W
hen deciding what
to write about for
this issue, the fact
Valentine’s Day falls into the
January-February time period
came to mind. So, we thought
about romance.
Add to that the fact I realized
planning for a wedding was a
year-long process — at least in
the case of my stepdaughter
Jessica — and that January was
when wedding showcases started
for the year, it seemed romance
was definitely the way to go.
So, naturally, researching and
writing for this issue was mostly
fun and rewarding.
But the most inspiring, the
most special part of it was
interviewing the three couples
featured inside, the couples who
have been married 50 years and
more.
Wow, what a joy each of them
was, as couples and as indi-
viduals. As a reporter for 30-plus
years I’ve been able to meet and
interview and cover some pretty
important people but none were
more special than the Pritchards
(
married 50 years), the Burnetts
(60
years) and the Conroys (70
years).
One word stood out among all
the others when they discussed
how they were able to make their
marriages work so long. That
word was respect. We should all
take that to heart.
I did want to say a few words
about the fact that the Peoria
area once again has proved it can
match up with any other when it
comes to offering expertise in the
field of love and romance.
Researching the stories for this
issue of The Peorian took me to
several of those experts, which
you can read about inside. Some
have been plying their trade for
years; others are fairly new to it
but saw a need to do something
different to give area residents
more variety.
Chances are very good that
you will find a florist to match
your tastes when needing a
display of some type. There are
several good jewelry stores in the
area (I couldn’t talk to them all)
that offer full services, including
advice. They know what they
are talking about. Shoot, one
local jeweler is writing a book
about how to propose marriage.
He wants to make sure she says
yes and it’s not only because he
doesn’t want to have to give a
refund.
Fairly new to the area are wed-
ding planners. They haven’t been
going long but a chat with them
will reveal an expertise that will
instill confidence that they will
make the day very special.
Going someplace for vacation?
I think anybody would trust the
travel experts around here to
know the best locales for the best
value. Most of them have been
to the places they recommend so
they have first-hand knowledge.
You can find all you need right
President ӕ Publisher
Julie Russell
Editor
Paul Gordon
Design
Stuart Clubb
Mike Cameron
Megan Valentine
Contributing Writers
Kevin Kizer
Dr. Peter J. Couri
Cathi Hawkinson
Dr. Joy Miller
Kate O’Hara
Bill Knight
Advertising Sales Contact
Production Manager
Mark Kiel
Production
AdCo Advertising Agency, Inc.
1302
W. Pioneer Parkway
Peoria, IL 61615
Phone: (309) 692-7880
Editor
From the
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