He's made his list and he's checked it twice; now Santa's ready to visit the Davenport Public Library this holiday season.  Santa is making three special trips to the Main Street Library (321 Main Street) on Saturday, December 3, 10, and 17, from 10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.; and from 1:00 p.m. - 2:30 pm.  Due to Mr. Claus' popularity, we ask that all families are in line no later than 2:15 p.m.

Children will receive a FREE photo with Santa, a candy cane, and a booklet.  Make sure to come early for a chance to see Santa pull up in his amazing Santamobile!

Wells Fargo Bank and Davenport Printing Company sponsor this merry event. For more information call (563) 326-7832.

***

Happy Joe's Hosts 39th Annual Quad City Special Needs Children's Party at iWireless Center


Bettendorf, IA - For the 39th consecutive year, Happy Joe's team members will host special needs children from around the Quad Cities at the 2011 Quad City Special Needs Children's Party to be held December 6th and 7th at the iWireless Center.  Parties will be hosted at 9:30am and 11:30am on each day respectively.  Both Santa and Happy Joe Whitty will be on hand to spread holiday cheer and delight to special needs children.  All Quad City area Happy Joe's stores will be participating including Bettendorf, Davenport, East Moline, Eldridge, Moline and Rock Island.  Since the first special needs party in 1972, Happy Joe's has hosted nearly 155,000 special needs children at parties throughout the 59 store chain.

"The holiday season is a great opportunity to reflect on the past year and continue the tradition our father started 39 years ago," says Kristel Whitty-Ersan, Director of Marketing. "However, without the support of local partners like Pepsi, Quad City's Optimist Clubs and the iWireless Center, this two day event would not be possible.  It is also thanks to numerous volunteers including Burke Corp., Connie McGowan, city and state police volunteers, and other volunteers too numerous to mention, that we are able to continue this event, making it bigger and better each year." 

Before opening his first Happy Joe's Pizza & Ice Cream Parlor in the Village of East Davenport, founder Joe Whitty was nearly fired from another pizza chain for sponsoring a party for a group of special needs children without first checking with his boss.  In 1972, on the eve his first restaurant's opening night , he invited a local priest to bless his business and promised that if he could make enough money to feed his family, he would give something back to the community.  After just a few weeks in business, people were waiting out the door.  True to his word, Joe shut down the restaurant one day a year to have a party for those less fortunate, and required his franchisees to do the same. 

All media are welcome to join our team members at the iWireless Center on December 6th and 7th at 9:30am and 11:30am each day.  The Milan Happy Joe's will host an additional party at the Horace Mann Early Learning Center in Rock Island, IL on December 13th at noon. 

For more information, contact Johanna Smith at 760-458-1218 or at Johanna_M_Smith@hotmail.com.

###

Please Join Us!

RIVERMONT COLLEGIATE

Holiday Open House

Saturday, December 10, 2011
4:00 - 7:00 p.m.

The Rivermont campus is home to the Joseph Bettendorf Mansion, a local landmark
included in the National Register of Historic Places. Joseph Bettendorf, head of the
Bettendorf Company, built his English manor style home in 1915. The Holiday Open
House is a chance for the community to view the Bettendorf Mansion in all its
splendor, beautifully decorated for the holidays.

Drop in for light refreshments & tours of this local gem!

This event is open to the public.

RIVERMONT COLLEGIATE
1821 Sunset Drive - Bettendorf, IA 52722
(563) 359-1366 - www.rvmt.org

(located directly off 18th Street, behind K&K Hardware in Bettendorf)
On December 10th, 2011, photographers from across the world will use their photography skills to give back to their local community. It's a movement called Help-Portrait, and local photographer Jesse Inskeep is joining the movement to serve the Quad Cities.

Help-Portrait's purpose is quite simple: grab your camera, ?nd people in need, and take their picture. When the prints are ready, the photographs get delivered.

"I have very few photographs from when I was growing up as my family simply didn't have the time or money to make it a priority," says Inskeep. "Now that I'm older and especially now that I have a daughter, it makes me sad that she's not able to see portraits of what I looked like when I was her age. My hope is that those who come to Help-Portrait will leave with something they'll treasure for generations."

Inskeep will be working with a team of other volunteer photographers, hairstylists, and makeup artists to make sure each person getting their picture taken looks their best.

Help-Portrait will be hosted by Connection, a church in Bettendorf. Connection has helped Inskeep spread the word about this event, including telling those who attend Connection's Food Pantry and reaching out to local shelters and families who could use the encouragement a professionally-done portrait can give. "Our goal in hosting Help-Portrait is help those who are going through a tough time this holiday season feel beautiful and valuable," says Jason Holtgrewe, one of Connection's pastors.

Those interested in coming to Help-Portrait can reserve their time-slot by calling 309.524.5024.

Help-Portrait takes place at Connection on December 10th from 1-4pm. Connection is located at 4374 State Street, Suite 2, Bettendorf, IA 52722 and can be contacted by calling 563.209.6384 or by emailing jason@connectionqc.org.

RECREATION:

For all events and activities, go online at www.cityofdavenportiowa.com/parks to register or call 328-PARK (7275) for more information. Fall/Winter catalogs are now available.

 

INDOOR WINTER VOLLEYBALL
Tuesday or Wednesday - Smart
Wednesday - Sudlow
Games played 6:30-10pm
Early bird: $140 per team till 12/26
After 12/26: $160 per team   Register Today at www.cityofdavenportiowa.com/parks

Sign up for the league that best fits your team. Check the rules for full description of leagues. Leagues are broken down by skill level. The leagues are briefly described as follows: B1/B2: Advanced players, B3: Competitive players and B4 Competitive Rec. players.  If you have any questions, please feel free to call our offices at (563) 328-PARK (7275).

 

WINTER CELEBRATION

Chill's and thrills are what you will find at Centennial Park and Rivers Edge on January 8th from 2pm-4pm.  So put your parka and mittens on and grab your families for inside and outside fun! Join us for snow sports, hot chocolate, ice skating, children activities and so much more! Silver skates speed skating will take place at the Rivers Edge during this great event so get pre-registered.

 

Dinner Theater at Comedy Sportz

Join us for good food and laughter at our interactive dinner party.

No scholarships are available. 12/5  Fee: $10  Time: 6-10 pm

 

30-Hour Play Fest: Performances- 12/11/2011

That's right!  Junior Theatre students will only have 30 hours to prepare a Holiday Classic story!  Students will arrive the night before, prepare a full production in only 30-hours, and then perform for you!  Local professionals will help guide the students to success.  Come see how the holiday project turns out!  $3.00 for anyone 3 years and up, tickets sold at door, Sunday, Dec 11 @ 2:00 PM & 4:00 PM

 

Kindernature- Winter Animals

Kindernature is a nature program for young children ages 3 to 5 which enriches awareness and appreciation for nature. Each class focuses on an environmental theme includes a story, hands-on activity, craft and themed snack. Class fee is $6 per child.  An adult must accompany the child. Registration is required and class size is limited to 20 children. Each class begins at 10am in the Vander Veer Conservatory.

What do animals do in the winter? Where do they go? Come find out the mystery of these questions.

 

Bowling Tournament

December 6, 2011:  1:00pm  People 1st Bowling Tournament @ Miller Time Bowl-Prizes awarded for 1st, 2nd, 3rd places.  Pre-registration is required.  Admission is $10.00. Fee includes bowling and shoe rental.

 

Holiday Organizing

Do the holidays get you down? Do you feel rushed, hurried, and disorganized at Christmas? Or maybe the Festival of Trees has put you in the holiday mood! Join Professional Organizer Mona Brantley from Organize That as she gives you all the tools and information needed for a fun, relaxing, and festive holiday season. This three hour course will cover the planning and preparation stages to cover meals, gifts, cards, parties, scheduling, and all your holiday needs.  Preregister to receive your detailed paper holiday planner especially designed and created for class participants. $40 with a limit of 12.

This class will be held at the Collins House - 1234 E. 29th Street, Davenport (Corner of Bridge and 29th Street, North of Genesis East)

 

Ooey Gooey Treats

Measure and mix your way to some of your favorite gooey concoctions!  Each week participants will be guided in how to follow directions to reach their final goal...a delicious treat.  No Scholarships are available for this class. 11/29-12/20  Fee:$35 Duck Creek Lodge

 

Toddling on the Wild Side at the Libraries

Come to your local library with you 18 month to 4 year olds and experience nature first hand. Program starts at 2pm and last for 30 minutes. Fairmount December 1st and 15th. Eastern Ave Library December 10th. Free program.

 

Senior Coffee 12/14 10am to Noon

Come and enjoy the Conservatory Display ( Holiday Show) at Vander Veer Botanical Park . your admission fee includes entertainment and refreshments ($1).

 

Holiday Safety Seminar

On December 8th at 10am, Officer Hank of the Davenport Police Department will be giving a Holiday Safety presentation at Roosevelt Community Center on Minnie Avenue, just off South Concord.  The talk will be about Holiday scams and how to handle donation you wish to give. Come join us for the free presentation and coffee.

 

RIVER'S EDGE-

Located at 700 W. River Drive (Across from Modern Woodmen Park)

Skate with Santa at The River's Edge!

Come for Public Skate and visit with Santa!

Santa will make an appearance at 3pm

Public Skate Fees Apply

Date/Time: Sunday, December 4th from 2:45pm-4:45pm

 

Toys for Tots at The River's Edge!

Bring a toy or book to donate to Toys for Tots and skate *free!

*Skate rental is $3/person

Date/Time: Saturday, December 17th 2:45pm-4:15pm

 

First Shot Program

Adults! Come learn to play hockey at The River's Edge

Hockey Equipment Required

Program runs for 10 weeks $170 per player

Starts Jan 5th 2012

Runs every Thursday night from 9:30 - 10:30pm

 

Adult Hockey League at The River's Edge

"C/D" level players only

January 5th - March 11th

$200 per player/$150 for goalies

Games are Sunday nights at 9:30pm and 10:45pm

 

U12 Stick and Puck at The River's Edge

Sunday December 4th 5:00-6:00pm

Full equipment required

$10 per player

 

Gear up for winter at The River's Edge!

Holiday Public Skate times start December 19th

See www.cityofdavenportiowa.com/parks for

Schedules and pricing

 

HOLIDAY SOCCER TOURNAMENTS ON THE TURF

Youth team winners receive an automatic bid to the National Indoor Soccer Championships in Kansas City this Spring!!!

U-10 December 27 and 28

U-12 December 29 and 30

U-14 December 31

Coed Adult 3v3 January 1

 

GOLF:

Duck Creek Golf Course will remain OPEN as weather permits through the winter season. Call proshop 326-7824 for daily conditions.

 

Indoor Golf Practice Range will open in December at The Rivers' Edge, 700 West River Drive. Call 328-PARK (7275) or click www.golfdavenport.com for daily schedule and availability.

 

Logon to www.golfdavenport.com to see the latest announcements for 2012 season that include : re-loadable player cards and new rain-check policy.

 

Call Your Davenport Golf Professional for Fall/Winter specials on merchandise an apparel. Ron Thrapp (Emeis Golf) 326-7825, Matt Hasley (Duck Creek Golf) 326-7824.

 

Golf Gift Certificates - The perfect Christmas gift for the golf enthusiast in your family!  Purchase at any golf course or at the River's Edge.  Available in any denomination in multiples of $5.

 

Red Hawk Lodge

This clubhouse gathering and meeting space is now available for rental for your holiday parties!.  Call 563-328-PARK (7275) for availability and prices.



PARKS:
Credit Island Lodge and Red Hawk Lodge are both now open for indoor winter rentals!  Both lodges have kitchens and are great for your holiday parties. Call 563-328-PARK (7275) for availability.

Coal Valley, IL - November 23, 2011 - Join Niabi Zoo as it is transformed into an illuminated winter wonderland for an all-new experience, Zoo Lights. December 12th-17th, Niabi Zoo will be open for guests to enjoy the zoo as they never have before.

Families will be able to enjoy Niabi Zoo during the evening hours from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm. The zoo grounds will be decked out in holiday-themed lights and decorations to ring in the holiday season like only Niabi Zoo can do.

Niabi Zoo Director Mark Ryan says the event will be a great time for the Quad Cities to celebrate the season. "We've wrapped up another great season at Niabi Zoo," says Ryan, "but before we leave 2011 behind, we're inviting everyone back out to the zoo one for one last week." Ryan says that even though Niabi Zoo has never attempted an event like this before, he hopes it will provide families with a break from their hectic holiday schedules. "This time of year can get so busy for everyone, so hopefully they will be able to take a couple hours to enjoy a stroll around Niabi Zoo and take in the sights of the zoo grounds decorated with all sorts of lights and decorations."

Admission will be $4 per person. Free parking is available at the zoo.

###


The new RiverShare catalog is now available to library patrons, and to help introduce the host of new features, the Rock Island Public Library will offer a series of free classes at the following times and locations:

 

6:00 pm, Monday, November 28, Rock Island Southwest Branch, 9010 Ridgewood Road

 

2:30 pm, Wednesday, November 30, Rock Island Main Library, 401 19th Street

 

1:00 pm, Wednesday, December 7, Rock Island Southwest Branch, 9010 Ridgewood Road

 

3:00 pm, Tuesday, December 13, Rock Island Main Library, 401 19th Street

 

Classes will be offered in the Community Rooms of both library locations. Registration is not required.

 

For questions, call the Rock Island Library Reference Desk at 309-732-7341.


German American Heritage Center's CHRISTKINDLMARKT SHOPPING

Just a reminder that The GAHC's Gift Shop will be open:

Tuesdays through Saturday open 10 a.m. - 4 p.m
Closed Thanksgiving Day.
Open the day after Thanksgiving
Sundays open 12 - 4 p.m.

Extended Pre-Christmas Shopping Hours:

Tues Dec.  20 open til 7:00 p.m.
Wed  Dec. 21 open til 7:00 p.m.
Thurs Dec. 22 open til 7:00 p.m.
Fri  Dec. 23 open til 4:00 p.m.
Closed Sat, Sun  Dec. 24-25

A coupon for 15% off any one item in the Gift Shop, valid for the
for the month of December, will be available in the Infoblatt.
All three extended shopping days will feature personal escorts to the parking lot from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. and we will help carry your purchases.

The Quad Cities Comic Book Convention will be held on Saturday December 3 at the Ramada Inn in Bettendorf, IA. The Ramada Inn is located at 3020 Utica Rd (I-74 @ Kimberly Rd / Spruce Hills Dr, IA Exit 2). It will be open to the public from 10 AM to 4 PM and admission for the public is free. Dealers from three states specializing in comic books new and old, toys and related. Or if you have old comics lying around that you no longer want bring them by dealers are buying.

For further information contact Alan at (309) 657-1599 or visit www.epguides.com/comics.

Teen Events

Teen Advisory Group

Teens in grades 6-12 are invited to join the Teen Advisory Group at the Moline Public Library. Help plan programs, give input about what books and materials to add to the collection, make friends, and have fun. We meet the first Thursday of the month, and the next meeting is Thursday, December 1 at 3:30 in the Platinum Room. This program is free and no registration is necessary. For more information call 309-524-2440 or visit us at 3210 41st Street, Moline, IL 61265 or online at http://www.molinelibrary.com <http://www.molinelibrary.com/
> .


Teen Writers Group

Teen and Young Adult writers are invited to the Moline Public Library on the second and fourth Mondays of the month at 7:00 p.m. Bring a few short items to share with the group, get feedback, and learn some new tricks. The next meeting will be on Monday, December 12 at 7:00. This program is free, no registration is necessary. For more information call 309-524-2440 or visit us at 3210 41st Street, Moline, IL 61265 or online at http://www.molinelibrary.com <http://www.molinelibrary.com/> .


Anime Club

Teen and Young Adult fans of anime, manga, and all things Japanese are invited to the Moline Public Library the third Tuesday of the month at 3:30 for Anime Club. The next meeting will be on Tuesday, December 20 at 3:30. This program is free and no registration is necessary. For more information call 309-524-2440 or visit us at 3210 41st Street, Moline, IL 61265 or online at http://www.molinelibrary.com <http://www.molinelibrary.com/> .


Teen Reading Challenge

Teens in grades 6-12 are invited to take part in the Quad City area-wide Teen Reading Challenge. Pick up a Challenge log from your local library and keep track of how much you read between Jan. 8 and Jan. 28. Read 250 minutes to win a prize and an invitation to the Challenge Final Party on Friday, February 3rd. At 500, 750, and 1000 minutes get entered into drawings for more prizes. For more information, contact your local library.

Pages