by Harold Bob Jones, Blair, OK Europe and the USA have many things in common, one of which noted currently is the massive debt crisis both are experiencing because of politicians who fail to learn from history. George Santayana noted…
Inanity in the World of Commercial Television
by Dolores M. Klein, Peoria, IL Lowe’s Corporate Execs have caved in, as of today, to a muslim-hating group, taking their commercials off the “reality show” portraying an American Muslim family. But, all across the television stations, cable and otherwise,…
For Sale – The Government of the U.S.
by Ed Klein, Peoria, IL Republicans very loudly proclaim their mission to shrink government by eradicating as many departments as possible – and one wonders – impossible. But how can they shrink government when the plutocrats – the Kochs, Waltons,…
All Things New!
I was packed for a cruise to the Bahamas when I got the call: Daddy died of a massive heart attack. Details were sketchy, but his last minutes on earth were spent snow-blowing his driveway. This month marks one year…
Serendipity: January beckons with a new month and year
Stores open, prices slashed, bonus dollars, later hours, payment plans, never better offers, and the hype continues from late summer through December. Before sales, after sales, lowest prices ever, and while we’re still celebrating one season, we’re shoved into the…
West Peoria News for January 2012
Kudos to our very brave Scouts who once again this year braved very frigid (single digit) temperatures to travel through our community to carol. It is always a very pleasant sound to hear their float escorted by the WPFD travel…
An Introduction to Peoria County
[Editor’s Note: The Community Word offers this column to various agencies and governmental organizations such as the City and County of Peoria, the Library, etc. in order to inform the public just what it is that they do for our Peoria-area…
Happenings for January 2012
January Happenings Jan 2 – May 21 – River Valley Cloggers – weekly at Lakeview YWCA. Clogging instructor is Margie Ashburn. Jan 5 – Proctor Hospital will be hosting the American Red Cross blood drive from 7:00 a.m. to 4:00…
Newsbriefs for January 2012
Methodist Provides Free Community Health Screenings The Methodist Wellmobile will be bringing free health screenings to the following community locations during January. Screenings include blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol and lung functions. A 12-hour fast is required for cholesterol and…
Merry Christmas
Christmastime ‘Gospelfest’ concerts continue to grow
The Christmastime Gospelfest concert continues to grow in popularity every year with additional concert dates and even more people enjoying this traditional, inspirational music as an integral part of their annual holiday celebrations. On Friday, December 9, a concert will…
Springfield State House Rescues Unemployment Fund
Illinois’s General Assembly takes swift action to mitigate the state’s loss of insurance to the unemployed. Illinois’ unemployment insurance fund has been on hiatus. Although the state added 30,000 jobs last month, officials say as more of Illinois’ jobless re-entered…
Peoria County Genealogical Society Seeks Assistance to Locate Veterans of the War of 1812
The Peoria County Genealogical Society needs your help! They are currently working with the Illinois War of 1812 Bicentennial Commission to locate and honor the veterans buried in Peoria county cemeteries who served in the War of 1812. If you…
Remember Pearl Harbor 70th Anniversary Program
Peoria Public Library will offer two films with discussions on Saturday, December 3rd at Peoria Public Library Main Library Auditorium in honor of the 70th Anniversary of the Attack on Pearl Harbor. At 10:30 a.m. watch the new documentary L-Bird- The…
Luthy Botanical Garden’s Annual Poinsettia Show is Rich in History & Tradition
In November of 1951, the Peoria Park District’s Luthy Botanical Garden opened in its current facility in Glen Oak Park. On November 18, the Garden’s 2011 Poinsettia Show began, and as always, hundreds of beautiful poinsettias and decorated trees adorn…
Pat Lewis in, Pat Lewis out
Pat Lewis, former administrator for Springdale Cemetery, was excited about his decision to run for a seat on the Peoria County Board. He told me he had been urged to run against fellow Republican Brian Elsasser by both Republicans and…
Fighting Attacks Social Security
As winter arrives this month, progressives are stepping up efforts to fight Capitol Hill’s chilling attack on Social Security, and areas such as Greater Peoria are especially vulnerable to a loss of government’s popular and successful program for older Americans,…
Bah … Humbug! Egoism or Altruism
My wife, Mary, and I were driving south of Peoria to visit the Emiquon Wetland Restoration and National Wildlife Refuge at Dickson Mounds near Lewistown. It was just before Thanksgiving, and I was looking forward to finding a bunch of…
A few random thoughts running through my head this month …
It’s amazing. A couple of years ago, the Peoria County State’s Attorney had some cops arrested and changed with police brutality. The arrest was based on a YouTube video taken immediately after a nighttime race through Peoria’s streets. The convicted…
Enjoy It While You Can
by Dolores M. Klein, Peoria, IL As we see the Holidays “coming at us” all around, we remember too well the hectic-ness, cleaning, cooking and baking, writing Christmas cards, inviting family and friends to celebrations, gathering the Christmas lists from…
An Open Letter to the Springdale Management Authority, Board of Directors & Cemetery Manager
by Elaine & George Hopkins, Peoria, IL We support protecting the Springdale Savanna. It’s a piece of Illinois history that deserves to be left alone. Please keep the existing agreement with the state IDNR. The Savanna should not be used…
First 100 Days
by Lori Curtis Luther, Peoria County Administrator Thanksgiving Day marks my 100th day as Peoria County’s Administrator. Reflecting on the past 100 days, I certainly have much to be thankful for since August 16, 2011. First, I would like to…