CLUW urges local unions to mentor for women in the workplace. Mentoring is a recognized tool for career and union development, particularly for women, and “mentoring circles” – a group of peers (6–10 people) led by a facilitator – offer…
Will Weight Loss Make You Healthy? Most people know there is an obesity epidemic in the United States. One-third of American adults are obese and another one-third are overweight. If you have extra weight and develop a medical problem like…
“The Great Agnostic” removed for restoration
A crew from Otto Baum hoists the statue of Robert Ingersoll from its base at Glen Oak Park and loads it in a van for shipment to Philadelphia were it will be cleaned and restored. Peorian Ken Hofbauer learned about…
Eureka College students change town ordinance Native plants OKed to replace turf lawn
When a law stands in the way of good public policy, change the law. That’s just what a group of Eureka College students did to allow deep-rooted native plants where only turf once was allowed. If that sounds simple, it’s…
Power in a small package
UPS driver Carol Steffen for decades has cultivated her downtown and Main Street customers like the rhubarb she’s grown in her garden: perennial favorites. Chatting on a rainy day between deliveries at Campustown, she adjusts her glasses, fidgets with an…
GateHouse Score Card: Zero for newsroom; millions for CEO
Last month, Community Word wrote about negotiations between GateHouse Media (New Media) and the Springfield State Journal-Register United Media Guild representing newsroom employees. Since that article ran, GateHouse released its 2015 annual proxy statement listing CEO Kirk Davis receiving a…
Coming: Almost organic
This label may start appearing in grocery stores soon to indicate food was grown on farmland transitioning from chemical to organic. Clarkson Grain, located about two hours southeast of Peoria, is using this ECOCERT label until the U.S. Department of…
RUMOR CONTROL There’s been a rumor circulating in local nursing circles that Methodist Medical Center, that is Unity Point, is mandating that all nurses have or seek to have a Bachelor of Science Nursing (BSN) degree. Not so says…
It’s past time for political prioritization. At a time when the state of Illinois has been unable or unwilling to meet its financial obligations to social-service providers because of the lack of a state budget for 10 months, the state…
Follow the money behind gun violence
Why is anyone opposed to common-sense gun control laws like waiting periods and background checks? The reason is purely financial, suggests a new documentary “Making a Killing: Guns, Greed and the NRA.” The film will be shown at 5:30 p.m.…
Letters
10 corporations own 94 percent of global seed market The Illinois General Assembly has the opportunity to stand up for the seeds this spring. SB3130, sponsored by Sen. Sam McCann and co-sponsored by Sen. Dave Koehler, would exempt noncommercial interpersonal…
OP-ED
Goat Milk Soaps Good for you and for your invisible friends BY JILL BROCKMAN-CUMMINGS Most of us bathe daily using soap and water because, well, germs are bad, right? Wrong! According to recent research into the microbiome—the micro-organisms that call…
Ethics of Stewardship
Places of worship tend to center use on their holy day. We as a United Methodist Church have space designed for our heaviest use on Sundays. The church was designed with a sanctuary for worship, rooms for Sunday school classes…
Spring on the Wing
May has finally arrived! The overwintering patience of the many a “cabin fever” shut-in has paid off with an April full of bluebells, birdfoot-violets and hoary puccoon flowers. Now May is upon us and new flowers will soon greet those…
Articles and advice about downsizing abound. Becoming a minimalist, reducing clutter, seeking simplicity all are aimed at attracting interest in what is fast becoming a lifestyle. It’s very engaging, and some would insist necessary, particularly when certain details and difficulties…
West Peoria News
The annual West Peoria Memorial Day Celebration in honor of those who have served and are serving our country in the military is Saturday May 28. A memorial was built to replace one that had been at the firehouse and…
Being Thankful
On April 11, I was pallbearer for my first and only God daughter Artiana Faith Parker. I was the last person to carry her. It was an honor, and it was a great sadness. Artiana was just 1½ pounds and…
Heights News
The anticipation is multiplying for connoisseurs of the sights, sounds and smells which has become synonymous with Trefzger’s Bakery. Speak with businesses in Peoria Heights and many are drawing attention to the outside transformation of the old Rouse-Hazard bicycle factory.…
Political writers are fond of using “Kabuki dance” to refer to various tactics and machinations during political battles. We have unfortunately had too many examples of this during the past several years with government shutdowns, bailouts, failed grand bargains and…
Arts Beat
May 1: Music Scholarship Concert Series. Bradley Women’s Choir. 3 p.m. Dingeldine Music Center. Tickets: $10/general; free/students. May 1: Philharmonic Chorale in concert. 3 p.m. ICC Performing Arts Center, East Peoria. Cost: $12/public, $10/students and seniors. May 1: “The Road…