ROGER MONROE

Every now and then I realize what great world leaders we have here in Peoria. As an example, as tensions increase and the war between Israel and Hamas terrorists expands, a small band of international leaders in our community surfaces.

They appear before local governmental units to demand resolutions upholding their political positions as if anyone really cares what they think, other than local TV news people. Ignoring the fact that city and township officials’ primary function is to make Peoria a better place to live and work, the protesters want them to waste time listening to their babble.

It’s as important as a flea on the butt of an elephant. But hey, they’ll at least be on local TV news to be followed by appearances at the intersection of Main and University across from One World Cafe.

THE GREAT QUEST: Members of the Peoria Park District, fresh from eliminating the annual July 3rd fireworks show this year, are eager to create more division. They relegated poor Christopher Columbus to a storage garage after decades of adornment in schools across the country. Park trustees are looking for a replacement. Why? A nice patch of green grass will be fine, thank you. No, they enjoy controversy.

Two years ago they wanted to demolish the Glen Oak amphitheater only to retreat by announcing plans to construct a new one with basketball courts, toilets, not necessarily in that order, and more exciting amenities.

Of course, a trip down or up the Dan Fogelberg honorary street and you’ll see what hollow promise that was, punctuated by support for a commercial entertainment venue in the old Donovan Golf Course.

Like one of my drives at Wee-Tee, that project was ruled out of bounds. The board’s latest news release said they’ll commission an artist to come up with something or someone to honor Native Americans. That’s called, “passing the buck.” The group in charge of overseeing the operation of public television in Peoria, decided to make wholesale changes on its board. Perhaps, that would apply to the people on the park board.

Sadly, that’s up to the small number of people who vote. In the meantime, send your suggestions to the trustee who represents you, if you know who.

PROMOTING HEALTH CARE: With the demise of Peoria as headquarters for Caterpillar Inc., promoters have focused on the city as home to outstanding health care, but there are many who’re becoming more vocal about a differing view. While the evidence is anecdotal, some not. As an example, why has the Springfield Clinic rolled into town with apparent great success all over the area? Based in the state capital, the clinic was founded by a group of physicians in 1939.

One of the primary steps in marketing, is to determine whether there’s a need. Apparently, the Springfield Clinic felt there was need for more doctors and medical facilities in Peoria. That could be a reason the famed Mayo Clinic is advertising and why people in the area are driving to Chicago, New York, St. Louis, and Rochester, Minn., for treatment.

A patient said she flunked her sleep study in February, but would not be able to see the sleep specialist until June. She’s now under the care of a sleep specialist in another city. Another woman told me she needs a CT scan, but has to wait three weeks. I know a man who went to Florida for surgery. Sounds like health care in Canada.

The biggest complaint comes from people who’ve had to wait for hours in hospital emergency rooms. Hospital executives have tried to reduce waiting times by establishing the so-called “docs in the box” facilities like Prompt Care and Express Care for relatively minor medical needs.

The only Emergency Room that isn’t crowded is at Pekin Hospital and from reports I’ve heard, the care is excellent.

THANK YOU EVERYONE: I hosted a celebration of life Saturday, April 13, at Barrack’s Cater Inn to thank family and friends for their love and support over the years. It was appropriately called “Breakfast with Roger and Friends.” A great crowd was on hand. Space and good judgment prevents me from mentioning names of those who attended. Let me just say there were more laughs than an “I Love Lucy” skit. While I was, pardon the pun, the butt of many of the jokes, it was a fun fest. I thank Jim Barrack and his wonderful staff for the delicious food and service and comedian Eddy Parker for his emcee skills; Ray LaHood for his remarks; magician Yort who magically appeared, and Cathy Reynolds for her singing and decorating talents. Most importantly, I thank those who talked about our friendships. It was a thrill of a lifetime.

QUOTE OF THE MONTH: “You know you’re getting old when you stoop to tie your shoelaces and wonder what else you could do while you’re down there.”— George Burns