Independence is valued by people of varying ages and personal situations. Young people yearn for it, adults often take it for granted, and seniors sometimes lament its loss. Advocates for Access, a nonprofit organization, has as its mission statement “to…
Unique Theater Offers Independent Variety & Events: Peoria Theater in Landmark Cinemas
Inside Landmark Cinemas, a viewer’s cinema experience expands beyond regular releases with Peoria Theater—Independent Film and Event Center. The film complex, located behind the Wal-Mart on University and not far off the I-74 Gale exit, provides an abundance of entertainment…
Happy Valentine’s Day from the Community Word
Done deal?
As I write this column January 18, discussions are taking place between retiring Peoria County Administrator Patrick Urich and Peoria Mayor Jim Ardis. Don’t be surprised if an announcement is made within days that Urich is the city’s choice for…
Commercial Border War with Indiana, Illinois still has ‘mile after magnificent mile’
A cinder-block truck stop on the south side of Interstate 74 at Pittsboro, Ind., used to serve outstanding biscuits and gravy, and I made a point of stopping there every time I drove through our neighboring state – where I…
A flock-alypse Now?
It’s been called a portent, a sign, and even “aflockalypse.” 2011 started with dead birds mysteriously falling from the sky, not just in one area, but literally all over the world. Thousands of birds have been falling from the sky…
The canonization of Saint Patrick Urich
By the time you read this, Patrick Urich will have been hired as the new city manager for the City of Peoria. It’s a done deal. You don’t think that when he announced he was leaving his post as Peoria…
We Need Explicit Equal Rights for Women in the Constitution
by Dolores M. Klein, Peoria, IL Did you miss it? When members of Congress read the Constitution aloud recently, a number of members joined representatives of national organizations outside the Capitol to remind the country of the need for the…
The Un-lived Life of Russell Stone: A novelette, part two
Our story continues from last month’s issue with Rachel just a few hours away from divorce court. Her assistant Kevin just presented her with an envelope containing the remaining effects of a resident who passed away the night before at…
Sometimes ‘I’m Sorry’ is the best response
Some 31 years ago, plus or minus a month or two, my handsome date, who later became my handsome husband, stood in a long slow moving line with me and many others at the Madison Theatre in Peoria. We were…
West Peoria News for February 2010
2011 has been a difficult time for the many West Peorians who depended upon Haddad’s Market for their grocery shopping as well as being able to have a very friendly staff help them. The fire caused an unwanted “life style”…
Happenings for February 2011
Feb. 2 – Tutor Training Workshop for the Adult Literacy Program at Common Place Family Learning Center from 5:30 – 8:00 p.m. It will continue on Saturdays, Feb. 5 & 12 from 9:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. A registration fee…
Newsbriefs for February 2010
Peoria Public Library McClure Branch to Close for Remodeling Peoria Public Library, engaged in a $28 million dollar building program for all facilities, will close McClure Branch, 315 W. McClure Avenue, at the end of the day, Saturday, February 19…
A New Day, New Way in Peoria
Peoria, Illinois, is taking the New Year in stride, building on past successes and moving forward with new ideas to prompt increased safety, better employment and community growth. New Decisions from Washington U.S. Senator and Assistant Majority Leader Dick Durbin’s…
The Bradley Renaissance Campaign Continues
You may have noticed a lot of construction going on at Bradley University lately. Why have we seen so much activity? Well Bradley is actively continuing their Campaign for Bradley Renaissance. The campaign has seven key initiatives, some of which…
Peoria Park District news for February 2011
Senior Days at the Golf Learning Center Peoria Park District Golf and Rock Valley Physical Therapy have teamed up to present four FREE Senior Days this winter at the Golf Learning Center from 10 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. The programs…
The Importance of Salvation Army’s Tree of Lights Campaign in Peoria
by Martin Hobe The Salvation Army is currently holding their Tree of Lights campaign, a collection of toy giveaways, parties and other social fundraising events. The campaign helps raise money for the local Salvation Army division. It started Nov. 10…
New Faces Eager to Warm Council Seats
New challengers for the Peoria City Council are getting ready for 2011 elections. It’s time for (yet) another election. And locals never seem to tire of the campaigning, mudslinging or celebrating with cash bars open ‘til midnight. But celebrations are…
New Downstate Story Now Available
Ten new short stories by Illinois and Midwestern writers, illustrated with original art, are featured in the 2010 edition of Downstate Story, Peoria’s only literary magazine. The downstate Illinois writers in this issue are Pepper Bauer of Mapleton; Connie Stepe…
A chill in the pocketbook
Merle’s parting shot
Merle Widmer has retired from the County Board, but not from politics. Everyone who knows him, and I do, knew he would not go quietly. After a big time losing effort to slow down, if not stop the downtown museum,…
Good Guys and Wise Men
When the lingering, languid Fall finally faded, it went fast, yielding to the harsh arrival of frigid temperatures, blustery winds and suddenly obvious darkness. The days are too short. The days were too short, too, for two good guys who…