Good morning, Peoria.

Last Saturday, over 300 families visited the First United Methodist Church food pantry at 116 NE Perry Avenue to receive essential groceries such as frozen meats, produce, and milk amid the federal shutdown and SNAP pause—community support has boosted volunteer turnout and donations to help meet rising needs.

Peoria Public Schools Wraparound Center hosted a free legal clinic for families Saturday where a local attorney provided help with expungement, family law, landlord and tenant negotiations and wills—about 20 families attended while organizers handed out food, hygiene products and prize giveaways.

On Friday, boys ages 12 to 16 with behavioral challenges heard eight inmates from Peoria County Jail share their stories as part of an Elite Re-Entry Program.

Founder Carl Cannon said the program aims to warn at-risk youth about a path leading to jail — urging them to choose a safer future.

Peoria County will begin soil boring work on Glasford Road from US Route 24 to Main Street on Monday, November 10, which will require lane closures from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily during the two-week project — drivers are advised to follow on-site flaggers' directions and use alternate routes.

On Saturday at Detweiller Park, the IHSA cross country state finals in Peoria showcased top performances in the Class 1A races, where local teams such as Eureka and Elmwood/Brimfield earned trophies and standout runners like Chaz Oberkfell posted competitive times — including a 14:32.10 finish. The report also listed scheduled start times for Classes 2A and 3A, with further results expected to be released.

The Illinois high school football playoffs quarterfinals for Peoria-area teams are set—matchups include Burbank St. Laurence vs Dunlap, Peoria High vs Oak Forest, and others across classes 6A, 5A, 3A, 2A, and 1A with game times still to be announced.

The IHSA bracket details the planned pairings for teams in the quarterfinals.

Peoria-area swimmers and divers earned state finals spots after sectionals held Saturday.

Washington won the Normal Community sectional with 303 points — Metamora took first at Pekin with 243 points, and athletes from Peoria Notre Dame, Galesburg, and Dunlap also met the IHSA standards.

Board Game Night

6-9 p.m. — Border Brewing Co. — Free entry — Enjoy a night of social gaming and meet fellow enthusiasts in the community.

Park District Bubble Bowls

5:30-7:30 p.m. — Art at the Bodega — Cost info not specified — Create colorful bubble bowls in a fun, creative setting.

Gabby's Dollhouse Live

5-7:30 p.m. — Peoria Civic Center — Tickets available — Experience a magical afternoon with thrilling adventures from Gabby's Dollhouse.

Holly Wreath Hand Building Class

4-6 p.m. — The Clay Den — Workshop fee varies — Craft a charming holiday wreath from clay in this festive hand-building class.

Cardinal in Winter Painting Class

6-8:30 p.m. — Art at the Bodega — Cost varies — Create a personalized Cardinal in Winter acrylic painting while enjoying a fun-filled artistic atmosphere.

Make Your Own Christmas Village House Clay Class

1-2:30 p.m. — The Clay Den — Cost TBA — Design and sculpt your unique ceramic holiday house in a festive clay workshop.

Ladies Sing Along Brunch

10 AM – 12 PM — Castaways — Starts at $28.52 — Enjoy a delightful brunch while singing your favorite songs in a lively atmosphere.

Wheel Thrown Lidded Jars Workshop

6:30-8:30 p.m. — The Clay Den — Includes materials — Elevate your pottery skills by crafting unique, functional lidded jars over two specialized sessions.

Sparkle & Sip Soirée – Peoria's Festival of Trees 2025

9:30 a.m.–11:30 a.m. — Holiday Inn & Suites Peoria at Grand Prairie — $75 per ticket or $600 for a table of ten — Enjoy a lively brunch with bubbly, raffles, and live entertainment while supporting local families.

Clay Den 1-Year Anniversary Celebration

1-5 p.m. — The Clay Den — Free entry — Celebrate creativity and community with live music, special offers, and a holiday food drive.