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DECEMBER 2021 - Complimentary Issue - www.qcfamilyfocus.com

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Thanksgiving

is behind us,

but still be thankful

Your Mickle’s

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2 December 2021 I QC Family Focus


DECEMBER 2021

Serving Eastern Iowa & Western Illinois

6 8

TOYS, GAMES AND THE EYES:

TIPS TO KEEP KIDS SAFE

THIS HOLIDAY SEASON

VERIZON OFFERS

HOLIDAY DEALS

14 18

GRATITUDE GIVES

PERSPECTIVE

Publisher: Mike Mickle

Editor: Karen Mickle

Magazine Design: Jessie Smith

Contributing Editors

Denise Aden • Dr. William Benevento • Ela Ersan

Evin Ersan • Mike Mickle • Verizon Wireless

Join thousands of others as they help us promote happy healthy families in the QCA.

Call 563-940-7875 for more information.

QC Family Focus Magazine is a wholly owned subsidiary of Mickle Communications Group LLC. Publication of advertising and articles does not

constitute endorsement. The publisher reserves the right to refuse and/or edit any materials for publication. You can contact us at QC Family Focus

Magazine, P.O. Box 194, Bettendorf, Iowa 52722, 563-940-7875 or email: mmickle@qcfamilyfocus.com. ©Copyright 2021.

QC Family Focus I December 2021 3


The Mickle family in their younger years

Your Mickle’s Worth

Season’s Greetings Everyone!

Hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving

and are now gearing up for Christmas and

then the start of a new year. This time of year

is always a blur for the Mickle family. Between

the holidays and two children’s birthdays, the

shopping for both and attempting to have some

quality family time, the days seem to go quickly.

It’s almost impossible to believe that Kyle will

be 24 and Kate will be 22. Matt just turned 19!

I’ve had the pleasure of documenting their lives

in the magazine. Truth be told, I’ve never been

a fan of cold weather. Even after more than 3

decades of calling the QC “home” I’m still not

accustomed to the cold. I guess my Oklahoma

blood is thin! Still, even with the cold weather,

I love what the season means. We start in

Mid-October celebrating our youngest child’s

birthday, then we move right in to November

and have a day to give thanks. I have much

to be thankful for. Our three kids have grown

into young adults that we not only love, but we

truly “like” them as well. They are kind-hearted,

respectful and devoted to family. I can’t ask for

much more.

When I think about moving here as a

young, single guy who planned to stay for 2

years and then move on to the next television

job, I can’t help but think of the knot in my

stomach when I left Oklahoma in the rearview

mirror and wondered if I would ever fit in as a

television news anchor in the Midwest. At that

4 December 2021 I QC Family Focus

point, I was only focused on my career. I never

dreamed I’d meet my wife here, buy a house in

the QC and then have all three Mickle children

born and raised here. The QC is an incredible

place to call home. Now, here’s the big news.

We call this “burying the lead” in the news

business. After all these years, there is another

big move on the horizon. What does it mean

for us? What will it mean for QC Family Focus?

Those questions and more will be answered in

an upcoming issue of QCFF! Stay tuned!

As always, thanks for your support!

Mike, Karen Kyle, Kate, Matt and Boomer


QC Family Focus I December 2021 5


TOYS, GAMES AND THE EYES:

TIPS TO KEEP KIDS SAFE

THIS HOLIDAY SEASON

by Dr. William Benevento, M.D. Eye Surgeons Associates

As we’re immersed in the season

of toy buying, here are a few safety

tips to keep in mind. These guidelines

are not absolute; the best toy for a

child also takes into account their

individual interests, abilities and level of

responsibility.

According to the U.S. Consumer

Product Safety Commission, there were

an estimated 224,200 toy-related injuries treated in

hospital emergency departments in 2019. Forty-six

percent of the estimated injuries were to the head and

face area, the most commonly affected area of the

body.

Some propelling toys, such as airsoft guns,

arrows, paintball guns and darts, can be particularly

hazardous, with the potential to cause serious eye

injuries including scratching the surface of the eye,

bleeding inside the eye, traumatic cataract, increased

eye pressure and even permanent vision loss. It’s best

to avoid purchasing projectile-firing toys due to safety

concerns. However, if your children are playing with

these types of toys, everyone, even adults, should

follow/wear the recommended protection, including

eye protection, to block flying objects from damaging

their eyes.

An estimated 17 percent of children’s eye injuries

are caused by missile-type toys or toys with hard

6 December 2021 I QC Family Focus

edges or detachable parts. Look for toys marked with

“ASTM”, which means the product meets the national

safety standards set by the American Society for

Testing and Materials. Do not allow your children to

play with non-powder rifles, pellet or BB guns. They

are extremely dangerous and have been reclassified

as firearms and removed from toy departments.

Youngsters are particularly vulnerable during

the excitement of the holidays. The Illinois Society

for the Prevention of Blindness offers the following

recommendations:

1. Be aware of how and where your children or

grandchildren play with their toys. There is no

substitute for adult supervision.

2. Keep inappropriate toys away from children who

are too young or too inexperienced to use them

properly.

3. Make sure toys will not shatter with rough handling

or under violent impact.

4. Read manufacturers’ instructions for using toys

properly and age appropriateness.

5. Ensure that laser-product labels include a statement

that the device complies with 21 CFR (the Code of

Federal Regulations) Subchapter J.

Babies like toys that stimulate their senses,

especially those that are brightly colored and

lightweight for handling. They should not have sharp

edges, points, or pieces that can be swallowed.


Everything should be made of non-toxic materials.

Floating bath toys and stacking toys are always

favorites.

Toddlers need toys for active play, such as balls or

a wagon. Blocks and simple puzzles are good at this

age, as are picture books.

Preschoolers like to use their imaginations. Dolls,

teddy bears, toy telephones, planes, cars and boats

are all appropriate, here. Larger outdoor toys such as

a swing set or tricycle encourage balance and fitness.

Board games, word and matching games, construction

sets, modeling clay and other art supplies help with

visualization and memory skills. Books are always

appreciated, especially if someone reads along with

them.

School-age kids ride bicycles (with helmets!), roller

skate, jump rope and play sports. Don’t forget that

sports equipment, a popular gift, also should include

protective eyewear. Nearly 30,000 sports-related

eye injuries are treated in U.S. emergency rooms

annually. Science, modeling and craft kits encourage

experimentation and fine motor skills. Board games,

table-top sports games, doll houses, racing cars and

electric trains also help kids develop skills for social

and solitary play.

Video games are a mixed blessing. On the down

side, staring at a video screen can dry out eyes and

cause blurring, itching and burning. Headaches

(both in players and parents) and other symptoms of

eyestrain also can occur. There is growing concern

among the eye health community about the increased

cases of myopia (nearsightedness) in children. Both

genetics and environmental factors play key roles in

myopia. But the recent, dramatic upswing in cases

appears to be driven by environmental factors. People

are spending less time outdoors and more time on

near-work activities such as screen time and reading.

Kids who develop myopia early in life and progress

to high myopia have a 50 percent greater risk of

glaucoma, they are 17 percent more likely to need

cataract surgery, and have a 6 times greater risk of

retinal detachment and retinal tears. On the positive

side, video games in moderation may help with eyehand

coordination, and some may be educational.

One final note: If you have been around on

Christmas morning you know that more than a few

young children are more interested in the wrapping

paper and boxes than presents. Be careful, as these

can be dangerous play things. Keep it simple, and

have a safe and happy holiday.

The material contained in this article is for informational purposes

only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice,

diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other

qualified health care provider.

Dr. William Benevento is a board-certified ophthalmologist. He

practices at Eye Surgeons Associates in Bettendorf. For more information,

visit esaeyecare.com.

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QC Family Focus I December 2021 7


VERIZON OFFERS

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Whether you’re shopping for gifts

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8 December 2021 I QC Family Focus

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QC Family Focus I December 2021 9


EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE

THE BALANCING OF INTELLECT.

by Evin Ersan College Reporter, Boston University

For one of my college essays, I wrote about

emotional intelligence and how it factors into

leadership roles. I recently read a very compelling

article on this subject written by Bob Gershberg,

CEO/Managing Partner of Wray Executive Search.

Mr. Gershberg does a wonderful job defining

emotional intelligence and its importance in our

society. Here are the highlights of his article and my

thoughts on it.

The dictionary defines emotion as, “A natural

instinctive state of mind deriving from one’s

circumstances, mood, or relationships with others.”

In a world where emotions are running very high

right now, I believe society is slowly realizing that

how we handle our emotions and the emotions of

others can make a big difference in the outcomes

we can expect. Emotionally charged acts or words

are known to ignite strong responses. This is not

necessarily always a negative thing. Emotion can

be part of paving the way towards change if it is

used in a way to enlighten and inspire others. It

can also go very wrong when it offends, separates,

alienates, or disregards the feelings and/or beliefs

of others.

10 December 2021 I QC Family Focus

Emotional intelligence, or EQ as it is referred

to in science, is the ability to detect, comprehend,

regulate, and understand our emotions as well as

the emotions of others. To do so, Mr. Gershberg

states one must possess talents in, “self-control,

social skills, relationships, communication and

influencing or motivating other people — all great

skills for personal and professional success.”

According to the University of New Hampshire

psychology department, emotional intelligence is

the, “ability to validly reason with emotions and to

use emotions to enhance thought.” EQ refers to

an individual’s ability to perceive, control, evaluate,

and express emotions. People with a high EQ can

manage emotions, use their emotions to facilitate

thinking, understand emotional meanings and

accurately perceive others’ emotions. EQ is partially

determined by how a person relates to others and

maintains emotional control.”

The Harvard Business Review has hailed

emotional intelligence as, “a ground-breaking,

paradigm-shattering idea” and “one of the most

influential business ideas of the decade.”

So what is the difference between IQ and EQ?


Mr. Gershberg breaks it down as follows, “IQ, or

intelligence quotient, is a number derived from

a standardized intelligence test. On the original

IQ tests, scores were calculated by dividing the

individual’s mental age by his or her chronological

age and then multiplying that number by 100. So,

a child with a mental age of 15 and a chronological

age of 10 would have an IQ of 150. Today, scores

on most IQ tests are calculated by comparing the

test taker’s score to the scores of other people in

the same age group.

EQ, on the other hand, is a measure of a

person’s level of emotional intelligence. This refers

to a person’s ability to perceive, control, evaluate,

and express emotions. Researchers such as

John Mayer and Peter Salovey as well as writers

like Daniel Goleman have helped shine a light on

emotional intelligence, making it a hot topic in areas

ranging from business management to education.

The concept of emotional intelligence has had

a strong impact in several areas, including the

business world. Many companies now mandate

emotional intelligence training and utilize EQ tests

as part of the hiring process. Research has found

that individuals with strong leadership potential also

tend to be more emotionally intelligent, suggesting

that a high EQ is an important quality for business

leaders and managers to have.

The EQ concept argues that IQ, or conventional

intelligence, is too narrow; that there are wider areas

of Emotional Intelligence that dictate and enable

how successful we are. Success requires more

than IQ (Intelligence Quotient), which has tended to

be the traditional measure of intelligence, ignoring

essential behavioral and character elements. We’ve

all met people who are academically brilliant and yet

are socially and inter-personally inept. And we know

that despite possessing a high IQ rating, success

does not automatically follow.

This is the essential premise of EQ: to be

successful requires the effective awareness, control

and management of one’s own emotions, and

those of other people. EQ embraces two aspects of

intelligence:

1. Understanding yourself, your goals, intentions,

responses, behavior and all.

2. Understanding others, and their feelings.”

Mr. Gershberg goes on to say that five factors

make up Emotional Intelligence:

1. Self-awareness

2. Self regulation

3. Motivation

4. Empathy

5. Social skills

All in all, I found this article to be extremely

helpful as I hope to one day be in a leadership

position. I plan to continue learning more about EQ

and how I can incorporate it into my educational

and professional experiences. I hope you found

this information helpful as well. If you’d like more

positivity and education, feel free to follow my social

media located on my website,

evinersan.com.

Bob Gershberg Article: www.wraysearch.com/

viewpoint-bob-gershberg-october-2021/

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QC Family Focus I December 2021 11


Just For Kids

12 December 2021 I QC Family Focus


NAME

CHRISTMAS

ISPY

SNOWMAN

COUNT &

CANDY CANE

STOCKING

COLOR!

SLEIGH

HOW MANY

SNOW GLOBE

ICE SKATES

CAN YOU

HOT CHOCOLATE

TREE

FIND?

ORNAMENT

QC Family Focus I December 2021 13


GRATITUDE GIVES

PERSPECTIVE

by Denise Aden, MSW LISW Quad Cities Counseling

We have said goodbye to

Thanksgiving but that doesn’t

mean we shouldn’t continue to

be “thankful.”

For many people, that

means activities like shopping,

planning parties, cooking,

and decorating. With so many

things going on, it’s easy to feel

the pressure of the season, and

even start to feel overwhelmed.

It’s ironic, considering the

holidays are also a time to be

thankful and appreciative of the

things we have. In an effort to

capture the warmth and peace

of the season, many of us get

stressed out over making every

detail perfect.

Gratitude can really put

holiday pressure in perspective.

Unfortunately, we tend to lose

a lot of that gratitude this time

of year, because we’re so busy

thinking about other things!

When you choose to be

more grateful this season,

you’ll recognize that the power

of appreciation actually helps

to release a lot of pressure.

Be Thankful for Good Health

Sometimes we take the

basics for granted. But good

health is definitely something

to appreciate, especially as

our community and world

continues to deal with the

effects of Covid-19. This

holiday season may continue

to look a little different and

more socially distant but it is

still a time to rejoice if you have

your health or appreciate that

your health or that of a loved

one has been restored this

year.

Be Thankful for Family and

Friends

Sometimes, going from

party to party and having to

spend hours with family can

be overwhelming. There may

even be some family members,

friends, or co-workers you’d

rather not spend your time

with.

Instead of dreading these

get-togethers, try to think

about how lucky you are to

have so many people in your

life who care about you. Yes,

people can test our patience

sometimes. But, not everyone

has a family to go home to,

or friends to spend their time

with.

By being grateful for family

and friends who love you, you’ll

be less likely to get annoyed by

having to spend so much time

with them.

Be Thankful for Your Home

Between decorating,

having people over, cleaning,

and cooking, you might take

your home for granted. But,

between the hustle and bustle,

take a moment to appreciate

14 December 2021 I QC Family Focus


the roof over your head.

Again, it can help to think

about people who might not

have the same luxuries. It

doesn’t matter if you live in a

mansion or a one-bedroom

apartment. If you have a warm

place to stay, it’s important to

be thankful for that.

Celebrate the Season With a

Grateful Heart

The holidays can be a strain

on our finances, relationships,

and more.

But, instead of letting the

pressure of the season cause

you to feel extra stress, take

a moment to breathe. Look

around you, and consider the

things in your life that you have

to be grateful for. They might

even be things that you find

yourself complaining about!

For example, you might not

want to go to your office’s

holiday party. But, you can be

grateful you have a job that

pays the bills. Or, that you’ll

receive a Christmas bonus.

We have so many things to

be grateful for. When you focus

on that gratitude this time of

year, it can really put the true

meaning of the holidays in

perspective. Thinking about

what the holiday truly means

makes the daily stresses of

the season seem much less

significant.

Still think you may need help

putting things in perspective?

If you need support, or simply

want to take some time to share

your concerns with someone

who can provide some coping

strategies, please contact

Quad Cities Counseling at

563-213-5100.. Together we

can find ways to gratefully

navigate the season.

With

Ela Ersan

Rising Senior

Pleasant Valley High School Student

SHREDDED BRUSSELS SPROUT BACON

SALAD AND WARM CIDER VINAIGRETTE

This shredded brussels sprout bacon (I use turkey bacon), salad is delicious!

Shredded brussels sprouts, nutty manchego cheese, toasted hazelnuts, and juicy

pomegranates, all tossed with a warm cider vinaigrette that’s sweet and tangy.

Your friends and family will definitely be asking for the recipe once you serve the

salad! Note: Nuts can be changed to water chestnuts, wonton pieces, or anything

crunchy if you have anyone with allergies. Happy holidays!

Ingredients

- 6 cups shredded brussels sprouts (about one 12 ounce bag)

- 1 1/2 cups grated manchego or parmesan cheese

- 1/2 cup toasted hazelnuts or pecans, roughly chopped

- 1 1/2 cups pomegranate arils

- 6 thick cut slices bacon, chopped

- 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil

- 1 medium shallot, thinly sliced

- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

- 1 tablespoon apple butter or fig preserves

- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves

- 1 teaspoon fresh orange zest

- kosher salt and black pepper

- pinch of crushed red pepper flakes

Instructions

1. In a large salad bowl, combine the shredded brussels sprouts,

cheese, hazelnuts, and pomegranate arils.

2. Cook the bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crisp.

Drain onto a paper towel. Wipe the skillet clean.

3. To make the vinaigrette. Heat the olive oil in the same

skillet used to cook the bacon over high heat. When the oil

shimmers, add the shallots, cook until fragrant, 2-3 minutes.

Remove from the heat, let cool slightly. Add the apple cider

vinegar, apple butter, thyme, and orange zest. Season with salt,

pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes.

4. Pour the vinaigrette over the salad, tossing to combine. Top

the salad with bacon. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Enjoy!

QC Family Focus I December 2021 15


Client-Centered, Solution-Focused.

Do any of the following statements

resonate with you?

· You feel isolated.

· You lack confidence.

· You struggle to have time for yourself.

· You believe God has more for your life,

but it just isn’t happening.

If any of these are true for you,

counseling can help.

I’m Denise Aden, and I provide

counseling services here in the Quad

Cities area. I also offer counseling with a

Christian perspective, if you wish. I have

more than 30 years of experience, and

my approach is warm, compassionate,

client-centered and solution-focused.

Looking for more peace in your life?

Call me at (563) 213-5100 for

a free consultation.

Denise Aden, MSW, LISW

1970 Spruce Hills Drive · Bettendorf, IA 52722 · (563) 213-5100

info@quadcitiescounseling.com · quadcitiescounseling.com

Eternal Peace

Pine Hill Cemetery Association

& Fairmount Cemetery Association

Pine Hill Cemetery Association

1530 E. 39th St. • Davenport, IA 52807

(563) 391-5130

A Non-Profit Cemetery Association

Serving the Quad-Cities Community for 163 Years

PineHillCemeteryDavenport.com

Fairmount Cemetery Association

Iowa’s Original Crematory

3902 Rockingham Rd. • Davenport, IA 52802

(563) 322-8663

Not-for-Profit Perpetual Care

Cemetery & Crematory Services

Fairmountcemeteryandcrematory.com

Established in 1855, Pine Hill

Cemetery is a not-for-profit,

locally owned business and

a place of peace, where

departed loved ones can

rest for eternity. Pine Hill

Cemetery has always taken

great pride in honoring the

memory of the community’s

loved ones.

We strive to meet the Quad

City area’s needs, and

our efforts and respectful

attention to detail include

the grounds and operations

of Fairmount Cemetery &

Crematory. Our Board of

Directors, management and

staff work together to make

both cemeteries respected

institutions within the

community. Feel free to visit

and recall fond memories of

the past.

16 December 2021 I QC Family Focus


Santa Meltaway Cookies

This quick cookie is perfect to whip up on Christmas Eve for Santa.

And they really do melt in your mouth! Kind of like a sugar cookie,

kind of like shortbread. Trust me when I say Santa will love them

too.

INGREDIENTS:

Cookie Dough

- 1 1/2 sticks butter, unsalted and softened

- 1/2 c. powdered sugar

- 1/2 c. cornstarch

- 1 t. vanilla

- 1/2 t. salt

- 1 c. flour

Icing

- 3/4 c. powdered sugar

- 1 T. almond extract

- 4-5 T. milk

- Christmas sprinkles

INSTRUCTIONS:

- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Lightly grease a cookie sheet and set aside.

- In a stand mixer or hand held mixer cream together the butter and powdered sugar. Add in the

cornstarch and vanilla, creaming together.

- Sift the salt and flour together and add to the batter. Scoop dough out into balls and place on the

cookie sheet, then flatten the balls out with the underside of a cup dipped in powdered sugar.

- Bake for 10 minutes. Allow to cool on a wire cookie rack.

- To make the icing, whisk together the powdered sugar, extract and milk. This should make a medium

to thin glaze, adding more milk if you need to thin it out.

- Place a small spoonful of icing in the middle of the cookie and add sprinkles. Allow glaze to harden.

Homemade Gingerbread Coffee Creamer

Did you know you can make your own homemade coffee

creamer? It’s quite simple and comes together in just 5 minutes!

This Christmas version is great in coffee or even hot chocolate.

Make a batch today!

INGREDIENTS:

- 2 c. half and half

- 1/4 c. molasses

- 1 t. ground ginger

- 1/2 t. cinnamon

- 1/2 t. ground cloves

- 1/4 t. ground nutmeg

- 1 t. vanilla extract

- 3 T. sugar

INSTRUCTIONS:

- In a small saucepan over low heat add in the half and half,

molasses, sugar and seasonings.

Whisk to combine.

- Stir over low heat for 5 minutes. Remove from the heat and add

in the vanilla extract.

- Use immediately in your coffee or refrigerate for up to one week.

Find 7 Differences

For more of Ally’s recipes check out the recipe section

at qcfamilyfocus.com or sweetandsavoryfood.com

QC Family Focus I December 2021 17


There is a misconception that when

the kids reach college age, we are no longer

“parenting.” While some subscribe to that

philosophy others are in complete disagreement.

While most parents agree that our job description

changes when the children head to college or

graduate from college, there is a growing chorus

of moms and dads who say their jobs are far from

over when the kids reach “legal age”. As our

children are navigating their way through college,

their first job or moving into their first apartment,

there are many questions.

We may no longer be responsible for

picking them up when they fall on the sidewalk

and get an “owie”, but we still need to be there

when they are going through their first level of

challenges as an adult.

The bottom line is we are never “done” with

parenting, We should always be their strongest

support system, their biggest cheer leader and

their most devoted sounding board. The role

definitely changes but it doesn’t end. Don’t rush

it. Embrace it. Enjoy the journey .

YOUR AD

COULD BE

HERE!

m mickle

communications

video•print•design•marketing

Looking for the right company to tell

your company or organization’s story?

Talk to the experts at

Mickle Communications!

We are the ONLY company

that focuses on families of

ALL ages and abilities.

Email Mike at

mmickle@qcfamilyfocus.com

to set up a brainstorming session.

#whatcanwedoforyou

18 December 2021 I QC Family Focus


DECK THE DOWNTOWNS

is Officially Live!

Deck the Downtowns promotions is happening now

in Downtown Bettendorf, Davenport and Rock Island.

Each downtown will promote their own unique activities encouraging

people to eat, drink, shop and be merry downtown.

“This is the first time the three downtowns managed by the Quad Cities Chamber have

come together to showcase the businesses that make each downtown unique with

Deck the Downtowns,” said Kyle Carter, VP of Place Management, Quad Cities

Chamber. “There is so much to offer in each downtown during the holidays -

whether it’s enjoying a holiday event with your family, date night with drinks and

dinner or finding the perfect one of-a-kind gift.”

Deck the Downtowns also supports the

Keep It QC initiative which encourages Quad Citizens to spend locally

because every dollar we keep in the Quad Cities drives our economy.

Keep It QC Visa® Gift Cards are available for purchase online at

thecommunitygiftcard.com/keepitqc.

They can be used everywhere Visa debit cards are accepted and look for

Quad Cities merchants that support the card.

QC Family Focus I December 2021 19


m mickle

communications

video•print•design•marketing

“No other company in the Midwest is doing what you are doing.”

Eric Powell-Manager, Program Development- TLC Network

563.940.7875 • MICKLECOMMUNICATIONS.COM

Mickle Communications is the expert in telling your story.

MC is the only video production company to win a Silver Dome Award

for Best Documentary in Illinois and a 5-time Emmy Nominee.

Tackling topics no other video production

company in the QC is willing to cover.

#Whatcanwedoforyou

20 December 2021 I QC Family Focus

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