One of Hollywood’s top humorists and filmmakers based what he considered his best movie on an often-overlooked Civil War incident known as the Great Locomotive Chase, and downtown Peoria’s nonprofit Apollo Theater will show it on Saturday, Sept. 8. “The General,” written…
Peoria Public Library to Offer New Musical Performance Series – “Music in the McKenzie”
Peoria Public Library will launch a new series of free musical performances at North Branch, 3001 W. Grand Parkway, called Music in the McKenzie, named for the McKenzie Room. All ages will enjoy Music in the McKenzie, which will begin in September…
Sixth Annual Recovery Walks! 2012 – September 22
The Walk, dedicated to the memory of Ameel Rashid, MD (1933-2011), will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on the campus of Proctor Hospital. The Walk steps-off at 12:00 p.m. It all begins at 10:00 a.m. with plenty of fellowship and – •…
Graciously Feeding the Hungry
Heat and humidity were soaring that particular Monday morning in July even at 8:30 a.m. Volunteers for West/Mark Food Pantry were unloading boxes and checking inventory for their weekly pantry. Donated homegrown produce was taken downstairs, and a very tall…
Locals React to DOL’s Failed Farm Proposal
Some Peoria County residents believe the U.S. Department of Labor’s failed proposal is a prime example of over-regulation. In the midst of a slumping economy and a state unemployment rate of 8.2 percent, one wouldn’t imagine agriculture to be on the short list of hot…
New Peoria Grassroots Group Forms Wholesome Food Fund Gro
By Clare Howard An examination of the federal food stamp program shows big national corporations may be the real beneficiaries of federal food assistance while people who depend on the program to eat may actually be the losers. Working to…
24th Annual Duck Race for the Center for Prevention of Abuse Will be on August 26th
By Daniela Vidal About 20,000 rubber ducks will soon take over the Illinois River late this August. For the 24th year, the Center for Prevention of Abuse is hosting the Duck Race, its largest fundraiser, with hopes it will help open doors…
Festivals abound
Heartland partnership: Going, going, gone
Jim McConoughey, CEO of Heartland Partnership, is apparently gone or close to it as I put this column to bed. Reportedly, others are unsure of their future with the organization. One of those is city councilman, Ryan Spain, managing director.…
Peoria Launches ‘Don’t Shoot’ Program
A new approach to stopping gun violence stresses conversation and cooperation, not registration or retribution, and this month Peoria launches the program: “Don’t Shoot.” The program comes close to reconciliation, a progressive technique tied to institutions and individuals ranging from the church…
Tiny Terrorists?!
It was a vision from a horror movie. The kids had formed a wide circle, backing away in disbelief as a growing gang of bee-sized yellow jacket wasps crowded over a can of soda. Screams and shrieks from fifth graders…
DeWayne Bartels was one heck of a newsman
DeWayne Bartels is dead. He died the way he wanted to, working on a story. His wife found him sitting on the floor of their home, hunched over his laptop. DeWayne was a former co-worker of mine at the Peoria Times-Observer.…
Guest editorials: Supreme Court’s Ruling Lets Us Continue to Bring Men Value to Our Patients
by Bill Leaver, President & CEO, Iowa Health System and Debbie Simon, President/CEO Methodist Medical Center There’s no doubt about it. The health care industry has anxiously awaited the Supreme Court opinion upholding or striking down the Affordable Care Act. Since…
Candles, Cookies & Storms
He clopped up to my door in his fireman rain boots proudly holding his new umbrella and pronounced, “It’s going to rain Grammy!” I could hardly contain my joy at seeing my precious grandson, four-years old and all grown up,…
Serendipity: How many can say, ‘I loved my job?’
Job searchers are advised to consider familiar, favorite places when looking for employment. That’s precisely what I did in the early spring of 2001. I wanted part-time work where I could feel comfortable in a business environment, and make a…
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!…
Public Library Presents Building Common Ground-Discussions of Community, Civility and Compassion During August
In August Peoria Public Library will present a variety of programs that have the goal of engaging the public in contemplation and discussion of the importance of community, civility and compassion in their daily lives. The program is a collaboration…
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…