Central Illinois Perspective - June 25, 2008

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News

The Young Professionals Organization of Greater Peoria announced the re-launch of its new, enhanced website. The new site at ypogp.org incorporates interactive features like member profiles, discussion groups/forums, news and current events, social outings and networking tools.

The Peoria Park District's Luthy Botanical Garden presents the sixth annual Rhapsody in Bloom Arts Festival from 10am to 5pm on Saturday, June 28th and from noon to 5pm on Sunday, June 29th. This celebration is sponsored by WCBU 89.9 FM radio and the Times Newspapers and includes art, music, food and floral/herbal exhibits. Become inspired by the diverse selection of local artists. Admission is $3 per person and free for children 12 and under. For more information, call Ann Kizer at (309) 686-3362.

ArtsPartners of Central Illinois, Inc. will hold a news conference at 1pm on Friday, June 27th, to announce its new public architecture catalog titled The Art of Structure, An Architectural Tour of Downtown Peoria in room 400 of Peoria City Hall. The 50-page publication, authored by Dr. Peter Couri, includes photos, maps and information regarding some of Peoria's most noted and interesting historic buildings. For more information, contact Suzette Boulais at (309) 676-2787.

The 31st season of the Illinois Shakespeare Festival kicks off on Friday, June 27th, with a gala opening of The Taming of the Shrew. The gala begins at 6:30pm with live jazz and appetizers and is followed with the show at 8pm in the Genevieve Green Gardens at the Ewing Cultural Center at 48 Sunset Road in Bloomington. The Taming of the Shrew will run from June 27th to August 10th. Titus Andronicus will play from July 18th to August 8th, and The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged) runs from June 28th to August 9th. For more information, contact Chris Peak at cpeak@ilstu.edu or visit thefestival.org.


Kudos

RSM McGladrey announced a $10,000 contribution to the American Red Cross for flood relief in some of the Midwest communities hardest hit by the recent flash floods. In addition to the donation, RSM McGladrey has also established its own Iowa Flood Relief Fund, where the firm's employees may donate money to directly assist affected McGladrey employees in the Central Plains.

Eureka College received two awards at the 2008 St. Jude Collegiate Leadership Seminar held June 12th through 15th in Memphis, Tenn. The College received the Rookie of the Year Award for its first St. Jude fundraiser, which raised more than $25,000. The college also won the Program of the Year Award among schools in its region.




Ameristar Casinos

art & society: July/August 2008

art & society: july/august 2008Celebrate the summer with the July/August issue of art & society, fresh off the presses!

With gas prices eating up your pocketbook and the best-laid air travel plans culminating in anger management classes, it's no wonder the word staycation has exploded in popularity. From farmer's markets to festivals, there are special activities every day of the week for all ages and interests, right here in Peoria.

This year, the Spirit of Peoria riverboat, the Midwest's only authentic paddle wheeler, celebrates its 20th anniversary. Across two decades, this charming little riverboat has become an icon, representing so many things about the city—our ties to the river, our ties to a storied past. I can think of no image more representative of this town, yet after 20 years, how easy it is for us locals to take it for granted. If you haven't spent a relaxing evening on the boat in awhile, you might add it to your calendar this summer.

In this issue....

  • High Tech Treasure Hunts
    One of today's hottest hobbies, geocaching, brings together innovative technologies with a love of nature.

  • Focusing on Peoria's Spirit: Celebrating 20 Years
    Two decades ago, the Spirit of Peoria riverboat first paddled its way up the Illinois River to Peoria, and it has been a regional landmark ever since.

  • Feathers in Flight
    The correct term for those who spend every free hour of daylight at locations known to be heavily populated by birds is not birdwatching, but birding.

  • Join the Club: Golf for Beginners
    Do you want to learn how to golf, but don’t know where to start? Here is a look at several area golf courses that offer instruction for golf novices.

  • Wrigley Replica Hits a Home Run
    Little Cubs Field is a near-exact replica of Wrigley Field located in Freeport, Illinois.

  • A Taste of Tuscany for Charity
    The delightful five-course meal and wine tasting at Ponte Vecchio doubled as a fundraiser for the Peoria Area World Affairs Council.

  • Peoria's Unique Sweet Treat
    The Spotted Cow, a business that began as a simple pushcart on Bradley’s campus, has grown into a Peoria favorite.

  • Take 10: Frank Abdnour
    10 things you didn't know about the owner of The Spotted Cow.

  • Lifting Spirits with the Gift of Song
    The Morton Civic Chorus sets itself apart from other singing groups by blending theatre with song to create an immense two-hour performance.

  • Event Preview: 20th Annual Duck Race
    On August 24th, Quacky the Duck will host the 20th annual Duck Race benefitting The Center for Prevention of Abuse.




Events

Friday, June 27 @ The Peoria Art Guild
The Peoria Art Guild presents the Undergraduate Invitational Exhibition from June 27th through August 2nd. Jane Ryder's "Until They Create Many Planets" will also be featured in the Fleming Gallery as part of the "Local Color" series. A reception for both shows will be held from 5:30 to 7:30pm on June 27th. There is a suggested donation of $2.

Friday, June 27 @ Peoria Civic Center
The Thomas Jefferson Banquet will be held in meeting rooms 220 to 222. Cocktails begin at 6pm, and dinner is served at 7pm. The featured speaker is Joanne Glasser. Tickets are $40. For more information, call (309) 671-4900.

Friday/Saturday, June 27/28 @ Northwoods Community Church, Peoria
Fight back against cancer by participating in Relay for Life. To take part, go to relayforlifepeoria.com and join the Peoria Jaycees team or make a donation. The time you spend in the Relay is up to you. The event for the Peoria Jaycees team will be held at Northwoods Community Church on June 27th and 28th. Call (309) 370-5429 for more information.

Friday/Saturday, June 27/28 @ Wildlife Prairie State Park
The Wildlife Prairie State Park hosts Prairie a la Carte from 5 to 10pm on Friday and from 11am to 8pm on Saturday. Enjoy food and wine while listening to local musicians. Local vendors will include Johnny's Italian Steakhouse, the Mackinaw Valley Winery, Basta's Eastport, Haddad's Restaurant & Catering and more. Family fun on Saturday will include a petting zoo, inflatables and hayrack rides. General admission is $5.50 for adults, $3.50 for ages 4 to 12, and free for children under 4.

Saturday, June 28 @ Detweiller Park, Peoria
The 15th annual Mental Health Mile Race/Walk starts at 8am with the Women's Run followed by the Men's Run. A combined one-mile walk starts immediately after both races finish. The race/walk is major fundraiser for the National Alliance on Mental Illness Tri-County. Refreshments will be served. Registration is $20 the day of the run/walk. Call Clark Wade at (309) 219-3884 for more information.

Sunday, June 29 @ Fulton and Jefferson Streets, downtown Peoria
The 21st annual Proctor Cycling Classic, an Illinois Cycling Association Cup series event, kicks off at 8am. Over $10,000 in cash and prizes will be awarded throughout the day. For a full schedule of races, go to www.peoriabicycleclub.com. This event is free to spectators, and food and refreshments will be available.



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