Jehan Gordon Launches Third Annual Cell Phones for Soldiers Drive
Lawmaker launches program to support troops serving overseas
To help our troops serving overseas call home, state Rep. Jehan Gordon (D-Peoria) on Friday kicked off her third annual cell phone collection drive, Cell Phones for Soldiers, and will have locations throughout the district where residents will be able to donate their old phones.
“Enabling soldiers who dedicate their lives to our country to call their family and friends at no cost to themselves seems like such a simple thing, but there is incredible reward,” said Gordon. “Every cell phone donated will enable a soldier to call family and friends back home. I am asking the community to help give back to our troops by dropping off old cell phones that may be lying around your house or no longer needed after a phone upgrade.”
Cell Phones for Soldiers is a non-profit organization that has raised millions of dollars in donations and distributed more than 500,000 prepaid calling cards to soldiers serving overseas. Collected equipment will be sold to ReCellular and the proceeds are used to purchase calling cards that are given to U.S. military personnel serving around the world. Cell phones and chargers can be donated and recycled at the following locations:
· Rep. Jehan Gordon’s District Office, 300 E War Memorial Drive, Suite 303, Peoria
· West Peoria City Hall, 2506 W. Rohmann Ave, West Peoria
· Limestone Township Building, 1501 W. Garfield Ave., Bartonville
“Sometimes being able to talk to friends and loved ones makes all the difference in the world,” said Gordon. “I encourage everyone who has a spare cell phone to donate it to this cause, and anyone who would like to become a drop-off location should contact our office. This Fourth of July we need to remember the sacrifices of those who are serving overseas and help them stay in touch with the ones they love.”
For more information contact Rep. Gordon’s constituent services office at (309) 681-1992.
JUNIOR LEAGUE OF PEORIA ANNOUNCES 2011-2012 BOARD OF DIRECTORS, NAMES VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR, JULIE BALKEMA AND SUSTAINER OF THE YEAR, CONNIE FRANK
The Junior League of Peoria is pleased to announce the 2011-2012 Board of Directors. This team of women will lead the Junior League of Peoria organization and its projects and events in the Peoria community during the 2011-2012 year. 2011 marks the 75th Anniversary of the Junior League of Peoria.
Congratulations to the 2011-2012 Junior League of Peoria Board of Directors:
*President – Kris Coulter
*President-Elect – Erin Scherbinske
*Sustainer Advisor to the Board – Betsy Bladel
*Treasurer – Megan Russo
*Recording Secretary – Darcy Gibson
*Immediate Past President – Kelly Walz
*Vice President Fundraising – Andrea Tognetti
*Vice President Projects – Mandy Watson
*Vice President Membership – Sara McKee
*Placement Chair – Katie Madison
*Vice President Communications – Lisa Gates
The Junior League of Peoria is also proud to recognize their 2010-2011 Volunteer of the Year, Julie Balkema. The Volunteer of the Year award honors an Active Member who has gone above and beyond in her service to the Junior League of Peoria. The Sustainer of the Year award went to Connie Frank.
A Benefit for Project Linus on July 22nd
Calling all quilter and book lovers… Author of Elm Creek Novels, Jennifer Chiaverini Comes to Peoria to Help Project Linus and So Can You!
If you like to quilt, crochet, knit and appreciate a good book while you are curled up in a blanket, this is the event for you! The New York Times best-selling author of the Elm Creek Quilts novels, Jennifer Chiaverini, comes to Peoria, IL to benefit Project Linus.
Project Linus is a national not -for-profit organization based in Central Illinois that provides love, a sense of security, warmth and comfort to children who are seriously ill, traumatized, or otherwise in need through the gift of new handmade blankets and afghans, lovingly created by volunteer “blankeeters.” Project Linus believes that the need for a sense of security, warmth and comfort has no borders. Since March of this year, Project Linus and their network of “blanketeers” have provided and distributed over 12,000 blankets to aid in recovery efforts for the earthquake in Japan and tornadoes in Alabama and Joplin, MO.
This is a night for book lovers, quilting enthusiasts and anyone that knows the power of a handmade blanket given to a child in need.
A Night with Jennifer Chiaverini
A Benefit for Project Linus
Presented by Handi Quilter and The Warm Company
Friday, July 22nd, 6:30 p.m.
Peoria Civic Center, IL
Chiaverini asked for help from her readers, Project Linus volunteers, and the community to determine the gender of expectant mother Sarah’s twins. To cast their “votes,” readers and volunteers created quilt blocks from a provided pattern, using red fabrics if they wanted Sarah to have two girls, blue fabrics for two boys, and purple for a boy and a girl. After quilters from around the world contributed more than a thousand quilt squares, the winner will be announced on Friday, July 22nd!
Chiaverini will be sharing excerpts from her soon to be released book, The Wedding Quilt. Quilts made from the “votes” will be on display, and she will announce the gender of Sarah’s twins!
Tickets are $50 per person. Ticket price includes keynote speaker Jennifer Chiaverini, dinner, viewing of quilts from the nationwide contest and supporting a great cause, Project Linus. Tickets are available at www.projectlinus.org or call 309-585-0686 for more information.
The Salvation Army offers Relief from the Heat
Cooling Center Available to Assist in Beating the Heat
Forecast temperatures in the mid 90’s has prompted The Salvation Army Family Service Center to remind folks they can seek relief from the summer heat at its Sylvia Fites Family Services Center. The Center is available as a cooling center Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
“With high humidity and temperatures in the middle and upper 90s, residents of the local neighborhoods can find relief from the heat at The Salvation Army,” says Major Evie Diaz, Divisional Commander for The Salvation Army Heartland Division.
“The elderly and those with small children especially are vulnerable in the heat, so please encourage them to utilize the Sylvia Fites Family Services Center for relief,” said Diaz. The Fites building is at 417 NE Jefferson
The Salvation Army Lunch With Love program is available from 11:30 to 1:00 p.m., and additionally, a Friday night dinner is served by Ministries of Mercy at 6:00 p.m. at the Fites Building. For more information, please contact The Salvation Army Family Service Center at 655-7272.
15th Annual Summer Youth Theatre
Peoria Players Theatre is excited to present the 15th Annual Summer Youth Theatre, featuring local talents between the ages of 14 and 20. This summer’s production is West Side Story directed by Peggy Breaux.
From the first note to the final breath, West Side Story soars as the greatest love story of all time. The Bernstein and Sondheim score is considered to be one of Broadway’s finest, including “Tonight,” “America,” “I Feel Pretty,” and “Somewhere.” West Side Story remains as powerful and timely as ever.
Performances are at 7:30 p.m. on August 3, 4, 5 and 6, and at 2:00 p.m. on August 7. Tickets are $18 for adults, $12 for patrons 18 and under, and will be on sale July 11. Please call the box office at 688-4473 or visit us online at www.peoriaplayers.org.
South Side Trust & Savings Bank Announces New Director
South Side Trust & Savings Bank is pleased to announce Karen M. Jensen, PE, President & CEO of Farnsworth Group, Inc., as a new member of its Board of Directors. Ms. Jensen has more than 25 years experience with various central Illinois companies blending consulting operations and business matters. She earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Nebraska and a Master’s Degree in Business Administration from Illinois State University. Ms. Jensen joined Farnsworth Group in 2002 focusing on business fundamentals, client relationships, targeted business development and administration before being named President & CEO in 2005. Farnsworth Group is a full-service engineering and architecture firm with nearly 300 employees located in a nationwide network of offices.
South Side Trust & Savings Bank, a locally owned financial institution since 1922, has $663 Million in assets and serves the tri-country area with 13 full service locations in Peoria, East Peoria, West Peoria, Bartonville, Chillicothe, Washington, and Pekin. South Side Bank also owns Mid Illinois Insurance Services, Inc. and is a subsidiary of Mid Illinois Bancorp, Inc.
MENDED HEARTS PEORIA CHAPTER TO MEET on JULY 14th
The Peoria chapter of Mended Hearts will meet Thursday, July 14, 2011 at 6:00 p.m. at the RiverPlex in Peoria.
Mended Hearts, a national nonprofit organization affiliated with the American Heart Association, has been offering the gift of hope to heart disease patients, their families and caregivers for more than 50 years.
Mended Hearts is made up of the very kinds of people it serves—heart patients, their families, and others impacted by heart disease. Its members draw on personal experience as they help others. Recovery involves not only physical healing, but emotional and psychosocial healing as well.
For more information about Mended Hearts, contact nurse practitioner Tammy Sarmiento at OSF Saint Francis Medical Center at (309) 655-7292.
OSF Saint Francis Medical Center Earns American College of Radiology Certification
OSF Saint Francis Medical Center is pleased to announce that it has been awarded a three-year term of accreditation in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) from the American College of Radiology (ACR).
MRI is a noninvasive medical test that utilizes magnetic fields to produce anatomical images of internal body parts to help physicians diagnose and treat medical conditions.
OSF Saint Francis received accreditation in head, spine, body and cardiac MRI. It is the only cardiac MRI ACR accredited facility in central Illinois.
The ACR is a national professional organization serving more than 34,000 diagnostic/interventional radiologists, radiation oncologists, nuclear medicine physicians, and medical physicists with programs focusing on the practice of medical imaging and radiation oncology and the delivery of comprehensive health care services.
Apollo’s ‘drive-in double feature’ has two screen debuts
Two fine examples of Hollywood’s panicked response to television in the 1950s will show Saturday, July 9 at downtown Peoria’s nonprofit Apollo Theater, where a “drive-in double feature” includes 1956’s “The Girl Can’t Help It” and 1958’s “The Blob.”
As TV increased its penetration into U.S. homes 60 years ago, attendance at theaters fell, so the motion picture industry responded in several ways, from Technicolor spectaculars and gimmicks TV couldn’t then mimic (like 3-D), to stars and stories targeting younger film fans, like monster movies and rock ‘n’ roll pictures.
Two stars who had their big-screen debuts then were Jayne Mansfield and Steve McQueen.
Show times at the Apollo are at 7:00 p.m. Donations are $5 and $4 for kids, students and seniors. For details call (309) 673-4343.
PEORIA PARK DISTRICT July Events at Glen Oak Amphitheatre
Here are the July events to be held at the Glen Oak Amphitheatre. There are great movies, dancing, and music.
Every Sunday – Peoria Municipal Band Concert – 7:30 p.m. Free
Sunday, July 3 – Fireworks Spectacular – 4:00-10:00 p.m. Free
Friday, July 8 – Date Night: “The Blind Side” – dusk. $5.00 per
couple
Monday, July 11 – Family Flick: “Megamind” – dusk. 50 cents per
person
Tuesday, July 12 – Twilight Theatre: “The Green Hornet” – dusk.
$1.00 per person
Thursday, July 14 – Dancing Under the Stars: Swing/Lindy Hop
dance lesson at 7:00 p.m., followed by open dancing
from 8:00-9:30 p.m. Free
Monday, July 18 – Family Flicks: “The Karate Kid” – dusk.
50 cents per person
Tuesday, July 19 – Twilight Theatre: “Twilight: Eclipse” – dusk.
$1.00 per person
Monday, July 25 – Family Flicks: “Despicable Me” – dusk.
50 cents per person
Tuesday, July 26 – Twilight Theatre: “The Social Network” – dusk.
$1.00 per person (Sponsored by PEPSI)
Thursday, July 28 – Youth Music Festival: Peoria Park District Sum
mer Band and Orchestra – 6:30 p.m. $3.00 per per
son, students free with ID.
To see our entire summer calendar, pick up a copy of the Summer Playbook or view it online at www.peoriaparks.org or www.facebook.com/PeoriaAmp. For more information, contact Jodi McDuffee at 681-2854 or visit www.peoriaparks.org.
Red Cross Tips for a Safe Summer
The American Red Cross offers these special tips on travel, water safety, and outdoor cooking safety to help you and your loved ones have a great weekend.
Travel tips to keep you safe on the highway:
· Carry an Emergency Preparedness Kit in your trunk.
· Buckle up, slow down and do not drive if you have been drinking alcohol. If you plan on drinking, designate a driver.
· Be well rested and alert; give your full attention to the road.
· Clean your vehicle’s lights & windows to help you see well, especially at night.
· Pay attention to the weather forecast for your destination. Travel and weather web sites can help you avoid storms.
· Let someone know your destination, your route & when you expect to arrive.
Safe Grilling:
Nothing says summer quite like the smell of barbecue. Make sure safety is a key ingredient by reading the following tips for safer grilling:
· Use gas & charcoal barbecue grills outside only.
· Position grills far from siding, deck railings, overhanging branches & house eaves.
· Keep children & pets at least three feet away from the grill area.
· Never add charcoal starter fluid when coals have already been ignited.
· Always supervise a barbecue grill when in use.
Water safety at the pool and beach:
· Swim in a supervised, marked area with a lifeguard present, and swim with others. Never swim alone.
· Adults should never leave a child unobserved around water. Practice “reach supervision” by staying within an arm’s length of young children and weak swimmers.
· Take frequent breaks (about once an hour) where everyone gets out of the water, drinks water and reapplies sunscreen (SPF 15 or higher).
· Watch for the “dangerous too’s”… too tired, too cold, too far from safety, too much sun, too much strenuous activity.
· Post CPR instructions and directions to call 9-1-1 or your local emergency number in the pool area.
“Name the Armadillo” Contest
Over the last several years the Peoria Police Nuisance Abatement Vehicles (the “Armadillo” and “Armadillo II”) have garnered local, national and international attention for their low cost nuisance enforcement and extremely high success rate while deployed.
In an attempt to strengthen the partnership between the police department and the community, the department is announcing a public campaign to name the two Armadillo mascots. This contest will be structured to provide names that will be displayed on the respective units. The caricature featured on the Armadillo II has become synonymous with the actual nuisance abatement vehicles and we see this as a fun and inexpensive way to raise community awareness and ultimately increase the usefulness of the units and the program.
The contest to “Name the Armadillo” began on June 24th and will run until July 22nd. The top five entries will be reviewed by a panel within the police department and the final two names selected from that list with the winners and three runners up being announced at the National Night Out Against Crime on August 2nd.
Entries can be emailed to nuisanceprop@ci.peoria.il.us and we ask that you include “Armadillo Contest” in the subject line, or you can phone in your entry to the armadillo hotline at 309-494-8484 and leave your name and a contact number along with your suggestion.
Heartland Community Health Clinic joins Central Illinois Health Information Exchange
Heartland Community Clinic joined the Central Illinois Health Information Exchange (CIHIE) as a Charter Member. CIHIE is an independent nonprofit organization that has been incubated under the auspices of Quality Quest for Health of Illinois. Health information exchange (HIE) is the process of securely sharing patient information from electronic medical records, insurance claims and other sources in an electronic format between healthcare providers. A patient must give consent in order for confidential records to be shared within an HIE.
Methodist Hospital Mobile Mammo Van July Schedule
July 06 – 8:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. – Methodist Medical Group @ Chillicothe, 525 Sweetbriar, Chillicothe
July 07 – 8:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. – Heartland Community Health Clinic @ Carver Clinic, 711 W. John Gwynn Jr. Ave., Peoria
July 12 – 8:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. – Wal-Mart in Canton, 2071 N. Main, Canton
July 19 – 8:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. – Methodist Medical Group @ Morton, 1909 North Morton Ave., Morton
July 20 – 8:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. – Methodist Medical Group @ Pekin, 1800 Broadway, Pekin
July 22 – 8:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. – Heartland Community Health Clinic, 1701 W Garden St., Peoria
July 26 – 8:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. – Cherry Tree Shopping Center, Washington, IL
July 28 – 8:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. – Heartland Community Health Clinic @ East Bluff, 2321 N. Wisconsin Ave., Peoria
Featuring new digital mammography! No referral required. Please call 309-671-8282 for an appointment. Most insurance companies cover “screening” mammograms. Because coverage varies, you may want to check with your insurance company. Medicare pays for one screening mammogram every 12 months. If you do not have insurance or are underinsured, tell us when you call. You may be able to qualify for a free mammogram. Call Outpatient Scheduling at 309-671-8282
Peoria Public Library Lakeview & Lincoln Branches to Close for Construction July 25
Lakeview and Lincoln Branches will close temporarily as of July 25 so that construction projects can be completed. McClure Branch is also closed for remodeling. However, both Peoria Public Library North Branch and Main Library are completed and open regular hours. Many library services such as renewals, downloadable books and research are also available at:
McClure Branch is slated to be the first of the closed branches to reopen with service resuming this fall. It will have a 12, 000 square foot addition. Restoration work on the original Carnegie portion of the library can be completed while the addition is being furnished and materials shelved. It will reopen in late 2011. Lakeview Branch will remain closed until sometime in the first quarter of 2012.
The North Branch, located at 3001 W. Grand Parkway, just off Allen Road behind Menards, is open Mon., Wed., & Thurs. from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. but closed on Tuesdays. It’s open Fri. from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Sat. from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Sun. from noon to 5:00 p.m. all year. A drive-up book drop for returning materials is located in the parking lot.
Peoria Public Library Main Library is on the corner of Main and Monroe Streets and is open Monday through Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. throughout the year. A drive-up book drop is located on the back of the building in the alley.
Library customers can use the library website at: www.peoriapubliclibrary.org from any internet-connected device 24/7 to reserve or renew materials. Audio and ebooks can be downloaded from the Alliance Digital Media Library located on the site and research can be conducted on many subjects. Full text articles, genealogy information, information about companies and more can all be accessed through the website. Tumblebooks Library provides interactive reading experiences and games for children on the website as well.
Customers may also renew materials or ask questions by calling the Peoria Public Library at 309-497-2000. During the remainder of the construction project, information about a closings is available by phone or on the website.
Learn What You Should About Toddlers
Parents of toddlers will have an opportunity to learn about a wide range of topics during the July offering of “Coffee with the Doctor”. Dr. Sushma Pradham, an experienced board certified pediatrician with Methodist Medical Group Pediatrics at Morton, will be presenting a program on “Your Racing Toddler: What You Should Know” on Thursday, July 28 from 5:00 – 6:00 p.m.
Dr. Pradham will touch on such issues as toddler growth and development, temper tantrums and discipline, potty training, sleep, safety and a variety of other toddler related subjects. The program is free to the public but seating is limited.
Light refreshments will be provided during the presentation at Methodist Medical Group Pediatrics at Morton, 1909 N. Morton Ave. To reserve your space call 309-636-9500.
Gordon-Backed Legislation to Limit Gun-Running Sent to Governor
State Rep. Jehan Gordon (D-Peoria) is urging the Governor to sign legislation that would allow the Secretary of State to revoke the registration of vehicles used to commit the crime of gun-running.
Senate Bill 2064, co-sponsored by Gordon, came from the recommendation of the Interstate Gun Trafficking Task Force, which is comprised of representatives of law enforcement, states’ attorney offices, the Attorney General’s office, the Governor’s office, along with one state representative and one state senator. The legislation would allow the Secretary of State to suspend or revoke a vehicle’s registration if an individual is convicted of the act of gun-running.
Currently to commit the offense of gun-running, an individual must unlawfully transfer three or more firearms, deliver a firearm without submitting to the required waiting period to pass, sell or give a firearm to someone younger than 18 that can be concealed, someone younger than 21 who has been convicted of a non-traffic related misdemeanor, a convicted felon, someone addicted to drugs, or to someone without a valid FOID card.
Gordon is also urging action on House Bill 3033, which will work to establish a competitive statewide gang prevention and intervention grant program that will allow local entities to carry out projects that focus on street gang prevention and intervention. Legislation passed both houses unanimously and is waiting to be sent to the Governor.
For more information on this or any of Rep. Gordon’s legislation, please contact her constituent services office at (309) 681-1992.
Peoria Public Library Receives “Business and Libraries Working Together” Grant from Illinois State Library to Help Small Businesses and Entrepreneurs
Peoria Public Library is one of more than 60 Illinois public libraries selected to receive a “Business and Libraries Working Together” grant from Secretary of State and State Librarian Jesse White to assist local small businesses and entrepreneurs.
Ed Szynaka, Library Director, said the grant will provide “business packages” that include equipment (laptop computers, DVD players, projectors, video cameras), software (planning and office functions) and training videos (office safety, sexual harassment, hostile workplace). This is great news for the Peoria community and the Library. “We have always provided a high level of support to the business community, especially the small and start-up business. This grant will permit a dramatic increase in those services. We want to thank the Secretary of State and the State Librarian for their confidence and support,” said Szynaka.
“Public libraries like Peoria Public Library are cornerstones of our communities, and partnerships such as this between libraries, small businesses and aspiring employers can hopefully spur economic development and job creation in communities like Peoria,” said Secretary White. “Highly skilled librarians and library staff are extremely valuable and reliable sources of information for small businesses and entrepreneurs. These business packages represent new tools that public libraries like Peoria Public Library can utilize to promote business development and entrepreneurship.”
Funding for the business packages was obtained by U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-Illinois) through a $300,000 appropriation to the Small Business Administration (SBA). The criteria for awarding the package included local unemployment rate; proximity to and cooperation with a Small Business Development Center, Service Corps of Retired Employees (SCORE) office, or chamber of commerce.
“Small businesses are key to our economic recovery,” Senator Durbin said. “This funding will allow public libraries like Peoria Public Library to offer information and assistance to small business owners in communities across Illinois. With these new resources and continued support from local public libraries, businesses throughout Illinois will grow and local economies will improve.”
Director Szynaka said local businesses and entrepreneurs interested in working with the library on the initiative should contact the library reference department at 309.497.2158.