COACHES CORNER
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O C T O B E R , 2017
2017 UNITED WAY DAY OF CARING
Volunteers from across the Quad Cities came together for a good cause on Thursday, September 21st for United Way’s Day of Caring. In collaboration, Big Brothers Big Sisters partnered with four area schools to host a “Big for the Day” opportunity for 60 of these volunteers, working with school personnel from Harrison (Davenport), Ed White (Eldridge), Frances Willard (Rock Island), and Hamilton (Moline) to provide a unique experience for both the volunteer and the child. School staff shared that several of the children approached them daily in the previous week asking when their “Lunch Buddy” would be coming! When the day finally arrived, they entered the room with excitement and huge smiles! Each “match” spent time learning about one another using ice breaker activities, eating lunch and playing a variety of games. If someone has ever wondered whether a lunch period is a long enough timeframe to make a difference to a child, it would only take one pass through the lunchroom on this day to know the answer. The smiles, giggles, and conversations are evidence of a child thriving under the one-on-one attention that this experience provides. When the lunch bell rang, signaling time to return to class, the room was filled with groans of children not wanting the fun to end. As the lunchtime wrapped up, and the students were all settled back into their classrooms, BBBS spoke to an audience of volunteers who had now seen firsthand the benefits of mentoring. Agency staff shared the opportunities available through BBBS and the immense need to fill the gaps on the waiting list. We’re happy to report that this day resulted in several inquiries and potential new matches! What a great way to wrap up the 100 Days 100 Bigs campaign! Thank you to Genesis Health System for sponsoring the volunteers’ lunches and thank you to our school partners for providing such a successful experience!
INSIDE THIS ISSUE:
UNITED WAY DAY OF CARING CAREER NAVIGATOR TOUR—LUJACK LUXURY MOTORS BIG/LITTLE TRAINING 100 DAYS / 100 BIGS SUCCESS! RAVE ABOUT YOUR MATCH: BEN AND COLE SAVE THE DATES: Putt-A-Round, Snowbird, Big Idea BIG IMPACT AWARDS AND DINNER—OCT. 17 DEAR MATCH COACH—Helping Middle School students OCTOBER CRAFT ACTIVITIES
MONEY-WISE KIDS: WHAT PAYCHECK MEANS TO YOU HEALTHY KIDS: PROPER HAND WASHING MATCH ACTIVITY: FOOTBALL AND CHEER CLINIC MATCH ACTIVITY: FALL FLING MATCH ANNIVERSARIES AND CELEBRATION AMERICORPS POSITIONS AVAILABLE WHITESIDE COUNTY UPDATE—OCTOBER McDONOUGH & WARREN COUNTY UPDATE—OCT. COMMUNITY CALENDAR—OCTOBER
COACHES CORNER V O L U M E 9 , I S S U E 10
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BIG LITTLE TRAINING FOR NEW MATCHES YOU’RE INVITED! Wed., Oct. 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!
You and your Little are invited to join us at 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
COACHES CORNER
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100 DAYS / 100 BIGS SUCCESS! th
September 29 marked the end of the 4th annual 100 Days/100 Bigs volunteer recruitment campaign. We are excited to announce that since June 21, BBBSMV has received 144 new volunteer inquiries and has interviewed 86 individuals to become new Big Brothers or Big Sisters. We expect to hit our target in no time thanks to your efforts. We are thrilled with the amount of community awareness that was generated through the support of our media partners, Townsquare Media and KWQC, who consistently ran radio and TV ads promoting BBBS. In addition, about 75 busi-
nesses and organizations have posted information about Big Brothers Big Sisters in their locations to encourage ongoing interest in becoming a mentor. Finally, many of our current Bigs did their part to RecruitOne during the past 100 Days by recommending that their friends, family, and co-workers become Bigs. We offer a BIG THANK YOU to all of our partners who have increased the number of youth in the community who will be matched with a mentor over the coming weeks!
SAVE THESE DATES! Putt-A-Round 2018 Tuesday, Jan. 30
Match Night! Wed.—Fri., Jan. 31—Feb. 2
Public Play (7 shifts!) Great River Hall, RiverCenter, Davenport, IA
Snowbird Softball Classic Fri.-Sun., Jan. 26-28, 2018
Men’s Tournament Fri.-Sun., Feb. 2-3, 2018
Co-Ed Tournament The Dugout Sports Complex, Davenport, IA
Big Idea Workshop Supported by:
Engaging Employees Thursday, March 1, 2018 8 a.m. to noon
Rhythm City Casino and Resort, Davenport, IA
RAVE ABOUT YOUR LITTLE—ELI Eli, Little Brother in the Henry/Mercer County BBBS program, was recently featured on the big screen in an anti-gun violence film that included a red carpet premiere! He and his Big Brother, Steve, were interviewed and then featured on the front page of the newspaper, talking about Eli’s role in the film. The article explains that the film is “the seventh in a series… in an effort to combat gun violence and racism and deliver positive messages… specifically targeting youth.” Eli’s mom shared in the article that because Eli had waited so long to be matched, “he was a bit apprehensive, but gave it a shot and has found it to be very rewarding.” She went on to say that Big Brother, Steve, “serves as an amazing role model and has been a real blessing.” Congratulations to Eli on this accomplishment! We’re proud to have you and your Big Brother on our team!
COACHES CORNER V O L U M E 9 , I S S U E 10
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BIG IMPACT EVENT HONORS MATCHES & SUPPORTERS
Sloane Hugaert & Emma ROOKIE MATCH OF THE YEAR
Jackie Zachmeyer & Harmony ELEMENTARY SCHOOL— MATCH OF THE YEAR
Mary Thee & Cyrus MIDDLE SCHOOL MATCH OF THE YEAR
Adrianna Vargas & Skyelynne HIGH SCHOOL MATCH OF THE YEAR
OUTSTANDING MATCHES OF 2017 Seth Benevides & Sean Sam Bryant & Gavin Stephanie DeLacy & Kamorah Jesyka Dereta & Brianne Steve Endress & Eli Holly Loussaert & Lila Jeff Nelson & Jeffrey Julie Landwehr & Renee HIGH SCHOOL MATCH OF THE YEAR
Bryan Payton & Aaron Kristen Pruis & Robert Sarah Sanner & Phreidum Rita Slusser & Aryiana Holly Smith & Lena Sherry Staub & Virginia
Jim & Polly Brownson & Brandin BIG IMPACT MATCH OF THE YEAR
COMMUNITY IMPACT AWARDS:
TOM HANNAH SERVICE AWARD:
Joe Farrell Matt Howard IA MENTORING PARTNERSHIP 2017 Excellence In Mentoring Award
Rose Strickland & Anabelle
COACHES CORNER
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O C T O B E R, 2 0 1 7
BIG IMPACT EVENT: THE SKY’S THE LIMIT! Join us in honoring our Matches, business supporters and volunteers of the year! Tuesday, October 17 Check-in: 5:30—6:00 p.m. Dinner & Awards: 6:00—8:00 p.m.
Moline, IL
Presented by:
Reserve your seats or tables today! All adults: $35 All Littles: FREE Tables of 8: $280 (All seated together)
Reserve your seats by October 11, 2017 www.bbbsmv.org/bigimpact (to register on line). Or, contact Kayla at kkiesey@bbbs-mv.org (Indicate Big Impact on the subject line) or call 563-323-8006.
COACHES CORNER V O L U M E 9 , I S S U E 10
O C T O B E R, 2 0 1 7
DEAR MATCH COACH: HOW CAN I HELP MY MIDDLE SCHOOL LITTLE? My Little is already starting to struggle academically in middle school! What if the classes are too hard? What if they can’t keep up with the homework? Many kids tend to struggle with the academic workload more so now than they did before; having a different teacher for each subject means that they will likely have homework. The increased work load may prove a challenge to some Littles, especially if organization is already not their strong suit. The first step would be to help them get organized. Make a different colored folder/binder for each class and go through it with them on occasion to make sure it stays sorted. Within their binders you can label one pocket for homework and one pocket for in-class work. Remind them that they have assignment books for a reason and encourage them to use it. Tests and quizzes may be more challenging and frequent in middle school, so help them figure out a study structure that works. Encourage the use of notecards to create flash cards, and have them set aside thirty minutes each night to review the material from the day. This will make it easier when the
test comes, and prevent them from cramming everything at the last minute. Teach them study skills that worked for you and try a few different methods. Remember that while you are not a tutor, your Little will appreciate the time and effort you have put in to helping them prepare for school. Remind them that if their grades stay up, the two of you can spend more time doing fun things instead of having to play catch up on assignments. Also, keep in mind that they are going to be anxious and will likely become upset because they are scared of failure or not being popular. These worries may seem trivial to you now but remember what you were like at their age and try to relate as best as you can. Just by being there for them, you are already a step above in their books. Help guide them through this time, by teaching respect and responsibility, and then take their mind off of things by doing something you both enjoy.
OCTOBER CRAFT ACTIVITIES Fall Wreath What you’ll need: 1 yard each of 2 different fabrics
Directions: 1. Start by cutting off the selvedge (white part along the edge of fabric) and then cut each of the two fabrics in half so that you have 4 18x44 inch pieces. Next cut each of these into three equal pieces. For each of the fabrics, stack up the three pieces that you just cut and cut them again into nine 2” strips. Repeat until all are cut in strips.
14 inch foam wreath form
Jute twine
2. Fold a strip in half by its width and tie it around the form using a double knot. Then open up the ends of the strips to create a fuller bow.
Scissors
3. Tie them in a pattern that pleases you.
Hot glue gun
4. Keep working until you have covered the whole wreath form.
Fun Tips: Try wiggling each strip a little, alternating directions as you go, so that the knots are not all lined up in a row, then fluff the wreath to give it a fuller look. Don’t want the theme to be Halloween? Try finding your favorite football, baseball, Disney character, or just solid color fabric.
Yarn Pumpkins What you’ll need: Orange yarn
Green pipe cleaners
Twine
Scissors
Directions: 1.
Wrap yarn around four fingers about 120 times or so.
2.
Cut a 10 inch piece of yarn and stick it between fingers to wrap around the big yarn loop.
3.
Line up the piece of yarn in the middle of the yarn loop and tie- pulling taut and wrapping around the backside as well.
4.
You now have your basic pumpkin shape. Cut a 2 inch piece of pipe
cleaner and tie to the pumpkin using the two loose strands of yarn from Step 3. Don’t trim strands yet! 5.
Wrap the pipe cleaner around itself to form the stem.
6.
Pretty up your pumpkin by tucking in any loose loops.
7.
Once again using the loose strings on the pumpkins to tie them around the twine. Make as many as you want. If you make enough you can make it into garland!
V O L U M E 9 , I S S U E 10
COACHES CORNER OCTOBER, 2017
MONEY-WISE KIDS: WHAT YOUR PAYCHECK MEANS TO YOU By IHMVCU Staff, With your job comes another form of income. You may earn an hourly wage or a salary. What are these exactly? Is there a difference? What is income? Income is important because with it, we can afford the things we need or want. It’s money you receive. It can come from your allowance, a gift, job or investments. What’s a salary? A salary is a set amount that an individual earns in a year or a set amount each pay period. What’s an hourly wage? An hourly wage is what an individual earns each hour they work. Earnings may vary each pay period because an individual may work a different number of hours. When you have a part-time job at your local grocery store, restaurant or department store you’ll receive a pay check. You’ll notice deductions. These deductions are for state and federal taxes.
State and local income taxes The tax rate ranges from 0% to close to 10% depending on the state and town in which you live. Net pay Your net pay—often called “take home pay”—is the amount you get to keep after all deductions are removed from your gross (or total) pay. Example: You work 25 hours over a two-week pay period. Your pay is $8.24 an hour. You figure you should see $206 on your paycheck, right? Sort of, but that’s not the whole story. There's a big difference between gross income (your hourly rate times the hours you work) and net income, or the money you put in your pocket—your take home pay. A penny for your thoughts… Most of the time, you have to work to get money. But you may not know that your money can work for you – everyday. That's a good deal! It's all about interest. One of the best things you can do with your earnings is save it. Having a savings account is part of your income. That is more income for you down the line when you really need it.
Thanks to IH Mississippi Valley Credit Union for their BBBS Money-Wise Kids Sponsorship!
COACHES CORNER V O L U M E 9 , I S S U E 10
OCTOBER, 2017
STOPPING THE SPREAD OF GERMS – PROPER HAND WASHING BY Joni Latham Griffin, RN—Manager of Wellness at UnityPoint Health Trinity According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention,” hand-washing is the single most important means of preventing the spread of infection.” There are literally millions of different germs that can make you sick. The following are just two common types that can be prevented by proper handwashing: Noroviruses - cause gastrointestinal infections. Common symptom of noroviruses are nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and stomach cramps. Noroviruses are transmitted via the fecal-oral route and spread quickly through large groups of people in close quarters, such as cruise ships, military barracks and day care centers. Norovirus spread can be prevented by thorough hand washing after using the bathroom or changing diapers of a person infected with the disease. Frequent hand washing when in close contact with others, along with avoiding touching your nose and mouth, decreases your chance of becoming infected. Noroviruses can also be spread by people with the virus handling food and not washing their hands after using the bathroom. Food won't taste or smell unusual, so there’s no way to know it’s infected.
breathed, sneezed or coughed into the air by someone with the disease. Sneezing and coughing can spread droplets as far as three feet, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says, which means that many droplets land on nearby objects. Common respiratory illnesses that can be spread by poor hand washing include rhinoviruses such as the common cold and influenza, Chicken pox, meningitis, and Group A and B streptococcal infections. In addition to frequent hand washing, what are some other things we can do to prevent spreading diseases? 1. Stay home when you are sick. 2. Avoid close contact with people who are sick. 3. Cover your coughs and sneezes. 5. Disinfect frequently used surfaces and objects. 6. Get a yearly flu shot 7. Be prepared and informed. 8. Follow the proper hand washing technique:
Airborne Illnesses - Respiratory illnesses are spread by droplets
Thanks to UnityPoint Health—Trinity for their BBBS Healthy Kids Sponsorship!
COACHES CORNER
V O L U M E 9 , I S S U E 10
OCTOBER,2017
Football and Cheer Clinic Sunday, October 8th | 12:00-4:00pm | Hosted by St. Ambrose University Matches of all ages are invited by the St. Ambrose and Augustana football teams for a football and cheerleading clinic on Sunday, October 8th! Join us for a tailgate lunch and activities at 12:00, followed by clinics and a Punt-Pass-Kick competition with the teams. Stay for the JV football game at St. Vincent Athletic Complex, 780 W Central Park Ave Davenport where Littles will be featured on field as honorary captains! We’re looking forward to a great time together!
RSVP to news@bbbs-mv.org by Fri., Oct. 6th
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 9 , I S S U E 10
OCTOBER,2017
Match Anniversary Celebration!
For matches over 1 year made in July through December
Friday, October 20, 5:30—7:30 p.m. Putnam Museum 1717 W. 12th St., Davenport RSVP by Oct. 18 to kzick@bbbs-mv.org
CELEBRATE OCTOBER MATCH ANNIVERSARIES! Little’s First Name Maricela
Big’s First Name Elisabeth
Big’s Last Name Vartabedian
Years Matched
Little’s First Name
Big’s First Name
Big’s Last Name
Years Matched
8
Gervaize
Jamaal
Rahman
2
Deborah
Geisler
2
Michael
Donald
Marple
8
Calleigh
Kristina
Julie
Weeks
7
Nikki
Stella
Clements
2
Christian
Andrew
Petersen
5
Catrina
Brittney
Noel
2
Darryl
Doug
Hultquist
5
Scarlet
Marion
Zakrzewski
2
Padmini
Raichur
2
Athena
Ann
Baughman
5
Aleera
Emma
Ashley
Bennett
4
Charlie
Jake
Day
2
Maria
Laura
Genis
4
Skylar
Paula
Rhodes
2
Makayla
Linda
Szemkus
4
Delvin
Kevin
Wellman
1
Debra (Deb)
Moore
1
Mary
Stacey
Crosby
4
Joy
Gwen
Susan
Collins
3
Eva
Sabrina
Ruelas
1
Tyler
Chris
James
3
Eldon
Bob
Bartel
1
Megan
Braun
3
Zechariah
Nicholas
Severs
1
Donald
Wetterling
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
Hannah
John
McDermott
3
Jaren
Shayla
Carolanne
Walter
3
Daymen
Dakota
Lieving
1
Braxton
Jason
York
3
Oliver
Chris
Hance
1
Dejah
Bridget
Erbst
2
Noah
Donovan
Toppert
1
Abigail (Abby)
Hart
1
Beth
Sallak
1
Kelvin
Jacob (JT)
Mark
Calcott
2
Jimara
Mikael
Jacob
Hendon
2
Dezi
COACHES CORNER
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O C T O B E R, 2 0 1 7
APPLY TODAY OR PASS THE WORD!
10 AMERICORPS POSITIONS AVAILABLE NOW!
OPEN POSITIONS FOR 2017-2018 WITHIN THE BBBS PROGRAM: FULL-TIME, 1700 HOUR POSITION PART-TIME, 900 HOUR POSITIONS (ask about availability) Elementary Americorps Program Specialist Our Elementary AmeriCorps Program Specialist is flexible, team oriented, and highly organized. They are responsible for the coordination and implementation of the community-based and school-based mentoring program. *A Bachelor’s Degree is required to apply for this position.
Middle/High School Americorps Program Specialist: Our Middle and High School AmeriCorps Program Specialist is flexible, team oriented, and highly organized. They are responsible for the coordination and implementation of the community-based and school-based mentoring program. * A Bachelor’s Degree is required to apply for this position.
Volunteer Enrollment Americorps Specialist: The AmeriCorps Volunteer Enrollment Specialist is responsible for the coordination and implementation of community-based and school-based plus volunteer interviews and recruitment. * A Bachelor’s Degree is required to apply for this position.
AmeriCorps Agency Specialist The AmeriCorps Agency Specialist will be patient, poised, and professional. They will be responsible for providing high-level customer service in response to all customer and stakeholder inquiries, leads, and volunteer screenings.
Full-time position details and benefits:
Why join AmeriCorps? ● Unique, hands-on experience in the social and human services ● Funding for education expenses ● Professional Development ● Networking and making connections
FT Required Hours: 1,700 Living stipend: $12,630 Schedule: M-F, 8am-4pm
● Term of Service: Sept. ‘17 -Aug ‘18 ●
Education Award: $5,775
Flexible schedule, AmeriCorps Health Insurance available and Childcare Benefits available to full-time positions. Ask about part-time position availability. For more information about joining AmeriCorps contact:
Heather Satterly AmeriCorps Program Manager, City of Davenport AmeriCorps Program hsatterly@bbbs-mv.org / 563-888-3107
COACHES CORNER V O L U M E 9 , I S S U E 10
OCTOBER, 2017
WHAT’S HAPPENING IN WHITESIDE COUNTY: OCTOBER Congratulations Brooklynn and Staci 5 Year Match Anniversary Staci says that it has been a joy to watch Brooklynn grow up. Brooklyn loves having Staci to talk to and thought it was pretty neat that she was invited to Staci’s wedding.
October Match Activities October 8th October 19th October 22nd
1pm: Tour of Dillion Home 5:30pm: Tour of Morrison Hospital * 1pm: Roller Skating at White Pines *M.A.P.S. Program
Rock Falls Fire Department Tour Thank you to Rock Falls Fire Department for the great tour!
To set up an employee volunteer recruitment Lunch & Learn (or breakfast) contact Danielle at 815-716-8987 or email dvance@bbbs-mv.org
For more information about becoming a “Big” contact Danielle! dvance@bbbs-mv.org or call 815-716-8987
COACHES CORNER
V O L U M E 9 , I S S U E 10
OCTOBER, 2017
NEW FACES, SAME GREAT PROGRAM IN MACOMB! New Matches! School is back in full swing, and BBBS is interviewing and enrolling new mentors as fast as we can. In the last month we have made 2 new matches, and we’re excited to introduce them both. Everyone in Macomb knows and loves Big Brother John, and for good reason. John is constantly going out of his way to help the people of our community, and now he's made that commitment to Little Brother Noah. We're so glad to see these two guys matched, and we see great things in their future. Big Brother Steve is a hometown hero, and that's no exaggeration. Everyone in Macomb knows and loves him (and his family). Steve has been a BBBS Board member for 3 years, and he has been our contact at Lincoln even longer. He is one of the people that make our program what it is. Little Brother Dion is also well-known and is a great kid. To both of these wonderful new matches we say CONGRATULATIONS!!!
Noah and John Gage
Steve Horrell and Dion
New AmeriCorps VISTA Hello everyone! My name is Mallory White and I will be serving with Big Brothers Big Sisters as an AmeriCorps VISTA member. I graduated from Anderson University in Anderson, Indiana this past May with a degree in Psychology and Criminal Justice. My family moved to Macomb after I graduated from high school, so while I did not grow up here, I have called Macomb "home" for about 4 years now. I am excited to become more invested in the community here and to work with you all to help keep this program successful and thriving! New WIU Social Work Intern Hi, my name is Dwayne Murphy and I am an intern at Big Brothers Big Sisters from the WIU Social Work Department. I am currently a senior at Western Illinois University and will graduate in December. I'm from Country Club Hills, which is located in the South Suburbs of Chicago. I
am enjoying my time at Big Brothers Big Sisters and appreciate the freedom to be creative and try new ideas for events, not only for the children, but for the community as well. This has been a great experience so far, and I look forward to helping make this program bigger and better. Back to School Activity In mid-August we held our "Back to School" event; it was the best activity we have had in a long time, and the best turnout! We were at Everly Park in Macomb on the most beautiful day of the year we played bags, frisbee, volleyball, and finished with the most awesome treasure hunt! Many of the Littles said out loud, "This is SO MUCH FUN!" BIG thanks to Macomb Park District for hosting and doing most of the work, and McDonough County Health Department for sponsoring the refreshments and providing the educational component. Also, BIG thanks to Western Illinois Athletics, WIU Women's Tennis, WIU Cross Country, Track & Field, and WIU Cheerleading for helping to set up, clean up, and play games with the matches. What a great way to start off the new school year!
Save the Date Bowl For Kids’ Sake is coming on Saturday 4 November 2017! Everything happens at Digger’s in Macomb, as usual, and this year all of you matches will get to bowl a game for free and have lunch on us starting at 11:00AM. Most matches say Bowl For Kids’ Sake is the best match activity of the year, so put it on your calendars now!
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)
V O L U M E 9 , I S S U E 10
SUNDAY
MONDAY
1
2
COACHES CORNER COMMUNITY CALENDAR—OCTOBER TUESDAY
3
WEDNESDAY
4
O C T O B E T, 2 0 1 7
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
5
6
7 Prairie Palooza
Water Bottle Koozies
8 Longview Park chalet birthday
9
10
11
16
17 Teen Nail Party
22
13
14 Logo Batman movie
19
20
21
BIG / LITTLE TRAINING
FOOTBALL CHEERLEADING CLINIC
15
12
23
18
BIG IMPACT AWARDS AND DINNER
24
CN TOUR—LUJACKS
25
26
MATCH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION
27
Spooktacular
Special Needs Trunk
28 Fall Fun Day
RI District Fright Night BBBS FALL FLING
29
30
31
OUT AND ABOUT IN THE COMMUNITY! OCTOBER
Water Bottle Koozie Craft: Thursday, October 5 from 3:30 pm—4:30 pm at Davenport Main Library (321 N Main St). Make up your own water bottle carrier to make your life easier and more fun! This event is FREE. Call 563-326-7832 for more information. Prairie Palooza-Fall Ecology Day: Saturday, October 7 from 10:00 am—3:00 pm at Wapsi River Education Center (31555 52 nd Ave, Dixon, IA). Join us for an exciting day of prairie presentations, activities, and a prescribed prairie burn. Activities are geared for all ages. Registration is required for this event. Call 563-328-3286 for more information. 100th Birthday Celebration Long View Park Chalet: Sunday, October 8 from 1:00 pm—4:00 pm at Longview Park Conservatory and Gardens (1300 17th St, Rock Island). Join us to celebrate the 100th Birthday of the Long View Park Chalet! There will be children’s activities, entertainment, free birthday cake and ice cream! This event is FREE. Call 309-781-4432 for more information. Lego Batman Interactive Movie: Saturday, October 14 from 5:45 pm—8:00 pm at Riverside Foursquare Church (302 N Cody Rd, LeClaire). Watch a movie like never before! There are interactions with the movie every few minutes. There will be prizes and a short lesson at the end of the movie. This event is FREE. Call 563-289-7712 for more information. Teen Nail Art Party: Monday, October 16 at 6:30 pm at the Moline Library (3210 41st St, Moline). Students grades 6-12 are invited to try out a variety of nail polishes, nail painting techniques, and nail art. The library will supply polish, tools, and accessories, and you can bring your own to share. This event is FREE. Call 309-524-2440 for more information.
Special Needs Trunk-or-Treat: Saturday, October 21 from 9:30 am— 12:30 pm at Mississippi Bend Area Education Agency (729 21st St, Bettendorf). A FREE, fun, non-spooky, handicapped accessible, food-allergy safe event for special needs children, adults, and their families to enjoy trick-or-treating their way. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Costumes are not required, but non-scary costumes are welcomed. Call 563-424-0533 or 309-737-4789 for more information. Spooktacular: Saturday, October 21 from 2:30 pm-5:00 pm at Prospect Park on 16th St in Moline. Kids come dressed in your costumes for trick-or-treating around the park. Guests can also enjoy refreshments, a bonfire, and a complimentary magic show. This event is FREE. Call 309-524-2424 for more information. Fright Night in the District: Thursday, October 26 from 5:00 pm-8:00 pm in the District of Rock Island (1809 2nd Ave). Join us for a night full of music, dancing, trick-or-treat, costume contest, and more! Check out the zombie dancers and children’s activities. Free goodie bags while supplies last. Call 309-788-6311 for more information. Fall Fun Day: Saturday, October 28 at 2:30 pm at Davenport Main Library (321 N Main St). The fun isn’t over when Davenport’s Halloween parade ends! After the parade, stop by the main library for our annual Fall Fun Day. There will be games, crafts, and more! Call 563-326-7832 for more information.