The following book clubs will meet in September and are open to new members. Discover the joy of discussing a great book with others this month! Biography and Non-Fiction Book Club – Meets on Sunday, September 11 at 3:00 p.m.…
WORLDFEST CELEBRATES CENTRAL ILLINOIS’ ETHNIC GROUPS
Filipino-American Society of Central Illinois (FASCI) To Showcase Aspects of Philippine Culture at Event As an increasing number of ethnic groups converged in Central Illinois, the Civic Center Authority’s Cultural Diversity Committee created WorldFest to celebrate the diverse nationalities in…
Peoria Area SeniorNet Schedules Two Events in August
Peoria Area SeniorNet is sponsoring an Open House on Saturday August 13, 2011 at 10:00 a.m. at the First Baptist Church at 411 W. Lake Avenue in Peoria. This meeting’s purpose is to introduce prospective new students to SeniorNet and…
Happy August
New Thinking Improves Warehouse District
Council works toward continued improvements on Heart of Peoria Plan.Since 2002, the City of Peoria has collaborated with numerous stakeholders and outside consultants to create the Heart of Peoria Plan designed to effectively transform over 8,000 acres of the City…
Community Foundation of Central Illinois Announces Three Grant Program Opportunities
The Community Foundation of Central Illinois (CFCI) is currently accepting grant proposals for three different grant programs from non-profit organizations within a 50-mile radius of Peoria, excluding McLean County. The following grant programs have opened up their application processes. For…
We did it again
Thanks to editor, Debbie Adlof, I’ve had the pleasure of writing this column for over ten years. Much of what I write comes from friends. They represent various aspects of life in Peoria and central Illinois from politics to business…
Progressive – and proud of it!
Patience is a virtue, it’s said, and that might be especially true when reform is sought. If progress seems slow, impatience can lead to frustration and worse.Patience is particularly important when conventional wisdom, stereotypes, etc. become obstacles to change. For…
Fear Factor
If little Miss Muffet had sat on her tuffet and refused to be frightened away, that lone little spider that sat down beside her could never have ruined her day. In reality, Miss Muffet had nothing to fear, but fear…
Kevin ‘Catch-and-Release’ Lyons isn’t our problem anymore
The Journal Star reports that newly-appointed circuit court judge, Kevin Lyons, has been appointed to a position in the Tazewell County Court House. So, it’s official. He’s Pekin’s problem now. The Peoria Journal Star announced he will be handling one…
Kaergard No Better Than McDonald on Getting Bel-Wood Facts Right
by Merle Widmer, former Peoria County Board member & blogger A recent JS article entitled “Citizens Like Bel-Wood Plan” by ex-JSEB member and now reporter, Chris Kaergard wrote, “The new nursing home (214 beds) is planned to have a capacity…
Re-Launching the “Good Neighor” Business Award of the Year into a Monthly Award –
by Jehan Gordon, State Rep., 92nd Dist. There are many people and organizations in Peoria that work to make our communities better, including a host of dedicated non-profit organizations that are focused on addressing a myriad of challenges faced by…
3rd Annual Cell Phone for Soldiers Drive!
by Jehan Gordon, State Rep., 92nd Dist. Oftentimes while going through our junk drawers we find things we don’t remember owning. Commonly one of these items is an old, unused cell phone that we just don’t know what to do…
The Un-lived Life of Russell Stone a novelette, part eight
Rachel walks to the elevator with Mrs. Stone’s journal in her hand. It is 8:45 a.m._____________________________________________ I don’t remember walking to the elevator. In fact, I don’t remember anything from the moment Mrs. Stone handed me her journal until I…
Serendipity: Self knowledge is essential
Wisdom arrives more easily when I’m surrounded by silence. Early morning provides excellent opportunities for contemplation. A cup of coffee, a view of the rising sun, and reflections on times past are excellent components for soul searching. While such introspection…
West Peoria News for August 2011
A reunion will be held August 29th, at 5:00 p.m. for all past members of the Calvin Coolidge Mother’s Club at the Lariat Club on Glen Avenue. Please share this information with anyone that is not in the West Peoria…
August Happenings
Aug 2 – The Peoria Area Association of REALTORS® (PAAR) will hold a free seminar for the public on property assessment and the appeal process from 6:00 – 7:30 p.m. at 7307 Willowlake Court. To register call 688-8591. Aug 2…
Free August Events for Kids @ Peoria Public Library
Teddy Bear Wellness Clinic – for ages 2-8 will be Friday, August 5, from 12:00-1:00 p.m. at the North Branch. Dr. Claire Crone, noted Teddiologist, visits the library to provide a yearly check-up for your teddy or other furry friend.…
Proctor Hospital Happenings
August Seniors on the Go – It’s Free Topics: “Back” to the Future and Why am I tired all the time? The Hult Health Education Center and Proctor Hospital will present Seniors on the Go on Thursday, August 18 at…
Tutoring & Career Services Coming Soon to Peoria Public Library
A new and improved tutoring and career system is arriving at the Peoria Public Library. The Peoria Public Library will be working with Brainfuse, an online learning system, to provide free tutoring and learning services, as well as career help,…
Peoria Among Top 10 Cities for Healthy Living
The Gallup-Healthways Well-Being Index® (WBI) ranks Peoria 13th best city in the country for total well-being and health of its residents. The WBI rankings are based on data gathered between January and December 2010 regarding resident’s life evaluation, emotional health,…
Peoria Rises on Forbes Best Places for Business List
Peoria ranks 71 among top 200 “Best Places for Business and Careers” in 2011 according to Forbes.com.” That’s up from #86 in 2010. The list focuses on three main components: cost of business, job growth and education. Topping the list…