COACHES CORNER
V O L U M E 8 , I S S U E 12
D E C E M B E R , 2017
MENTORING THROUGH THE HOLIDAYS
Along with excitement and fun, the holidays can also bring added stress regarding money, sadness for absent parents or family members, and increased tension at home. For the majority of children in the US, the holidays mean exciting events and trips. For families on a low income, they mean extra hardship – costs on essentials, like food, increase but income doesn’t. School holidays create a break from the routine and structure of school, which for some kids is an important part of consistency, as well as a significant source of meals. For these reasons, mentees might act out or withdraw during this season.
this time of year is understandable and common. However, providing material things does not resolve the underlying issues of poverty and can even perpetuate a feeling of inequality. Be sure that any gifts you give are in line with the wishes and comfort level of the family. Avoid highlighting the disparity between your and their family’s income, which might be awkward or create expectations for more help than you want to offer. As much as we want to help, we can’t “fix it”. As mentors and role models, our job is to teach the importance of respect, acceptance and responsibility.
How you can help
Understand that your mentee will probably be experiencing stress. Anticipate this and plan “normal” or quiet activities into your mentoring time. Be patient if he or she acts differently over the next few weeks.
Be sure that your role stays focused on building the one to one relationship with your mentee, and encouraging positive growth and development.
Focus more than ever on healthy and fun foods during your time together. While many of us will be eating too much sugar over the holidays, some children will also be lacking basic nutrition such as vegetables and protein.
These tips are to help you foresee possible situations with your mentee and family and be proactive in your approach this holiday season. If you’re unsure about what’s appropriate for your situation, talk with your Program Specialist about it! Above all, remember to have fun!
Help kids make or buy inexpensive gifts for family and friends. Teach the importance of giving, planning ahead, and creativity/ resourcefulness.
Source: www.partnersmentoringyouth.org
It’s Important to Remember
Respect the family’s dignity. The desire to give expensive gifts at
INSIDE THIS ISSUE:
MENTORING THROUGH THE HOLIDAYS CAREER NAVIGATOR TOUR—SAU & ANIMAL THERAPY BIG/LITTLE TRAINING RAVE ABOUT YOUR LITTLE: ROBERT KLEIN’S DREAM HAVlife MATCH ACTIVITIES—DECEMBER DECEMBER CRAFT ACTIVITIES HEALTHY KIDS—INDULGE WITHOUT THE BULGE MONEY-WISE KIDS—DECISIONS
PUTT-A-ROUND TEAM REGISTRATION OPEN SNOWBIRD SOFTBALL CLASSIC—SAVE THE DATE BIG IDEA WORKSHOP—EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE AMERICORPS POSITIONS OPEN CELEBRATE DECEMBER MATCH ANNIVERSARIES SOUTHERN MENTORING CENTER UPDATE—DECEMBER WHITESIDE COUNTY UPDATE—DECEMBER COMMUNITY CALENDAR—DECEMBER
COACHES CORNER V O L U M E 8 , I S S U E 12
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BIG LITTLE TRAINING FOR NEW MATCHES Monday, Dec. 11, 5:30—7:00 p.m. BBBS Office, 130 W. 5th St. Davenport
If you have been matched for less than 6 months, this training is for you!
We would like to invite you and your Little to our Big and Little Training. We will learn more about the mentoring process, the resources that are available through BBBS, and have some fun activities. We hope to see you there! Please RSVP to Katie: kzick@bbbs-mv.org or Lindsay: lmercer@bbbs-mv.org
Help BBBS recruit more mentors! See if we can set up an employee “Lunch & Learn” at your workplace! Just put us in touch with your HR Director. Email Sarah at swalker@bbbs-mv.org
V O L U M E 8 , I S S U E 12
COACHES CORNER D E C E M B E R, 2 0 1 7
RAVE ABOUT YOUR LITTLE: ROBERT KLEIN’S DREAM
RAVE- Robert Klein, First Officer—Menards Aviation. Former Little Robert Klein fulfilled a childhood dream by becoming a professional corporate pilot. Klein was matched with Jay Justin (the organization’s CEO) beginning at 9 years old until his graduation from West High School. He became interested in aviation at age 11 when the match visited an “up and down day” at the Davenport Airport. “As soon as that plane landed, Robert wanted to go back up!”, stated
Justin. The match also visited John Deere Aviation as part of the Career Navigator program when he was in middle school. “He knew early on what he wanted to do and he worked hard to achieve his goal.” Klein worked summers and weekends in high school at Carver Aero Aviation fueling planes, cleaning them out, and other maintenance jobs. “He wanted to be close to the industry, so he started at the bottom and worked his way up.” Klein got his pilot license at 16 years of age and gradually achieved higher ratings. After graduating from college in 2015, Klein is now the First Officer of Menards Aviation, based in Eau Clair, Wisconsin. Menards is one the country’s largest home improvement retail chains and Klein flies daily out of Eau Clair to destinations all over the United States. Congratulations to Robert on achieving your dream!!!
Just one! If each current or past Big, or supporter could encourage just ONE person to inquire about becoming a Big Brother or a Big Sister, more than 250 Littles could be matched within the next few months. To learn more about becoming a Big, go to:
www.bbbsmv.org /volunteer (Just 2-3 visits per month!)
COACHES CORNER V O L U M E 8 , I S S U E 12
D E C E M B E R, 2 0 1 7
DECEMBER MATCH ACTIVITIES—SIGN UP TODAY! Money Wise Kids| BBBS Bazaar (Elementary Matches only): Join us for our 2nd Annual BBBS Bazaar! Help your Little create and sell homemade items to learn basic money skills. Littles will learn how to manage their money and make profits by using "BBBS bucks." Each match should plan to come with at least 10 items of their choice - cookies, bracelets, ornaments- to "sell" to fellow matches. This is a great way to gather up some fun gifts to share! Hot chocolate and light snacks will be served. Space is limited. Thank you to our sponsor IH Mississippi Valley Credit Union! Monday, December 4 | 6-7:30 pm BBBS Office, 130 W. 5th St., Davenport Holiday Party (All Ages): Jump into winter fun with our Annual Holiday Party on Friday, December 15th at SnowStar Winter Sports Park! Bundle up and hit the tubing hills, or stay in the lodge with hot chocolate, games, and a warm fire! Dinner will be served, prizes will be awarded, and each Little will go home with a small gift! Special THANK YOU to our sponsor, Bath Fitter! Friday, December 15 | 6-8 pm SnowStar Winter Sports Park | 9500 126th St. W, Andalusia, IL
5121 Tremont Ave., Davenport
December Match Activities: RSVP via Sign-Up Genius or email news@bbbs-mv.org
DECEMBER CRAFT ACTIVITIES
Snow Globe Supplies: A jar (Kilner or similar jars used for making jams) Superglue Glitter Plastic figurines Glue gun
Directions: Place figurines on inside of lid and pop jar over to test height and where everything will be placed. (Can put a little Styrofoam under figurines to lift them up) Glue figurines in place with fast acting superglue. While glue sets, fill jar almost to the top with water. Test 2: Insert lid with figurines into jar of water, tighten and turn upside down to test water level. Make sure it goes over top of figurines. Add glitter to water and stir. With glue gun, run a ring of glue around inside of lid and quickly close the lid on jar and tighten.
Snowman Ornament Supplies: Clear Fillable Plastic Ornaments Faux Snow Pipe Cleaners Large Craft Pom Poms Craft Googly eyes Black and orange adhesive vinyl, construction paper, or paint pens Hot glue gun and sticks
Directions: Open top of ornament and carefully pour faux snow inside. Place top back on. Twist together two pipe cleaners of different colors and glue to top half of ornament. Glue poms on both sides as “earmuffs” Glue on eyes Attach nose and mouth details *If don’t want to make a snowman, use paint and other decorations and make ornaments how you want them to look.
V O L U M E 8 , I S S U E 12
COACHES CORNER DECEMBER,2017
HEALTHY KIDS: INDULGE WITHOUT THE BULGE! 4 Healthy Tips and Tricks for Getting Through Holiday Feasts By Chelsie Kirschbaum The time of year has come -– the Holiday season! The leaves have fallen, the weather has cooled, and we all look forward to gatherings with family and friends to celebrate traditions! If you’re like the rest of us, you look forward to the wonderful feasts and treats that go along with the holidays, and you can’t wait to dig into your favorite dish! With feasting comes a lot of sugar, fat, and calories – all things that can lead to unexpected weight gain. In order to avoid those extra pounds, try some of these helpful tips for surviving holiday meals:
yourself to enjoy every bite when it actually comes time to eat!
3. No dessert until you clean your plate. OK, so it turns out your mother was actually right! Prevent yourself from filling up on 1.Don’t forget your fruits and desserts by making it a goal to finish your healthier main dishes, vegetables. Often times we such as turkey or roasted sweet potatoes, before moving on to plan holiday meals around sugary desserts. These are OK in moderation, so really think about tasty side dishes and sweet your hunger level before moving on to that second (or third) piece desserts, but it’s important to of dessert. This will allow you to enjoy amazing desserts without make sure you’re still going overboard! including fruits and vegetables in your meal plan. Start with a 4. Healthy substitutions in traditional recipes. Change can be a fruit and vegetable tray, swap good thing, right? Small changes in some of your favorite recipes roasted veggies for green can create much healthier outcomes without a large impact on bean casserole, or even make flavor. Choose the fat-free, low-sodium, or sugar-free options for a healthy fruit salad recipe for items on your grocery list whenever possible. Knowing that you’re the dessert table! Opt for using the healthiest choices for ingredients will give you peace of these instead of dishes that mind while feasting! are high in calories with little nutritional benefit. Chelsie Kirschbaum is a Certified Health Education Specialist and 2. Indulging while cooking. Wellness Coach at UnityPoint Health – Trinity. While it’s hard to resist the tastes and smells of the meal you’re preparing, extra bites lead to extra calories, and we all know what that can mean! By skipping bites during meal prep you can skip the added calories and allow
Thanks to UnityPoint Health—Trinity for their BBBS Healthy Kids Sponsorship!
COACHES CORNER V O L U M E 8 , I S S U E 12
DECEMBER,2017
MONEY-WISE KIDS: DECISIONS, DECISIONS, DECISIONS You make many decisions every day. You make decisions about what to wear, what to eat, and what you’ll be doing after school. How about what to spend your allowance or birthday money on? Many of us make these decisions very quickly. When making decisions about money, that isn’t always the best choice. What if you only have $50 from your birthday and there are three big things you want to buy? The total cost is way more than what you have. How do you decide what to buy? Here are some steps to guide you to making the right decision:
ask to borrow money from might say “no.” 3. Buy a different pair of shoes Positive- You’ll have a new pair of shoes Negative- They won’t be the shoes you wanted. Step 4: Define what’s important to you Getting the pair of shoes you really want, getting the shoes right away or not having to borrow money. Step 5: Make the decision Now it’s time to make the decision. No one can do this for you. This part is up to you. What would you do in this situation?
Step 1: Identify the problem What are you trying to accomplish? Do you need more money to buy the thing you want or need? Are you trying to figure out how much you should save or how much you want to spend? Step 2: Come up with a list of possible solutions Let’s say the problem you are trying to solve is not having enough money to buy a specific pair of shoes. Some possible solutions might be: 1. Save your money till you have enough 2. Borrow money from your parents or friends 3. Buy a different pair of shoes Step 3: Come up with positive and negative consequences of each solution 1. Save your money till you have enough Positive- You’ll feel a sense of accomplishment and you’ll get the shoes you want. Negative- You may have to wait a while to get the shoes 2. Borrow money from your parents or friends Positive-You’ll get the shoes right away and the shoes you wanted Negative- You won’t feel that sense of accomplishment and the person you
Thanks to IH Mississippi Valley Credit Union for their BBBS Money-Wise Kids Sponsorship!
V O L U M E 8 , I S S U E 12
COACHES CORNER DECEMBER,2017
13TH ANNUAL PUTT-A-ROUND: REGISTRATION OPEN! ! d o t fo izes! a e Gr e pr ts! Rafflontes open C bar ft! h shi r on s a C ach sh ba ht) e no ca h Nig (
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Presented by:
Putt-A-Round 2018 Match Night: Tuesday, January 30 5:30—7:30 pm (For current Bigs and Littles only)
Public Play: Wed.—Fri., Jan. 31-Feb. 2 (7 shifts)
Great River Hall RiverCenter, Downtown Davenport
Match Night for Bigs and Littles
www.puttaround.org Register and pay by January 12 for a chance to win a Lexus weekend get-away! Sponsored by:
REGISTER YOUR TEAM TODAY AT WWW.PUTTAROUND.ORG
COACHES CORNER V O L U M E 8 , I S S U E 12
DECEMBER,2017
GET YOUR TEAM TOGETHER! PLAY SNOWBIRD! Snowbird Softball Classic Men’s Tournament: Fri.-Sun., Jan. 26-28, 2018 Co-Ed Tournament: Fri.-Sun., Feb. 2-3, 2018* * If you are interested in playing on the BBBS team, contact Jaime at jkeller@bbbs-mv.org
Hosted by:
Sponsored by:
Big Idea Workshop Emotional Intelligence = Engaging Employees Thursday, March 1, 8 a.m. to noon
Rhythm City Casino and Resort, Davenport
Presented by:
Workshop Presenters:
Dr. Emily Stuckenbruck
Fran Zeuli
Mike Veeck
Limited seating! To register now, go to www.bbbsmv.org/bigideaworkshop
COACHES CORNER
V O L U M E 8 , I S S U E 12
D E C E M B E R, 2 0 1 7
PART-TIME AMERICORPS POSITIONS AVAILABLE AT BBBS! PART-TIME (900 HOUR A YEAR) POSITIONS are now available at Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Mississippi Valley located in downtown Davenport, IA. A 900 hour AmeriCorps position offers:
Areas of service include Elementary, Middle and High School Program Specialists*, Volunteer Enrollment Specialist*, Customer Service Relations Specialist+ (* Bachelor’s Degree required within service contract. + Bachelor’s Degree preferred.)
Living Stipend: $6,678 Education Award: $2,907.50 A unique, hands-on experience in social and human services . Funding for education expenses. Professional development. Networking and making connections.
For more information contact Heather Satterly, City of Davenport AmeriCorps Manager
hsatterly@bbbs-mv.org or call 563-888-3107.
A perfect transition for a recent college graduate in social services, education, psychology or recreation.
CELEBRATE DECEMBER MATCH ANNIVERSARIES! Little’s First Name
Rayanna Caylie Josephine Rodolfo Trence Chris Isaac Talan Addison Angel Shanyah JaMarion Ronan Kamorah Hana Shadae Ava Jenna Gracie Genevieve Shawna Riley
Big’s First Name
Melissa Julie Marlene Joe John Dave Tom Ethan Bernie Ashley Susan Perry Glenn Stephanie Elise Katie Brittany Brenda Linda Danyelle Shelby Nancy
Big’s Last Name
Pajunen West Baltazor Moralez Campbell Burnham Hannah Taylor Bowles Hendon Strub Jackson Boyles DeLacy Dusek Merritt Payne-Wells Seyller Sheley Pinkerton Brown Polis
Years Matched
Little’s First Name
8 7 7 6 6 3 3 3 3 3 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 1 1 1
Kaed'n Carson Genevieve DaNaijah Andre Ariel Lena JaLesa Zaden Karina Addison Aaron DeJauneya Jerica Jabri Laylah Karime Jaliyah Kemoni Neveah
Big’s First Name
Austin Jonathan Keosha Katy Konrad Kelly Holly Dimitra Mike Emily Olivia Bryan Annette Linda Lisa Emily Janet Ashley Lisa Megan
Big’s Last Name
Gross Self Westphal Nelsen Sowizral Murphy Smith Dokolas Sandknop Gibson Cap Payton Wrighton DeLaCruz Melz-Jennings Trybus Torres Yattoni Craig Macek
Years Matched
1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
Please RSVP for M.A.P.S. activities at least 3 days in advance to Jaime jkeller@bbbs-mv.org or call 563-323-8006
COACHES CORNER V O L U M E 8 , I S S U E 12
D E C E M B E R, 2 0 1 7
BANNER MONTH FOR THE SOUTHERN MENTORING CENTER We’re doing great things in Warren and McDonough Counties, and the program is strong. This month we made some new matches, had some fantastic BBBS match activities, we created a Community Impact Award (which we will give out at our annual awards dinner in Macomb), we recognized our Match of the Year, and we had everyone’s favorite annual BBBS activity/fundraiser Bowl For Kids’ Sake. The community is behind us, we have outstanding volunteers, and the kids are really benefitting from our efforts. We’re changing lives for the better, forever!
Match Activities
New Matches!
In November we had a wonderful match activity with a class of WIU RPTA students and the West Central Illinois Arts Center. We painted rocks and made cards for folks at the local hospital and one of the local retirement homes. Always count on BBBS to bring a little sunshine into the lives of others! This activity turned out to be one of our best-attended this semester, and it’s awesome that our artwork will go to help those in need. Thanks to everyone involved in facilitating this great activity!
In the last month we have made 5 new matches, and we’re excited to introduce them. All 5 of these great new volunteers are WIU students, and we’re really happy to have them on our team. Big Brother Ryan Maas is a member of the WIU Men’s Basketball team; Little Brother Ronan is a great kid and loves sports.
We’ve had 2 great match activities since the last newsletter! In early October we had a great match activity with the WIU Dietetics, Fashion Merchandising and, Hospitality student group, SANE. They taught us about healthy eating, and made pizzas with the matches. This is the second activity we have done with SANE, and those students are outstanding. Many thanks for sharing your knowledge with our matches, and for the delicious treats!
Ryan Maas and Ronan
Big Sister Carlee Fosco is studying Therapeutic Recreation, and has great experience with kids; Little Sister Chyianne loves being a part of the BBBS program. (A photo of Carlee and Chyianne will be coming in the future. Keep your eye out for it!)
Big Sister Angel Pryor was a mentor when she was in high-school; Little Sister NaLeigha has seen her brother Malik have 2 outstanding matches, and now it’s her turn.
First Annual Awards Dinner
Angel Pryor and NaLeigha Big Sister Nina Tuman makes friends everywhere she goes; Little Sister Hannah couldn’t be happier to be matched with Nina.
Nina Tuman and Hannah
Big Sister Mirella Perez is a Psych major who loves spending time with kids; Little Sister Destiny had a great experience in her first match, and is super excited to meet another Big Sister.
To all 5 of these wonderful new matches we say CONGRATULATIONS!!!
Mirella Perez and Destiny
In November we had our first annual awards dinner. We gave out our Match of the Year award to Big Brother Eric Jameson (and his Little Brother Tavahreon), and we inaugurated our Bryce Dexter Impact Award, which will be given annually to whomever has the greatest impact on the kids of our community through the BBBS organization. We had 2 wonderful speakers, some great WIU students play music for us, and 70 outstanding people in the audience. It was a wonderful night, celebrating the outstanding job BBBS has done of changing lives for the better in Warren and McDonough Counties, for more than 15 years!
COACHES CORNER V O L U M E 8 , I S S U E 12
D E C E M B E R, 2 0 1 7
MACOMB 2017 BOWL FOR KIDS SAKE A HUGE SUCCESS!
Bowl For Kids’ Sake 2017 Thanks to our sponsors, donors, and fundraisers, our biggest fundraiser of the year was a huge success! In 2017 we were able to have two Bowl For Kids’ Sake sessions. The first took place on Saturday 4 November at Digger’s College City Bowl in Macomb. Community members raised pledges and many local businesses/ organizations sponsored the event. It was a wonderful day, full of fun and a great opportunity to come together in support of the life-changing work BBBS does. The first bowling session included teachers, community members, businesses, Bigs and Littles. And then we had a late-night Rock ‘n Bowl for WIU students and faculty on Saturday 11 November at Digger’s. All bowlers got a t-shirt, we had tons of door-prizes to give away, and there was a grand prize for the top fundraiser of each hour. We even had trophies for the top bowler of each hour! What an awesome event, and what awesome communities we serve. Team BBBS is strong in Warren and McDonough Counties, and we want to thank everyone who contributed, in any way, to BFKS 2017!
M.A.P.S. programming will kick off in the spring semester of 2018. The BBBS M.A.P.S. program for elementary school aged Littles! Literacy ● Community Service ● Health & Wellness ● Financial Literacy ● S.T.E.A.M. (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts & Math)
COACHES CORNER V O L U M E 8 , I S S U E 12
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WHAT’S HAPPENING IN WHITESIDE COUNTY: DECEMBER Slime Academy Success
Whiteside County Continues to Grow: We’ve reached 40 matches! We have a goal of reaching 60 matches by July 1, 2018. You can help by spreading the word about BBBS. Here are a few tips to RecruitOne!
Thank You to Sergeant Hacker and The Rock Falls Armory ! December Match Activities
Share your story: With friends, colleagues, and family. Think of a couple of experiences you’ve had with your Little that demonstrates how important your relationship is and how much fun you are having being a Big.
December 2nd: 10am Tour of Sauk Valley Bank* December 8th: 6pm Holiday Party at BBBS *M.A.P.S. activity
Take some action: Our staff is always prepared to present at lunch and learns, staff meetings, or community events. We also have a variety of brochures, flyers, and posters you can share at your workplace.
New Match Intro: Big Brother Duane and Little Brother Silas are off to a great start. They both enjoy video games and sports and are looking forward to spending time with each other at lunch!
Know some facts: Whiteside County currently has 10 children on our waiting list. All it takes is 2-4 visits a month to a school or 6 hours a month out and about in the community to make a BIG difference. Special thanks to Big Sister Kacie Long for referring her husband Jason Long this past month. We are so excited to have the both of you!
For more information about becoming a “Big” contact Danielle! dvance@bbbs-mv.org or call 815-716-8987
More details coming soon!
Please RSVP
COACHES CORNER
V O L U M E 8 , I S S U E 12
DECEMBER, 2017
COMMUNITY CALENDAR—DECEMBER SUNDAY
MONDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
1
Christmas in the village
SATURDAY
2
Christmas in the village Christmas in Silvis
3
4
5 BBBS BAZARR!
10
Season of Light
11
Season of Light
Dance Me A Story
6
7
Season of Light
Season of Light
13
Season of Light
14
Season of Light
BIG / LITTLE TRAINING
17
18
Boss Baby Interactive Movie
9
Holiday Service Project
CN TOUR—SAU & ANIMAL THERAPY
12
8
15
Season of Light
16
BBBS HOLIDAY PARTY
19
20
21 Holiday Craft Party
Elf Training Academy
22
23 LED Light-Up Cards
BBBS Offices closed
24
25
26 BBBS Offices closed
27
28
BBBS Offices closed
31
BBBS Offices closed
29 BBBS Offices closeed
30 New Year’s Eve Eve Party
OUT AND ABOUT IN THE COMMUNITY! DECEMBER Christmas in the Village: Friday & Saturday, December 1 & 2 from 6:00pm-9:00pm in the Village of East Davenport (2119 E 12th St). Watch Santa arrive by fire truck while enjoying kids crafts, a petting zoo, and performances by local musicians. This event is FREE. Call 563-322-2100 for more information. Christmas in Silvis: Saturday, December 2 from 5:30pm-8:00pm at 121 11th St, Silvis. Join us for a visit with Santa & Mrs. Claus, horse drawn carriage rides, synchronized light display, and free cookies and hot chocolate! Please bring a new, unwrapped toy to donate to the Salvation Army Toy Drive. Call 309-429-9238 for more information. Dance Me a Story-The Nutcracker: Tuesday, December 5 from 6:00pm-7:00pm at the Davenport Library Fairmount branch (3000 N Fairmount St). Join dancers from Ballet Quad Cities for an hour of movement and music as we bring The Nutcracker to life. This event is FREE. Call 563-326-7832 for more information. Holiday Service Project: Thursday, December 7 and Monday, December 11 from 6:00pm-7:30pm at the Moline Library (3210 41st St). Students grades 6-12 (Dec. 7) and 4-8 (Dec. 11) are needed to help make cards and gifts to donate to a local nursing home. Enjoy a holiday movie and snacks while you work. This event is FREE, no registration required. Call 309-524-2470 for more information. Boss Baby Interactive Movie: Saturday, December 9 from 6:00 pm8:00pm at Riverside Foursquare Church (302 N Cody Rd, LeClaire). Riverside Church presents Boss Baby an interactive experience. Kids and adults will love as the movie comes to life with actions, tasks, and snacks. This event is FREE, call to RSVP. Call 563-289-7712 for more information.
Season of Light: December 9-15 at John Deere Planetarium at Augustana College (820 38th St, Rock Island). Saturday and Sunday shows (Dec. 9 & 10) are at 2pm, weekday shows (Dec. 11-15) at 7pm. Season of Light is a multimedia planetarium show that uses the sky projector, astronomical images, music and narration to tell the story of how holiday traditions are connected to the sky. This event is FREE, registration is required, and recommended for ages 8+. Call 309-794-7833 for more information. Elf Training Academy: Tuesday, December 19 from 6:30pm-7:30pm at the LeClaire Library (323 Wisconsin St). This event will have crafts, activities, treats, and more to help certify you as one of Santa’s elves! There may be a surprise visitor at the end of the night. All are welcome to get your jingle on at this FREE event. Call 563-289-4242 for more information. Holiday Craft Party: Thursday, December 21 at 6:00pm at the Davenport Library Eastern Avenue branch (6000 Eastern Ave). Need some last-minute gift ideas for family and friends? Come to our Holiday Craft Party and make ornaments, decorate cookies, and more! Call 563-326-7832 for more information. LED Light-Up Cards: Friday, December 22 at 2:00pm at the Davenport Main Library (321 N Main St). Join us to complete circuits to create unique light-up cards. This event is FREE and registration is required. Call 563-326-7832 for more information. New Years Eve Eve Party: Saturday, December 30 at 11:00am at the Davenport Library Fairmount branch (3000 N Fairmount St). Join us for an early New Years celebration for all ages with crafts, snacks, and a countdown to a balloon drop at noon! This event is FREE. Call 563-326-7832 for more information.