Good morning, Davenport.

Santa Claus and Davenport firefighters visited MercyOne Genesis Pediatrics (and its Birth Center) on Christmas Eve to continue a 20-year tradition of spreading holiday spirit.

With no pediatric patients present, Santa greeted newborns to ensure every child experienced the magic of the season.

Over 50 kids received holiday gifts at the Boys & Girls Club’s Angel Tree event in Moline on Wednesday afternoon—Ascentra Credit Union fully funded all 56 requests.

The credit union said the effort aids families facing financial challenges.

The Brown family will host their 14th annual Sonya Brown Christmas Dinner on Christmas day at Faith Walk World Outreach Center (1450 Avenue of the Cities) from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The free meal welcomes anyone who needs a warm holiday dinner.

The Moline Regional Community Foundation and ONB Wealth Management partnered to launch a grant program for local nonprofits on behalf of three historic philanthropic families.

The group announced over $169,000 in awards for 2025 and will manage future grants annually.

On Christmas Eve, chef Yolanda Jefferson of Chefy Bear on Wheels Community Project delivered groceries to Spencer Towers and served a hot meal to about 80 residents at Humility of Mary Shelter in Davenport.

She continues her routine to reduce food waste and help those in need.

The Quad Cities Community Foundation and Clean River Advisory Council awarded $315,000 in QC River Connections Grants (Monday, Dec.

22) to 12 local groups for projects along the Mississippi River, supporting green spaces, youth environmental learning, and community resilience.

Dwain Womack launched Street Friends of the Quad Cities after seeing people in need, establishing an ongoing effort to deliver help all year.

His initiative offers local residents a chance to receive support and spread kindness (echoing a Santa-like spirit).

UPS Stores in Davenport and Bettendorf are now permanently closed — customers are directed to the East Moline location for services.

Residents can enjoy the Kall Christmas Show as it lights up Westminster Circle with seven-minute musical displays every half hour from 5:30 to 10 p.m. through the holiday season; the show, started 17 years ago by Aubrey Kall, safely guides hundreds of visitors — a cherished holiday event with interactive elements.

The Quad Cities Botanical Center holiday light display now features 300,000 lights, up from 30,000 in previous years, and continues to brighten the season for visitors in the region.

Cornell College grad Henry Morray won Slamovision's 2025 slam poetry competition in Dublin on Nov.

6 with his poem 'Jack in the Box.' The poet now leads local workshops and co-hosts an open mic in the Quad Cities (his win sparks renewed interest in spoken word).

Black Hawk College will launch a new welding program for adults in ESL, GED, and high school diploma courses in fall 2026 using a $202,220 grant from the ICCB; eligible students must apply for scholarships to join the program.

Annual Post-Christmas Show with Rob and Gary

6-9 p.m. — Bootleg Hill Honey Meads — Cost varies — Enjoy the festive tunes of Rob and Gary as they ring in the New Year a little early.

New Year's Eve Dance Party

8 PM - 1 AM — Raccoon Motel — Free entry — Celebrate the New Year with a lively dance party atmosphere.

Drop-in Computer Skills & Job Search Help

2-3 p.m. — Rock Island Downtown Library — Free assistance — Get hands-on help with job searching and computer skills from experts at Goodwill.

Tuneful Tuesday Series: Grace Notes Flute Quartet

12-1 p.m. — Rock Island Downtown Library — Free entry — Enjoy a warm and delightful concert by the Grace Notes Flute Quartet with light refreshments.

Quad City Bald Eagle Days

4-8 p.m. — QCCA Expo Center — General Admission $0.15+ — Celebrate wildlife with live eagle demonstrations and nature-themed exhibits.

BURSTING w/A LIGHT AMONG MANY

7-10 p.m. — Raccoon Motel — $15.88 — Enjoy an evening with BURSTING and special guests A LIGHT AMONG MANY in a vibrant live music setting.

Fundraiser Tuesday at Great River Brewery

5-8 p.m. — Great River Brewery — 10% of sales donated — Support local youth and community programs while enjoying great food and drinks.

Paint Nite: Dawn of New Beginnings

6:30-8:30 p.m. — Great River Brewery — Prices vary — Create a custom landscape painting while enjoying drinks in a fun atmosphere.