will collaborate to bring to life the words of one of America's greatest men of letters.

This performance is presented as part of the six-week series Created Equal and Changing America, which explores our nation's civil rights history through film, exhibition, and presentations.  More information about the series can be found at molinelibrary.com/createdequal, by visiting the Moline Public Library at 3210 41st Street, or by calling 309-524-2470.

Pianist Coleman Harris has performed his blend of classical, New Age, and jazz music both locally and internationally.  He is an associate professor at Black Hawk College and earned his master's degree in counseling education from Western Illinois University. A lifelong dancer, Dorian Byrd studied at Wayne State and Julliard, and earned a master's degree from the University of Iowa.  She has taught and performed internationally, including in her current position at Augustana College. Quad City Poet Laureate Shellie Moore Guy serves as the Director of the Healing Waters Empowerment Project.  She has worked as a community organizer and creator of youth and artistic programs throughout the Quad Cities.

Created Equal: America's Civil Rights Struggle is made possible through a major grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities, as part of its Bridging Cultures initiative, in partnership with the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History.

Changing America is presented by the Smithsonian's National Museum of African American History and Culture and the National Museum of American History in collaboration with the American Library Association Public Programs Office. The traveling exhibition is made possible by the National Endowment for the Humanities: Exploring the human endeavor.

Local support for Created Equal and Changing America has been provided by Friends of the Moline Public Library, WQPT, and The Moline Dispatch/Rock Island Argus/QCOnline.

# # #

CALENDAR

Beginning April 1st - Interiors by the Sewing Room "Celebration of Light Savings Event" offering a Rebate promotion on select Hunter Douglas shades. Give your windows a fresh look and save some money along the way. Call 309-755-0045, or stop in for details!

April 1st - 12th - Expressions In Threads Celebrates Expansion and 10th Anniversary Grand Reopening! Special Sales all days!

April 5th-12th LeClaire Community Library - Money Smart Week - "Dash for the Stash" The DASH for the Stash will be Scavenger hunt played at nearly 100 libraries and other locations across the state. The statewide winner will be awarded $1,000 to open or add to a retirement investment account. Stop by or call the Library for more information!

April 12th - Dahl Ford's 2nd Annual Easter Egg Hunt! 11am-2pm. Easter Bunny, Bounce House, Face Painting and more. Three different hunts for (1-2 yrs old, inside) (3-5 years old) and (6-12 years old). Rain or shine, no rain date. Admission is non perishable food item to be donated to the Riverbend Food Bank. Please bring no more than two (2) adults per child.

April 15th - LeClaire Community Library Children's Local Author Jill Esbaum will be visiting the library as part of our celebration for National Library Week! Jill will read one of her own books at 6:30pm and will talk about the importance of reading and writing. She will stay after to answer any questions and sign books.

April 19th - Trivia Night in LeClaire - Benefits Buffalo Bill Museum. LeClaire Civic Club. Doors open 6:30pm; game starts 7pm. $10 per person.  Bring your own, or purchase refreshments.  Brisket dinner also available for purchase. See www.LeClaireCivicClub.org for details and to register!

April 20th - Easter Sunday - First Presbyterian Church, LeClaire Two worship times, 8 and 10a.m. Free Easter Breakfast at 9a.m.

April 20th - Bier Stube - Easter Sunday Breakfast - 8-11a.m. Great menu, bottomless Bloody Mary's and Mimosas available. Make reservations today!

April 20th - Faithful Pilot - Easter Brunch 2 seatings, 10:00 & 12:30 - 3 course brunch for $30.00.  No coupons, or gift certificates valid.

April 21st - Economic Development Meeting LeClaire City Hall - 8-9:30 a.m.

April 23rd - LeClaire Community Library - Estate Planning with Community Foundation of the Great River Bend 6pm. This event is free and open to anyone in the community.

April 25th - Masonic Center LeClaire - Taco Bar 6:30-7:30 proceeds to BSA Venture Crew 212

April 26th - "Country Breakfast" Masonic Center LeClaire - 8 a.m. - noon. Biscuits and Gravy, eggs and sausage, pancakes & coffee. Donation of $7.00 for adults, $3.50 for kids under 12. Sponsored by Silver Creek Order of the Eastern Star of LeClaire. Everyone is welcome!

Save the Date

May 2nd - First Friday in LeClaire

May 2nd-3rd - French Market Days

Friday, May 2nd

Book Sale at LeClaire Community Library

*2-3pm: Piano Roll Banner Class includes supplies and refreshments.

*5:30pm: Book Page Wreath Class includes supplies and refreshments.

5:30-8pm: First Friday including Mississippi River Distilling Co.'s tour, food and drink sampling and live music in the courtyard at Wide River Winery, and much more!

10% discount at LeClaire hotels with breakfast included. Rest and refresh for Saturday's shopping and special classes.

Saturday, May 3rd

Mother's Day Shopping Specials

*9am-noon: Cookie decorating class. Learn to do professional cookie decorating and take some home! $35 at Medic EMS Community Room

10am-noon: Children's FREE "Tour de LeClaire" Big Wheel races on the Levee.

10am-4pm: French Flea Market on the Levee. Parking spaces full of treasures will be sold on the spot from the participants just like they do in Europe.

10am-4pm: Special art projects at Reusable Usables. Donations accepted.

3-6pm: LeClaire's Riverfront Farmer's Market includes fresh produce, artisan foods, and specialty snacks.

Book Sale at LeClaire Community Library - $1 bag day.

*Reservation and pre-payment required at www.visitleclaire.com For more information: www.visitleclaire.com

May 3rd - Our Lady of the River Catholic Church 3rd Annual Trivia Night 2800 216th Street Place, LeClaire, IA. Doors open at 6, trivia starts at 6:30. $10 per person. Drinks and Cinco de Mayo themed Food for sale. Participants may bring food and soda, beer or wine.  Ages 12 or older may play.  Door prizes, pay out to top 2 teams.  Proceeds will go to the Parish Hall Remodel Project.  Contact Janice at tjvrom@gmail.com or (563)289-3232 for table reservations and more information.

May 14th - Spring Concert at the LeClaire Community Library with 'Spiked Lobelia'. 6pm. Spiked Lobelia says they are both a prairie flower and a band, "Old time country/Irish/Bluegrass/eclectic goodness through & through". Bring a snack and friends for this fun family-friendly event in the brick courtyard outside the library, weather permitting. (Rain location is inside the library).

FYI

Dr. Lisa Arndt, Arndt Chiropractic Center, Inc., Bettendorf, has been appointed to the Board of Directors of the Iowa Chiropractic Society for a second term. In addition, Dr. Arndt received the Director of the Year award for her service during the 2013-2014 term.

LeClaire Bierstube - Karaoke - Every Friday Night from 9pm - 1am!

Riverbend Signworks just released the latest "Updater", all about wrapping!

http://myemail.constantcontact.com/it-s-a-Wrap----and-these-wraps-will-change-your-organization-.html?soid=1111968629442&aid=JeI1JCJsb9o

The LeClaire Tourism Board is now seeking applications for individuals interested in filling an upcoming vacancy on the Tourism Board representing retail. Board applications are available at City Hall during regular business hours or may be downloaded from the City's website (home page, left-hand side). For this upcoming vacancy consideration, completed applications and any accompanying information must be received at City Hall no later than 5:00 p.m. on Friday, May 23, 2014. Any and all applications timely received will be reviewed by the Board and a decision will be made on June 2, 2014. Board position to begin on July 1, 2014. If anyone has any questions or if you need further information, please feel free to contact Cindy Bruhn at info@visitleclaire.com.

Celebration Belle 2014 Cruising Season April 2nd - October 31st.  Make reservations online at www.celebrationbelle.com or call 1-800-297-0034

Buffalo Bill Museum archives are now open to the public for research on local and regional history, genealogies and more!

Mississippi River Distilling Company of LeClaire was recently recognized with 8 different awards at international tasting competitions including the San Francisco World Spirits Competition where Distillers and Importers submitted 1,474 spirits from 63 countries. River Rose Gin earned a gold medal, Cody Road Bourbon received a silver medal while Cody Road Rye Whiskey and River Pilot Vodka received bronze medals. The Beverage Tasting Institute in Chicago honored Cody Road Bourbon and Cody Road Rye with silver medals and River Rose Gin a bronze medal. At the February annual conference of the American Craft Distillers Association in Denver, MRDC's peers selected River Rose Gin as a bronze medal winner. Country Living Magazine selected Cody Road Bourbon as one of the magazine's favorite bourbons made outside of Kentucky.  Whisky Advocate Magazine featured the Cody Road Whiskies in their tasting notes and buying guide along with a feature on the distillery on the magazine's blog.

August 10th - LeClaire Community Night, Modern Woodman Ball Park. Game time 5:00pm, River Bandits/Beloit Snappers. Mayor Bob Scannell will throw first pitch! A night to celebrate businesses and folks of Leclaire. Awards or special on-field recognition can be done followed by short video on mega-tron highlighting special places and faces in LeClaire filmed the week before. Businesses or groups interested in participating may contact Amanda Henzen, Account Executive and Director of Merchandise 563.333.2729 amandah@riverbandits.com

LeClaire Information Center Volunteers Needed! Contact Cindy Bruhn at info@visitleclaire.com or 563-650-7963 to volunteer.

Visit the LeClaire Chamber of Commerce website www.leclairechamber.com and see us on Facebook!

If you would like to attend a Chamber Board Meeting in order to present a topic, please contact the Board in advance at LeClaireChamber@gmail.com in order to be included an upcoming agenda. Board Meetings are held the 4th Tuesday of each month.

PROPERTY LISTINGS

Commercial Property Available - 1295 and 1297 Eagle Ridge Road, LeClaire, Iowa. Please call: Mike Burke - Mel Foster Co. mburke@melforsterco.com, Mobile: 563-349-2705, Direct: 563-823-5272

Commercial Space for Sale or Lease/Purchase - 204 Jones St. - Call 563-370-2386 for more information. Will show by appointment. Commercially zoned only.

Park Run Apartments/Newbury Living complex - 1, 2, & 3 Bedrooms Available - 1701 Iowa Drive, LeClaire, Iowa 52753. 1 BR, 2 BR or 3 BR unit. Call (563) 289-5159 more information today!

Do you have Residential or Commercial property available? Please contact the LeClaire Chamber of Commerce, leclairechamber@gmail.com, with a property description, complete contact information including phone numbers and rental or purchase pricing.

SERVING THE COMMUNITY AND BEYOND

First Presbyterian Church of LeClaire Sunday School each week for all ages at 9 am and worship at 10 am. Palm Sunday, April 13, 10 am worship. Maundy Thursday Worship with Communion on April 17, 7p.m. Tuesday, May 20 Women's Mini-retreat, 9:30 am to 12 noon, cost $6.Call Pastor Melody, 563-381-7777.

LeClaire Events Coming Up!

June 6-7 - City Wide Garage Sales

August - Tug Fest

October 12- Apple Fest

October - Witch's Walk

December - Christmas in LeClaire

The Created Equal: America's Civil Rights Struggle film screening and discussion series continues with the presentation of the 2012 documentary Freedom Riders on Monday, April 21st, 6:00 p.m. at the Moline Public Library (3210 41st Street).  Augustana College's Dr. Christopher Whitt will lead the discussion.  This event is free and no registration is required.

Attracting a diverse group of volunteers?black and white, young and old, male and female, secular and religious, northern and southern?the Freedom Rides of 1961 took the civil rights struggle out of the courtroom and onto the streets of the Jim Crow South. Freedom Riders tells the terrifying, moving, and suspenseful story of a time when white and black volunteers riding a bus into the Deep South risked being jailed, beaten, or killed, as white local and state authorities ignored or encouraged violent attacks. The film includes previously unseen amateur 8mm footage of the burning bus on which some Freedom Riders were temporarily trapped, taken by a local twelve-year-old and held as evidence since 1961 by the FBI.

A professor in the political science department of Augustana College since 2007, Dr. Christopher Whitt is one of the principal founders and contributing members of the school's Africana Studies program.  He received his M.A. and PhD from the University of Maryland, where he researched the impact of the racial wealth gap on Black political participation.  He currently teaches the course "Race, Wealth, and Inequality in American Politics" as well as courses on United States government, politics, and citizenship.

Created Equal is presented as part of the six-week series Created Equal and Changing America, which explores our nation's civil rights history through film, exhibition, and presentations.  More information can be found online at molinelibrary.com/createdequal, by visiting the library at 3210 41st Street, or by calling 309-524-2470.

Created Equal: America's Civil Rights Struggle is made possible through a major grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities, as part of its Bridging Cultures initiative, in partnership with the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History.

Changing America is presented by the Smithsonian's National Museum of African American History and Culture and the National Museum of American History in collaboration with the American Library Association Public Programs Office. The traveling exhibition is made possible by the National Endowment for the Humanities: Exploring the human endeavor.

Local support for Created Equal and Changing America has been provided by Friends of the Moline Public Library, WQPT, and The Moline Dispatch/Rock Island Argus/QCOnline.

# # #
Celebrate the coming of spring at the Adler Theatre this weekend when Ballet Quad Cities presents Spring is in the Air (Rite of Spring). Be one of the few to see the ballet's first performance of their interpretation of Igor Stravinsky's Right of Spring on Saturday. Then, find out how truly compelling music makes the personal universal when Big Daddy Weave shares their gift of music and passion for faith on stage at the Adler on Sunday.

 Keep the Spring cheer rolling by venturing out to the 3rd Annual Eiermarkt Spring Craft Fair at the German American Heritage Center on Saturday. Browse various vendors and creative crafts of all kinds! Learn a bit more about traditions in Germany on Sunday during the Easter Fountains presentation at GAHC, too. View a variety of photos featuring images of decorated wells and fountains found on Franconia in celebration of Easter.

 Feel the rhythm and blues this weekend at River Music Experience when Davina and the Vegabonds return to the QC!   Davina has quickly become a favorite returning artist; check out her brand new Daytrotter session before you pick up tickets for Friday's show for a mere $10.  After being recognized for a Blues Music Award for her solo debut Runaway, Samantha Fish performs in the Redstone Room Saturday. Come on out for an evening of catchy blues and good company!

 The Quad Cities River Bandits have teamed up with Palmer Chiropractic Clinics once more to bring you the second annual Bandits Race to Home 5K on Saturday. This one-of-a-kind run, walk, and Fun Run starts at Modern Woodmen Park, crosses the Centennial and  Arsenal bridges, and ends at home plate! Enjoy the beautiful spring weather at the ballpark Monday through Wednesday by cheering on the River Bandits as they take on the West Michigan Whitecaps. Did we mention Tuesday's game is FREE?!

 If you like making decisions, or if you just enjoy refreshing mint juleps, you won't want to miss the Mint Julep Tasting at Me & Billy's on Monday. Help decide between three versions of Mississippi River Distilling Company's mint juleps for Me & Billy to feature on May 3rd at their Kentucky Derby Bash! With four tastings, a full mint julep, great prizes, and more, you won't want to miss out on a chance to cast your vote.

 With Easter right around the corner, start making plans for the holiday brunch! Make reservations now at Hotel Blackhawk for an Easter Brunch featuring an omelet station, pancake station, pancake bar, and much more. Or head to Rhythm City Casino and indulge in a delicious Easter Sunday Brunch buffet.

View entire message

National Library Week, April 13 to 19, 2014. This year's theme, "Lives Change @ your library," marks the positive impact of libraries on communities across the nation.

"Libraries are great equalizers of knowledge. Lives Change at Your Library is such a fitting theme because our new Rock Island Public Library brand, "Begin Here," recognizes that our libraries are a great place to begin something new," said Angela Campbell, Rock Island Public Library director.

Libraries also provide enrichment, education and entertainment, with free access to books, digital media and online resources, and free public programs. The following types of free events are available next week at Rock Island Public Libraries:

·         Free learning opportunities for adults, such as "Getting to Know Your iPad/Tablet" on April 14; How to Download eBooks, and "Celebrate Shakespeare with the Prenzie Players on April 15; Download THIS - Magazines, music and movies on April 16, and Putting Some Herbs in Your Life, on April 17.

·         Educational and entertainment events for children and teens, including an evening storytime for all ages, and a Teen Iron Chef program for ages 12 to 18 on April 14; Morning storytimes for ages birth to five on Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday; a "Lego Block" club on April 16, a Friday family movie fest on April 18; an Earth Day storytime, and Spectacular Saturday frog party, both on April 19.

·         Registration for the free Children's Summer Art program, which features five weeks of art classes for children approaching 3rd to 8th grades, also starts Monday. To sign up for the Paws to Read summer art program, call the library's Children's Department at 309-732-7360. Registration is on a first-come, first-served basis, with limited class openings.

Nationally, the American Library Association will also use the week to release the 2014 "State of America's Libraries Report," which highlights trends in the library world. Recently,  the Pew Research Center Internet and American Life Project reported 91 percent of the respondents said that libraries are important to the community, and 76 percent said that libraries are important to them and their families. The report showed that libraries are especially appreciated because people view them as leaders in technology. Seventy-seven percent want libraries to coordinate more closely with local schools, and 77 percent want free early literacy programs for children, and both of these factors are key elements in the Rock Island Library's five-year strategic plan.

To show their support for libraries during National Library Week, area residents can also sign the "Declaration of the Right to Libraries," to be displayed at the three Rock Island Libraries April 14 to 19.The Declaration is an opportunity to make a public statement about the value of libraries to individuals and their communities. The Declaration for the Right to Libraries is the cornerstone document of ALA President Barbara Stripling's presidential initiative, Libraries Change Lives, intended to  build  sustained support for America's right to libraries of all types.

First sponsored in 1958, National Library Week is an annual observance by the American Library Association (ALA) and libraries across the country each April.

For more information about Rock Island Library services and programs for children, teens and adults, visit the library's online branch at www.rockislandlibrary.org, call 309-732-READ (7323) or follow the library on Facebook or Twitter.

(end)

 

Events during National Library Week at Rock Island Library locations:

April 14:

Summer Art Program registration begins. All day. Call 732-7360.

Getting to Know Your iPad/Tablet, 2:30 pm at Main Library.

Teen Iron Chef Program, 6:30 pm, Main Library. Ages 12-18.

Evening Storytime, 6:30 pm, at 30/31 Branch. Children of all ages.

April 15:

Morning Storytime, Chicks & Bunnies, 10:30 am, 30/31 Branch, Ages birth to five.

Library How-To: Download Books, 2:00 pm at Main Library.

Celebrating Shakespeare with the Prenzie Players, 6:30 pm at Main Library.

 

April 16:

Morning Storytime, Chicks & Bunnies, 10:30 am, Southwest Branch, Ages birth to five
LEGO Block Club, 4:00 pm, at 30/31 Branch. Pre-K to 6th grades.

Download This!: How-To On Downloading Magazines, Music, and Movies from the Library,  6:30 pm at Main Library. 

 

April 17:

Putting Some Herbs in Your Life, with Peg Christensen of QC Herbs, 6:30 pm at Main Library

 

April 18:

Morning Storytime, Chicks & Bunnies, 10:30 am, Main Library, Ages birth to five.

Friday Family Movie Fest, 1:00 pm, Man Library. Rated G. Call library for title.

April 19:

Saturday Earth Day Storytime & crafts, 11:00 am, 30/31 Branch

Spectacular Saturday Frog Party, Stories, games and crafts for all ages, 2:00 pm, 30/31 Branch.

Locations include the Main Library at 401 19th Street, the 30/31 Branch at 3059 30th Street, and the Southwest Branch at 3059 30th Street. More library events at www.rockislandlibrary.org

Founded in 1872, the Rock Island Public Library serves the area through three locations, which include the Main, 30/31 and Southwest Branches, community outreach efforts, and online opportunities that provide resources to enhance personal achievement and stimulate the imagination.

We've had so many interesting events come up in April, that we thought it was worth an update! To get library news directly in your email, sign up for Library eNews at http://rockislandlibrary.org/contact/get-notified-e-mail-your-library

Community Shred Day

10:00 am to noon, Saturday, April 12, Rock Island Main Library. Bring personal papers to be safely shredded by Document Destruction and Recycling Services, a division of City Carton. This is a drive-up, drop-off event provided as part of the Rock Island Library's participation in Money Smart Week Quad Cities.

Shredding personal papers helps protect your financial identity! For confidentiality, papers are collected in locked bins by bonded DDRS representatives and shredded under video monitoring at the DDRS plant in Davenport. No shredding onsite. Staples and paper clips do not have to be removed.

For more details, contact Rock Island Library at 309-732-READ (7323).

Know Your iPad/Tablet

2:30 pm, April 14, Main Library. Free program with tips and tricks on using your iPad or other computer tablet. Bring your device! No registration required.

Download eBooks/audiobooks

2:00 pm, April 15, Main Library. Learn how to use the library's services to get free ebooks/audiobooks for your eReader, tablet, smartphone or MP3 player. No registration required. Bring your device and your library card to make this a hands-on event.

Celebrating Shakespeare with Prenzie Players

William Shakespeare turns 450 this April! Join us at 6:30 pm on April 15 at the Main Library for an entertaining look at how the Prenzie Players present shows such as King Lear in innovative ways.

Shakespeare's Life in His Works, with Don Wooten

6:00 pm, April 22, Main Library. William Shakespeare turns 450 years old this April, and to celebrate, we're bringing in local expert Don Wooten. A careful look at Shakespeare's plays reveals what we think about his early life in Stratford. Free.

Download This! How to on Downloading Library Content

6:30 pm, April 16, Main Library, Learn how to use free library services to download or stream free music, movies and magazines from library services Freegal Music, Freegal Movies/TV and Zinio for magazines. You can use these services if your library subscribes and you have a current library card.

4th Annual Spaghetti Supper - Friday, April 11th from 5pm until 7pm

Maundy Thursday Service - April 17, 2014 at 7pm

Easter - Breakfast - Service - Egg Hunt - April 20, 2014 Beginning at 8am

Join us at New Hope Presbyterian Church, 4209 West Locust Street, Davenport, Iowa 52804

For information please call 563-386-5278

 

(DES MOINES) - Gov. Terry E. Branstad will sign Senate File 2339, an Act relating to the administration of the redevelopment tax credits program by the Economic Development Authority and including applicability provisions, tomorrow, Thursday, April 10, 2014, at 3:45 p.m., at Victory Companies in Davenport, Iowa. Victory Companies is located in a revitalized former public building that used to house H.M. Perry Elementary School.

Repurposing public buildings for increased economic growth throughout Iowa was a key priority of Gov. Branstad. During his 2014 Condition of the State address, Branstad stated, "Let's turn what used to be our centers of education into centers of commerce.  Let's repurpose the crumbling structures with renewed investment, and reinforce the foundation with new jobs."

The bill passed the Iowa Senate on March 26, 2014, 48-0. It passed the Iowa House on April 1, 2014, 97-2.

The following event is open to credentialed members of the media:

Thursday, April 10, 2014

3:45 p.m. Gov. Branstad signs Senate File 2339

Victory Companies

5200 30th Street SW

Davenport, IA

 

4:20 p.m. Gov. Branstad tours Victory Companies and VictoryStore.com

Victory Companies

5200 30th Street SW

Davenport, IA

Note: Tour time is approximate. Tour will last roughly 30 minutes.

Two strikingly different services at Trinity Episcopal Cathedral on Good Friday this week will mark a singularly dark event?Christ's death on the cross. One is traditional. Another features the blues-- that's right, the blues.

The first of the two Good Friday services will be a noon at the historic Cathedral, Brady Street and Palmer Drive (11th St.), Davenport. The mid-day service uses a traditional liturgy, marked by Bible readings tracing the prophets' foretelling Christ's coming and culminating with Jesus' arrest, trial and sacrifice on the cross.

It is enhanced by traditional hymns and features anthems by the Cathedral Choir by J S Bach and Elgar. Soprano Michelle Crouch of the Augustana music faculty also will perform.

Then, at 7 p.m. the same Biblical story will be told. But this time, it will be accompanied by blues played by Ellis Kell, director of programming and community outreach at the River Music Experience, and well-known in regional music circles. Kell will be joined by Hal Reed and Bret Dale.

Why the blues, music originating from the bleak history of slavery, and more often identified as secular, not religious?

"What could be more fitting on the day when Jesus was stripped naked, beaten and hung on a cross. Blues deal with life's deepest realities, varnish-stripped-away raw pain...all that's left to do is sing the blues," the program's originators explain.

Joining the Cathedral in sponsoring this unique evening program are St.Alban's Episcopal Church, Davenport, and St. Peter's Episcopal Church, Bettendorf. A free-will offering will benefit Braking Traffik, an organization dedicated to eradicating sex trafficking in the Quad Cities area.

The public is welcome at both of these very different services.

For more information, contact Dean John Horn at (563) 323-9989.

Award winning Illinois folksinger Chris Valillo will perform Songs of the Civil Rights Movement on Wednesday, April 16th at 6:30 p.m. at the Moline Public Library (3210 - 41st Street).  This program is free and does not require registration.

This concert is presented as part of the six-week series Created Equal and Changing America, which explores our nation's civil rights history through film, exhibition, and presentations.  More information about the series can be found at molinelibrary.com/createdequal or by contacting the Moline Public Library at 309-524-2470.

From "We Shall Overcome" to "Blowin in the Wind", music played a vital role in the civil rights movement both as an inspirational rallying point for the Freedom Riders and as a way to spread the message of equality and justice.  Mr. Valillo will perform pivotal songs from the music that inspired and sustained this landmark movement and discusses the impact of music to this most important social cause.

Chris Valillo is a nationally acclaimed singer/songwriter and folk musician who makes the people and places of "unmetropolitan" America come to life in song.  Performing on six-string and bottleneck slide guitars and harmonica, Valillo weaves original, contemporary, and traditional songs and narratives into a compelling and entertaining portrait of the history and lifestyles of the Midwest.

Created Equal: America's Civil Rights Struggle is made possible through a major grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities, as part of its Bridging Cultures initiative, in partnership with the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History.

Changing America is presented by the Smithsonian's National Museum of African American History and Culture and the National Museum of American History in collaboration with the American Library Association Public Programs Office. The traveling exhibition is made possible by the National Endowment for the Humanities: Exploring the human endeavor.

Local support for Created Equal and Changing America has been provided by Friends of the Moline Public Library, WQPT, and The Moline Dispatch/Rock Island Argus/QCOnline.

# # #

Pages