Volume 6, Issue 4 | November/December/January 2016-17
A PUBLICATION OF RIVER ACTION, INC. www.riveraction.org
Connecting people to the river
A RiverWay of Life
More Inside: : : Riding along the Mississippi : : Trail Blazer: Dean Mathias : : Adopt-A-Path : : Upper Mississippi River Conference Non Profit Org. US Postage PAID Montezuma, IA Permit No. 30
not easy.
easy.
Bundling up a hedgehog is no fun. Neither is winter driving. Say goodbye to bad weather car hassles by riding Metro. Track your ride at MetroQC.com. #MetroEasy
PUBLISHER’S LET TER
‘The Riverfront is for you’ November/December/January 2016-17 Volume 6 Issue 4 _______
KATHY WINE, Publisher / Executive Director BETH CLARK, Managing Editor, Milepost Ventures, LLC. JEFF VanECHAUTE/pi design, inc., Design SIERRA DAMICO, Calendar Editor Contributing Writers ADAM BURKE, River Action Staff LAURA MORRIS, River Action Staff NOAH TRUESDELL, River Action Staff KATHY WINE, River Action Staff Contributing Photographers ADAM BURKE ROBIN BAUERLY, Western Illinois University LAURA MORRIS NOAH TRUESDELL STOCK: INGIMAGE.com Printing Services SUTHERLAND PRINTING © eddy Magazine and River Action, Inc., all rights reserved, 2016-17. Reproduction in any form, in whole or in part, without express, written permission, is prohibited. The views expressed herein, whether expressed as fact, fiction, opinion, advice or otherwise are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of the ownership or management of this magazine. This magazine is sold with the understanding that neither it, nor River Action, Inc., its owners or managers, are engaged in rendering legal, accounting, tax, medical, technical, or any other advice, professional or otherwise. The publication of any advertisement does not reflect the endorsement of any products or services by the ownership or management of this magazine unless it is specifically stated in such advertisement and there is written approval for such endorsement. Those submitting manuscripts, photographs, artwork or other material to eddy Magazine for consideration should not send originals. Unsolicited manuscripts, photographs and other submitted materials must be accompanied by a self addressed, postage paid envelope in return of materials is requested. Return of materials is not guaranteed. eddy Magazine is published quarterly by River Action, Inc., 822 E. River Drive, Davenport, IA 52803 and is direct mailed to approximately 6,000 area homes and businesses. eddy Magazine Published by River Action, Inc. 822 E. River Drive, Davenport, IA 52803 563-322-2969 www.riveraction.org To Advertise: Contact Beth Clark 309-269-3455 or contact Deb Girard at debgirard@hotmail.com. For rates, ad dimensions and deadline information email BethC@milepostventures.com To Subscribe or become a member of River Action: call 563-322-2969 or visit www.riveraction.org
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his issue was inspired by the memorial bike ride Dr. Michael Hofmann organized for his late father, Dr. Ronn Josef Hofmann.
Following his father’s death last month, Mike took the morning of his father’s memorial service, September 24, to invite friends, family, and admirers to ride with him on the first ¾ mile segment to be installed
Kathy Wine
in Davenport, between Mound Street and Oneida Landing. In addition, the ride went to Bettendorf in order to draw attention to the covered picnic table dedicated to the memory of Edith Hofmann, Ronn’s daughter and Mike’s sister. Both were proposed and then funded by Ronn. At the time, Ronn was a Davenport Levee Improvement Commissioner. He was excited and motivated to start trail development, something he saw as an amenity, important to health, tourism, economic development and, most of all, achievable because it was multi-jurisdictional. When critics said the first ¾ mile segment went nowhere, he responded, “The public will demand that it does once it is built.” And he was right. He took the same approach to our First Bridge project designed to connect neighborhoods to trails, celebrate a national landmark, and create many possibilities for a Museum without Walls. Ronn was a good friend and is greatly missed. In 1976, when the Robin Hood Flour silos were being cleared on River Drive, he launched the campaign to raze the buildings for greenspace and public access. “The Riverfront Is For You” was his
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
billboard on the site. At that time, Ronn made a commitment to the vision of a riverfront for viewing, accessibility and clean water. It was his tenacity and leadership in
4 Upper Mississippi River Conference
Recap by Kathy Wine & Adam Burke
5 Floatzilla – Another Great Event! by Noah Truesdell 6 Taming of the Slough – Beautiful Day for “Tamers” by Noah Truesdell
getting trails built that has made our extensive system possible. If people protect what they know by using these trails, many more citizens will protect the river was
7 Welcome to RiverWay by Kathy Wine
Ronn’s credo. He served for 15 years as a member
8 Adopt-A-Path Needs Volunteers by Laura Morris
of the River Action Board of Directors, and won an
9 Day of Caring Restores Local Trails by River Action Staff
Eddy Award in 2003, for Community Activism for Trails & Clean Water. I think we can say Ronn has had a major and lasting impact and will continue to do so in years to come.
ON THE COVER: RIVER ACTION’S EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT SIERRA DAMICO ENJOYS THE TRAILS ON CREDIT ISLAND. PHOTO BY ADAM BURKE
10 QC Trailblazer: Dean Mathias by Laura Morris
11 eddy Calendar:
November, December 2016, and January 2017
Our Mission: River Action strives to foster the environmental, economic, and cultural vitality of the Mississippi River and its riverfront in the Quad City region.
November/December/January 2016-17 | eddy Magazine
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Raising the Grade Recap
Meeting the challenge to
#RaiseTheGrade A
— by Kathy Wine
During Thursday’s brainstorming session, UMRC attendees submitted ideas for watershed-wide actions in various sectors to “Raise the Grade” on the Upper Mississippi River.
Left, Augustana College student Marina Deligiannis presents her poster project, “Wading Through the Water: Preliminary Results of Water Quality Testing at Nahant Marsh,” to Mike Klingner of Upper Mississippi, Illinois & Missouri Rivers Association.
Right, Rodney Blackwell explains the solar panel grid on the roof of the Kone building’s parking ramp to a group of students.
Photos by Robin Bauerly, Western Illinois University and Noah Truesdell.
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productive Upper Mississippi River Conference, October 13-14, the ninth annual UMRC, saw over 200 attendees from 15 states in attendance. The theme, Raise The Grade, a response to the America’s Watershed Initiative (AWI) 2015 report card on the Mississippi River released during last year’s UMRC, dominated the meeting which was the first effort in the nation to address the report and hopefully serve as a model for other meetings. It merited eye-opening presentations and spirited workshops during the two days. On Thursday, one of the report card authors, Dr. Heath Kelsey, University of Maryland, gave the keynote speech and led participants in a brainstorming session. Iowa Agriculture Secretary Bill Northey, Maj. Gen. Michael Wehr and U.S. Representatives Cheri Bustos and Dave Loebsack also spoke to the need for a more resilient river and pathways to it. With Rebecca Smith of The Nature Conservancy and Kelsey, River Action staff designed Friday’s program for evaluating ideas and creating an action plan to “raise the grade” of the Mississippi. Those work sessions mixed randomly the river stakeholders to create measurable opportunities for thinking outside the box. Kelsey, with a team of UMRC organizers, will distill the results from Friday’s sessions that emphasized collaboration and produce an action plan that prioritizes and expands on the conference results. An appendix with all the conference ideas will be added at that time. River Action will share this list with the press and everyone who attended the meeting, along with a press kit that organizations can use in their newsletters. Preceding the meeting, a rollout of the National Geographic Mississippi River Geotourism project welcomed the attendees. The 4th Annual Student Summit was held in conjunction with the other two events at the iWireless Center. River Action plans to set up a Web Ex meeting with facilitators and other individuals who are interested in working to narrow down the list of priorities. This meeting will happen in the next 3-5 weeks. Heath Kelsey will then take the information and write up a short final paper.
FLOATZILLA Recap
FLOATZILLA!
Floatzilla floating into the shore on a windy day. Photo by Brian Tugana
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he wind whipped and the river chopped at the participants of the 7th Annual Floatzilla. Through the uncooperative weather, River Action’s team of 115 volunteers got all of our paddlers in the Mississippi and on their way. The groups made their way down the river, locking through or portaging around Lock and Dam Number 15. Some of the paddlers had already started to arrive at Sunset Park as the Iowa participants launched to make the trek across the river. A wide variety of food was available from G & D Concessions, Johnnies Meat Market, Happy Joe’s, Pepsi, Restaurante el Mariachi, and Stan’s Ice Cream once they arrived at
— by Noah Truesdell
the park. Rock Island natives Chrash got the party going with a live set of their very own Phantom Rock music. MC, Bill Boom, gave the award for our largest team once the paddlers arrived at Lake Potter in Sunset Park. The Bearded Clams blew the other teams out of the water with 34 members. The Merco Paddlers and Aaargh! were the next runners up with 22 and 17 members, respectively. This year’s 1373 participants fell short of the world record of 3150 canoes and kayaks. However, the word has gotten out as 14 different states were represented at this year’s Floatzilla. Looking forward to another crack at it next year.
November/December/January 2016-17 | eddy Magazine
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Taming Recap
TAMING of the Slough 2016 — by Noah Truesdell
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he weather couldn’t have been better on the morning of September 17th for the 11th annual Taming of the Slough. Nearly 100 athletes took to kayaking, mountain biking, and running on and along the banks of the Campbell’s Island Slough. Due to high and fast water on the Mississippi, the Tamers weren’t
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Andrue Remley, Wyatt Barnett, and Sam Whan from Team Alpha Kit Up.
able to circle Campbell’s Island as they normally would. Instead, the course was changed to maintain the distance while keeping the paddling portion within the slough. Keeping the racers out of the Mississippi current led to some of the faster times seen in Taming of the Slough’s eleven years. New this year was the elite classes of racers. Cheryl Dralle and Andy Peterson, both of Urbandale, won the female
and male elite classes. Team Alpha Kit Up from SteelHorse Innovations out of Aledo took home the trophy for the 3-Person Corporate Challenge. The team of Andrue Remley, Wyatt Barnett, and Sam Whan beat out last year’s winners from Russell Construction by under a minute to finish out another exciting Taming of the Slough.
QC TRAILS
QCTrails.org — by Noah Truesdell QCTrails.org was created as a part of the Quad City Health Initiative’s Be Healthy QC Project to increase
RiverWay
opportunities for outdoor physical
Photo by Robin Bauerly
— by Kathy Wine
Welcome to RiverWay – the Quad-Cities’ scenic stretch of the Mississippi River with 65 miles of riverside parks, trails and overlooks between the river bluffs. On the September 22nd Day of Caring, River Action worked with 230 stalwart volunteers to clear trails at five different sites: Credit Island, Hennepin Canal, Sylvan Slough Natural Area, Green Valley, and Loud Thunder Forest Preserve. We continue to create and maintain trails along America’s most famous river. The most recent are the two miles completed in Riverdale and celebrated on Ride the River 2016. Two in progress are Buffalo and Princeton. RiverWay offers a way of life! Walk or bike along its riverfront trails. Ride its waves on the Channel Cat Water Taxi. Visit its many historical sites and riverfront attractions. Camp on its banks, fish its backwaters; we work to bring its immense beauty to everyone. In this article, please note our request for volunteers for River Action’s Adopt a Path program.
Princeton Planning Moving Forward Brent Herman, trail advocate and former Mayor of Princeton, has moved forward with a planning committee to seek funds and collaboration for the next phase of the Princeton Trail. Designed by Stanley Consultants, Muscatine, the trail uses off-road and on-road design. The committee is collaborating with the City of LeClaire and working Bi-State Trail Coordinator, Bryan Schmid, to write the Iowa DOT Trails grant for this section of the MRT. Buffalo Trail Installation The planned Buffalo trail will run from the Davenport City Limits to the Muscatine County line. It allows access to attractions such as Wild Cat Den State Park, Buffalo Shores, and Nahant Marsh. The city is in the early stages of installation.
activity by using of our local biking, hiking, and water trails. The free, user-friendly, and mobile responsive website was developed in partnership with the Bi-State Regional Commission and funded through the Centers for Disease Control’s Partnerships to Improve Community Health grant. “We created the trail map and badges for completion milestones to make exploring the Quad Cities by trails easy and fun and to encourage outdoor physical activity,” stated Lisa Miller, Data/GIS Director at BiState Regional Commission. Find out more at www.qctrails.org.
November/December/January 2016-17 | eddy Magazine
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Adopt-A-Path
Volunteers needed for Adopt-A-Path — By Laura Morris River Action’s Adopt-A-Path program is working to keep the Quad Cities’ recreational trails clean. This volunteer program is an informal agreement whereby citizens, organizations, student groups, and local businesses help by picking up trash along trails. Volunteers adopt
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1/2 –mile sections of the Mississippi River Trail (IA and IL) and pick-up small items and dispose of collected litter. This volunteer opportunity is accessible to all and is at the volunteer’s convenience. To learn more, please visit www.riveraction.org/volunteer or call 563-322-2969.
DAY OF CARING The final results of the trail cleanup will benefit long-term restoration plans at Sylvan Slough Natural Area. Photo by Laura Morris
— by River Action Staff
O
Day of Caring
Restores Local Trails
Volunteers from John Deere clear invasive plants near Hennepin canal infrastructure. Photo by Adam Burke
ver 2,400 volunteers participated in 100 projects throughout the Quad Cities on Sept. 22, including several hundred people working with River Action on trials projects in Loud Thunder, Hennepin Canal, Sylvan Island trial, and Green Valley interpretive trail. Over 200 volunteers joined River Action staff that day to cut and clear brush, lay rock for trails, and remove trash. Sylvan Slough Natural Area This QC Wild Place is located on the border of Rock Island and Moline, IL. The Day of Caring volunteers removed invasive species, removed trash, collected native species seed heads, planted grass seed and native shrubs, filled in the concrete trail holes with sand, and created a burn pile to be utilized later this fall for a prescribed burn. They also trimmed along the path and removed stumps. The City of Rock Island Parks and Recreation Department was also hosting a Day of Caring event. With combined efforts, the Sylvan Slough Natural Area’s trails are looking great! Green Valley Nature Preserve Phase II of River Action’s work at Green Valley is almost complete thanks to the help of the Day of Caring volunteers who were vital to the project’s restoration and seeding process. In totality, the participants collected 37 pounds of native seed! This seed will be planted in the fall and interpretive signs will be added, enhancing the trail system at Green Valley. Hennepin Canal Over seventy Day of Caring workers were given the task to lay crushed rock to update an existing trail, remove invasive species near the canal, clear brush, prune trees along trails, and remove trash. The most interesting piece was a large, wet, blue piece of carpet by the river. With the guidance of trailblazer Dean Mathias, volunteers widened trails and cleared paths along the river. Loud Thunder Forest Preserve At Loud Thunder Forest Preserve, the largest Rock Island County preserve, volunteers improved trails by trimming and pruning along the path. River Action has been working with the preserve to improve a 4.5-mile segment of the trail. Day of Caring volunteers heightened and widened the trail system using hand tools supplied by Living Lands & Waters. Thanks to United Way and all the Day of Caring volunteers! To learn more about these trails, visit www.qcwildplaces.com.
November/December/January 2016-17 | eddy Magazine
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QC TRAILBLAZER
QC Trailblazer Recognized — by Laura Morris
Dean Mathias, a Milan resident, avid bicyclist, River Action’s Ride the River committee member, and leader of advocacy rides, feels that recreational trails are destinations, but have advantages to daily life. Specifically, Dean feels that the trail system in the Quad City is very accessible for commuters. As a commuter, Dean utilizes back streets, asphalt and primitive trails to get around town. The various QC trails allow for people of all ages and various abilities to enjoy the outdoors. “I would hate to think about a community without trails. They allow for access to water systems and different parts of nature that someone might not normally experience,” Dean said. Dean became involved with advocating for trail systems when a path he encountered while biking with friends was overgrown and
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difficult to ride. He realized there was a lot yet to do to improve connectivity. He mentions one way to do this is through “organizations and people advocating for something they know will be utilized by their community.” He is excited that due to this push for better trails, the I-74 Bridge will have a fourteen foot bike lane. He explained that without the existing trails as a foundation, the new bridge wouldn’t have this access for pedestrians; “the trails are not entities to themselves, they are a part of the system,” he said. Dean was recognized with Randy and Barb Wlaskolich as 2016 IL DNR Volunteers of the Year for their work as leading trailblazers on the Hennepin Canal State Parkway between locks 30-32 and the Rock River Trail on August 20 at the Illinois State Fair. Thanks for all your hard work, Dean!
Dean peddles the Davenport RiverWay trail. Photo by Adam Burke
eddy C A L E N D A R
eddy Calendar November
Go Red for Women Luncheon
Tuesday, November 1, All Day, Davenport River Center, $50, Contact Brittany Carter 563-3234321 Join mothers, daughters, sisters, and friends to unite in preventing heart disease and stroke. Reserve your ticket today. Register at https://ahaquadcities.ejoinme.org
Breakfast Nature Club
Friday, November 4, 8am-9am, Nahant Marsh, 563336-3370, $7 for members, $10 for non-members Learn the secret life of Iowa’s wildlife during this monthly class at Nahant Marsh. A continental breakfast with coffee, juice, and tea is included in the fee. Participants are encouraged to join in a “coffee talk” after and share stories of wildlife encounters and anything nature related.
Disney Live! Mickey and Minnie’s Doorway to Magic!
Friday, November 4, 4pm & 7pm, iWireless Center, Tickets range from $17- $67 Open the door to reveal mesmerizing worlds of unforgettable Disney moments and grand illusions with Disney Live! Mickey and Minnie’s Doorway to Magic.
Nature Hike
Saturday, November 5 & December 3, 9am-10am, Nahant Marsh, 563-336-3370, $5 for members, $7 for non-members Join our naturalists for a guided hike around the marsh. Hikes are offered the first Saturday of the month and are a great way to experience the changing seasons at the marsh. Grab your binoculars or camera and explore the wonders of the wetlands.
Marsh Madness Trivia Night
Saturday, November 5, 6-9pm, Knights of Columbus, $80 for a table/team of 8, 1111 W 35th Street, Davenport, IA Cash bar is available, but please bring your own snacks. There will also be a great selection of great silent auction items. Questions? Contact Lindsey at 563-336-3374
Reptiles and Amphibians
Monday, November 7, 5:30pm, Wapsi River Center, call to pre-register 563328-3286 Join our naturalists for an informative program.
FOX: Family Outdoor Explorations- “Sleeping Animals”
Saturday, November 12, 10am-11am, Adult member $5, non-member $7, child member $3, non-member $5, Nahant Marsh, 563-336-3370 Grab the family and explore the wonders of the outdoors at Nahant Marsh. Together, families will learn about our local plant and animal communities through hands-on activities. During this activity you’ll learn how and why some animals hibernate.
Global Clean Water Crisis
Tuesday, November 15, 6pm-7:30pm, Adults $8, child $7, seniors $7, www.putnam.org, 563-324-1933, Putnam Museum & Science Center There is a global need for clean water but what can we do about it?! Come find out! “Hungry Planet: What the World Eats!” will also be open for you to explore.
Festival of Trees Parade- Downtown Davenport
Saturday, November 19, 10:15am, quadcityarts.com, 563-324-3378 Experience the largest helium-balloon parade in the Midwest. Live marching bands, balloons towering over 3 stories tall, clowns, floats, and more! Afterwards, visit the River Center in downtown Davenport along the parade route and enjoy the Quad Cities Arts Festival of Trees
Festival of Trees
November 18-27, The River Center, www,quadcityarts.com/festoftrees.asp, 563-324-3378 Experience the magic of the most loved holiday tradition in the Quad Cities. This festival is one of the top 10 events of its kind in the country with something for everyone. It takes 3500 volunteers, 650 designers, 3500 center stage entertainers and over 250 sponsors to make the festival possible each year. Be sure to go to the Festival of Trees holiday parade on Saturday, November 19th. November, continued on page 12 >
November/December/January 2016-17 | eddy Magazine
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eddy C A L E N D A R < November, continued from page 11
Hunter Education Field Day Course
Saturday, November 19, 8 a.m.—12 noon, Wapsi River Center, call to pre-register 563-328-3286 Learn hunting and safety tips from hunting experts.
Composting 101
10 a.m. call Wapsi River Center, 328-3286
Cocoa Picasso Migratory Maham
1 p.m. Wapsi River Center to pre-register 563-328-3286 Discover what it’s like for migrating animals on their journey south. See if you can make it all the way to your destination in the Wapsi original board game. Then, paint your own acrylic, art on canvas in a guided step-by-step painting experience. Enjoy complimentary hot cocoa. Cost is $5 per painting.
Lighting on the Commons
Sunset, November 20, John Deere Commons. Join in the communal lighting of the Christmas trees at the John Deere Commons.
Pioneer Village Christmas Walk
November 27, Noon- 4pm, Dan Nagle Walnut Grove Pioneer Village, 563-328-3283, 18817 290th Street, Long Grove, IA 52756 Begin your holidays early with a historic walk through the beautifully decorated Village; complete with Friends of the Village in period costume. While there, enjoy craft demonstrations and sales, letters to Santa in the General Store, refreshments at the soda fountain, holiday music, and a visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Admission is free with a donation of nonperishable goods for the North Scott Food Pantry
DECEMBER
Disney on Ice “Dare to Dream”
Friday, December 1, 7pm & December 3rd, 11am, iWireless Center, Tickets range $17-$57 Nothing can stop a princess from a courageous adventure when Disney On Ice presents Dare to Dream skates into your hometown. Join your hosts Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse as they share the heroic stories of four of your favorite Disney Princesses. Laugh along with Disney’s hair-raising escapade, Tangles, as Rapunzel, Flynn and Maximus embark on an uproarious expedition that soars to new heights!
Cocoa Picasso: Winter Coast
Saturday, December 3, 1 p.m. Call the Wapsi River Center to pre-register 563-328-3286 In this kid friendly class that blends nature and art, learn how the animals prepare for winter.
Breakfast Nature Club- “Woodland Mammals & Trails”
Saturday, December 2 & January 6 , 8am-9am, Nahant Marsh, $7 for members, non-members $10, 563-3363370 Come experience another wildlife escapade and learn
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eddy C A L E N D A R
about tracking mammals. Coffee, juice, and tea will be served along with a continental breakfast that is included in the fee. Afterwards, feel free to have “coffee talks” and share stories of wildlife and anything that is nature related.
Christmas at Augustana
Saturday, December 3, 2 p.m. and 7pm., Centennial Hall, 3703 7th Avenue, Rock Island IL 61201 Christmas at Augustana has thrilled, inspired and touched audiences in nearly sold-out performances over the past eight years. Three hundred student musicians share their talents in what has become a highlight of the Augustana and Quad City holiday season. Featuring performances by the Augustana Brass Ensemble, Augustana Symphony Orchestra, Augustana Choir, Cantilena Augustana, Jenny Lind Vocal Ensemble and the Wennerberg Men’s Chorus, this moving holiday concert is not to be missed! www.Augustana.edu
Quad Cities Comic Con
Sat & Sun, December 3 & 4, 10am-6pm, The River Center, 1 day $10, Weekend $15 That’s right fans, Mighty Con is finally bringing a show to the Quad Cities! This December 3rd & 4th, the Quad Cities Comic Con is taking over the River Center in Davenport, Iowa. With an incredible 30,000 square feet of geeky goodness, the Quad Cities Comic Con will feature over 50 artist tables, vendor booths, and special guests. But we’re also bringing cash prize cosplay contests, video and table top gaming tournaments, and a whole weekend of fun!
Fox: Family Outdoor Exploration- “New Year’s Recycl-ution!”
Saturday, December 10, 10am-11am, Nahant Marsh, Adult member $5, child member $3, non-member adult $7, non-member child $5, 563-336-3370 Join us for another exploration trip! Make a resolution to be greener. Learn clever tips on how to reduce waste and ideas for recycling projects.
JANUARY
Natural Wreaths
Saturday, December 17, 1pm, Wapsi River Center, 563328-3286, 31555 52nd Avenue, Davenport, IA 52745 Join Naturalist Michael J. Granger for a lesson on wreath making. Participants will be able to fashion a wreath out of grapevine and then decorate it with natural items. Visitors may bring evergreen tree trimmings, seeds, nuts or other natural items to make their wreath a “one of a kind”. Please call to pre-register.
Holly Jolly Christmas Musical
Saturday, December 24, All Day, Circa 21 Dinner Playhouse, 309-786-7733 Ext. 2 This delightful musical treat is the perfect way to celebrate the spirit of the season. Join Santa, Mrs. Claus and friends as they feature Broadway-style dancing, stunning costumes, and traditional music favorites you know and love. Over 30 holiday favorites such as “The Christmas Song,” “Jingle Bell Rock,” “Blue Christmas,” “Mele Kalikimaka,” “Feliz Navidad,” “’Twas The Night Before Christmas,” “The Little Drummer Boy,” “Silent Night” and more!
Teen Gaming Night
Thursday, January 5, 5pm-7pm, East Moline Library, 309-755-9614, 740 16th Avenue, East Moline, IL 61244 Hang out and play some X-Box, Wii, or board games! Snacks and drinks provided! FREE to grades 6-12.
Scott County College tour, “Civil War/Rock Island Arsenal
Thursday, Jan. 12, The Outing Club, 2-4 p.m., $9.00 Includes a narrated bus tour of Arsenal Island. January, continued on page 14 >
19th Century Christmas
Sunday, December 4, Noon-5pm, Butterworth Center, butterworthcenter.com, 309-743-2701, 1105 8th Street, Moline, IL Fun for everyone in the family in two historic homes beautifully decorated for the holidays. Live music, children’s crafts, face painting, displays, entertainers, refreshments, and a visit from Santa! Families are encouraged to bring a camera for pictures with Santa. This is a free activity.
Winter Book Fair
Saturday, December 8, 8 a.m.—5:30 p.m., Wapsi River Center, 31555 52nd Avenue, Dixon, Iowa 52745
The Ghosts of Christmas Eve (Trans-Siberian Orchestra)
Thursday, December 8, 7:30pm, iWireless Center, Tickets range from $35-$66 The Ghosts of Christmas Eve, The Best of TSO and More presented by Hallmark Channel.
Gallery Hop!
Friday, December 9, The District of Rock Island, time TBD Art stroll featuring a variety of visual and performing arts and artists in galleries, shops, clubs, and restaurants. Presented by The District in conjunction with MidCoast Fine Arts, Quad City Arts, and the ARTery. Free Admission. Visit ridistrict.com
November/December/January 2016-17 | eddy Magazine
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< January, continued from page 13
Bald Eagle Days
Friday-Sunday, Jan. 6-8, The Quad City Expo Center, Adults $6, Kids 6-15 $1, 6 & under-free Friday 4pm-8pm, Saturday 10am-8pm, Sunday 10am-5pm See outdoor displays and be able to take guided tours for eagle sighting, and support the QCEC. Shows will include Birds of Prey, Niabi Zoo Exotic Animals, a 20-ft. climbing tower, and over 100 display booths.
River Action’s Environmental Book Club
Tuesday, January 24, 7pm, River Action office, 563-322-2969, 822 E River Drive, Davenport, IA Book to be announced. River Action is dedicated to fostering the environmental, economic, and cultural vitality of the Mississippi River and its riverfront. The book discussions are free and open to the public.
Champagne on the Rocks- WQPT
Friday, January 27, 6pm, $100 per ticket, Davenport Outing Club, 563-324-5284, 2109 Brady Street, Davenport, IA Come celebrate WQPT’s 15th annual Champagne on the Rocks gala at The Outing Club in Davenport. The evening kicks off at 6:00 p.m. with cocktails with a Downton Abbey flair. Bid on a wide variety of entertainment, travel and one-of-akind packages during our silent auction. Dinner, Live Auction & Musical Entertainment starting at 7:00 p.m. A sumptuous dinner follows and our always exciting live auction—along with plenty of musical surprises takes place before we announce the lucky winner of a special jewel from Expression Jewelers. The night concludes with an assortment of delectable treats at our dessert bar.
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