Monthly Messenger
Clockwise from top: Neighbors, Bradley students, BU police and administrators celebrated a “meet and greet” on Barker Avenue in August. July 4 was another fun year of music by the Peoria Pops Orchestra and great food, served by neighbors. The May Potluck’s entertainment included song and dance by the Cornerstone Academy. During the Moss Avenue Sale and Festival, in addition to vendors, artists and musicians were on hand, including Rich & Rare, a band of MBRA residents.
Next Membership Meeting Wednesday, Sept. 5 Social 6:30 p.m. Meeting 7:00 p.m. Westminster Hall, 1420 W. Moss
PHOTO: KELLY KOLTON PHOTO: STEPHEN ERKE
PHOTO: KELLY KOLTON
PHOTO: PAUL MASSICK
September 2012
A Letter from the President The first quarter of the Moss-Bradley year has been busy as usual, beginning with the annual Moss Avenue Sale. This year’s event was notable for the addition of live music and fine arts. Both of these new activities were successful, the crowd was great, the weather just about ideal, and it seems everyone went home happy. Thanks are due to a horde of volunteers, with special kudos to “Sale Boss” Jan Krouse. Look for an even bigger and better Moss Avenue Festival and Sale next year. The sale was barely cleaned up when MBRA celebrated July 4 with a traditional American picnic at the Pettengill-Morron House on Moss Avenue. Once again a super volunteer crew played a key role in providing a hearty lunch. The Peoria Pops Orchestra entertained the crowd with a stimulating musical lineup. This August, MBRA sponsored a Barker Avenue cook out, affording an opportunity for homeowners and Bradley University students living in the neighborhood to get acquainted. If you have students living next door to you, consider inviting them over for dinner one night – we’ll buy the pizza! It always helps to know your neighbors. The first membership meeting, on September 5, promises to be of interest to many of you. The program will focus on the value of historic preservation, and will include significant announcements made public for the first time. This important program will be followed on October 3 by the first Moss-Bradley Candidate’s Forum for this year. Many local officials will be elected in November; all will be invited
2 – Monthly Messenger – September 2012
to answer your questions and solicit your votes at this popular event. The November 7 membership meeting may be one of the most important in years. The MBRA Board of Directors recognized the need to review our bylaws and bring them up to date— the first such effort since 1988. A committee chaired by Andrew Rand has proposed revisions that will require a membership vote. At the November meeting we’ll explain the proposed changes and entertain discussion and suggestions. The formal vote is planned for the January meeting, allowing time for additional work if needed. As you can tell your neighborhood association stays busy with a variety of activities that are intended to enhance your quality of life. We don’t pretend to have all the answers though! We want your suggestions for future programs and activities. Come to a meeting and share your concerns and ideas with a Board member. One important news item: the MossBradley Monthly Messenger Newsletter Editor for the past three years will be leaving our neighborhood. Kelly Kolton plans to relocate to the Chicagoland area where she will be closer to family. Please join us as we extend a hearty THANK YOU for the many contributions to our neighborhood and a sincere wish for great success in this new chapter. We’ll miss you!
Rod Lorenz
President, Moss-Bradley Residential Association
ANNOUNCEMENTS Condolences to the family and friends of all concerned: Harry Cravens, husband of Skip; Natalia Lorenz, mother of Rod; Jessica Zuckerman, mother of Rich; Kelly Needham; and long time supporters of Moss-Bradley, Rose Bannon and Anna Merkle
Call for Volunteers:
The Peoria Riverfront Museum is expanding its volunteer program and seeking new volunteers for a variety of tasks. Interested parties should call the Museum at 686-7000 ASAP.
Business Bits:
Courtyard Estates of Peoria celebrated their one year anniversary. Mr. G’s has reopened under new ownership. You may have noticed new shops along Main Street including: Broken Tree Coffee, Studios On Sheridan, Restoration, Urban Artifacts - Peoria, and The Main Statement- Authentic American Gifts & Accessories.
Thanks:
Thanks to all who helped at the annual MBRA neighborhood clean-up in April: Good Earth Landscaping, Tom & Deb Dougherty, Burkette, Paul Massick, Joe Merkle, Wayne Johnson, Rod Lorenz, Alicia Butler, Jim Evenhuis, Ed Zempel, and Jim Adams. Over 36 volunteer hours and the work looks great!
Westminster Presbyterian Church
Peoria Historical Society News
Sunday, September 9, 11:00 a.m. — potluck picnic and Rally Day. Bring a dish to share. Free. In the Fellowship Hall and grounds.
Sept. 15 – Henri de Tonti Celebration sponsored by Peoria Historical Society and Bradley’s Institute for Principled Leadership, honoring Caterpillar Inc. for principled leadership. Peoria Civic Center Ballroom, 6:00 p.m. - dinner at 6:45 p.m. Tickets $150 each; sponsorships available. Call 674-1921 or see http://www.peoriahistoricalsociety.org/ announcements.aspx?ID=26
Submitted by the church office
Sunday, September 16, 2:00 p.m. — “Peter and the Wolf,” musical program for all ages. Free. In the Sanctuary. Sunday, September 23, 11:00 a.m. — Fellowship Luncheon. Free (a free-will offering will be accepted). In the Fellowship Hall. Sunday, October 28, 5:30-7:30 p.m. — Fall-o-ween Festival. Trunk-or-treating, costumes, and a chili/soup supper for all ages. Free (a free-will offering will be accepted). In the Fellowship Hall. For more information on these events, call 673-8501 or visit http://westminsterpeoria.com Westminster Infant Care Center is looking for a childcare worker to work part-time in our Infant Care Center. The position requires 18 hours of early childhood education, 60 hours of college credit and 1 year of experience working with children in an accredited childcare center. Please send resume with salary requirements to WICC5163@sbcglobal.net.
Submit your organization’s news and events to mossbradleynews@gmail.com
Submitted by Marilyn Leyland, Peoria Historical Society volunteer
Sept. 29-30 – “Homegrown, Homemade & Handcrafted” recalling hardscrabble times when families relied on gardening, canning, sewing and woodworking to create their necessities. Costumed interpreters, The Old Cluck Hens Dulcimer group, and an enhanced display of artistry from the PHS extensive collections of textiles, art, and tools will lead the celebration of Arts Month at Flanagan House, 942 NE Glen Oak Ave., 1:00-4:00 pm., $7 adults, $3 kids. Know your neighborhood Did you know that the home of Tobias and Lydia Bradley, now 802 W. Moss, was one of the first in Peoria to have indoor running water? Or that that same house later served as home to George McNear, the TP&W railroad head whose murder at Moss and Sheridan in March 1947 remains a haunting mystery? Peoria Historical Society offers several trolley tours that highlight various aspects of the Moss Bradley neighborhood. The River City tour runs Thursdays at 10:30 a.m. from the Harp & Thistle in Peoria Heights. The Haunted Peoria tour, begun last Octo-
ber, runs every Saturday at 1:00 p.m. in September and October, leaving from Kelleher’s Irish Pub on Water St. The All-America City tour, which includes Bernie Shelton’s murder on Farmington Rd., runs at 10:30 a.m. every Friday in September from Kelleher’s. All tours cost $10, plus $1 trolley fare. Reservations are not required but help guarantee a seat by calling the starting location. Tours last approximately an hour and a half. Visit peoriahistoricalsociety. org/Tours.aspx for more information. Peoria Historical Society Recognizes United Way: At the Society’s recent annual meeting, President Sid Ruckriegel presented the Historic Preservation Award to the Heart of Illinois United Way for its stewardship of its historic headquarters at 509 W. High Street and for helping transitional neighborhoods, sustainability efforts, and for building partnerships in the community. United Way President Michael Stephan accepted the award. New Board Member: Kevin Kizer of AdCo Advertising Agency and a Cody Court resident has recently joined the board of The Peoria Historical Society.
Send us your observations, story ideas or feedback! E-mail us at mossbradleynews@gmail.com Monthly Messenger – September 2012 – 3
Malvern Musings
neighborhood
A monthly column about growing things and growing a great
Submitted by Dan Callahan
“Change around us” As I settle down at my desk to embark on another season’s writing, I am amazed thinking about all that has happened since my last column in May. We have withstood the hottest summer in years. It has been a struggle to keep my little garden and the plantings on Malvern Lane going. We received the news of neighbors moving away. These include Kelly Kolton who has done such an incredible job with the newsletter since she became our editor and Laura McGowan who did such a wonderful job bringing the Walking Tour brochures to life. It is hard not to feel saddened by their moves, though they surely will find exciting and enriching experiences in their new homes. We wish them well.
Thru the Windshield How do we look to those passing by?
Observations ... questions ... hopes ... concerns Compiled by Marjorie Klise
Everett Ortner died this summer at the age of 92. What? You don’t know him? Well, let me tell you his story. And ours. Everett and Evelyn Ortner bought their house, a brownstone in Brooklyn, in l963 when the price was right because 4 – Monthly Messenger – September 2012
Over the summer we also lost Harry Cravens whose dining room table top was given over to Moss-Bradley projects over many years. I hope he forgives us for that. Outside, darkness cloaks a longer part of each day. The night sky opens a bit earlier, letting some of the suffocating temperature escape. Perhaps the cauldron that was summer’s curse will continue to abate and some rain will soften the parched lawns of the neighborhood. Again, hopeful wishes as we move into the next season. There have been glimmers in a positive direction in other ways. The Main Street corridor is taking on new life. The Studios on Sheridan complex has emerged as a nexus of creativity. With the Broken Tree Coffee at one end and Urban Artifacts at the other, Sheridan and Main has been transformed. Just a few doors toward downtown Main Statement has opened. Mr G’s will soon be back as well. They are as eclectic and varied as the neighborhoods that surround them. As their neighbors, we can be their most frequent customers. The First Friday Open Studio nights are many, many middleclass neighbors were moving out to the suburbs. They joined with others to host wine and cheese parties where they invited young couples from outside of Brooklyn to experience the grandeur of their old homes. Then the Ortners became aware that banks hesitated to finance mortgages in their older neighborhoods, so they invited executives from the local utilities’ company (Brooklyn Union Gas) for more wine and cheese, and persuaded them to restore a brownstone and share tips and secrets as they installed the latest in heating and cooling systems available. This led to a Housing Fair where 25,000 people streamed thru these beautiful restored homes with original mahogany woodwork and paper-Mache
a perfect way to introduce our “out of neighborhood” friends to their “fun and funky” atmosphere. Completed over the summer, the new home of Pi Beta Phi sorority brings a fresh look to the corner of Fredonia and Institute. The west quadrangle on Bradley’s campus provides an appealing front lawn to the new Alumni Center. Westlake Hall’s renovation and expansion displays great architectural and urban design sensitivity. The great oak tree on the quad was carefully built around. During the second week of August, I led a walking tour of the Western Avenue Greenway and parts of Moss-Bradley. Thirty-five senior learners from OLLI (Osher Lifelong Learning) came along for the two mile walk. That was an impressive turnout, almost entirely of folks from outside of Moss-Bradley, who wanted to see and hear more about our neighborhood. As we turn hoses on to make up what water nature failed to provide in midsummer, it is reassuring to know that we seem to be growing some good things here. and linseed-oil wall paper. And here is where Moss-Bradley comes into the story. When Mr. Ortner organized the first “Back to the City” conference in l974 our own Don Luebbe was there! He came back to Peoria with stories and plans and ideas…all to set our destiny in motion. It is a small world. We are all connected. And we raise each other up with our support and encouragement and dreams. (….and my daughter, raised in the Moss-Bradley neighborhood, moved to a Brooklyn brownstone in the 80’s and lived a few blocks from, and knew Evelyn and Everett Ortner…..a very small world!)
The September Review By Bonnie Mason
Summer goes by way too fast and Winter seems to hang around way too long even though I would much rather be cold than hot – at least that’s what I have always told myself. Maybe I don’t actually feel that way anymore. Even as hot as it was this summer! I pretty much enjoyed it – I had to be particular about filling the birds’ baths in the yard, and watering the flowers, but there wasn’t a big rush to cut the grass, weeds didn’t grow like weeds. I drank a lot of ice water and read lots of good books sitting in front of a fan. I think I enjoyed the pace of it all. Kind of a throwback to the summer of 1936 my mother always talked about. She was actually born in 1918 the year of the Wreck of the Columbia, the event which is purported to have been the end of the Steamboat Era on the Illinois River. Ken Zurski - yes, of Traffic One fame - has written a great book of local interest. July 5, 1918 was the evening of the fateful wreck – the steamboat, Columbia, was occupied by 500 people in a festive mood and it went down on the Illinois River. This book details the entire event, crash, rescue, rescue attempts, the subsequent investigation – if you have ever been curious about this tragedy that virtually took place in our own backyard, this book is a must read. The wreck took place at a time in history when the crew had no way to call for help;, they rang a bell! and hoped. Ken Zurski has written a fascinating book, published by Amika Press, 2012, paperback. It sells for $16.95. Since the Titanic sank a hundred years ago I am compelled to suggest a title about the Titanic – this is a book with a different point of view entitled Titanic First Accounts edited by Tim Maltin. The book is divided into groupings of accounts: Classics, Inquiries and the Marconi Report, Newspaper Articles,
Etc. I found that the images portrayed through Firsthand Accounts made the actual event far more real to me. I am often recalling those scenes in the movies (my favorite is the Tullulah Bankhead version) as reality – this book helped reel me in. Published in 2012 by the Penguin Group, paperback, the book sells for $16.00. At this point I am really into sinking ships so I offer Desperate Hours, written by Richard Goldstein about the crash of the Andrea Doria and the Stockholm on the night of July 25th, 1956. The author describes the events leading up to the wreck and the subsequent padding of the truth and chaos on board the Andrea Doria in such a way that at times I had to put the book down. I felt as if I were there. The Andrea Doria was equipped with the most advanced naval technology available at the time, but no one was paying attention. . . and the captain of the Stockholm just decided not to take a slightly southern route he was registered to travel in order to save a little time! It was a foggy night hear Nantucket – if you have ever been there the fog horns sound all the time at night – 51 people lost their lives, 1,700 were saved. It is
a very interesting book. Published by Wiley, John and Sons, 2003, paperback, the book sells for $19.95. This was not a particularly cheerful selection of books, but fascinating – next month is Hallowe’en! Remember Autumn does not begin until around the 21st of September. Until then it is Summer! So Enjoy – maybe this month will be perfect porch weather!
Monthly Messenger – September 2012 – 5
School Notes News from St Mark School Submitted by Pat Nedza School Secretary
St. Mark School is excited to welcome back our students and faculty and also welcome new faces to the school. Once again our neighbors will be hearing and seeing young people in the neighborhood. There are lots of new and exciting things happening at St. Mark School and Parish this year. Stop in and see our new gym floor. That is just one of the changes at St. Mark’smore are yet to come. As always, if any of our neighbors have complaints or concerns about our students, parents, or staff, please contact the school office. (Compliments also welcome!!) We will do everything in our power to be a good neighbor because we plan to be the Beacon on the Hilltop for many years to come.
Fieldhouse Special Events Submitted by Michelle Renick
Live Music Corner Wednesday, Sept. 5 – The Central Illinois Jazz Orchestra at 7:00-9:00 p.m. No cover charge. The Fieldhouse Bar and Grill in Campustown, 1200 W. Main St. No cover charge. Call 494-9600. Sunday, Sept. 16 – The Central Illinois Jazz Society House Band at 6:00 p.m. Kevin Hart and the Vibe Tribe with special guest Carlos Vega at 7:15 p.m. The Starting Gate Banquet Room, located in Landmark Recreation Center at 3225 N. Dries Lane. Admission is $5/Members $7/NonMembers, free for students. Visit www.peoriajazz.com.
Motor Mites Open Gym
Beginning Wednesday, September 5
Franciscan Recreation Complex 908 Sterling Avenue in West Peoria www.peoriaparks.org or call 677-6705.
M-W-F: 9:15-11:15 a.m. and F: 1:00-3:00 p.m. • $2 per visit or $20 for 12-visit pass This open gym for ages 1-5 is a great way to let little ones with lots of energy enjoy the fun of playing freely with scooters, balls, hula hoops, tumbling equipment and more! It’s a great way for children and parents to socialize. Parents must attend.
Art Events at Bradley
Submitted by Erin Zellfrow, Director of Galleries, Exhibitions and Collections
I saw the light was on Mie Kongo October 1 – November 9, 2012 Heuser Art Gallery Reception: October 18, 5-6:30 p.m.
Sense of Place Photographs by Mikhael Antone October 1 – November 6, 2012 Hartmann Gallery Reception: October 4, 5-6:30 p.m. For more information on upcoming events, visit Bradley University Galleries at http://art.bradley.edu/bug.
Every Monday, join us for LIVE TRIVIA at 7:00 p.m. ... with prizes! Join us on Sept. 3, 10, 17 and 24. Events are held at The Fieldhouse Bar and Grill in Campustown, 1200 W. Main St. For more information, call 494-9600 or visit fieldhousepeoria.com.
6 – Monthly Messenger – September 2012
Submit your organization’s news and events to mossbradleynews@gmail.com
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Peoria Art Guild Fine Art Fair - Peoria Riverfront Laramie Project - Corn Stock Winter Playhouse 2:30 pm
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Faculty Recital: Keith Zimmerman - 7:30 pm Dingeldine Music Center Free
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Bradley Band Quad Concert - 4 pm - Alumni Quad - Free
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Peoria Art Guild Fine Art Fair - Peoria Riverfront Laramie Project - Corn Stock Winter Playhouse - 7:30 pm Faculty Recital: Lisette Keilson - 7:30 pm - Dingeldine Music Center - Free
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Historic Preservation Commission 8:30 am - City Hall Room 400
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Zoning Commission 1 pm - City Hall Room 400
Moss-Bradley Membership Meeting Social - 6:30 pm Meeting - 7 pm
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9 to 5 at Peoria Players Theatre Move Over Mrs. Markham at Barn 2 Dinner Theatre The Laramie Project at Corn Stock Theatre Peoria Art Guild 50th Annual Fine Art Fair
PSD 150 School Improvement Day Early Dismissal
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Faculty Recital: Marcia Henry Leibenow & Andrew Molina - 3 pm Dingeldine Music Center $5/Students Free
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September 2012
Moss-Bradley Residential Association 1512 W Barker Ave Peoria, IL 61606
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Newsletter mossbradleynews@gmail.com Kelly Kolton, Newsletter Editor & Layout Design Skip Cravens, Mailing & Subscription Coordinator Susan Bock, Proofreader Amy Blain, Calendar Monthly Contributors and Photographers as credited
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Officers & Committees West Bluff Council Bradley Univ. Moss Ave. Sale Neighborhood Pride Social Historic Commission Landscaping Greeter Greenway Project Webmaster TriCorn Park
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
Board Members President Vice President Secretary Treasurer Director Director Director Director Director
Rod Lorenz Jim Evenhuis Tim Shaw Brian Buralli Jim Adams Margaret Cousin Rick Melby Sid Ruckriegel Marjorie Schwebel
673-9520 303-3245 397-3275 369-2037 256-1484 676-2460
Non-Voting Past Presidents Sid Ruckriegel Andrew McGowan Paul Masick Joanne Bannon
637-3271 674-6365 303-0083 673-7348 674-8037 673-0925 678-0370 256-1484
303-0083 672-2363 303-0083 677-9808 674-6365 676-0330