Mar 5 – “Constitutional Orphan: The 19th Amendment and Gender Equality” lecture at Bradley University at 7:00 p.m. in Neumiller Lecture Hall in Bradley Hall. Paula Monopoli, professor of Law at the University of Maryland School of Law where she founded the Women, Leadership & Equality Program in 2003, will give the lecture which is free and open to the public.The event is sponsored by Women’s Studies and the Intellectual and Cultural Activities Committee at Bradley.

Mar 6 – The University of Illinois College of Medicine at Peoria announces Living Healthy 2014: “Medical Research in Peoria: What Patients Want to Know.” The event is free.The following free health screenings will be available: blood pressure, blood sugar and BMI. @ University of IL College of Medicine. Seating limited. RSVP: 680-8613.

Mar 8 – The 14th annual Farmers Share of the Food Dollar Breakfast – from 7:00 – 11:00 a.m. in the Youth Building at Expo Gardens.The breakfast is an effort to help educate the public on the safe and affordable crops that American farmers produce. The price of this year’s breakfast is 90 cents. The retail value of the meal is estimated at $10. Silent auction & items for purchase available. Call 309-686-7070.

Mar 8 – Songs from the Woods – 7:00 p.m. @ Forest Park Nature Center, 5809 N. Forest Park Dr. Call 686-3360. Admission: $7/adult, $6/ages 12 and under, $1 discount for CORE members. Bucky Halker in concert. More info: www.buckyhalker.com.

Mar 12 – FREE BALANCE SCREENINGS at UnityPoint Health – Proctor from 8:30-11:30 a.m. in the Hospital Lobby. This short four-step screening will provide this vital assessment. Registration not necessary. Call 674- 7874.

March 12 – Community Make a Blanket Day to benefit Project Linus – Make a Blanket Day will be held at: JONES SEWING MACHINE CO., 3410 N. Prospect Rd. Join in the fun anytime between 10:00 A. M. – 2:00 P.M. Sewing machines and fabric squares are provided. Bring your favorite notions and bring your own lunch.

Mar 12 – Peoria County & City of Peoria & other local agencies sponsors the annual Government Purchasing Diversity Event from 9:00 a.m. – noon at the Gateway Building; registration at 8:30 a.m. This free event provides local small and minority, women, & disadvantaged business owners an opportunity to learn how to do business or become a vendor with the City and County, as well as with the Peoria Housing Authority, Peoria Park District, CityLink, and others. Registration recommended. Call: Virginia Pearl, County of Peoria @ 672-6056 OR David Watkins, City of Peoria, @ 494-8528.

Mar 13 – The Peoria Genealogical Society will meet at 6:30 p.m. at the Peoria Public Library North Branch at 3001 W. Grand Pkwy. Linda Aylward, a long-time member of the Peoria Genealogical Society will present. She will present a program about materials in Special Collections which may interest genealogists.

Mar 16 – The Fine Art of Hospitality Exhibit – from 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. at Pettengill-Morron House Museum, 1212 Moss Ave. Call (309) 674-1921. $7 for adults/$3 for children, $10 for adults both historic homes in one day.

Mar 17 – Kate Klise, author of 25 books, including the best-selling 43 Old Cemetery Road series, will conduct a Writing Workshop for all ages at North Branch in the Seminar Room at 5:00 p.m. Kate, frequently shares tips about writing with students and adults alike around the country. FREE

Mar 19 – 13th Annual Seniors on the Go Health Fair – from 7:30 – 11:30 a.m. at Hult Center for Healthy Living. Call (309) 692-6650. Admission: Free. Features speakers, exhibitors, door prizes, refreshments, health screenings, blood screenings, & more.. No appointments needed. For more info call 692-6650.

Mar 21 – 1st Annual National Wild Turkey Federation Peoria Banquet – Doors open at 5:30 PM at the Embassy Suites East Peoria. Contact: Truman Shute at: (662) 420-0492. Admission: $50 individual $65/couple. All money raised receives an 8:1 match rate for Illinois habitat conservation. Call (662) 420-0492 or turkeytrack@me.com.

Mar 22 – Digital Photography Creativity Seminar – 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. at Performing Arts Center, Illinois Central College, East Peoria, IL. Admission: $75 for preregistration – $85 after March 14.

Mar 22 – 23 – Membership Swap Peoria Zoo – As a member of the Peoria Zoo, Wildlife Prairie Park, or Peoria Riverfront Museum, you can enjoy a weekend of free general admission to all three of these Peoria Area attractions when you present your membership card and ID.

Mar 22 – Spring Thaw Ice Skating Competition – 8:00 a.m. at Owens Center, 1019 W. Lake Ave. Call 686-3368. Call 686-3368. Spectators are free!

Mar 28 – April 20 – Lilies and The Lorax Lily Show – Daily from 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. at the Luthy Botanical Garden, 2520 N. Prospect Rd. Call 686-3362. See a botanical wonderland of tropical plants, spring plants and, of course, lilies! The Lily Show is a community tradition and a wonderful way to greet spring with family and friends.

Mar 29 – Habitat for Humanity’s 5th Annual Art Auction – VIP cocktail reception at 6:00PM auction begins at 7:00PM at the Kickapoo Creek Winery. Call 676-6729 x2. $50/person for reception and auction $30/person for auction only. The “Doorways to Dreams” Art Auction will be from 7 – 10pm. A VIP Reception will take place before the auction at 6pm.Tickets for both the VIP Reception and the Art Auction will be $50 per person. Go to: www.habitatpeoria.org.

Mar 29 – Sommer Park 50 Year Anniversary Hikes – 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. Enjoy this new “off season” program while exploring natural features, wildlife and history found on the diverse trails of our park. To reserve your spot, call 691-8423.Donations accepted.