West Peoria News for August 2012

Peoria POPS Orchestra’s Swing Band will present the season’s final Concert In the Park on Sunday, August 12th from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. at the Franciscan Recreation Complex. The West Peoria Residents’ Association and the Peoria Park District invite you to grab your…

Musings for August 2012

Another time for Musings, and as usual I am running like a chicken with my head off. Jason is in the hospital again, and I am trying to see him a couple times a day as well as working at…

Technology at your Fingertips

I recently attended a comedy show and the comedian asked that people put their phones away and appreciate the “experience.” I laughed but realized that many people are missing out on what’s happening around them. I saw a video on…

Happenings for August 2012

Aug 2 – CEFCU Jazz Series features the Central Illinois Jazz Orchestra at the CEFCU Center Stage from 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. Admission FREE. This FREE series features local jazz artists & is supported by CEFCU & the Illinois Jazz Society. Aug 2…

Obsolete Already?

Singer, songwriter Bob Dylan insisted in 1963, “The Times They Are A-Changin.’” While he was addressing issues more profound than technology or consumerism, the lyrics still ring true. If we weren’t into his music then, we can sing it now!…

Peoria Park District Happenings for August 2012

GOLF LESSONS FOR ADULTS – Adult outdoor lessons cover everything from driving to putting in these four 1.5 hour classes. Sessions begin August 1 and August 2 at 5:30 p.m. Cost is $55/residents, $60/non-residents. More details on these classes, including how…

Miscellaneous news

Night Out Against Crime Events Scheduled for Tuesday, August 7th Join Neighborhoods as they celebrate their 29th Anniversary of National Night Out Against Crime! The City of Peoria collaborates with Neighborhood Associations, Neighborhood Watch Groups, Churches, Schools, Social Service Agencies and Businesses…

Controversy Still Plagues Obama Birth Control Mandate

While most religious groups chide the Obama Administration’s new birth control mandate, some Peoria residents are calling it a blessing in disguise. Much to the chagrin of several faith-based groups, the White House Health and Human Services Department (HHS), in an effort to improve…

A raise for Lathan? Not surprising

To those who’ve watched the board of Peoria’s School District 150, it wasn’t a surprise when members approved an unusually lengthy and wealthy package for Superintendent Grenita Lathan. Despite a “no confidence vote” by teachers, financial problems, poor classroom performance, challenges with bus…

Ingersoll, Independence Day & Freedom!

The bronze statue at the foot of Glen Oak Park is one of the few local landmarks linking Peoria and Robert Ingersoll. July is perhaps one of the best times to remember Ingersoll, who not only died in July (1899), but delivered…

Anthrozoology and Road Pizza

Lying on the highway ahead was a beautiful fox snake, maybe 4 feet long. It appeared to be warming in the morning sun. Because the middle of the road is just as dangerous for snakes as it is for politicians…

Editorial page

Should All Women Care? By Dolores M. Klein Was the War on Women just dimwitted blustering? During the national media conversation lately, that assessment made some sense. But now, it’s being called “drop dead shocking” that Pope Benedict has attacked…

Freedom is ColorBlind

Daddy was colorblind. He could see no difference between black skin and white skin—brown skin and yellow skin; it made no difference to him or my mother. They quietly lived the “immortal declaration” written by Thomas Jefferson, “that all men…

West Peoria News for July 2012

July 4th is almost here. It is the one time a year where the population in our community probably doubles or more with all the visitors who will come for the 43rd annual 4th of July Parade and Flag Raising. Have your properties…

Happenings for July 2012

July 3 – Methodist Red White and Boom – Foghat and Blue Oyster Cult @Festival Park @ downtown Peoria Riverfront. Gates open at 6:00 p.m. Tickets $20.00 in advance at the Riverfront Visitors Center, Water St.; Co-Op Music Stores in Peoria,…