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COVID-19 Update: We continue to monitor the novel coronavirus pandemic. Board member, Dr. Alta Price, MD, asks that we follow CDC guidelines regarding mask-wearing. Fully-vaccinated people at out-of-doors events are not required to wear masks, but may choose to do so.
Events listed on our website and calendar will clearly state whether they will be in-person, via Zoom or phone-in.
Our Office Manager, Julie, can set up Zoom meetings on behalf of members or affiliates. Contact her via pacgoffice@gmail.com, her cell (563-508-2209) or the PACG Office (563-676-7580).
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Note: Although we schedule the WEU for Tuesday morning delivery, submissions to the WEU are due by noon on the Sunday before publication.
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Save the Date: 9th Annual Picnic and Pie Auction
Sunday, September 12th at 12:00 noon
Fejervary Park
1759 W. 12th St.
Davenport, Iowa (map)
(first published 07/06/2021)
We are back LIVE for our Annual Picnic and Pie Auction with some exciting new, family friendly activities in the works! More details provided in the coming weeks.
Allison Ambrose
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New Numbers for the ACA!
(first published 07/20/2021)
Health Care Reform Forum
The Affordable Care Act (ACA) has subsidized health insurance plans for more than 2 million more people since President Biden reopened health insurance markets. This pandemic response plan enabled 1.5 million to enroll through the federal Healthcare.gov marketplace and 600,000 through state-run insurance exchanges. Since April 1st, customers have been given much more generous financial assistance. Although this benefit is temporary, the administration hopes to make it permanent through legislation later this year.
The special enrollment period is scheduled to end on August 15, 2021.
If you know anyone you think may be uninsured, encourage them to check out the options available in the ACA by logging on to Healthcare.gov. Informational flyers are available for download.
Spanish Version
English Version
Pictured here is our Forum member, Deb Sperry, posting flyers at the Eldridge Library. Contact PACG's office manager if you would like flyers to distribute.
Frank Samuelson
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Save the Planet
Saturday, July 31st at 10:00 am
Davenport Freight House Farmers Market (map)
(first published 07/27/2021)
Environmental Forum
Join us every Saturday at the Davenport Freight House Farmers Market and learn about what you can do to help save planet earth.
Susan Leuthauser
Shirley Johnson
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Rock Island County to Eliminate Recycling Drop-Off Centers
(first published 07/27/2021)
Environmental Forum
According to an article in the QC Times and Argus/Dispatch on July 8th, Rock Island County Waste Management Agency will terminate their Recycling Drop-Off Centers on September 30th. This agency represents 12 cities in Rock Island County. The article states that this decision was based on a budgetary short-fall, which was due to decreased revenue in solid waste tonnage attributed to businesses being closed during the pandemic.
We encourage everyone to send letters of concern to the agency at 1504 Third Avenue, Rock Island, IL, 61201 or at www.ricwma.org. If you have used the drop-off sites personally, please share your need for these services.
Lori McCollum
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Monthly Celebration - Plastic-Free July
Join the Plastic-Free Challenge
(first published 06/29/2021)
Environmental Forum
(Click on the image above for a downloadable flyer)
Plastic pollution has become one of the most pressing environmental issues. We are overwhelming this planet with plastic wastes, especially single-use plastics. Join the Plastic-Free July Challenge, and be part of the solution to this global problem.
Susan Leuthauser
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Environmental Forum Meeting via Zoom
Monday, August 2nd at 6:30 pm
Online
(first published 07/27/2021)
Environmental Forum
Meeting Topics include:
- QC Plastics Free / Straw Free is now a sub-group of the Earth Coalition
- Work on an update to our Environmental Forum webpage to include Earth Fair 2021 exhibitor photos and updated speaker slide
- Climate Resolution, Cities of: Rock Island, Silvis, and Bettendorf.
Monthly ‘Take Action’ Calendar:
- Pollinators Month (August)
- World Clean-Up Month (September)
- World Food Month (October)
Shirley Johnson
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August Green Drinks Social
Tuesday, August 3rd at 5:00 pm
Stompbox Brewing
210 E Riverdrive, Davenport, IA (map)
(first published 07/20/2021)
Environmental Forum
Join us for an evening of relaxation and celebration on Tuesday, August 3rd at 5:00 pm. Green Drinks has been meeting virtually every month since April last year. Our August meeting will be on the patio of Stompbox Brewing. It is an in-person get together to celebrate our success, and to thank you for your support. Come join us for a drink, bring a friend and make new ones. We hope to resume in-person meetings in the near future.
For your safety, please follow CDC and WHO recommendations for masks and social distancing.
https://www.stompboxbrewing.com/
Susan Leuthauser
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Juvenile Justice Coalition Meeting Via Zoom
Friday, August 6th at 4:00 pm
Online
(first published 07/27/2021)
Juvenile Justice Coalition
The Juvenile Justice Coalition will meet Friday, August 6th at 4 pm. We continue to discuss issues affecting youth in our community. With a move forward toward a new Juvenile Detention Center (jail) in Scott County, our work has become even more important. Join us to discuss this and our efforts to promote a Youth Assessment Center (distinct and separate from a juvenile jail).
Contact Michael Guster for a Zoom link.
Michael Guster
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Interested in health care issues? Attend our Health Care Reform Forum Meeting
Wednesday, August 11th at 2:30 pm
Online and In-person
St. John's Lutheran Church
4501 7th AV
Rock Island, IL (map)
(first published 07/20/2021)
Health Care Reform Forum
This meeting will be held via Zoom and in-person.
The Health Care Reform Forum will hold its monthly meeting on Wednesday, August 11 at 2:30 pm. We continue to discuss lowering drug prices, access to affordable care, Covid, and national and community solutions to help cure societal ailments.
Join us via Zoom or join us in-person at St. John's Lutheran Church.
Contact Julie Ross for a Zoom link.
Julie Ross
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PACG Book Club - The Four Winds via Zoom
Monday, August 16th at 5:30 pm
Online
(first published 07/06/2021)
Book Club
Note: There is no July PACG Book Club meeting.
For August we will read and discuss The Four Winds by Kristin Hannah. Visit this PACG Blog post for more information about the book.
To get a head start on September, start reading Separated: Inside an American Tragedy by Jacob Soboroff. Go to this PACG Blog post to learn more about the book.
Happy reading! Click on my name for a Zoom link for the August meeting.
Alta Price
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Adolescence, Race, and Trauma Coalition Community Meeting
Thursday, July 29th at 7:00 pm
Metropolitan Community Church of the Quad Cities
2930 W. Locust ST
Davenport, IA (map)
(first published 07/13/2021)
Adolescence, Race, and Trauma Coalition
Inspired by Professor Kristin Henning’s “Race, Adolescence, and Trauma” webinar, a group of interested people will gather to discuss issues and actions to make our community a more just, equitable, and caring place for our youth. Please join us at our second meeting. Youth, especially, are encouraged to attend. We are a vibrant group and welcome your participation.
Julie Ross
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“The Shameful Phenomenon of Sundown Towns”
(first published 07/27/2021)
Do you know about “Sundown Towns,” sometimes called “Sunset Towns”? Here’s a 4-minute podcast that explains the shameful history.
Listen here: uk-podcasts.co.uk/podcast/black-history-buff-podcast/the-shameful-phenomenon-of-sundown-towns
Julie Ross
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Show your love!
Saturday, July 31st
Freighthouse Farmer’s Market (map)
(first published 07/20/2021)
One Human Family
One Human Family will be passing out free “Love Unites” and “Welcome Neighbor” signs at the Freighthouse Farmers’ Market on Saturday July 31st. Spread love AND make space in Rev. Rich’s car! Donations are welcome, but not required.
Rev. Rich Hendricks
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Summer of Soul
In Theaters and Online
(first published 07/13/2021)
The Woodstock Music Festival attracted more than 400,000 attendees in the summer of 1969. That same summer the comparable Harlem Cultural Festival took place just 100 miles away in Harlem, NY, attracting nearly 300,000 attendees. But film footage has never been seen until now. Summer of Soul (...Or, When the Revolution Could Not Be Televised) can currently be seen in theaters and on-demand on the streaming service Hulu. This documentary contains important information about black history and cultural heritage. It’s joyous to watch, and the music is outstanding!
Watch the trailer
Julie Ross
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Racial Equality Now! Rally
Saturdays from 12:00 noon - 12:30 pm
The Slumberland/Party City Corner of
John Deere RD & 16th ST
Moline, IL (across from South Park Mall) (map)
(first published 06/16/2020)
Note: We will continue to gather every Saturday unless there is lightning from an active thunderstorm.
Civil Rights Forum
Join us every Saturday to stand up for the rights of Black People, specifically, and all People of Color in the United States of America! The purpose of this local Racial Equality Now! Rally is to support the current movement for racial equality and justice that has spread across this country, and to ensure that it keeps going for as long as it takes to see real and meaningful progress toward racial equality in America.
The half-hour you spend with us is empowering and unifying.
If you join us on Saturday, please wear a mask and expect to participate in social distancing. (Note: We were all vaccinated and stood closer for just a few minutes while taking this photo.)
Although I made a few extra signs, please bring some of your own if you can. Ideas for signs include “Honk for Justice,” Honk for Equality,” “Black Lives Matter,” “I Can’t Breathe!,” “Let’s Talk!,” “No Hate in Our State,” or “No More Deaths,” and many others.
There is always parking in the adjoining Slumberland/Party City/Enterprise parking lot, so please bring a friend and join us to help promote racial justice and equality for all People of Color! If you can’t make it this Saturday, join us on Saturdays as often as you can. Together we can make a difference!
Caryn Unsicker
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Community Conversation with Supervisor Croken re: Juvenile Detention Center
Tuesday, July 27th and Wednesday 28th at 6:00 pm
Scott County Library (27th) and Davenport Public Library (28th)
(first published 07/27/2021)
Ken Croken, Board of Supervisors
Supervisor Croken To Host Two “Community Conversation” Forums On Juvenile Justice Issues
Tuesday, July 27th - 6 pm at Scott County Library System location at 200 North Sixth Street in Eldridge. (map)
Wednesday, July 28th - 6 p.m. at the Main Street Branch of the Davenport Public Library, located at 321 North Main Street at the southeast corner with Fourth Street. (map)
Scott County Supervisor Ken Croken announced today that he will host two “Community Conversation” sessions to solicit community input on plans to build a new, significantly larger Juvenile Detention Center. “My goal is to share both my support and concerns about the proposed $18 million dollar project and to seek community input,” he said.
The first of these two meetings will be held on Tuesday, July 27 starting at 6 p.m. at the Scott County Library System location at 200 North Sixth Street in Eldridge. Joining Croken will be Marcy Mistrett, a senior fellow with the Washington, D.C.-based research and advocacy group, The Sentencing Project. For more than 30 years, this organization has focused on issues related to incarceration and racial disparities in the criminal justice system.
The second “Community Conversation” session will be held on Wednesday, July 28 starting at 6 p.m. at the Main Street Branch of the Davenport Public Library, located at 3212 North Main Street at the southeast corner with Fourth Street. Joining Croken for this session will be Steve Michael, Division Administrator of Criminal and Juvenile Justice Planning with the Iowa Department of Human Rights.
Julie Ross
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The Prairie Retreat
Thursday, August 19th
2664 145th Ave.
Wheatland, Iowa (map)
(first published 07/06/2021)
Exploring the Prairie
Thursday, August 19th at 9:00 am
Staff from the Nahant Marsh Education Center will provide a guided bird hike in the morning and a prairie/wildflower hike in the afternoon. These hikes will include discussions about the variety of birds that inhabit the Prairie and the history and ecology of the tallgrass prairie ecosystem. Fee: $30 includes meal.
Register at: https://www.chmiowa.org/news-and-events/calendar/event/334.
For more info contact:
Claudia Scharf
563-336-8414
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First Annual Monarch Fun Run, Third Annual Monarch Fest
Saturday, September 11th at 8:00 am
Wapsi River Environmental Education Center
31555 52nd Avenue, Dixon, Iowa 52745 (map)
(first published 07/27/2021)
Friends of the Wapsi
Join the Wapsi Staff for its 1st Annual Monarch Migration Fun Run benefiting the Friends of the Wapsi Center. It is a 3-mile self-timed trail run, with two waves: 9:00 am and 10:30 am. Check in starts at 8:00 am. Registration includes a t-shirt & refreshments.
Registration closes on September 10th. Must register by August 20th to be guaranteed a shirt.
Register for the First Annual Monarch Fun Run
Fun Run: 9:00 am to 12:00 noon
Monarch Fest: 1:00 - 4:30 pm Monarch activities, including seed balls, crafts, monarch tagging and releases.
For more info: 563-328-3286
Julie Ross
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Of Interest to Our Community
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Crisis in Our Community: Mass Evictions Affect Over 100 Families
(first published 07/20/2021)
Davenport Bearing Witness
(Click the image above to read the QCTimes.com article)
Davenport Bearing Witness has brought to light mass evictions of more than 100 families in our community. These people live in low-rent and subsidized housing in Davenport. Their apartment buildings - left in disrepair - were sold to a developer, who would like to put in more luxury (more expensive) living options. The current families - many of whom have lived in these buildings for years - are now faced with quickly finding alternative low-cost housing, which is not easy to find. They will incur costs that few of these families can afford.
Read Quad City Times article
Read the most recent Davenport Bearing Witness email
Julie Ross
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"Race, Adolescence and Trauma" Webinar - After Action Report
Resources and Additional Recording Viewing Options
...And More Action Ahead!
(first published 06/29/2021)
Juvenile Justice Coalition of the Quad Cities and Others
Several months ago, PACG’s Board of Directors member, Loxi Hopkins, attended an online conference where she had the opportunity to hear an amazing presentation on “Race, Adolescence, and Trauma” by Professor Kristin Henning of Georgetown University in Washington, D.C. Loxi was so inspired by this presentation, that she suggested at our next Board meeting that we should sponsor a webinar for our Quad City community. She knew that this could be useful as a tool to bring greater understanding and future action for those of us working locally for marginalized children.
We reached out to other local organizations, and soon Juvenile Justice Coalition of the QCA, Davenport NAACP (National Association for the Advancement of Colored People), LULAC (League of United Latin American Citizen) Council 10, One Human Family QCA, and UUCQC (Unitarian Universalist Congregation of the Quad Cities) agreed to cosponsor a free webinar with PACG. As a group, we wanted a balance of citizens, as well as educators, law enforcement, local elected officials, and social service agencies in attendance.
Update: these options for viewing the webinar are no longer available.
After months of planning, we were proud to offer a 90-minute webinar on Tuesday, June 22nd. The “Race, Adolescence, and Trauma” Zoom webinar was attended by almost 200 people (132 devices logged in, but we know that many of them involved groups of people watching together). After the presentation, Professor Henning answered some of the many questions submitted by the attendees.
If you were fortunate enough to attend the webinar, we know that you found that the information and ideas were presented clearly and logically, and in an engaging manner. Professor Henning touched upon ACEs (Adverse Childhood Experiences and Adverse Community Environments); perceptional and reactional differences of youth of color; analysis of national and local communities regarding disparities in responses (suspensions/detentions/law enforcement response) to perceived infractions by youth of color, and much more. Her facts were supported by dedicated research and numerous studies. She also suggested some logical solutions to shrinking the chasm between treatment of white and minority youth. Read more at our blog post to see resources that were shared by Professor Henning, two ways to see a recording of the entire webinar, and our plans for future action.
A follow-up meeting at 7 p.m. Tuesday, July 6, allowed us to begin working on needed local changes.
Please spread the word to your communities about the importance of this work and how people can get involved.
Julie Ross
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