Snow in the forecast is never to my liking. It’s lovely on Christmas Eve – provided all streets and driveways are clear – and perhaps some lingering snowflakes the next morning to add some holiday charm. But December 26, it…
Author Archive for Sandra Dempsey Post
Room in the Inn
by Sandra Dempsey Post • • Comments Off on Room in the Inn
As Director of Sales at the Peoria Residence Inn Marriott, Bonnie Petrenko typically is selling overnight stays. But on the night of Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve, complimentary overnight stays are available to people visiting loved ones in nursing homes and…
Serendipity for December 2013
by Sandra Dempsey Post • • Comments Off on Serendipity for December 2013
December 25th is absolutely the day that causes monumental excitement for some, dread for others, enthusiasm for many, fear for a few, and conflicting emotions ranging from wanting the day to end to hoping it will last beyond its 24…
I was hungry and you fed me
by Sandra Dempsey Post • • Comments Off on I was hungry and you fed me
CUTLINE: Claire Crone stirs the soup being served that particular day at Sophia’s Kitchen. Patrons receiving food number in the hundreds. The kitchen is located at 103 S. Richard Pryor Place and provides nourishment and encouragement to those in need.…
Serendipity: Thanksgiving Day wasn’t designed for shopping!
by Sandra Dempsey Post • • Comments Off on Serendipity: Thanksgiving Day wasn’t designed for shopping!
On November 27, 1986, writer and humorist Erma Bombeck wrote: “Thanksgiving is honest and simple and warm and natural…an opportunity to reflect and to be thankful that all of you were…and still are.” Sadly Erma Bombeck no longer is, at…
St. Ann Memory Garden
by Sandra Dempsey Post • • Comments Off on St. Ann Memory Garden
CAPTION: Seated are Rev. Terry Cassidy, pastor at St. Ann Catholic Church in Peoria and Elizabeth Carrigan Bigger, coordinator of the St. Ann Memory Garden. Changes in life are a challenging part of the human condition. Initially they can be…
Tour de’ Peoria
by Sandra Dempsey Post • • Comments Off on Tour de’ Peoria
Plans commenced months ago for this family visit. Dates included traditional vacation months or early September. Midwest summers have a well-deserved reputation for heat and humidity so we chose after Labor Day to enjoy milder weather. Little success was achieved…
Giving Back
by Sandra Dempsey Post • • Comments Off on Giving Back
Jonelle Polk McCloud is very familiar with that rewarding feeling of success in achieving personal goals. Her accomplishments are many, both on and off the basketball court, and in and out of the classroom. She has the trophies, certificates and…
Whatever our age, life is a classroom
by Sandra Dempsey Post • • Comments Off on Whatever our age, life is a classroom
While my youngest child’s last time to celebrate the first day of a new school year, not counting college, was in 1994 as a high school senior, sentimentality reigns supreme for me each year when summer vacation ends and kids…
Second chances shouldn’t be taken for granted
by Sandra Dempsey Post • • Comments Off on Second chances shouldn’t be taken for granted
Second chances shouldn’t be taken for granted. If offered, they’re to be used for all they’re worth! Not every missed or bungled opportunity affords another go around. People die suddenly and all the “wish I would have told them” sentiments…