BBBSMV COACHES CORNER - MARCH 2016 by Milepost Ventures, LLC

COACHES CORNER

VOLUME 8, ISSUE 3

MARCH,2016

FIVE THINGS STRENGTH-BASED PRACTICE CAN TEACH YOU Being a Big is really fun…except for those times when it’s not. Maybe your Little has been displaying objectionable behavior lately or has been “closed-off” or disagreeable. Strength-Based Practice is a positive and inspiring approach to helping others be their best selves. It begins with the belief that all children have (or can develop) strengths, and can utilize past successes to enhance their well-being. The emphasis is on strength-building rather than flaw-fixing, and believing in every youth unconditionally. Here are five things that may be able to help you too! 1. There is no such thing as a bad kid. Some kids have made or been subjected to poor choices and are in less than ideal circumstances. However, there is good in everyone. Be the person who sees the good in your Little, and then let them know what you see. Genuine believing attacks self-doubt and builds self-worth. Empower your Little, and don’t be afraid to let them know you are proud to be his/her Big. Kids who feel good about themselves are more likely to use their strengths and dream big. 2. Look behind the behavior. When a child is acting out or misbehaving, it is a sign that something isn’t right and they need help. Try to understand your Little’s situation to understand why they are acting a certain way and remember that every behavior is filling a need. Don’t attribute their behavior to their personality, but try to understand it and offer alternative behaviors your Little can adopt in order to fill their needs. 3. Understand, Reframe and Squeeze. This technique works to shape behavior. For example, with a child who is

INSIDE THIS ISSUE:

        

unmotivated: understand that they are not trying for a reason, maybe they have gotten in trouble for failing before, or maybe they don’t understand something and don’t know how to ask for help, reframe the behavior to show the strength-based perspective by saying something like, “you’re pretty good at protecting yourself, if you don’t try, you can’t be embarrassed”, squeeze the behavior to be just a little bit closer to what you expect by saying “You’re a bright kid and I bet if you just take it step by step, you’ll probably have success.” 4. Create an opportunity for success. Creating opportunities means you may have to modify a situation to let a child find what they are successful at. A child who doesn’t try anything won’t get the chance to be successful. Likewise, a child who is often unsuccessful hasn’t had the chance to find what they are successful at. Try a variety of activities with your Little in many different areas to help them find something that allows them to thrive and shine. When you find something they succeed at, share the good news! You can take a picture, tell their parents, or tell your Match Coach! 5. Change is hard. It can be easy to get caught up in all of the things you want to help your Little change. But have you ever tried to change something about yourself? It can be pretty difficult. Remember to celebrate the little victories along the way, if they are a little bit better today than they were yesterday, that is enough. Create a plan for change that focuses on small steps, and celebrate even the tiniest of achievements.

FIVE THINGS STRENGTH-BASED PRACTICE CAN TEACH YOU RAVE ABOUT YOUR LITTLE—KIMBERLY DEAR MATCH COACH—THINGS TO DO WITH YOUR LITTLE BIG AND LITTLE TRAINING (BLT) CAREER NAVIGATORS TOUR—RAVE CINEMA COMPASS—JOB READINESS UPDATES MOTIVATING YOUR MENTEE TO LEARN MARCH MATCH ACTIVITY— ACTIVITY—COMMUNITY SERVICE PROJECT MARCH CRAFT ACTIVITY—POT 0’ GOLD AND EASTER WREATH

         

MCDONOUGH COUNTY UPDATE—MARCH WHITESIDE COUNTY UPDATE—MARCH RECRUIT ONE—KICKING OFF IN APRIL MEET OUR NEW AMERICORPS MEMBERS! CELEBRATE MARCH MATCH ANNIVERSARIES SERVICE LEARNING CAN ALSO BE SERVICE EARNING GOOD CONVERSTIONS BUILD STRONG RELATIONSHIPS PLANT SALE PRE-ORDERING KICKS OFF! T-SHIRTS COMMUNITY CALENDAR

COACHES CORNER VOLUME 8, ISSUE 3

M A R C H, 2 0 1 6

RAVE ABOUT YOUR LITTLE: KIMBERLY AT WINTER CAMP Kimberly is a 1st grade Little who loves being outside. Kimberly is always excited to go on adventures and learn new things with her Big. Kimberly and her Big, Amy Herrig, have been matched for a year and a half. This winter Kimberly was able to attend Winter Camp at Camp Abe Lincoln in Blue Grass, Iowa. With support from HAVlife, Kimberly spent three fun-filled days making new friends, sledding, ice skating and doing crafts. Kimberly had so much fun at camp she didn’t want it to end! If you would like to RAVE about your Little email Kayla at kbabers@bbbs-mv.org

DEAR MATCH COACH: THINGS TO DO WITH YOUR LITTLE Dear Mach Coach: “It’s cold outside, what is there to do?” When the weather is nice and there is no snow or freezing winds, it’s easy to think of outdoor activities to do with your Little. A common question that comes up in the winter time, though, is what to do with my Little since it’s cold outside and I don’t want to spend money every time we get together? It’s a good question to ask, especially if you have been matched in the last 6 months and aren’t able to bring your Little to your house yet. There are many things to do in the QC area in the winter such as sledding, ice skating, and ice fishing, but if those do not interest you BBBS has a list of low to no cost activities that you can do with your Little outside of your home;

all you have to do is contact your Match Coach and ask for that list (the list is also on the website at www.bbbsmv.org under “Bigs Only” section). Volunteering together is another great activity you can do with your Little. It can teach your Little to give back to Katie Zick, BBBS Staff the community, and at the same time you could find something your Little is interested in. Another good resource is our Coaches Corner. On the last page is a calendar of activities in the QC area for the month. There is also information about the monthly BBBS match activity, which is always fun because you meet other matches and get to know your Match Coach better.

Need any more suggestions or have any questions? Contact your Match Coach!

BIG AND LITTLE TRAINING (BLT) Learn how to get the most from your mentor relationship! Join us for the Big and Little Training (BLT) on March 15th from 5:30-7:00 p.m. at the Fairmount Library, 3000 North Fairmount Street, Davenport. This training is designed for all matches who have been matched 3-6 months, but open to any match that would like to attend.

To RSVP call 563-323-8006.

VOLUME 8, ISSUE 3

COACHES CORNER MARCH,2016

Job Readiness: Resume Night will be March 9 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Big Brothers Big Sisters’ office. Littles will be able to write and revise their own resumes to prepare for Interview Night the following week. On March 17 from 6 to 8 p.m. Job Readiness participants will complete mock job interviews with local business owners and managers. A reception will conclude the evening.

MOTIVATING YOUR MENTEE TO WANT TO LEARN

One of the most important contributions mentors can make in the lives of mentees is exposing them to new ideas and instilling love of learning. Learning, happens in school, but discovery happens in the world studying other places, learning how to do fun activities or hobbies or finding out about potential careers are all part of learning. Below are some tips for helping mentees embrace learning as something they want to do because it is fun and relevant, not just because they “have to” learn to get by in school.

Trust that learning is natural. Look for alternatives to help a mentee learn. Some kids learn differently than what’s used in a traditional school setting. Acknowledge the mentee’s doubts that learning can be fun. Give your mentee the attention he or she seeks, but then ask them to help brainstorm ideas for making learning fun.

Probst, K. (2006). Mentoring for meaningful results: Asset-building tips, tools, and activities for youth and adults. Minneapolis, MN: Make it fun. This may be obvious, but the more learning is tied to Search Institute. the interests of your mentee, the easier it is to promote.

COACHES CORNER VOLUME 8, ISSUE 3

M A R C H, 2 0 1 6

MARCH MATCH ACTIVITY: COMMUNITY SERVICE PROJECT Put a smile on a senior’s face! The March Match Activity will be held at a senior living facility, RiverView Manor 17990 S. Spencer Road Bettendorf 4 to 5 p.m on Wednesday, March 9th or 4 to 5 p.m. Friday, March 11th . Matches will be able to play BINGO and interact with the facilities’ residents. Feel free to design and create cards for the residents prior to the activity. If your match plans to attend RSVP at kbabers@bbbs-mv.org.

MARCH CRAFT ACTIVITY: POT O’ GOLD AND EASTER WREATH St. Patrick’s Day Pot of Gold Candy Holder Supplies Needed:  Mini terracotta pot ● Gold glitter  Black acrylic paint ● Rolo candies to fill  Paint brush ● Shamrock sticker or vinyl cut out  Glue Instructions: Begin by painting your terracotta pots with the black acrylic paint. It may take two coats. Once dry, apply a thin layer of Mod Podge or glue along the outside of the lip. Roll in glitter. Lastly, apply a light coat of Mod Podge or glue to the shamrock area after you apply the cutout sticker. Sprinkle with gold glitter and slowly remove the sticker outline. Fill with Rolo candies and you are finished! Happy St. Patrick’s Day!

Easter Egg Wreath Supplies Needed:  4 dozen plastic Easter eggs ● Ribbon  1 package of Easter grass ● Wire to use as hanger  Hot glue gun ● Pencil  Cardboard Instructions: First, cut the cardboard into circles for the base 12 inches on the outside and 9 inches inside. If the cardboard is not heavy cut 2 circles and glue them together and attach a wire with a small loop so you can hang your wreath. Use a hot glue gun to glue the eggs on the outside of the wreath first with the "fattest" part of the egg on the inside middle of the wreath while leaving a gap on top for the bow and a gap on the side for the inside row of eggs. Do the same with the inside row of eggs and glue the eggs so the "top" or skinny part of the egg is on the outside leaving the top empty. When both rows are completed, randomly add the rest of the eggs on top of those two rows of eggs. Leave a gap between the three rows and fill this in with the bow. Cover any spaces with grass by poking the wreath in any places you want to cover. Make a bow and glue it into place. A ribbon with a wire edge makes for easy storage. Happy Easter!

We’re looking for a few good men! Become a Big Brother! We have over 125 boys waiting to be matched with a mentor. If you know someone who could be an adult friend to a child who is facing some kind of adversity, please let us know. Call Sarah Walker at 563-323-8006. www.bbbsmv.org

COACHES CORNER V O L U M E 8, I S S U E 3

M A R C H, 2 0 1 6

SOUTHERN MENTORING CENTER: FAST & FURIOUS FEBRUARY We have been super busy at the Southern Mentoring Center since the last issue. So many wonderful things are happening; Huge community support, great people joining our team, and a tidal wave of good will. When adults give of themselves to help children, the world takes notice, and deservedly so. Here’s all the news from Macomb:

PHOTOS FROM NATIONAL MENTORING MONTH January was National Mentoring Month, and the Mayors of Macomb, Monmouth, and Bushnell made presentations on our behalf. Mayor Davies presented to Little Brother Jacob and Big Brother Rich in Monmouth, Mayor Inman presented to Little Brother Tavahreon and Big Brother Eric in Macomb, and Mayor Evans presented to Little Brothers Devin and Aidan, Big NEW MATCHES!!! Brother Jack, and Big Sisters Kathleen and Lois in Bushnell. We February is always a magical time of the year because we get to hadn’t received the photos in time for the February issue, but bring in new matches! We have been busy this year! We have 5 brand new matches on the books, and five more to come. Let’s meet here are the highlights! our brand new Bigs and Littles: Big Sister Tikyree was a Little when she was in high-school, and now it’s time for her to pay it back; Little Sister Makayla is a great kid, and we’re glad we had the opportunity to bring them together. Big Sister Kayla is a freshman at WIU, and has only brothers; Little Sister Chyianne is new in town and looking to make friends.

Little Brother Jaren has 2 cousins already matched with us, and has been waiting for his chance to get matched; Big Brother Brandon is friends with a few of our current Bigs, and was looking for a way to spend positive time with a kid.

Monmouth

Macomb

Bushnell

BOOK DONATION The Illinois State Resident Assistants Association had their annual conference at WIU this year, and they contacted the office looking for a way to help. They wound up collecting and donating HUNDREDS of children’s books! Many thanks to these wonderful young people for their generosity and commitment to helping kids!

Little Brother Mycki’on came to us looking for a positive role model; Big Brother Jake is our 4th Macomb Police officer and an important part of our community.

Little Sister Nari was in a School-based match for the last 2 years and had a great experience, but she was looking for the right Community-based volunteer to come along; Big Sister Victoria is a confident young woman, looking for a way to get involved. All of these Bigs and Littles are outstanding people, and we are very proud to have them join our team. CONGRATULATIONS!!!

4TH ANNUAL BBBS TRIVIA NIGHT Saturday, March 5, 2016 At the American Legion Hall (Downtown Macomb 221 East Washington) Dinner 5-6, Trivia 6-9 $15 per person, dinner included.

Cash Bar Up to 6 players per team Walk-ins welcome, will be put on teams Fabulous prizes for the winning team! For more info or to ask questions call 309-837-5437

Live music by Tim Rice! BBBS-Macomb is 100% community supported!

COACHES CORNER V O L U M E 8, I S S U E 3

M A R C H, 2 0 1 6

WHITESIDE COUNTY UPDATE: MARCH

Featured Match of the Month

Things to Do Around the Sauk Valley Area

Autum and Claudia Saturday, March 12 Home & Garden Show 2016 Northland Mall, Sterling , 10 am – 5 pm Sunday, March 13 Home & Garden Show 2016 Northland Mall, Sterling, 11 am - 4 pm Saturday, March 19, 2016 Sterling Public Library "Donuts and Doings" 10:00 am. For Grade K-4 and an adult. There will be donuts, milk, juice and coffee. They will have stories, games and a craft perhaps even a short film. Tuesday, March 22 Board Game Night at the Library for Teens 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm. Sterling Public Library presents Board Game Night for Teens. Enjoy free snacks, challenge your friends, win prizes and Something New to try with Your Little have fun! These are all good reasons for you to check out our board It’s March, and there is nothing more fun than game night. Join us as we play some classic board games, selected by getting ready for St. Patrick’s Day! teens like you for two hours. Why not try making some Cool Mint Oreos? Or Saturday, March 26 Sterling Public Library Lego Club making some fun paper shamrock decorations? 10:00 am - 11:00 am. "Lego My Library Club" grades K-5. You must register for each class. Please call some time the week before to register. You may register at the Children's Desk or call in to register. http: A waiting list will be made when the classes are full and you will be dandelionsanddustbuncalled if a spot opens up. nies.blogspot.com/2011/03/cool-mintoreos.html To volunteer as a Big Brother or Big Sister http://hoosierhomemade.com/st-patricks-day in Whiteside County, call Nicki at 815-716-8665 . -craft-how-to-make-paper-shamrocks/ Autum and Claudia started off in a School-based match, then transitioned into a Community-based match. They have been matched now for 3 years! Autum and Claudia enjoy shopping, watching movies, and eating ice cream together. They also enjoy doing community service projects together, like volunteering at Happy Tails Humane Society. Thank you, Autum and Claudia!

Did you see this sign inside the Big Brothers Big Sisters trailer at Putt-a-Round? Did you wonder what it was all about? We know that our current mentors are some of our strongest and best advocates for recruiting new volunteers to become Bigs. In April, we will be hosting a kick-off event to share more about how you can RecruitOne One (friend, co-worker, family member) to be a mentor to a child in the community.

Watch for more details by email and in April’s Coaches Corner!

COACHES CORNER V O L U M E 8, I S S U E 3

M A R C H, 2 0 1 6

MEET OUR NEW AMERICOPS MEMBERS: TANIA AND LINDSAY We have two new Americorps members joining the BBBS team! Welcome Tania and Lindsay. My name is Tania Duex. I have my Bachelors of Science in Psychology from Saint Ambrose University. I have lived in the Quad Cities my whole life and feel like BBBS is such a great opportunity to be more involved in my community. In my free time I enjoy crocheting, scrapbooking, and reading mysteries. I love animals and share my home with my family and a variety of animal friends, including a guinea pig and two toads. As a Volunteer Enrollment Specialist with BBBS I look forward to the role that I will play in finding volunteers for our mentor program.

My name is Lindsay Mercer. I graduated from St. Ambrose University where I studied sociology and criminal justice. I also work as a restaurant server and have a 10 year old daughter. In my spare time I enjoy reading and watching documentaries. When the weather permits, I love camping and kayaking with friends and family. I’m very much looking forward to my time with Big Brothers Big Sisters and feel so fortunate for this opportunity to work with the community, to learn from everyone I encounter, and to grow as an individual.

CELEBRATE MARCH MATCH ANNIVERSARIES! Little’s First Name

Big’s First Name

Big’s Last Name

Years Little’s Matched First Name

Logan

Candy

Hill

Bethany

Megan

Doran

Caelan

Yvonne

Tatum

Pam

Autum

Big’s First Name

Big’s Last Name

Years Matched

Ryan

Lindsey

Huhtelin

Daymen

Maxine

Pietz

Lyons

Tyrese

Tyler

Johnson

Topper

Devon

Joey

Donia

Claudia

Sauer

Akugri

Bren

Gillespie

Zelelia Consuela

Katie Miranda

Hamilton Kindred

1 1

Lesly

Judy

Kaiser

Abbie

Madeline

Gibson

Abbigail

Diane

Lannan

Alison

Madeline

Stolinski

Emily

Carol

Thomas

Ayden

Eric

Spriet

Natalie

Sara

Ehrecke

James

Ray

Lind

Lorna

Daniela

Macias

Andrew Leo

Preston Christian

Jones Jackson

2 2

Danyalle Iveanna

Abby Stacy

Paulson Schlapkohl

1 1

Raha

Maria

Crigna

Devin

Kathleen

Fayhee

Joe

John (Juan)

Collazo

Radell

Jacob (Jake)

Ward

Halee

Kristy

Defauw

Stephanie

Amy

Barth

Janiya Aidan

Sarah Lois

Harris McClintock

2 2

Monique Catlyn

Lanolia Alyssa

Neely Murray

1 1

Paticence

Dori

Cosgrove

Congratulations to all our Matches!

COACHES CORNER VOLUME 8, ISSUE 3

M A R C H, 2 0 1 6

SERVICE LEARNING CAN ALSO BE SERVICE EARNING The City of Davenport AmeriCorps/YouthCorps program has a unique opportunity for Davenport High School students who are between the ages of 16 - 19. This program provides the benefit of being an AmeriCorps service member (i.e. helping the community, earning educational awards to use for higher education, and being supplemented with a bi-weekly living stipend) with career exploration opportunities. 40 Davenport students will be selected from the application pool to participate in this amazing service learning experience. The 40 Youth AmeriCorps members will be placed at several different agencies within Davenport, each with a direct supervisor who will then mentor and teach these students about the career paths and opportunities within that agency. Each student will have the chance for a positive and unique experience, while gaining job skills, mentors, and resume builders. While each student will have a unique experience, every student will be serving towards the same goal: to make the Davenport community a better place to live, work, and serve. Applications can be found on the City of Davenport Parks and Recreation department’s website: www.CityofDavenportIowa.com/parks. Hard copies of the application are located at the Big Brothers Big Sisters main office and at the River’s Edge at 700 W. River Drive, Davenport, IA. Students who are interested in this program must complete an application by March 12. Applications can be turned in at the Big Brothers Big Sisters main office or at the River’s Edge.

MEANINGFUL CONVERSATIONS BUILD STRONG RELATIONSHIPS Conversations are the foundation of strong relationships, and are the most influential people in a young person’s life. It is strong relationships are the goal of meaningful mentoring. Engaging also important to listen to why a young person likes a certain in the art of conversation does not always come naturally to people fad, music star or TV program. All conversations are and for many adolescents it can be a meaningful when two people are truly territory in which they have yet to build engaged and interested. skills. Be prepared for the unexpected answer. Below are some tips for making If an answer bothers you , simply listen and conversations work, as well as some ask more questions about why the young conversation starters to spark interesting person thinks or feels this way. Suspend discussions. Hopefully, they not only give your own judgement and let the Little you and your mentee something else to express their ideas. chat about once in a while, but also give you Be prepared to give your own answer. a chance to get to know each other a little You are focusing on your Little, but he or better. she may also want to turn the question in Keep it going. It is one thing to ask a your direction. This is a great way to model question and then sit back and wait for an answer. It is thoughtful, honest responses. another thing to really engage in a conversation. Asking follow-up questions or providing open-ended responses are Probst, K. (2006). Mentoring for meaningful results: Asset-building great ways to keep the conversation going. The idea is not to tips, tools, and activities for youth and adults. Minneapolis, MN: debate an answer but to learn more. Search Institute. Conversation doesn’t have to be “heavy.” It is important to have conversations about subjects that matter deeply, such as who

COACHES CORNER

VOLUME 8, ISSUE 3

M A R C H, 2 0 1 6

PLANT SALE PRE-ORDERS NOW BEING TAKEN! ORDER TODAY! Plant Sale is officially open! We are taking individual, group or corporate pre-orders through Monday, April 18! Those who are Bigs, or have purchased plants in the past, or attended a BBBS event, will be receiving a pre-order brochure in the mail. Watch for it the week of March 7th. Corporate order forms are in the mail the mail now.

SPECIAL PRE-ORDER INCENTIVES:

CONTACT your friends, your church, your boss, or get a group of co-workers together and do a group order!

● Home Depot will provide a coupon for $20 off a $50 or more purchase in their GARDEN CENTER for anyone who pre-orders by April 18th. The coupon will be included with your pre-order pick-up or delivery (April 29—May 2). It must be used by May 31, 2016 only at the Bettendorf Home Depot at 920 Middle Rd. ● Heritage Landscape Design is offering a $500 Heritage Helping Hand gift certificate as a drawing from any pre-orders received by April 18th. (The offer is only good for those who live within a 50-mile radius of the Quad Cities). Pre-orders are very important to the success of the BBBS Plant Sale. They provide us with a better idea of quantities for each type of plant to order. It helps you, the customer, to secure the type, color and quantity of plants you need this season. And, if you purchase $150 or more, we’ll deliver your order for FREE!

SAVE THESE DATES TO SHOP AT PLANT SALE

DAVENPORT: Northwest Bank & Trust Tower April 29—May 7, Kimberly & Welcome Way, 8 a.m.—7 p.m.

MOLINE: UnityPoint Health—Trinity April 29—May 1, 500 John Deere Rd. Fri.—Sun., 8 a.m.—7 p.m.

PRESENTING SPONSORS:

MACOMB: STC Investments Office

SUPPORT SPONSORS:

May 4—May 7, 1603 E. Jackson St. (across from HyVee—NEW LOCATION!) Wed.—Sat., 8 a.m.—7 p.m.

MEDIA SPONSORS:

COACHES CORNER

VOLUME 8, ISSUE 3

M A R C H, 2 0 1 6

COMMUNITY CALENDAR – MARCH 2016 SUNDAY

MONDAY

TUESDAY

7 k Club

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

3 SouthPark Mall

4 NorthPark Mall

5 Home Depot Kids

Easter Bunny thru March 26

Easter Bunny thru March 24

Workshop

12 Family Craft Time

9 Match Activity— 10

Senior Center

Match Activity— Senior Center

Job Readiness Resume Writing

14 St. Patrick’s

15 Celtic Music

16 Civil War fathers

Parade

Moline Library

Rock Island Library

17Job Readiness

Interview Night

Rock Island Library SW branch.

19 Rock Island spring egg hunt

Big/Little Training

23 Dance Me A

Story

26 Ranch Rider’s Easter Egg Hunt

OUT AND ABOUT IN THE COMMUNITY! MARCH Home Depot Kids Workshop- March 5 at 9:00 a.m. to Noon at the Home Depot at 920 Middle Road in Bettendorf will have a FREE kid’s workshop. This workshop will teach a child to build a rolling toy wagon to hold their small toys. Must register by calling (563) 359-7228 or register online at www.homedepot.com SouthPark Mall Easter Bunny- March 3-26, 4:00-8:00 p.m. at the SouthPark Mall, 4500 16th Street, Moline to see the Easter Bunny at the JCPenny court. Children can sit on the Easter Bunny’s lap. FREE! Call the mall at 309 797-8450 for more information on times. NorthPark Mall Easter Bunny- March 4 - 24, 4:00 -8:00 p.m., NorthPark Mall at 320 West Kimberly Road in Davenport to see the Easter Bunny. Children can see the Easter Bunny and to sit on his lap near the Von Maur Store in Center Court. Call (563) 391-4500 for more information. FREE! Family Craft Time- March 12, 10:00 - 11:00 a.m. to make paper flowers for spring at Rock Island Southwest Branch of the Library at 9010 Ridgewood Road. FREE! Call (309) 732-7338. St. Patrick’s Day Parade- March 14 at 11:30 AM to see the parade in Rock Island and continue to downtown davenport. FREE! The parade begins after the 10:00 Mass at St. Mary’s Church in Rock Island. The parade starts at 23rd Street and 4th Avenue in Rock Island and then proceeds through the downtown area. The parade crosses the Centennial Bridge to downtown Davenport. Come and enjoy the parade and wear GREEN!

Celtic Music Jam- March 15 at 6:00 p.m. at Moline Library at 3210 41st Street to hear Celtic/Irish Music led by Joe Nobiling and Rob Dahms. If you are a musician and play a folk instrument then please join. For all ages and FREE! Call (309) 524-2440 Civil War Fathers- March 16 at 2:00 - 3:00 p.m. at the Rock Island Public Library, 401 19th street to hear Tim Pletkovich share true stories about the past. He talks about children whose fathers served in the Civil War and their own service in World War II and how society has changed. FREE! Call 309-732-7323.

Rock Island Spring Egg Hunt- March 19 at 9:30 a.m at Lincoln Park on 38th Street & 11th Avenue for an Easter Egg Hunt. This is a FREE event for all children and please bring bags and/or baskets to hold. Children are placed in age appropriate areas at the park. Don’t be late because the eggs are quickly found! If it rains then the location is at the Rock Island Fitness & Activity Center at 1528 3rd Avenue. Call for (309) 732-7275 for details. Dance Me a Story- March 23 with session 1, 11:30-12:30 p.m. and Session 2, 1:00-2:00 p.m. to see children aged PreK-Grade 2 put “The Little Engine That Could” to dance at the German American Heritage Center, 712 West Second Street in Davenport. Afterward there will be a craft. FREE! Call (563) 322-8844 for information. Ranch Riders Easter Egg Hunt- March 26 at 1:00 p.m. the cannon will go off to start the egg hunt at the Mississippi Valley Fairgrounds, 2815 W Locust Street in Davenport. This hunt will have 30,000 eggs and cost $3.00 per child.