Nuns have fascinated me since I was first introduced to Sister Mary Paulinda, a young, pretty nun who was my kindergarten teacher. She must have rethought her vocation more than a few times as I was not thrilled about going…
Happy Mother’s Day
Quinn picks Simon as running mate
The daughter of the late U.S. Senator and one-time presidential candidate Paul Simon is making a run for Lieutenant Governor. She’s not garrulous or shy, not a Washington insider or a political novice. But she’s savvy, real and ready to…
Extensive construction and renovations at Bradley
by Tyler Maritote The west side of Bradley’s campus has a new welcome sign: “Welcome to Bradley University, please excuse our dust.” That side of the campus is undergoing extensive construction with new additions, renovations and buildings, the most recent…
Happy birthday
On numerous occasions I’m reminded by other people what a great man my father was. Recently, I received an invitation to appear as a guest on the cable program, “Neighborhood Views,” from the host, Lorraine Carter. Lorraine said she not…
Cat, Ameren, ADM among Toxic 100 air polluters
A new list of the top corporate air polluters in the United States includes two companies based in Peoria and a third Illinois firm with a key operation here, according to researchers at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. The “Toxic…
The Garden needs the serpent
It was enormous, and I had almost stepped on it. I ran to my grandfather while pointing back at the largest snake I’d ever seen. It was sunning itself in his orchard. He just looked over at the snake and…
Taken to class by Bradley University journalism students
I had the pleasure of spending an hour last month with a bunch of young journalists at Bradley University. I was invited to talk about blogging and journalism with Terry Bibo’s news writing class. To provide an air of legitimacy…
A GOP senior’s view of the Peoria Tea Party
By Coleen Lickiss, Marquette Heights, IL Knowing the momentum American Tea Partiers were gaining, I, a Republican senior, personally wanted to see and hear what really transpired at the Peoria Tea Party April 15 along the riverfront at the end…
Starving for Life
There is something about physical starvation that drives a human soul to hunt for food at any cost. In that condition, all other earthly pursuits become meaningless and the mind is completely absorbed in the chase for sustenance. What saddens…
Serendipity for May 2010
Nostalgia reigns supreme in my heart. I am sentimental and a saver, not a great combination if one is trying to downsize possessions. I am always trying to downsize something, either my stuff or me. The project never ends. Some…
West Peoria News for May 2010
Remember Americans who have served our country on Memorial Day weekend with the Annual West Peoria Memorial Day celebration beginning at 10:00 a.m. at the West Peoria War Veterans memorial on Saturday, May 29th. The memorial is at the corner…
Musings for May 2010
Today, Saturday, April 24th, is a gorgeous, fresh day after the rain cleansed everything yesterday. It smelled better outside and it was a joy to breathe the air. I made sure Kaja did her business, and I picked it up,…
Some things never die, they just fade away
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…