Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:00):
Welcome to Quad City Forum, a weekly community service program
produced by iHeartMedia to look at the issues and opportunities
that exist in our community. Now here's your hosts for
quad City Forum, Hot Luke and Denny Linnhowe.
Speaker 2 (00:16):
Stephen Garrington from the Honor Flight of the Quad Cities
our guest here today. He also does a lot of
great work with the Quad Cities Disaster Services and the
Salvation Army. But today and most times with our conversations,
it's about the Honor Flight.
Speaker 3 (00:31):
Stephen.
Speaker 2 (00:32):
You just had one go out up to DC ended
up being a sixty third Honor flight.
Speaker 3 (00:36):
How did that all go?
Speaker 4 (00:37):
Oh?
Speaker 5 (00:38):
It went very well. The only problem we had was
the weather did not fully cooperate. But that's okay. As
we tell our soldiers, read it rains, you get wet.
Speaker 2 (00:48):
They're ready to go and adapt either way. But even
the one before I thought you had, he ended up
having a lot of rain. But yet at the same time,
out of that one, I know there were people almost
like at the drop of a hat or the drop
of a raincoat, they're ready to come along and try
to help out. For the vets and the guardians.
Speaker 5 (01:06):
We actually take along some monto for those guys when
it looks like, you know, sixty percent chance of rain
are up, we take along some ponchos and uphanize we
have to use them. But this time we did. And
actually we've had the people who have donated some money
so that we can buy some new conchos. So we'll touch.
Speaker 3 (01:25):
On another great point here.
Speaker 2 (01:27):
But how many times do you just get donations straight
out just in case. I mean, that's that's what's made
your organization just so successful.
Speaker 5 (01:34):
You know, it's wonderful having people volunteer, sometimes with money,
but sometimes with time or what. We love those volunteers
to say. I want to go along and be with
a veteran for a whole day. I want to listen
to all those stories. I want to write them down.
I want to take this picture. Those are great.
Speaker 2 (01:51):
You know, a large majority of the times that vet
is meeting their guardian just maybe a little bit before
and during the flight, But how many times after the
flight the new relationship and the friendship started back up
started it is.
Speaker 5 (02:06):
That's a really great thing. And somebody who's going along
never met him before. Hey, all the stories are new,
he says, I can go back and tell all the
stories that my wife doesn't want to hear again. And
I can tell them all this guy, I'm gonna have
a great time. I can tell them how I won
(02:27):
the war by myself, you know.
Speaker 2 (02:28):
I mean, it's that bonding experience that happens, and it
all starts in a lot of different ways. I know
the one just recently completed that the pre dinner celebration
is such a great thing that you've had, at least
the last couple of times, I think that's been over
at the waterfront, but it's such a great way for
everybody to kind of get excited for the next flight.
Speaker 5 (02:50):
Well, that is a special thing, but it is it's
not us to do the dinner. Actually it's Honor. It's
the IV that does the dinner. Oh okay, And I
just says once year, we want to come in and
just do a dinner. So they choose a date and
we stay. Fine. If you want to do a dinner,
you know.
Speaker 2 (03:07):
You want to go all the work you do it
isn't that amazing?
Speaker 3 (03:10):
Stephen.
Speaker 2 (03:11):
As we're talking to Stephen Garrington for the Honor Flight,
how Hive has taken taken over and really try to
support in so many different ways but they're not the
only ones that pull this kind of stuff off.
Speaker 5 (03:22):
We have a group of ladies who who get together
and they say, we want to make a little packet
of things for the guys to take with them. And
it's a pencil and a pad of paper and gum
and candy and a pencil of love, do a rubbing
on Vietnam wall, these ways, just a little pack it up,
little ziplock bag with a little note saying we like you.
(03:45):
When they do that for each flight, they just want
to do it because it's about the veteran. It's not
about honor flight, it's not about IV, it's not about
all the other people. It's about the veteran. And that's
what that's what we're looking at. We want to make
it special for that veteran.
Speaker 2 (04:00):
And even though we talk about how there's a lot
of guys that are a part of this, maybe overwhelmingly
a lot of guys involved, their women are. If they're veterans,
they're welcome to go on this flight too. Does that
do you feel like some women feel like they're not
they're not being invited, or do you feel like they're
being excluded or they just don't want to go on
the flight because they're going to let the guys go first.
Speaker 5 (04:22):
We had two on the last light, Jaffy. How many
we got going on the next light, Three on the
next light going up? And we always stop at the
women's memorial. We want to make it a little special
because they were great. We know every veteran is special,
but the ladies that helped out, who were in administration
or in radio, or in nursing or in some other way.
Speaker 2 (04:43):
It was surprising you had a World War Two vet
that went out on this last flight.
Speaker 3 (04:48):
So the whole as things.
Speaker 2 (04:50):
Move forward here, when we talk about priorities, you end
up having World War two vets.
Speaker 3 (04:56):
And then how do we rank them?
Speaker 5 (04:58):
All three groups that we put to the front of
the line, right otherwise it's like when you put in
your application. But of course the World War II, the
Korean vets, and then there once in a while we
have somebody who is let's say they don't have long
to be on us, or put them to the front
of the line too. It usually usually we have a
doctor call us and say this guy needs to go now,
(05:19):
anybody else right now, we're saying nineteen seventy five, and
we're going to probably say nineteen eighty little or nineteen
eighty five a little later on as sooner or later
we'll get to those guys who are in Afghanistan or
Iraq or Kuwait and all the other places as well.
Speaker 2 (05:31):
And like you've said in the past, most Vets, even
though they are interested, a lot of times they don't
want any fanfare. This is a chance for them to
have this spotlight. However they want to customize it. The
spotlight's on them, and sometimes maybe that'll take some other
family member to say, hey, they want to suggest that
they go, because most of the Vets seem like they, oh, no, no,
(05:55):
take somebody else, I'm not worthy.
Speaker 5 (05:57):
They are probably the most humble group you'll ever meet, exactly,
and they will do that. It's just wonderful. But if
you want to, if you want to see something spectacular
as they're coming, as they're leaving the airplane and coming
out of security and coming into the people cheering them,
look at those faces and it will tell you all
(06:18):
you need to know. Those there. There are smiles and
there are tears, and they're they're just overwhelmed with uh,
with gratitude, with the gratitude of the community. That is.
That is a special, special time. And I try to
look at every face of every guy that comes back
and and see and see that, and they say, while
(06:41):
thank you, this is really great and our combat comeback
is You're worth it. You are worth it.
Speaker 2 (06:48):
We are talking to Stephen Garington of the Honor Flight
of the Quad Cities Honor Flight QC dot org to
find out more. That's Honor Flight QC dot org. Now, Stephen,
we've had how many Honor flights or we had talked
about it earlier, the sixty third. We're gonna have another
one coming out next month. More on that in a minute.
But when it first started, when it first started, did
(07:11):
you think it would grow into what it is?
Speaker 5 (07:15):
When it first started in two thousand and eight, we
thought we were going to do one flight, right that
was it? Just one. Bob Morrison was the head of
the Honor Flight at that time, and he and I
and twelve others got together and we said, what do
we Let's see if we can raise enough money to
do one flight. And we said, just in near the end,
(07:38):
wet money started coming in and we at the end
of the first flight we had enough money to pay
for the flight. And a little bit walked over and
Bob looked at me and he said, I think we
got to try a second flight. Okay, let's go ahead
and do that. We'll do that next next spring. Okay,
we'll try another flight. And we just kept on going
and kept on going, and well we're still going.
Speaker 2 (07:58):
And we had this year, we had one, not two,
but you had four, or.
Speaker 5 (08:03):
We'll have well three this year three this year I
thought it was four. Yep, I think we had three.
We were going to have four, but we had a
little problem with getting buses for one of the flights,
so we had to move on.
Speaker 2 (08:17):
But that's still fairly good going from hey, I think
we can pull this off once to now you're in
your sixties.
Speaker 5 (08:25):
Yeah, that we think, we feel. We feel very good
about that. And uh, and of course it's takes so
many many people to make this happen.
Speaker 2 (08:37):
Uh.
Speaker 5 (08:37):
Yeah, we have our board, but we have so many
extra volunteers and they're out and they're helping out in
so many ways. They're making phone calls, they're helping the
guys get ready, they're moving chairs. We have people who
are just wonderful volunteers and help us out and we
couldn't do it without the probably one hundred and fifty
volunteers that we have to work with us here.
Speaker 2 (08:58):
Now we have a flight again, we're going to have
one next month, and we're hoping here at the radio
station at sometime soon, maybe next month, we're going to
be able to have one of us be a part
of this whole thing. But that'll be a great perspective too.
Speaker 5 (09:15):
That would be great, it would It would be really
good that at least that's what have a chance to
see what somebody looks like.
Speaker 2 (09:23):
Well, we don't know if that's always a good thing there, Steven.
It's it's a little bit of a shocker, but it's
also just that perspective. And as we move forward for
the next flight and the ones after that, certainly we
need guardians. And even though we have a large stable
of people that want to help and we'll go back again,
we could always grow the number of people that want
(09:45):
to be guardians.
Speaker 5 (09:47):
We do need guardians and people who say because sometimes
the guy says, well I want to be a guardian,
Oh I can't that day, Well we need somebody to
back him up. We need guardians to back him up.
And so and it is the best job in the
whole wide world to be a guardian. It's well well
worth your time, getting a day off, taking a day
(10:11):
vacation and being a guardian that is that is well
worth it. We do have people from all walks of
life who come become guardians. Veteran some veterans, some are
doctors and nurses. We have teachers, we have real estate agents.
People from all walks of life say I want to
be a guardian. I want to be with those people.
Speaker 2 (10:31):
And for some of those people that started, maybe it's
taken them a while to have things work out. How
many of those people once they help one time where
they end up being a guardian once? How many times
do you find that you just can't get rid of
them because they want to They want to be a
part of everything they do.
Speaker 5 (10:49):
It's so very, very often they come back and they
say can I fill out another application? Sure you may,
and they did you know that was that was just
so special to me?
Speaker 2 (11:00):
Well, that must show the great work that you're doing.
Because things have come along way from two thousand and eight,
and yet it's a finely oiled machine, but it still
needs people on the other side to make it work.
Speaker 3 (11:12):
For people that are not aware of the Honor Flight, no.
Speaker 2 (11:16):
Cost for the vets, but there is a cost for
the guardians, and that in a way is helping us
make sure that we can pay.
Speaker 3 (11:21):
For the vets.
Speaker 5 (11:23):
Absolutely really they pay a little bit. And then of
course we have so many people donate in other ways
that helps this flight go by. And again everything for
the veterans are free. We won't want them, we won't.
We tell the veterans to leave your money and your
credit card with your wife and that's punishment enough.
Speaker 2 (11:47):
We'll see what happens when you get back. But for
the for people that need to find out more on
what it's going to take to be a guardian, can
they go to the website or would it be better
to call somebody from Honor Flight just to get a
little bit more of an idea.
Speaker 5 (12:02):
It's very easy, especially if you have a printer on
your computer, to go to Honor Flight QC dot org
and go to applications, then print it out right site
writes your amen and send it to us and the
address is on the back. It's over at rich Crest Village.
Speaker 2 (12:20):
What we get the mail Honor Flight QC dot org
can work too and for people that want to be
a part of it. We not only know that guardians
are always going to be welcome to be a part
of it, but also the day of the flight, maybe
in the morning you'll still see people there, but most
of this stuff starts to happen so early. The big
(12:40):
thing to be is at the airport, the Quad City
International Airport, at the end of the day to welcome
everybody back.
Speaker 5 (12:47):
Oh yeah, that is the great thing. And this last
time we just had a wonderful crowd out. Of course,
the parking was free thanks to the airport. They said,
get they open the gates to let people go out,
and that was great. It's not in the morning, but
it is at evening. But we all we had a
(13:08):
great time there and people were cheering, there were there
were signs, there were kids who were out there waving flags.
It was just a really fantastic they really fantastic time.
Speaker 2 (13:20):
Okay, so next month or really depending on when this
interview airs, it could be this month. But when's the
next date so people can start and are we filled
up on that.
Speaker 5 (13:30):
One the twenty eighth of October. Right now, we're getting
pretty much we'll full up or full up for the
October and so that doesn't mean you shouldn't put in
an application. Exactly we can tell what will happen. But yeah,
we're full up right now. But we've still got a
couple three for at least three flights we're going to
(13:50):
do next year, so we'll need people for that as well.
So and we all veterans. We need any veteran that's
out there, but we need the Guardian as well.
Speaker 3 (14:00):
And remember the real ID.
Speaker 5 (14:02):
It's very important that they remember it and that they
bring it along with them.
Speaker 1 (14:06):
If you or your organization would like to be featured
on Quad City for them, please visit the contact page
on our station website. Now back to Fat Luke and
Danny Linnow.
Speaker 2 (14:21):
Now we've got from the Quad City Arts, We've got Sandy,
we've got Crystal. We're ready to talk about all things
connected to an exciting event. Always a great draw when
we talk about the Festival of the Trees and you
guys just jump in where you want, but ladies want
to look at this thing. The Festival of the Trees
(14:42):
looks pretty good for forty years old now, I think.
Speaker 4 (14:44):
So when you think about, you know, the other big
events in the area that have milestones. I think the
BIX is a little bit ahead of us, but this
is this is a pretty big deal, you know, considering
it involves the entire community now running. Yes, that's that's
a big thing too. I happen to have done that
(15:06):
this year.
Speaker 3 (15:07):
Oh you did, let it go.
Speaker 4 (15:09):
Thanks, But this is you know, the community, everyone that
comes together. It takes over two thousand people to pull
this together. We start building in the River Center on
November fourth this year, and then we open our doors
to the public on November twenty second. We kick it
off with the huge hot Helium balloon parade and then
(15:30):
the doors are open and we have eight days of families, businesses, sponsors,
people coming through the door to kick off the holiday
season with us.
Speaker 2 (15:39):
I do think, ladies that when we talk about the
Bicks and we talk about there's other big events too.
It's just always great when we talk about the Festival
of the Trees, that's another great example of people coming
together to just you know, forget that there's a river,
forget anything else, zone out all that other stuff and
(16:00):
let's just enjoy a few days. Really, it seems like
all the build up to get to it and it's
over before we know it. But really with the Quad
City Arts, people associate that with Vestal the Trees.
Speaker 3 (16:13):
Well, you guys are working all year long.
Speaker 6 (16:16):
Yeah, absolutely, and I'll jump in here, pat. You know,
the organization has been around since nineteen seventy four and
Festival of Trees was started in nineteen eighty six to
respond to one of our programs, which is our Visiting
Artists series, where artists from around the world come into
the Quad Cities, they visit local public schools, they engage
(16:36):
with the children, show you know just what it takes
to be a musician or a performer or an artist,
show a little bit about a different culture, way of
being and then and it's just an amazing thing that
we've been able to offer for the Quad Cities. And
some awesome women started this event because they said, look,
(16:57):
we need to raise some money for this program. This
is an incredible thing that's happening in our local public schools.
Let's start a festival. And that's how the idea of
Festival of Trees came to be. And it's just been
a powerhouse ever since those forty years. It's raised millions
of dollars for Quad City Arts and are programming that
we do across the board, whether that's public art, the
(17:19):
murals everybody sees in the community, or other events throughout
the year, our granting events, what we do in the galley,
So it's funding a lot of our program So festival
trees is a very important thing to sell.
Speaker 2 (17:34):
As people are walking around there and enjoining things, and
really it seems like not just the River Center, but
then you'll have something tied in with a movie and
occasionally what the most times, the symphony orchestra.
Speaker 3 (17:47):
Would be a part of that too.
Speaker 2 (17:48):
But you take that part of downtown Davenport and it
just becomes it's like a holiday center and it's a
I'm glad you touched on it too.
Speaker 3 (17:58):
It's a fundraiser.
Speaker 6 (17:59):
Yeah, I think sometimes you know, the community that's not
away front of mine, because this event itself has become
such a tradition for families and they want to come
out and just have a good time in our downtowns
and spend money and support businesses and you know, do
something a little different out of the ordinary to kick
off the holidays. But but yeah, this every dollar cent
(18:20):
at the River Center goes to support our programming, and
that's a huge gift that we happen in this community.
Speaker 2 (18:26):
Now, not that either one of you will try to
take the ball, but we've really liked seeing that. It
just started a few days ago with the articles in
the paper just to kind of give us a backdrop.
Speaker 3 (18:36):
And even when I go, I remember.
Speaker 2 (18:39):
This back when it like the first big day with
carry Grant was going to be one of the big,
the big people that was a part of it, and
that what happened out of that whole thing would have
stopped a lot of organizations.
Speaker 3 (18:53):
Kind of what do we do now?
Speaker 2 (18:54):
We don't want to move forward on it, And it
really proved the metal for Quatity, the Arts and just
the people behind the whole thing saying wait a minute,
that was that was tragic what happened, but let's keep
building on and make it better every year.
Speaker 6 (19:09):
And you guys have Yeah, what a wild way to
kick all that off. And the Quantity Times, you know,
we were really loving this partnership. It's a tri party
partnership between Quatity Times, the Cultural Trust, which funds six
legacy partners in the Quad Cities. They've been involved for
many years in supporting financially and with their time and Energy,
(19:32):
Festival of Trees, but all these other organizations as well,
and Quasity Arts. So we're just excited to be highlighting
some of the ways that the paper has you know,
honored Festival of Trees and all the people that it
took to build this thing and power it up, and
just recognizing where we are now too in the future
that we have to create together and we do a
(19:54):
lot of that in partnership with the Trust.
Speaker 2 (19:56):
Forty years and counting and now anything new.
Speaker 4 (20:02):
Well we knew pat We worked really hard this year
trying to come up with ideas something new to put
on the floor. The trees are a staple, so there
will be sixty two trees this year that people can
bid on, and you know, that's that's just been That's
how it all started, is with with big trees. And
(20:25):
this year we've added something called a petite forest and
we did that for people who maybe are downsizing or
maybe you're one of those homes that likes to put
up multiple trees. And so these trees are three foot
or four foot in height. They can be made of
various materials. They could be just a plain green Christmas
(20:49):
tree like you see everyone else put up in our
homes or it could be something crafted from wood or metal.
So we tried to you know, give people a to
be more creative in what they put up. So there's
the Petite Forest. And this year we also reached out
(21:09):
and decided we try a different kind of artistry, so
we have Quilt Village. Wow, there are going to be
quilted items in there. Quilts, jackets, bags, table runners, anything
quilted could be in this area. For once again it's
part of a part of it's a donation by these
(21:32):
people and the money all funds Quad City Arts and
are programming. But those are like three new areas on
the floor. And this year we're really excited partnering with
John Deere and they are giving us in partnership. We
have a electric start, zero turn radius Z track mower.
Speaker 2 (21:57):
Now, this is wait, how big must that be just
to get you know what that How big is this
just to get all of that on the mower?
Speaker 3 (22:03):
That must be a big mower just to have.
Speaker 2 (22:06):
The Z kind of a huge mowier is.
Speaker 4 (22:11):
It can mow too, It can mow two acres at
a time. So we think this is this is a
raffle that's going to be taking place during Festival of Trees,
So we think it's going to add a new dimension
of excitement and it's a great way to change things
up with the support of John Deere. They've always been
a supporter, but this year we're just trying something new.
(22:34):
We want to we want to make it fun and interesting,
and they were on board, so that's what we're doing.
Speaker 2 (22:40):
Well, you've always you guys have all you guys and
ladies have always made it fun. But how many times
do people come up to you now the creative side
of setting up some of these incredible displays, but how
many people just go through the doors and get ideas
from what they see at the Festival of the Trees
to put in their place.
Speaker 4 (22:59):
I think that's probably a big draw for a lot
of people. We have one lady who is actually doing
seven trees for us this year. I think some of
them are Petite Forest, but she has told Pat Pat
Wolford has been the head of this large design area
pretty much for for thirty six years. Pat has been
(23:22):
involved in Festival of Trees for thirty six years and
she told Pat she's already got things lined up for
what she's doing next year. So she is one of
our devoted designers and you know, so you know she
probably takes her ideas from year to year as well.
Speaker 2 (23:40):
Well, maybe just on her way over to a meeting,
she's coming up with ideas, probably looking at it, wanting
to change it, sometimes right in the middle of the
Festival the Trees. But for those of you just tuning,
for those of you just tuning in, we're talking to
Sandy and Crystal from the Festival the Trees in the
Quad City Arts And for people that want to find
out more, when when will things start showing up on
(24:02):
websites or probably they're out there now and some of
the socials. So how can people get psyched up for
the big days that are coming?
Speaker 6 (24:11):
Yeah, go online to our Festival of Trees website. It's
at Qcfestival of Trees dot com. You can also get
there from any of Quad City Arts program platforms, social media, Facebook,
our website and Qcfestival of Trees dot Com is really
where you're going to find tickets to sell, purchase. You're
(24:32):
going to find all the activities and schedules, Santa's hours
for Santa's Throne, the parade details. That's really where you're
going to see all of the information you'll need. So
but the other piece we're doing is a part of
our honoring forty years, is we want to collect stories
and collect your memories and anybody in the community can
participate in this. We have a link on our social
(24:54):
media and our Facebook page where you can go online
and just submit a couple of little sentences and maybe
some photos about what Festival of Trees has meant to
you over the years and any traditions you remember, funny stories,
interesting trees. I feel like everybody has something to say
about this event.
Speaker 2 (25:12):
When do you guys start prepping for in this case
the twenty twenty five Festival the Trees.
Speaker 4 (25:18):
Actually, we came up with the theme for this year,
which is Tinsel and Tradition. We came up with that
theme in October of last year, so we didn't we
weren't just getting into the throws of twenty twenty four festival,
but we took time out to decide the theme for
(25:41):
twenty twenty five. Now this year, things are a little
busier because we've just we've changed stuff up enough that
you know, it's not cookie cutter, and we're trying to
bring in this some of these new aspects, So we
haven't talked about that yet, but it will. It will
definitely be on the January meeting of what are we
(26:04):
doing this year? Well, pretty much a year round thought process.
Speaker 2 (26:09):
I think that's amazing and the world can be so
distracting and there's a lot of outside influences that can
get us going each which way, it seems like, but
the Festival the Trees is just a great time to
just enjoy whatever holiday it is, enjoy it and head
over to the River Center and all the other things
(26:30):
that are tied into it. Ladies, keep up the great
work and looking forward to talking to you well, well,
well after you come up with the theme for next year,
but we're looking forward to talking to you next year
and beyond.
Speaker 4 (26:44):
Thank you, Pat. This has been fantastic. We love the
opportunity to talk about not only you know, our remarkable team,
but also the designers who come back year after year
and support us. And you know, we always like talking
about claud City Yards, so it's just the best of
(27:05):
all of our worlds when we can do something like this.
Speaker 2 (27:07):
We'd love it that you want to brag and that
you were able to talk to us while we're heading
on out. Why don't you give those ways that people
can check things out the socials on our way out
of this interview.
Speaker 4 (27:19):
Oh absolutely, And you know, Path, there's one more thing
I want to add, you know, the not only do
we have the river Center, but we have these special
events that are sellouts for us every single year and
it's just another aspect of festival. We have sugar plum Ball,
which is held at the Waterfront Convention Center in Bettendorf,
(27:42):
and that's kind of the daddy Daughter dance every year
that sells out. Tickets are on sale now. You can
find them on QC Festival of Trees dot com. The
other huge event that sells out, and that's our Teddy
Bears and Trees that's held at the Double Tree and
ab Andport and it is just an afternoon of fun
(28:04):
for adults and they're littles, and it sells out every
single year. Again, those tickets are available. The really I
think fun adult event that we have is Celebrity Lunch
that's held on the Wednesday before Thanksgiving and that's held
at River Center North and it's just an afternoon lunch
(28:26):
and of fun and craziness and laugh. Community leaders and
dignitaries come and they devote their time to being stilly
and helping us raise money. So you know, the river
does not divide us here, and we incorporate as much
(28:47):
of the club cities as we possibly can, and so
all of this information you know. If you're looking for
something to do with your little look into Teddy Bears
and Treats or sugar Plumball. If you want a fun
adult afternoon before the Thanksgiving ensues, look at Celebrity Lunch.
(29:08):
And Crystal's got all of our sites here so can
tell you exactly where you can go for all of this.
Speaker 6 (29:15):
Yes, to find out more, head online to Qcfestival of
Trees dot com. You can also find us on Facebook
at facebook dot com slash Festival of Trees QC. So
you always want to include that QC as you're searching
for Festival of Trees so you get the right one.
But please go on check us out, buy tickets and
make your plans early.
Speaker 1 (29:36):
You've been listening to Quad City Forum, a weekly community
service program produced by iHeartRadio. If you were your nonprofit
organization would like to be featured, please visit the contact
page and our station website, or contact quad City Forum
and care of iHeartMedia, Quad Cities three five three five
East Kimberly Road, Davin Fords, Iowa five two eight zero
(29:59):
seven
Welcome to Quad City Forum, a weekly community service program
produced by iHeartMedia to look at the issues and opportunities
that exist in our community. Now here's your hosts for
quad City Forum, Hot Luke and Denny Linnhowe.
Speaker 2 (00:16):
Stephen Garrington from the Honor Flight of the Quad Cities
our guest here today. He also does a lot of
great work with the Quad Cities Disaster Services and the
Salvation Army. But today and most times with our conversations,
it's about the Honor Flight.
Speaker 3 (00:31):
Stephen.
Speaker 2 (00:32):
You just had one go out up to DC ended
up being a sixty third Honor flight.
Speaker 3 (00:36):
How did that all go?
Speaker 4 (00:37):
Oh?
Speaker 5 (00:38):
It went very well. The only problem we had was
the weather did not fully cooperate. But that's okay. As
we tell our soldiers, read it rains, you get wet.
Speaker 2 (00:48):
They're ready to go and adapt either way. But even
the one before I thought you had, he ended up
having a lot of rain. But yet at the same time,
out of that one, I know there were people almost
like at the drop of a hat or the drop
of a raincoat, they're ready to come along and try
to help out. For the vets and the guardians.
Speaker 5 (01:06):
We actually take along some monto for those guys when
it looks like, you know, sixty percent chance of rain
are up, we take along some ponchos and uphanize we
have to use them. But this time we did. And
actually we've had the people who have donated some money
so that we can buy some new conchos. So we'll touch.
Speaker 3 (01:25):
On another great point here.
Speaker 2 (01:27):
But how many times do you just get donations straight
out just in case. I mean, that's that's what's made
your organization just so successful.
Speaker 5 (01:34):
You know, it's wonderful having people volunteer, sometimes with money,
but sometimes with time or what. We love those volunteers
to say. I want to go along and be with
a veteran for a whole day. I want to listen
to all those stories. I want to write them down.
I want to take this picture. Those are great.
Speaker 2 (01:51):
You know, a large majority of the times that vet
is meeting their guardian just maybe a little bit before
and during the flight, But how many times after the
flight the new relationship and the friendship started back up
started it is.
Speaker 5 (02:06):
That's a really great thing. And somebody who's going along
never met him before. Hey, all the stories are new,
he says, I can go back and tell all the
stories that my wife doesn't want to hear again. And
I can tell them all this guy, I'm gonna have
a great time. I can tell them how I won
(02:27):
the war by myself, you know.
Speaker 2 (02:28):
I mean, it's that bonding experience that happens, and it
all starts in a lot of different ways. I know
the one just recently completed that the pre dinner celebration
is such a great thing that you've had, at least
the last couple of times, I think that's been over
at the waterfront, but it's such a great way for
everybody to kind of get excited for the next flight.
Speaker 5 (02:50):
Well, that is a special thing, but it is it's
not us to do the dinner. Actually it's Honor. It's
the IV that does the dinner. Oh okay, And I
just says once year, we want to come in and
just do a dinner. So they choose a date and
we stay. Fine. If you want to do a dinner,
you know.
Speaker 2 (03:07):
You want to go all the work you do it
isn't that amazing?
Speaker 3 (03:10):
Stephen.
Speaker 2 (03:11):
As we're talking to Stephen Garrington for the Honor Flight,
how Hive has taken taken over and really try to
support in so many different ways but they're not the
only ones that pull this kind of stuff off.
Speaker 5 (03:22):
We have a group of ladies who who get together
and they say, we want to make a little packet
of things for the guys to take with them. And
it's a pencil and a pad of paper and gum
and candy and a pencil of love, do a rubbing
on Vietnam wall, these ways, just a little pack it up,
little ziplock bag with a little note saying we like you.
(03:45):
When they do that for each flight, they just want
to do it because it's about the veteran. It's not
about honor flight, it's not about IV, it's not about
all the other people. It's about the veteran. And that's
what that's what we're looking at. We want to make
it special for that veteran.
Speaker 2 (04:00):
And even though we talk about how there's a lot
of guys that are a part of this, maybe overwhelmingly
a lot of guys involved, their women are. If they're veterans,
they're welcome to go on this flight too. Does that
do you feel like some women feel like they're not
they're not being invited, or do you feel like they're
being excluded or they just don't want to go on
the flight because they're going to let the guys go first.
Speaker 5 (04:22):
We had two on the last light, Jaffy. How many
we got going on the next light, Three on the
next light going up? And we always stop at the
women's memorial. We want to make it a little special
because they were great. We know every veteran is special,
but the ladies that helped out, who were in administration
or in radio, or in nursing or in some other way.
Speaker 2 (04:43):
It was surprising you had a World War Two vet
that went out on this last flight.
Speaker 3 (04:48):
So the whole as things.
Speaker 2 (04:50):
Move forward here, when we talk about priorities, you end
up having World War two vets.
Speaker 3 (04:56):
And then how do we rank them?
Speaker 5 (04:58):
All three groups that we put to the front of
the line, right otherwise it's like when you put in
your application. But of course the World War II, the
Korean vets, and then there once in a while we
have somebody who is let's say they don't have long
to be on us, or put them to the front
of the line too. It usually usually we have a
doctor call us and say this guy needs to go now,
(05:19):
anybody else right now, we're saying nineteen seventy five, and
we're going to probably say nineteen eighty little or nineteen
eighty five a little later on as sooner or later
we'll get to those guys who are in Afghanistan or
Iraq or Kuwait and all the other places as well.
Speaker 2 (05:31):
And like you've said in the past, most Vets, even
though they are interested, a lot of times they don't
want any fanfare. This is a chance for them to
have this spotlight. However they want to customize it. The
spotlight's on them, and sometimes maybe that'll take some other
family member to say, hey, they want to suggest that
they go, because most of the Vets seem like they, oh, no, no,
(05:55):
take somebody else, I'm not worthy.
Speaker 5 (05:57):
They are probably the most humble group you'll ever meet, exactly,
and they will do that. It's just wonderful. But if
you want to, if you want to see something spectacular
as they're coming, as they're leaving the airplane and coming
out of security and coming into the people cheering them,
look at those faces and it will tell you all
(06:18):
you need to know. Those there. There are smiles and
there are tears, and they're they're just overwhelmed with uh,
with gratitude, with the gratitude of the community. That is.
That is a special, special time. And I try to
look at every face of every guy that comes back
and and see and see that, and they say, while
(06:41):
thank you, this is really great and our combat comeback
is You're worth it. You are worth it.
Speaker 2 (06:48):
We are talking to Stephen Garington of the Honor Flight
of the Quad Cities Honor Flight QC dot org to
find out more. That's Honor Flight QC dot org. Now, Stephen,
we've had how many Honor flights or we had talked
about it earlier, the sixty third. We're gonna have another
one coming out next month. More on that in a minute.
But when it first started, when it first started, did
(07:11):
you think it would grow into what it is?
Speaker 5 (07:15):
When it first started in two thousand and eight, we
thought we were going to do one flight, right that
was it? Just one. Bob Morrison was the head of
the Honor Flight at that time, and he and I
and twelve others got together and we said, what do
we Let's see if we can raise enough money to
do one flight. And we said, just in near the end,
(07:38):
wet money started coming in and we at the end
of the first flight we had enough money to pay
for the flight. And a little bit walked over and
Bob looked at me and he said, I think we
got to try a second flight. Okay, let's go ahead
and do that. We'll do that next next spring. Okay,
we'll try another flight. And we just kept on going
and kept on going, and well we're still going.
Speaker 2 (07:58):
And we had this year, we had one, not two,
but you had four, or.
Speaker 5 (08:03):
We'll have well three this year three this year I
thought it was four. Yep, I think we had three.
We were going to have four, but we had a
little problem with getting buses for one of the flights,
so we had to move on.
Speaker 2 (08:17):
But that's still fairly good going from hey, I think
we can pull this off once to now you're in
your sixties.
Speaker 5 (08:25):
Yeah, that we think, we feel. We feel very good
about that. And uh, and of course it's takes so
many many people to make this happen.
Speaker 2 (08:37):
Uh.
Speaker 5 (08:37):
Yeah, we have our board, but we have so many
extra volunteers and they're out and they're helping out in
so many ways. They're making phone calls, they're helping the
guys get ready, they're moving chairs. We have people who
are just wonderful volunteers and help us out and we
couldn't do it without the probably one hundred and fifty
volunteers that we have to work with us here.
Speaker 2 (08:58):
Now we have a flight again, we're going to have
one next month, and we're hoping here at the radio
station at sometime soon, maybe next month, we're going to
be able to have one of us be a part
of this whole thing. But that'll be a great perspective too.
Speaker 5 (09:15):
That would be great, it would It would be really
good that at least that's what have a chance to
see what somebody looks like.
Speaker 2 (09:23):
Well, we don't know if that's always a good thing there, Steven.
It's it's a little bit of a shocker, but it's
also just that perspective. And as we move forward for
the next flight and the ones after that, certainly we
need guardians. And even though we have a large stable
of people that want to help and we'll go back again,
we could always grow the number of people that want
(09:45):
to be guardians.
Speaker 5 (09:47):
We do need guardians and people who say because sometimes
the guy says, well I want to be a guardian,
Oh I can't that day, Well we need somebody to
back him up. We need guardians to back him up.
And so and it is the best job in the
whole wide world to be a guardian. It's well well
worth your time, getting a day off, taking a day
(10:11):
vacation and being a guardian that is that is well
worth it. We do have people from all walks of
life who come become guardians. Veteran some veterans, some are
doctors and nurses. We have teachers, we have real estate agents.
People from all walks of life say I want to
be a guardian. I want to be with those people.
Speaker 2 (10:31):
And for some of those people that started, maybe it's
taken them a while to have things work out. How
many of those people once they help one time where
they end up being a guardian once? How many times
do you find that you just can't get rid of
them because they want to They want to be a
part of everything they do.
Speaker 5 (10:49):
It's so very, very often they come back and they
say can I fill out another application? Sure you may,
and they did you know that was that was just
so special to me?
Speaker 2 (11:00):
Well, that must show the great work that you're doing.
Because things have come along way from two thousand and eight,
and yet it's a finely oiled machine, but it still
needs people on the other side to make it work.
Speaker 3 (11:12):
For people that are not aware of the Honor Flight, no.
Speaker 2 (11:16):
Cost for the vets, but there is a cost for
the guardians, and that in a way is helping us
make sure that we can pay.
Speaker 3 (11:21):
For the vets.
Speaker 5 (11:23):
Absolutely really they pay a little bit. And then of
course we have so many people donate in other ways
that helps this flight go by. And again everything for
the veterans are free. We won't want them, we won't.
We tell the veterans to leave your money and your
credit card with your wife and that's punishment enough.
Speaker 2 (11:47):
We'll see what happens when you get back. But for
the for people that need to find out more on
what it's going to take to be a guardian, can
they go to the website or would it be better
to call somebody from Honor Flight just to get a
little bit more of an idea.
Speaker 5 (12:02):
It's very easy, especially if you have a printer on
your computer, to go to Honor Flight QC dot org
and go to applications, then print it out right site
writes your amen and send it to us and the
address is on the back. It's over at rich Crest Village.
Speaker 2 (12:20):
What we get the mail Honor Flight QC dot org
can work too and for people that want to be
a part of it. We not only know that guardians
are always going to be welcome to be a part
of it, but also the day of the flight, maybe
in the morning you'll still see people there, but most
of this stuff starts to happen so early. The big
(12:40):
thing to be is at the airport, the Quad City
International Airport, at the end of the day to welcome
everybody back.
Speaker 5 (12:47):
Oh yeah, that is the great thing. And this last
time we just had a wonderful crowd out. Of course,
the parking was free thanks to the airport. They said,
get they open the gates to let people go out,
and that was great. It's not in the morning, but
it is at evening. But we all we had a
(13:08):
great time there and people were cheering, there were there
were signs, there were kids who were out there waving flags.
It was just a really fantastic they really fantastic time.
Speaker 2 (13:20):
Okay, so next month or really depending on when this
interview airs, it could be this month. But when's the
next date so people can start and are we filled
up on that.
Speaker 5 (13:30):
One the twenty eighth of October. Right now, we're getting
pretty much we'll full up or full up for the
October and so that doesn't mean you shouldn't put in
an application. Exactly we can tell what will happen. But yeah,
we're full up right now. But we've still got a
couple three for at least three flights we're going to
(13:50):
do next year, so we'll need people for that as well.
So and we all veterans. We need any veteran that's
out there, but we need the Guardian as well.
Speaker 3 (14:00):
And remember the real ID.
Speaker 5 (14:02):
It's very important that they remember it and that they
bring it along with them.
Speaker 1 (14:06):
If you or your organization would like to be featured
on Quad City for them, please visit the contact page
on our station website. Now back to Fat Luke and
Danny Linnow.
Speaker 2 (14:21):
Now we've got from the Quad City Arts, We've got Sandy,
we've got Crystal. We're ready to talk about all things
connected to an exciting event. Always a great draw when
we talk about the Festival of the Trees and you
guys just jump in where you want, but ladies want
to look at this thing. The Festival of the Trees
(14:42):
looks pretty good for forty years old now, I think.
Speaker 4 (14:44):
So when you think about, you know, the other big
events in the area that have milestones. I think the
BIX is a little bit ahead of us, but this
is this is a pretty big deal, you know, considering
it involves the entire community now running. Yes, that's that's
a big thing too. I happen to have done that
(15:06):
this year.
Speaker 3 (15:07):
Oh you did, let it go.
Speaker 4 (15:09):
Thanks, But this is you know, the community, everyone that
comes together. It takes over two thousand people to pull
this together. We start building in the River Center on
November fourth this year, and then we open our doors
to the public on November twenty second. We kick it
off with the huge hot Helium balloon parade and then
(15:30):
the doors are open and we have eight days of families, businesses, sponsors,
people coming through the door to kick off the holiday
season with us.
Speaker 2 (15:39):
I do think, ladies that when we talk about the
Bicks and we talk about there's other big events too.
It's just always great when we talk about the Festival
of the Trees, that's another great example of people coming
together to just you know, forget that there's a river,
forget anything else, zone out all that other stuff and
(16:00):
let's just enjoy a few days. Really, it seems like
all the build up to get to it and it's
over before we know it. But really with the Quad
City Arts, people associate that with Vestal the Trees.
Speaker 3 (16:13):
Well, you guys are working all year long.
Speaker 6 (16:16):
Yeah, absolutely, and I'll jump in here, pat. You know,
the organization has been around since nineteen seventy four and
Festival of Trees was started in nineteen eighty six to
respond to one of our programs, which is our Visiting
Artists series, where artists from around the world come into
the Quad Cities, they visit local public schools, they engage
(16:36):
with the children, show you know just what it takes
to be a musician or a performer or an artist,
show a little bit about a different culture, way of
being and then and it's just an amazing thing that
we've been able to offer for the Quad Cities. And
some awesome women started this event because they said, look,
(16:57):
we need to raise some money for this program. This
is an incredible thing that's happening in our local public schools.
Let's start a festival. And that's how the idea of
Festival of Trees came to be. And it's just been
a powerhouse ever since those forty years. It's raised millions
of dollars for Quad City Arts and are programming that
we do across the board, whether that's public art, the
(17:19):
murals everybody sees in the community, or other events throughout
the year, our granting events, what we do in the galley,
So it's funding a lot of our program So festival
trees is a very important thing to sell.
Speaker 2 (17:34):
As people are walking around there and enjoining things, and
really it seems like not just the River Center, but
then you'll have something tied in with a movie and
occasionally what the most times, the symphony orchestra.
Speaker 3 (17:47):
Would be a part of that too.
Speaker 2 (17:48):
But you take that part of downtown Davenport and it
just becomes it's like a holiday center and it's a
I'm glad you touched on it too.
Speaker 3 (17:58):
It's a fundraiser.
Speaker 6 (17:59):
Yeah, I think sometimes you know, the community that's not
away front of mine, because this event itself has become
such a tradition for families and they want to come
out and just have a good time in our downtowns
and spend money and support businesses and you know, do
something a little different out of the ordinary to kick
off the holidays. But but yeah, this every dollar cent
(18:20):
at the River Center goes to support our programming, and
that's a huge gift that we happen in this community.
Speaker 2 (18:26):
Now, not that either one of you will try to
take the ball, but we've really liked seeing that. It
just started a few days ago with the articles in
the paper just to kind of give us a backdrop.
Speaker 3 (18:36):
And even when I go, I remember.
Speaker 2 (18:39):
This back when it like the first big day with
carry Grant was going to be one of the big,
the big people that was a part of it, and
that what happened out of that whole thing would have
stopped a lot of organizations.
Speaker 3 (18:53):
Kind of what do we do now?
Speaker 2 (18:54):
We don't want to move forward on it, And it
really proved the metal for Quatity, the Arts and just
the people behind the whole thing saying wait a minute,
that was that was tragic what happened, but let's keep
building on and make it better every year.
Speaker 6 (19:09):
And you guys have Yeah, what a wild way to
kick all that off. And the Quantity Times, you know,
we were really loving this partnership. It's a tri party
partnership between Quatity Times, the Cultural Trust, which funds six
legacy partners in the Quad Cities. They've been involved for
many years in supporting financially and with their time and Energy,
(19:32):
Festival of Trees, but all these other organizations as well,
and Quasity Arts. So we're just excited to be highlighting
some of the ways that the paper has you know,
honored Festival of Trees and all the people that it
took to build this thing and power it up, and
just recognizing where we are now too in the future
that we have to create together and we do a
(19:54):
lot of that in partnership with the Trust.
Speaker 2 (19:56):
Forty years and counting and now anything new.
Speaker 4 (20:02):
Well we knew pat We worked really hard this year
trying to come up with ideas something new to put
on the floor. The trees are a staple, so there
will be sixty two trees this year that people can
bid on, and you know, that's that's just been That's
how it all started, is with with big trees. And
(20:25):
this year we've added something called a petite forest and
we did that for people who maybe are downsizing or
maybe you're one of those homes that likes to put
up multiple trees. And so these trees are three foot
or four foot in height. They can be made of
various materials. They could be just a plain green Christmas
(20:49):
tree like you see everyone else put up in our
homes or it could be something crafted from wood or metal.
So we tried to you know, give people a to
be more creative in what they put up. So there's
the Petite Forest. And this year we also reached out
(21:09):
and decided we try a different kind of artistry, so
we have Quilt Village. Wow, there are going to be
quilted items in there. Quilts, jackets, bags, table runners, anything
quilted could be in this area. For once again it's
part of a part of it's a donation by these
(21:32):
people and the money all funds Quad City Arts and
are programming. But those are like three new areas on
the floor. And this year we're really excited partnering with
John Deere and they are giving us in partnership. We
have a electric start, zero turn radius Z track mower.
Speaker 2 (21:57):
Now, this is wait, how big must that be just
to get you know what that How big is this
just to get all of that on the mower?
Speaker 3 (22:03):
That must be a big mower just to have.
Speaker 2 (22:06):
The Z kind of a huge mowier is.
Speaker 4 (22:11):
It can mow too, It can mow two acres at
a time. So we think this is this is a
raffle that's going to be taking place during Festival of Trees,
So we think it's going to add a new dimension
of excitement and it's a great way to change things
up with the support of John Deere. They've always been
a supporter, but this year we're just trying something new.
(22:34):
We want to we want to make it fun and interesting,
and they were on board, so that's what we're doing.
Speaker 2 (22:40):
Well, you've always you guys have all you guys and
ladies have always made it fun. But how many times
do people come up to you now the creative side
of setting up some of these incredible displays, but how
many people just go through the doors and get ideas
from what they see at the Festival of the Trees
to put in their place.
Speaker 4 (22:59):
I think that's probably a big draw for a lot
of people. We have one lady who is actually doing
seven trees for us this year. I think some of
them are Petite Forest, but she has told Pat Pat
Wolford has been the head of this large design area
pretty much for for thirty six years. Pat has been
(23:22):
involved in Festival of Trees for thirty six years and
she told Pat she's already got things lined up for
what she's doing next year. So she is one of
our devoted designers and you know, so you know she
probably takes her ideas from year to year as well.
Speaker 2 (23:40):
Well, maybe just on her way over to a meeting,
she's coming up with ideas, probably looking at it, wanting
to change it, sometimes right in the middle of the
Festival the Trees. But for those of you just tuning,
for those of you just tuning in, we're talking to
Sandy and Crystal from the Festival the Trees in the
Quad City Arts And for people that want to find
out more, when when will things start showing up on
(24:02):
websites or probably they're out there now and some of
the socials. So how can people get psyched up for
the big days that are coming?
Speaker 6 (24:11):
Yeah, go online to our Festival of Trees website. It's
at Qcfestival of Trees dot com. You can also get
there from any of Quad City Arts program platforms, social media, Facebook,
our website and Qcfestival of Trees dot Com is really
where you're going to find tickets to sell, purchase. You're
(24:32):
going to find all the activities and schedules, Santa's hours
for Santa's Throne, the parade details. That's really where you're
going to see all of the information you'll need. So
but the other piece we're doing is a part of
our honoring forty years, is we want to collect stories
and collect your memories and anybody in the community can
participate in this. We have a link on our social
(24:54):
media and our Facebook page where you can go online
and just submit a couple of little sentences and maybe
some photos about what Festival of Trees has meant to
you over the years and any traditions you remember, funny stories,
interesting trees. I feel like everybody has something to say
about this event.
Speaker 2 (25:12):
When do you guys start prepping for in this case
the twenty twenty five Festival the Trees.
Speaker 4 (25:18):
Actually, we came up with the theme for this year,
which is Tinsel and Tradition. We came up with that
theme in October of last year, so we didn't we
weren't just getting into the throws of twenty twenty four festival,
but we took time out to decide the theme for
(25:41):
twenty twenty five. Now this year, things are a little
busier because we've just we've changed stuff up enough that
you know, it's not cookie cutter, and we're trying to
bring in this some of these new aspects, So we
haven't talked about that yet, but it will. It will
definitely be on the January meeting of what are we
(26:04):
doing this year? Well, pretty much a year round thought process.
Speaker 2 (26:09):
I think that's amazing and the world can be so
distracting and there's a lot of outside influences that can
get us going each which way, it seems like, but
the Festival the Trees is just a great time to
just enjoy whatever holiday it is, enjoy it and head
over to the River Center and all the other things
(26:30):
that are tied into it. Ladies, keep up the great
work and looking forward to talking to you well, well,
well after you come up with the theme for next year,
but we're looking forward to talking to you next year
and beyond.
Speaker 4 (26:44):
Thank you, Pat. This has been fantastic. We love the
opportunity to talk about not only you know, our remarkable team,
but also the designers who come back year after year
and support us. And you know, we always like talking
about claud City Yards, so it's just the best of
(27:05):
all of our worlds when we can do something like this.
Speaker 2 (27:07):
We'd love it that you want to brag and that
you were able to talk to us while we're heading
on out. Why don't you give those ways that people
can check things out the socials on our way out
of this interview.
Speaker 4 (27:19):
Oh absolutely, And you know, Path, there's one more thing
I want to add, you know, the not only do
we have the river Center, but we have these special
events that are sellouts for us every single year and
it's just another aspect of festival. We have sugar plum Ball,
which is held at the Waterfront Convention Center in Bettendorf,
(27:42):
and that's kind of the daddy Daughter dance every year
that sells out. Tickets are on sale now. You can
find them on QC Festival of Trees dot com. The
other huge event that sells out, and that's our Teddy
Bears and Trees that's held at the Double Tree and
ab Andport and it is just an afternoon of fun
(28:04):
for adults and they're littles, and it sells out every
single year. Again, those tickets are available. The really I
think fun adult event that we have is Celebrity Lunch
that's held on the Wednesday before Thanksgiving and that's held
at River Center North and it's just an afternoon lunch
(28:26):
and of fun and craziness and laugh. Community leaders and
dignitaries come and they devote their time to being stilly
and helping us raise money. So you know, the river
does not divide us here, and we incorporate as much
(28:47):
of the club cities as we possibly can, and so
all of this information you know. If you're looking for
something to do with your little look into Teddy Bears
and Treats or sugar Plumball. If you want a fun
adult afternoon before the Thanksgiving ensues, look at Celebrity Lunch.
(29:08):
And Crystal's got all of our sites here so can
tell you exactly where you can go for all of this.
Speaker 6 (29:15):
Yes, to find out more, head online to Qcfestival of
Trees dot com. You can also find us on Facebook
at facebook dot com slash Festival of Trees QC. So
you always want to include that QC as you're searching
for Festival of Trees so you get the right one.
But please go on check us out, buy tickets and
make your plans early.
Speaker 1 (29:36):
You've been listening to Quad City Forum, a weekly community
service program produced by iHeartRadio. If you were your nonprofit
organization would like to be featured, please visit the contact
page and our station website, or contact quad City Forum
and care of iHeartMedia, Quad Cities three five three five
East Kimberly Road, Davin Fords, Iowa five two eight zero
(29:59):
seven
Popular Podcasts
Las Culturistas with Matt Rogers and Bowen Yang
Ding dong! Join your culture consultants, Matt Rogers and Bowen Yang, on an unforgettable journey into the beating heart of CULTURE. Alongside sizzling special guests, they GET INTO the hottest pop-culture moments of the day and the formative cultural experiences that turned them into Culturistas. Produced by the Big Money Players Network and iHeartRadio.
Crime Junkie
Does hearing about a true crime case always leave you scouring the internet for the truth behind the story? Dive into your next mystery with Crime Junkie. Every Monday, join your host Ashley Flowers as she unravels all the details of infamous and underreported true crime cases with her best friend Brit Prawat. From cold cases to missing persons and heroes in our community who seek justice, Crime Junkie is your destination for theories and stories you won’t hear anywhere else. Whether you're a seasoned true crime enthusiast or new to the genre, you'll find yourself on the edge of your seat awaiting a new episode every Monday. If you can never get enough true crime... Congratulations, you’ve found your people. Follow to join a community of Crime Junkies! Crime Junkie is presented by audiochuck Media Company.
The Brothers Ortiz
The Brothers Ortiz is the story of two brothers–both successful, but in very different ways. Gabe Ortiz becomes a third-highest ranking officer in all of Texas while his younger brother Larry climbs the ranks in Puro Tango Blast, a notorious Texas Prison gang. Gabe doesn’t know all the details of his brother’s nefarious dealings, and he’s made a point not to ask, to protect their relationship. But when Larry is murdered during a home invasion in a rented beach house, Gabe has no choice but to look into what happened that night. To solve Larry’s murder, Gabe, and the whole Ortiz family, must ask each other tough questions.