Senior Days at the Golf Learning Center

Peoria Park District Golf and Rock Valley Physical Therapy have teamed up to present four FREE Senior Days this winter at the Golf Learning Center from 10 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. The programs are tailored to golfers ages 50+.

The days will feature a PGA pro giving tips, a club representative with the latest equipment, a physical therapist with techniques for keeping your body in top golfing condition, and surgeons available to answer questions on injuries related to golf.

There will also be a $5 lunch special and bucket discounts for those wishing to try out the new tips under the heated range.

Programs:

Monday, January 31: Golf When Your Spine Hurts, Callaway

Monday, February 7: Golf When Your Arms Hurt, Upper Extremity Injuries,

Cleveland

Monday, February 14: Golf When Your Legs Hurt, Arthritic Knee Pain, Mizuno

Monday, February 21: Golf Without Pain, Ping

There is no need to sign up; just drop in and get revved up for the new golf season!

PEORIA PARK DISTRICT OFFERING NEW YOUTH LACROSSE PROGRAM

The Peoria Park District is proud to announce a new youth lacrosse program, starting with a free clinic and a youth league for grades 2-8. Lacrosse is a fast-paced and exciting game that is surprisingly easy to learn. A new Central Illinois Lacrosse League has formed and Peoria Lightning will take part.

A Lacrosse Introduction Clinic will be held Saturday, January 15, 2011 from 9:00-11:00 a.m. at the RiverPlex Recreation and Wellness Center. The clinic is free of charge. It’s a great way to introduce kids to the sport of lacrosse before the season begins.

The Youth Lacrosse League begins March 28. The teams will meet Mondays and Wednesdays from 5:30-7:00 p.m. Practices will be held at Peoria Stadium and games will be in the Central Illinois area with optional travel to larger venues.

The fee is $120. An optional rental fee is $50. Sign up at Glen Oak Pavilion or online at www.peoriaparks.org.

For more information, contact Sports Coordinator Matt Suellentrop at 681-2866 or msuellentrop@peoriaparks.org. Visit our website at www.peoriaparks.org.

“Fun and Fit Over 50” Classes Offered at two Peoria Locations

“Fun and Fit Over 50” exercise classes are being offered by the Peoria Park District on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at two convenient locations.

Come enjoy this low-impact cardio class that incorporates toning, strengthening and stretching. The fee is $27.50 for a 13-visit punch card or $2.50 per drop-in visit.

The ongoing classes are offered at:

First Baptist Church, 411 W. Lake Ave., Peoria*

Instructor:  Teresa Pearce

M-W-F  7:30-8:00 am  Walking

M-W-F  8:00-9:00 am  Exercise Class

*Class subject to occasional cancellation for church function.

Students will be notified.

Franciscan Recreation Complex, 908 Sterling Ave., West Peoria

Instructors: Nancy Shallenberger & Mary Hudson

M-W-F  8:00-8:55 am  Exercise Class

For more information on “Fun & Fit Over 50” classes, contact Gloria Phelps, Coordinator, (309) 681-2859.
“Painting in the Style of Georgia O’Keefe” Classes for Mature Adults Offered by Peoria Park District in February

Georgia O’Keefe is known for her large close-up paintings of flowers and Southwestern landscapes. This class is for the beginning or advanced student. We will discuss the history and style of O’Keefe, brush techniques, color mixing and layering with acrylic paint. A $25 supply fee is due to the instructor on the first day of class.

Location: Franciscan Recreation Complex, 908 Sterling Ave., West Peoria

Ages:   50+

Fee:  $55 residents/$63 non-residents

Day-Date: Wednesdays, 2/2 – 2/23

Time:  1-3:30 pm

Instructor: Bonnie Austin

For more information on this class, contact Gloria Phelps, Coordinator, (309) 681-2859.

CATCH THE WIFFLEBALL TOURNAMENT  AT THE RIVERPLEX

The Peoria Park District will host a Wiffleball Tournament on Saturday, February 5, 2011 at the RiverPlex.

With softball just around the corner, warm up your skills with wiffleball! Come out for this one-day tournament and enjoy the backyard game transformed into an indoor event. Teams will be made up of three players and compete in a double-elimination tournament.

Fee is $75 per team. Register at the Glen Oak Pavilion or online at www.peoriaparks.org.

For more information, contact Matt Suellentrop at 681-2866 or msuellentrop@peoriaparks.org.
PEORIA PARK DISTRICT YOUTH SOCCER REGISTRATION

Registration for Youth Soccer at the Peoria Park District is currently underway. This youth program is for boys and girls, age 4 through grade 8. This is a great way for children to be a part of a team, meet new friends, and learn to play soccer. The season runs from March 28 through May 21. All leagues will play at Detweiller Park.

A variety of leagues are offered for different age groups. Fees for Mighty Mites and Pee Wees is $36 for residents and $41 for non-residents, for varsity $46/$51, and for all other age groups it is $41/$46. Note: Coaches are needed for all age groups.

Registration starts now until March 14 or until the league is full. Participants may register online at www.peoriaparks.org or at Glen Oak Park Pavilion.

For more information contact Matt Suellentrop at 681-2866 or visit www.peoriaparks.org.

JOHN H. GWYNN JR. BLACK HISTORY CELEBRATION

The Peoria Park District’s Proctor Recreation Center will celebrate black history month on Saturday, February 26 from 6:00-7:30pm with the John H. Gwynn Jr. Black History Celebration which will honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. This is a FREE event.

Come enjoy a great celebration of the many great achievements of African Americans in our country! There will be tables devoted to health solutions, voter registration and the NAACP, as well as refreshments, giveaways, and entertainment throughout the evening.

New this year school students will compete in the following: Grades K thru 3 – Coloring Contest: Draw or color your own picture, or color a picture from a book, that is related to an African American historical figure. Grades 4 thru 8 – Essay Contest: Write a one page or less essay about one of a famous African American inventor. Visit the African American Hall of Fame at Proctor Center for ideas! Grades 9-12 – Sculpture Contest: Create a sculpture depicting an African American historical figure. Entries are due February 18th at Proctor Center.

In conjunction with the event is a Blood Drive sponsored by the American Red Cross, the JEMS Girls Basketball Team, Peoria African-American History Museum, and Proctor Recreation Center. The blood drive will be conducted that Saturday from 12:00-4:30 pm at Proctor Center. Please call to make an appointment at 309-671-9183.

Proctor Recreation Center is an official Safe Haven Site for Peoria’s community.

Please call Proctor Recreation Center at 673-9183 for more information.
ANNUAL PROCTOR TALENT SHOWCASE

The Peoria Park District’s Proctor Recreation Center is calling for registrations for auditions for their 36th Annual Talent Showcase. Registration is still open for auditions and should be dropped off or mailed to Proctor Recreation Center, 309 S. DuSable.

The Annual Talent Show is scheduled for Saturday, February 12. Auditions will be held for those who register and a staff member at Proctor Center will call you with your audition time.

All ages can audition. Acts types range from singing, dancing, rapping, playing musical instruments and a style show contest. Cost to audition is $5 for acts of 5 people or less; $15 for acts of 6 people or more.

Trophies will be awarded to winners in each category. To register to audition, contact Proctor Center at 673-9183.

Just in time for Valentine’s Day – Peoria Park District Offers Couples Massage Class

Need a unique gift for Valentine’s Day? The Peoria Park District will offer two sessions of Romantic Couples Massage. Our licensed massage therapist will teach you and your partner techniques to relieve stress and sooth sore muscles, while connecting with your significant other. Choose either session on Tuesday, Feb. 1 or Thursday, Feb. 10 from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at K.P. Chiropractic.

Fee is per couple; $26 for residents and $32 for non-residents. Register at Glen Oak Park Pavilion or online at www.peoriaparks.org.

For more information, contact Jodi McDuffee at 681-2854 or visit www.peoriaparks.org.

ANNUAL WINE AND ROSES EVENT FEBRUARY 12  AT LUTHY BOTANICAL GARDEN

The Peoria Park District’s Luthy Botanical Garden will present its annual Wine and Roses event on Saturday, February 12, from 6:30 to 9 p.m.

Come celebrate Valentine’s Day in advance with friends, family…or a very special someone! Experience a feast for the senses, an evening of entertainment by crooner Matt Barber accompanied by scrumptious hors d’oeuvres by A Matter of Taste, a chocolate fountain and fine wine—all in the lush tropical setting of the Botanical Garden Conservatory.

Call for tickets before it’s sold out— $25 for Garden members, $30 for non-members. Cash bar, ages 21 and over only. Sorry, no refunds. For tickets or additional information, call (309) 681-3507.
GARISH GARDEN SHOW AT LUTHY BOTANICAL GARDEN STARTS FEBRUARY 18

The Peoria Park District’s Luthy Botanical Garden will present its classic Garish Garden Show February 18 through March 6, during regular Conservatory hours.

Come see what NOT to do in your lawn or garden as we break out the classic pink flamingos, garden gnomes and flower “beds” 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; Garden members and children 12 and under are free.

For more information, call the Garden at (309) 681-3507.
Safety Awareness and Self Defense Class at the Peoria Park District

The Peoria Park District will offer a Safety Awareness and Self Defense class. Participants will learn a common-sense approach and basic techniques for self defense. The class meets Saturday, Feb. 5 through Feb. 26 from 11:00 a.m. to noon at the Franciscan Recreation Complex.

Fee is $40 for residents and $48 for non-residents. Register at Glen Oak Park Pavilion or online at www.peoriaparks.org.

For more information, contact Jodi McDuffee at 681-2854 or visit www.peoriaparks.org.