CW Notes

PEORIA PARK DISTRICT EXTENDED REGISTRATION HOURS 

            The Peoria Park District will have extended registration hours for the dates of Tuesday, May 27 through Friday May 30. During these dates the Glen Oak Pavilion registration office will be open until 5:00pm. Sign up for your summer classes and programs! For a full listing of offerings go to www.peoriaparks.org.

India Fest 2008 Makes a Splash at the Peoria Riverfront May 17! 

The seventh annual India Fest, co-sponsored by the Indo-American Society of Peoria and the
Peoria Park District, comes to the Peoria Riverfront on Saturday, May 17th. People of all ages and backgrounds will enjoy Indian food, music, dance, crafts, and informative sessions on Indian culture. The event runs from 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.

India Fest is a celebration of the multicultural traditions that showcase India’s heritage and vibrant culture. The Indo-American Society of Peoria (IASP) is committed to bringing greater awareness of Indian culture to the larger community of Peoria and Central Illinois. IASP continually seeks to collaborate with local and regional organizations in creating opportunities for enriching existing dialog. 

India Fest 2008 represents an excellent opportunity to discover more about the Indian culture. Visitors can enjoy authentic culinary delights, shop for ethnic dresses and curios, browse traditional arts and crafts displays, get a henna design painted on their hand, or try on an Indian outfit for a memorable photograph. 

Informational speakers will present an array of topics on Indian culture. Join us to learn the art of ancient healing techniques such as yoga, Ayurveda, and meditation. Attend a mini-workshop on the “tabla,” a popular Indian percussion instrument that is part of the fabric of classical, popular and religious music of the Indian subcontinent.

 Experience AUTHENTIC Indian cuisine! Traditional dishes including Tandoori, curries, rice preparations, vegetarian, and vegan meals will all be part of the featured culinary delights. Enjoy a cup of “masala tea” or savor the delights of Indian ice-cream, the “kulfi,” and mango cup cakes. 

Once again, India Fest will feature the ANNUAL CRICKET MATCH between two dominant central Illinois teams – Peoria and Bloomington . Don’t miss the action! Come enjoy the game that grips the entire nation! The match begins at 12:30 p.m. in the Festival Park Sports Field. Watch and learn the game of cricket at the ANNUAL Cricket 101 clinic at Noon. 

Non-stop entertainment continues into the evening with popular dances, songs and pulsating music that will keep you on your feet. Featuring the best of talent from Peoria , Bloomington , Chicago and the
Central Illinois region, India Fest 2008 celebrates the Indian culture through fusion dance performances from a medley of Indian and American artists, scintillating tabla performances and Bollywood style live music bands! 

Admission at gate is $6 for adults; $4 for children and free for children under 5. Tickets can be purchased in advance: $5 for adults and $3 for children.

 For more information, visit Indo-American Society of Peoria website at www.indoam.org or email admin@indoam.org and The Peoria RiverFront online at http://www.myspace.com/riverfrontevents or call 309-689-3019.

6^th Annual Fort Creve Coeur Spring Rendezvous

Experience camp life from 1680 – 1850

Costumed men, women and children at Fort Creve Coeur to portray living in that era. 

May 24^th and May 25^th from 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. 

Great food!

Free parking Gate fee is $2 per adult. Children under 12 are free with an adult.

American Red Cross Central Illinois Chapter to Hold 91st Annual Meeting on Wednesday, May 21^st. Reception is at 5:45 p.m. and the dinner is at 6:30 p.m. The event will be held at  Wildlife Prairie
State Park, Hespell Deck. The Central Illinois Chapter of the American Red Cross will hold its 91st Annual Meeting on Wednesday, May 21, 2008 at Wildlife Prairie State Park. 

Jim Nowlan, College Professor, author, elected official, newspaper publisher and political advisor will serve as the event’s guest speaker. 

In addition, new board members for the Central Illinois Chapter will be elected at the Annual Meeting.  To register, call the Red Cross at (309) 677-7272, ext. 200 or visit www.redcrossillinois.org. The cost is $25 per person.

Monday, May 12th is Peoria Neighborhoods Night at O’Brien Field!

Gates open at 5:30 p.m.

Game starts at 6:30 p.m.

200 Peoria citizens, kids and City Council will be there!

 Pride Pals will be on hand to meet and greet and run the bases at 4th inning

Join the fun!

MID ILLINI SURGICAL ASSOCIATES TO HOST FREE SCREENINGS

FOR VARICOSE VEINS 

            Dr. Scott Reid and Dr. Brian Heywood, two vascular surgeons from Mid Illini Surgical Associates (MISA), will offer FREE screenings for varicose veins on Monday, June 16th and Monday, July 21st in the Methodist Atrium Building on Main Street in Peoria . Each event will run from 4:00 until 7:00 p.m. Although appointments are preferred, walk-ins will be welcomed on a first-come, first-served basis.            

     “If you are one of the many who suffer from the discomfort of varicose veins,” Dr. Reid said, “then we encourage you to call us to schedule an appointment on one of these days to be sure to get your 15-minute screening.  It’s free, easy and painless, so you can’t lose!” He added that those who want to be screened should come in shorts or a dress so that their legs are exposed for the screening. 

Raising Awareness           

An estimated 25 million people in the United States have varicose veins.  A leading cause is attributed to venous reflux disease, often occurring from “incompetent” or “leaky” valves in the large vein running from the ankle to the groin in each leg. In addition to varicose veins, other symptoms may include leg pain, fatigue, swelling and skin ulceration.  This condition can be progressive if left untreated, and symptoms may worsen with time.           

· About 72% of women and 42% of men in America will experience varicose veins by the time they are in their 60s.

·  Peak incidence of venous insufficiency occurs in women aged 40-49 years and in men aged 70-79 years.           

·  Common risk factors include multiple pregnancies, family history, obesity and professions where long periods of standing are required. 

MISA is hosting the FREE screening events to help educate the community about the dangers of venous and vascular disease, along with risk factors, prevention and treatment options. As part of the program, they will introduce their newest treatment – the VNUS Closure® procedure by VNUS Medical Technologies, Inc. 

VNUS Closure® Procedure - “Patients with venous reflux disease can now be treated with the VNUS Closure procedure, a minimally invasive treatment alternative,” Dr. Reid, explained. “In fact, patients treated with this procedure can typically resume regular activities in a day. That’s significant because vein stripping surgery has been the most traditional treatment in the past, and it has often often resulted in a much longer recovery time. As many people who have varicose veins know, they can be quite painful, so VNUS Closure may be the best answer for many of those who have been putting off treatment.”           

Patient satisfaction with the VNUS procedure has been high, due both to shorter recovery and less pain. In fact, reports indicate 95% of VNUS Closure patients refer their friends for the procedure. VNUS Closure is also widely embraced by physicians and covered by most insurance companies.  

  For more information or to schedule an appointment for a FREE screening, contact MISA at 309-672-5975 or 800-706-MISA (6472). Additional details can be found on their website at www.misateam.com.

The 17th Annual Return to Pimiteoui Pow Wow will be held May 31 and June 1, 2008, at W.H. Sommer Park, on Koerner Rd. off Rt. 150 west of the Shoppes of Grand Prairie) in Edwards, IL. 

It is a gathering of Native and Non-Native Americans from all over the country to sing, dance, and share each other’s company. This is a wholesome family centered event with free, ample parking and handicap accessibility. The large cultural center offers hands on activities for children and adults such as corn grinding, beading, finger weaving and working with clay. Storytelling and educational exhibits including specialists on plants, herbs, salves and gourds will also be featured. Artists from around the country will demonstrate Native American arts such as bow making, carving, flint knapping, flutes, beading, etc. There will be a primitive camp that depicts a living history of the 1600’s including tipis. Traders will be selling silverwork, jewelry, books, music, arts, and crafts. Food vendors will be selling fry bread, corn dogs, hot dogs, and soft drinks during the entire event. 
 

Central Illinois is fortunate to have dedicated drum groups, Spirit of the Rainbow and Eagle Ridge, performing. 

Schedule of Events: Saturday, May 31^st
10:00 am - Grounds open to the public-Cultural Center, Traders, Food Vendors, Demonstrators and Primitive camp open
12:30 pm - 1:30 pm & 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm - Gourd Dancing in the Dance arena
1:30 pm - 4:30 pm  & 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm - Grand Entry of all the dancers followed by intertribal dancing in the dance arena

Sunday, June 1st
10:00 am - Grounds open to the public - Cultural Center, Traders, Food Vendors, Demonstrators and Primitive camp open
10:30 am - Interfaith Worship Service - Open to the Public
12:30 pm - 1:30 pm - Gourd Dancing in the Dance arena
1:30 pm -  4:30 pm - Grand Entry of all the dancers followed by Intertribal dancing in the Dance arena

Admission to Pow Wow – $5.00 per car

MANUAL HIGH SCHOOL ALUMNI ASSOCIATION proudly announces their

97th Annual Alumni BanquetAll alumni are invited to join in this celebration on Saturday, June 7, 2008 at Barrack’s Cater Inn Banquet Center, 124 W. Pioneer Parkway, Peoria, IL 61614 from 5:30-9:30 P.M. Cocktails (Cash bar); 6:30 P.M. Banquet and Scholarship Awards Tickets are $22 per person and can be purchased by mailing payment to the MHS Alumni address above. 

For almost a century, the Manual High School (MHS) Alumni Association has been making a difference in the lives of MHS graduates. At each alumni banquet, the highlight of the evening is when scholarships are awarded to MHS graduating seniors. Last year, twenty students were awarded $2,000 first-year scholarships. In addition, several second year $1,000 scholarships were awarded to 2006 scholarship winners. The Alumni Board will again be awarding scholarships at this year’s alumni banquet.  If funds are available, second year scholarships will also be awarded. As higher education expenses continue to rise, the Alumni Board would like to do more for our graduating Manual seniors. Only your continued support can make this happen. As we congratulate the graduating seniors, please see contact information above and join us at this year’s alumni banquet. If you are unable to attend the banquet, donations may be mailed to the MHS alumni address above.

ORIENTEERING MEET AT SOMMER PARK MAY 10 - The Illinois River Valley Orienteering Club (IRVOC) will hold an Orienteering Meet at Sommer Park on Saturday, May 10, at 10 a.m. Join the IRVOC for some family fun, and spend the day learning about this fascinating sport. The cost is $5 for the map and $1 for each person. For details, contact Mike Duncan, irvoc@insightbb.com or look on the IRVOC website: www.il-orienteering.org.

FOREST PARK NATURE CENTER TO HOST ICC “FUNSHOP” CLASS, “SIGHT & SOUND BIRD ID,” SATURDAY, MAY 10 - The Peoria Park District’s Forest Park Nature
Center will host an Illinois Central College “Funshop” class, Sight & Sound Bird ID, on Saturday, May 10, from 9-11:30 a.m. The instructor is John Mullen of Peoria Audubon and Forest Park Nature
Center.

 Get acquainted with the local avian world as you explore the beautiful flying songsters that surround us. The emphasis of this class will be on simple appreciation of these winged wonders as well as the identification of birds by coloration, shape, behavior, vocalizations and other characteristics. Field guides and binoculars will also be discussed. Participants will have the opportunity to practice what they’ve learned during the hands-on, outdoor portion of this workshop.

            Registration for this class is through Illinois Central College, 999-4545, and pre-registration is required. The fee is $14 per person.

TRAVELER’S DREAM PERFORMS MAY 10 @ FOREST PARK NATURE CENTER -       Traveler’s Dream will perform at the Peoria Park District’s Forest Park Nature Center on Saturday, May 10 at 7 p.m. as part of the Nature Center’s 2008 “Songs from the Woods” Concert Series.

            Michael Lewis and Denise Wilson of Traveler’s Dream are masters of an eclectic repertoire. In any given concert, you may hear lively Irish jigs and reels, French-Canadian voyageur songs, sea shanties, Scottish bagpipe tunes and songs that capture the heart and history of diverse cultures. With a deep respect for ancient musical traditions, Wilson and Lewis enrich the music with carefully woven arrangements, close vocal harmonies and driving rhythms played on the guitar, bouzouki and feet percussion. The duo also writes original songs that nestle seamlessly alongside their traditional material.

            Payment for reserved seating is available at the Trailhead Nature Store. General admission seating is payable at the door. Concert fees are $7 for adults, $6 for children, and CORE members receive $1 off. For more information, contact Forest Park Nature Center, 309-686-3360.

ATTEND ACTIVE SENIORS WILDFLOWER WALKS THIS SPRING AT THE NATURE
CENTER - The Peoria Park District’s Forest Park Nature Center will host Active Senior Wildflower Walks on Wednesday, May 14 and Wednesday, June 11, at 10 a.m. There is nothing better than starting the day with a hot cup of coffee or tea and breathing in some fresh spring air! Active seniors will love seeing the beauty of spring revealed and appreciate the opportunity to get to know some other nature-loving seniors on one of these naturalist-guided tours. Wear comfortable walking shoes, and be prepared to walk up to a half mile. This presentation is open to seniors age 55 plus. There is no fee, but a donation is requested. For more information, please call the Nature Center, 309-686-3360.

“Proper Pruning Practices” Class at Luthy Botanical Garden May 17 - Pruning (verb): to cut, lop, whack, thin, shear, trim, reduce. Could your pruning method be best described as lopping and whacking rather than thinning and trimming? To learn the best maintenance of your trees and shrubs, be sure to attend the Peoria Park District’s “Proper Pruning Practices” class at Luthy Botanical Garden on Saturday, May 17, from 9-11 a.m.

            Come learn the who, what, why, where, when and how of pruning from instructor Valerie Wolfe—plus all the don’ts. And because practice makes perfect, you will try your new skills in our Garden until you’re a confident pruner! You can also take home cuttings or purchase tools from our gift shop.

            The class will be held at the Luthy Botanical Garden, and the fee is $8 for residents, $10 for non-residents and $6 for Garden members. To register for this class or more information, call the Luthy Botanical Garden at (309) 686-3362. 

ANNUAL CLYDE WEST FISHING DERBY - The Peoria Park District will hold its 37th Annual Clyde West Fishing Derby on Saturday, May 17.  The Glen Oak Park Lagoon will be stocked with 2,000 pounds of fish.  Prizes, fun and fishing materials will be provided. Bring a picnic lunch to enjoy in the park.

            The derby is open from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. for children 9 and under, 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. for children ages 10-13, and 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. for senior citizens and individuals with disabilities.  Admission is FREE. For more information call 681-2854.

“The Streets Belong to Me” Youth Rally - The Peoria Park District in conjunction with the Community and Inner City Services Department is hosting a Youth Rally on Friday, May 30th at the Logan Recreation Center Park to promote the intolerance of violence. Join us at 11:00am and kick off your safe summer with local celebrities and coaches, food and drinks, and giveaways. Admission is FREE!  For more information call Deborah Totten at 681-2857or Terri Cannon at 676-8179.

ADULT CO-REC 6’s SAND VOLLEYBALL  - Enjoy the summer with your friends in this Peoria Park District recreational league at Bradley Park. Previous experience is not necessary.  Co-rec “A” and “B” divisions will compete on Tuesday and Wednesday nights. Teams will consist of six players with at least two women on the court at all times. Fee is $170 per team. The season starts June 3.  League registration is ongoing at the Glen Oak Park Pavilion. Please call Matt at 681-2866 for more information

Peoria Park District’s Tennis Registration - The Peoria Park District is now taking registrations for all tennis programs for ages 4 and up. Adult tennis, youth tennis, USA Team tennis, and free tennis are being offered throughout the summer. Registration is ongoing at the Glen Oak Park Pavilion. For more information please call 688-3667 for more information.

Celebrate Mother’s Day at the Zoo May 11            

Make Mother’s Day a special occasion this year at the Peoria Zoo! Bring your favorite mom (or moms) to the Zoo on Sunday, May 11 for a family celebration with the moms of the animal kingdom. All mothers will be admitted FREE when accompanied by a paying child.           

Kids can also help the Zoo celebrate all our incredible animal moms by helping make enrichment treats for them at 1:30 p.m. The cost is $5.95 for adults (except moms with children) and $3.75 for children 3 to 12. Zoo members and children 2 and under are admitted FREE. For more information, contact Yvonne Strode, Zoo Manager, at 686-3365 extension 302. The Peoria Zoo is a facility of the Peoria Park District.  

LUTHY BOTANICAL GARDEN PRESENTS PEORIA ORCHID SOCIETY
SHOW ON MOTHER’S DAY           

The Peoria Park District’s Luthy Botanical Garden will host their annual Orchid Show, hosted by the Peoria Orchid Society, on Sunday, May 11 (Mother’s Day), from noon to 5 p.m.           

Bring your favorite mom, sister, aunt, grandmother or friend to this year’s Orchid Show. Many beautiful specimens will be on display in the Conservatory, as well as information on their care.

Admission to the Orchid Show is $2 for adults and $1 for children 2 to 12. Mothers, grandmothers and garden members will be admitted FREE. For additional information on this show, please call Luthy
Botanical Garden at (309) 686-3362.

“GIGS IN THE GARDEN” CONCERT SEASON  BEGINS MAY 11 AT LUTHY
BOTANICAL GARDEN           

On Sunday, May 11 (Mother’s Day), 5 to 7 p.m., the Peoria Park District’s Luthy Botanical Garden will host the first “Gigs in the Garden” of the season, featuring Lizzi Neal. Back by popular demand, this year’s “Gigs in the Garden,” a series of summer concerts featuring local musical talent, will feature performances by groups and individuals representing various music genres. After the opening concert on May 11, the remaining concerts will be held on the second Sunday of the month, through September. Following is the 2008 Gigs in the Garden schedule:           

May 11— Lizzi Neal Band (Rockin’ Blues)           

June 8—The Bogside Zukes (Celtic Folk Music)           

July 13—Barry Cloyd (Folk Music)           

August 10—Joe Couri (Softer Folk, Pop & Blues) 

            At Gigs in the Garden, the music is hot and the evenings cool (hopefully)! So bring a picnic and blanket or settle in the chairs we provide and enjoy great music in a beautiful garden atmosphere with family and friends. Popcorn and soda will be available. No alcohol permitted.

Admission is $5 per person at the door; $4 for Garden members and advance tickets, and $15 max per family. Children ages 12 and under are free. To reserve tickets, please contact Luthy Botanical Garden, 309-686-3362.