CW Notes

2008-03-13T15:23:00.000-05:00

U.S. CELLULAR TO EXPAND WIRELESS ACCESS IN ILLINOIS ’ RURAL COMMUNITIES
Lt. Gov. Quinn Welcomes Continued Investment in Rural Infrastructure

The Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) has granted U.S. Cellular designation as an Eligible Telecommunications Carrier (ETC). This enables the company to access an estimated $10 million annually from the federal Universal Service Fund (USF) to build and expand wireless infrastructure in the state’s rural and underserved communities. U.S. Cellular is projected to construct up to 121 new cell sites within the next five years, based upon the continuing availability of USF support at forecasted levels. This expansion will provide new or improved service to an estimated 2.3 million residents in rural parts of the state.
“We are extremely pleased with this decision and thank the Illinois Commerce Commission for its thoughtful review of our application,” said John E. Rooney, president & CEO of U.S. Cellular. “This designation will enable us to provide more rural Illinoisans with access to dependable wireless services – the same services that urban folks now take for granted.”
“As Chairman of the Governor’s Rural Affairs Council, one of my primary concerns is the number of people in Illinois who lack adequate telecommunications services,” said Lt. Governor Quinn. “Wireless telecommunications is no longer a luxury to be enjoyed only by our urban residents; it is a fundamental necessity for personal and public safety, tourism, economic growth and long-term infrastructure development. We are proud to welcome U.S. Cellular’s continued investment in our rural communities.”
Despite the demonstrated benefit of expanded access to wireless service in rural communities that USF provides, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has been considering a cap on the wireless portion of the fund for several months, even though overall wireless contributions to the USF have grown over the past year. The push for a cap has been met with significant opposition from public safety officials, rural citizens and key political leaders like Lt. Governor Quinn.
“Of course, we remain concerned about the proposed cap on universal service funding for wireless that’s currently in front of the FCC,” added Rooney. “It is clear that states are doing their part to access this desperately needed federal support, but if the cap goes through, the federal funds necessary to help us expand Illinois’ rural networks could be significantly reduced or indefinitely delayed. It’s up to the FCC, now, to do right by rural Americans and continue to provide USF support at sufficient levels so that we can bring the same benefits to Illinois that we have brought to every state where we have received USF support.”
In 1996, Congress created the Universal Service Fund to make modern telecommunications infrastructure available in the nation’s rural areas. All telecommunications companies (including long distance companies, local telephone companies and wireless carriers) that provide interstate service contribute to the fund, typically through a line item charge on customers’ phone bills. Before a provider can obtain support from the fund, it must first be certified as an ETC.
U.S. Cellular is the nation's sixth-largest wireless service carrier, providing wireless service to six million customers in 26 states. The Chicago-based company employs 8,000 associates and operates on a customer satisfaction strategy, meeting customer needs by providing a comprehensive range of wireless products and services, superior customer support, and a high-quality network.

$10,000 donation to Children's Home

2008-03-13T15:19:00.003-05:00

MAYOR ARDIS AND U.S. CELLULAR PRESENT $10,000 DONATION TO CHILDREN'S HOME ASSOCIATION OF ILLINOIS

Free Calling Program at Crittenton Centers to Celebrate Donation

Peoria Mayor Jim Ardis will join U.S. Cellular to present a gift of $10,000 to Children｡ﾇs Home Association of Illinois. The grant from U.S. Cellular helped fund the materials purchased to make 200 sleeping bags and 800 infant blankets for Peoria-area children.

To celebrate the donation, U.S. Cellular will provide free phone calls to the adult clients at Crittenton Centers. U.S. Cellular associates will bring wireless phones and assist individuals with placing free local or long-distance phone calls to friends and loved ones anywhere in the United States .

Friday, March 14 @ 10:00 a.m.
at Crittenton Centers Playcourt, 442 W. John Gwynn Jr. Ave., Peoria

In attendance; Peoria Mayor Jim Ardis, Children's Home staff, crittenton Centers staff, adult clients and children, U.S. Cellular executives and local associates

Spring Celebration Seminar Series March 22nd & 29th

2008-03-13T13:04:00.002-05:00

SIGNS OF COLOR AT GREEN VIEW’S SPRING CELEBRATION SEMINARS

Green View is hosting their Spring Celebration Seminar Series on Saturday, March 22 and Saturday, March 29. People will learn how to use color in early spring as well as what design elements to think about when it comes to a landscape renovation. Seminars will be held at Green View Nursery located at 2700 West Cedar Hills Drive, Dunlap, Illinois.
The seminars are free and open to the public. For more information call Green View’s Garden Center at 309.243.7761 or visit Green View’s web site at www.greenview.com.

Spring Celebration Seminar Schedule:
To reserve seating please call Green View at 309.243.7761.

Saturday, March 22, 2008
10;00 a.m. “Signs of Color: Early Spring Arrangements” Seminar by Green View Nursery.
Learn how to brighten up your home by using Green View’s ideas for some colorful spring arrangements.

11:00 a.m. “Beautifying the Garden: Early Spring Care” Seminar by Green View Nursery.
Get the tips from experts on how to care for your garden as you head into the
spring season.

Saturday, March 29, 2008
10:00 a.m. “Signs of Color: Early Spring Container Gardens” Seminar by Green View Nursery.
Learn how to bring a splash of color to your early spring containers.

11:00 a.m. “Design Elements for Your Landscape” Seminar by Green View Design Group.
Learn how design elements can transform your spring landscape.

12:00 p.m. “You Ask & We Answer: Q&A Session with Green View”
Get all your garden and landscape questions answered during this open session.

April 5 & 6 for the Central IL Renewable Energy Expo

2008-03-12T15:55:00.001-05:00

The 1st Central Illinois Renewable Energy Expo will be on Saturday, April 5th, from 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. and on Sunday, April 6th, from 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Admission Cost: $5Children 12 and under are free

Three Sisters Park, Chillicothe, Illinois WMBD-TV, The Peoria County 4-H & Extension Foundation and Three Sisters Park in Chillicothe are teaming up to host the first Central Illinois Renewable Energy Expo, April 5th & 6th. The event, the first one to be offered in central Illinois, is designed to provide an opportunity for area residents to learn more about renewable energy products and services. “Every time you turn on your radio or TV you hear something about energy consumption.

Many, if not all of us, would like to know more about how to save money on heating, fuel, electricity and so on, so we thought the Expo would be a great opportunity,” said Gary Sutton, Expo Coordinator and a member of the Peoria County 4-H and Extension Foundation. “We are very grateful for the cooperation of Three Sisters Park and we think it will be a great experience.” The Expo will feature exhibitors and vendors displaying the following renewable energy categories: Geothermal, Solar Power, Wind Energy, Bio-fuels, and Hybrid Vehicles. In addition to vendor displays, there will be presentations each day on renewable energy topics.

The Expo will be held at Three Sisters Park in Chillicothe, IL on Saturday, April 5 and Sunday, April 6. The Park is on State Route 29, eight miles north of Peoria.

Annual First Choice Scholarship applications due April 11th

2008-03-12T11:00:00.000-05:00

Planned Parenthood of Illinois
Offers Annual First Choice Scholarships 2008

Planned Parenthood of Illinois (PPIL) will award four graduating high school seniors from the eight county Heart of Illinois area a $250 scholarship to further their education in the 2008-09 school year. Applications are due April 11, 2008.

One of these four scholarships is the Doris Kolb First Choice Scholarship. Doris Kolb was a founder of Planned Parenthood in Peoria in 1965. She served as Executive Director and was a member of our Board for many years, serving as President of the Board for several years. In 1991, Doris was presented with our local Planned Parenthood’s Betty Osborne Award. This award is given for long standing achievement and commitment to the family planning and reproductive rights movement. Doris passed away in December 2005. Doris was an outstanding and award winning chemistry teacher. Thus, the Planned Parenthood Heart of Illinois Board of
Directors determined that we could best honor her legacy by designating one of our Scholarships as a Doris Kolb First Choice Scholarship.

“Through the First Choice Scholarship Program for achieving young people, PPIL wishes to support and celebrate young people’s success and their positive responsible choices. PPIL wishes to promote healthy mind and body concepts, to enrich the lives of young people, and to encourage goal setting and pursuits of excellence and contributing achievement oriented behavior,” states Joyce Harant, PPHOI’s former President & CEO. Scholarship applications are due back to PPIL’s Peoria office at: Joyce Harant, Planned Parenthood of Illinois, 705 NE Jefferson, Peoria, Illinois 61603 by April 11, 2008. The applications will be reviewed by a distinguished panel of citizen’s. The judging panel is independent of the students and school systems involved. The money is to assist students with cost of tuition, books and fees. To be eligible, the student must be pursuing education past high school; illustrate the value of extra-curricular participation in a student’s self-development and be supportive of the Planned Parenthood mission by making responsible choices and not engaging in destructive behaviors. The applicant must be a graduating senior attending high school in the following central Illinois counties: Peoria, Tazewell, Woodford, Marshall, Stark, Fulton, Mason and Knox.

Letters of scholarship criteria and applications have gone out to all of the eight county high school counselors and principals. It is hoped that these professionals will encourage and help their students make their applications. Interested applicants should contact their school counselors or principals for an application. Applications are also available for down loading on the PPIL web site—www.plannedparenthood.org/heart-ofillinois/ or by calling or writing for an application from PPIL—First Choice Scholarship, 705 NE Jefferson, Peoria, Illinois 61603, 309-673-0907 x 226. The scholarship recipients will be publicly announced.

Methodist Plans North Side Medical Complex

2008-03-11T10:49:00.000-05:00

Methodist Medical Center has filed a Certificate of Need application with the Illinois Health Facilities Planning Board for the construction of a three-story $27.7 million medical office building. The application was filed on Monday, March 10, 2008.
The new facility, Methodist at Allen Road, will be located on a six-acre parcel of land within Sud’s Plaza on North Allen Road. Methodist also owns an adjacent six-acre tract of land for future expansion.
Methodist President and CEO Michael Bryant said the project is being undertaken to meet the community’s need for additional medical office space and to provide Methodist patients with a convenient and very accessible location for state-of-the art outpatient medical services. “ The addition of Methodist at Allen Road enhances our vision of ‘Taking You Well Into the Future’ by providing patients with the latest in digital technology. Included in that technology is an all-paperless medical records system and RelayHealth, the first of its kind service in Central Illinois providing patients their personal health record with conveniences such as direct online access to their physicians and staff. Methodist has become a nationally recognized leader in health information technology and patient safety and Methodist at Allen Road will be another major step in providing convenient state of the art medical care by keeping our patients informed, connected, most importantly, healthy utilizing technology.”
In addition to physician offices, the facility will include therapy, a retail pharmacy, conference center, and a state-of-the-art digital diagnostic imaging center including a 3T MRI, 64 slice CT scanner, mammography, ultrasound, x-ray, nuclear medicine, vascular lab, echo, stress and bone density scanning.
Construction on the 79,500 square foot complex is expected to start in August of this year with an anticipated completion in late 2009.

Newcomer's Club March meeting on March 19th

2008-03-11T10:44:00.000-05:00

The Newcomers' Club of Greater Peoria will hold its monthly luncheon on Wednesday, March 19, 2008 at 11:45 a.m. at Basil's, 110 n Main St., Washington. Joe Mc Guire from the Peoria Journal Star will be the featured speaker.
Babysitting is available. This event is open to the public and the Newcomers' Club is open to all women who have lived in the Tri-County area for less than five years or have had a recent lifestyle change.
For additional information or to make a reservation please contact Paula Cirone at 682-2977 or email at Peoria_newcomers@yahoo.com

Kids in the Kitchen Program on March 11th

2008-03-09T12:15:00.000-05:00

The Junior League of Peoria is excited to announce participation in the annual Junior Leagues’ Kids in the Kitchen program. The overall goal of this event is to use education in order to raise awareness of childhood obesity and to teach kids about healthy lifestyle choices. This program will be held on Tuesday, March 11th from 11:15 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. at the Valeska Hinton Early Childhood Education Center at 800 RB Garrett Dr., Peoria.

The 2008 Junior League of Peoria’s Kids in the Kitchen project will be a day of fun-filled activities for first graders at Valeska Hinton Early childhood Education Center. Forty seven students from Valaska are expected to participate in the program. Each student will receive a backpack filled with information focused on healthy lifestyles. Activities will be divided into four workstations:
Healthy Eating – Guest Chef Tony Eagn, and Dietician Karen Hutton, Methodist Medical Center, will help the children create their own fun healthy snacks.
Understanding the Food Pyramid – League members will use hands-on activities to teach the basic principal of the food pyramid.
Crafts – League members will help the children build a personalized kid-friendly recipe book they can take home.
Movement and Exercise – Peoria area athletes will demonstrate fun movement activities using equipment such as hula hoops, jump ropes, and exercise balls.

This year, there will also be a parent training component with dieticians from OSF presenting a “Raising Healthy Eaters” inservice on March 13th at 5:30 p.m.

PPD Youth Soccer Registration ends by March 28th

2008-03-07T11:43:00.001-06:00

PEORIA PARK DISTRICT YOUTH SOCCER REGISTRATION
Registration for Youth Soccer at the Peoria Park District is currently underway. To guarantee a spot you must register by March 28. This youth program is for boys and girls age 4 through grade 8. This is a great way for children to be a part of a team, meet other children and learn to play soccer. Season dates are from April 14 through May 31.
A variety of leagues are offered for different age groups. Fees for Mighty Mites and Pee Wees is $34 for residents and $39 for non-residents, for varsity $44/$49, and for all other age groups it is $39/$44. All leagues will play at Detweiller Park. Note: Coaches are needed for all age groups.
For more information contact Matt Suellentrop at 681-2866.

Whittier Primary School Teacher to Receive 2008 Service Above Self Award

2008-03-07T11:38:00.000-06:00

2008 Service Above Self Award goes to area Teacher

When: Friday, March 7 -- Program to begin at approximately 12:15
Where: Cater Inn on Pioneer Parkway in Peoria
Sponsor: Rotary Club of Peoria

Patricia Reidy, First Grade Teacher at Whittier Primary School, will receive the Rotary Club of Peoria 2008 Service Above Self Award in Education Award on Friday, March 7th.
Mrs. Reidy has more than 30 years of teaching experience.
She was nominated by Dr. Sharon Desmoulin-Kherat, Principal of Whittier Primary School who had this to say about her. “Mrs. Reidy is enthusiastic, has a caring attitude, a love of learning, knowledge of discipline and classroom management, a will and a desire to make a difference in the lives of the children in her classroom. She forms strong relationships with her students and their parents. Because she is a teacher who is always focused on the incremental academic achievement of her students, she is excellent at redirecting and providing relevancy to keep them engaged and motivated.”
Mrs. Reidy and her students both give and receive from the community. For the past three years they have given generously to the Neighborhood Canned Food Drive. She purchases books at garage sales during the summer and returns to school each fall with an abundance of books for the entire school. Her classroom has received donated computers, paper, books and other supplies. On any given day, it is not unusual to have several parents volunteering in her classroom.
Mrs. Reidy is the 16th recipient of the Peoria Rotary Club’s Service Above Self Award in Education. The award was created to honor a teacher who best exemplifies the Rotary ideal of service above self; someone who puts educating students above self; the teacher who goes the extra mile. The teacher and the school each will receive $1,000.
Patricia Reidy is married to Charles Tucker, a local attorney and Brigadier General in the Air National Guard. They have three sons. She received her bachelor's and master's degrees from the University of Illinois at Urbana/Champaign.

Support local efforts for a Dog Park!

2008-03-07T10:55:00.001-06:00

Dog Park Fundraisers and Events in March:

Sunday, March 8th – Get your dog’s St Patrick’s Day photo taken for $5 (We will have some green accessories for your dog’s photos or bring your own) from 10:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. at Petco at Evergreen Square at Lake & Sheridan.
Monday, March 17th -Bring your dog to walk in the St Patricks Day parade to show support for the Dog Park. Meet at 10:00 a.m. in front of St Mary’s Cathedral at Madison & Green Streets

Links: http://www.flickr.com/photos/22956152@N04/
PeoriaDogPark@gmail.com

Public Policy Symposium on Illinois River March 7th

2008-03-05T17:03:00.001-06:00

Public Policy Symposium on
“Protecting the IL River … A Time for Action!”
When: March 7 from 1:00 - 4:00 p.m.
Where: Gateway Building on Peoria riverfront
What: Public Policy Symposium -- "Protecting the Illinois River...A Time for ACTION!" A group of federal and state governmental officials along with key Illinois River stakeholders will meet to consider progress made on the Illinois River Watershed; how the Illinois River restoration project can follow a national model; and the framework for a legislative strategy to pursue ecosystem restoration monies.

Sponsors: The Dirksen Congressional Center and the Institute for Principled Leadership in Public Service at Bradley University

Speakers include:
1:10 - Congressman Ray LaHood - "The Importance of Protecting the Illinois River"

1:20 - Michael Reuter, Director of Conservation Programs, CentralRegion - The Nature Conservancy, “Preserving the Illinois River: Progress and Opportunities"

1:40 - Col. Robert A Sinkler, Commander and District Engineer, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers - "Interagency Integrated Water Resources Management & the Illinois River Watershed"

2:45 - April Gromnicki, Director of Ecosystem Restoration, NationalAudubon Society - "The Everglades Restoration Project as a National Model"

3:20 - Lt. Governor Pat Quinn - "Why We Must Partner to Protect the Illinois River for Future Generations"

RiverPlex Blood Drive

2008-03-05T11:36:00.001-06:00

The RiverPlex Recreation and Wellness Center will be hosting a blood drive on Monday, March 31 from 8:00am – 1:00pm. The front desk is now accepting appointments. Walk-ins are also welcome and encouraged. For more information or to make an appointment contact the front desk at (309) 282-1700.

The RiverPlex Recreation and Wellness Center is located at 600 N. E. Water Street in Peoria.

"Share Your Alzheimer's Story" Essay Contest for Youth

2008-03-04T17:29:00.001-06:00

YOUTH ESSAY CONTEST
“Share Your Alzheimer’s Story” Essay contest for youth

The Alzheimer’s Association, Central Illinois Chapter, is holding an essay contest, giving youth the chance to submit personal stories of dealing with Alzheimer’s. The contest is open to youth ages 7-18 and will be divided into three groups based on age. Topics for each age group are:
7 -10 years: Alzheimer’s and me: A Personal Story
11-13 years: A Time before Alzheimer’s
14-18 years: A World without Alzheimer’s
Essays can be 500 words or less and must be typed and double spaced. Essays should be based on personal experience and be accompanied by an entry form. Entry forms are available at the website at http://www.alz.org/illinoiscentral and then follow the Education Programs Essay Contest link.
Winners will be chosen from each group and will each receive a $100 savings bond. Winners will also be asked to read their essays at the Family Caregiver Night, Monday April 28th, and the Education Conference on Tuesday April 29th. There will be a luncheon at the Education Conference where the awards will be distributed to the winners.

Essays may be mailed to:
Alzheimer’s Association Central Illinois Chapter
Attn: Program Committee
606 W. Glen Avenue
Peoria, Illinois 61614

Deadline for Submission is Monday, March 31, 2008

The Alzheimer’s Association, Central Illinois Chapter, provides services to caregivers and those with memory loss problems, including family education, 24-hour telephone Helpline, Alzheimer’s libraries, newsletter, advocacy, care consultations and the Medic Alert +Safe Return ID program.

"The Naked Truth: Advertising's Image of Women" to be presented by author Jean Kilbourne at Bradley University

2008-03-04T17:26:00.000-06:00

Author Jean Kilbourne will give a lecture titled, "The Naked Truth: Advertising's Image of Women," on Wednesday, March 5th at 7:00 p.m. in Neumiller Lecture Hall in Bradley Hall. She will present a slide show titled, "Deadly Persuasion: Advertising & Addiction," on Thursday, March 6th at 7:00 p.m. in Neumiller Lecture Hall.

The programs, sponsored by ICAC, the Department of Athletics, the Women's Studies Program, and the Wellness Program, are free and open to the public.

Good news of Peripheral Arterial Disease

2008-03-03T13:01:00.000-06:00

New Procedure Offers Hope for Sufferers of
Peripheral Arterial Disease

Peoria Cardiothoracic Surgeon James Williams, MD and Methodist Medical Center is the first local physician and hospital to offer a new treatment option for people suffering from the debilitating effects of Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD). Dr. Williams has completed specialized training for a new device known as the Diamondback 360 Orbital Atherectomy System.

According to Dr. Williams, “Peripheral Arterial Disease is a life-threatening condition where a fatty material called plaque builds up on the inside walls of the blood vessels that carry blood from the heart to the legs and arms. The build up of plaque causes the arteries to harden and narrow-a condition called atherosclerosis-reducing blood flow to the legs and feet.”

The Diamondback 360 differs from other treatment options for PAD by using a unique diamond coated crown that operates on the principles of centrifugal force. As the crown rotates and orbits increases, centrifugal force presses the crown against the plaque, removing a small amount of plaque with each orbit. The process of repeated sanding and orbital action allows the healthy vessel wall to flex away from the crown reducing the potential for vessel injury.

“This system is allowing physicians to treat patients with hardened calcified plaque who otherwise might have limited options for a return to normal blood flow,” said Dr Williams. “After an atherectomy, balloon angioplasty may be used to further open the artery, and a stent may also be inserted for added vessel wall reinforcement.”

Over twelve million people in the U.S. alone suffer from PAD, which can cause debilitating pain in the legs. It is estimated that less than two million people are actually diagnosed with PAD and less than 700,000 are treated each year.

Summer Jobs at Fondulac Park Dist.

2008-03-03T12:59:00.002-06:00

Fondulac Park District accepting applications
East peoria, il, february 25, 2008: Fondulac Park District’s Splashdown Waterpark is currently accepting applications for summer employment. Several positions are available in lifeguarding, customer service, and concessions. Hourly wages are $7.50-$8.00 with a $0.25 raise each summer. All necessary training will be provided with an additional $150 for lifeguarding to cover licensing fees. We offer flexible hours and are willing to work around other summer obligations and responsibilities. Apply today!
· If interested, you may obtain an application from the Fondulac Park District Administration building or from our webstie: www.fondulacpark.com
· For more information call, (309)699-3923

RESPECT Trial award goes to OSF and IL Neurological Institute

2008-03-03T12:57:00.001-06:00

Congratulations to OSF Saint Francis Medical Center and Illinois Neurological Institute for being awarded the honor of top enrolling site in the US during the months of November 2007-January 2008 for the RESPECT Trial: Randomized Evaluation of Recurrent Stroke Comparing PFO Closure to Established Current Standard of Care Treatment.
The RESPECT Trial is sponsored by AGA Medical and is led locally by Principal Investigator David Wang, DO, Director of OSF Stroke Center & Network. There are 60 sites participating nationwide. Current cumulative enrollment data ranks Dr. Wang and his research team at #5 nationally.

Methodist Service League gives $140,000

2008-03-03T12:54:00.001-06:00

Methodist Service League Presents $140,000 Check

The Service League of Methodist Medical Center presented a check for $140,000 to the Methodist Medical Center Foundation at their Spring Luncheon on February 20 at Mt. Hawley Country Club.

The 100 volunteer members of the Service League raised the funds through the Gift Shop and Flower Shop at Methodist Medical Center, their annual Gift Show held in November, sales of Hospitality, a cookbook compiled by the Service League, sales of fresh and artificial floral designs, and sales of Methodist logowear. Since the founding of the Service League, more than five and half million dollars has been raised and donated to Methodist Medical Center.

Last year Service League proceeds were used to purchase fetal monitors and new warming beds for the nursery, and new rolling recliners for acute care patient rooms. A project will be selected later in the spring for this year's funds.

The Service League has 100 active and 200 associate members.

OSF Life Flight Program Expanding

2008-02-29T11:40:00.001-06:00

The OSF Saint Francis Life Flight program is expanding its services.

Effective March 1, two aircraft will be operating from Peoria around-the-clock, which will mean an increase in nighttime services. The helicopters are based out of an operational center at the Greater Peoria Regional Airport.

Started in 1984, the Life Flight program is the busiest of its kind in Illinois, with more than 1,400 patient transfers by air annually. The air medical service performs inter-hospital transfers and transfers from the scenes of emergencies. Life Flight primarily operates in central Illinois within a 150-mile radius of OSF Saint Francis, serving regional community hospitals and EMS agencies.

The Life Flight program is staffed by two flight paramedics, 21 flight nurses, nine pilots and four mechanics, along with emergency medicine resident physicians, with assistance from communications specialists.

Last year, the Life Flight program relocated to a newly constructed 19,000-square-foot facility at the Greater Peoria Regional Airport. A new helipad became operational at the main OSF Saint Francis Medical Center campus and a fourth aircraft was acquired by OSF Aviation last year as well.

Mobile Mammography Schedule for March 2008

2008-02-28T10:27:00.002-06:00

Methodist Medical Center
Mobile Mammography Schedule
March-2008

The following is the schedule for the Methodist Medical Center Mobile Mammography Van for the month of March 2008. Unless otherwise listed, the van will be in these locations from 9:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Methodist now features all digital mammography equipment providing improved, faster and more comfortable exams.

March 4-Children’s Home-416 St. Mark Court-Peoria
March 5-Spoon River tower-Lewistown
March 8-Wal-mart-3315 N. University (Saturday)
March 10-Methodist Medical Group at Chillicothe-525 Sweetbriar-Chillicothe
March 12-Methodist at Morton-1909 N. Morton Ave-Morton
March 15-Kroger Towne Center-201 S. Main Street-East Peoria
March 17-Methodist at Mt. Hawley-Women’s Health-7725 N. Knoxville-Peoria
March 18-Methodist Medical Group at Farmington-158 e. Fulton-Farmington
March 24-Dr. Philip H. Baer-Valley Forge Shopping-Washington
March 26-Methodist at Morton 1909 N. Morton-Morton
March 27-Wal-mart-2071 N. Main-Canton
March 31-Methodist at Pekin-1800 Broadway-Pekin

There is no need for a doctor’s order for a screening mammogram if you’re 40 or over.

Call for an appointment at 671-8282

Peoria Neighborhoods can apply for 2008 Newsletter Grant

2008-02-24T13:27:00.000-06:00

2008 Neighborhood Newsletter Grant Available
The 2008 Neighborhood Newsletter Grant application is now available to neighborhood associations located within the City of Peoria. The City Council has approved a maximum of $10,000 to support the production and distribution of newsletters throughout the five council districts. To be eligible for the grant, neighborhood associations must be registered with the Planning & Growth Management Department, Neighborhood Division.
Grant applications are available at the Planning & Growth Management Department, Suite 402, Twin Towers Bldg., 456 Fulton St. Applications can also be downloaded from the City’s website: www.ci.peoria.il.us. Go to Government, H-Z Departments, Planning Department, Neighborhoods, Applications & Forms. Go to Newsletter Grant. Grant applications have been emailed to the contact persons listed in the City’s Neighborhood Association Directory.
For more info, call Steve Fairbanks at 494-8603.

OSF Prompt Care sites can help

2008-02-23T11:18:00.000-06:00

Are you sick?
Would you like to spend less time in a doctor’s office waiting room?
Call 1-888-6ASK OSF

Flu season is in full swing. We all want to minimize the time we need to wait to be seen by our healthcare provider.
A quick phone call to 1-888-6ASK OSF can help. OSF Saint Francis ASK OSF Call Center is here for you seven days a week, 24 hours a day. Our registered nurses are available to answer your questions on almost any health topic. We're prepared to give you expert advice for your medical concerns and can provide physician referrals when necessary. We'll even set up your first appointment!
If you want to know what the wait time is at one of our three PromptCare sites (Center for Health on Route 91, Glen Avenue in Peoria and in Morton) call 655-2431.

Of course, it’s always best to start with your Primary Care Physician, even on weekends and after hours. Your call will automatically transfer to the Call Center. There a nurse will listen to your symptoms and give you advice that best meets your needs- home care, an appointment scheduled with your doctor or direction to a PromptCare or emergency room depending on the symptoms. The call center may even page the physician to speak directly to the patient or get orders for outpatient labs.

Feb 23rd: Children's Clay Modeling Workshop

2008-02-21T16:44:00.001-06:00

CHILDREN’S CLAY MODELING WORKSHOP AT FOREST PARK NATURE CENTER FEBRUARY 23

The Peoria Park District’s Forest Park Nature Center will host a Children’s Clay Modeling Workshop with George Ginger on Saturday, February 23, for kids ages six through twelve (6-9 years, 9:30-11 a.m.; 10-12 years, 12-1:30 p.m.).
Children will marvel at the magical process of creating something with their own hands; they will see how a simple lump of clay can be transformed into a work of art. This is truly a hands-on experience that kids will love.
The fee for this class is $5 per child or $15/max per family. Please call 309-686-3360 to pre-register or for more information.

25th Anniversary of OSF Eating Disorders Program

2008-02-18T12:55:00.001-06:00

Eating Disorders Program 25th Anniversary;
National Eating Disorders Awareness Week (Feb. 24-March 1)

Almost EVERY woman you know doesn’t like something about her body. Studies show that 80% of American women are dissatisfied with their appearance. As many as 10 million females and 1 million males are fighting a life and death battle with an eating disorder such as anorexia or bulimia.
The OSF Saint Francis Medical Center Eating Disorders Program is observing 25 years as the only specialized, state-of-the-art treatment center for eating disorders in central Illinois.
Introduced in 1983 with a three-member staff, the Eating Disorders Program has grown over the years to include a multidisciplinary team of professionals dedicated to helping individuals and families affected by the complex problem of eating disorders.
The Eating Disorders Program offers the following services:
Comprehensive assessment and evaluation.
Coordination of care with other healthcare providers.
Outpatient therapy for the eating disorder and related mental health issues.
Nutrition counseling.
Partial hospitalization for patients needing intensive treatment.
Free support groups for patients and families.
Interviews with counselors from the Eating Disorders clinic are available for print, TV and radio. We are also working on finding those who are recovering from eating disorders to talk to the media as well.
National Eating Disorders Awareness Week is Feb. 24 to March 1.
Contact: Amy Paul, Executive Director of Strategic Communications, 655-2777.