ROGER MONROE
The people who live, work, and play in Peoria and central Illinois are among the most charitable in the country. Contributions per person for such good causes as St. Jude Children’s Hospital, Easter Seals, Salvation Army, Children’s Hospital and the Journal Star Christmas Fund are amazing. We are good people. We care.
That’s why when it comes to dealing with the homeless, many good people face a dilemma. We want to help, but there are reasons for hesitation. One person quoted a thoughtful phrase, “Don’t give him a fish, give him a fishing pole.”
In other words, give the homeless an opportunity to earn their financial gifts, rather than just give and give. Others are asking questions about who they are, how did they get to Peoria and why our city rather than Bloomington or Galesburg?
People with good intentions want the city to just suddenly come up with housing. Cities have done it for undocumented immigrants, why not for the homeless? Migrants are living in downtown hotels in New York and Los Angeles. There’s a rumor that some homeless are living in the former Mark Twain Hotel currently under renovation. I was in the building recently and saw no evidence, but that was several weeks ago.
We’ve discussed the homeless camps on our morning show and most expressed a desire for more information. They wanted to know what agencies are helping or should be helping. Are they Peoria or central Illinois residents or from Chicago, Detroit, or St. Louis? Do they want to move or relocate elsewhere? Do any want to work or just hang out in their tents? Are there children in the camps? Do they have family members? What county and city services are available for help such as the health department and the Peoria Township Office of General Assistance, known for providing temporary support.
It would be wise for Peoria Mayor Rita Ali and County Board chairman Jim Dillon to form a Homeless Committee with representatives from the Health Department, Salvation Army, Peoria Rescue Ministries, local hospitals, South Side Mission, churches, city and police departments, District 150, Dream Center, Advanced Medical Transport, and other organizations and agencies. In a coordinated approach, the committee would address the basic needs of the homeless from food, shelter, health, and transportation. I’m sure there is coordination to some degree, but meeting together has multiple benefits. Having Peoria’s brainpower together sharing ideas is of great value. Let’s do it. Or should we not? If Peoria succeeds, would the city become attractive for other homeless?
I remember hearing the minister of a downtown church reminding his congregation, “When you leave church this morning, do not give money to the homeless waiting for you outside. If you do, they’ll be back next Sunday.”
RADIO AND TV NOTES: We’re sorry to report the death of Larry Nelson. The radio tycoon owned a number of stations in northern Illinois beginning with WSPY in Plano, a station he started in 1974. He expanded with stations in DeKalb and Pontiac and later acquired WOAM in Peoria from the late Bob Kelly. Royce Elliott and I liked Larry because he paid us to do the morning show, the first and only station owner to do that.
Despite a jump in station ratings, WOAM did not perform to his goals and objectives, so he told everyone, and I mean everyone, “Adios.” A number of quiet days and nights followed. The 1350 frequency was frequently off the air. It switched FCC licenses and became a non-commercial station to the delight of many listeners. Today it plays music with no commercials. Can you imagine that?
All of the Nelson family’s radio assets are managed by son, Doug. In expressing my condolences, Doug told me WOAM and its two FM stations are unofficially on the market for sale, pending approval of some FCC applications.
In other media news, have you noticed most of the announcers on AM and FM stations are female? And many stations are broadcasting without “live” voices. Here’s how you can tell. When a station voice gives the weather forecast and fails to give the current temperature, it’s a recording.
Especially telling is weekend broadcasts. I drove by one of the religious stations recently, and there was not a single car in the parking lot. And its not just in Peoria and Pekin. I was downstate in Jacksonville where I worked at WJIL on a Sunday afternoon. Not a soul was around as I peeked in one of the studio windows.
Boys and girls, it’s a different radio market, and not a better one. No “live” voices on WOAM or WIRL, and for much of the WMBD broadcast day except for drive times and news breaks.
TASTELESS ADVERTISING: This is the Christmas season. A time for rejoicing for the Christ child has been born. As it says in Matthew 2:2, “Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him” A star is born. The phrase is beautifully sung by Sandi Patti titled, “Star of Bethlehem.” It was the star that guided the Wise Men to the newborn Jesus.
Why during this religious holiday season is a local retail jewelry store promoting “A stud is born,” on television and billboards? The word “stud” has many negative innuendos. Readers don’t need to be reminded. But, for me, the worst is a “play” on the spiritual meaning of the biblical term, “A star (Jesus) is born.”
QUOTE OF THE MONTH: “For unto you is born on this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord.” — Luke 2:11