ROCK ISLAND, IL ? The Quad City Hash House Harriers - Dirty Pirate Chapter (formerly Raccoon Chapter) (or QCH3), a local group that is part of the loosely affiliated international organization, the Hash House Harriers, and a self described "Drinking Club with a Running Problem," will partner, Saturday, February 22, with local businesses for their 4th Annual Red Dress Run, in which all participants - male and female - don red dresses to show their spirit and draw attention to this annual charity event.

The run begins at 1p.m., at event sponsor, McManus Pub, 1401 7th Avenue, Moline, IL, and in true hashing tradition, will follow a trail determined that day and marked with chalk or flour by the "hares." The trail will include stops for games, contests, cold beverages, and socializing.
All proceeds and donations from this year's run will be go to the Wounded Warrior Project in honor of Flynn G. Schulz - an Iraq War veteran and beloved QCH3 hasher who died in August 2013.
Last year QCH3 raised almost $2000 for the American Heart Association, and pre-registration numbers indicate that amount will be exceeded this year.
The post-run celebration ("on-afters" in hash terms) will also take place at the McManus Pub, and will include food and a DJ.

"The Red Dress Run is not so much a run as a gathering of people with good senses of humor, adventurous spirits and charitable hearts ... and red dresses."
- Quad City Hash house Harriers - Dirty Pirate Chapter founder Nathan Tackett (Raw Deal)

QCH3 4th Annual Red Dress Run sponsors include : McManus Pub · Euclid Beverage · River Cities' Reader · Active Thermal Concepts · AFLAC- Lauren Wiebert Team · Bowen Trucking LLC · Eric Pulford Construction · CSI Insulation · Happy Joe's Pizza · Evergreen Landscape

About Hashing: Hashing was started in 1937 by British expat  - A.S.I. Gispert (or simply "G" as he was known to his friends), living in Malaysia, and is based on an old English game called Hares and Hounds. The group was named after the place many of the Kuala Lumpur-based Brits lived and ate - the "Hash House," with the addition of the typical Hounds and Hares team moniker "Harriers." Thus was born the first Hash House Harriers. After WWII, the practice started to spread worldwide, and then really caught on and began growing exponentially in the early '70s. There are currently about 2,000 active chapters (or kennels) worldwide, including about 400 in the U.S.

The philosophy of the original Hash House Harriers from the 1938 charter:

• To promote physical fitness among our members
• To get rid of weekend hangovers
• To acquire a good thirst and to satisfy it in beer
• To persuade the older members that they are not as old as they feel

To learn more about hashing:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hash_House_Harriers
http://harrier.net/presskit/shistory.html
http://thehashhouse.org/index.html

About the Quad City Hash house Harriers - Dirty Pirate Chapter: Nathan Tackett, or Raw Deal, as he's known to the hash, founded the Quad Cities H3 Raccoon Chapter after hashing Iwakuni, Japan, in the Iwakuni Black Sheep Kennel.  Raw Deal and his friend Chad (hash name Beefy) planned the Quad City chapter over beers at a bar (naturally).   QCH3's first hash was January 1, 2010 in -17 degree temps.  10 runners came to the inaugural run.  QCH3 has grown to more than 150 named members and the 4th Annual Red Dress Run will be their 174th trail.
On the Web: http://qch3.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/quadcitiesh3
Red Dress Run Coordinator: Mandy Wright 309-781-7735

About the Red Dress Run: The San Diego Hash House Harriers started the Red Dress Run in 1988, beginning a tradition of hashers giving back to their communities, and men and women alike, running in red dresses for fun - and a good cause. The tradition of the Hash House Harriers Red Dress Run quickly spread to every corner of the globe, including Beijing, Montreal, Ho Chi Minh City, Helsinki, Moscow, Tokyo, Washington, DC, Hobart (Australia) and countless other locations. Over the years, the Red Dress Run has been very successful in raising millions of dollars for a wide variety of local charities.  The New Orleans Hash House Harriers attracted 7,000 participants to their Red Dress Run in 2010, raising more than $200,000 for 50 local charities.

Quad City Red Dress Run info: http://www.qcreddressrun.com/
Quad City Red Dress Run on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/QCRedDressRun
Quad City Red Dress Run Registration: https://secure.getmeregistered.com/get_information.php?event_id=9920

The Wounded Warrior Project: http://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/

McManus Pub: https://www.facebook.com/mcmanus.land?fref=ts/

Time to Renew your LeClaire Chamber of Commerce Membership or Join for 2014! Go to www.leclairechamber.com to renew or join, or see the attached form to complete and return. Deadline to renew, February 1, 2014. Thank you for your membership!

The March 2014 Chamber Newsletter will soon be in production to be delivered to Every Business and Home within the 52753 zipcode area!! Advertising rates remain: 1/8 page: $75; ¼ page: $100; ½ page: $125; full page: $250. Just send your ad information to LeClaireChamber@gmail.com and we will forward it on to House of Print for you. No cost assistance in developing an advertisement is available through House of Print. If you would rather work with House of Print directly, send your ad to HouseofPrint@mchsi.com, and please copy LeClaireChamber@gmail.com Deadline February 7th, 5:00 p.m. Chamber Members - Get the word out about your business or events and be ready for SPRING!

CALENDAR

February 1^st - LeClaire Chamber of Commerce Annual Awards Dinner

Davenport County Club 25500 Valley Drive, Pleasant Valley, IA

5:30-6:30 Cocktails (cash bar) and Silent Auction

6:30 Awards

7:00 Dinner

8:00 Live Auction

6-10 Music by Keep Off the Grass

Please RSVP to First Central State Bank at 563-289-2265 or dmulvania@firstcentralsb.com $35 per person paid in advance. Make check payable to LeClaire Chamber of Commerce, PO Box 35, LeClaire, IA 52753.  Casual Party Attire.  To donate for auction items, take items to First Central State Bank or email chamber for more information.

 

February 7^th - First Friday in LeClaire - 5-8 p.m.

Mississippi River Distilling Company Releasing the latest in our "Still Crazy" series... SIX SHOOTER SMOKE! This is a rye whiskey with a cherry wood smoked 6 row barley added giving it a rich, sweet, smoky nose and finish. Food and Spirit Tastings www.mrdistilling.com

Wide River Winery Wide River Winery is open until 8pm serving their award winning locally made wines. Live music from 5-8pm by Tony Hoeppner. Enjoy a chocolate treat from the Sweet Life paired with Pursuit of Happiness. Also featuring their Valentine's Day wine, Be Mine, for the special price of $9.99 per bottle. www.wideriverwinery.com

Aunt Hattie's - Come in for a red velvet cupcake!

Razzleberries - Booze cake while it lasts!

Restaurants and several shops will be open late!

 

February 8^th - TugFest Trivia -LeClaire Fire Station Doors open at 6:00 pm and trivia will start at 7pm. Cost is $10 per person.  You don't have to be good at trivia - come for the fun! To reserve a table, email iatugfestfan@gmail.com

 

February 11^th - Chamber Networking Breakfast - Bier Stube, LeClaire - 8 a.m. Everyone Welcome!  The Bier Stube now serves breakfast, 7-10:30 a.m. Check out the menu at http://bier-stube.com/menus/leclaire-breakfast-menu/

 

February 12^th - Edward Jones - Savvy Women, Smart Investors 11 a.m. at Faithful Pilot. Hosted by Amy Barnes of Edward Jones. Guest Speaker will be Ross Haeberle, Regional Manager with MFS Fund Distributors. Program will provide strategies and financial planning information pertinent to women.  Edward Jones will provide Lunch for all attendees, however, reservations must be made by February 4th and space is limited. Call 563-289-2243 to make reservations or for more information.

 

February 14^th - Crane and Pelican Valentine's Day Dinner - 3 seatings, 5pm - 7pm - 9pm $100 per couple. Call for Reservations: 563-289-8774

 

February 14^th - Faithful Pilot Valentine's Day Dinner - 2 seatings, 6 and 8:30 p.m.  $60 per person, $35 wine pairing. Call for Reservations: 563-289-4156

 

February 19^th - Charles Schwab - ETF's Explained Want to fill gaps in your portfolio? Discover how exchange-traded funds (ETFs) can help. 2:00pm. Charles Schwab, Eric Johannes, 5345 Elmore Avenue #300, Davenport, IA 52807. Please R.S.V.P 563-275-3663

 

February 22^nd - Trivia at LeClaire Civic Center to benefit LeClaire Little League. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and Trivia will start at 7 p.m. Cost is $10 per person, 8 people per table maximum. You don't have to be a genius! To reserve a table, call Vicky, 563-639-4621.

 

February 23^rd - Buffalo Bill's Birthday Party! The Buffalo Bill Museum in LeClaire invites the public to celebrate William F. "Buffalo Bill" Cody's birthday from noon - 4 p.m. Born in LeClaire, IA on February 26th, 1846, he was a frontiersman, US Army Scout, and later a celebrity touring throughout the world with his "Wild West Congress." He remains a favorite among generations, world-wide. Free admission, light refreshments, children's activities, and a visit from "Buffalo Bill" himself! No RSVP required!

 

February 28th through March1st - Buffalo Bill Museum Fundraiser YOUNKER'S Community Days 2014 Returns with more savings in the valuable coupon books! Available through the Buffalo Bill Museum (or online at www.communitydayevent.com). Each $5 booklet contains over $500 in coupon-savings, including a$10 coupon to use on an item of $10 or more; a shopping pass to save up to 25% off, shop online or at your local store; a30% off Early Bird Coupon valid BOTH DAYS until 1pm; and lots more!  To purchase a booklet, visit the Buffalo Bill Museum by March 1st!  Every $5 booklet purchased results in a $5 contribution to the museum, too! We appreciate your support!

 

Save the Date

March 1^st - Rock and Roll Bingo!  LeClaire Rec Center - Fund raiser for Freedom Rock. Songs will be played and you identify the songs on bingo cards. There will be 50/50 and other raffles.  Event will be hosted by Cody Tucker of B100!  More details to come!

 

March 7^th - Buffalo BIll Museum Grand Opening & Ribbon-Cutting 5 p.m. Come celebrate the museum's expanded facility during an Open House (4-7pm) and the LeClaire Chamber of Commerce's Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony at 5pm.  It will be a great start of "First Friday" in LeClaire!

 

FYI

Chamber Member, Diane Nelson, is the New Associate of the Year 2013 with Ruhl and Ruhl Realtors!  She works from the Davenport office. Congratulations, Diane!

Beginning oil painting classes upstairs at the Crane and Pelican. They will begin on Tuesdays at 10:30 a.m. Feb. 18th, 25th, Mar. 4th, 11th, 18th and 25th. Wednesday's beginning at 5:30 p.m. on Feb. 19th, 26th, Mar. 5th, 12th, 19th and the 26th. Classes will be small - cost $125.00 plus supplies. Please call Billie Davids, 563-349-3338

Riverbend Signworks is proud to have helped design and build a putt-putt golf hole for the Big Brothers/Big Sisters "Putt A Round" - and it won 1st place for "most difficult" golf hole!  We collaborated with Results Marketing and GalaxyOne on this project.  (yep, we do more than signs!) Also, only a few more days to take advantage of our design special! http://riverbendsignworks.com/winter-specials/

Winter Hours for the LeClaire Information Center Noon-3 p.m., Tuesday - Saturday. May be closed some days for inclement weather.

 

LeClaire Information Center Volunteers Needed! Please share your knowledge and love of LeClaire with our visitors! Contact Cindy Bruhn at info@visitleclaire.com or 563-650-7963 to volunteer. The winter shifts are 1½ - 3 hours. You will be trained, and it is fun!

 

New hours for LeClaire Antiques & Appraisals - Wed - Sat 11-4 and by appointment!

Commercial Property Available - 1295 and 1297 Eagle Ridge Road, LeClaire, Iowa. There are two in-line units available consisting of 2,160 sq. ft. each or 4,320 sq. ft. combined and suitable for either retail or office user. The location provides plenty of parking just off Highway 67/Cody Road with an overview of the Great River Road. It has excellent visibility with an elevated monument sign, and is located close to the first Iowa exit on I-80. Current co-tenants include Slagle Foods, Subway, First Central State Bank, and Style with PM Interiors. Please call: Mike Burke - Mel Foster Co. mburke@melforsterco.com, Mobile: 563-349-2705, Direct: 563-823-5272

Commercial Space for Rent - 204 Jones St. - Call 563-370-2386 for more information. Will show by appointment. Commercially zoned only. Lease with option to purchase.

Park Run Apartments/Newbury Living complex - 1, 2, & 3 Bedrooms Available - 1701 Iowa Drive, LeClaire, Iowa 52753. Washer & dryers in every unit along with all other appliances.  Each apartment has either a balcony or a patio.  Considerable storage in each 1 BR, 2 BR or 3 BR unit. Call (563) 289-5159 for a tour and more information today!

Do you have Residential or Commercial property available? If you own residential rental property or commercial property that is available for lease or sale in the greater LeClaire region, 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. As a service to the community, we would like to have the information available so we can share the most up-to-date information on our website!

SERVING THE COMMUNITY AND BEYOND

First Presbyterian Church of LeClaire Meals for Seniors at the church every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 12 noon. Good food and a time to visit with others. Please call 563-289-3646 and make a reservation 2 days in advance.

 

LeClaire Recreation Center Calendar - Join us for Family Nights!

4:00-6:30pm, $2 per person; 3 and under free. Concessions available.

February 8th - Open gym and movie "Casper"

March 8th - Open gym and movie "ET"

All movies start at 5:00 pm - www.leclairereccenter.com

 

LeClaire Events Coming Up!

May 3-4 - French Market Days

May 3-4 - LeClaire Community Library Book Sale

Mallards Game on Friday

Opening Reception Party Check out MidCoast Fine Art's new exhibiting artists, Pat Halverson and David Genac, at Bucktown Center for the Arts in Davenport. The reception will take place in the MidCoast Gallery on the 2nd floor.  Meet the artists, check out their work, enjoy light fare, and beverages at the reception on January 31st from 6-9pm.  It's all part of the first 2014 Final Friday celebration. www.bucktownarts.com

Battle of the Bridges Putnam Museum in Davenport will host the 7th annual Battle of the Bridges competition on Friday and Saturday, January 31 & February 1, 2014. The Quad City Engineering and Science Council's Battle of the Bridges is a competition where youth, seniors and families seek to design and construct the most efficient model bridge. Teams of up to 4 people spend 2.5 hours designing and constructing their bridge before it is tested for strength. Each team pays a fee of $25 for entry, which includes all building material. Registration deadline is January 30, 2014. For more information, or to register your team, please visit: http://www.qcesc.org/Bridge_Building/Battle of Bridges.htm

Bald Eagle Watch Tours The Mississippi River Visitor Center on Arsenal Island, between Davenport, Iowa, and Rock Island, Illinois, offers free eagle watches and Clock Tower tours every weekend on Saturdays and Sundays on February 1, 2, 8, 9 at 9:00-10:30 a.m. and 12:30-2:00 p.m. Reservations are required!  Please call 309-794-5338 to make your reservation.  www.missriver.org

Over the Ledge The Family Museum in Bettendorf has drop-in programming on Saturday, February 1st with an Over the Ledge session with pink cupcakes from 10:30 a.m.-12 noon and Super Saturday fun from 1-3 p.m. to make a heart chain. Wear pink! www.familymuseum.org

Live Music - Jim the Mule Farewell Show Jim the Mule will be taking an indefinite hiatus toward the end of the winter. Come help them celebrate over a decade of bringing the Swamp, Stomp, and Space Freakout on Saturday, February 1st at 8 p.m. at the River Music Experience in Davenport.  This special night of music will feature a final, retrospective performance by Jim the Mule, guest appearances, and additional acts TBA, so don't miss it! www.rivermusicexperience.org

Mindfulness for Busy People Visiting Buddhist Monk Gen Kelsang Jampa will present a FREE Public Talk titled Mindfulness for Busy People on Sunday, February 2nd from 2:00-3:30 pm at the Quad City Botanical Center, 2525 4th Ave, Rock Island, IL. Living in a busy world does not mean you need to have a busy mind. By learning the simple practice of mindfulness, you can enjoy mental clarity and peace. Talk followed by reception with tea. www.qcgardens.org

Wine & Art Enjoy interesting, fun studio art activities paired with a glass of wine, light hors d'oeuvres and great conversation during Wine & Art Nights at the Figge Art Museum in Davenport. You'll create finished art works to display in your home in these cool, casual studio sessions. On Thursday, February 6th at 6 p.m., create Valentine's Cards and Japanese Brush Writing with Anna Ito. Pre-registration required. www.figgeartmuseum.org

Quilt Exhibit and Talk For the second year in a row, the Mississippi Valley Quilters Guild (MVQG) is partnering with the Figge Art Museum for an exhibition of quilts that will be on display in the lobby. MVQG: Encore will begin Tuesday, February 4 and run through Sunday, February 9.  Join us in the lobby at 7 pm on Thursday, Feb. 6th for a quilt talk. Roasalie Baker and Colleen Curry will present two stylistic perspectives on art-quilting. Curry will focus on new quilting techniques, while Baker will demonstrate the pictorial quilt process.  www.figgeartmuseum.org

IL and IA Regional Auto Show See the latest in automobiles at the RiverCentre in Davenport. Admission - Adults (13 and over): $8; Senior Citizens (62 and over): $6; Children (7-12): $3; Children (6 and under): FREE.  Family Day is Sunday, February 9!  All children 12 & under admitted FREE on Family Day when accompanied by a paying adult. www.riverctr.com Friday, Feb. 7 10:00 AM - 9:00 PM Saturday, Feb. 8 10:00 AM - 9:00 PM Sunday, Feb. 9 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Home Show From plumbing to drapes, remodeling ideas to new construction, landscaping to interior decorating...it is all on display at the Home Show on February 7-9 at the QCCA Expo Center in Rock Island. You will be dazzled by 60,000 square feet of exhibits to meet your every desire in home construction, design, decorating, and furnishings. There is the latest in home theater, windows, doors, insulation, siding, hot tubs, fence, decks and more! Even lenders to help you finance your project. www.qccaexpocenter.com

Puppets and Pies A fundraising event for the German American Heritage Center in Davenport will be held on Friday, February 7th at 7 pm. Join us for a pie auction and the puppetry of Eulenspiegel Puppets from West Liberty as puppeteer Monica Leo performs Finding Home, a story of her family's immigration tale. Along with this performance is a pie auction as well as refreshments. This show is intended for mature audiences.Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the door. www.gahc.org

Winter Olympic Viewing If you want to experience the 2014 Winter Olympic Games in a fun, friendly atmosphere and on the largest screen in the Quad Cities, the Putnam Museum in Davenport is the place to be February 7, 11, 17, 20 and 23 for viewing parties free to the public. www.putnam.org   Free Events - Watch Team USA! Friday, February 7 at 6:30 pm - Opening Ceremonies Tuesday, February 11 at 7 pm - Snowboarding (men's halfpipe) Monday, February 17 at 7 pm - Figure Skating (free dance) Freestyle Skiing (men's aerials) Thursday, February 20 at 7 pm - Figure Skating (ladies' free skate), Freestyle Skiing (women's half pipe, men's ski cross) Sunday, February 23 at 4 pm - Hockey (men's gold medal game) Concessions will be open with wine and adult beverages for purchase as well as kid-friendly soda, water and snacks.

Live Music - The Neverly Brothers

Valentine's Fun for Families at the Library

The library will offer a "Knight in Shining Armor" Valentine's Day Party, to complement the children's  Midwinter Knight's Read winter reading challenge. Join us at 2:00 pm on Saturday, Feb. 1 at the Rock Island 30/31 Branch Library, 3059 30th Street, is part of expanded Saturday programming offered to meet the needs of families with work or scheduling conflicts during the week.    The event will repeat at 6:00 pm on Monday, Feb. 3 at the Rock Island Southwest Branch, 9010 Ridgewood Road.   Among other activities, children will make a knight's shield and valentine cards and play valentine bingo. "This is more than a storytime," said Children's Librarian Ranell Dennis. "It's a one-stop event with games, several stories and multiple crafts that beat cabin fever with some free family time at the library. And beyond fun, events like these foster a lifelong love of reading and learning."    Each Super Saturday starts with a early childhood storytime at 11:00 am, with the all ages party connected to a different holiday or theme following at 2:00 pm. Additional Super Saturday parties include a St. Patrick's Day party on Saturday, March 8 at the Southwest Branch; an April showers frog party on Saturday, April 19 at the 30/31 Branch, and a yellow-brick road Wizard of Oz party on Saturday, May 17 at the Main Library Children's Room, 401 19th Street. The Saturday storytime is at the same location as each month's party.

Community Partnerships at Your Library

Get Enrolled for Health Insurance! Walk-in one-on-one help sessions are available on the 2nd floor of the Rock Island Main Library, 401 19th Street, on every Thursday, from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm. Counselors will be on hand to help you sign up. Counselors from the Rock Island County Health Department will be here during the United Way Tax Assistance Day to help people enroll for health coverage. They'll be here from 9 am to 1:30 pm, on Saturday, Feb. 8.  Get free tax preparation assistance from certified volunteers at the United Way Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) project on Saturday, Feb. 8 from 9:30 to 2:00 pm at Rock Island Main Library Community Room, 401 19th Street. Free tax preparation at no cost for qualifying individuals and families from certified volunteers. Appointments are strongly encouraged - those without appointments may experience long waiting times or be unable to be seen. A second "Super Saturday" will be offered on Saturday, April 5, from 9:30 pm to 3:00 pm at the Main Library.  The library provides the room only and cannot take appointments. Please call United Way of the Quad Cities to make an appointment and find out what papers you need to bring with you before you come. See attached document for more details. United Way Tax Preparation Locations Contact the United Way information line by dialing 2-1-1 or 563-355-9900.

Citizenship Connection Is as Close as Your Library

A new "Citizenship Connection" partnership involving Rock Island Public Library, Casa Guanajuato Quad Cities, Moline Library, Davenport Library, and Silvis Library, kicked off Monday with a free workshop at Rock Island LIbrary, and the establishment of citizenship collections at participating libraries.    The third of its kind in the nation, the partnership will help future citizens navigate questions about the immigration and citizenship processes with materials, special programs, library resources and other information.   The Rock Island Library has established a centralized collection at the Main Library. Material call numbers begin with "Citizen" and include books on becoming a citizen, the U.S. Constitution, and two citizenship kits. The section also includes information from Casa and the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services department.   CASA volunteers will offer 10-week Citizenship classes with step-by-step study instructions for the naturalization test. That class will be at the Main Library for 10 Saturdays from Feb. 15th through April 26th, from 10:00-11:30 am. There will be no meeting on April 5.  Registration is required. Call Casa a t309-736-7727.   Additional citizenship and DACA (deferred action for childhood arrivals) workshops offered in February at Moline Public Library, in March at Davenport Public Library, April at the Silvis Public Library and in May again at the Rock Island Main Library. CASA staff will discuss, one-on-one with interested immigrants about applying for citizenship, naturalization, and changing their immigration status.   Workshops are free and open to the public.For more information, call Casa Guanajuato at 563-322-3723 or 736-7727.

More Opportunities for Adults

Independent Movie Night for Adults - Thursday, Feb. 6 at 6:00 pm, Rock Island Main Library. Movie is  La Sirga, Spanish with English subtitles   Knit for Peace - Tuesday, Feb. 11th, 6:00 pm Main Library. Come meet other knitters the second Tuesday of each month at the Main Library and bring your knitting needles or crochet hooks!    Library How-To: Download Magazines - Tuesday, February 4th, 6:30 pm, Main Library. Learn how to use the Library's downloading magazine service, Zinio, to download some of your favorite magazines to your computer or other personal device!   In 2014, the Friends of the Library Big Book Sale returns to an every other month schedule. The first discount book sale of the year is Thursday, Feb. 6, from 9;00 am to 8:00 pm, at the Rock Island 30/31 Branch Library, 3059 30th Street.  Can't wait? You don't have to! The book sale room is open during regular branch hours. Stop by and pick up some great deals, anytime you are in the neighborhood. Looking for something to do? Volunteers wanted for the Book Sale Room. Stop by and talk to a Friends volunteer.

Beat Cabin Fever with Great Programs

February history and culture programs for adults at the Main Library, 401 19th Street, include;   Intimate Life of Abraham Lincoln, 2:00 pm, Wed., Feb. 12On a day set in November 1862, Abraham Lincoln reflects on his relationships with three men, both his past and his present time.  Presenter Michael Thomas Masters will read from Yours Forever, lead a question and answer session, and screen a documentary documentary screening on Lincoln.   A Leap of Faith: History of the Black Church, 6:30 pm, Thurs., Feb. 13. Rev. Dwight Ford, director of the Martin Luther King, Jr Community Center, presents on a discussion for Black History Month on the moral and ethical agency of the Black Church in history.   River of Logs: 19th Century Logging, 6:30 pm, Thurs., Feb. 20. In an illustrated talk based on her chapter in the 2004 Grand Excursions on the Upper Mississippi, Gayle Rein describes logging in Wisconsin and Minnesota and the rafting of logs down the Mississippi River to lumber companies in the Quad Cities area.  She includes many photos and stories from the early logging camps and rafting.    Historic Bridges, 6:30 pm, Tues, Feb. 25. Illustrated presentation by Professor Curt Roseman on the major bridges on the Mississippi and Rock Rivers in the Quad Cities. Collectively, the bridges represent a great variety of styles and histories.  Included are truss, arch, and suspension bridges. Serveral QC bridges are historically significant, including one span that was built in 1868 and the first railroad bridge to span the Mississippi. His talk includes stories of how and why these bridges were originally conceived and built.

Winter is Made for Reading!

It's cold outside - so why not get credit for the reading you are already doing? The "Midwinter Knight's Read" winter reading challenge is going on now at all Rock Island locations.    Kids get a prize just for signing up. If they read 12 books or 3 hours of time, they'll win a book and bookbag. Special events during winter reading include a free "Clone Wars" children's movie at 1:00 pm on Friday, Feb. 14 at at the Rock Island Main Library.    Teens can pick up entry slips at any Rock Island Library locations, turning in a slip for each five hours of reading time. Prizes will be drawn from all completed slips after the close of the promotion on March 1.   Adults participate just by completing one entry form for each adult book, eBook or audiobook completed during the Jan. 21 to March 1 challenge period. Only books read between the contest period should be counted. Entries will go into a random drawing for the grand prize of an Amazon Kindle Fire HD, or secondary prizes of gift cards and passes to restaurants, merchants and attractions.    Entries are due back to Rock Island Library by  5:00 pm Saturday, March 1. "Joust" read and you could win!

Save the Date

Money Smart Week Community Shred Day: Saturday, April 12, 10 am to noon, Rock Island Main Library, 401 19th Street. Identity protection project for Money Smart Week. Bring personal papers to be shredded in bulk by Document Destruction & Recycling Service (DDRS). Drive up, drop off, for secure bulk shredding offsite at the DDRS plant in Davenport.