Miscellaneous stories

Gordon Announces Networking Event for Small Businesses & Lenders

State Rep. Jehan Gordon will co-host an event for small businesses with the Illinois Department of Financial Regulation and the Peoria Area Chamber of Commerce. The “How to Access Capital for Your Business” Workshop will be held on Friday, February 10 from 7:30 – 9:30 a.m. at the Peoria NEXT Innovation Center, 801 W. Main St. in Peoria.

“Over the past few years it has been very difficult for businesses to find banks that are willing to make loans. Small business growth is a key component of our economic recovery, and making sure businesses and lenders are talking to each other is necessary,” Gordon said. “This event will be an opportunity for lenders to meet with businesses that are looking to grow and for businesses to meet those individuals who can help them in securing financing.”

In small groups, lenders will have the opportunity to present their loan information to small businesses. Lenders will be moving to groups of small businesses throughout the morning in order for all businesses and lenders to make connections with each other.

“It is my hope that small businesses will be able to form relationships that will allow them to grow and create jobs through increased access to capital funds,” Gordon said. “I will continue working with local economic developers to support policies and outreach efforts that position area employers to invest in creating more job opportunities.”

If you are interested in attending the “How to Access Capital for Your Business” Workshop, please RSVP to Rep. Gordon’s Office at (309) 681-1992 or repjgordon@gmail.com

February is National Library Lovers Month

Saturday, February 25 – Library Lovers Month Movie – McClure Branch – 2:30-4:00 p.m. In honor of February being National Library Lovers Month, enjoy a showing of Lady and the Tramp and some “treats for sweets.” For all ages! FREE!

Free Events for Kids in February at Peoria Public Library

For Infants/Toddlers

February 2, 13, 16, &27 – North Branch

February 1, 15, & 29 – Main Library

Toddler Time Tuesdays – McClure Branch – 10:00-10:20 a.m. – Songs, fingerplays, stories, and lots of fun!  Ages 18 months to 2 years old.  497-2700

For Preschoolers

February 1, 8, 15, 22, & 29 – Fun Time Storytime – McClure Branch – 10:00-10:30 a.m. Fun stories and songs for children ages 3-6.  497-2700

February 3, 10, 17, & 24 – Fun Time Storytime – North Branch – 10:15-10:45 a.m. Fun stories and songs for children ages 3-6.  497-2100

February 6 & 9 – North Branch

February 8 & 22 – Main Library

February 7 – Black History Storytime – Lincoln Branch – 10:00-10:30 a.m. Listen to some classic Black History stories and make an Abraham Lincoln sack puppet.  Ages 3-6.  497-2600

February 14 – Valentine’s Day “Love Your Teeth” Storytime – Lincoln Branch – 10:00-10:30 a.m. A special guest will tell us how to love our teeth and give us a special treat this Valentine’s Day!  Ages 3-6.  497-2600

February 14 – 4H Preschool Nutrition Program – Lincoln Branch – 10:30-11:00 a.m. Come and enjoy a fun story and a nutritional snack!  497-2600

February 15 – 4H Preschool Nutrition Program – McClure Branch – 10:30-11:00 a.m. Make a fun and healthy snack.  Ages 3-6.  497-2700

February 21 & 28 – Fun Time Storytime – Lincoln Branch – 10:00-10:30 a.m. Join us for stories, songs, and lots of fun!  Ages 3-6.  497-2600

Grade School

February 2 – Science Sleuths – North Branch – 4:00-5:00 p.m. Join us each month to learn how the library can help you explore the mysteries of the universe. Children 3rd-5th grade. 497-2102

February 4 – Make It! Take It! Crafts –North Branch– 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Children’s Activity Room – make a cool craft while supplies last. Ages 4-10. 497-2100

February 8 & 22 – Crafty Afternoons – Main Library – 4:00-5:00 p.m.  Join us in the Children’s craft area for some crafting fun. Kids in grades K – 6th can drop in anytime between 4:00 and 5:00 to do the day’s craft while supplies last. 497-2000

Middle School/High School

February 6, 7, 13, 14, 20, 21, 27, & 28 – Project Next Generation – Lincoln Branch Front & Center – 6:00-8:00 p.m. Middle school students are invited to register for Project Next Generation, a mentoring program sponsored by Secretary of State Jesse White.  This program offers opportunities to develop personally and learn new skills and technology.  Grades 5-8. Registration required. 497-2600

For All Ages

February 9 – Valentine Puppet Show – Lincoln Branch – 10:30-11:00 a.m. & 2:00-2:30 p.m. Enjoy the holiday puppet show, “Little Red Racing Heart – a Fractured Fairy Tale.”  497-2600

February 11 – Make a “Sweet Heart” for your “Sweetheart” – Lincoln Branch – 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. Make a cute Valentine craft to take home while supplies last.

February 11 – Valentine’s Day Make It! Take It! – McClure Branch – 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. Come make a simple holiday craft to take home! (While supplies last.)

February 13 – Be My Valentine Storytime – North Branch – 7:00-7:45 p.m. Love is in the air at the Peoria Public Library. Join this Valentine’s Day-themed Pajama Storytime. We’ll read a story, play games, and make a simple craft. Bring a blanket and pillow; you’ll be ready for bed when you leave!  497-2100

The Peoria Symphony Orchestra Guild’s Musical Monday – 9:00 a.m. on Feb.13 at First Federated Church, 3601 N. Sheridan. Dr. Kerry Walters, Associate Professor of Music, Bradley University presents a program on Gustav Mahler. The PSO will perform Mahler’s Symphony No. 1 at its February 18 concert. The program is free for PSO Guild members/$5 for guests. On Tues., Feb.14 at 8:00 p.m., is Valentine’s Day: The Romantic Gershwins. Popular pianist Richard Kogan will perform beloved classics from George and Ira Gershwin including American in Paris and Rhapsody in Blue. The Central Illinois Youth Symphony (CIYS) joins the PSO on Sat., Feb.18, 8:00 p.m. at the Peoria Civic Center. The concert is sponsored by a donation from Ameren. Tickets for both the February 14 and February 18 concerts are available by calling 309/671-1096.

Black History Month Brings Exhibit, Author, and Storytime at Peoria Public Library

Peoria Public Library is offering a variety of ways to experience, explore and learn about Black History during February.

An art show celebrating the works of local African American artists is open now in the Main Library Gallery on Lower Level One and will remain through February 29, with an Artist’s Reception on Saturday, February 25 from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. Please join the artists for light refreshments and an opportunity to discuss their work. The Peoria area is rich in talented black artists and visitors will be able to enjoy all their work in one place. Featured artists include: Jonathon Romain, Andrea Ellen Reed, Larry Hendricks, Preston Jackson, Rashad Reed and Elijah T. Sansom. The Gallery is open during regular library hours, Monday through Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and viewing the exhibit is free and open to the public.

Author R.M. Johnson will be at Main Library in the Auditorium on Lower Level Two on Saturday, February 4 at 2:00 p.m. for a special Black History Month program. Be sure to take this opportunity to hear this author who is an Essence Magazine bestselling author of adult urban fiction and young adult fiction novels. R. M. Johnson is best known for his compelling stories of love, sex, and the various different challenges the African American community have to face. He has created best selling titles like The Harris Men, The Million Dollar Divorce, Love Frustration and The Million Dollar Demise.

His first non-fiction work, Why Men Fear Marriage, was released July 28, 2009. Recently he published his first e-books Keeping the Secret and Keeping the Secret 2. He also collaborated on and published a book with author E. Lynn Harris, who passed away in 2009. Currently Johnson is searching for authors to publish under his new publishing company. The program is free and open to the public. Call 497-2601 for more information.

The younger set is invited to Black History Storytime at Lincoln Branch on Tuesday, February 7 from 10:00 to 10:30 a.m. Children ages three to six will listen to some classic Black History stories and make an Abraham Lincoln sack puppet. This event is also free.

February is also the perfect time to find new books and movies that can help you understand African American history. Ask at any desk for suggestions and celebrate Black History month!
Peoria Public Library Searching for Men Who Served in  Depression- Era Civilian Conservation Corps

Peoria Public Library is collecting photos and names of area men who served with the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) so they can be honored at a program on Friday, March 9 at Peoria Public Library North Branch. In Illinois the CCC built parks in Illinois including Starved Rock State Park and Black Hawk State Historical Site along with other work.

Peoria Public Library will show images the public provides and reserve special seats for CCC members and their families. Please call 309-497-2120 or email programmingdept@ppl.peoria.lib.il.us to share your information or reserve a seat for a CCC member.

Author Bill Jamerson will perform a musical story-telling program about “Roosevelt’s Tree Army” that planted 3.5 billion tress nationwide, built parks, helped farmers and provided young men with income and future.

“Dollar-A-Day Boys, A Musical Tribute to the Civilian Conservation Corps,” is Friday, March 9 at 4:30 p.m. at Peoria Public Library North Branch. His novel, Big Shoulders, follows the life of 17-year-old recruit from Detroit and his experiences. Jameson has also produced a PBS documentary, and recorded original songs about the CCC. His website http://billjamerson.com/history.asp offers a short video about the CCC.

February with the Peoria Park District

Wiffleball Tournament – The Peoria Park District will host a Wiffleball Tournament on Sat., Feb. 4 at the RiverPlex. This is a one-day tournament transformed into an indoor event. Fee is $75 per team. Call 681-2866 ormsuellentrop@peoriaparks.org.

Youth Lacrosse League Offered – The Peoria Park District will offer its 2nd annual Youth Lacrosse Program starting with a free clinic and a youth league for ages 7-15. A Lacrosse Introduction Clinic will be held Sat., Feb. 4 from 2:00-4:00 p.m. at the RiverPlex Recreation & Wellness Center. The clinic is free. The Youth Lacrosse League begins April 2. Fee is $120/optional rental fee is $60 w/a $140 deposit. Call 681-2866.

Nature Classes for Home Educators – Forest Park Nature Center is presenting a series of programs for home educated children ages 6- 12 who want to learn about Illinois’ natural world. Dress appropriately for outside field trips. Pre-registration required. “Rock Your World” is the subject of the Feb. 2 class from 10:00 – 11:30 a.m. The fee is $6 per child per class or a maximum of $18 per family. No fee for parents/guardians, but are requested to attend. Call 686-3360.

Annual Book Sale – The Peoria Park District’s Forest Park Nature Center will hold their annual book sale on Sat., Feb. 4, from 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. and Sun., Feb. 5, from 1:00 – 5:00 p.m. (reduced price sale). Call 686-3360.

Winter Owl Prowls – Have some winter fun at the Peoria Park District’s Forest Park Nature Center and Camp Wokanda! Join naturalist-guided Owl Prowls and learn the natural history of our native owls. Own Prowl at Forest Park—Tues., Feb. 7, 6:30 – 8:00 p.m. – Hike into the realm of nocturnal critters. Participants will hike into the habitat of these fascinating nocturnal creatures and practice owl calls with the experts. Everyone will “give a hoot!”  Own Prowl at Camp Wokanda—Tues., Feb. 21, 6:30 – 8:00 p.m. – Meet a Forest Park naturalist at the lower parking lot of Camp Wokanda. Call 686-3360. Ages five and above are welcome at these winter Owl Prowls. Be sure to dress for cold weather. No fee/donations appreciated. Call (309) 686-3360.

Beginning Beekeeping Class  – The Peoria Park District’s Forest Park Nature Center will host a Beginning Beekeeping class on Sat., Feb. 18 from 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. The Heart of Illinois Beekeepers Association will present info on beekeeping equipment, how to get bees and start a hive, collecting and processing honey bee products, and problems bees are facing. Best for ages 12 and up. No fee, but donations requested. Call 446-3004.

Jungle Jamboree Programs – Peoria Zoo offers Jungle Jamboree, for ages 4-8. Kids will explore a musical world as they encounter new animals and new topics. Parents are welcome to attend but not required. Fee is $5 for members/$10 for non-members for each class. The class meets on Feb. 4th from 10:00 – 10:50 a.m. “The World Around You” will be the subject. Pre-register for these classes at 681-3513.

Home Educator Classes  – The Peoria Zoo offers classes for children ages 5-13 who are home educated. Make science more exciting as we explore a new topic each month that helps to meet state education standards. Parents are welcome but not required.  Fee for each class: $5 for Zoo members/$10 for non-members. Wed., Feb. 8 from 10:00 – 11:30 a.m. Topic: “Enrichment.”

Zoo Tots Program – Peoria Zoo offers education programs for children ages 2 to 4. Zoo Tots, is designed for you and your child to explore the amazing world of animals. This year we are starting with the alphabet, looking at animals from A-Z. Fee for each class per parent/child pair is $5 for Zoo members/$10 for non-members. February classes are on Feb 11th and Feb 16 – both classes from 10:00 – 10:50 a.m. Pre-register at 681-3513.

Zig Zag Zoo Program for Ages 4 to 8 – Get up and move with the Zoo! From animal yoga to relay races to animal encounters, learn how to interact with the world around you. Fee for each class is $5 for Zoo members/$10 for non-members. the February program will be on Feb. 18th from 10:00 – 10:50 a.m. with Eye of the Tiger (Big Cats). Pre-register at 681-3513.

Wild Readers Program – Explore the magical world of wizarding with the Peoria Zoo. We’ll look closely at the creatures found in the books, from basilisks to boggarts and meet some of the Zoo’s creatures up close! Fee for each class is $5 for Zoo members/$10 for non-members. Recommended for ages 7 and up. The February program will be on Feb. 19th from 2:00 – 2:50 p.m. Pre-register at 681-3513.

Proctor Hospital February Activities

February Coffee Connections Wellness Workshop – Free

The Counseling Center at Proctor Hospital is pleased to offer Together in Rhythm as part of the wellness workshop series, Coffee Connections. A rhythm circle is an exciting and engaging process of creative communication and musical invention. Come join us for an energy-charged activity that is both enjoyable and therapeutic. No musical experience required.  The workshop will take place Friday, February 17, 2012, from 10:00-11:00 a.m. with Music Therapist Kristiana Miner of the Counseling Center at Proctor Hospital.  Sessions will be held in the Proctor Professional Building Classroom 1 on the campus of Proctor Hospital.  To register,  call (309) 689-6001. Come say hi, grab a coffee or snack, and enjoy the wellness workshop FREE!

Free Medicare Help Desk Offered

Proctor Hospital is pleased to host the Medicare Help Desk on February 22, 2012, from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. in the lobby of Proctor Hospital.  The Medicare Help Desk is a “Service in the Neighborhood for Seniors” program from BlueCross BlueShield of Illinois, which offers an opportunity to meet face to face with representatives to answer questions and provide information on Medicare and Supplemental Insurance.  Medicare Help Desk is offered the fourth Wednesday of every month at Proctor Hospital.  No appointment  necessary.  For more information, call (800) 382-4548.

Kindermusik Spring Semester Starts Feb. 13th!

The Spring Semester of Kindermusik at Trinity Lutheran Church starts the week of February 13 and ends the week of May 28. There is also a five-week Summer Camp that will start June 11, 2012. Classes are held at Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church on the corner of Randolph and Hamilton in downtown Peoria. Call Marie at 676-4609 to register.

Peoria Area SeniorNet Schedules Two Events in February

Peoria Area SeniorNet is sponsoring an Open House on Saturday February 18, 2012 at 10:00 a.m. at the First Baptist Church at 411 W. Lake Avenue in Peoria. The purpose of this meeting is to introduce prospective new students to SeniorNet and to answer any questions they might have about computers and computer classes. The second event is registration for our spring 2012 classes.  It will be on Saturday, February 25, 2012. Registration will take place any time from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon at the First Baptist Church in the Fellowship Hall.  Mail-in registration is also offered for those who cannot attend, however, on-site registration is recommended in order to ensure that students are placed in a class or in classes that are suitable for them. The deadline for mail-in registration is March 1, 2012. Most classes will begin during the week of March 12, 2012. For more information call 1-800-872-4651, ext. 1510 and leave a message. A SeniorNet volunteer will return your call and answer any questions you may have. Registration documents and a detailed schedule of classes are also available on our web site at www.PeoriaAreaSeniorNet.org. Click on the Spring Classes button.

The purpose of the Open House is not only to introduce prospective students to SeniorNet but also to provide a forum where present and future computer users acquire information that will help them make choices when buying computers, selecting computer accessories, and choosing computer courses.  SeniorNet instructors and coaches will be available for one-on-one questions and discussions with the attendees. Students may also register for spring classes after the presentation and discussion.

All spring classes will be held at the First Baptist Church in Peoria. Classes will include: Computer Fundamentals for Windows 7, Intermediate Fundamentals for Windows 7, E-Mail for the Beginner, E-Mail for the Intermediate Computer User, Introduction to Scanners, How to Use the Internet, Facebook/Social Networking, Microsoft Excel 2007, Computer Maintenance/ Security, Quicken 2011, Digital Camera Tutorial, Digital Photo Editing/Slide Show, Print Artist Version 23, and Premier Photo Elements 8. Lab time will also be available at the First Baptist Church for those students who want to spend extra time on their class work with SeniorNet tutors. One-session seminars on topics of interest will also be scheduled on Fridays.

Peoria Area SeniorNet is sponsored by Illinois Eye Center and PNC Bank.

Join the Peoria City/County Health Department in wearing red on the first Friday of February, National Wear Red Day, to help raise awareness about heart disease in women. Make health your best accessory!

Heart disease is the number one killer of women. It can begin early, even in the teen years. A woman’s risk for heart disease rises between the ages of 40 and 60. No matter how old you are, you can take steps to lower your risk for heart disease! Start by planning heart healthy activities during the month of February. But don’t stop there-stay healthy and active all year long!

Get physical activity and be active for at least 2½ hours a week. Include activities that raise your breathing and heart rates and that strengthen your muscles. Remember, you don’t have to get physical activity all at once. Spread activity throughout the week or into smaller chunks of time during the day.

Eat healthy and eat a variety of fruits and vegetables every day. Limit foods and drinks high in calories, sugar, salt, fat, and alcohol content. Choose healthy snacks.

Be smoke-free and avoid secondhand smoke (inhaling other people’s smoke causes health problems similar to those of smokers). Quitting smoking has immediate and long-term benefits. If you think you’re ready to quit, call 1-800-QUIT-NOW.

Know the Signs and major symptoms of a heart attack:

· Pain or discomfort in the jaw, neck, or back.

· Unusual or unexplained fatigue.

· Feeling weak, light-headed, faint, nauseated, or sudden dizziness.

· Chest pain or discomfort.

· Pain or discomfort in arms or shoulder. Upper body discomfort.

· Shortness of breath.

· Break out in a cold sweat.

If you think that you or someone you know is having a heart attack, you should call 9–1–1 immediately. Make the call. Don’t miss a beat!

For more information on public health issues, visit our website at www.pcchd.org or call us at 679-6131.

Progressive Business Group’s Annual Valentine’s Ball to benefit The Center For Prevention of Abuse

The Progressive Business Group (PBG) will host the 10th Annual Valentine’s Ball to benefit The Center for Prevention of Abuse, Saturday, February 11th. The black tie optional affair will be held at the Embassy Suites Hotel in East Peoria, beginning with a champagne reception and hot hors d’oeuvres at 5:30 p.m.

The evening includes a gourmet four-course meal, open bar, a keepsake photo, and live music by JammSammich, all setting the tone for a romantic Valentine’s celebration. Additionally, there will be a silent auction as well as a raffle with the winning prize being 1 ct. diamond earrings valued at $5,000.00.

The PBG is a non-profit organization made up of business men and women in central Illinois who combine fostering leadership and building long lasting relationships while helping local charities.  “It is our goal to have a wonderful evening to celebrate Valentine’s Day and support a community pillar in The Center for Prevention of Abuse,” explains Wendy Simmons, event chair. “Our invitation list grows because people have a fabulous time and want to share the evening with friends and business associates.”

With the growth of this event has come greater awareness and support for The Center for Prevention of Abuse, a non-profit agency that works to achieve its vision to build a safe, peaceful community. For over 30 years The Center has been serving women, men, children and seniors in central Illinois affected by domestic violence, sexual assault, elder abuse and providing prevention education to help keep children safe. It is the only agency in the state of Illinois to offer all those services under one roof. Each year The Center serves more than 5,000 victims of violence and reaches another 15,000 students through violence prevention education in area schools. Tickets for the event are $300.00 per/couple.

For additional information about the Valentine’s Ball or to make a reservation call, 309-303-7831 or visit Progressive Business Group’s website, www.progressivebusinessgroup.org.
ACT/SAT review course offered at Bradley University

High school students can learn strategies to prepare for the ACT and SAT college entrance exams during a 5-session class offered at Bradley University in February and March.

The classes will be held on Tuesday evenings, February 21, 28, March 6,13, and 20. They will familiarize students with the testing format and environment; sharpen test-taking strategies; and review content in English, math, reading and science.
The cost is $75 for ACT Review only; $75 for SAT Review only $75; or $85 for both the ACT and SAT Review. The deadline to register is February 15. Registration information is available online athttp://www.bradley.edu/continue/act-sat/index.html.

Valentine’s Dinner, Dance & Theater

This event benefits Cornerstone Academy for Performing Arts & the Underground Arts Society on Tuesday, February 14th, 2012 at the Cornerstone Building, 321 NE Madison, Peoria Cocktails will be at 5:30 p.m. with the dinner & performances at 6:30 p.m. Dancing will begin at 8:30 p.m. The cost is $100 per  couple and includes a four course dinner, live performances, Champaign toast, and roses delivered to your table.  Artists will be on site to show and sell their work, and a photographer will be available to take a portrait of you and your sweetheart. Sponsorship levels available. Black Tie optional.

To purchase tickets call Karen Cassidy at 309-620-3164 or email: cornerstoneacademballet @ hotmail.com.
South Side Trust & Savings Bank Announces Promotions

South Side Trust & Savings Bank, at its December 2011 Board Meeting, announced the promotions of Michele Anderson to Vice President & Trust Officer, William Russell to Vice President & Investment Officer,David Schrader to Vice President & Loan Officer, Emma Vandeveer to Vice President – Marketing & Sales, Christina Eckstein to Assistant Vice President & Compliance Officer, Leigh Harkless to Assistant Vice President – Branch Manager, and Rhonda Litwiller to Trust Operations Officer.

Anderson’s responsibilities include trust administration, business development, and trust investments.  Anderson graduated from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign with a BS in Business Administration and Marketing and recently graduated from the three-year Cannon Trust School, and was also certified at that time as a Certified Trust and Financial Advisor.

Russell is responsible for managing the bank’s Raymond James Investment Center, offering financial and retirement planning to individuals and businesses.  He also manages South Side Bank’s investment portfolio and serves on the bank’s Trust Investment Committee.  Russell was named one of the nation’s Top 50 Bank Investment Representatives in 2010 by Bank Investment Consultant Magazine and has earned a position as a member on Raymond James Executive Council for the past six years. He holds a Series 7 (Registered Representative), Series 24 (Registered Principal), Series 63 and 65 (Registered Investment Advisor) as well as an Illinois Life and Health Insurance License.

Schrader has been with South Side Bank for 22 years and has over 35 years of banking experience.  He graduated from Lincoln College and is responsible for the management of the commercial loan portfolio, including business development.

GARISH GARDEN SHOW @ LUTHY BOTANICAL GARDEN

Garish Garden Show will run from Feb. 17 through March 4, during regular Conservatory hours.

Come see what NOT to do in your lawn or garden as we break out the pink flamingos, garden gnomes and possibly a bathroom fixture or two in our Conservatory. We will reinvent the best of the worst of landscaping faux pas and add a little fun time to the cold Illinois winter. Bring the entire family…the kids will get a kick out of this outrageous display! Regular Conservatory admission applies: Adults (13 & up) $2.50; Garden members and children 12 and under are free.

For more information, call (309) 681-3507.

Peoria Public Library’s Great Scavenger Hunt Contest

Do you love to read?  Are you a trivia nut? Do you like free prizes? Join the Great Scavenger Hunt Contest, hosted by Young Adult author Kay Cassidy!  All you have to do is go to www.kaycassidy.com/hunt, choose a book from one of the lists, print the trivia challenge, and read the book. Turn your completed trivia challenge in to any Peoria Public Library location. If you get 8 out of 10 answers correct, your name will be entered into a nationwide drawing for a $50 gift card to the bookstore of your choice.  A winner will be chosen each month by Kay Cassidy. Take as many quizzes as you want each month for more chances to win!  For ages 8-18.  497-2120  FREE

February Book Clubs at Peoria Public Library

Biography and Non-Fiction Book Club – Meets on Sun., Feb. 12 at 3:00 p.m. at North Branch to discuss The Omnivore’s Dilemma: A Natural History of Four Meals by Michael Pollan.

Club Read – Meets on Wed., Feb. 22 at North Branch at 6:30 p.m. to discuss     Shanghai Girls by Lisa See.

Book ‘Em Mystery Book Club – Meet on Sun., Feb. 19 at 2:00 p.m. at the North Branch to discuss Jeffrey Deaver’s The Burning Wire.

A Little Romance Book Club – Meets on Sun., Feb. 5 at 2:00 p.m. at North Branch to discuss What I Did for a Duke by Julie Ann Long.

The Evening Love to Read! Book Club – Meets on Wed., Feb. 8 at 6:30 p.m. at the North Branch to discuss The Spirit Catches You and You Fall Down by Anne Fadiman. For more information, call Carol May at (309) 692-1020 or email cmay1223@comcast.net.

Methodist Hospital Provides Free Community Health Screenings

The Methodist Wellmobile will be bringing free health screenings to the following community locations during February. Screenings include blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol and lung functions. A 12-hour fast is required for cholesterol and blood sugar testing. Free heel scans to measure risk of osteoporosis are available at some screenings.

February 1-Methodist Medical Group Internal Medicine-2709 N. Knoxville- 8:30 – 11:30 a.m.

February 2-Essential Wellness Pharmacy-4625 N. University, Peoria-9:00 – 11:30 a.m.

February 8-Methodist MedPointe at Peoria-8914 N. Knoxville- 8:30 – 11:30 a.m.

February 10-Naturally Yours Grocery-4200 No University, Peoria-10:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

February 13- Methodist Medical Group at Chillicothe-525 Sweetbriar. Chillicothe-8:30 – 11:30 a.m.

February 14- First Choice Medical Equipment-3224 N. Prospect, Peoria-9:00 – 11:00 a.m.

February 17-Methodist Medical Group at Farmington-158 E. Fulton, Farmington- 8:30 – 11:30 a.m.

February 23-Methodist Medical Group at Peartree-6831 Peartree Lane, Peoria-8:30 – 11:30 a.m.

February 28-Methodist Medical Group at East Peoria-200 River Road, East Peoria-8:30 – 11:30 a.m.

For more information, visit the events calendar at MyMethodist.net or call 672-5900.



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