WINTER SKATE LESSONS AT OWENS CENTER

Owens Center will begin their winter session skating lessons at Owens Center in Lakeview Park the week of February 4 and there’s still time to sign up. These winter session classes meet once a week for eight weeks. Choose the day and time that best suits your schedule. Pick up a full schedule at Owens Center or the Peoria Park District Winter/Spring Playbook, available at area libraries and businesses, as well as at Park District facilities.

For more information on ice skating and hockey, call Owens Center at 686-3368 or check us out on the web at www.peoriaparks.org/owens-center.

“Step Back in Time” Event to Re-unite People from the Peoria Southend Township of Peoria!

The Peoria Southend Township of Peoria, IL, 1920 – 1980 will join Guinness Book of World Records on September 01, 2013 at Expo Gardens in “A Step Back in Time,” in an attempt to reunite over 70 years of family, friends, neighbors, classmates and local business owners to break the Guinness Book of World Records in reunions!

Those wanting to attend must provide a current photo ID as well as photo copy of proof of residency in the Southend Township of Peoria, IL 1920 – 1980. Peoria’s Downtown Library has school year books from 1920 – 1980 which is one way of proof but can use any and all legal documents which provide name and address during those specific years. All family members related to those signing the Guinness Book of Records are welcome.

This is a non profit reunion and only accepts donations to help support his event. Donations may be given at the door. Visit the updated website at: Facebook.com/peoriasouthendreunion to sign up for this event.

QUEST CHARTER ACADEMY TO ACCEPT APPLICATIONS

Quest Charter Academy began accepting applications for enrollment for the 2013-2014 school year on January 28. Any student who lives within Peoria Public School District 150 boundaries and will be in 5th-9th grade for the next school year is eligible for admission. There are no entrance exams or tuition. Students are enrolled through a public lottery to be held on Thursday, March 21 at 5:30 p.m. at Quest’s middle school building at 2612 N. Bootz Ave.

New Peoria Public Library Web Site to Launch in February

The Peoria Public Library website is getting a make-over, making it easier for users to find the information they need. The new look has an early February 2013 unveiling planned, although an exact date has not been set.

The new look will make the site at:

www.peoriapubliclibrary.org “user-centric” with features that make it easier to find what you want. For example, under the new organization, a tab in the top menu says, “Research” and under that are links that say “Students” and “Job Seekers” along with other categories. Rather than try to find databases in a huge list, our staff of librarians have already pulled together a list of what will be most useful to you.

Another feature is that rather than using long pull down menus, links now appear in pop up tables that put all the information on your screen at once. For example when you hover over “Hours” in the top menu you will find a choice of a chart of all hours, maps to locations or links to individual branches, making it easy to find the exact information you need.

A new footer keeps information on library governance, signing up for the e-newsletter, reserving meeting rooms and looking for careers with the library on every page.

Another feature that will now appear on every single page in the header is a link to the Peoria Public Library catalog “RSACat.” It is no longer necessary to return to the home page to find a button that links to the catalog. However, if your purpose in visiting the library’s webpage is to find, reserve or renew books, you will see “My PPL” in the menu bar and can click on “My Account” for quick service as well as finding out about Shoutbomb, our text messaging service, or retrieving your forgotten PIN.

If you are looking for information about library events such as storytimes, book club discussions, movie showings or musical events, you will also find a calendar link on the home page as well as in the top menu under “Events.”

There are pictures, too! The constant requests to see photos of our newly renovated and newly built buildings, as well as the events that happen inside, inspired a photo gallery that will let virtual visitors experience all five Peoria Public Library locations as well as what goes on inside.

Overall, the new look was designed to be easy to read, understand and use. We hope you will be a frequent user of peoriapubliclibrary.org!

CoRiccio Baskin, Artist, To Display Miniature Works at Peoria Public Library Main Library

CoRiccio Baskin invented his own “modeling clay” from paper and glue in his youth and has now perfected the art of recreating objects in miniature.

A selection of his work will be on display at Main Library in the month of February on Lower Level Two in the Wheeler Case next to Friendly Finds Bookstore. His miniatures can perfectly portray anything from a White Castle bag to a video camera. His Facebook page illustrates the process he uses to make everything from tiny t-shirts to sandwiches. Most are the size of a dime.

The display is free and open to the public during regular library hours, 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Monday through Saturday.

VALENTINE’S DAY CELEBRATION SET FOR FILIPINO-AMERICAN SOCIETY OF CENTRAL ILLINOIS

FASCI Party at RiverPlex on February 9th Lights Up Winter Season

Snow and cold temperatures may abound in February… but members, family and friends of the Filipino-American Society of Central Illinois (FASCI) go out in full force to celebrate Valentine’s Day. This year’s event, scheduled on Saturday, February 9th, starts at 6:00 p.m. and wraps up at 11:00 p.m.

FASCI President Reginald Gress and a Valentine’s Day Committee are working on a fun-filled night. It will be packed with games, cultural dances, contests, prizes and dancing for all, and most importantly, food.

As with most Filipino events, the Valentine’s Day party will be a potluck. There will be a variety of delicious Filipino entrees – pansit (noodles), chicken adobo, lumpia (egg rolls), vegetable, pork and beef dishes, native desserts – as well as other international cuisine.

Everyone is asked to bring an entrée or dessert, enough to share with ten people. It is also a “Food Drive,” so please bring a non-perishable item for the local food pantry.

Admission is $7.00 per person.

Luthy Botanical Garden Presents Art, Wine & Roses Event on February 9th

Reserve the date for Luthy Botanical Garden’s fabulous all-day art auction followed by an evening of music, food, wine and roses! It all takes place on Saturday, February 9 at the Garden, 10 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., and here is the day’s schedule of events:

* 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. – Art Auction in the greenhouse, filled with amazing art in a variety of media

* 5:30-6:30 p.m. – Reception

* 6:30-9:00 p.m. – Celebrate Valentine’s Day in a special way with friends or your true love. This premier event will be held in the tropical Conservatory with music by the Joe Metzka Trio, appetizers, candy buffet and cash bar.

* The evening event is by reservation only and limited to 80 people.

* Admission to the evening event is $10/person or $15/couple, ages 21 and over only

* Call 309-681-3506 for reservations or more information.

Easter Seals Receives Two Grants

Easter Seals recently received two grants. One was from the Ruby K. Worner Trust, administered by PNC Charitable Trusts, to provide essential diagnostic tools for the Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) Diagnostic Clinic. The clinic, with sites in Peoria and Bloomington, annually provides early identification, screening, and comprehensive diagnostic evaluations to more than 1,000 central Illinois children.

Autism Spectrum Disorder is a complex neurodevelopmental disability that typically appears during the first two years of life and affects a person’s ability to effectively communicate and interact with others. A recent national study found that 1% of children aged 3 to 17 years have ASD, an estimated prevalence of one in every 88 children.

The Easter Seals ASD Clinic provides a unique regional service, and delivers over 35% of all comprehensive clinical ASD evaluations in Illinois. A clinical evaluation of ASD is the gateway for appropriate schools services, private health insurance reimbursement of services, and expanding community services. Easter Seals, accredited by CARF International, is the largest provider of early intervention services and direct autism services in downstate Illinois.

For information on the autism diagnostic clinic call Easter Seals at 309-686-1177.

The second grant received was from The North Face Explore Fund to help provide youth with disabilities overnight camping experiences. Easter Seals was chosen to receive these funds in recognition of efforts to connect children, families and first-time explorers to the outdoors.

The grant award will enable staff at Timber Pointe Outdoor Center, the Easter Seals residential camping facility for people with disabilities, to implement an overnight camping experience with the use of hammock tents to camp under the stars. This will greatly enhance current programming while deepening the camping experience for those served.

Timber Pointe Outdoor Center is the premier resource in the state of Illinois providing specialized an inclusive camping and respite programming for individuals with disabilities or special needs and their families, in a safe, accessible, and beautiful environment. Campers participate in traditional camp activities such as swimming, fishing, boating, arts and crafts, target sports, music, and horseback riding.

For information on Timber Pointe Outdoor Center residential camping and respite programming contact Deb Townsend at 309-365-8021.

Party Placement Lottery for Official Ballot

NOTICE is hereby given that a lottery for the purpose of determining the position placement of certain political parties on the official ballot for the April 9, 2013 Consolidated General Election will be held on Wednesday January 30, 2013 at 9:00 a.m. at the Peoria Board of Election Commissioners, 542 SW Adams, Peoria, IL 61602.

Every Smile Counts!

Join the Peoria Dental Society and area organizations in the national celebration Give Kids A Smile Day. The Peoria program is a one-day event on February 1, 2013, from 8:30 a.m. to noon at the Harrison Community Learning Center, 2727 W. Krause Avenue, Peoria. Dentists and other community agencies will volunteer their time and services to provide oral healthcare to underserved children in Peoria County.

Dr. Susan Bishop, Director at Peoria City/County Health Department Dental Clinic explains the need for services at this one-day event. “Dental problems in children can cause pain and lost days at school, as well as lost hours at work for parents taking kids for emergency dental care. Give Kids A Smile Day helps provide those important dental exams, fluoride varnish applications, and follow-up dental care. Keeping kids healthy and pain free are the best reasons for Give Kids A Smile Day.”

Call Early Head Start at 309-495-5254 to register. All children are welcome. Transportation is available for Early Head Start children and families in Peoria.

For more information on dental health, visit the Peoria City/County Health Department website at www.pcchd.org.

Pianist Jade Simmons & PSO Celebrate Valentine’s Day with Music of Gershwin

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, Sat., Feb. 9th at the Peoria Civic Center Theater, 8:00 p.m., w/a pre-concert lecture at 7:00 p.m.

Romance, the second PSO Valentine’s concert to feature the music of George Gershwin is a great date night for sweethearts or a fun get-together for friends. “This concert can solve the question of what to do for Valentine’s Day or for a night out.” said PSO Executive Director Susan Hoffman. “Everyone in the audience is invited to attend a complimentary post-concert reception to continue their enjoyment of the evening following the concert.”

Notice is hereby given that the voting system that will be used by the Peoria Board of Election Commissioners to tabulate the ballots for the FEBRUARY 26, 2013 CONSOLIDATED PRIMARY ELECTION will be tested in the Office of the Peoria Board of Election Commissioners at 542 SW Adams Peoria, Illinois, on January 31, 2010 at 1:00 p.m. (10 ILCS 5/24C-9)

Peoria Area SeniorNet Sponsors Open House & Spring Class Registration on February 16th

Peoria Area SeniorNet’s Open House will be on Sat., Feb.16, at 10:00 a.m. at the First Baptist Church, at 411 W. Lake Ave. at North St. Park in the lot behind the church and use the west entrance. Prospective new students and computer buyers will be introduced to SeniorNet and can ask any questions they might have about computers. Registration for spring classes are: 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. For more info about SeniorNet and class schedules, go to the SeniorNet web site at: www.PeoriaAreaSeniorNet.org. For other questions, call 1-800-872-4651 ext. 1510. Leave a message and a SeniorNet volunteer will return your call.

The provides a forum where present and future computer users acquire information that will help them make choices when buying computers, selecting computer accessories, and choosing computer courses. SeniorNet instructors and coaches will be available for one-on-one questions and discussions with the attendees.

Students may register for SeniorNet Spring Classes following the Open House. Former students and those already familiar with SeniorNet may skip the open house and arrive between 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. to register for classes.

Peoria Area SeniorNet is sponsored by Illinois Eye Center and PNC Bank.

Free Events for Infants and Preschool at Peoria Public Library in February

Infant/Toddler

Fri., Feb. 1, 8, 15, & 22 and Tues., Feb. 5, 12, 19, & 26 – Lakeview – Lakeview Lambs – 10:30-11:00 a.m. Storytime. Ages 2 to 3.

Mon., Feb.4, 11, & 25 – Lakeview Branch – Little Sprouts – 10:30-11:00 a.m. Storytime. Ages 0 – 11 months.

Mon., Feb. 4, 11, & 25 – North Branch

Wed., Feb. 6, 13, 20, & 27 – Lakeview Branch

Tiny Tots Storytime – 10:30-11:00 a.m. Babies 12 to 23 months

Wed., Feb.6, 13, 20, & 27 – Main Library Toddler Time – 10:00-10:30 a.m. Storytime. Children 18 months – 2 years.

Thurs., Feb. 7 & 14 – North Branch – Tadpoles Storytime – 10:30-11:00 a.m. Ages 2 to 3.

Preschool

Fri., Feb.1, 15, & 22 – Lakeview Branch – Lakeview Lions – 3:00-3:30 p.m. Storytime. Ages 4 to 6.

Tues., Feb, 5, 12, 19, & 26 – Lincoln Branch – Terrific Tattletale Tuesday Storytime – 10:00-10:30 a.m. Special storytime on Feb.12 as we celebrate Lincoln’s birthday! Ages 3 to 6.

Wed., Feb.6, 13, 20, & 27 – McClure Branch – Fun Time Storytime – 10:00-10:30 a.m. Ages 3 to 6.

Thurs., Feb.14 – Lincoln Branch – Puppet Show: Witch’s Valentine – 10:00-10:30 a.m. Ages 3 to 6.

Thurs.Feb. 21 – Lincoln Branch – Puppet Show: Witch’s Winter Kitchen – 10:00-10:30 a.m. Ages 3 to 6.

Fiddler on the Roof Auditions!

Peoria Players Theatre announces auditions for the musical classic, Fiddler on the Roof directed by Laura Garfinkel. Rich in historical and ethnic detail, Fiddler on the Roof has touched audiences around the world with its humor, warmth and honesty. The universal theme of tradition cuts across barriers of race, class, nationality and religion, leaving audiences crying tears of laughter, joy and sadness. Auditions will be held at University United Methodist Church, 2818 N. University, on Friday, February 22 at 6:00 pm, Saturday, February 23 at 1:00 pm, and Sunday, February 24 at 1:00 pm. The cast includes roles for adults, teens and children. Scripts will be available to check out at the Peoria Players box office. For singing roles, prepare 32 bars of music of your choice, and wear comfortable clothes for movement/dance. Some non-singing/non-dance roles are available. Fiddler production dates are May 3-12.

2013 Mini Season tickets are still available. To purchase mini season tickets, or for further information on these events, please call 688-4473.

Proctor Hospital Happenings

alonetogether Grief Support Group – alonetogether is a grief support group, open to the community, that meets Mondays from 4:30-5:30 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

SB Chocolate Sale – Thursday, February 7, 9:00 a.m.- 4:00 p.m. Friday, February 8, 7:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. in the Lobby at Proctor Hospital sponsored by the Service Auxiliary

Medical Exploring – Tuesday, February 19, 6:00 p.m. Meet in the Lobby/Tour Respiratory Care – This is a career education program designed for young adults age 14. (and have completed eighth grade) to 20. Proctor Hospital is pleased to host a Health Careers Exploring Post. The post has been organized in partnership with the local Learning for Life office of the WD Boyce Council. For more information contact: Tricia.Barnes (309) 673-6136 Ext 135, Lisa Coates (309) 691-1026

Free Medicare Help Desk – Wednesday, February 27 – 9:00-11:00 a.m. Lobby at Proctor Hospital – No registration required. Sponsored by Proctor Hospital and BlueCross BlueShield of Illinois.

The Southside Neighborhood Council and the League of Women Voters to Present Candidate Forum on Feb. 9th

The Southside Neighborhood Council of Peoria and the League of Women Voters of Greater Peoria will co-sponsor a candidate forum for candidates in Peoria’s District 1 city primary, at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 9, at the Lincoln Branch Library, 1312 W. Lincoln Ave., Peoria

The candidates in the Feb. 26 municipal primary election are Randall Emert Sr., Denise Moore and Gary Sandberg.

Questions for the forum will be taken from the audience.

The forum is also co-sponsored by the NAACP, the King Holiday Committee Inc, P-Town Pristine Packs, and five neighborhood associations: Martin-Warren Southside NA, Smith Street NA, Goose Lake NA, Olde Town South NA and Southside UP NA.

The event is free and open to the public.