COACHES CORNER
VOLUME 8, ISSUE 9
S E P T E M B E R , 2017
STRIVE HIGH IN SEPTEMBER: SETTING GOALS As your Little is still in the early stages of this school year, now is the perfect time to work on setting goals together. “Goals” can sometimes sound too broad; remember each Little’s goals will be completely different. One way to start is that the two of you can set goals together as a match.
as more of a long-term goal or perhaps you can adjust it. Setting too high of expectations can bring about disappointments. Specific goals are helpful as well, as it can be difficult to measure extremely broad goals. If you’d like more ideas or collaboration on having this conversation, please contact your Match Coach, as they would enjoy talking through this and helping your match to set, pursue, and achieve your goals.
Perhaps you could brainstorm some ideas about what you two would like to accomplish together this next month, year, etc. By writing them down, or even making a creative craft out of it, these goals would be visible to you and your Little. As you strive together to complete these goals, you and your Little can check them off and experience the joy and success of completion. This is a great way for your Little to see how setting goals, striving for them, and achieving them works.
Here are a few examples: School attendance Homework Peer relationships Reading Activities
Now may be an appropriate time for you as a Big to set some of your own goals as well. That way, the “goals” conversation can become a normal part of your match, and each of you can talk about the progress or struggles you have faced in reaching your goals. Perseverance is an important characteristic that you can demonstrate to your Little, as it is needed in all aspects of life. The two of you can also discuss a few goals your Little would like to accomplish this year, whether it be getting better at reading, trying harder in school, or increasing your Little’s skills in softball. There are a wide variety of goals to set; think outside the box! Setting realistic, specific, and measurable goals will be helpful. If a goal is out of your Little’s range for this year, maybe it can be viewed
INSIDE THIS ISSUE:
SETTING GOALS: STRIVE HIGH IN SEPTEMBER CAREER NAVIGATORS—NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE BIG/LITTLE TRAINING 100 DAYS / 100 BIGS AND RecruitONE RAVE ABOUT YOUR MATCH: BEN AND COLE 2017 BBBS ANNUAL PICNIC—SEPT. 30 DEAR MATCH COACH—LITTLE NOT MAKING FRIENDS SEPTEMBER CRAFT ACTIVITIES BIG IMPACT DINNER AND AWARDS—OCT. 17
ISU SCOTT EXTENSION—MASTER GARDENERS BBBS PLANT SALE PLANTS AROUND TOWN MAPS MATCH ACTIVITIES: Literacy and First Aid MATCH ANNIVERSARIES—SEPTEMBER AMERICORPS available positions—apply today! WHITESIDE REPORT—SEPTEMBER SOUTHERN MENTORING REPORT—SEPTEMBER COMMUNITY CALENDAR—SEPTEMBER
COACHES CORNER VOLUME 9, ISSUE 9
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BIG LITTLE TRAINING FOR NEW MATCHES YOU’RE INVITED! Tuesday, Sept. 12, 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 will 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
VOLUME 9, ISSUE 9
COACHES CORNER S E P T E M B E R, 2 0 1 7
100 DAYS / 100 BIGS: 29 DAYS TO GO! Since June 21, BBBSMV has received 90 new volunteer inquiries and conducted 52 enrollment interviews! Hopefully you’ve been able to catch our Public Service Announcement running on KWQC, or maybe the radio promotion running on Townsquare Media stations, or have caught the ad that ran in the QC Times. All have been successful at sending more people to our website and calling into our office to learn more about becoming in Big. Our staff, AmeriCorps members, and matches have also been out and about at community events, including the John Deere Wellness Fair at the River Bandits Game, the Hy-Vee Pinky Swear Family 5k, the Bix7 Expo, and Fresh Thyme grocery store. Special thanks to Jackie Zachmeyer and Harmony, Sloane Hugaert and Emma, Dennise Weyman, Rose Strickland and Annabelle, Jessica Hubner and Danielle, Breann Hirst and Ka’Liyah, and Bryan Payton, who have all helped out at community events this summer. Bigs’ Night Out was a great success with many Bigs bringing guests and 6 people wanting to enroll from that evening alone! All the buzz is paying off, but with only 29 days left, we need YOUR help to reach our goal! Continue talking to your friends, family, and co-workers about becoming Bigs. Call us to schedule a short presentation or Lunch and Learn at your place of employment. Or, stop by the office to pick up a poster to display in your office, church or other public location. Contact Sarah at swalker@bbbs-mv.org for more information about work presentations, Lunch and Learns, or posters.
If you know of someone who would make a good “Big” just send them our way!
Supported by:
RecruitOne is a special effort targeted at current Bigs to recruit new mentors all year long. It is especially important during our 100 Days / 100 Bigs community campaign. With the media support BBBS is getting, more people will have heard the message and may be more receptive to hearing your story! If each Big recruits just one mentor BBBS will achieve their volunteer recruitment goal for the year.
COACHES CORNER VOLUME 9, ISSUE 9
S E P T E M B E R, 2 0 1 7
RAVE ABOUT YOUR MATCH: BEN AND COLE
After Ben’s dad became ill several years ago, his grandfather stepped into a father-like role for him, doing things with him that his father unfortunately couldn’t do. Losing his grandfather last fall was extremely difficult for Ben, and he again felt a void in his life. Ben’s mom signed him up for a Big Brother, hoping for someone who would play sports with him, build things, and in an ideal world… know a thing or two about robotics, as Ben wants to be a robotics engineer someday. Ben and his mom, Sheila, really couldn’t have been more thrilled to learn about potential Big Brother, Cole, a young, active guy who can build things and who happens to be a robotics engineer!
complete her collection! He shared this idea with Cole, who quickly jumped into action, making this idea come to life! Cole and Ben picked their pattern, drew it on board, gathered supplies, cut and painted the entire project together. Sheila shared that Cole let Ben do most of the work with the exception of a few tough spots with the jigsaw! Ben was so excited to present this gift to his mom, and Sheila was so fulfilled watching her son carry on this interest with the help of his Big Brother!
Fast forward to now, 5 months into the match, and Sheila had a major RAVE to share about these two. Sheila held a special place in her heart for a variety of lawn ornaments that her dad had built for her. This became especially true after his passing last fall. After sharing with Ben that these lawn ornaments meant so much to her, Ben set out on a mission to
2017 BBBS ANNUAL PICNIC Annual Picnic Saturday, Sept. 30
Veteran’s Memorial Park Bettendorf, IA 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. FREE to all active Bigs, Littles and up to 4 family members. Great food! Games! Inflatables! Contests! Raffles! Entertainment!
RSVP by September 22 to: news@bbbs-mv.org and put “PICNIC” on the subject line.
COACHES CORNER
VOLUME 9, ISSUE 9
S E P T E M B E R, 2 0 1 7
DEAR MATCH COACH: WHAT IF MY LITTLE CAN’T MAKE FRIENDS?
A fear kids have as they enter into middle school is that they won’t fit in socially with their peers. Your Little may have this issue now, and it may only be heightened in middle school where they may not have a friend in every class period.
feel a lot better knowing that you care enough to help them. Also, suggest that they join a new activity they’ve never tried before.
Middle school offers more options for extra-curricular activities than elementary school Although at times it may not seem like you are did. Encourage them to go out for a sports team, helping their social development, it is! Keep doing join student council, or art club if that’s what they like. Make a goal that they have to try it at least what you are already doing. Encourage them to raise their hand at least once in class. Try teaching twice before deciding it isn’t for them. your Little how to join in on conversations without interrupting. Talk about being a good listener and Don’t forget about the sponsorships and grants through HAVlife that could support your Little with making eye contact with others when having their extra-curricular conversations. These are fears everyone facesactivities. even adults. Be sure to remind them they aren’t alone. Tell them about a time when you started a new job, or a new school. They may seem bored and roll their eyes, but they are listening and will
Homemade Playdough
SEPTEMBER CRAFT ACTIVITIES
Supplies: 1 cup flour 1 cup water 2 teaspoons cream of tarter 1/3 cup salt 1 tablespoon vegetable oil Food coloring *This easy homemade playdough recipe makes a large amount, probably equal to 2-3 containers from the store. So you might want to halve it or make it in 2 saucepans.
Directions: In 2 quart saucepan, add 1 cup flour, 2 teaspoons cream of tarter, and 1/3 cup of salt. Add 1 cup of water and 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil. Turn burner on medium/low and stir. It will be a little lumpy, which is okay. Keep stirring until it starts to get a little solid. If there are still a few lumps, it’s okay- you can work them out later. If stove is already hot it may only take 20-30 seconds, but it may take 2-3 minutes if it’s still heating up. Once solid add food coloring right away and mix up. Once dough starts to gather together around spoon you know it’s done. Can take 20 seconds to 2 minutes.
Paper Plate Flower Supplies: Paper plate Wool of different colors Scissors Optional- plastic needle for guiding
Directions: Begin by marking out an uneven set of “petals”. Has to be uneven in order for weaving pattern to work and keep going round in a nice neat loop. Once you cut all around the plate you can spend time shaping the petals if you want too. Take wool and place it between first two petals. String across to opposite corresponding slot. Move it behind that petal and forward again, then find next corresponding slot. *Can punch hole in middle of plate to put starting and ending string piece in. Start weaving. In and Out and change colors by tying pieces of wool together until you have woven as much as you want of the flower.
COACHES CORNER VOLUME 9, ISSUE 9
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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:
Six Big Brothers Big Sisters Matches will be honored at this event. You will hear the encouraging stories of Matches in the following categories (winners to be announced in October): ● Rookie Match of the Year ● Middle School Match of the Year ● McDonough County Match of the Year
● Elementary School Match of the Year ● High School Match of the Year ● 2017 BIG IMPACT Match of the Year
We will also recognize any of the BBBS Matches who were nominated for awards this year. In addition, three businesses will be honored for their contributions and support of Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Mississippi Valley. Plus, our Tom Hannah Service Award winners will be announced at this event. You will hear from a current Big, a former Little and the parent of a current Little about their perspectives regarding one-to-one mentoring through Big Brothers Big Sisters. All of these stories are sure to motivate and encourage all of our supporters as well as our community and help everyone to better understand the impact that one-to-one mentoring has on these children who are facing adversity.
Reserve your seats or tables today! All adults: $35 All Littles: FREE Tables of 8: $280 (All seated together)
RSVP by October 12, 2017 to kkiesey@bbbs-mv.org (Indicate Big Impact on the subject line) or call Kayla at 563-323-8006.
COACHES CORNER
VOLUME 9, ISSUE 9
SEPTEMBER, 2017
ISU SCOTT COUNTY EXTENSION MASTER GARDENERS - From ISU Scott County Extension Master Gardeners With the growing season just about over, it’s a good time to reflect on what plants did well and not so well. Put your thoughts in a journal along with plant tags or photos of the annuals you want to use next year. It will also make your shopping easier next May at the BBBS Plant Sale. Coleus have become more popular within the last few years with bright leaf colors and patterns. Check out how well this BBBS hanging pot is doing. Don't forget you can get multiple plants by trimming them back and putting the cuttings in a glass of water. Within a week or two, you'll see that the stems have sprouted roots. Use them in new pots or freshening up existing pots where plants aren't doing well. TIP - Mid-August to mid-September is the best time to seed new lawns and over seed existing lawns. A late summer seeding has several advantages over spring seeding. The seeds of cool-season grasses germinate quickly in the warm soil of late summer. The warm days and cool nights of early fall promote rapid turf grass growth. TIP – Focus on Fall Gardening Conference, September 30th. Register today. http://www.eicc.edu/future-students/events/growing-along-the-river/
PLANT SALE PLANTS FROM AROUND THE QUAD CITIES
SAVE THE DATES! Plant Sale 2018 May 3-12
COACHES CORNER VOLUME 9, ISSUE 9
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M.A.P.S. SEPTEMBER MATCH ACTIVITIES September is M.A.P.S. Literacy Month! Writer’s Workshop- Saturday, September 9th from 1-3 p.m. Location: BBBS Offices, 130 W. 5th Street, Davenport. Join BBBS in a writer’s workshop. We will learn about the different type of writing styles, the writing process, and then get creative by writing our own stories! Comic strips, flip books, chapters, illustrations, the possibilities are endless! Earn a literacy stamp when you attend.
Mentor Enrichment Series: First Aid Certification and CPR—Bigs only. Thursday, September 21, 5:30-7 p.m. Location: BBBS Office, 130 W. 5th Street, Davenport, IA Mentor Enrichment Series- First Aid Certification and CPR for Bigs only: What would you do if your Little suddenly requires medical attention? How could you help? Learn the life-saving techniques of First Aid and Hands-Only CPR and you'll be prepared to assist until more advanced medical personnel arrive. Please join us for this 2nd session in the Mentor Enrichment Series, led by Carly Walker, from the Illinois Safe Families AmeriCorps group of the American Red Cross. Light dinner will be served.
RSVP at least 2 days prior to the event to news@bbbs-mv.org
CELEBRATE SEPTEMBER MATCH ANNIVERSARIES! Big’s First Name
Big’s Last Name
Little’s First Name
Years Matched
Jane Jefferson & Stephanie
Bahls
Patience
4
Caddy
Elijah
3
Georgene
Zust
Alexis
3
Berry
Cheeney
Brady
2
Michelle
Nurre
Isabel
2
Courtney
O'Connor
Tatyana
2
Millage
Johnson
E'Mon
2
Casandra
Garcia
Julie
2
Madison
Kessler
Vivianne
1
Nora
Johnson
Micarjo
1
Big’s First Name
Big’s Last Name
Little’s First Name
Years Matched
James
Schneider
Lucky
1
Maria
Holley
Anika
1
Jesyka
Dereta
Brianne
1
Sarah
Sanner
Phriedum
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 Aaron
Conner
Hazdyn
1
Devon
Rasmussen
Emonnie
1
Melinda
Alatorre
Riley
1
Debra
Crow
Mohnroe
1
Rose
Wallace
Zoe
1
Trisha
Townsend
Denaly
1
COACHES CORNER
VOLUME 9, ISSUE 9
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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
VOLUME 9, ISSUE 9
SEPTEMBER, 2017
WHAT’S HAPPENING IN WHITESIDE COUNTY: SEPTEMBER Welcome Amanda!
Preparing Your Children To Stay Home Alone
We are excited to announce that Amanda Wike has accepted the 2017/2018 AmeriCorp/ BBBS position of Customer Relations Specialist. Amanda was born and raised in Sterling and is dedicated to serving the youth in her community. Amanda is also the head coach for the Sterling StingRays. We are looking forward to a great year with Amanda!
At some point during your match you may encounter a situation where you hear of your Little staying at home without adult supervision. Illinois law has recently changed regarding children staying home without adult supervision. Illinois law defines a neglected minor, in part, as “any minor under the age of 14 years whose parent or other person responsible for the minor’s welfare leaves the minor without supervision for an unreasonable period of time without regard for the mental or physical health, safety or welfare of that minor.”
Back To School Picnic Special thanks to Krogers of Sterling for providing the hotdogs, buns, and condiments!
September Match Activities September 7th: 5:30pm at BBBS- Sauk Valley Storm Chasers Class *M.A.P.S. September 17th: 2:00pm - Tour of Rock Falls Fire Department and Match Anniversary Party Celebrations No milestone is too BIG or too LITTLE. We are excited to start celebrating our match anniversaries with quarterly parties. This September we will be celebrating the following match anniversaries for July, August, and September: Kristen and Robert: 4 years Staci and Brooklyn: 5 years Claudia and Autumn: 4 years Cassie and Akira: 1 year Gloria and Bianca: 5 years
Unfortunately, there is no magic age at which children develop the maturity and good sense needed to stay alone. However, there are some signs that show if a child may be ready. First, he/she should indicate a desire and willingness to stay alone. In addition, he/she should be showing signs of accepting the responsibility and being aware of the needs of others and should be able to consider alternatives and make decisions independently. Talking points with your Little could include the following: •What to do or say if someone calls or comes to the door; •How to lock and unlock windows; •What to do if approached by a stranger on the way home; •What to do if they think someone is in the house when they get home; •Kitchen safety (use of appliances, knives and tools); •What to do if they smell smoke or gas, or in the event of a fire; •What to do during severe storms; •Basic first aid techniques; and •Appropriate and inappropriate reasons for calling parents or other adults for help. For more information on Illinois Laws pertaining to children, you can visit the link below or call the office with any questions or concerns. https://www.illinois.gov/dcfs/safekids/safety
Advisory Board Opportunities As we continue to grow we have multiple opportunities for people to support Big Brothers Big Sisters. Our advisory board meets the 3 rd Thursday of every month. If interested in joining, please contact Danielle at dvance@bbbs-mv.org BIGS NIGHT OUT Our first Bigs Night Out was a success. We will be having another Bigs Night Out after the first of the year: stay tuned for details.
For more information about becoming a “Big” contact Danielle! dvance@bbbs-mv.org or call 815-716-8987
COACHES CORNER
VOLUME 9, ISSUE 9
SEPTEMBER, 2017
GEARING UP FOR A NEW SCHOOL YEAR! SOUTHERN MENTORING CENTER (McDONOUGH AND WARREN COUNTIES)
share love with the community! This is the third consecutive year Wesley has gone out of its way to prepare BBBS kids for academic success, and we love them for it!
The new school year is coming, and the Southern Mentoring Center is abuzz. The busy season has begun: we have already interviewed 4 Burlington Bees new Bigs and 4 new Littles, and there are many more to come. We have recruitment activities on the schedule, and we will be speaking to a few community groups this fall. We have a new WIU Social Work intern about to start, and he’s going to be working on some fantastic match activities for this semester. Get ready for a great fall! Bushnell New tables, new chairs, new desk, new signs...the Bushnell office is open! BIG thanks to McDonough Power Cooperative for awarding us the Operation Round-up Grant, and helping us help the kids in Bushnell! School Supplies 1 In July we were contacted by Emma Lewis; her daughter's birthday was coming up, and she wanted guests to bring school supplies for BBBS kids in lieu of gifts. When we picked up those school supplies, Emma told us a great story: her daughter, just turned 3(!), wanted one of the collected backpacks, but "some kids don't have backpacks," she said. A future Big Sister? We hope so! Many thanks to the Lewis family and all of their guests, and HAPPY BIRTHDAY to that great kid! School Supplies 2 The wonderful people at Wesley United Methodist Church of Macomb, IL have come through for our kids again! This year 3 different Sunday School classes banded together to provide complete school supplies for 31 OF OUR KIDS!!! What an awesome way to
Sunday 6 August was our annual visit to the Burlington Bees, and it was a wonderful day! We got to see the Bees play, run the bases, and then meet a few of the players. The most exciting part of the day was when Little Brothers Geoff and Noah were called down to do a “musical chairs game” between innings on the field, and Noah finished second! The Bees have always been so generous to us, and BBBS truly appreciates it! GO BEES! After our annual Bees game we got to have dinner "on the house" at Jimmy John's in Burlington. Thanks to the Jimmy John's staff, and thanks to owner Ric Cortés for always taking care of us. BBBS loves Jimmy John's!
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)
VOLUME 9, ISSUE 9
SUNDAY
MONDAY
COACHES CORNER COMMUNITY CALENDAR—SEPTEMBER TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
1
S E P T E M B E R, 2 0 1 7
SATURDAY
2 Viva Quad Cities
3
4
5 Squishy Circuits
6
7 Cupcake School 8
9 WRITERS WORKSHOP
10
11 Read to a Dog 12
BIG / LITTLE TRAINING
13
14
15
16
22
23
Cupcake School Potato Head Craft
17
18
19
20
FIRST AID / CPR CERTIFICATION
DIY Fidget Spinners
24
25
26
21 Cupcake School
CAREER NAVIGATORS STORM READY
27
28
Cupcake School
Tween/Teen Game Night
29
30 BBBS ANNUAL PICNIC
Astronomy Night
OUT AND ABOUT IN THE COMMUNITY! SEPTEMBER
VIVA Quad Cities Fiesta: September 2 from 12:00pm-10:30pm along River Drive in downtown Moline near the iWireless Center (1201 River Dr). VIVA QC Fiesta is celebrating over 20 years of highlighting the rich and vibrant Latino culture of the QC with music, dancing, food, vendors, children's games and more. Admission is $5 for adults; admission is FREE for children 12 and under. Call 309-235-5602 for more information.
Squishy Circuits: September 5 at 3:30pm at Davenport Main Library (321 N Main St). Experiment with electrical circuits and dough for learning and fun! Squishy Circuits uses conductive and insulating play dough to teach the basics of electrical circuits in a fun, hands-on way. Let your creations come to life as you light them up with LEDs, make noises with buzzers, and spin with the motor. This event is FREE and registration is required. Call 563-326-7832 for more information. Cupcake School: September 7, 14, 21, 28 at 4:00pm at Davenport Public Library Eastern Avenue Branch (6000 Eastern Ave). Practice your frosting skills & learn new decorating techniques at the Library's Cupcake School for grade-school kids! This event is FREE. Call 563-326-7832 for more information. Read to a Dog: September 11 at 5:00pm at the Davenport Public Library Eastern Avenue Branch (6000 Eastern Ave). QC CAN’s reading assistance dogs are specially trained, along with their handler, to provide the environment needed to help children improve their reading skills! This event is free and recommended for ages 6-11. Call 563-326-7832 for more information.
Potato Head Craft: September 13 at 2:30pm at Davenport Main Library (321 N Main St). School-aged kids can come and make their own Potato Head creation, using real potatoes and various craft and food materials. This event is FREE, no registration required! Call 563-326-7382 for more information. DIY Fidget Spinners: September 19 at 3:30pm at Davenport Main Library (321 N Main St). Kids aged 6+ will use perler beads to craft a working fidget spinner. This event is FREE and registration is required. Call 563-326-7832 for more information. Tween/Teen Gaming Night: September 28 from 5:30pm-7:30pm at Rock Island Downtown Library (401 19th St). Gaming fun for ages 8-12 and 12-18. Play Wii U, Xbox 360, board games, and see what you can catch in Pokemon Go. This event is FREE. Call 309-732-7323 for more information. Astronomy Night: September 30 from 7:30pm-9:00pm at Rock Island 30/31 Library (3059 30th St). Join the Popular Astronomy Club for a night of stargazing fun! This event is FREE. Call 309-732-7323 for more information.