Feb. 2 – Tutor Training Workshop for the Adult Literacy Program at Common Place Family Learning Center from 5:30 – 8:00 p.m. It will continue on Saturdays, Feb. 5 & 12 from 9:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. A registration fee of $20 for books and materials is requested. Advanced registration is required. Call 309-674-3315 for more info.

Feb. 4 – 2x4s & More Art Auction – from 5:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. at the Waterhouse, 619 SW Water St – Peoria, IL. Admission: $24.24. Call Greg Woith at 309-676-6729, ext. 3. Habitat for Humanity Greater Peoria Area is holding this unique event to raise funds to purchase all the 2x4s needed to build five houses in 2011. This Auction will feature donated works of art that use 2x4s as their “canvas.” The $24.24 admission includes hors d’oeuvres and music by the Larry Harms Trio.  A cash bar will be available.

Feb. 4 – 6 and 10 – 13 – The Wizard of Oz at Peoria Players Theatre. Call Nicki Haschke at 309-688-4473. Tickets are $17 for adults and children 18 and under are $12. All the characters come alive in this beloved classic musical and is a favorite among all ages.

Feb. 5 – The Second City – Celebrating 50 Years of Funny – From 7:30 – 8:30 p.m. at the Caterpillar Performing Arts Center at Five Points Washington. Call Brian Garnant at 309- 444-8222. Admission: $25/Adults, $22/Senors(62+), $22/Students. This special performance will feature some of the best sketches, songs, and improvisations from The Second City’s fifty year history. The Second City is truly a Chicago landmark and a national treasure.

Feb. 9 — Community Make a Blanket Day to benefit Project Linus. This benefits Project Linus and will be held at: JONES SEWING MACHINE CO., 3410 N. Prospect Rd., Peoria. The mission is to provide love, a sense of security, warmth and comfort to children who are seriously ill, traumatized, or otherwise in need through the gifts of new, handmade blankets lovingly crated by volunteer “blanketeers.” Join in between 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.  Sewing machines & fabric squares are provided. Please bring your favorite notions, such as scissors, pins, etc.  Please bring your own lunch.

Feb. 9 – “Coffee with the Doctors” – Offered by Methodist Medical Center. This free community program will be about Ablation Therapy: A Revolutionary New Treatment for Atrial Fibrillation of the Heart. It will be held from 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. at the Methodist North ain the Allen Rd. Conference Room at 2338 W. Sud Parkway. This program will be presented by Dr. Adel Mina of Methodist Medical Group Cardiovascular Services. Dr. Mina is the first physician in the Peoria area offering ablation therapy for atrial fibrillation, a common type of irregular heartbeat. Dr. Mina will explain the new procedure and how it can improve the quality of life for a-fib patients.  A question and answer period will follow the presentation. Refreshments will be served. Seating is limited. To reserve a seat, call 636-9500 by February 2, 2011.

Feb. 10 – The general meeting of the Peoria County Genealogical Society will be held at 7:00 p.m. on February 10, 2011.  Please note a change of venue for the general meetings.  Beginning with February 10, meetings will be at the Lakeview Branch of the Peoria Public Library, located at 1137 W. Lake Ave. Peoria, IL 61614.  Ample parking is available. Cemetery Oversight Act in Illinois and its effects on a small rural cemetery will be the discussion

Feb. 10 – The Fine Arts Society of Peoria presents Dr. Wendy Greenhouse’s lecture of “Frank Peyraud and Local Landscapes” at Lakeview Museum. Coffee is at 9:25 a.m. and the lecture follows at 10:00 a.m. Adult admission is $10; Students are $2. Society Members are free.

Feb. 12 – The Golden Historical Society is presenting the fourth Annual Mystery Dinner Theater at Windmill Hall.  Festivities begin at 6:00 p.m. with a wine tasting hour featuring Baxter Vineyards from Nauvoo, IL. The play and dinner will begin at 7:00 p.m.  Tickets are $18.00 per person. Reservations are necessary as there is limited seating.  Paid reservations hold the tickets.  Please no one under 21 years of age. The play is “Next of Kin”. Make reservations at 217-696-4263 or 217-696-2742.

Feb. 12 – 9th Annual Valentine Ball to benefit The Center for Prevention of Abuse. 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, a chocolate fountain, a keepsake photo and live music, all setting the tone for a romantic Valentine’s celebration. In addition there will be a silent auction as well as a raffle with the winning prize being a 5 ct diamond Tennis Bracelet from Jones Bros. Jewelers. Tickets are $150.00. For more info or to make a reservation, call 309-303-7831 or go to www.progressivebusinessgroup.org.

Feb. 23 – “Coffee with the Doctors” – Methodist Medical Center is recognizing February as Heart Month.  “New Heart Surgeries That Can Change Your Life” is the topic of a free public forum from 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. at Methodist North at Allen Road, 2338 W. Sud Parkway at the intersection of Route 6 and Allen Road. Featured speaker will be Dr. James Locher, Jr. with Methodist Medical Group Cardiovascular Services. Dr. Locher has over 14 years experience in cardiothoracic surgery. Learn about the latest options available in cardiac surgery, including state-of-the-art heart valve procedures that can improve quality of life. This event is free but seating is limited. To reserve a seat call 636-9500. Deadline for reservations is February 16.

Feb. 23 – Proctor Hospital Sponsors Free Medicare Help Desk in February. Proctor Hospital, in association with BlueCross BlueShield of Illinois’ Services in the Neighborhood program, offers a free Medicare Help Desk the fourth Wednesday of every month, from 9:00-11:00 a.m., in the Lobby at Proctor Hospital. If you, or someone you know, have questions regarding Medicare, please stop by. No appointment needed. For more information or to register please call (309) 691-1070.