The Peoria Riverfront Museum is now hosting the world’s comprehensive exhibition on Leonardo da Vinci through March 2020. (Photo courtesy of Riverfront Museum)

 PEORIA 

 Roads reopen for December, but more closures coming

North University Street, from Pioneer Parkway to Townline Road, is now open to two-way traffic. Altorfer Drive, at University Street, is also open to two-way traffic.

Motorists should expect intermittent lane closures through mid-January.

While most of the project was completed in 2019, work will resume in spring 2020 to complete the sidewalk, bike path, lighting improvements, landscaping and final striping.

The remaining work will result in limited traffic disruption and is expected to be completed by early summer 2020

The North University Street (Pioneer Parkway – Townline Road) Improvement Project includes a complete reconstruction and modernization of the roadway with added sidewalk, a multiuse path, upgraded lighting and stormwater solutions. This project is funded by grants from the Economic Development Administration (US Department of Commerce) and Economic Development Program (IDOT), with matching funds provided by the City.

The Peoria Public Works Department appreciates the public’s patience as we make this important roadway improvement.

Motorists are urged to use extreme caution in construction zones.

Contact the city of Peoria’s Project Engineer Emily Ambroso at 309- 494-8800 if you have questions regarding this project closure.

Riverfront Museum hosts unique exhibition on da Vinci 

The world’s most comprehensive exhibition on Leonardo da Vinci’s work, including full-scale interpretations of his inventions and groundbreaking studies of his iconic art is on display for the first time in Illinois at  the “Da Vinci – The Genius” featuring the world’s exclusive “Secrets of Mona Lisa” exhibition at the Peoria Riverfront Museum.

“This is a tremendously exciting moment in the cultural history of the region,” said John Morris, museum president and CEO. “The most significant traveling exhibition on the greatest multidisciplinary genius of all time is coming to Peoria on the 500th anniversary of his death.”

The exhibition demonstrates the full scope of da Vinci’s work as an inventor, artist, anatomist, musician and architect through life-size machine inventions and animations of his most notable works, including “The Last Supper,” “The Vitruvian Man” and the Sforza horse, offering new perspectives.

The full-scale inventions featured in “Da Vinci – The Genius” were crafted by Italian artisans, using Renaissance period techniques and materials. The artisans researched thousands of pages of da Vinci’s personal codices to decipher the hidden clues, intentional mistakes and mirror-image writing he used to keep his work secret.

The exhibition is sponsored by Bielfeldt Foundation, PNC, Illinois Mutual, Dr. Allan & Marlene Campbell, Ruby K. Worner Charitable Trust, Oak River Foundation and the Illinois Arts Council.

“Da Vinci – The Genius” runs  through March 22  Cost is $18 for adults, $17 for students (with ID) and seniors (60 and older), and $16 for youth (3-17); museum members get in free. For more information on the exhibition or about the museum, call 309-686-7000 or visit RiverfrontMuseum.org

STATE

Public invited to take IDOT traveler survey

The Illinois Department of Transportation is seeking feedback on the state’s transportation system through its annual Illinois Traveler Opinion Survey, available today through Dec. 31. The survey is available online by clicking here or visiting idot.illinois.gov.

“The public’s input is vital for the health of our transportation system. We look forward to learning about your travel preferences, what you think we are doing well and how you’d like us to improve,” said Acting Illinois Transportation Secretary Omer Osman. “Illinois is the heart of this country’s transportation network, its importance to national commerce as well as safe travel for the motoring public can’t be understated. We want to hear from you.”

The annual survey, conducted in partnership with the University of Illinois Springfield, seeks feedback on topics ranging from road conditions and ice-and-snow removal to commuting habits and driving behaviors. Questions also ask travelers for feedback about the IDOT website, the state’s rest areas and passenger rail use.

The Illinois Traveler Opinion Survey has been conducted annually since 2001. A copy of the 2018 survey and results, as well as data collected from past years, can be viewed here.

For IDOT updates, follow us on Twitter at @IDOT_Illinois or view area construction details on IDOT’s traveler information map on GettingAroundIllinois.com.

Having a safe holiday in terms of food handling, prep

Many people look forward holiday gatherings centered around gift-giving and special meals, whether those are casual buffets or a sit-down holiday meal.

But one thing you do not want to go with your meal is bacteria that could cause food poisoning.

“While most healthy people recover from foodborne illness, typically called food poisoning, in a day or two, others can suffer severe illness, including a condition where the kidneys stop working,” said Illinois Department of Public Health Director Dr. Ngozi Ezike. “This holiday season, I recommend following several food safety steps to help prevent foodborne illness.”

The four main steps for food safety are:

• Clean – Clean your hands, surfaces, and utensils with soap and water before cooking. After cleaning surfaces where raw poultry has touched, also use a sanitizer.
• Separate – Use separate cutting boards, plates, and utensils to avoid cross-contamination between raw meat and foods that are ready to eat.
• Cook – Use a thermometer to check if the turkey is cooked. You cannot tell just by looking if it is fully cooked. Turkey should be cooked to 165° F
• Chill – Do not leave foods at room temperature more than two hours. After you are done eating, divide the remaining food into small containers and either refrigerate or freeze. Leftovers are safe in the refrigerator for up to four days.

An easy rule to remember is to keep hot foods hot, and cold foods cold. After being cooked to a safe temperature, hot foods should not be allowed to get cooler than 140° F.

Cold foods should not be allowed to become warmer than 40° F. Bacteria grow most rapidly in the range of temperatures between 40° F and 140°F. This range of temperatures is commonly referred to as the “Danger Zone.”

Typical symptoms of foodborne illness include vomiting, diarrhea, and flu-like symptoms, which can start anywhere from hours to days after consuming contaminated food or drinks. Symptoms can last anywhere from a few hours to a few days. Those at risk of more severe and even life-threatening foodborne illness include older adults, infants, young children, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems.

If you become ill, especially with severe symptoms, or if you are at risk for more severe disease, seek care from a medical provider to ensure a proper diagnosis and appropriate management.

More information on Food Safety During The Holidays can be found on the IDPH website.