Even as a Democrat (technically a democratic socialist), it’s difficult to dislike Darin LaHood, akin to scolding a gifted musician’s child for being tone-deaf. But it’s frustrating. The 18th District’s Republican Congressman seems to exalt bipartisanship and express concerns for…
Columns
The Watch | The heat remains on
by Terry Bibo • • 0 Comments
On June 24, the Peoria City Council met virtually and did some internal housekeeping: Kiran K. Velpula, Ph.D., was sworn in as at-large councilor to fill Mayor Rita Ali’s unexpired term. Ali’s reappointments for 28 city commissions were approved. Community…
Nature Rambles | Pink in the Prairie
by Mike Miller • • 0 Comments
August and early September is a time for pink to join the color palette of the Illinois Prairie. The yellows of several species of sunflower still dominate, but nature seems to know that an ocean of yellow would be overstated.…
Inland Art | Duffy Armstrong
by Community Word Staff • • 2 Comments
The career path of an artist is unique. They’re self-taught, supplement their practice through residencies, workshops; study under a master, learn through a university; the options are plentiful. Timing of their commitment is another variable that provides definition to one’s…
Art Alerts | September 2021
by Community Word Staff • • 0 Comments
The Fine Art Fair is Sept. 25-26 along the riverfront on NE Water St. It’s the 59th anniversary of the Peoria Art Guild’s nationally recognized exhibition of original art. The Bridge-To-Bridge River Drive art festival runs 10 a.m. to 4…
Art: What is it Good For? | Seeing in a New Light
by Doug and Eileen Leunig • • 0 Comments
This coming October 2021 will be our 7th year writing this column. Every month we have written straight forward articles about art and creativity. We have spent little time talking to our reader about how to become more creative and…
Reflections From The Clergy | The Path Through Anger
by Community Word Staff • • 0 Comments
I’m angry. I know I am not alone. We are angry. Lots and lots of us are angry. We stayed home. We stayed away from people, including those we love. We wore masks. We worked from home. We took care…
Heat Waves — In Red and Black | “Code Red for Humanity”: The 6th United Nations Climate Report
by William Rau • • 0 Comments
The United Nations’ Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) assembles top climate scientists to report to policymakers, which is the purpose of their “grimdark” 6th report, IPCC6. IPCC scientists are known for rectitude and constrained predictions due to consensus decision…
Serendipity | Dedicated Baseball Fans
by Sandra Dempsey Post • • 0 Comments
Baseball was introduced to me when I was a child. Not a formal introduction but a presence in our home. My Dad was a devoted fan, and my Mom tolerated the radio “noise” as she called it, in the background…
West Peoria News | Clean-Up Day
by Sharon McBride • • 0 Comments
Beginning decades ago, the West Peoria Township started hosting Clean-Up Day. It started in the parking lot at the corner of Sterling and West Barker avenues and was organized strictly by volunteers. Work included renting large dumpsters, publicity, recruiting volunteers…