Ole Gus Hagaard and I were nitpicking our substitute teacher one Friday morning during recess. With both thumbs thrust under his overall galluses, Gus rolled his mouth into a spitting mode then spat a gob of slimy Mail Pouch tobacco…
Remembering and Congratulating Harrison Absher!
Harrison Absher began writing a column for the Community Word newspaper when Jack Fought was the Editor/Owner. It wasn’t “Abby’s” first time writing a column. He had done that for another paper in another town. Sadly, Jack Fought is no…
Good and bad to social networking
The infection has hit this county director. That infection which peaks curiosity, taps into repressed memories and is the precipitant of “friend” and family reunions. Many have been infected by the particular strain known as social networking and more specifically,…
What’s Happening in May? Here’s a list
through May 21 – 25th Annual Arts In Education Spring Celebration at the Peoria County Courthouse Plaza from 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Admission is FREE. Call Sue Kingery at 672-6906. More than 17,000 students from over 125 schools participate.…
Carl Cannon to speak at Salvation Army’s annual luncheon
Carl Cannon, Youth Outreach Coordinator with the Peoria Park District, is the featured speaker at the Salvation Army Annual Civic Luncheon at the Holiday Inn City Centre on May 6th. Carl will be sharing the work he does with area…
Economic Development Council receives $99,900 federal grant to do some business surveys
The Economic Development Council for Central Illinois is has received a $99,900 matching grant from the federal government. The US Department of Commerce has awarded this matching grant to the EDC to develop a detailed market analysis and labor force…
Mother Earth Healing Day is May 1
Mother Earth Healing Day Native American Fellowship of the Peoria Area Dayspring Church(UMC) — Turtle Lodge Community The Native American Fellowship Turtle Lodge Community in conjunction with the Native American Fellowship Dayspring Church (UMC) would like to invite the public…
Heading Avenue Franciscans holding ‘Count your blessings’ raffle
The Sisters of St. Francis of the Immaculate Conception are currently accepting donations to participate in their $8,000 “Count Your Blessings” Raffle. Suggested donation is $10 per ticket or $25 for three tickets. Prizes will be awarded in the following…
PreK program accepting students
The PreKindergarten program at Immaculate Conception Convent in West Peoria is currently accepting students. The PreK program is celebrating its 70th birthday this year and was a pacesetter for other early childhood classes in the area. To be considered, students…
Happenings at the Contemporary Art Center
Live At The Five Spot … through 12/31/2010, recurring weekly on Friday from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. Admission: Members- $7.00 Non-members- $10.00. This music event features the best regional talent performing jazz, blues and more. It is a smokeless, nightclub…
‘Bob Newhart Show,’ ‘The Simpsons’ star Marcia Wallace speaking at YWCA Leader Luncheon
Emmy Award Winner Marcia Wallace is guest speaker for the YWCA Leader Luncheon Awards Banquet. Tickets are $40 each and may be reserved by calling 309.685.7655. X 211. Marcia Wallace is an Emmy Award winner for her role as Edna…
YWCA seeks funds for plaque honoring Betty Friedan
The YWCA is seeking to honor Betty Friedan as a heroic native daughter. This will be a lasting legacy to her while ensuring that the important programs of the YWCA continue. The League of Women Voters are seeking donations in…
Proctor May Happenings
May 12th – “The Grieving Process” – The Counseling Center at Proctor Hospital will present, free of charge, “The Grieving Process” with presenter Pamela Shuck-Hoehne, NCC, LCPC, RDDP. The program will be held from 6:30-8:00 pm. in Classroom I of…
Peoria Park District May activities
ANNUAL DRAMA FESTIVAL – Community Children’s Theatre of the Peoria Park District will present seven award winning children’s plays performed by the students in the Theatre Education for Children Classes at Corn Stock Theatre Tent in Bradley Park on Saturday,…
The Night BeFORE at Lakeview Museum
Gather your friends and leave the kids at home for a fun night of miniature golf, culinary delights, and free drinks at Lakeview Museum Friday, May 21, 2010 from 7:00 – 10:00 p.m. Well-known Peoria caterers such as Barrack’s Cater…
Welcome to April
Governor and Brady Go Head to Head
Thrust into the November campaign after winning by just 193 votes over his primary opponent, Republican Senator Brady prepares to battle Governor Quinn on platforms he believes will create jobs, lower taxes and demonstrate competent leadership. If you’re looking for…
Peoria’s Clean Water Celebration April 18 – 19
by Tyler Maritote The Peoria Riverfront is going to be flooded with students, adults and water from all over. This year’s Clean Water Celebration, a joint project of the Sun Foundation and the Rivers Project with many local sponsors, is…
The Combat Against Childhood Obesity Begins
Fast food restaurants are on every corner, sugar and fat laden lattes are available at anytime of day, and pre-packaged foods are filled with sodium and other additives. It’s no wonder our waist lines are expanding daily. While adults are…
New radio station coming to town
A new radio station will soon be on the air in central Illinois. It’ll be the voice of Illinois Central College on FM 90.7 and will primarily serve the students and faculty. A high ranking school official told me the…
Palin annoys some conservatives, seeks GOP takeover of Tea-partiers
To a lot of people, S.P. and T.P. means “standard play” and “toilet paper” – fun with VCRs or neighborhood trees – but to those who deny that Medicare and the Veterans Administration health care are successful government programs, the…
If It Walks Like A Duck…
“It’s ugly.” The lady was having trouble describing a bird that was visiting her bird feeder, but she wanted me to identify it. I asked if she could be more specific. She added, “it’s the ugliest bird I’ve ever seen.”…