Peoria Players Theatre announces auditions for the 2011-2012 season opener, Oklahoma! directed by Bryan Blanks

The first musical written by composer Richard Rodgers and librettist Oscar Hammerstein II, Oklahoma! tells the story of cowboy Curly McLain and his romance with farm girl Laurey Williams. This classic musical plays on Peoria Players’ stage for the first time in our 93 year history!

The cast calls for 6 men and 4 women in principal roles, with a large ensemble in several singing and dancing roles. Auditions will be held on Friday, June 24 at 7:00 p.m. and Saturday, June 25 at 1:00 p.m. at St. Vincent Depaul Church, corner of University and Northmoor Rd. in Peoria. For auditions, please prepare a song that best displays your vocal range and dress appropriately for dance auditions.

Oklahoma! runs for 8 performances at Peoria Players September 9-18.

The next First Tuesdays will be held on Tuesday, June 7, from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. at Crittenton Center, 442 West John Gwynn Jr. Ave, Peoria, IL 61605. he Women’s Fund of the Community Foundation of Central Illinois invites area women to a monthly networking opportunity for Peoria-area women.

Celebrate Spring and the spirit of giving by meeting other dynamic women who are passionate about empowering the women and children in our communities. Become part of a national movement towards Women’s Philanthropy. To automatically receive First Tuesdays’ invitations, call The Women’s Fund at the Community Foundation of Central Illinois at 309 674-8730 or email kristan@communityfoundationci.org and ask to receive the ‘E-vite’, an online invitation, for First Tuesdays.

Appetizers and beverages will be served and door prizes awarded. Donations will be accepted to further the work of the Women’s Fund.

“The resistance to the Empire was strengthened a year ago by so many Jedi trainees who sought to learn the ways of the Force and battle the Dark Side. Each faced Darth Vader, personally, and each triumphed over the Emperor’s apprentice. But we must always be on guard against evil forces, so again this year; we will train a new group of young Jedi warriors. These “Padawan Learners” will be taught the ways of the Force, how to use the ancient weapon of the Jedi, the Lightsabre, and perhaps face an evil Sith lord.” Stated Shaun Bill, Chairmen of the Jedi Academy.

The Morton Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce the second annual Morton Pumpkin Festival Jedi Academy, sponsored by American PC Solutions. The live-action show will take place at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, September 15th, Friday 16th, and Saturday 17th. Come watch young Jedi trainees recite the scared Jedi Oath, and learn ancient battle techniques.

“We had such a tremendous turnout last year and the overall response was overwhelming. It was as much fun for the adults as it was for the kids – maybe even more so. Bret and I are looking forward to dressing up and entertaining the kids and the audience again this year” said Shaun Bill.

There is a $20 fee per entry to participate in the Jedi Academy for children ages 5-12. After the 45 minute academy on the Gold’s Gym Entertainment stage there will be a picture opportunity for the young Jedi Masters. Be advised, space is limited to the first 20 registered per academy.

The guidelines and rules governing the event are outlined on the Pumpkin Jedi Academy entry forms, which are available at the Morton Chamber of Commerce office or online at http://mortonchamber.org/jedi-training.

Imagine the excitement of racing a car down a street in Morton when you are not yet 16 years old! You can do it at the 16th Annual Soapbox Derby sponsored by Farm & Fleet and hosted by the Morton Kiwanis the weekend before the Pumpkin Festival on Saturday, September 10th online registration will be open June 1st.Day of registration and check in begins at 9:30 a.m. with the races beginning at 11:00 a.m. There will be an entry fee of $5 per racer. These cars have no motors but they can still run the course at the corner of Plum and Washington streets at a pretty good clip.

Children from kindergarten through 8th grade can enter the Soapbox Derby. All children must bring their own helmet. For safety reasons no one will be allowed to race without a helmet.

Children are encouraged to design, build and decorate their own cars, but the Chamber of Commerce has extra cars for any child who does not have their own. Soapbox derby cars are made with commonly available materials and tools. Car specifications and registration forms are available at the Morton Chamber website at www.mortonchamber.org/soapbox-derby.

Calling all vocalists! The Morton Chamber of Commerce is thrilled to announce the 2nd Annual Morton Pumpkin Festival Pumpkin Idol, sponsored by Proctor Hospital. Pumpkin Idol, based on the popular singing competition, will make an appearance in Morton for three rounds of competition starting in August. “Pumpkin Idol is electrifying; a packed house, prime time event, performed at the Pumpkin Festival. A crowning jewel of fun and excitement at the Pumpkin Festival” stated Dan Schmidt chairman for the event.

The format of the competition is simple, round one will begin on September 6th at Red Rock in Morton, with all contestants competing for a spot in the Top 20. The Top 20 will return on September 13th (again at Red Rock) to be in the Top 10. Those selected in the Top 10 will perform on the Gold’s Gym Entertainment Stage on the Festival grounds on Saturday, September 17th. There will also be an online voting opportunity for our fans, followers and surrounding communities.

The chosen Pumpkin Idol will receive a $500 cash prize. Registration forms can be found online at: www.pumpkinidol.com and should accompany a registration fee of $20 to secure a spot in the 2011 Pumpkin Idol singing competition. Stay updated on the latest Pumpkin Idol news by following the event on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/pumpkinidol.

Applications for the City of Peoria’s 2011 Roof Repair Program are available to pick up, beginning Wednesday, June 1, 2011, at the Planning and Growth Management Office in the Twin Towers Building, 456 Fulton Street, Suite 402, Peoria, Illinois between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.

The Roof Repair Program provides a grant of up to $15,000 for the replacement of deteriorated/worn out roofs on homes owned and occupied by eligible lower income residents. The application also identifies supporting documents that must accompany the submission of a completed application.

Completed applications may be submitted beginning Wednesday, June 8, 2011 at the Planning and Growth Management Office, in the Twin Towers Building, 456 Fulton Street, Suite 402, Peoria, Illinois. Incomplete applications and those missing required documents will not be accepted. Grants will be awarded on a first come, first serve basis.

Call Michael Sims, Grant Coordinator, at (309) 494-8616 if you have any questions.

State Senator Dave Koehler’s (D-Peoria) proposal to open farmers’ markets to home-made products is on its way to the governor’s desk.

The bill allows private citizens to sell baked goods and other safe food products made in their own homes at farmers’ markets and other community events. Under current state law, vendors can only sell foods made in commercial kitchens.

“Farmers’ markets aren’t just a place to buy fresh, locally produced foods. They’re also a place for entrepreneurs to get their feet in the door and for the community to come together,” Koehler said. “By changing the law, we will make it easier for more people to participate and help some Illinois families bring home a little bit of extra income. For example, a farmer who grows apples or strawberries can turn those fresh fruits into pies or preserves to sell at the market.”

Senate Bill 840 specifies that only goods that are not likely to spread food-borne illnesses can be produced in home kitchens. In general, these are products that do not contain meat, uncooked eggs, or uncooked dairy and that do not need to be kept at a controlled temperature. Even with these rules in place, entrepreneurs will be able to sell a wide variety of baked goods, jams, jellies, preserves, fruit butters, dried herbs, and dried tea blends. Some of the specific foods that are allowed and prohibited are listed in the bill.

The bill also requires all products to be accompanied by appropriate labels that list all ingredients and warn that the product was homemade and not inspected by any state or local food safety agency. Anyone who wants to sell homemade products must have a Food Service Sanitation Management Certificate, and the Department of Public Health can order individuals to stop selling products if it has evidence indicating that
they are not safe. Health departments can also charge reasonable registration fees to ensure there is no additional cost to taxpayers.

“Even with these health-based restrictions in place, we’ve given local farmers new opportunities and opened the door to new vendors,” Koehler said. “I think we’ve really done a good job of making sure we keep people safe at the same time.”

The bill has passed the Illinois General Assembly and is on its way to the governor.

“The farmers’ market movement has been growing here in Illinois and across the country for decades,” Koehler said. “I think it’s a good trend. Buying seasonal, local foods is good for the environment and frequently a healthy choice. These markets also help bring people together and build stronger community ties. It’s a lot different to buy a head of lettuce, fresh eggs, or now, a home-made pie from the person who grew the vegetables, raised the chickens, or baked the pie than it is to buy them at the grocery store.”

The Methodist College of Nursing announced its May graduating class. May 2011 graduates were honored in ceremonies Saturday, May 14, 2010- at the Par-a-Dice Hotel. Keynote speaker for the event was Carl Cannon from the CHOICES program. Graduating students receiving a Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing included:

May 2011 Graduates

Jonathan Ayler of Bartonville
Tressa Baer of Tremont
Alyson Baietto of Normal
Carri Baker of Peoria Heights
Samantha Berry of Pekin
Misty Byers of Morton
Michael Cavalier of Morton
Peggy Charland of Pekin
Janel Collins of Lacon
Rochelle Coriell of Green Valley
Jennifer Cran of Benson, Il
Michelle Cunninghai of Mackinaw
Angela Durbin
Brittany Endress of Bradford, Il.
Ashley Epping of Peoria
Kathleen Fisher of Chillicothe
Kelly Fort of Morton
Megan Garman of Peoria
Amanda Gedye of Washington, Il
Robert Gilstrap of Farmington
Mary Gray of Peoria
Katelyn Green of Tremont
Cindy Harper of Peoria
Jaci Heiser of Kewanee, Il.
Brittany Hemmele of Washington, Il.
Rick Higgins III of Washington, Il.
Abby Hillis of Peoria
Aaron Klugger of Peoria
Renee Kraus of Peoria
Suzanna Lampe of East Peoria
Michelle Lane of East Peoria
Sarah Magana of Peoria Heights
Carrie Marks of Bartonville
Dawn Mason of Peoria
Kelley Masters of Williamsfield, Il.
Amanda McCune of Peoria
Janelle McDonald of Peoria
Marla Milroy of Kewanee
Shane Owens of Pekin
Aaron Owens of Peoria
Stephanie Pearson of Peoria
Kelsey Phillips of Pekin
Morgan Pyle of West Peoria
Kristin Reed of Farmington
Shannon Roberts of Bartonville
Kurt Roos of West Peoria
Marianne Rossi of Pekin
Nicole Schmitt of Peoria
Kaitlyn Schneider of Armington, Il.
Heather Scott of Mapleton, Il.
Colleen Sheridan of Morton
Denise Shirk of Peoria
Melissa Shults of East Peoria
Meagan Sloter of Pekin
Wendy Snider of Canton
Holly Stoner of Morton
Janelle Travis of Dunlap
Melissa Truner of Brimfield
Brenda Van Tine of Canton
Tiffany Waller of Chillicothe
Melissa Wara of Washington
Alyssa Williamson of Peoria
Adrian Young of East Peoria

Concordia alums graduating from high school this spring are leading their classes in academic achievement and acknowledging a foundation started at the K-8th school on Glen Ave.

“Concordia taught me all the habits you need to be successful in high school, like note taking, using a daily planner, time management, good grammar, and how to write a well thought-out essay,” says Michael Hayashi, one of Richwood’s four valedictorians and 2007 Concordia graduate. “The teachers also give you ample academic background. You go into high school knowing what you need to know your freshman year. I was more than comfortable in the honors classes.”

Hayashi, Sam Hicok, and Aaron Shular, all Concordia grads, are Illinois State Scholars and graduates in the top 10 percent of their Richwoods class. Hicok and Hayashi were also named Sterling Merit Scholars. Concordia grads have excelled out of state, too. Dane Anderson, CLS class of 2007, is graduating as an Indiana Scholar Athlete from Zionsville, Ind., near Indianapolis.

“We are proud of all of our alumni graduates,” says Dr. Scott Russell, Concordia Executive Director. “We know they all worked hard and are moving into the world to make a difference.”

Memorial Day is right around the corner, the first long holiday weekend of the summer. For many it may mean taking to the highway, opening up the backyard pool, or gathering friends together for a cookout. The American Red Cross would like everyone to enjoy a safe summer holiday, and offers some tips to help you and your loved ones have a great weekend.

Traveling during the Memorial Day Holiday?
During the Memorial Day holiday weekend, as you travel to celebrate and spend time with family and friends, the American Red Cross encourages you to use the following tips while on the road to ensure a safe holiday for all.
• Buckle up, slow down, don’t drive impaired.
• Be well rested and alert; give your full attention to the road.
• Use caution in work zones.
• Observe speed limits.
• Make frequent stops.
• Be respectful of other motorists; follow the rules of the road.
• Don’t drink and drive. Designate a driver who won’t drink.
• Clean your vehicle’s lights and windows to help you see, especially at night.
• Turn your headlights on as dusk approaches, or during inclement weather.
• Don’t overdrive your headlights.
• Carry a Disaster Supplies Kit in your trunk.
• Find out what disasters may occur where you are traveling and how you would get information in the event of a disaster (local radio systems, emergency alert systems).
• Pay attention to the weather forecast for your destination.
• Don’t let your vehicle’s gas tank get too low.
• If you have car trouble, pull as far as possible off the highway.
• Let someone know your destination, your route, and when you expect to arrive. If your car gets stuck along the way, help can be sent along your predetermined route.

Water Safety is Important
Learning to swim is one of the best steps someone can take to be safe around water. Almost two million people of all ages learn to swim each year through Red Cross programs.

For pool owners, knowing what equipment to have on hand and what to do in an emergency is key to safety. Home Pool Essentials: Maintenance and Safety is an online course developed by the Red Cross and the National Swimming Pool Foundation to teach pool and hot tub owners how to create a safer environment.

Other water safety tips include:
• Closely supervise children whenever they are near any body of water. Never leave a young child unattended near water, and do not trust a child’s life to another child; teach children to always ask permission to go near water.
• Avoid distractions when supervising children around water.
• If you have a pool, secure it with appropriate barriers.
• If a child is missing, check the water first. Seconds count in preventing death or disability.
• Weak or inexperienced swimmers should wear U. S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets anytime they’re around water.
• Know how to respond to an emergency (including lifesaving CPR skills), how to tell if a swimmer is in distress or is drowning, and how and when to call for emergency help.
• If you have a pool or hot tub, keep lifesaving gear handy. Always have on hand a ring buoy, life jackets, rope, pole or other object that can be used to help a person in trouble. Be sure to have a first aid kit, cordless phone and emergency contact information by the pool.

Grill Up Those Goodies Safely
Always supervise a barbecue grill when in use. Never add charcoal starter fluid when coals have already been ignited. And keep the grill out in the open, away from the house, the deck, tree branches, or anything that could catch fire. That means you should not be grilling in your house, camper, tent or any enclosed area.

While you’re mastering the art of the perfectly-cooked steak, make sure everyone else, including the pets, stays away from the grill. Finally, keep yourself safe by using the long-handled tools especially made for cooking on the grill.