My Visit to the Alzheimer's Association Peoria Chapter!

Peoria, Illinois, is home to several impressive bridges that span the Illinois River, but none are more iconic or vital than the Murray Baker Bridge. Widely regarded as the biggest in the area, this structure is both a regional landmark and a crucial transportation link.The Murray Baker Bridge carries Interstate 74 and Illinois Route 29 between downtown Peoria and East Peoria. Designed as a cantilever bridge, its projecting beams support the main span without continuous piers beneath, allowing it to stretch across the river in a dramatic fashion. Measuring more than 3,000 feet in length, the bridge dominates the city’s skyline and serves as one of the primary gateways into Peoria.Originally opened in 1958, the bridge was named after Murray M. Baker, a prominent Peoria industrialist and civic leader. Since then, it has become an indispensable part of the region’s transportation network, carrying an estimated 68,000 vehicles per day. For both commuters and long-distance travelers along I-74, the bridge provides a vital east-west connection through central Illinois.Compared with other notable river crossings in the area, such as the McClugage Bridge and Cedar Street Bridge, the Murray Baker stands out not only for its size but also for its role in interstate travel. While the McClugage is longer in total length, the Murray Baker Bridge remains the most heavily traveled and symbolically significant structure in the region.Over the years, the bridge has undergone several rehabilitation projects to ensure safety and longevity. The most recent, completed in 2020, replaced its deck, improved structural steel, and added new lighting that enhances its nighttime presence. Today, the Murray Baker Bridge continues to serve as Peoria’s biggest and most essential bridge, representing both the city’s industrial heritage and its ongoing growth.

Peoria, Illinois, long known as a testing ground for American commerce, is experiencing a notable resurgence in its local business scene. After facing years of economic uncertainty and the challenges brought on by the pandemic, the city has seen a revitalization fueled by entrepreneurial spirit, community support, and strategic investment.One of the strongest indicators of this comeback is the growth of small, locally owned businesses across the River City. From coffee shops and breweries to boutique retailers and innovative startups, entrepreneurs are choosing to invest in Peoria. Many of these businesses highlight a return to community driven values, emphasizing local products, partnerships, and neighborhood engagement. This has not only strengthened the city’s economy but also its cultural identity.Downtown Peoria, once marked by vacant storefronts, has steadily been transformed with new restaurants, co-working spaces, and entertainment venues. Initiatives by the Peoria Area Chamber of Commerce and local development groups have provided resources, mentorship, and funding opportunities for business owners, ensuring that fresh ideas can thrive. The Warehouse District, in particular, has become a hub for creativity, blending historic architecture with modern business ventures.Equally important, residents have rallied behind this revival. Local support campaigns and events, such as farmers’ markets and “shop local” initiatives, have encouraged people to invest in their own community. This grassroots backing has allowed businesses to not only survive but grow stronger.Peoria’s business comeback is more than just economic it reflects resilience. The city has embraced innovation while staying true to its Midwestern roots, creating an environment where both tradition and progress coexist. As new businesses continue to emerge and established ones expand, Peoria stands as a prime example of how a community can reinvent itself while keeping its local character at heart.

Nestled in Peoria, Illinois, Laura Bradley Park also known as Bradley Park is a green expanse of approximately 100 acres, established in 1864 as a heartfelt tribute by philanthropist Lydia Moss Bradley to her daughter, Laura Bradley, who tragically passed away at age 14.Over the decades, this park has evolved into a multifunctional recreational haven. Visitors enjoy paved hiking paths that gently walk through high bluff woodlands descending into Dry Run Creek; there are also sporting and leisure amenities such as tennis courts, disc golf, playgrounds, picnic areas, and even shelters and an amphitheater. For dog lovers, the park offers two fully fenced off leash dog areas, complete with water fountains and waste stations .One of the park’s most enchanting features is its historic Japanese garden, designed under the guidance of Chicago’s Japanese landscape artist T.R. Otsuka in 1918. It includes a traditional structure reminiscent of a tea house and carefully placed rockwork and pathways .In recent years, the park has seen significant upgrades: in 2022, the 1930s-era wooden pedestrian bridge over Dry Run Creek was replaced with a modern concrete version at a cost of $1.3 million, and the Japanese-style bridge received renovations totaling $30,000, both reopening in April of that year.Laura Bradley Park isn’t just a green space it’s a living legacy, blending natural beauty, thoughtful design, and community spirit. Whether you’re strolling along forested trails, enjoying sports and leisure areas, or admiring the tranquility of the Japanese garden, the park remains a testament to Lydia Bradley’s enduring gift to the City of Peoria.

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Peoria County is turning 200 in 2025, and the celebration is anything but ordinary. Branded the “Bisontennial,” a playful twist combining “bison” and “bicentennial” the year long festivities showcase creativity, history, and community spirit.At the center of the celebration is a county wide public art project featuring life size fiberglass bison sculptures. Originally, organizers expected about 20, but enthusiasm has doubled that number, with nearly 40 sculptures being installed at schools, parks, and landmarks. Each bison is uniquely painted by local artists and organizations, turning the county into an open gallery.To encourage exploration, Peoria County launched the “Bison Trek” digital passport. Residents and visitors can use their phones to check in at sculpture sites, earn digital badges, and even win prizes from Wildlife Prairie Park. The program adds an interactive twist to the celebration, inviting families and tourists to discover the herd together.Community participation extends beyond the large sculptures. At Fired Up pottery studio in Peoria Heights, people can paint mini ceramic bison for a flat fee. Each comes with a commemorative tag, and one winning design chosen through public voting will be transformed into a full-size bison unveiled at October’s grand celebration.The Bisontennial began with a kickoff event at the Peoria Riverfront Museum on January 13, 2025. Festivities will culminate in a block party at the Peoria County Courthouse this October, bringing together music, food, and, of course, the colorful bison herd.Bison were chosen as the central symbol because they embody resilience and strength qualities that reflect Peoria County’s enduring legacy. With its mix of art, history, and community engagement, the Bisontennial not only honors the county’s past but also showcases its creativity and pride moving into the future.

Peoria native and entrepreneur Reuben Cummings is the founder of Nerevu Group, a thriving company specializing in IT, analytics, and cybersecurity solutions for businesses. His passion for technology was sparked during his time at the Urban League of Peoria, where exposure to local schools and a computer club ignited his curiosity.Reuben is passionate about creating a critical thinking workspace, where he encourages his employees to problem-solve intuitively. He is very active in the local business community, and can frequently be seen networking, or just chatting with fellow business owners, at different events.A graduate of Manual Academy High School, Cummings was an active member of the track and cross-country teams, valuing the camaraderie as much as the competition. He went on to study chemical engineering at MIT, spending time in Boston before moving to Tanzania to study abroad.Reuben eventually returned to Peoria to reconnect with a longtime friend—now his wife—and to invest his expertise back into his hometown. What he loves about coming back to Peoria is all the new local spots popping up around town and the improvement the city has seen in the past few years.His journey reflects the exceptional talent within Peoria and the limitless potential of its community.

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