The enchanting story of Clara and her nutcracker will be told when Central Illinois Ballet presents the holiday classic “The Nutcracker,” with original choreography by Rebekah von Rathonyi, Dec. 14-Dec. 16 at the Illinois Central College Performing Arts Center in East Peoria.

STATE

Illinois Top 200 list nearing completion

The final votes are being tabulated, and when they are, a major project to mark Illinois’ bicentennial will be complete. The Illinois Top 200 list, voted by the public, include 20 categories, such as the best scenic locations in the state, top political leaders, favorite movies shot in Illinois and leading musicians. Votes are being tabulated for the final category: Unforgettable Moments. Choices include a diverse set of news events such as the Lincoln-Douglas debates, the Chicago “Black Sox” scandal and the removal of former Gov. Rod Blagojevich from office.

Bicentennial best-of voters recently picked Abraham Lincoln as the state’s best leader. That was the second-to-last list. When the list is complete, the results will be available on the Lincoln Presidential Library’s website, and will be a resource for anybody who is interested in exploring the state’s history.

The full Top 200 list will be ready in time to be part of the celebration of Illinois’ 200th anniversary on Dec. 3. 

EUREKA

Hospital receives honor for excellence

Advocate Eureka Hospital has been selected as a recipient of the Guardian of Excellence Award winner by Press Ganey. This award recognizes top-performing health care organizations that have achieved the 95^th percentile or above of performance in patient experience, engagement or clinical quality performance.

The Press Ganey Guardian of Excellence Award is a nationally-recognized symbol of achievement in health care. Presented annually, the award honors clients who consistently sustained performance in the top 5 percent of all Press Ganey clients for each reporting period during the course of a calendar year.

City services, safety presentation Dec. 1

Eureka Assistant Chief of Police Kim Jones will be at the Eureka Public Library District, 202 S. Main St., Dec. 1, to present an overview of city police services and answer questions about security in the community. Highlights of the presentation, which will begin at 10 a.m., will include theft prevention tips, crime prevention notices and ordinance violations. Free doughnuts and coffee will be served. Register by Nov. 30. This program is part of a special Welcome Home! Community Services Series initiative the library promoted this fall to give area residents a chance to learn more about community services.

Quarter auction to support library group

Bring a sack full of quarters and bid on items to be auctioned in support the Friends of the Eureka Public Library District. The auction will be held Dec. 3, at Eureka Christian Church, 302 S. Main St. Doors will open at 5 p.m. and bidding will begin at 6 p.m. A wide variety of items will be open to bid, and there will be door prizes.

Admission fee is $3, which includes a seat at a table and one paddle for bidding. Additional paddles are $2 each. Organizers suggest that participants may want to bring $10-$40 in quarters to bid on items. Food will also be available for purchase. All proceeds will be donated to the Friends of the Eureka Public Library District. To donate an auction item, contact Susan Bressner at 309-360-4555.

EAST PEORIA

Central Illinois Ballet presents ‘The Nutcracker’

Central Illinois Ballet will present the holiday classic “The Nutcracker,” with original choreography by Rebekah von Rathonyi, Dec. 14-Dec. 16 at the Illinois Central College Performing Arts Center in East Peoria. Performances will be given at 7 p.m. Dec. 14, 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Dec. 15 and 2 p.m. Dec. 16. Ticket prices range from $12 to $35 and can be purchased online at dancestudio-pro.com.

Appearing in “The Nutcracker” will be members of the ballet company’s trainees, senior and junior company ensembles. These ensembles are comprised of current students at Cornerstone Academy pursuing a career in professional dance. For these students, Central Illinois Ballet productions offer them the opportunity to dance alongside professional company members and learn firsthand what dancing in a professional company is like.

–Woodford County News Briefs–