Gordon Votes to Close Pension Loopholes
Working to reform the state’s broken pension system, state Rep. Jehan Gordon (D-Peoria) recently supported two measures aimed at closing loopholes & preventing abuses of state pension benefits.
House Bill 3815 prevents an employee from using their compensation as a full-time worker for another job to determine their taxpayer-funded pensions in cases where they take a leave of absence without pay from a taxpayer-funded job.
Gordon voted in favor of House Bill 3865, which would block lobbyists for teachers unions from counting years of time representing their union toward a state teacher pension.
Forest Park Nature Center Hosts Holiday Shop & Stroll
The Peoria Park District’s Forest Park Nature Center will host their annual Holiday Shop & Stroll evenings on December 2, 9, 16 & 17, between 6:00 -8:30 p.m.
This event is one of a kind and a holiday tradition for hundreds of individuals and families throughout central Illinois. Experience an evening stroll on a forest path with luminaries guiding your way. Enjoy live seasonal music by a variety of musicians…plus storytelling, caroling, hot wassail and homemade goodies. View the artwork in the Nature Art Show and Sale, and shop for nature-related and eco-friendly items in the Trailhead Nature Store.
Holiday Shop & Stroll is open to all ages. A $2/person donation is requested.
For more information about Shop & Stroll, call (309) 686-3360. Forest Park Nature Center is located at 5809 Forest Park Drive in Peoria Heights. Regular hours are Monday through Saturday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and Sundays 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. The trails are open daily dawn to dusk.
Proctor Receives Pinnacle Award for Animated TV Spot
Proctor Hospital was the recipient of Pinnacle Award recently, an Honorable Mention, from the Illinois Society for Healthcare Marketing and Public Relations. The Award was presented to Linda Beckman, Director of Business Development and Managed Care Contracting for the Hospital.
Beckman, along with Ann Johnston and Brynne Peters of Central States Media, were the creative team that produced the award-winning animated television commercial for orthopedic services at the Hospital.
The Award was presented during the annual meeting of ISHMPR in St. Charles, IL.
Attend a Book Signing and Double Feature Movies at Peoria Public Library in December
Lee Hall to Speak and Sign New Book December 17 at North Branch
WEEK-TV Sports Director and Author Lee Hall will speak about, and sign, his book Running for Their Lives, which tells the story of his 25 years involvement with the research hospital and marathon.
Hall has run from Memphis to Peoria every August for the past 25 years to raise money for St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital. Join him as he talks about writing his book and his experiences with the run. Free and open to the public. Call 497-2143 for more information.
Peoria Public Library Offer A Free Double Feature as Southern as Pecan Pie and Pralines!
On Wednesday, December 21 at noon, the Peoria Public Library Main Library will show a double feature of Southern classics at the Main Library auditorium. First enjoy The Long Walk Home starring Sissy Spacek and Whoopi Goldberg and then view Driving Miss Daisy starring Morgan Freeman, Jessica Tandy and Dan Aykyroyd.
The Long Walk Home (97 min) is a story set against the backdrop of the emerging civil rights movement of the 1950s South. A Southern socialite becomes gradually enlightened by the plight of her housekeeper, who struggles to raise her family amid the increasing turmoil, prejudice, and violence around her.
Driving Miss Daisy (99 min) tells the story of an old Jewish woman and her African-American chauffeur in the American South have a relationship that grows and improves over the years.
Peoria Homeowners’ Emergency Furnace Replacement Program
Applications are available for homeowners in Peoria who need to replace a non-working furnace in their home.
The homeowner must meet income eligibility guidelines. This activity is available to eligible households with incomes below 200% of poverty. The home must be an owner-occupied single family home in the City of Peoria, be insured, have current property taxes paid, no environmental violations, and the owner must be current on their Ameren bill, and provide proof of household income eligibility. Each furnace will be installed by a City of Peoria approved heating contractor per specifications approved by the City of Peoria at no cost to the homeowner. The maximum household income is as follows:
INCOME ELIGIBILITY CHART (Total maximum yearly income per household)
Family Size Max. Income
1 $16,331
2 $22,067
3 $27,791
4 $33,527
5 $39,251
6 $44,981
7 $50,711
8 $56,447
Applications and more information are available at the City’s Planning & Growth Management Department, Twin Towers Building, 456 Fulton Street, Suite 402 or by calling Michael Sims at 494-8616.
Food Drive and Coats for Kids
Mayor Ardis is again partnering with The Salvation Army and the Midwest Food Bank to organize a community wide food drive, along with collecting Coats for Kids. The food and coat drive will take place on Friday, November 25, 2011, in conjunction with the Santa Claus Parade. The 124th annual Santa Claus Parade will step off at 10:15 a.m. When you come downtown to enjoy the parade, we are asking that you bring canned goods and gently used coats, hats and gloves. Volunteers will be walking in the front of the parade collecting the canned goods and coats along the parade route.
In addition to collecting food and coats at the Santa Claus Parade, a Pre-Santa Claus Parade food and coat drive will be held on November 21, 2011, at the Peoria Civic Center (in the Great Hall) , from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. If you are unable to make it to the parade, this pre-event will offer the perfect opportunity to donate your canned goods, coats, hats and gloves.
3rd Annual Festival of Trees
Starting Friday, December 2, Expo Gardens will be transformed into a Winter Wonderland for this years’ 3rd Annual Festival of Trees event. Beautifully decorated trees will be on display to view and bid on to take home. Other fun attractions for the whole family include a gift shop, a cookie shop sponsored by Le Bakery, poinsettias from PARC, a family friendly Friday Night concert by The Corn Wolves (members of JammSammich), a Saturday Night PJ Party with Santa featuring local performer Julie K and SO MUCH MORE!
General admission is $5 for adults, $3 for children/seniors and children 2 and under are FREE! Festival of Trees runs December 2 – 4 at Expo Gardens and all proceeds benefit Crittenton Centers. Expo Gardens is located in Peoria at 1601 Northmoor Rd.
Koehler named “Good Friend” of Illinois townships
Townships are the oldest still-existing form of government in the United States. They were first created in Illinois in 1848, and 85 of Illinois’ 102 counties have township governments.
“I am honored that the Township Officials of Illinois selected me for this award,” said Koehler, Chair of the Senate Local Government Committee and a former Peoria City and County official. “Townships serve a very important function in Illinois.
In addition to fulfilling their statutorily required duties, many townships also provide senior programs, youth programs, and assistance to the disabled. They also operate public parks, recreational facilities, health centers, and provide cemetery maintenance.
CIAN laptop drive to support the troops
Nationally recognized information security expert CIAN, a Peoria based company, will be collecting used and new laptops for the troops. CIAN will send the computers to JDS Computers, a non-profit who will refurbish them and send them to military units overseas. CIAN encourages those without a laptop to give but want to help to send monetary contributions to Any Soldier®.
As a service disabled Navy veteran, Steve Hope, owner and CEO of CIAN, says that the supporting the troops is a cause near and dear to him and his company.
“CIAN will be donating both new and used laptops and we will be asking those in the community especially businesses and schools for their old equipment and any new laptops they wish to provide.”
Haute 3rd Annual Holiday Party & Silent Auction
Tickets Available for December 8th event at Contemporary Art Center
Looking for a way to brighten the holidays? Join the 3rd annual Holiday Party & Silent Auction to benefit Haute: Empowering Entrepreneurs in Africa.
When/Where: Thursday, December 8 from 6:00 – 8:30 p.m. at the Contemporary Art Center, 305 SW Water Street in Peoria.
What: Wine will be provided by Evolution Wine & Spirits. Beer and an Informal Dinner will also be provided. Musical entertainment provided by Top Hat Productions. Highlighted silent auction items include artwork from African and local artists, Master’s Tournament Golf items, a week stay in Colorado ski resort condo, local hotel getaway packages and many more items perfect for holiday gift giving.
Cost: Tickets are $15 in advance and $25 at the door. To buy tickets in advance, please go to:http://hauteparty.eventbrite.com
About: Haute is a Peoria-based nonprofit that provides management training & consulting services for entrepreneurs in Africa. Since 2007, Haute has worked with 149 entrepreneurs, who in turn have created over 220 jobs in Africa. Haute was founded by Peoria area native Ben Hafele, who saw the need for a fresh approach to economic development while serving as a Peace Corps Volunteer in West Africa.
To learn more about Haute and the entrepreneurs in Africa who have benefited from its services, visit:
December Community Programs & Activities at Proctor Hospital
Service Auxiliary Brings Back Masquerade Jewelry Sale
A Masquerade Jewelry Sale will be held on Monday and Tuesday, December 5 and 6 in the Lobby at Proctor Hospital from 7:00 a.m.- 4:00 p.m. each day. Cash and credit cards accepted and the public is invited. There will be a wide variety of jewelry and accessories. This popular sale has returned by popular demand. The Sale is sponsored by the Service Auxiliary at Proctor Hospital.
SouthWest Kiwanis Cheese Sale Coming Up in December
Thursday and Friday December 15 and 16, the Service Auxiliary at Proctor Hospital and the SouthWest Kiwanis will host their popular cheese sale in the Lobby at Proctor Hospital. The Sale will be held from 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. each day. One and two pound blocks will be available along with variety packs and spreads. An assortment of other treats will be available, too.
Facebook 101 will be Presented at December Coffee Connections Workshop
With over 175 million users in the U.S. alone, Facebook is the world’s most popular social network. Facebook 101 will be presented Friday, December 16 from 10:00-11:00 a.m. with presenter Edna Ng, LCSW, of the Counseling Center at Proctor Hospital. *Participants need to bring a laptop or tablet with wireless access capability. The workshop will be held in Proctor Professional Building Classrooms 1 and 2 on the campus of Proctor Hospital. To register please call (309) 689-6001.
Seniors on the Go December Hult Center Program Scheduled
“Healthy Relationships for the Holidays” will be presented by Kevin Randall, Ph.D., CFLE. Assistant Professor/Director of the C.C. Wheeler Institute, from 10:30-11:45 a.m. at the Hult Center for Health Education onThursday, December 15. From 12:00-1:00 lunch will be provided along with Holiday Entertainment. The Hult Center for Health Education is located on the campus of Proctor Hospital, Peoria. Call 692-6650 to register for this free program.
Free Medicare Help Desk December 28
Proctor Hospital and Service in the Neighborhood Program of BlueCross BlueShield of Illinois provides a free Medicare Help Desk monthly at the Hospital. The Help Desk will be available Wednesday, December 28 from 9:00-11:00 a.m. in the Lobby at the Hospital. No appointment necessary.
Better Breathers Club Meets December 7th
The monthly meeting of the Better Breathers Club will be held Wednesday, December 7, 2011 from 3:00 – 4:30 PM in Classroom 1 at the RiverPlex in downtown Peoria.
The December meeting will be the group’s annual potluck dinner. Please bring a dish to share, the main course and drinks will be provided. A collection will also take place for an underserved adult as part of the BBC’s annual Christmas giving effort.
Anyone dealing with lung or breathing problems is welcome to attend.
For more information about the Better Breathers Club, contact Sara Shull at the RiverPlex at 309.256.4581.
Red Cross Offers 12 Holiday Safety Tips for The Holidays!
This should be a joyous time of year, but statistics show it can also be a dangerous one. Here are 12 Red Cross holiday safety tips so that you can have yourself a merry little Christmas…
1. Beware of Holiday Candles-
Be sure candles are kept away from decorations or other combustible materials and never use candles to decorate Christmas trees.
2. Test Tree Trimmings – When decorating with lights, be sure to purchase only those labeled by a testing laboratory.
3. Keep Christmas Trees Fresh – Place the tree away from heat sources and exits, and water it daily.
4. Prepare for Holiday Parties – Decorate only with flame-retardant materials and avoid using candles during parties
5. Designate a Driver – Always designate a non-drinking driver. If you are throwing a party, be sure there are non-alcoholic beverages available.
6. Inspect Fireplaces – Have your chimney inspected by a professional prior to the start of every heating season and cleaned if necessary.
7. Be Cautious with Space Heaters – Place space heaters at least three feet (one meter) away from anything combustible and never leave space heaters operating when you are not in the room.
8. Watch Your Wood Stoves – Be sure your wood or coal stove bears the label of a recognized testing laboratory and meets local fire codes.
9. Cook With Care – When cooking, do not wear loose fitting clothing. It can be ignited by hot burners.
10. Buckle Up – During the holiday months, people travel more than ever. Wearing a seat belt may prevent injury in a motor vehicle collision.
11. Prepare a Winter Storm Plan – Have extra blankets on hand and ensure that each member of your household has a warm coat, gloves or mittens, hat, and water-resistant boots. Stay tuned for storm warnings by listening to NOAA Weather Radio and your local radio and television stations for updated storm information.
12. Enroll in a CPR Class – Although these tips can help prevent an emergency, it is also important to be prepared should an emergency situation arise.
For more information please visit www.redcrossillinois.org and may your holiday season be merry and bright