Good morning, Peoria.

Fifteen professionals from Peoria will travel to Ukraine on Friday afternoon for a 17-day relief mission in Turnopil where they will offer mental health support, manual labor, and dental hygiene services to help refugees rebuilding after the war.

The team—led by local volunteer Mark Rein and clinical psychologist Dr. Steven Hamon who will train Ukrainian care providers on managing compassion fatigue—will return on May 18.

Three Tibetan monks visited Peoria last week to promote peace at Bradley University by building a traditional sand mandala and holding a prayer ceremony for world peace.

They finished the artwork on Friday and then destroyed it to show that nothing lasts forever + the monks encouraged local students to learn about this cultural practice.

Peoria Fire Department Division Chief Lorie Baxter is retiring after 27 years of service and became the first woman on the executive board of Peoria Firefighters Local 50—she will stay in Peoria to spend more time with her family as Division Chief Ryan Calhoun takes over her role.

City of Peoria is seeking proposals from developers to redevelop the historic PNC Bank building on Adams Street along with the former Creve Coeur Club building and its parking deck; applications have been accepted since April 30.

The city will review submissions until July 24 and plans to start a mixed-use project in 2026+ criteria include experience, financial capacity, development capacity, and minority and women-owned business participation.

Philharmonic 100 Year Celebration

2:30-5 p.m. — Illinois Central College Performing Arts Center — Ticket purchase required — Celebrate a century of song and tradition with the Philharmonic Chorale.

Planter Clay Hand Building Class

4:30-6 p.m. — The Clay Den — All materials included — Create a personalized clay planter while learning hand-building techniques and enjoy a complimentary plant.

Blossom Teacup Hand Building Class

4:30-6:30 p.m. — The Clay Den — All materials included — Create a unique floral-inspired mug for Mother's Day weekend.

Family Hand Print Bowl Event

1-3 p.m. — The Clay Den — Cost varies — Create a meaningful keepsake using your family's handprints in clay.

Organic Flower Vase Clay Hand Building Class

12-2 p.m. — The Clay Den — Cost not specified — Craft a unique flower vase while enjoying quality time with loved ones this Mother's Day weekend.

Summer Slices Ceramic Workshop

6-8 p.m. — Art at the Bodega — $20 deposit plus additional cost based on item — Create your own watercolor style ceramic piece with guided techniques.

Peoria Symphony Orchestra Grand Finale

7:30-9:00 p.m. — Peoria Civic Center — Ticket prices vary — Experience the musical love story of Clara Schumann, Robert Schumann, and Johannes Brahms.

Flower Bowl Clay Hand Building Class

5:30-7 p.m. — The Clay Den — $35 — Craft a beautiful flower-shaped bowl in a fun and creative clay class.

Hug a Highland Cow Event

10:30 a.m. — Art at the Bodega — $10 per person — Experience the joy of hugging Highland Cows while enjoying tasty treats and pottery painting.

Little Feat Concert

7:30-9 p.m. — Prairie Home Alliance Theater — $88-$157 — Enjoy an evening of classic rock at the highly anticipated Little Feat concert.

CNC Machinist

The CNC Machinist is responsible for operating CNC machinery to manufacture aerospace components with precision and efficiency. This role incudes performing advance inspections, troubleshooting, and contributing to process improvements while ensuring adherence to quality and safety standards.