Happenings for February 2010

February Happenings

thru March 7 – Conklin’s Barn II Dinner Theatre is happy will kick off the opening of their 2010 Season with the hilarious show “Weekend Comedy.” There is a special added evening performances on Valentine’s Day, Sunday February 14. Prices for dinner/show are $31.00 on Thursday evenings, $33.00 on Friday evening and Sunday brunch, and $35.00 on Saturday evening. The special Valentine’s Day performance is $40 per person. Conklin’s is also BYOB for wine, beer or cocktails. Glasses, ice and ice buckets are provided at no extra charge.

Feb 2 – Wildlife Prairie State Park will be open for Groundhog’s Day Prediction at 7:07 a.m. Gertie will come out of the comforts of her warm bedding to let us know if spring will be just around the corner. The main gate to the park will be open at 6:00 a.m. and there’s no admission for the general public. Following the prediction, visitors are welcome to take a winter hike through the animal trails.

Feb 3 – The Adult Literacy Program staff at Common Place Family Learning Center will offer a Tutor Training Worship from 5:30 – 8:00 p.m. continuing on to Feb 6th & 13th from 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. A registration fee of $20 for books and materials is necessary and advanced registration required. Call 309-674-3315 to register.

Feb 4 – “Chocolate – Food of the Gods,” to be presented by Howard Peters at 7:30 p.m. at Bradley University’s Olin Hall, room 164. At the end of the talk, there will be a free drawing for a 10 lb. bar of dark “bittersweet” chocolate.

Feb 5- 7; 11-12 – Peoria Players Theatre presents the Meredith Willson classic The Music Man directed by Mary Ellen Ulrich. Tickets are $17 for adults, $12 for patrons 18 and under, and will be on sale January 25. Call 688-4473, or visit us online at www.peoriaplayers.org.

Feb 6 – The Minority AIDS Awareness Council of Peoria will host its 2nd annual Community Forum at the George Washington Carver Community Center at 710 W. Third St. from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m.

Feb 6 – Peoria Prairie Tellers Storytelling Guild presents: Winter Tales, featuring Mike Anderson, at 7:00 p.m. Tickets $5.00 in advance and $7.00 at the door. Call 691-0508 or 692-0993 for advance tickets

Feb 7 – National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day. This is a national HIV testing and treatment community mobilization initiative designed to encourage Blacks across the US and Territorial Areas to get educated, get tested, get involved, and get treated around HIV/AIDS, as it continues to devastate Black communities.

Feb 7 – The Peoria Historical Society is sponsoring an afternoon of Abraham Lincoln’s own words of wit and wisdom. Entitled “Lincoln, In His Own Words,” it will be held at the United Presbyterian Church (Northmoor & Allen Roads) at 2:00 p.m. The cost is $5 at the door. Refreshments follow. Books on Lincoln will be available for purchase, with all proceeds to benefit the Peoria Historical Society

Feb 10 – Community Make a Blanket Day to benefit Project Linus meets at JONES SEWING MACHINE CO., 3410 N. Prospect Rd., Peoria. Join the fun between 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Sewing machines & fabric squares provided. Bring your favorite notions, such as scissors, pins, etc., and bring your own lunch!

Feb 11 – The guest speaker at the Peoria County Genealogical Society is Alan Harn, a noted author, archeological researcher and Assistant Curator of Anthropology at Dickson Mounds, an Illinois State Museum. He will present Discoveries along the Illinois River.

This general meeting will be held on at the Lakeview Branch of the Peoria Public Library, 1137 W. Lake Ave., in the south meeting room at 7:00 p.m.

Feb 11 – The Peoria Heights Suburban Lions Club meets at 7:00 p.m. at the Lariat Steakhouse, 2232 W. Glen Ave., Peoria. The speaker will be Linda Capps, Lions Club Zone Chair. The cost of the meal is $13 per person.

Feb 13 – Community Call to Action Forum/Workshop hosted by Senator Dave Koehler, Representative Jehan Gordon and Mayor Jim Ardis. It’s aimed at addressing the issue of crime in our community. The forum will be held from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 Noon, at the Dream Center, 714 Hamilton Boulevard. The forum is free and open to the public.

Feb 14 – March 21 – Richwoods High School will host a six-week Spring Training 2010 baseball program for players in grades 1 through 12. Richwoods High School head coach David Webb will direct the program in conjunction with U.S. Baseball Academy. Space is limited. Registration is now under way. For more info, call 866-622-4487.

Feb 19 – 20 – Peoria Players Theatre will audition for the regional premiere of “Dirty Rotten Scoundrels” directed by Mark Baugher. Auditions will be held Friday, February 19 at 7:00 pm and Saturday, February 20 at 1:00 pm at Peoria Players Theatre, 4300 N. University in Lakeview Park. The cast requirements include two men and one woman in leading roles, along with several supporting roles and ensemble members. Show dates are May 7-9 & 13-16. For info, call 688-4473.

Feb 21 – The Central Illinois Jazz Society presents David Hoffman and Friends at 6:00 and 8:30 p.m. and the CIJS House Band at 7:15 p.m. NEW LOCATION @ Finish Line Banquet Room, located in Landmark Recreation Center, 3225 N. Dries Lane, Peoria.

Feb 24 – Social Media for Building your Business – Presented by Tammy Finch, Web Tech Services, Inc. Learn the basics of social networking to market your business.

Fon du Lac Park District Building from 6:30 – 8:00 p.m. Fee is $25.00 Register by calling 309-699-9327 or online at www.webtechservices.com

Feb 25 – The Peoria Heights Suburban Lions Club meets at 7:00 p.m. at the Lariat Steakhouse, 2232 W. Glen Ave. Gretchen Wirtz & Mark Welt (WHOI Ch 19) will be the speakers. Cost of meal is $13.00.

Feb 26 – Kickback Friday at Kickapoo Creek Winery’s Banquet Room from 6:00 – 11:00 p.m. Call 309-495-9463. Buffet meal with live entertainment.

Feb 26 – 28 – Warm up your winter with an old-time musical tradition! Three Sisters Folk Art School is pleased to present our first Mountain Dulcimer Weekend featuring acclaimed artist Mike Anderson! Join Mike on February 26-28, 2010 for an extended weekend-long class, or sit back and enjoy a special Saturday night concert. Class Fee: $100.00. Register before January 31st. Call 309-274-8837, ext. 131or email info@threesisterspark.com.