Methodist Medical Center’s November Mobile Mammography Schedule

The following is the schedule for the Methodist Medical Center Mobile Mammography Van for the month of November, 2012. Methodist features all digital mammography equipment providing improved, faster and more comfortable exams.

November 2—Methodist Medical Group @ 525 Sweetbriar, Chillicothe

November 6—Methodist at Morton, 1909 N. Morton, Morton

November 7-0-County Market, 1090 E. Fort St., Farmington

November 9—Southside Church of the Nazarene-1618 S. Laramie St., Peoria

November 15-Heartland at Carver Clinic, 711 W. John Gwynn Jr. Ave., Peoria

November 19-Methodist at Pekin, 1800 Broadway, Pekin

November 20-Methodist at Morton, 1909 N. Morton, Morton

November 27-Wal-Mart, 2071 N. Main, Canton

November 28-Cherry Tree Shopping Center, Washington

November 30-Methodist Medical Group at Lacon, 1112 E. Fifth Street, Lacon

There is no need for a doctor’s order for a screening mammogram if you’re 40 or over. If you are uninsured or underinsured, tell us when you call for an appointment. You may qualify for a free mammogram. Call for an appointment at 671-8282

HOOKED ON CROCHET CLASS AT THE PEORIA PARK DISTRICT

The Peoria Park District will offer a class, Hooked on Crochet (Intermediate), from November 3- December 8 from 9:00-10:30 a.m. The class meets on Saturdays at Franciscan Recreation Complex, located at 908 Sterling Ave. in West Peoria.

In this class for ages 9 and up, students should already have a basic knowledge of crochet. The class will focus on granny squares, crochet in a circle, and crocheting with beads.

Registration fees are $40 for residents and $46 for non-residents. Register at the Glen Oak Pavilion or online at www.peoriaparks.org.

For more information, call (309) 681-2854 or sconrad@peoriaparks.org or at www.peoriaparks.org.

NEW WINTER WELLNESS COURSE

@ PEORIA PARK DIST.

The Peoria Park District is offering a NEW Winter Wellness class for ages 18+ at Franciscan Recreation Complex on Saturday, November 10 from 10:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Participants will learn how to stay healthy through the winter months with diet and herbal wisdom. There will be discussion on foods, function and care of immune system and herbs to treat common winter illness. Plus, there will be some hands-on cooking.

Registration fee is $28 for residents or $33 for non-residents. Register in-person at the Glen Oak Pavilion or online at www.peoriaparks.org.

For more information, call Samantha Conrad at 681-2854 or sconrad@peoriaparks.org. Visit us online at www.peoriaparks.org.

Intermediate Knitting Class Offered @ PEORIA PARK DISTRICT

The Peoria Park District is offering an Intermediate Knitting class for ages 9+ this fall at the Franciscan Recreation Complex in West Peoria from 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. for 6 weeks. Class runs Saturdays, November 3-December 8.

Students should have a basic knowledge of knitting or crocheting.

Registration fees are $40 for residents and $46 for non-residents. Register at the Glen Oak Pavilion or online at www.peoriaparks.org.

For more information, contact Samantha Conrad at 681-2854 or sconrad@peoriaparks.org. Visit us online at www.peoriaparks.org.

Ardapple Appointed to Community & Economic Development Committee

Peoria County Board Member Mary Ardapple was recently appointed to the National Association of Counties’ Community and Economic Development Steering Committee to serve a one-year term through July 31, 2013. The CED committee plays a critical role in setting policy and has jurisdiction over matters pertaining to housing programs and economic and community development. The committee places emphasis on advocating for funding for federal programs such as the Community Development Block Grant Program and the HOME Investment Partnerships program.

Ardapple was elected to the County Board in November 2010 and serves on the County’s Health, Environmental, and Welfare Issues; Management Services; and Tax, Elections, Policy, and Audit standing committees. She also serves on the Minority Business Ad-hoc Committee and as chairperson of the Metro Peoria Committee, a joint effort with the City of Peoria to seek and implement collaborative, cost-effective initiatives between the two units of government.

City of Peoria Yard Waste Collection Ends November 30

The 2012 City’s collection of yard waste ends on Friday, November 30th and resume April 1, 2013, for the residents served by Peoria Disposal Company (PDC).

Yard waste set out for collection must be in:

Garbage cans marked “Yard Waste Only” which do not exceed 45 gallons in size not over 50 pounds in weight;

Paper yard waste bags may not exceed 30 pounds in weight;

Bundles should not exceed five feet in length or 50 pounds in weight;

Large 95 gallon wheeled tote carts compatible with the left mechanism on PDC’s vehicles clearly marked “Yard Waste Only.”

Cans, bags or bundles which do not meet the above requirements will not be collected.

Each collection route serves approximately 1,200 homes each day and adhering to the size and weight limits is essential in avoiding injuries to collection employees. The 95 gallon wheeled tote carts can be either purchased or rented directly from PDC. Households can purchase a cart for $65 or rent one for $2.50 a month. For more info, go to www.pdcarea.com or call Peoria Disposal Company (PDC) at (309) 6784-5176, extension 1.

Dark Fiction Author Joseph Spencer Talks About Grim

Illinois native Joseph Spencer brings the dark side to Peoria Public Library Lakeview Branch on Wednesday, November 7 at 6:30 p.m. when he speaks about his new book Grim, the first book in his Sons of Darkness series. Books will be available for purchase and signings with a portion of the proceeds going to the Friends of Peoria Public Library.

As a boy, Joseph Spencer immersed himself in the deductive logic of Sherlock Holmes, the heroic crime fighting of Batman and Spider-Man, and a taste for the tragic with dramas from poets like Shakespeare and Homer.

Before Joseph took to spinning his own tales, he pursued a career in print sports journalism, graduating from Southern Illinois University-Carbondale in 2000. He covered such events as NASCAR’s Subway 500 race in Martinsville, the NBA Draft Camp in Chicago, the Junior College World Series, and Minor League Baseball’s Midwest League All-Star Game during a ten-year career throughout the Midwest. Now, he works as an emergency telecommunications specialist with an Illinois police department. The combination of years of writing experience with a background working with law enforcement professionals gave rise to his writing aspirations.

November Focuses On Veterans with Author, Documentary and Art Show

Peoria Public Library has built a series of experiences and events for visitors based on honoring veterans this November at Peoria Public Library.

“Expressions of Those Who Served,” works of art by United States veterans, will be on display in the Main Library Gallery on Lower Level 1 from Thursday, November 1 to Friday, November 30 during regular library hours, Monday through Saturday, 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. The display is free and open to the public.

Work on display will be by both artists who have served and veterans who are using art as a means of expressing their experiences. Chairpersons for the exhibit are Nancy Davis, photographer and Darrell Amerman, Commander Military Order of the Purple Heart Chapter #175, Peoria.

An opening reception will be held in the Gallery on Saturday, November 3 from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. and a Gallery Walk will take place on Wednesday, November 14 at 2:00 p.m. For more information or to arrange group tours please call 309-497-2120.

The author of Inside the Gates, Dr. Richard MacDonald, will discuss and sign his book on Sunday, November 18 at 1:00 p.m. at Peoria Public Library North Branch in the McKenzie Room. Inside the Gates tells the story of Dr. MacDonald’s father, Lt. Col. Hugh MacDonald, M.D. in the liberation of the Nazi concentration camp in Ebensee, Austria. Two years of research in the National Records Administration, the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum and at the Holocaust museum revealed that his father’s medical unit had played an important role at this historic moment, but that little was reported about their involvement. He at last has told their story. Books will be available for sale and signing with a portion of the proceeds going to support the Friends of Peoria Public Library. More information about the author is available at www.rgmacdonald.com.

On two Saturdays, November 10 & 17 at 2:00 p.m. at Peoria Public Library Main Library Auditorium view Living Battlefield: The American Road to Victory, a trilogy of battlefield documentaries that follow American forces from the beaches of D-Day, through the killing zones of Holland to the freezing forests of the Ardennes. Presented by Living Battlefield and the National Infantry Museum Foundation, this series features renowed tour guide and Battlefield historian Ellwood von Seibold. On November 10 view The Americans on D-Day and The Americans on Hell’s Highway. On November 17 watch The Americans in the Bulge. Livingbattlefield is a not-for-profit corporation dedicated to providing quality historical programming and resources.

For more information about any of these free programs call 497-2143.

Proctor Hospital’s November Community Activities

Proctor Auxiliary Sponsors Chocolate Sale – This SB Gourmet Chocolate Show will be held Thursday, November 1, 9:00 a.m.- 4:00 p.m. and Friday, November 2, 7:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. in the Lobby at Proctor Hospital. It features gourmet chocolate, a wide variety of nuts, sauces, and other items. The event is sponsored by the Service Auxiliary.

alonetogether Grief Support Group – alonetogether is a grief support group, open to the community, that meets Mondays from 4:30-6:00 p.m. in Group Room 4 of the Counseling Center at Proctor Hospital. If you are experiencing grief from loss of a loved one, divorce or separation, loss of a pet, or experiencing grief of any kind, please attend. For more information contact Steve at 689-6018 or steve.wilson@proctor.org.

“Diabetes Bingo”Topic at November Seniors Program – Seniors on the Go health education program for November features Lena Kieser, RN, CDE, of Affiliate OSF Healthcare. Kieser will present “Diabetes Bingo” on Thursday, November 15 from
10:30-11:45 a.m. at the Hult Health Education Center in Peoria. Lunch will be provided from 11:45 a.m.-12:30 p.m. For more information or to register please call 692-6650 to register.

Kiwanis Cheese Comes Back to Proctor – The annual Peoria South-West Kiwanis Cheese Sale comes back to Proctor Hospital on Thursday, November 15, 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. and Friday, November 16, 7:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. The sale, sponsored by the Proctor Service Auxiliary, will be held in the Hospital Lobby and is open to the public.

Free Medicare Help Desk – Have questions about Medicare? Help is available on Wednesday, November 28 from 9:00-11:00 a.m. in the Lobby at Proctor Hospital. No registration required. Sponsored by Proctor Hospital and BlueCross BlueShield of Illinois.

Participate in NaNoWriMo! (National Novel Writing Month) at Peoria Public Library

NaNoWriMo will be celebrated at Peoria Public Library in November with writing workshops at two locations and a writing contest for 6th to 12th graders. The entire month is devoted to a contest for 6th – 12th graders who can submit their story at any Peoria Public Library location for a chance to have it published on the library web page. Join us for the kickoff at Lincoln Branch on November 4 from 2:00-3:00 p.m. and learn how to participate.

Writers of all ages are invited to “Come Write In” at Lakeview Branch. Drop in on November 2, 9, 10, 16, 17, 24, or 30 between 10:00 a.m. and 5:45 p.m. Bring your laptop and favorite snack The library will provide the coffee and water. Share your joy and frustration as you write alongside other local aspiring writers. Lincoln Branch will offer a Those Amazing Stories, a writing workshop for 6th to 12th graders on Tuesday, November 6 from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m.

“One World, Many Stories” Performance to Celebrate Family Reading Night November 15

Peoria Public Library will join in the statewide celebration of Family Reading Night with a special performance of “One World, Many Stories” by Julie K at Peoria Public Library Main Library on Thursday, November 15 from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m.

Parking is free for the after-hours event that aims to get families to turn off the TV and enjoy time together with storytelling and songs. Across the state, families are encouraged to read together or enjoy storytelling under the initiative by Illinois Secretary of State and State Librarian Jesse White and the Illinois Center for the Book.

Julie K is an award winning children’s recording artist whose family-friendly show is appropriate for all ages. For Family Reading Night she has assembled a fun show that will celebrate “One World, Many Stories.”

Illinois American Water Peoria District Sites Earn Wildlife Habitat Certification from National Wildlife Federation

Illinois American Water’s Peoria District Main Station Water Treatment Plant and administrative office have been recognized by National Wildlife Federation (NWF) as official Certified Wildlife Habitat™ sites. Both properties attract a variety of birds, butterflies and other local animals like deer and turkey by providing a wildlife-friendly landscape.

Habitats not only nurture year-round resident birds but also provide stopover sites for migratory birds traveling between their summer and winter ranges. Biologist Mark Hostetier of the University of Florida says that “urban environments are an important factor in the future conservation of many species. Not only has urban sprawl grown into the paths of stopover sites on bird flyways, but the sheer volume of human development has changed the amount of area available for nesting and overwintering.”

Chris Johnson, senior operations manager for Illinois American Water’s Peoria District, said the certification supports the company’s commitment to environmental stewardship. “Our team is committed to protecting the environment, and to finding ways to use our most precious resource wisely. As we work to provide water and wastewater services to our customers, we also work to prevent pollution, promote sustainability, and enhance the natural environment.”

Creating habitats not only helps wildlife, it can help reduce global warming pollution and save energy costs as well. According to NWF, burning fossil fuels to heat and cool our homes and maintain our lawns releases carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, which is the main greenhouse gas responsible for global warming. Unlike lawns, wildlife-friendly native plants don’t need constant maintenance from gas guzzling lawn mowers or fertilizers that require fossil fuels to manufacture. An additional benefit is that plants actually absorb carbon dioxide, helping to further reduce the amount of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.

November Book Clubs

at Peoria Public Library

Book ‘Em Mystery Book Club will meet on Sunday, November 18 at 2:00 p.m. at Lakeview Branch to discuss Cold Wind by C.J. Box.

The Sci-Fi/Fantasy Book Club meets on Monday, November 12 at Lakeview Branch at 6:30 p.m. to discuss Shift Election Weekend by Bruce Lombardo. Call 309-497-2149 for more information.

A Little Romance Book Club meets on Sunday, November 4 at 2:00 p.m. at Lakeview Branch to discuss A Distant Melody by Sara Sundin.

The Evening Love to Read! Book Club will meet on Wednesday, November 14 at Lakeview Branch at 6:30 p.m. to discuss Caleb’s Crossing by Geraldine Brooks. For more info, call (309) 692-1020 or email cmay1223@comcast.net.

The Read On Book Club is on winter break. Call 497-2601 for more information.

The Biography and Non-Fiction Book Club will meet on Sunday, November 11, at 3:00 p.m. at North Branch to discuss Nazis on the Run: How Hitler’s Henchmen Fled Justice by Steinbacher, Gerald. Winner of the 2011 National Jewish Book Award, Holocaust category. For more info call 309-497-2186.

Intercontinental Readers will continue to meet to discuss novels by American and Irish authors via Skype at Main Library LL 1 at 1:00 p.m. once every three months with readers in Ireland. Next meeting Tuesday, November 20 for Let the Great World Spin by Colum McCann. Call 309-497-2143 for more information.

Club Read is on winter break and will meet again in January.

2012 CHRISTMASTIME GOSPELFEST

The popular annual holiday concert, Christmastime GospelFest, will be held on Saturday, December 1 at 7:00 p.m. at Five Points Washington. This year special guest artists Allison Speer from Nashville and Ben Waites from southern Louisiana will join Shawn Degenhart and the GospelFest singers as they perform great southern gospel Christmas music and traditional holiday favorites.

Allison Speers has toured with the Gaither Vocal Band and Gaither Trio, and with Mark Lowry and Wayne Watson. She has sung at mega-churches and small rural churches, on television including the 700 Club, on Bible-study cruises and huge religious conventions. Allison’s latest recording, “The Holy Hills,” showcases the depths of her musical abilities and her passion for showcasing the Gospel with poetry and melodies.

Guest artist Ben Waites is an inspiration to all who are lucky enough to see him perform. Ben was born with arthrogryposis which means his joints are fixed in position. He is confined to a wheelchair but his spirit soars through his beautiful voice.

Christmastime GospelFest draws more than a thousand folks from throughout central Illinois every year because it is a great way to celebrate the birth of our Savior by enjoying inspiring and joyful southern gospel music.

Five Points Washington is located at 360 N. Wilmor Rd. in Washington. Tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for children and students in grade school or high school and are available at Hoerr’s Berean Bookstore, the front desk at Five Points Washington, by calling 309-472-0027 or by email at:

shawn@gospelfestministries.com. Group rates are also available. For more information, visit www.gospelfestministries.com.

PSO’s Fantastic Journey features Holst’s The Planets and world-premiere of film

The Peoria Symphony Orchestra will present the concert Fantastic Journey, on Saturday, November 10, 2012, at 8:00 p.m. at the Peoria Civic Center Theater. The concert will feature Gustav Holst’s epic piece The Planets and the world premiere of a film by award-winning filmmaker Max R.A. Fedore. The Planets is an enduringly popular, widely performed and frequently recorded piece.

Tickets for the concert, including a specially priced family package of $60 for two adult and two student tickets, are available by calling the PSO Box Office, 309/671-1096. Single concert tickets start at $26 with tickets for students only $11.

“We’ve paired Holst’s grand, mysterious composition with dramatic NASA photos for a breathtaking spectacle of musical and visual adventure.” said music director and conductor George Stelluto. “We commissioned this special film to accompany the performance of The Planets by the orchestra after previewing many other films out there that have been produced to accompany with this piece. We determined we wanted to create our own presentation that would be extremely engaging and artistic and take advantage of the most current photos from Mars.” The film uses images and video from NASA as well as literary excerpts and artwork, illustrating the human fascination with the planets.

The concert will open with Aaron Copland’s Fanfare to the Common Man and will be presented without intermission to preserve Holst’s artistic vision of The Planets. In addition to the concert itself, the evening will include a post-concert panel discussion with Stelluto and filmmaker Fedore and displays from the Peoria Riverfront Museum.

“We are partnering with the new Peoria Riverfront Museum on this concert,” said PSO Executive Director Susan Hoffman, “and this concert is a fitting welcome to the museum and their Planetarium.” The audience can enjoy displays provided by the museum in the lobby before and after the concert. The audience also is invited to join Stelluto and Fedore after the concert in the lobby for a discussion and Q&A session. “This is a unique opportunity for our audience to stay after the concert and ask questions about the music and the film they have just experienced,” said Hoffman.

“Since the concert is presented without intermission, it will be shorter in length. The visual aspect of the film and the museum displays make this the perfect event for families, so we created a special family priced ticket to make it easy for them to attend,” she said. Holst began composing The Planets in the 1910s and it was first performed in 1918 and referred to the piece as a “series of mood pictures.”

Schedules for CityLink Park and Ride service from Evergreen Square, Junction City and the Mark Twain Hotel will be adjusted to reflect the slightly shorter concert length. For information, call 309/676-4040.

Fantastic Journey is sponsored by Childrens Hospital of Illinois and Heights Financial Corporation with additional funding by PNC and the Illinois Arts Council. Information on The Planets, excerpts of Fedore’s film and details on the entire PSO 2012-2013 concert season are at: www.peoriasymphony.org. A preview of the film can be viewed at:

TRAIN FAIR COMES TO PEORIA NOVEMBER 18th!

Peoria & Pekin Clubs Join Forces for Event

The Peoria Train Fair returns to the Illinois Central College East Peoria Campus, Sunday, November 18th. The fair runs from 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.and is sponsored by the Illinois Valley Model Railroad Club in Peoria and Pekin’s River City Model Railroad Club.

The clubs’ fundraiser will feature several operating model railroad layouts, swap meet tables, videos and more. Admission is just $3 for adults. Kids, 12 and under are free when accompanied by an adult. Refreshments will be available.

“Whether you are a model railroad enthusiast, train buff, or just someone who is looking for unique Christmas gifts, there will be something for everybody” according to event organizer, Ron Brown. “We’re excited about this great event!”

The operating layouts return to the Train Fair this year. River City Model Railroad Club President Don MacGregor says, “We’re excited to pass on the fun of model railroading to the next generation. Our traveling layout, complete with sidings, accessories and scenery, will give attendees an idea of what is possible in model railroading.”

DVDs, videos, books, and photos, as well as many model railroad parts and supplies will be available. Tables will also highlight new and used Lionel, O, HO, N and Z items. Real railroad memorabilia will be available including clothing (hats, shirts, patches, and pins). Whether you’re adding to an existing design or looking for a child’s first train layout, everything will be at the Peoria Train Fair.

All proceeds from the fair support the Illinois Valley Model Railroad Club in Peoria and River City Model Railroad Club in Pekin and their efforts to highlight and promote the hobby of model railroading to all.

For info, call (309) 369-3515, or email pepper7190@yahoo.com.

What: Peoria Train Fair

Where: Illinois Central College, East Peoria

When: Sunday, November 18, 2012; 10AM – 3PM

Cost: $3 for adults. Kids, 12 and under free when accompanied by an adult.

Contact: Ron Brown (309) 369-3515; Email: pepper7190@yahoo.