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'There comes a time ...'

Details: Written by Paul Gordon

City Clerk Mary Haynes will retire after 32 years in office

haynes

Mary Haynes is getting her Tuesday nights back to do whatever she chooses. After 32 years in the Peoria City Clerk's office, one might think it's about time she gets to do something than sit through City Council meetings.

Haynes, 69, announced Thursday that she will retire June 26 after 32 in the clerk;s office, including the last 27 as the City Clerk. In her seventh consecutive term, she is the longest serving City Clerk in Peoria history and was the first woman elected to the position.

Learn about federal and state benefits for Alzheimer's care

Details: Written by The Peorian

The Alzheimer's Association will host an event to enable seniors to air concerns about Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security, from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Saturday at the association's office, 606 W. Glen Ave.

A representative of U.S. Rep. Aaron Schock, R-Peoria, and an attorney who specializes in elder care issues will be on hand to address those concerns. The program is called "Uncle Sam and Alzheimer's Care: So You Think You Know Everything About Federal and State Benefits?"

Bryan Rudolph, a constituent services specialist from Schock's 18th Congressional District office, will discuss Alzheimers patients or care givers should know about Medical and Social Security.

Susan Dawson-Tibbits, a local elder care attorney, will give an update on Medicaid planning and imminent new rules.

Also, individuals and family members will be able to meet for personal care consultations with Helpline Coordinator Herminia Christy, a licensed social worker. Christy can assist with decision-making support, crisis assistance and education, and provide referrals to local community programs and services.

The program is free and open to the public but reservations are required. Please call the Alzheimer's Association at 681-1100 or (800) 272-3900 for reservations or more information.

The Alzheimer's Association provides programs and services to caregivers and those with memory loss problems. Core programs include information and referral, care consultations, education, support groups, and safety services. Disease, caregiver and support information can be found by visiting the agency website at www.alz.org/illinoiscentral or calling (800) 272-3900.

Episode 35: Under the tent: A look at Corn Stock Theatre's 2012 season

Details: Written by The Peorian

An interview with Cindy Hoey, manager of Corn Stock Theatre.

Taking a look at "The Trip"

Details: Written by Kevin Kizer

On this week's episode of The Peorian on TV I have finally found the creative vehicle that combines my love for the literary, the culinary and the comedic. It's the film "The Trip" starring Steve Coogan and Rob Brydon.

In this pseudo-documentary subtitled “eat, drink and try not to kill each other” Coogan is asked by The Observer to tour some of Britain’s finest restaurants for a special segment in the magazine. He envisions it as the perfect getaway for himself and his beautiful girlfriend. But, when she has to back out due to work obligations, the only person left to accompany Steve is his best friend and source of eternal aggravation, Rob.

Want to see Alice Cooper? Tell us about your dream concert and win tickets

Details: Written by Paul Gordon

When word came out Monday that Alice Cooper was going to play the Civic Center in July, it sparked some interesting conversation among some of us at The Peorian office.

Of those in the discussion I am the oldest and probably most familiar with Alice Cooper yet I wasn't the only one who "oohed" when I read the email from the Civic Center. It got us to talking about people or groups we've seen in concert through the years and who we wish we could or could have seen.

And it got us to come up with an idea our readers might like. Let me explain.

Episode 34: The New East Peoria: A conversation with Mayor Dave Mingus

Details: Written by The Peorian

An interview with Dave Mingus, mayor of East Peoria.

"Chicago" opens Friday at Peoria Players

Details: Written by Paul Gordon

Perhaps it is America's fascination with the gangster era and celebrity crime, or maybe it's just the love of a good story with good music.

Either way, "Chicago" is one of America's favorite musicals and it will open Friday at Peoria Players Theatre.

chicago-033 (Photo by Paul Gordon) Michelle Rouland, left, portrays Velma Kelly and Lindsey Perenchio is Roxie Hart in the Peoria Players Theatre production of "Chicago," which opens Friday and plays through May 13 at the theatre at 4300 N. University St. Directed by Charles Killen, the musical will play eight performances at the theatre at 4300 N. University St. Tickets are $18 for adults and $12 for patrons 18 and under. Show times are 7:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and on May 10, 11, and 12; and at 2 p.m. on May 6 and 13.

A special benefit performance for St. Jude Walks is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, May 8. Tickets are $20 each, with $15 of that dedicated to St. Jude Walks. It is open to the public.

"Chicago" is set during the Prohibition-era in the Windy City. The music was written by John Kander with lyrics by Fred Ebb. The book was written by Ebb and Bob Fosse. It is a satire about the corruption that existed in the criminal justice system at the time.

For Killen, that satire is why he has wanted to direct "Chicago" for many years. "I love the satire of this show. We have two girls guilty of murder who get away with it and then there is the innocent one who isn't a celebrity who actually is found guilt and is hanged for it," he said.

"I've always had a fascination with true crime stories and I think that made this musical that much more intriguing to me. And it has been my favorite musical ever since I heard the music from the 1996 Broadway revival," he added.

Well-known songs from the musical include "All That Jazz," "Razzle Dazzle" and "Cell Block Tango."

Killen said he believes "Chicago" will long be a favorite because of the satire and the love for everything to do with celebrities. "It doesn't matter what the press reports about celebrities, people want to know more. They can't get enough of it. To many people those stories take precedence over anything else going on in the world, even the war. So people can relate to this," he said. chicago-008 (Photo by Paul Gordon) Susan Knobloch, front, one of the Merry Murderesses in the Peoria Players production of "Chicago," sings her part of the Cell Block Tango as Jessi Palkovic looks on during a recent rehearsal.

The show stars Michelle Rouland as Velma Kelly, her second turn in the role. She performed it at Eastlight Theatre several years ago.

Lindsey Perenchio, a newcomer to Peoria community theatre, portrays Roxie Hart. Perenchio moved to Peoria recently from Branson, Mo., where she was a professional dancer, Killen said.

Velma and Roxie are the celebrities who go on trial for killing others who betrayed them. For Velma it was her husband and her sister, whom she caught together, while Roxie shot her lover. Each tries to outdo the other for the attention of the press.

They are defended by suave attorney Billy Flynn, played here by Nick Tornow, making his Peoria Players debut. He'd performed years earlier as Joseph in "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat" at Eastlight Theatre before job demands forced him to give up theater for several year, Killen said.

Jail matron Mama Morton is played by Lana Warner, who played the role at Eastlight, and Nate Downs portrays Amos Hart, Roxie's husband who pictures himself as "Mr. Cellophane."

Caleb Finley is Mary Sunshine, the reporter who covers celebrity news and crime.

Steve Rouland is the Emcee, Clifford Clark portrays Fred Casely, a role he first played in 2006 at Corn Stock Theatre, and Gretchen Wirtz-Primeau is Go-To-Hell Kelly.

The Merry Murderesses are portrayed by Susan Knobloch, Kelli Mathis, Jessi Palkovic, Ingrid Peele and Samantha Zobrist.

Jerry Ailshie is the music director and conducts the nine-piece orchestra that is on stage throughout the show while also playing keyboard.

The set, designed by Killen, is simple yet striking. It's all in black with red trim, with the Chicago skyline as the backdrop.

Paul Gordon is editor of The Peorian. He can be reached at 692-7880 or editor@thepeorian.com

Cat: The right size for right now

Details: Written by Paul Gordon

When Caterpillar Inc. unveiled its first quarter financial report last weeks it boasted, rightfully so, that its worldwide employment was at 155,710 at the end of the quarter. That is almost 50 percent higher than it was at the start of 2010.

You may recall the start of 2010 was about the time Caterpillar had finished downsizing its workforce as part of its trough planning to get through the recession relatively unscathed. The company had ended contracts with most of the companies that supplied it with temporary personnel, laid off a boatload of workers and offered early buyouts to a bunch of others.

Employment had surpassed 112,000 when the cutbacks started and by the start of 2010 was down to about 93,000. The company said it had "right-sized" for the way business stood at the time.