Feb 2 – Join the Peoria County Democratic Women for a candidate forum for all Peoria City Council candidates. It begins at noon at Childers Catering Center, 3113 Dries Lane. All candidates have been invited and accepted for both the Feb 26th primary election and the April 9th general election. The event is free; a $12 buffet-style lunch is available. Lunch reservations required. Call 309-673-3853.

Feb 2 – 10 – Peoria Players presents “Mame!” from 7:30 – 9:00 p.m. at 4300 University. Contact: Nicki Haschke at: (309) 688-4473. Admission: $18.00 adults, $12.00 patrons 18 & under, $12.

Feb 3- Come learn Black History according to the Holy Bible every Sunday in February at 1:00 p.m. at the Lincoln Branch Library. This free event is hosted by House of Jacob & refreshments provided. For more info call 309-989-2772.

Feb 4 – College Savvy: Financial Aid Process from 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. at Lakeview Branch Library. Many students and parents consider finances the biggest barrier to college. This session outlines the financial aid process and provides insight on ways to maximize access to financial aid to help pay for college. Interested high school and college students, and parents are invited. Grades 9 to 12.

Feb 7 – Help shape Central IL Economic Future! The upcoming “Connect” phase of the regional economic development strategy will be at the Peoria Riverfront Museum, 222 SW Washington 5:00 – 5:30 p.m. Registration & Networking Program: 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Arrive early to visit the Peoria Riverfront Museum – free. Participation from Woodford, Peoria, Mason and Tazewell counties is essential to the sustained success of Focus Forward CI. Space limited. Refreshments provided. RSVP by Feb. 1, 2013 or call 309-673-9330. For more info, go to: www.focusforwardci.com

Feb 7 – Girl Scouts of Central Illinois will host Desserts First 2 from 6:00 – 9:00 p.m. at the Embassy Suites in East Peoria. The event features eight chefs from the Peoria area who have been tasked with creating a scrumptious dessert out of a Girl Scout cookie! The event features dinner stations, silent auction, live entertainment & more! Tickets: $40 per person. Call (309) 336-0221.

Feb 7 – The Peoria Garden Club will begin their 2013 season with a program on the value of bees in our gardens at Peoria Public North Library. Bee Keepers Charles and Karen Lonence will give the presentation. Business meeting at 12:30 p.m. with presentation at 1:00 p.m. Refreshments at noon.

Feb 7 – 28 – “Seasoned Stars on Stage” a 50+ Reader’s Theater Company holds open rehearsals for new members on Thursdays and Saturdays at12:00 at the Black Bear Lounge (formerly Jumers) Courtyard Estates Community Outreach.Call 676-3031

Feb 8 – Far Out Friday ~ Year of the Snake Celebration – Usher in the Chinese New Year (two days early) with a celebration in The Dome from 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. $20 Museum Members/$25 Non-Members. For more information, call Renae at 863-3030.

Feb 8 – Peoria Area Chamber Public Affairs Series Features…Ed Rust from 7:30 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. at: Four Points by Sheraton, 500 Hamilton Blvd., Peoria, IL 61602. Ed Rust is the Chairman and CEO of State Farm Mutual and Chairman of the US Chamber of Commerce.

Feb 9 – Peoria Poetry Club meets at Riverview Senior Living Community, 500 Centennial Dr., East Peoria. Guests of all ages are welcome to bring a sack lunch at 11:30 a.m., read a poem at our noon meeting, and enjoy a program at 1:00 p.m. For more info call 822-8308, or visit peoriapoetryclub.com.

Feb 9 – Art, Wine & Roses 10:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. Reserve your seat for this special event at the Luthy Botanical Garden! Don’t miss the Garden’s all-day art auction followed by an evening of music, food, wine and roses! Music by the Joe Metzka Trio, appetizers, candy buffet & cash bar! Reservations only! Admission: $10/person or $15/couple. Ages: over 21. Call 309.681.3506.

Feb. 9 – Songs from the Woods Concerts – Enjoy a concert by Barry Cloyd and Celtricity at the Nature Center at 7:00 p.m. Advanced ticket sales are available at the Trailhead Nature Store, or pay at the door. Concert fees: $7/adult, $6/child 12 & under. CORE members get $1/person discount.

Feb 9 – The Peoria Symphony Orchestra (PSO) will present a Valentine’s Day concert celebrating the musical legacy of George Gershwin featuring guest artist pianist Jade Simmons at the Peoria Civic Center Theater, 8:00 p.m., with a pre-concert lecture at 7:00 p.m.

Feb 13 – Breast Cancer Survivor Health Fair – from 5:30 – 7:00 p.m. Meet and learn more about local services at the Susan G. Komen Breast Center Lobby. RSVP by Feb. 8 to 309-683-5324..

Feb 14 – Valentine’s Day Dinner by Cornerstone Academy for Performing, downtown Peoria. Bring your Valentine to a four-course dinner w/complimentary champagne, watch professional ballet & opera performances, & dance in the most romantic atmosphere! Reserve seats by Feb. 10! Call 309-620-3164 or email: info@cornerstoneballetpeoria.com

Feb 15 – “Garish …but Green” Garden Show from 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Take a break from winter weather and join the fun! Join some very hard-working garden gnomes and flocks of pink flamingos for a wonderful floral show that spotlights green, sustainable practices for your home and garden. We reinvent the best landscaping faux pas and give you a much needed garden fix in late winter.

Feb 16 – Peoria Area SeniorNet is sponsoring an Open House at 10:00 a.m. with registration at 11:00 a.m. Find out what classes are appropriate for your skill levels.

Feb 20 – College Savvy: FAFSA Step by Step from 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. at Lakeview Branch Library. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the form used to apply for most federal and state and many institutional programs, including the Federal Pell Grant and the Illinois Monetary Award Program. This session provides a detailed review of the FAFSA. Interested high school and college students, as well as their parents are invited to attend. Grades 9 to 12.

Feb 21 – The public is invited to a free Caregiver Education Night from 4:00 – 5:30 p.m. at Senior World, 719 N. William Kumpf Blvd. Suite 300, Peoria. Amy Stumpf, SLP, Sara Stromberg, OT, and Lisa Heuermann, OT, of the Institute of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation will present on “Improving Day-to-Day Functional Skills: Working with Impairments in Memory, Driving or Vision.” R.S.V.P. to 495-4530 by February 19th. Refreshments provided.

Feb 22 – Wine & Cheese Under the Stars @ Peoria Riverfront Museum from 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. Join us for Wine & Cheese Under the Stars! Your host, Sheldon Shafer, VP & Curator of the Solar System, will take you on a guided tour of the universe with the state-of-the-art Zeiss planetarium equipment as you relax with a glass of wine. Register early! Refreshments provided. $25 for museum members, $30 for non-members. Call 686-7000 or visit www.peoriariverfrontmuseum.org