Doug Tallamy was surprised at how perfect the leaves looked on surrounding shrubs and herbaceous plants. As an entomologist he would have expected to see holes, chewed edges and other evidence of herbivorous insects feeding. It occurred to Tallamy that,…
Gary Sandberg could be a royal pain in the butt
I loved Gary Sandberg. But the man could be a royal pain. Certainly Peoria’s mayors found him to be a pain. He opposed just about every developer make-work giveaway project they could conceive. Developers who have their hand in taxpayer’s…
Ah, summer …
Second chances shouldn’t be taken for granted
Second chances shouldn’t be taken for granted. If offered, they’re to be used for all they’re worth! Not every missed or bungled opportunity affords another go around. People die suddenly and all the “wish I would have told them” sentiments…
West Peoria News for August
Winners of trophies in the 43rd Annual 4th of July parade are: Henry Strube as grand marshal for his dedicated role in the job of street department manager. Henry works many extra hours whenever needed or emergency circumstances arrive. Best…
Dress up your computer
Are you like me and spend a lot of time at your computer? I estimate about 75% of my waking hours are at my computer. Since I spend so much time here earning a living, I’ve tried to be more…
Musings for August
Today is the 26th of July and it is raining again. Thank Goodness! I was actually cold as I came into work this morning. I never think of putting on a jacket or sweater, because we’ve had so much heat…
Happenings for August
Aug 1 – Whisper and Shout at Contemporary Art Center – 8:00 – 10:00 p.m. – Peoria’s open mic for sharing/inspiring poetry is held on the first Thursday of each month. Each night the open mic features a popular regionally…
Is nothing sacred?
by Dolores M. Klein, Peoria, IL A few years ago we could discuss local and national issues on local radio talk shows. I recall a highly exasperated woman calling in, complaining that we were always talking about rape: “Is nothing…
It’s all about the money
by Ed Klein, Peoria, IL The Supreme Court decision that overturned key campaign finance rules is called Citizens United. Whoever came up with that name must have followed Alice through the looking glass. The fact is, citizens are not united…
Peoria Park District Classes in August
Zumba and Yoga at FRC – All classes take place at Franciscan Rec Complex in August. Go: www.peoriaparks.org/frc or call (309) 677-6705. Drop-in Yoga: Mondays & Wednesdays at 5:30 p.m., Tuesdays & Fridays at 10:00 a.m. $4.50/drop-in Zumba: Thursdays beginning…
Newsbriefs …
ROTARY CLUB OF PEORIA-NORTH ELECTS OFFICERS The Rotary Club of Peoria-North 2013-2014 officers and board members were installed on Thursday, July 11. Officers are Doug Huff, President; Scott Paulsen, Vice President; Jim Barrack, Immediate Past President; Matt Machala, Secretary; and…
House & Senate pass concealed carry bill
In a move that could end Illinois’ ban on firearms, the House and Senate passed a measure allowing for the carry of concealed weapons. Just hours before the Illinois General Assembly adjourned for the summer on May 31, the House,…
Happy Fourth!
New ‘war garden’ in the battle against disease
Food in America has undergone a transformation over the past 71 years since OSF Sisters Community Healthcare Center opened its doors for uninsured and low-income patients. In 1942, Americans were cultivating “War Gardens,” canning fruit and vegetables, and only occasionally…
Providing nourishment to foster independence
Cooking begins very early each weekday morning at Neighborhood House in Peoria. Staff at the social service agency, located at 1020 S. Matthew Street, prepares food for some 850 meals to serve people in the city of Peoria, Peoria County…
Heddington Oaks: Treating seniors with respect and compassion
Since 1848, the Bel-Wood nursing home has been owned and operated by the Peoria County Government, and has served over three hundred elderly men and women. This includes residents who are suffering from various health related problems such as: Alzheimer’s…
The last breakfast
It’s hard to believe. Pete Vonachen is gone. Just a few days before his passing we were having coffee and donuts together at the Buehler Home. Pete was his usual charming and witty self, occasionally complaining about his sore bottom,…
Art from jobs program could still inspire
I grew up in Carthage, IL, where even in childhood visits to the Post Office were made more meaningful by a moving mural by Karl Kelp: “Pioneers – Tilling the Soil and Building Log Cabin.” The 1938 art – showing…
Precaution … the better part of valor
My parents’ modest turf and my grandmother’s extensive lawn were not enough. As a teen, interested in pocket change, I also mowed my uncle’s massive meadows. In the early 60’s, lawns had really come into vogue, and I did a…
Ignoring the naysayers is the All America City way
I have a question. If the designation “All America City” — they give it out annually to ten different cities — is so doggone prestigious, how is it that the only time I hear of the award is when Peoria…
Women’s Rights Are International
By Dolores Klein, Peoria, IL “They’re not eastern or western.” With this statement, FITNAH was launched in Iran in April. One of the growing number of female-led rebellions, FITNAH demands an end in Iran, North Africa, and the Middle East,…