All posts in January Newsletter 2014

The President’s Message

January 1, 2014 / Comments Off on The President’s Message / Posted in: January Newsletter 2014, The President's Message

Welcome 2014!! In retrospect our neighborhood had an eventful 2013. New crosswalks, stop signs and speed limits… a great Moss Avenue Sale…an enjoyable 4th of July celebration…a daunting challenge of the sale of Washington School. Also not to exclude the transition of the gas station at Main and Western by the Greenway Fund, which helps the entire neighborhood. And finally noting the RNNC event this past season and the transition of the newsletter from hard copy to digital. For all involved a BIG THANK YOU!!

A special thanks to Joanne and Ed for another Hanging of the Greens event. Although the temperature was cold the hospitality and fellowship was warm and fun.

Our Holiday Party was well attended, even though the venue was different and the night was snowy. Thanks to the staff at the Studios on Sheridan for providing the facility and hospitality.

A reminder of upcoming dates…the MBRA membership meeting will be held in the regular location on Wednesday January 8th. Our guest speaker will be Jody Smith Brown from the Children’s Home Association. The Board meeting will be on Tuesday January 14th at Jim’s office.

One last reminder. The Bradley Police will be patrolling our neighborhood over the Holidays.  They will be watching and visiting off campus student housing in our area.  A big thank you goes to the Bradley Police for this effort.

Happy New Year to all!!

Jim Evenhuis,
President MBRA

Un-hanging of the Greens

January 1, 2014 / Comments Off on Un-hanging of the Greens / Posted in: Hanging of the Greens, January Newsletter 2014

Time flies when we are celebrating the holidays, doesn’t it? We’ll meet to wrap up the holidays by removing the greens at 10:00 A.M. on Saturday, January 4! (Please note time change to 10:00–hopefully the sun will warm the January air by then!)

This is usually a fairly quick project so if you are available, come with your ladder, work gloves, and wire cutters. Trucks for green pick-up are needed as well. Meet at Ed and Joanne’s (1705 W Moss) for a cup of coffee, team and street assignments!

  • Un-hanging of the Greens
    • 10 A.M. Saturday, January 4, 2014
    • Weather permitting–we’ll adjust the date if we have too much ice or snow
    • Ed and Joanne’s house: 1705 W Moss

Thanks to all who help with both the hanging and unhanging of the holiday greens!

Thru the Windshield

January 1, 2014 / Comments Off on Thru the Windshield / Posted in: January Newsletter 2014, Thru the Windshield

How do we look to those passing by? Observations…questions…hopes…concerns
by Marjorie Elise

The New Year brings snow and frigid temperatures and time for reflection. The days darken before dinner and we hurry indoors to the security of hearth and home. The gardens and lawns can wait for spring before we need to return to their care. We have the luxury of a slower pace. So the subject of gratitude comes to the fore. It is good to take the time to list the many ways that we are gifted and blessed:

Many hours given by our MBRA officers and board to keep our neighborhood thriving.

Ordinary people doing extraordinary things.

Scrumptious food at potlucks and parties.

Shade trees and gardens and landscaping works of art.

Bradley University’s lectures, recitals and services to our community.

Restoration of historic homes to honor our predecessors and reward our progeny.

Awesome ideas that come from free and open monthly meetings.

Deceased friends who taught us well and left their mark.

Leadership of city council members who care about our issues.

Eager volunteers each and every time they are called upon.

Young families without whom we would dry up and fade away…welcome!

Indeed, we are blessed and grateful.

Washington School Update

January 1, 2014 / Comments Off on Washington School Update / Posted in: January Newsletter 2014, Washington School

washington-school

Washington School Update

Peoria School District 150 has indicated its intent to sell the former Washington School located at 830 W. Moss Avenue. In the near future the City of Peoria will issue an RFP for prospective buyers.

At a special meeting on December 4 the MBRA membership discussed criteria that could be used to evaluate proposals for future use of the facility.

After a productive discussion, members were asked to indicate their preferred priorities for the criteria. The resulting priority list is given, with the criterion regarded as most important listed first.

• The business/operating plan is of high quality and capitalization is adequate to complete the plan.

• The plan implies permanent occupancy.

• The plan uses the entire facility.

• The impact on traffic is consistent with a residential neighborhood location.

• Landscaping and proposed changes to the building’s exterior are appropriate to the historic district and the surrounding environment.

The Central Illinois Jazz Society

January 1, 2014 / Comments Off on The Central Illinois Jazz Society / Posted in: January Newsletter 2014, The Central Illinois Jazz Society

Submitted by: Dick Marsho, President

Sunday, January 26

Presents: CIJS House Band at 6:00 p.m.

Guest Group: Super Session, featuring Paul Weddle at 7:15 p.m.

Admission: $5.00 Members | $7.00 Non-Members | Students are free

super-session

Super Session consists of Paul Weddle on saxes, Jason Hattermann on keyboards, Cortez Banks on drums, Dave Plunk on bass, Mike Nellas on guitar and sometimes Keith Boswell on congas. They play smooth jazz, Latin and standards. There’s a lot of energy and dynamics.

The band really mixes it from beautiful ballads to up-tempo scorchers. They are always fun to hear and provide a little something for everyone.

The Central Illinois Jazz Society (CIJS) House Band will play during the first set, under the leadership of Larry Harms. The CIJS House Band features outstanding jazz musicians from the area. They will entertain you with a mixture of jazz styles.

For more information call 692.5330 or visit www.peoriajazz.com. For more information about our location, visit www.landmarkrec.com.

Food and beverages are available for purchase at this live jazz program.

 

Additional Dates:

  • Sunday, February 16:
    • 6:00 p.m. – Central Illinois Jazz Society House Band
    • 7:15 p.m. – Peoria Jazz AllStars
  • Sunday, March 16:
    • 6:00 p.m. – Central Illinois Jazz Society House Band
    • 7:15 p.m. – David Hoffman and Friends

Chuck Grayeb, Peoria Councilman

January 1, 2014 / Comments Off on Chuck Grayeb, Peoria Councilman / Posted in: Chuck Grayeb, January Newsletter 2014

chuck-grayeb

We continue to evict criminals from housing in the district and will soon call in some of our worst landlords for a very candid discussion. The days of throwing just anyone into buildings and houses in District Two is over and I will go after the slumlords as aggressively as the criminals. After all, they harbor them as they prey on law-abiding citizens.

Spotshotters was a huge success when tested back in November.

Nuisance businesses are being scrutinized and are subject to enforcement action! A mothball ordinance will be forthcoming.

Also, we will soon have a colloquium about MBRA ‘s desires as it relates to the future use of 839 W. Moss now that District 150 has agreed to let the City be the middleman in any transaction.

Greenway work continues.

Soon a meeting will be convened to insure that the Main Street Commons developer fulfills all agreements made with the City and UENA.

Finally, Design/Build work continues apace for West Main and repair work will soon commence.

Events at St. Mark’s

January 1, 2014 / Comments Off on Events at St. Mark’s / Posted in: January Newsletter 2014, St. Mark School

Celebrate Catholic Schools Week

Join St. Mark’s school for our open house Sunday, January 26 from 10 to 11 a.m.

Visit our school, meet our principal and teachers and enjoy refreshments.

We look forward to meeting you!

711 N. Underhill, Peoria
676.7131 | saint-mark.net

The Sunbeam Building

January 1, 2014 / Comments Off on The Sunbeam Building / Posted in: Arts, January Newsletter 2014, Studios on Sheridan, Sunbeam Building

sunbeam-building

The Sunbeam Building is a renovated 1930’s era warehouse that at one time was the Sunbeam Bakery. The 22,000 square foot Sunbeam Building houses retail stores (vintage goods & antiques and quality used office furniture and more) as well as Studios on Sheridan. The studios are able to accommodate over twenty artists withamenities including abundant natural light, a 700 square foot courtyard in the center of the building, separate gallery space, ADA restrooms and a contemporary loft style atmosphere.

studios-on-sheridan

Studios on Sheridan is one exciting part of the Sunbeam Building at 925-933 N Sheridan in Peoria. 
It is located on Sheridan Road directly behind Broken Tree Coffee.