What’s The Good News For July, Quad-Cities?
Summer is in full swing and there are so many things to feel sunny about in the Quad-Cities! There’s always lots of positive news out there and we highlight some of the awesome things going on every month in this column, What’s The Good News, featured here on QuadCities.com and on KWQC-TV6’s “Paula Sands Live!”
So, what’s the good news for July 2021?
Here are some of the headlines…
Quad-Cities Podcast Hub Debuts!
Looking for your new favorite podcast?
Shop local! With the Quad-Cities Podcast Hub!
The site, located on QuadCities.com at quadcities.com/podcasts, offers over 50 podcasts and over 3,000 episodes on a variety of topics, everything from music to health to politics to humor and more! It’s the only site of its kind in the Quad-Cities, offering a creative platform to area podcasters, and it’s free for the podcasters and FREE for anyone to check out.
Please give it a look and find your new favorite show at the Quad-Cities Podcast Hub!
Rock Island High School Sends Over A Half-Dozen Wrestlers To State
Over a half-dozen wrestlers from Rock Island High School advanced to compete at the state level last month! Let’s salute their achievements, 
and give them a round of applause for their efforts whether they placed or just advanced to compete at such a high level!
Congratulations again to Tristan Willoughby, Amare Overton (4th place at 152), Andrew Marquez (4th place at 220), and Steven Marquez (1st Place at 195)!
Daniel McGhee, Sammy Niyonkuru, Kyle Gant, and Manny Limon all won 1 and lost 2, Tyler Barbee went 2-2. They have been eliminated.
Aoci Bernard made the semifinals, and lost a close 3-0 decision to last years State Champ. He now has a match to see if he goes for 3rd or 5th, and then the medal round.
You can find out more about the wrestlers here on QuadCities.com!
Davenport Schools Offering Free Online Resources For The Summer
DAVENPORT, IA – The Davenport Community School District website offers a wealth of free online educational resources, which can be found on the Summer Learning page at https://www.davenportschools.org/summer2021.
Media specialists have prepared summer reading lists for students, grades 1 through 12. The lists are divided into groups for grades 1-2, 3-5,
6-8, and 9-12. These lists will help students and their parents to find enjoyable books, at the right reading level, during the summer months.
“Learning doesn’t have to stop during the summer,” said TJ Schneckloth, Superintendent at Davenport Community School District. “The links on the Summer Learning page of our website present a fun selection of free resources that kids of all ages can enjoy.”
The page features links to online resources for summer learning at home in a variety of educational categories. These include Reading, Mathematics, Science, and Family Engagement, with downloadable support documents available.
Links in the Reading section include Starfall – http://www.starfall.com/ – a free public service to teach children to read with phonics. Other websites listed in the Reading section feature learning games, videos, puzzles, and vocabulary tests.
Links in the Mathematics section include AAA Math – http://www.AAAmath.com – which features explanations of mathematical topics, practice problems, and challenging games.
The Science section include many links of local interest, including the Putnam Museum of History and Natural Science – http://www.putnam.org – which houses thousands of informative exhibits.
The Family Engagement section features PBS Kids Lab – http://www.pbskids.org/lab – where you will find an abundance of educational media covering a variety of learning topics.
Other Family and Student Resources can be found on the Davenport Community School District website at https://www.davenportschools.org/family-and-students/. Parents are encouraged to visit this section for information on family services, health and wellness, and more.
To learn more about the Davenport Community School District, please visit http://www.davenportschools.org/.
Davenport’s Junior Theatre Celebrating Its 70th Season
Davenport Junior Theatre (DJT) will be celebrating its 70th season of theater “for kids, by kids” with a four-show Mainstage season consisting of two DJT classics, Winnie-the-Pooh and Imagine That!, and two first-time shows: Annie Jr. and The Phantom Tollbooth. All shows will be free to audience members.
Showtime Pal, the longtime mascot and host for Junior Theatre, the second-oldest children’s theater in America.
“Coming out of the pandemic into our 70th season makes the cause for celebration even more special,” says Ben Gougeon, DJT’s artistic director. “We wanted to honor our history while also looking forward to DJT’s future. During last year’s ‘pause’ on live theatre, we also envisioned a future where we could break down as many barriers as possible to kids participating in and seeing theatre. By eliminating the cost of a ticket, more families can attend productions and experience the magic of great storytelling.”
DJT will kick off its 70th season in October with Winnie-the-Pooh, based on the book by A.A. Milne and adapted by Kristin Sergel. DJT has visited the 100-acre wood 11 previous times in its history, but this will be the first production featuring the “silly ol’ bear” since 2009. “Not only is Pooh a beloved character the world round, but Pooh also holds a special place in DJT’s history, having been performed many, many times, including several years on our now retired Show Wagon,” said Gougeon.
Pooh will be followed by newcomers to the Mary Fluhrer Nighswander Theatre (2822 Eastern Ave., Davenport), Annie Jr. and The Phantom Tollbooth.
For the final show of the season, DJT will be performing Ed Graczyk’s Imagine That! in conjunction with a 70-year celebration featuring an alumni reunion, fundraisers, and more. This will be DJT’s sixth production of Imagine That!, and was a favorite of the many alumni who performed in it during the ‘70s, ‘80s and ‘90s.
Founded in 1951, Davenport Junior Theatre is the nation’s second-oldest children’s theater (behind the Children’s Theater of Cincinnati, celebrating its 101st year). Classes (both virtual and in-person) and camps are offered year-round in theatre and dance for students ages 3 to 18. DJT prepares kids for a lifetime of success, no matter what path their lives may take.
Ragged Records and Trash Can Annies Reopen in Downtown Davenport
Most struggling businesses only had to deal with a global pandemic last year.
By the time of the mass shutdown in mid-March 2020, Ragged Records and Trash Can Annie’s in downtown Davenport were already closed
Bob Herington and Laura Heath in their new store July 7, 2021.
about 42 weeks – forced out by the historic flooding in 2019. They’re finally ready to reopen at a new nearby building, 311 E. 2nd St., and had their grand re-opening on Saturday, July 17.
“It’s been a dream come true,” Laura Heath – who owns TCA, the vintage clothing, styling and photography business – said this week of the totally renovated space formerly occupied by Abernathy’s, which moved in August 2019 to 432 W. 3rd St., Davenport. “We had a chance to rebuild and here is my true personality.”
She and Ragged Records owner Bob Herington (who were previously at 418 E. 2nd St.), by the Government Bridge, moved into the new location in June 2020, in the 1920s-era building owned by Pete Stopulos of Ruhl Commercial, which was totally gutted and Stopulos built out the interior.
Ragged buys and sells new and used LPs and CDs.
“It has all new HVAC, new flooring, new storage, dressing rooms, new bathrooms,” Herington said with pride. “It was just an empty concrete shell. He tore all the old windows off the front and put in new.”
Since spring 2021, the two businesses installed new counters, shelves and racks and fully stocked the place with a staggering variety of vintage (men’s, women’s and children’s) clothing, hats, accessories, and scrupulously curated vinyl albums (each hugged by clear plastic wrap). They were able to move and save nearly all their inventory before the downtown flood barriers breached at 3:30 p.m. on April 30, 2019.
For more information on the limited edition Record Store Day titles, visit www.recordstoreday.com.
For more on the businesses (which both buy and sell items), visit www.raggedrecords.org and www.facebook.com/trashcanannie.
UnityPoint Offering FREE Breast Cancer Screenings
Women in the Quad-Cities can now take advantage of no-cost breast cancer screening through UnityPoint Health – Trinity. Appointments are being accepted by calling 309-779-5870. Funding for the breast cancer screening program is possible thanks to the generosity of Riverboat Development Authority and Trinity Health Foundation.
“We are committed to our mission of improving the health of the people and communities we serve. We recognize the ongoing need and importance of ensuring our community has access to breast cancer screening and diagnostic services and are providing financial assistance to those who qualify,” says Alison Beardsley, director of oncology.
Through the Trinity Health Foundation’s Breast Patient Assistance Fund, people can access a breast cancer screening and diagnostic services at no cost. To qualify, a patient must be either uninsured or underinsured. Patients can request a screening mammogram directly by calling 309-779-5870 to schedule. No doctor’s order needed.
Beardsley says early detection of breast cancer leads to better outcomes and higher survival rates. Yet, far too many people are putting off this important preventive measure.
“There’s an alarming trend nationally that women are postponing or skipping their mammogram. Every missed appointment is a missed opportunity to save a life. Each one of those appointments represents a loved one – a mother, daughter, partner, friend who is at risk and whose chances for survival increase with early detection and treatment,” says Beardsley.
Providers fear the progress in cancer detection and treatment over the last decades will regress if this trend continues. Even with new technology, breast cancer remains the most common cancer and second-leading cause of cancer death for women.
“Regular screening mammography simply saves lives,” said Melinda Hass, MD, medical director of Trinity’s Breast Health Center. “Waiting or putting off entirely a recommended screening can have dire consequences. Please, if you canceled or delayed your appointment, call us now to get in. Or, if you need follow up from a previous mammogram, today, not tomorrow, is the best time to address it.”
Patient financial assistance for breast imaging covers both the technical and professional components of:
- Mammogram – screening or diagnostic.
- Ultrasound – manual or automated.
- Core Biopsy, if recommended.
Uninsured or underinsured patients are eligible.
“Cancer screening plays a critical role in the health of our community members. Pandemic-related disruptions such as job loss or fear in seeking care may increase existing social or economic obstacles to screening and care,” said Mary Macumber-Schmidt, president of Trinity Health Foundation. “We’re grateful to donors who are removing any financial burden for those who need potentially lifesaving screenings.”
The American College of Radiology recommends annual mammography screening starting at age 40 for women of average risk of developing breast cancer. Higher-risk women should start mammographic screening earlier. Women should complete monthly self-breast exams to note changes in the look or feel of the breast. Report changes to your healthcare provider and call to schedule an examination.
Visit unitypoint.org for more information. Call (309) 779-5870 to schedule a screening mammogram today.
Genesis Is Helping Area Schools To ‘Pack The Bus’
Genesis Health System will help area students and families get back to normal when schools reopen.
Genesis Health System’s “Pack the Bus’’ Drive Benefits Quad-Cities Families“Pack the Bus’’ debuted two years ago as part of the Genesis anniversary celebration of 150 years of health services. The needs are even greater as families continue to recover from COVID-19 
disruptions.
“The Genesis ‘Pack the Bus’ campaign will assist families and the schools again this year by providing the tools they need for learning,” said Shirley Gusta, director of the Genesis Business Intelligence Center, who is coordinating the Genesis volunteer effort. “There is never enough funding for schools to provide everything students need and with the continued challenges we face with COVID, children cannot share supplies at school.
“We hope our own Genesis employees and the general public can help fill some of the gaps in supplies.’’
Last year, even in the midst of the pandemic, the Genesis “Pack the Bus” team safely collected 10,355 school supply items with a value of $19,200. Supplies were delivered to 10 school districts. The efforts have been so successful and well received by the school districts that “Pack the Bus” returns for a third consecutive year Aug. 2-5.
“We are grateful for the generous response of Genesis employees and from the public for students and their local schools,” said Gusta. “Like last year, we anticipate families and local school districts will continue to need our support because of the continuing challenges brought by COVID-19.”
Donations will be collected at school buses parked at these locations on these dates:
Aug. 2 at Genesis Medical Center, East Rusholme Street, Davenport, in the parking lot between the Heart Institute and Edgerton building
Aug. 3 at Genesis Medical Center, West Central Park, Davenport, on the north side/West Central Park Avenue parking lot
Aug. 4 at Genesis Medical Center, Silvis, in the corner of the main parking lot
Aug. 5 at North Scott Foods, Eldridge
Supplies will be collected each day between 7:30 a.m. and 3:45 p.m. Infection prevention and social distancing will be practiced.
Monetary gifts to “Pack the Bus” can be made at bit.ly/GenesisPackTheBus.
Genesis Health System, Durham School Services, Two Men and a Truck, Staples and North Scott Foods are sponsors.
Genesis Health System’s “Pack the Bus’’ Drive Benefits Quad-Cities FamiliesHere are items requested by the schools:
AAA Batteries
Art Brushes
Backpacks (girl/boy/generic)
Binders (3-Ring)
Bleach Wipes
Colored Pencils
Crayons
Dry Erase Markers
Facial Tissues
2 Pocket Folders (Plastic or Paper)
Glue Sticks
Hand Sanitizer
Headphones, No Ear Buds
Highlighters
Liquid Glue – Elmer’s
Mechanical Pencils
#2 Pencils & Pencil Boxes
Individual Pencil Sharpeners
Note Cards
Ink Pens (black, blue and red)
Scissors
Scotch Tape
Spiral Notebooks – Wide Lined
Tabbed Dividers for 3 Ring Binders
Washable Markers
Zip Lock Bags
And there you have it, folks, your What’s The Good News for July 2021!
Got some good news you’d like featured? Email me at Sean@QuadCities.com!
