March 2012

Next Membership Meeting

Wednesday March 7Social 6:30 p.m.

Meeting 7:00 p.m.

Westminster Hall, 1420 W. Moss

Topics: Energy referendum on March 20 ballot; Discuss

our membership meeting location options.

Monthly Messenger

President’s Letter • 2

Thru the Windshield •3

The March Review • 4

Malvern Musings • 5

Live Music Corner and Events • 6

Calendar • 7

“Long passages guide the eye to the colorful theater about to be performed when spring flowering begins. (A). It beautifully frames doorways (B) and softens hard surfaces (C).”– From “Malvern Musings,” continued on Page 5.

InsIde:

A

B

C

2 – Monthly Messenger – March 2012

In the last few issues of the Monthly Messenger I’ve described how the efforts of many individuals are necessary to make a great neighborhood. Think of all that would not have happened this season without many volunteers.

One very big example is that you would not have received this newsletter with-out the efforts of Kelly Kolton, Skip Cravens, Mel Waters, Tom Dries, and the assistance of AMT. Volunteers or-ganized by Joanne Bannon and Ed Tar-buck placed and removed the holiday greens — the holidays would have been a little less festive without this MBRA tradition — and everyone enjoyed a hearty lunch that Joanne provided. Jim Adams extended a gracious invitation to hold the holiday party in his beauti-ful home and numerous individuals provided tasty snacks. Paul Masick pre-pared the Westminster Fellowship Hall for our monthly membership meetings, and other volunteers prepare refresh-ments, schedule a program, and help clean up afterwards. Jan Krouse and others have been planning for the 2012 Moss Avenue Sale, which will be big-ger and better than ever. The Board of Directors meet faithfully every month to coordinate all these events and plan new ones. Each month a member offers his or her home as the Board’s meeting place. When you see any of these indi-viduals, thank them for the effort they have expended to make our neighbor-hood better.

Many more opportunities to help remain for this year and next. Volun-teers are needed to help organize the

May Potluck – contact Rita Speck or Jeremiah Baughman. Many volunteers are needed for the Moss Avenue Sale, which may include live music and fine arts this year. We especially need homeowners who will volunteer their yards for the Sale. Contact Jan Krouse to indicate your willingness to help. MBRA may assist with WTVP’s spring membership drive, and will need vol-unteers for a couple of hours. You can help arrange for a permanent display of Moss-Bradley homes in the new Peoria Riverfront Museum – a great way to highlight some of Peoria’s historic trea-sures. The traditional July 4 celebration and “Neighborhood Night Out Against Crime” also provide many opportuni-ties to contribute. Speak to a Board member about these. We’re working on an idea for a more positive ambiance in areas with high density of student rentals. Find a program that interests you and pitch in – it’s the Moss-Bradley way!

Our March and April membership meetings will be of interest to most residents. On March 7 we’ll hear about a referendum on the March 20 ballot that may afford significant savings on your monthly energy bill, and we’ll discuss our membership meeting loca-tion options. In April we’ll hear about new ideas for the Moss Avenue Sale and other new proposals mentioned above. Bring a friend with you.

Rod LorenzPresident, Moss-Bradley Residential Association

A Letter from the President

Send us your observations, story ideas or feedback! E-mail Kelly at mossbradleynews@gmail.com

St. Jude Breakfast at Courtyard EstatesSubmitted by Amanda Hendricks

Courtyard Estates of Peoria will be hosting a St. Jude Pancake and Sausage Break-fast on March 31 from 7:00 a.m.-11:00 p.m. Proceeds of the event will be donated to Chloe’s Promise Foundation to benefit the children of the St Jude Midwest Affiliate. Tickets are $5 and can be purchased in advance at Court-yard Estates or at the door. Call 674-2400 for more information.

MOSS-BRADLEY VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY

Moss-Bradley will be volunteering at the WTVP Spring Pledge Drive on Saturday, March 24! This is a great way to show support for our community, while being with other neighbors.• Needed: 6-8 volunteers • Arrive sometime between 6:30 and 6:45 p.m., that way we’ll have time to train on the phones. • Dress comfortably. Please no T-shirts with commercial logos or slogans.• We will have lots of snacks and during the down time people can feel free to read, knit, or just sit and chat.

For more information, contact Rod at 673-9520 or Kelly at mossbradleynews@gmail.com

Monthly Messenger – March 2012 – 3

school notes

News from St Mark SchoolSubmitted by Pat Nedza

St. Mark School would like to thank the residents of Moss-Bradley for their support of the canned food drive that we had in cooperation with Haddad’s Market. West/Mark Food Pantry really appreciates your help as the demand for food is higher than ever. Our food drive took place during Catholic Schools Week; however, donations of non-per-ishable items are always welcome and can be dropped off at the school or parish offices.

St. Mark Catholic Grade School will be hosting their 13th An-nual Auction, “Casino Royale” on April 14 at the Itoo Hall in Peoria. This is the school’s largest fundraiser and a fun evening for adults! If you would like to at-tend or have an item you would like to donate, or for more in-formation on the auction, please contact St. Mark School at 676-7131, or email Brenda O’Russa at bkorussa@comcast.net.

Upcoming happenings at St. Mark School include:

Feb. 27-March 2 – Scholastic Book Fair. All are welcome-call 676-7131 for times.

March 5-9 – Spring Break – No School

March 22 – Declamation Com-petition at Holy Family School

Last two weeks of March – Stu-dents will be roller skating during their PE classes

News from Westminster Presbyterian ChurchSubmitted by the Church Office

Join us any Wednesday evening through March 28 for “Jesus and Darwin,” a lecture series by Pastor John Zingaro. Can you believe in both Darwin and the bible? Join us any Wednesday at 6:00 p.m. in the Parlor to find out. A light supper will be provided. The event is free; a free-will offering will be accepted.

Join us any Sunday morning through March 25 for an adult Bible study by Pastor John Zingaro on the Parables. The class meets at 9:00 a.m. in the Cha-pel. Everyone is invited.

Westminster Church will hold its monthly Fourth Sunday Fellowship Luncheon on Sunday, March 25, at 11:15 a.m. in the Fellowship Hall. A free-will offering will be accepted; everyone is invited. Call 673-8501 to make a reservation.

All events are at Westminster Pres-byterian Church, 1420 W Moss Ave. Call 673-8501 or visit www. westminsterpeoria.com.

thru the WIndshIeld

How do we look to those passing by?Observations ... questions ... hopes ... concernsCompiled by Marjorie Klise 

Look around. Check out our great Peo-ria architecture. Admire the lines and curves. Be wowed by the stonework. These beautiful structures could be gone sooner than you think

We lost Westminster House last fall. The looming crane knocked it down like a bunch of children’s blocks and Legos.

Three houses on Monroe Street were leveled in January. The neighbors were interested in moving these houses to nearby vacant lots. But these buildings went down over a weekend with no forewarning.

Our beautiful old courthouse is gone. The grand buildings up and down

Hamilton Boulevard and Knoxville Avenue exist only on postcards and in photo albums.

Yet even today, Peoria is still graced by the work of eminent architects. Our city has a history of immigrants who ar-rived in our city to make their fortune, establish their families and construct the homes and civic buildings that proved their success. These buildings appeal to our sense of history and our artistic nature. They deserve our respect.

We would do well to educate ourselves and our neighbors on the need for his-toric preservation. A nationally known manufacturer has five criteria for select-ing cities to build their plants – “his-toric preservation, cultural attractions, a music scene, a local food movement and environmental sustainability.” (Logan Ward, The Secret of Staunton’s Success)

So, today, look around. Relish our treasures.Take them all into your brain bank.They may not be here tomorrow!

Submit your organization’s news and events to mossbradleynews@gmail.com

4 – Monthly Messenger – March 2012

The March ReviewSubmitted by Bonnie Mason

I usually love March. When March arrives I breathe a huge sigh of relief that I have, indeed, survived another cold, snowy Illinois winter, intact, at the same time I experience that deep knowing sense of celebration that Spring is actu-ally just around the corner, that daffodils will appear, and the time has come to begin my annual major cleaning endeavor. This year I am mildly confused since in my estimation it has been March ever since October – an oddity about which I am not complaining. I have just had to reorganize my thinking. I must have had some cosmic nod because I began my grand attempt to rid my house of everything I really don’t want or use in early November! And this year I have actually done it! I gave myself permission to part with all those items that Great Aunt Martha gave me in fifth grade, guilt free! Exhilarating! I am nowhere near finished, but what a feeling!

I recently ran across a book that serves as a great guide (if you can get past the title) for anyone who aspires to do the same, titled, The Hoarder In You How to Live a Happier, Healthier, Uncluttered Life, written by Dr. Robin Zasio. This isn’t really a fun read, but definitely a thought-provoking and enlightening one. My mother kept everything, and was convinced that she would use it all someday – un-fortunately acorns don’t fall far from

the tree. This book has helped me get beyond that by asking myself why I am keeping items that I clearly won’t use and don’t want. Fascinating to learn about one’s self, an endless source of mystery to me. I highly recommend this book. It is a learning experience and not one that leaves you thinking ill of yourself for your failings! Hardcover, published in 2011 by Rodale, the book sells for $24.99.

The next task involved in this undertaking of mine is organizing what I have decided to keep. I found a book titled Organizing Your Home, Decluttering Solutions and Storage Ideas, writ-ten by Emily Wilska. Emily has written such an organized book about how to organize

your house that I am in awe. She explains how to organize a household in 20 chapters. Each segment of each chapter such as “The Kitchen: Fridge” not only offers tips, but is complete with a photograph. The chapters are color-coded and while she uses all the newest “containers” such as wire and canvas where I might use a pretty bas-ket – her ideas are invaluable. I found this book in the bargain section, published in 2009 by Morris Publishing LLC, it sells for $7.98, money well spent.

My third title is equally inex-pensive and equally valuable. Green Cleaning, Natural Hints and Tips For the Eco-Friendly Household, written by Marga-ret Briggs and Vivian Head. The book is comprised of four sections addressing the uses of vinegar, baking soda, lemons and salt in the world of clean-ing. Have you any idea how well vinegar works on lime deposits? It’s like magic! Salt will remove red wine if applied immediately; and a mixture of salt and lemon juice will remove mildew! This book is fun and provides great alter-natives that work to all those chemicals I really don’t want to use and even less to store in my cupboards.

It has a companion volume entitled Vinegar: 1001 Practical Uses, also written by Margart Briggs. Both of these titles I found in the bargain depart-ment. Published in 2009 by Anness Publishing Ltd. These books sell for $5.98 each, hardcover.

I am having a really good time with this project. I kept the empty glass bottle of Sulfodene John Stravinsky bought for my dog in California on a trip we took in the ’70s just because I love the memory, but I threw out all my old nail polish and lipstick and everything else that was on that shelf in the bathroom closet. I am pretty proud of myself! Tis the season to clean – I hope you have fun doing it!

Monthly Messenger – March 2012 – 5

Malvern MusIngs

A monthly column about growing things and growing a great neighborhoodSubmitted by Dan Callahan

“Ever green”

The shadows begin to shorten, ever so slightly, in this month. We have not quite begun to see spring’s exu-berant entrance. But pleasant days beg for walks. It is the perfect opportunity to notice the subtle ways that green pockets have kept our spirits up through the long onslaught of winter. If our eyes can be trained on the contribution of winterproof foliage, we will know where to plant more. Long passages guide the eye to the colorful theater about to be performed when spring flowering begins. (A). It beautifully frames doorways (B) and softens hard surfaces (C).

There are great examples throughout Moss-Bradley of the graceful interplay of one evergreen juxtaposed against another. (D) There are vining evergreens such as the ivy cascading through iron screens. (E) And there are ample opportunities where green screens (in these last two cases, arborvitae) become one with the

“architecture of place.” (F) and (G). They serve as pri-vacy screens, provide texture and bring welcome green color during the leafless months.

March would not be half as interesting without them.

F

D

E

Photos:

A-C: Wards Book of Gardens, published 1947.

D: 1223 W. Moss. Ferrill-Sword Residence – front

E: 501 N. Glenwood. Ryon Residence – garden

F: 1200 W. Moss. Adams Residence – rear

6 – Monthly Messenger – March 2012

lIve MusIc corner

Saturday, March 3: Live music by Side Tracked. 8:00 p.m.-12:00 a.m. No cover charge. Fieldhouse Bar in Campustown. The Fieldhouse Bar and Grill in Campustown, 1200 W. Main St. No cover charge. Call 494-9600.

Wednesday, March 7: Central Illinois Jazz Orchestra - 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.

Tuesday, March 13: Live music by Cheryl Rodey. 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.

Saturday, March 17 – ST. PATRICK’S DAY - Live music by Three-and-a-Half Men. 7:00 p.m. No cover charge. The Fieldhouse Bar and Grill in Campustown, 1200 W. Main St. No cover charge. Call 494-9600.

Sunday, March 18 – The Central Illinois Jazz Society. CIJS House Band at 6:00 p.m. and David Hoffman and Friends at 7:15 p.m. The Starting Gate Banquet Room, located in Landmark Recreation Center, 3225 N. Dries.

Saturday, March 24: Live music by Draft Culture. 8:00 p.m.-12:00 a.m. No cover charge. The Fieldhouse Bar and Grill in Campustown, 1200 W. Main St. No cover charge. Call 494-9600.

Tuesday, March 27: Live music by Cheryl Rodey. 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.

Saturday, March 31: Live music by The Jim Davis Band. 8:00 p.m.-12:00 a.m. No cover charge. The Fieldhouse Bar and Grill in Campustown, 1200 W. Main St. No cover charge. Call 494-9600.

March Arts Events at BradleySubmitted by Kath Conver, Bradley University

March 1, 5:00 pm Lecture by Juror, Delores Fortuna, Horowitz Auditorium, Caterpillar Global Communications Center, free. Call 677-2797.

March 1, 6:00 pm Reception for 3rd Biennial Central Time Ceramics, Heu-ser Art gallery, free. Call 677-2797.

March 4, 4:00 pm “Peoria in the War of 1812”, presented by author Gillum Ferguson, Wyckoff Room, Cullom-Davis Library, free. Call 677-2850.

March 29-April 27, The Smalls, Nina Rizzos Exhibition, Hartmann Center gallery, Hartmann Center for the Performing Arts, free. Call 677-2797

March 29, 5:00 pm Reception for Nina Rizzos, Hartmann Center gallery, Hartmann Center for the Performing Arts, free. Call 677-2797.

Open Volleyball at Franciscan Rec Complex

Mondays, 7:30-10:00 p.m.

These self-refereed pick-up games for ages 18+ are just $3 per visit or get a

punch card at $20 for 10 visits. Just drop in!

Franciscan Recreation Complex 908 Sterling Avenue in West Peoria

www.peoriaparks.org or call 677-6705.

“Peoria in the War of 1812” Presented by Gillum Ferguson, author of Illinois in the War of

1812

Wyckoff Room, Cullom-Davis Library, Bradley University

Sunday, March 4, at 4:00 p.m. Free

A retired federal prosecutor, Ferguson has a lifelong interest in Illinois history and has published

articles on history, law and theology in numerous journals.

Fieldhouse Special EventsSubmitted by Michelle Renick

Every Monday, join in for LIVE TRIVIA! This month, we host trivia on Mondays, March 5, 12, 19, and 26, starting at 7:00 p.m. ... with prizes!

Saturday, March 17 is St. Patrick’s Day. We’ll be serving corned beef and cabbage. Enjoy live music by Three-and-a-Half Men at 7:00 p.m. with no cover charge. Three-and-a-Half Men band member, Brian Buralli, is a Moss-Bradley resident!

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.

Calendar compiled by Amy Blain

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1 Zoning Commission 1 pm - City Hall Room 400

The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged) - 8 pm Bradley University Theatre

2 The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged) - 8 pm Bradley University Theatre

3 The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged) 8 pm -Bradley University Theatre

4 The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged) - 2:30 pm Bradley University Theatre MSCS – Bradley Symphony Orchestra Concerto Aria Concert - 3 pm -Dingeldine Music Center - $5/Students Free

5 6 The Tempest - 8 pm Bradley University Theatre Bradley Symphonic Band - 7:30 pm Dingeldine Music Center $5/Students Free

7 Moss-Bradley Membership Meeting Social - 6:30 pm Meeting - 7 pm The Tempest - 8 pm Bradley University Theatre

8 The Tempest - 8 pm Bradley University Theatre

9 10

11 Daylight Savings Time Begins

12 13 14 15 16 Glengarry, Glen Ross - 7:30 pm Corn Stock Theatre Center

17 Glengarry, Glen Ross - 7:30 pm Corn Stock Theatre Center

18 Glengarry, Glen Ross - 2:30 pm Corn Stock Theatre Center

19 20

21 22 23 Glengarry, Glen Ross - 7:30 pm Corn Stock Theatre Center

24 Glengarry, Glen Ross - 7:30 pm Corn Stock Theatre Center

25 2012 Foodshare Can-a-Thon Neighborhood Collection 1 - 4 pm Bradley Chorale and Chamber Singers - 3 pm - Dingeldine Music Center $5/Students Free

26 27 28 Historic Preservation Commission - 8:30 am - City Hall Room 400

29 Bradley Honor Choir - 7:30 pm Dingeldine Music Center $5/Students Free

30 PSD 150 No School

31

March 2012

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Moss-Bradley Residential Association1512 W Barker AvePeoria, IL 61606

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offIcers & coMMIttees

West Bluff Council Marjorie Klise 674-6864 Paul Masick 674-6365Bradley Univ. Robert D. Aviles 673-8896Moss Ave. Sale Jan Krouse 676-7900Neighborhood Pride AvailableSocial Dr. Lindsey & Kathy Ma 637-3271Historic Commission Paul Masick 674-6365 Sid Ruckriegel 303-0083Landscaping Dan Callahan 673-7348Greeter Skip Cravens 674-8037Greenway Project Peter Getz 673-0925Webmaster Steve Erke 678-0370TriCorn Park Jim Adams 256-1484

Board MeMBers

President Rod Lorenz 673-9520Vice President Jim Evenhuis 303-3245Secretary Brian Buralli 369-2037Treasurer Jim Adams 256-1484Director Margaret Cousin 676-2460Director Wayne Johnson 453-9436Director Marjorie Schwebel 672-2363Director Tim ShawDirector Rita Speck 453-6700

non-votIng Past PresIdents

Sid Ruckriegel 303-0083 Andrew McGowan 677-9808 Paul Masick 674-6365 Joanne Bannon 676-0330

neWsletter

mossbradleynews@gmail.com

Kelly Kolton, Newsletter Editor & Layout DesignSkip Cravens, Mailing & Subscription CoordinatorAmy Blain, CalendarMonthly Contributors and Photographers as credited

A house fire took place at 511 N. Institute Place on Feb. 4 shortly after 2:00 a.m. No one was hurt. This photo was taken as the burnt remains were cleared away the following day.

Please send your neighborhood photos and historic images to mossbradleynews@gmail.com for future issues!

PHOTO: DAN CALLAHAN

House Fire on Institute Place