For the Hird family of Rock Island running the annual Turkey Trot in downtown Davenport is a family affair. Zach Hird and his sister-in-law Marisa Hird nabbed the top times
On Wednesday, Oct. 18, the YMCA of the Iowa Mississippi Valley will celebrate 165 years of service to the community. To celebrate and to increase personal connections, the YMCA will waive the joining fee for new members, a news release says. “A lot has changed since 1858,” said Y-IMV President and CEO Brad Martell, “but […]
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I grew up in Iowa in the 70s and spent my summers at Camp Abe Lincoln, a YMCA camp on the Mississippi River, just south of the Quad Cities. “The YMCA is a non-profit organization whose mission is to put Christian values into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind, and body for all.”
This mission was incorporated into every camp activity. As we sat around the nightly campfire, the counselors told stories of peace and love, and led us in songs like “Kumbaya” and “Michael Row the Boat Ashore.” When we rode and groomed horses, we learned about respect and care for animals. Archery and riflery were a means to teach focus and hand-eye coordination, with an emphasis on safety and non-violence. And when we did crafts, braiding lanyards and weaving colorful yarn around popsicle sticks to create a “God’s Eye,” counselors artfully worked in messages of morality.
2021 Jefferson Awards: Joanie & Dave Steil and Mark & Vinnie Smith
In 2000, a first-of-its-kind summer camp was held at Camp Abe Lincoln in Blue Grass, Iowa for children with disabilities.
It was started by Joanie & Dave Steil, with the help of Mark & Vinnie Smith after the Steil s daughter, Tessa, unexpectedly passed away at the age of 11 after being born with a brain injury.
One of her dreams was to go to camp, but that never happened: Her medical needs and such were so compromised that she wasn t really able to go or stay overnight in those kinds of places, explains Joanie.
So, they created one in her honor.