Quad Cities Live, Aug. 5

Live from the KWQC Broadcast Center in downtown Davenport with Morgan OTA and Kyle Keel. This is Quad Cities Live. Today on QCL, Galena's 5K Stair Challenge is happening in September honoring the heroes of 9-11 while celebrating our local first responders. Plus, meet an adoptable friend from the Quad City Animal Welfare Center and learn about their upcoming Muttstrut, one of the shelter's largest fundraisers of the year. It is back to class for kids in the Rock Island School District this week, why a library card is the key to a great school year. Hello and welcome to Quad Cities Live. Thank you for joining us. I'm Morgan OTA. History isn't just about looking back. It's about asking important questions that still resonate today. And beginning August 19th, the Burlington Public Library will host a traveling exhibition titled Americans and the Holocaust. Becky Nelson is here from the library to tell us about this unique opportunity. Becky, welcome to the show. Thank you for having me. Thank you for being here. We were talking a little bit about this before the show started, and you want to say something like, oh, it's so exciting that this exhibition is coming. to the Burlington Public Library, but of course we know these are very heavy topics. So it's also important to kind of note that. So as we get started, Becky, what exactly is this exhibit? So this is an exhibition that we received as a grant from the American Library Association in partnership with the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum. It's an 1,100 square foot exhibit with... images and videos to learn about the American responses specifically. Okay, we've got some visuals on the screen right now for people just to kind of, I don't know, jog your memory if it's been a while since you've either learned about this or researched it in any way. So I guess what is the purpose of the information that we will see that's going to be represented in the exhibition? And what are the ultimate goals of this exhibition? So the curators really wanted to make this something that would provoke thought and reflection, critical thinking. That's really the themes. people think about what would they do? Right. And there's not a right answer. The goal isn't to give answers. The goal is to make you think, make you wonder, be introspective. Yeah, no, that makes sense. I mean, it's one of those things as well where you do feel like you've learned about a lot of this and maybe much of that happened in school. But I also think when you get exhibitions like this, you're always learning something new. There's something that you, you know, that has happened that you didn't know about before. So really important. So one of the things is there's some guiding questions that are part of the exhibition itself. So one of them being what did America?

know, what did Americans do to help Jewish refugees. So can you talk a little bit about these questions and how they kind of fit into what you were talking about as far as critical thinking is concerned? Context is really important. I mean, we're thinking about a point in time when people couldn't feed their families, let alone Jewish refugees. But also, people were dying. So it's a hard decision to make. And those questions, this exhibit tries to prompt those. Like, what would you do, given these circumstances? What did we know? Did we know enough? Right. To help. What were you being told at the time? What were you being told? How was it being interpreted? Yeah. So those questions are meant to really make you think. Yeah. Juxtaposing, I suppose, what the media was giving people way back during that time and then what we've learned since then. Yeah. Hindsight is a huge thing and it's easy to be critical of people's choices. We know that the war ended. We know that we won. At that point in time, we didn't know we would win. We didn't know when the Great Depression was going to be over. We didn't know. anything. So many things, yeah. So where did this exhibition originate, if you could tell us a little bit about that, and how did the Burlington Public Library get the opportunity to have this exhibition visit? Yeah, so this actually started as a permanent exhibition at the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington, D.C., and they decided to make it a traveling exhibition. 50 libraries in the country received this. We applied through the American Library Association. Got it. You got it. Yeah. Yeah. And that, you know, when we talk about exciting, that, you know, that's what we mean. It's a very big deal. It's competitive. It's a very big deal. Not a lot of areas are getting the opportunity to have people come and see this. So what are some of the ways that the library itself is enhancing this experience? Some of the things you're doing alongside the exhibition. We've got a pretty full programming slate. Everything from movies to lectures to events for teens. live very close to the Anne Frank Penpal Museum in Danville. And so we're partnering with them, learning about that pen pal exchange and connecting it directly to the exhibit. It's a very, very, very close connection. Yeah. So just enhancing it with local history and feeding it up into the broader view that the exhibit. Yeah, shows. And you were telling me, I mean, this has taken a lot of planning on the part of, you know, your team at the Burlington Public Library. You said, what, for over a year? So we received this grant in the spring of 2024. So we're going on.

more than two years at this point. More than two years of planning has gone into this. Lots of rearranging from what I understand and some changes happening at the Burlington Public Library because of this exhibition. So if you haven't been there in a while, it may surprise you to see what it looks like now. We've got some information on the screen for everybody, so it is not quite open yet. The Americans and the Holocaust exhibition will be displayed at the library from August 19th through September 30th. We've got several weeks to go see it. It is free. It is open to the public during regular library hours for some self-guided tours. Becky, thank you so much for joining us today and telling us all about it. And congratulations on this. Thank you so much. We appreciate it. Yes, thank you. And still to come on Quad Cities Live, we are going to meet our adoptable four-legged friend, Cookie, a beautiful Husky with a sweet personality who is looking for her forever family. It is time now to meet an adoptable four-legged friend and learn a little bit more about one of the biggest fundraising events of the year for the Quad City Animal Welfare Center. Joining me now is cat care manager Amber Simmons and Amber you brought an adoptable friend with you today who is actually not a cat. No. This is not a cat. This is cookie who's eating a cookie right now. Can you tell us a little bit about this sweet girl? She's pretty amazing. So she's a husky mix. She's about a year old. super sweet she knows sit she knows down very smart very sweet I just I have not really interacted with her before now and I just, I love her already. Yeah, she is, she couldn't be any sweeter. I was reading a little bit about her, you know, for anybody who would be looking to adopt her online, says she is a shy personality, but I've got to say, I walked in, she greeted me immediately and she's done the same for every single person who has walked in. Lots of kisses, lots of eye contact. She's a beautiful dog. She's just looking for treats right now. And that's one of the other things that, you know, the the welfare center said is that she's very treat motivated, food motivated. So that can oftentimes help when you're trying to do some training. Yeah, so she's super smart and you've got a good resource. reinforcement with the food. So yeah, I think she'd be really good for someone to work with and learn a good manners. I mean, she does well on a leash, rode well in the car, so she's a really fantastic dog. Yeah, she definitely seems like it. So anything families might want to know about Cookie, if they're watching her right now and going, this is definitely our new furry family member. Anything else say they should know? Yeah, just if you want to come in and meet her, if you've got a dog at home, you'd want to bring them for a meet and greet.

Yeah, I think that's really helpful. Yeah, make sure everyone's friends. So 20th annual, I can't believe that, Mutt strut is coming up in September. It is a part of the Mylan Harvest Festival, actually. But can you tell us a little bit about what the Mutt strut is? Because this is a pretty big fundraiser for your organization. Yeah, it's pretty big. So you can bring your dog with you, and we do a little walk around, and then there's vendors, raffle tickets. So a lot of fun things to do to support the shelter. Okay, so Myelan Harvest Festival, which is a very big deal around here. If you've never heard of it, it's a lot of fun coming up on Sunday, September 6th. It runs from 12 to 2 p.m. The Mutt strut portion of the day does. It kind of like a little bit of a fashion show from what it sounds like for your pup. Yeah, yeah, you know, just kind of show your dog off. Yeah. So what kinds of things, you know, does that help with? When you guys hold a fundraiser like that, where do those proceeds go? What do they best help with? So medical bills are... big one especially in the summer months we see a lot of kittens that people just find off the street yeah um food, vaccines, all sorts of stuff. Yeah, I think people will be surprised how much of everything it takes, you know, especially when it comes to those kittens during kitten season. One quick thing I wanted to mention as well is that there's going to be a little bit of an anniversary celebration at the clinic at the Spain Neuter and Wellness Clinic there. We've got some information there on the screen. So that is coming up on the 22nd. This has been open for 10 years now, which is incredible. And so the public is invited to come take tours, come learn more about it. But what can you tell us about what happens at this wellness clinic? Yeah, it's really something we're really proud of. It offers low-cost fan neuters to the public, which can be kind of challenging to get in for at other clinics. low-cost vaccines, flea intake preventative, heartworm preventative. Just there for you and your pet. Yeah, yeah. Wonderful. Try to make it affordable. Yes, absolutely. Public invited to that event. If you want to adopt Cookie after seeing her on your screen today or any other pet at. Quad City Animal Welfare Center in Mylan. Call the phone number on your screen and you can stay up to date on events by following them on Facebook or visiting their website, QCAWC.org. Amber, thank you so much for being here and Cookie, you sweet girl. Thank you so much for visiting today. We appreciate it. Thank you. Yes. Coming up on QCL, tackling a 5K that includes 150 stairs. We'll tell you about this unique challenge. Bless you in Galena, Illinois that honors the heroes of Dynamics. 11 while giving back to local first responders. You're watching Quad Cities Live.

Galena is known for its scenic hills, historic charm, and iconic winding outdoor staircases. And for one day each year, those stairs become part of a one-of-a-kind challenge with a powerful purpose. Joining me today with details on the Galena 5K Stair Challenge is Michelle Finley and Gabriel King from the Galena Area EMS District. Thank you both for making the trip and being on the show today. Thank you. Thank you for the invite. Yes, this sounds like a lot of fun, some tough fun, challenging fun. Michelle, if you could sum it up, can you tell us about this 5K and what makes it different from a typical 5K? Well, our 5K, we do seven laps. We start out on Bench Street in Galena, and you go up to Prospect Street, and then we do seven laps of that, and it does include 150 stairs with each lap. It does. Okay, I love Galena, so I know exactly the stairs that you're talking about right now. I even took a field trip when I was in, I think, elementary school or junior high, and we all walked up the stairs, and that was exhausting, walking up the stairs as a child with energy. definitely puts a different type of component in that. So Gabriel, will you tell us a little bit about who this is for? Like who can participate in this? Okay. So what's great about this event is that it's actually made for all abilities and ages. So although, you know, don't let the 150 stair scare you. Right. Right. But we have a one lap. option right and I won't call it a fun run because some people don't think it's fun right but the one lap option for those people that aren't quite up to the challenge of the seven laps yeah right so but you know all abilities, all ages, you just have to be able to get up steps. Yeah, right. You can walk it if you want because Michelle, at the end of the day, the reason why we're doing this is not necessarily to showcase how quickly we can run up the stairs. Exactly. What is kind of the purpose and the mission behind this event? Well, it's actually twofold. One, we're honoring the people and the first responders who responded to 9-11. Right. Okay. And they had to go upstairs in the Twin Towers. So this is our, it's a little bit. of a semblance to that. And also just to recognize the first responders in our area and our community. Yeah. And so how do proceeds from this event, how do they benefit area EMS? I mean, you know, this at the end of day is also a fundraiser, which is very helpful, I believe Gabriel, to multiple departments in that area. Correct. So our proceeds last year went to five separate emergency service organizations in Joe Davies County and all together they we were able to divide up over $7,000 that's great to each one of those organizations so we definitely look forward to this year and helping more of those organizations kind of get some of the equipment that they may need yeah training equipment things like that all of that it costs money especially if you have new people you know signing up to to help out in emergency services there the Joe Davis

area. So what is the number one reason, I would say, Michelle, that you would encourage somebody who's maybe considering signing up after hearing this. What's the number one reason you would say that they absolutely should? Well, I think the number one reason is we need to never forget. So we need to not forget the incidents and the first responders that responded during 9-11. Secondly, this is an opportunity. We have Green Street Plaza and we will have all different types of first responder demos. So it's a good opportunity to for people to meet your first responders, see what they do, see what equipment they use. We'll have the mount of patrol there. It'll be very exciting. Yeah, that is exciting. And you did bring a shirt with you and a medal with you. I'll actually hold this up if you don't mind because it is beautiful. I mean, people love to collect these medals. And this is a stunning one, showcasing 9-11 and all of that. People need to sign up. They have, what, a couple more weeks to sign up. in order to get the t-shirt and the... And the medal? Yes, August 22nd. Okay. If you can sign up before August 22nd, then we can guarantee a t-shirt and a medal. Okay, a medal and a t-shirt guaranteed, so make sure that you get signed up. Of course, the Galena 5K Stair Challenge is set for Saturday, September 12th through the streets and stairs of historic downtown Galena. Register again before August 22nd for your medal and your shirt. And to register, you can find the event on RunSignup.com. You can also find information by heading to visit Galena. and we will be sure to post those links on our website, KWQC.com slash Quad Cities Live. Michelle and Gabriel, thank you for being here. Thank you for all you do for your community. We really appreciate it. Thank you. Yes, of course. Still to come on Quad Cities Live, you may be surprised by all the ways your local library can prepare students for a new school year. We'll learn more when the Rock Island Public Library joins us after the break.

Quad Cities Live continues. I can't believe it, but summer is winding down. And as students head back to the classroom, one of the best tools they can have is actually a library card. Lisa Lockhart is with the Rock Island Public Library and joins us with ways families can start the school year strong. Lisa, welcome back. Oh, thanks for having us on. Yes. Well, it seems like we were just kicking off summer reading, like just yesterday. It sure does. And here we're already, the program's over. So far, they've read almost 707,000 minutes. So that's amazing. And all that reading is helping kids go back to school strong. Yes. And Rock Island just started today. Ready to learn. Yeah, our kids are going back. They're ready to learn, especially if they've been doing that reading. So congrats to everybody who participated. That's a lot of participation. So what are some other ways that the library really helps support back to school success? Well, you know, that back to school, having that card in your backpack is one of the best things you can have. online tutoring program that you can use 24 hours a day from your home. It's called Help Now, and that is available free with the library card or skill building. We have some things on how to adjust to the school year, how to adjust to a new school. So if you want to talk about that as a family, we've got study skills, things. We have reading for fun. We've got a program that helps them kind of like look into current events and hot topics. newspapers called NewsBank. Lots and lots of things that you can use for both entertainment and for education. And for education, get a little help there. Okay, so what's new at the library this August? Lots of new things for the little ones and the school age kids. Yeah, we're greatly expanded our programming at our downtown library. So every Thursday, we have something new for the preschool set. And that, again, that helps them get ready for that. first day of kindergarten. Yes, it does. So it all builds on itself. But the first Thursday of every month, we have an art time for preschoolers called mini monies. Okay, I love it. We love a clever name. I really do, yeah. And the second Thursday of every month is baby story time, and that's for ages two and under. And then we have some toddler play groups, which again is an opportunity for the kids to play, the parents and caregivers to talk. and build new friends. That is really nice. Yes. Libraries are for everyone, not just our little ones. And then we cap off with the fourth Thursday every month. We have music and movement program for preschoolers. That's five and under and so they can play with various instruments, dance, and again, kids learn through play. Yes, they do. And I should mention, too, there's some crafting as well for kids and teens. In fact, there's a UV resin charm craft event happening on August 13th, and that's going to be at the Southwest Branch. And the reason why I'm saying all of that, Lisa, is because I really want you to talk about Pete the cat before we run out of time with you, because Pete is popular. Pete is so popular. Pete and his groovy buttons and his groovy.

So we have a Pete the Cat party coming up August 22nd. appearance and families and kids can drop in. We have crafts, we have activities, we certainly have all the books. And so yeah, it's a great time for families to spend time together on a Saturday at no charge whatsoever at the library. Yes, free fun, right? We absolutely love that. Some other things that are going on as well is the snuffle mat that people can make for National Dog Day and you brought one with you right here. Okay, so what's a snuffle mat? So you hide treats in here and the dog snuffles through here. a treat so it's an enrichment and interactive toy. Oh my goodness. We have a craft program on how to make that and it's really, it's not hard. It's not hard at all. We should have tried this on Cookie when she was here earlier. Well, if you want to take a closer look at the events we talked about today or check out the calendar for all of August, visit rock islandlibrary.org. So much to see and do. Lisa, thank you so much for being here today. Thank you. Yes, and thank you for watching Quad Cities Live. We'll see you again. Thursday afternoon at 3.