Archive for December, 2008

Winners of district seats celebrate good times while “runners up” take a positive look forward “We did it!” That was how an exuberant Aaron Schock opened his acceptance speech for the 18th District Congressional seat during his Election Day party at the Peoria Civic Center. After 15 months of debates, fundraisers, press conferences, parades,...
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Yes, it’s that “Old Saint Nick” time of year again! So, if you’re stumped about gift ideas this Christmas, may I suggest an eclectic and colorful little shop in Peoria Heights that features everything from kites and cutting boards to chocolate and coffee from all over the world at reasonable prices? It’s a Fair...
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Angel Food might sound a bit like treats for celestial beings, particularly at this festive time of year, but it’s much more than what the name might imply. Angel Food Ministries is the official name and it was founded in 1994 by Joe and Linda Wingo to provide food for friends and neighbors who...
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Congratulations to all those who made the 121st Santa Claus Parade another great success on Friday, November 28th! Special thanks to WMBD-TV and its sponsor, South Side Trust and Savings Bank, for making the telecast possible. Once again the affable Bob Larson was the anchor for the “play-by-play” on Channel 31 and he did...
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If a tree falls in the forest but no one’s there to hear it, does it make a sound? Of course – just like crashing economies make noise even if there’s no reporter to record the results. Most folks prefer to avoid a crash like they would falling trees, and newspapers often offer the...
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What a difference a day can make. Actually, one cold night in November was all it took. The following day our maple tree was foliage free. The deck was gilded in golden yellow leaves, and the entire back yard was bright and open. Overnight, the world had transformed. This beautiful autumn display is crucial...
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What is it about the concept of “essential services first” that is so hard to understand? Basically, it’s a philosophy that says if the City of Peoria has the cash for extras, that’s fine. Let’s debate how to divvy up the pot, or better yet, lower taxes to let residents...
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By Sharon Crews, Peoria, IL Wishful thinking that did not become reality led to a bit of deception during the first phase of Manual High School’s restructuring process. The plan for Manual’s 9th Grade Success Academy states that “students in the Manual attendance area will comprise no less than 50% of the total enrollment.”...
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You probably don’t receive many letters from 60-year-olds, do you? Not that I doubt your popularity with the older crowd, but most aren’t into writing request lists. Oh, I still believe in you and all you mean to starry-eyed innocent children hoping to have their wishes granted. I think you are enchanting and more...
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New pictures arrived in my e-mailbox just before Thanksgiving. There were two and the second one grabbed my heart. His face was beaming with a smile that melted me off my seat; his eyes twinkled and for some reason, through that picture he became real to me. Just less than two years of waiting, hoping,...
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