Monthly Messenger
May 2011 Next Membership Meeting Wednesday, May 4 May Potluck and Annual Meeting 6:30 p.m. Westminster Hall, 1420 W. Moss Bring a dish to share as we enjoy fellowship and entertainment! Note: This is our last membership meeting until September.
PHOTO: TATIANA JOHNSON
“The adventures of having a tall house”
This April 2011 photo captures Kastriot Maloku helping Wayne Johnson repair the weather vane on the turret of his Moss Avenue home, which was damaged by a snow storm this past winter. In order to reach the weather vane, the pictured manlift allowed the men to reach a “thrilling” height of 45 feet from the ground!”
Don’t forget to renew your membership!
Membership Renewal Form The Moss-Bradley Residential Association is a non-profit organization chartered in 1973 whose purpose is to maintain a desirable residential district and to preserve the architectural and historical heritage of our area.
Annual dues are $12 per year and are due by May 1.
Name: Street Address: City:
State:
Zip:
Home Phone: Work Phone: E-mail Address:
Please fill out this form and mail in a stamped envelope to the following address:
Type:
New Member
Renewal
Jim Adams, 1200 W. Moss Avenue, Peoria, IL 61606
Associate (for those who live outside the boundaries of the district)
A Letter from the President Friends and Neighbors, Thank you for allowing me to serve on the Board of the Moss-Bradley Residential Association for the past four years. It has been my pleasure to work with great neighbors and truly devoted boards to help keep the long legacy of Moss-Bradley. Over the years, the Board worked to represent not only the entire neighborhood, with all its diverse components, but also has tried to be a model for other neighborhoods in the city of Peoria. For these efforts, and for the many hours of hard work from the board and from neighbors, I sincerely say “thank you.” Let me also be the first to welcome the new board for 20112012. For the past two years, I have signed my letters to the association with the closing “after all, it’s the Moss-Bradley way.” I have done this because I truly do see a different manner in which we operate - one that has us looking towards the future through appreciation of our neighborhood’s and community’s past, one that has us representing not only
News from Westminster Presbyterian Church Submitted by the Westminster Church Office
Westminster Presbyterian Church will host a Fellowship Luncheon on Sunday, May 22 at 11:45 a.m. at the Fellowship Hall, 1420 W. Moss Avenue. Bill and Jeanie Olson share highlights of their trip to the Holy Land. Menu inspired by Bible lands. Everyone is welcome; free-will offering will be accepted.
the block or street that we may reside on but all areas that lay within our boundaries, and one that makes us look into our community to see how we can help strengthen our city through helping other neighborhood associations and through making sure we are a part of the dialogue that moves the city forward. May we never forget that strong cities have strong neighborhoods, and therefore, we have an important role to continue to play. So, as my last president’s message, and with all sincerity, may I say that I am proud to call Moss-Bradley my home - not only for the history that we walk amongst or the people we get to call friends and neighbors but for what Moss-Bradley gives to each person who comes into its understanding ... After all, it is the MossBradley way!
Sid Ruckriegel President, MossBradley Residential Association
Westminster is accepting donations for the Moss Avenue Sale – books, music, movies, board games, puzzles, furniture and collectibles. Small items can be brought around during office hours, Monday through Friday, from 8:30 a.m.- 2:30 p.m. For larger items, we will have a Collection Day on Saturday, May 21 from 9:00 a.m. to noon in the Fellowship Hall. For more information, call 673-8501 or visit www.westminsterpresbyterian.org
Send us your observations, story ideas or feedback! Email Kelly at mossbradleynews@gmail.com 2 – Monthly Messenger – May 2011
ANNOUNCEMENTS Thank you! To all the volunteers for the neighborhood clean up! Save the Date! The Moss Avenue Sale will be on Saturday, June 11, 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Newsletter Notice: The Monthly Messenger will be on summer hiatus until September. You may still send news and photos to Newsletter Editor, Kelly Kolton, at mossbradleynews@gmail.com for upcoming issues.
News from St. Mark’s Submitted by Pat Nezda
St. Mark School is currently taking registrations for the 2011-2012 school year. St. Mark School offers Pre-K through 8th grade. If you would like more information or a tour, contact the office at 676-7131. St. Mark S.M.A.R.T. Kids are continuing to collect aluminum cans for recycling. We have been having a problem with people stealing the cans that have been placed outside the trailer parked behind the school, so we are asking that you bring your donations to the school office. You can also move the tarp back and place the cans into the top of the trailer or call 676-7131 for pickup. Thanks for your continued support.
The May Review
Submitted by Bonnie Mason
Well, it is the end of April, and before I sat down to write this article I poured myself a cup of hot tea, put two sweaters on over my long-sleeved t-shirt and had to find a pair of wool socks. At this point in the year, I absolutely refuse to spend money on heat! That is not entirely true – I do have a space heater on in the bathroom which I keep cozy warm for Oz. The great and wonderful Oz gets anything she/he wants (crossdresser – what can I say …) a rather fragile cat, whom I would deprive of nothing. Anyway, where are those warmish sunny afternoons that provided at least a hint of the porch days to come? I did put my wicker out on one of those fake “spring afternoons,” and I guess I just need to drag a down comforter and an umbrella out with me to enjoy it! All of that being said, I confess to not having completely read this first book, but a variety of people have read and recommended it, and the premise blends such an unusual look at gardening and history that I am convinced it will be a great spring/summer read. Founding Gardeners, written by design historian Andrea Wulf, presents a look at the founding fathers of our country who were, at heart, farmers and gardeners and
908 Sterling Avenue in West Peoria www.peoriaparks.org or call 677-6705.
spent a good bit of time obsessed with the pursuit of creating the perfect gardens not only at their respective homes (Mount Vernon, Monticello, etc.) but in planning Washington, D.C. as well. Even as British ships were gathering around Staten Island, George Washington was sending notes to Mt. Vernon regarding the garden. Let me quote “… Wulf ’s scholarship, passion and pleasing prose make for a happy combination: a history book for gardeners, a gardening book for historians; a fresh look at the Founders that charms even as it irresistibly convinces.” Published by Knopf Doubleday, 2011, hardcover, the book sells for $30.00. Of late I have become quite interested in honeybees, perhaps because they seem to have disappeared. Several well-written and interesting books are available approaching various aspects of honeybee life. Sweetness and Light, by Hattie Ellis, is a fascinating study of the history of honeybees, tracing them back to the Stone Age. Sounds boring, but Hattie is a fantastic writer, and this is a wonderful book! Filled with interesting facts and “Bee Lore,” Hattie Ellis is a storyteller. She creates an atmosphere, an enticing world with her use of words: for example, “Honey. It starts in the spring. With the brightening air comes a quickening of the world. All over the planet plants plug into the energy of daylight. Systems are switched on; leaves feed on light; sap circulates.” Published
by Crown Publishing Group, 2006, paperback, it sells for $13.95. If you have any children in your life, they need to learn about bees as well. Find The Beautiful Bee Book, written by Sue Unstead and illustrated by Gill Tomblin. It is an interactive book, beautifully illustrated, and each page teaches an idea, including: What is a Bee?, Life Cycle of a Bee, Who’s Who in the Hive? Dancing Bees, Builder Bees. From the “Fascinating Facts,” it states that a bee will fly 55,000 miles to make just one pound of honey! That’s twice around Earth! School Specialty Publishing, 2006, this book sells for $17.95. What a great book! Well, here’s hoping the sun comes out, that we have lots of beautiful porch sitting mornings, afternoons and evenings, that the American flag flies on our houses, that the Moss Avenue Sales is a huge success as well as the Fourth of July Celebration, and we all feel fantastic and spend time reading wonderful books! Happy summer!
CRAFT & VENDOR SALE Saturday, May 21 • 9:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. Shop the best of local arts, crafts, and home-based businesses. Vendors can apply by calling 677-6705 or e-mailing vmarek@peoriaparks.org CONCERTS IN THE PARK Sunday, July 10: 4:00-6:00 p.m. – The Peoria Pops Orchestra’s Dixieland Band Sunday, August 14: 4:00-6:00 p.m. – The Peoria Area Barbershoppers Co-sponsored by the West Peoria Residents Association and the Peoria Park District. Concerts in the park take place on the front lawn of the FRC. Bring a lawn chair, a picnic, and enjoy an afternoon in the park! Monthly Messenger – May 2011 – 3
May 2011 Sun
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MSCS Faculty Recital 3 pm - Dingeldine Music Center, $5 Adults/Students Free
Collegium Musicum 7:30 pm - Dingeldine Music Center, Free
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Bradley String Chamber Music 7:30 pm - Dingeldine Music Center, Free
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Bradley Piano Student Recital 7:30 pm - Dingeldine Music Center, Free
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MBRA Annual Potluck 6:30 pm Westminster Hall
Calendar compiled by Amy Blain
Zoning Commission 1 pm City Hall Room 400
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West Bluff Tour of Homes Noon - 5 pm
PDC Recycling PickUp Day
Find Peoria area event information at ExplorePeoria.com!
Sign up for our FREE E-Newsletter filled with entertainment & events for the weekend sent right to your email inbox every Thursday!
PSD 150 No School
ExplorePeoria.com is owned & operated by long time MBRA resident Amy Blain.
June 2011 Sun
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Cats - Corn Stock Theatre 7:30 pm
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PSD 150 Last Day of School Cats - Corn Stock Theatre 7:30 pm
Cats - Corn Stock Theatre 7:30 pm
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Zoning Commission 1 pm City Hall Room 400
Cats - Corn Stock Theatre 7:30 pm
Cats - Corn Stock Theatre 7:30 pm
Cats - Corn Stock Theatre 7:30 pm
Moss Avenue Sale
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Flag Day
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Moonlight & Magnolias - Corn Stock Theatre 7:30 pm
PDC Recycling Pick-Up Moonlight & Magnolias - Corn Stock Theatre 7:30 pm
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Moonlight & Magnolias - Corn Stock Theatre 7:30 pm
Moonlight & Magnolias - Corn Stock Theatre 7:30 pm
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Zoning Commission 1 pm City Hall Room 400
Footloose - Corn Stock Theatre 7:30 pm
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Historic Preservation Commission 8:30 am City Hall Room 400
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Footloose - Corn Stock Theatre 7:30 pm
PDC Recycling Pick-Up Footloose - Corn Stock Theatre 7:30 pm
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Find Peoria area event information at ExplorePeoria.com!
Sign up for our FREE E-Newsletter filled with events & entertainment for the weekend sent right to your email inbox every Thursday! ExplorePeoria.com is owned & operated by long time MBRA resident Amy Blain.
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Ring of Fire - Corn Stock Theatre 7:30 pm
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Arsenic & Old Lace Corn Stock Theatre 7:30 pm
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Arsenic & Old Lace Corn Stock Theatre 7:30 pm
Ring of Fire - Corn Stock Theatre 7:30 pm
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Arsenic & Old Lace Corn Stock Theatre 7:30 pm
Ring of Fire - Corn Stock Theatre 7:30 pm
Historic Preservation Commission 8:30 am City Hall Room 400
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Arsenic & Old Lace Corn Stock Theatre 7:30 pm
Zoning Commission 1 pm City Hall Room 400
Ring of Fire - Corn Stock Theatre 7:30 pm
Ring of Fire - Corn Stock Theatre 7:30 pm
Ring of Fire - Corn Stock Theatre 7:30 pm
PDC Recycling Pick-Up Arsenic & Old Lace Corn Stock Theatre 7:30 pm
Ring of Fire - Corn Stock Theatre 7:30 pm
Ring of Fire - Corn Stock Theatre 7:30 pm
Arsenic & Old Lace Corn Stock Theatre 7:30 pm
Free Alley Lights Available
Upcoming Jazz Event Submitted by Dick Marsho, Publicity Chair, Central Illinois Jazz Society
Carl Anderson and his New Orleans Jazz Band is a regular favorite for the Central Illinois area. Carl is joined by six other seasoned, traditional jazz musicians to bring back this truly original jazz style to our area. His group has performed all over the area, including appearances at the Decatur Jazz Festival / Juvae Jazz, Jimmy’s Bar and Grill, Tin Pan Alley Restaurant, the Peoria Country Club, the Central Illinois Jazz Society, and private parties. For more specifics, you can log onto their website at www.andersonjazz.com for their complete schedule and details. The group has just released their third CD, “Second Line,” which will be available at the program. Carl is also a founding member of the Central Illinois Jazz Orchestra, a big band that performs throughout the area. Carl selected the very best players he could find for his traditional jazz group. The band members currently include musicians from Illinois, Iowa, and Missouri. The group includes Carl on trombone, Doug Myers on trumpet, Craig Bullis on clarinet, Denny Schielein on piano and vocals, Jeremy Clark on drums, Jason Shea on string bass and tuba, and Lance Dieckow on banjo. For more information, call 692-5330 or visit www.peoriajazz.com. For more information about our new location, visit www.landmarkrec.com. Food and beverages are available for purchase at this live jazz program. The Central Illinois Jazz Society House Band will perform during the first set under the leadership of Larry Harms. The CIJS House Band 6 – Monthly Messenger – May 2011
features outstanding jazz musicians from the area. For more information call 692-5330 or visit www.peoriajazz.com. UPCOMING CIJS EVENT:
SUNDAY, MAY 15, 2011 CIJS House Band - 6:00 p.m. Carl Anderson and His New Orleans Jazz Band – 7:15 p.m. Finish Line Banquet Room (Located in Landmark Rec. Center) 3225 N. Dries Lane, Peoria Admission: $5.00 Members $7.00 Non-Members Children 14 years and under Free Contact: 692-5330 or www.peoriajazz.com
The following are the scheduled programs for the Central Illinois Jazz Society during the next three months. Each event will take place at the Starting Gate Banquet Room, located in Landmark Recreation Center, 3225 N. Dries Lane, Peoria. Admission is: Members $5.00; nonmembers $7.00 (children 14 and under are free with an adult). For more information, visit www.peoriajazz. com or 692-5330. Sunday, June 19, 2011: Central Illinois Jazz Society House Band at 6:00 p.m. and Wave, featuring Paul Weddle, at 7:15 p.m. Sunday, July 17, 2011: Central Illinois Jazz Society House Band at 6:00 p.m. and Speakeasy, featuring Judy Page, at 7:15 p.m. Sunday, August 21, 2011: Central Illinois Jazz Society House Band at 6:00 p.m. and John Miller and the Romaniacs at 7:15 p.m.
Source: City of Peoria Applications are available to Peoria homeowners and property owners who want a dusk-to-dawn alley light installed on their house or garage. The City has earmarked money for the purchase and installation of 100 lights. There is no fee for citizens who apply for the installation of a light. The only requirements for installation are that an applicant’s house or property is served by an alley and that the applicant must not have participated previously. The applicant is also responsible for the maintenance of the light after it is installed. The alley light features a 42-watt florescent bulb encased in a metal wall unit with a heavy duty light cover. The light will be hardwired to an existing electrical system from a house or a garage.
Applications are available at the City’s website: www.ci.peoria.il.us/ planningforms or at the Planning & Growth Management Department, Twin Towers Building, 456 Fulton Street, Suite 402. For information call Steve Fairbanks at 494-8603.
Adopt-A-Ramp Program
Source: City of Peoria Applications are available for Peoria homeowners who need an exterior wheelchair accessible ramp installed, free of charge to the homeowner. This activity is available to eligible low income households who need ramp assistance. The home must be an owneroccupied single family home in the City of Peoria. Each ramp will be designed and installed by the City of Peoria’s Adopt-A-Ramp contractor, S.F. Pauli, per specifications approved by the City of Peoria at no cost to the homeowner.
Applications are available at the City’s Planning & Growth Management Department, Twin Towers Building, 456 Fulton Street, Suite 402. For information, please call Michael Sims at 494-8616.
Malvern Musings A monthly column about growing things and growing a great neighborhood “The eyes have it” I enjoy comparing garden tools with other landscape buffs. Recently one of these friends showed me a handy shovel he’d just acquired. He told that it was just perfect for digging up shrubs and trees out in the field for the ‘ball and burlap’ process. Fortunately for the small space I have in the garage for such things, it’s one piece of equipment I don’t need. However, our conversation got me thinking---what tools do I consider of the most value to me in gardening? The answer: my eyes. They are more important than something in my hand. They reach up to the treetops. Hopefully they notice small problems before they become big ones. They are my planting and placement guides. They alert me
Thru the Windshield How do we look to those passing by?
Observations ... questions ... hopes ... concerns Compiled by Marjorie Klise
I have just had a wonderful experience … something that reaffirms the generosity of spirit that is so abundant among those of us fortunate enough to live in a Midwestern city. Perhaps we can expand this spirit to include all people if they are just given the life experiences and mentors that reinforce that joy of soul that comes when we reach out to others. There are always non-profit groups that are in need of funds to support their
to what is going right ...or, quite often, what is going wrong. It might be something not growing, or moving in the wrong direction. They see what’s drooping in a dry spell. They notice what seems to be stretching to get more light.
PHOTO: LINDA VERKLER
Submitted by Dan Callahan
If I am lucky, I remember these things from one season to the next. And if I think I’m likely to forget, I mark the spot or make a note. The season is long in our area, and it’s hard to think back in October what you noticed in May. Pictures are very helpful, but one has to use one’s eyes to decide what to photograph. Take a good look, and take another. For me, it all comes down to seeing, then doing.
activities. I am involved with one. One afternoon last fall I got a phone call from a local restaurateur saying that he appreciated the work of our group. And was especially grateful for one member’s dedication to a cause. He offered to host a Civil War memorial dinner with all profits going to our organization. So we met and were bowled over by the gentleman’s plans. He outlined the pre-party festivities (and called on friends to participate). He arranged the entertainment (wunderbar talent). He organized the publicity (more friends who were amazingly open with their time and wallets). He planned and cooked the dinner (with his partner) ... and on ... and on ... and on. He was positive when we had doubts. He asked for contributions when we
were hesitant. He was moving when we were in “pause” mode. It was our group, but it was his enthusiasm. The lesson to me is threefold: 1. People are generous when it makes absolutely no sense other than overly large hearts and wild imaginations. 2. This was a large gesture, but small gestures are equally valuable. (Think of David picking up street trash or Chris tending flower beds.) 3. We will all sleep better and smile more broadly if we remember to offer our hand in any way possible to make the lives of other people just that much brighter. If you have a talent or an hour to share, do it. If you see a need, fill it. Our lives are all enmeshed. We can be that catalyst which makes a difference. Monthly Messenger – May 2011 – 7
Moss-Bradley Residential Association 1512 W Barker Ave Peoria, IL 61606
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May Potluck and Annual Meeting on May 4!
Newsletter
mossbradleynews@gmail.com Kelly Kolton, Editor Skip Cravens, Mailing and Subscription Coordinator Margaret Cousin, Copy Editor Amy Blain, Calendar Monthly Contributors and Photographers as credited
A picture is worth a thousand words. A picture of our neighborhood is worth even more to us!
Send us your neighborhood photos! E-mail your favorite high-resolution JPEG images to mossbradleynews@gmail.com and you might see your photo in an upcoming issue of the Monthly Messenger!
Permit #1036 Peoria, IL 61601
Officers & Committees West Bluff Council Bradley Univ. Moss Ave. Sale Neighborhood Pride Social Historic Commission Landscaping Greeter Greenway Project Webmaster TriCorn Park
Board Members President Vice President Secretary Treasurer Director Director Director Director Director
Marjorie Klise Paul Masick Robert D. Aviles Jan Krouse Available Dr. Lindsey & Kathy Ma Paul Masick Sid Ruckriegel Dan Callahan Skip Cravens Peter Getz Steve Erke Jim Adams
674-6864 674-6365 673-8896 676-7900
Sid Ruckriegel Rod Lorenz Ed Zempel Jim Adams Richard Lee Jim Evenhuis Wayne Johnson Marjorie Schwebel Rita Speck
303-0083 673-9520 673-2266 256-1484 674-7584 303-3245 453-9436 672-2363 453-6700
Non-Voting Past Presidents
Andrew McGowan Paul Masick Joanne Bannon
637-3271 674-6365 303-0083 673-7348 674-8037 673-0925 678-0370 256-1484
677-9808 674-6365 676-0330