Helicopters, Fire Trucks, & Horses, Oh My!

Peoria County’s Seventh Annual Emergency Expo will be on June 20 at the Shoppes at Grand Prairie from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. Rain date is June 21. Over 20 local emergency response agencies will display their emergency equipment in the parking lot for the public to explore & experience, free of charge. Also featured are OSF Saint Francis and Methodist Medical Centers’ medical helicopters; Peoria Fire Department’s Fire Safety House; and the Peoria County Sheriff’s SWAT vehicle, mounted patrol, & K-9 unit. There will be fire trucks, ambulances, motorcycle & squad patrols, rescue & recovery boats, ATV’s, & more. First responders from participating agencies will be on hand to answer questions and offer equipment demonstrations.

Also participating: Advanced Medical Transport, Ameren Illinois, American Red Cross, Bartonville Police Dept., Brimfield Fire Dept., Care & Treatment Board, Chillicothe Fire Dept., Civil Support Team, Dunlap Fire Dept., E-911, Elmwood Fire Dept., Illinois Air National Guard, Illinois State Police, Logan-Trivoli Fire Dept., Peoria City/County Health Dept’s Medical Reserve Corps, Peoria County Animal Protection Services, Peoria County Emergency Management Agency, Peoria Fire Department, Peoria Heights Police Dept., Peoria Office of Emergency Management, Peoria Police Dept., Princeville Fire Dept., The Salvation Army, Tazewell County Emergency Services & Disaster Agency, and Tazewell County Sheriff’s Office.

For more info call (309) 672-6918.

Methodist Medical Center’s Mobile Mammography June Schedule

The following is the schedule for the Methodist Medical Center Mobile Mammography Van for the month of June, 2012.  Methodist features all digital mammography equipment providing improved, faster and more comfortable exams.

• June 1-Onemain Financial, 3574 Court St., Pekin
• June 5-Methodist at Morton, 1909 N. Morton, Morton
• June 7-Heartland at Carver Clinic, 711 W. John Gwynn Jr. Ave.
• June 9-Racket for the Cure, Landmark Rec Center, 3225 N Dries Lane, Peoria
• June 12-Wal-Mart, 2071 N. Main, Canton
• June 13-Cherry Tree Shopping Center, Washington
• June 14-Heartland Clinic, 2321 Wisconsin Avenue, Peoria
• June 15-Manito Foods, 320 W. Adams St., Manito
• June 19-Methodist at Morton, 1909 N. Morton, Morton
• June 20-Methodist Medical Group 525 Sweetbriar, Chillicothe
• June 21-Heartland Clinic, 1701 W. Garden, Peoria
• June 26-Methodist Medical Group, 901 Walnut, Metamora
• June 27-Methodist at Pekin, 1800 Broadway, Pekin
• June 28-Methodist Medical Group, 223 E. Main Street, Princeville

There is no need for a doctor’s order for a screening mammogram if you’re 40 or over. If you are uninsured or underinsured, tell us when you call for an appointment. You may qualify for a free mammogram. Call for an appointment at 671-8282.

Methodist June Community Health Screenings

The Methodist Wellmobile will be bringing free health screenings to the following community locations during the month of June. Screenings include blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol and lung functions.  A 12-hour fast is required for cholesterol and blood sugar testing. Free heel scans to measure risk of osteoporosis are available at some screenings.

• June 1-Methodist – 1800 Broadway-Pekin-8:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
• June 4-Morton Community Bank-Golden Cluc-721 Jackson-Morton- 8:00 a.m. -12:00 noon
• June 6-Methodist Center for Integrative Medicine- 9010 N. Allen Rd.-Peoria- 8:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m.
• June 13-Methodist Medical Group Internal Medicine at Dunlap-10322 Juliet Ct.-Peoria-8:30 – 11:30 a.m.
• June 14-Methodist Medical Group Internal Medicine at S. Jefferson-2127 SW Jefferson-Peoria-8:30-11:30 a.m.
• June 19-Methodist Medical Group at Princeville-223 E. Main-Princeville-8:30 -11:30 a.m.
• June 20-Riverview Senior Living- 500 Centennial Drive-East Peoria- 8:00-10:00 a.m.
• June 26-Methodist Medical Group at Sterling-3335 N. Sterling-Peoria-8:30- 11:30 a.m.
• June 28-Methodist Medical Group at N. Knoxville-7725 N. Knoxville-Peoria-8:30-11:30 a.m.

For More information, visit the Event Calendar at MyMethodist.net or call 672-5900.

South Side Trust & Savings Bank Announces Emma Vandeveer Receives Women In Leadership of Central Illinois Woman of the Year Award

South Side Trust & Savings Bank is pleased to announce Emma Vandeveer, Vice President of Marketing and Sales, has been awarded the Women in Leadership of Central Illinois “Woman of the Year” Award for 2012.

The Woman of the Year Award provides recognition to a Women In Leadership member who is outstanding in her business profession, in her community service and in her leadership and participation as a Women In Leadership member. Ms. Vandeveer was introduced with the following quote, “If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader.  This quote by our 6th President, John Quincy Adams, describes this year’s winner to a T.” Vandeveer has over 30 years of professional banking experience and is a board member and participant in many civic organizations throughout the Peoria area.

EASY INDIAN COOKING CLASS AT THE PEORIA PARK DISTRICT

The Peoria Park District will offer a new class, “Easy Indian Cooking” on June 12 from 6:00-8:30 p.m. for ages 18+. They will meet at the RiverPlex. In just two hours, participants learn to make an entire meal: a drink, appetizer, chicken curry, pulau rice and a dessert. Some ingredients will be supplied, so you will be able to go straight home and show off your new skill! Registration is $30/$36

Special Care for Animals in Hot Weather

Hot weather requires special attention for animals as well as humans. High temperatures create dangerous conditions for animals that can suffer from heat exhaustion very easily. Keep these important tips in mind for your animal’s safety:

• Animals must have plenty of fresh water at all times; without water, pets can get dehydrated.
• Be sure your animal can get to a shady area. A doghouse is not enough – pets must be able to get into shade if kept outdoors.
• Take your pet inside if possible. With a heat index over 100 degrees, pets will do better inside with air conditioning or in a cool area of your house, like a basement.
• Protect your pet from summer parasites like flies, fleas, and ticks; consult your veterinarian or call the animal shelter for more information.
• If your pet begins to show signs of distress like excessive panting or lethargic behavior, or becomes unresponsive, seek veterinary care immediately
• Most importantly, leave your pet at home on hot days. The temperature inside a parked car can reach dangerous levels within minutes, threatening the lives of animals left inside the vehicle.

Animal Control Officers will be responding to calls for animals in distress or at risk from hot weather conditions. Pet owners who fail to provide proper care may receive fines of $50 – $500 for violations. For more information, or if you see an animal in distress, call Peoria County’s Animal Protection Services at 672-2440.

Proctor Hospital June Activities

Seniors on the Go – Free – “Basics of Budgeting: Identity Theft & Fraud” at Seniors on the Go, Thursday, June 14 with George F. Seaver of Illinois State Comptroller’s Office from 10:30 -11:45 a.m. Wade Siefert, RPh of Preckshot Pharmacy will address a topic from 12:30 -1:30 p.m. Lunch will be provided from 11:45 a.m. -12:20 p.m. At the Hult Center for Health Education. To register, call (309) 692-6650.

South Bend Chocolate Show – The Proctor Service Auxiliary will sponsor an SB Chocolate Show at Proctor Hospital on June 14 and 15. The sale will run Thursday from 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. and Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. in the hospital lobby. Nearly 70 varieties of gourmet chocolates and snacks, sold in bulk style, will be offered.

June Coffee Connections Wellness Workshop – Free – “Building Personal Resilience” Friday, June 15 from 10:00-11:00 a.m. with Edna Ng, manager of the Counseling Center at Proctor Hospital, presenting. The workshop is FREE and will be held in the Proctor Professional Building Classroom 1. Participants will gain an understanding of the concept of personal resilience, assess their overall level of resilience, and develop an action plan to strengthen or maintain their resilience. Call 689-6001 to register.

Medicare Help Desk – Wednesday, June 27 from 9:00 – 11:00 a.m. in the lobby of Proctor Hospital. The Medicare Help Desk is a “Service in the Neighborhood for Seniors” program from BlueCross BlueShield ofIllinois, which offers an opportunity to meet face to face with representatives to answer questions and provide information on Medicare & Supplemental Insurance. For more information, call (800) 382-4548.

Free Exterior Handicap Ramp Available

Applications are available for Peoria homeowners who need an exterior wheelchair accessible ramp installed, free of charge to the homeowner. This activity is available to eligible low income households who need a ramp to help access their home. The home must be an owner-occupied single family home in the City of Peoria. Each ramp will be designed and installed by the City of Peoria’s Adopt-a-Ramp contractor per specifications approved by the City of Peoria at no cost to the homeowner.

Applications are available at the City’s Planning & Growth Management Dept., Twin Towers Building, 456 Fulton St., Suite 402. For information call Michael Sims at 494-8616.

METEC’s M & M Vineyard Bike Tour Fundraiser 2012

Saturday, June 30, 2012 at 8:00 a.m.

Mackinaw Valley Vineyard in Mackinaw, IL

The bicycle ride has 15, 30, 40, & 60 mile routes. The route offers beautiful rolling hills and some flat areas. Come for the ride or just stay for the food and wine tasting & tour!

The ride supports METEC’s affordable housing and financial literacy programs. Ride pre-registration in only $40 until June 18th; it’s $45 after that. Non-riders pay $25.

Go to www.metec1.com and click on the M & M Vineyard Bicycle Tour. For more info call 309-676-3632 or email larosahumbles@metec1.org.

June Book Clubs at Peoria Public Library

The following book clubs will meet in June and are open to new members. Discover the joy of discussing a great book with others this month!

Club Read meets on Wednesday, June 27 at Lakeview Branch at 6:30 p.m. to discuss The Master Butchers Singing Club by Louise Edrich.

Book ‘Em Mystery Book Club will meet at on Sunday, June 17 at 2:00 p.m. to discuss Thomas Perry’s Blood Money.

The Sci-Fi/Fantasy Book Club meets on Monday, June 11 at Lakeview Branch at 6:00 p.m. to discuss Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern. For more information call 309-497-2149.

A Little Romance Book Club is on summer break. In September they will begin meeting at Lakeview Branch.

The Evening Love to Read! Book Club will meet on Wednesday, June 13 at North Branch at 6:30 p.m. to discuss Fine Just the Way It Is by Annie Proulx. For more information, call Carol May at (309) 692-1020 or emailcmay1223@comcast.net.

The Read On Book Club will meet on Tuesday, June 26 at 5:30 p.m. at Lincoln Branch to discuss City Lights by George Sherman Hudson.

The Biography and Non-Fiction Book Club will meet on Sunday, June 10 at 3:00 p.m. at North Branch to discuss Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience, and Redemption by Laura Hillenbrand.

Helicopters, Fire Trucks, & Horses, Oh My!

Peoria County’s Seventh Annual Emergency Expo will be on June 20 at the Shoppes at Grand Prairie from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. Rain date is June 21. Over 20 local emergency response agencies will display their emergency equipment in the parking lot for the public to explore & experience, free of charge. Also featured are OSF Saint Francis and Methodist Medical Centers’ medical helicopters; Peoria Fire Department’s Fire Safety House; and the Peoria County Sheriff’s SWAT vehicle, mounted patrol, & K-9 unit. There will be fire trucks, ambulances, motorcycle & squad patrols, rescue & recovery boats, ATV’s, & more. First responders from participating agencies will be on hand to answer questions and offer equipment demonstrations.

Also participating: Advanced Medical Transport, Ameren Illinois, American Red Cross, Bartonville Police Dept., Brimfield Fire Dept., Care & Treatment Board, Chillicothe Fire Dept., Civil Support Team, Dunlap Fire Dept., E-911, Elmwood Fire Dept., Illinois Air National Guard, Illinois State Police, Logan-Trivoli Fire Dept., Peoria City/County Health Dept’s Medical Reserve Corps, Peoria County Animal Protection Services, Peoria County Emergency Management Agency, Peoria Fire Department, Peoria Heights Police Dept., Peoria Office of Emergency Management, Peoria Police Dept., Princeville Fire Dept., The Salvation Army, Tazewell County Emergency Services & Disaster Agency, and Tazewell County Sheriff’s Office.

For more info call (309) 672-6918.

Air Purifiers Direct 2U Adds Vortex Desk Lamp with SPI Air Purifier to Product Line

Air Purifiers Direct 2U is going after their market share of online air purifier sales by continuing to find and add Top Products to its online retail website. Their most current acquisition is the Vortex Desk Lamp with a SPI Air Purifier. Samsung already has great brand recognition and will fit in well with the other air purifier lines that they currently sell on their website.

“We’re always looking for the best of the best to add to our site,” says Barb Lulay, owner of Air Purifiers Direct 2U and President. She adds, “By combining the revolutionary SPI air purification technology with a top quality LED desk lamp, Vortex Enterprises made a perfect product for any setting. This SPI air purifier by Samsung purifies air up to 175 sq ft.” Lulay continues, “Just imagine how this combination can benefit any office, school, daycare, and especially college environment. The lighting itself is outstanding with 1200 lux brightness, only 12 Watt (energy savings with only .11/KwH), no flickering, and a 50,000 hours lifespan. By combining this with Samsung’s phenomenal SPI technology which not only eliminates over 99% of air contaminants like viruses, mold, bacteria, and even MRSA but also is certified to eliminate pet dander, dust mites and more, you now have the best of the best. We’re excited to be able to offer this kind of air purification in a portable lamp design so you can take it with you to hotels etc.”

The main reason that Air Purifiers Direct 2U wanted to carry the Vortex Desk Lamp with the SPI Air Purifier was because of the Green Movement across the country these days. “Everywhere you look, people are looking for healthier air with more effective energy usage” Lulay says. “This product not only is extremely energy efficient but also does an outstanding job purifying the air without ozone. This is critical to protect you and the environment no matter where you are.”

“The Vortex Lamp will fit in well with our other air purifiers because it is a niche of its own. This is an ideal gift idea and is also portable which makes it somewhat different than what we currently offer. Its quality and uniqueness is what attracted us to it in the first place,” says Lulay.

Vortex Enterprises will fit in well with other Top Brands on their site such as AirFree Air Purifiers – Air Sanitizers, Austin Air Purifiers, Blueair Air Purifiers, Rabbit Air Purifiers, and NQ Clarifier Air Purifiers.

Air Purifiers Direct 2U is an online Air Purifier Superstore that sells top brand air purifiers and their accessories. They have been in business since 2006, have outstanding customer reviews, and offer the lowest prices online including free shipping and tax free options. Visit the website at: www.AirPurifiersDirect2u.com.

New Peoria area Theatre Troupe Presents  A Midsummer Night’s Dream

The Great Work Begins, a new Peoria-area theatre troupe, will present Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream  June 2 – 3 at Camp Wokanda,  Chillicothe. Admission is free. There will be two performances on June 2 at 11:00 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. and one show on June 3 at 2:30 p.m. Voluntary donations to Camp Wokanda will be collected. This production is the debut production for The Great Work Begins, a grass-roots theatre troupe. The troupe is excited to welcome families and individuals to experience its own style of spontaneous theatre.

Zootini…THE WILDEST PARTY IN TOWN SCHEDULED TO SUPPORT PEORIA ZOO!

Mix up a good time and support Peoria Zoo at Zootini – the wildest martini tasting event ever – on Friday, June 22 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., presented by Peoria Zoological Society at the Zambezi River Lodge.

A variety of martinis (shaken, not stirred) are served by local bartenders at an after-hours event in Africa! Taste our signature martini and walk the boardwalk with friends for a wonderful summer evening event. Tastings, appetizers, sushi, event-themed desserts, and live entertainment are included with the ticket price.

Purchase advance tickets before June 15 for $35 each. Tickets will continue to be sold after June 15 or at the door for $45. Tickets are available for purchase at the Safari Gift Shop at Peoria Zoo, online at www.peoriazoo.org or by calling 681-3500. Your ticket includes Zoo admission, two complimentary drink tickets, appetizers and live music.

Peoria Zoological Society is currently raising funds for the Power of Play, a project that brings a day-long destination for learning through play to Glen Oak Park with the creation of the Peoria PlayHouse Children’s Museum and the expanded Peoria Zoo. Donations are accepted and appreciated! Make checks payable to Peoria Zoological Society (PZS). Mail to: 2520 N. Prospect Road, Peoria, IL 61603. PZS is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization; all donations are tax deductible.

June Events at the Peoria Public Library Entries Sought for Taste the Book Festival

Peoria Public Library will host at “Taste the Book Edible Book Festival” on Tuesday, June 12 at Lakeview Branch Library with entries dropped off during the day and winners announced and entries eaten at 6:00 p.m.

The International Edible Book Festival, which began in 1999, is celebrated in more than 18 countries worldwide. In conjunction with Reading is SO Delicious, Summer Reading 2012, members of the Peoria community are encouraged to put their creativity to the test and enter their own food “books.”

All entries must be made of edible ingredients, with a list of those ingredients accompanying the entry. Entries should be dropped off at Peoria Public Library Lakeview Branch between 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 pm on Tuesday, June 12. Judging begins at 3:00 p.m. and the winner will be announced at 6:00 p.m. After the announcement, prizes will be awarded and entries can be eaten. To see what others have done, visit The International Edible Book Festival albums. For more info go to any Peoria Public Library or www.peoriapubliclibrary.org or call 497-2000.

70th Anniversary of the Battle of Midway Film Showing

Peoria Public Library will commemorate the 70th anniversary of the WWII Battle of Midway with a free film showing at Peoria Public Library North  Branch McKenzie Room  on Saturday, June 16 at 1:00 p.m. Bradley Professor Rustin Gates will share insights on this pivotal battle before the movie.

Seventy years ago the Battle of Midway turned the tide of World War II Midway stars Charlton Heston and Henry Fonda was directed by Jack Smith and runs 132 minutes. Charlton Heston stars as Captain Matt Garth, the central fictional character whose story is interwoven with those of actual World War II officers and enlisted men, and Henry Fonda portrays Adm. Chester W. Nimitz. Seven guest stars portray naval officers. Edward Albert co-stars in the role of Charlton Heston’s son, Ensign Tom Garth. Rated PG.  Free. Call 497-2200 for more info.

Specialized E-Reader Classes Let You Go Deep with Your Kindle, Nook or iPad

Whether you have just purchased a new e-reader device or would like to learn the finer points of using your Nook, Kindle or iPad, these Peoria Public Library classes will help you with the device you have. While previous classes have addressed the use of all types of e-readers, these classes will help you become a specialist.  Join us at Peoria Public Library North Branch from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. for Getting to Know Your Nook on Monday, June 11; for iPads are Books Too! On Monday, June 25 or Getting to Know Your Kindle on Monday, June 18.

Individualized help with e-readers is available during open computer lab hours Monday through Thursday from 4:00 to 5:00 p.m. at Main Library and Friday at Lincoln Branch. Help is also available on Saturday from 11:00 to 12:00 at Main Library and 2:00 to 3:00 at Lincoln Branch. For info, call 497-2150.

Peoria Public Library Celebrates Juneteenth, Commemorating the end of U.S. Slavery

Peoria Public Library Lincoln Branch will host a Juneteenth Celebration on Tuesday, June 19th from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. to celebrate the end of slavery in the United States.

Juneteenth began in Galveston, Texas in 1865 when on June 19th, slaves finally received word that they had been emancipated and Peoria Public Library Lincoln Branch will join in the nationwide celebration with an event for all ages that includes poetry, drama, singing and “finger-snapping.” Juneteenth is the oldest know celebration commemorating the ending of slavery in the United States and has been an African American tradition since the late 19th century. This program will be enjoyed by all ages and is free and open to the public. For more information or to reserve room for a group, please call 309-497-2600.

PEORIA PARK DISTRICT June Events at Glen Oak Amphitheatre

This June, enjoy some great movies, dancing, and music with the Peoria Park District at Glen Oak Park Amphitheatre. Below is a schedule of our movies and events this month:

Sundays, June 3-24 – Peoria Municipal Band Concerts – 7:00 p.m. Free.

Sunday, June 3 – Sunday in the Park – 5:00 -10:00 p.m. Don’t miss the official kick off to summer – full of fun for the entire family! Live music, food and activities for the kids. Free.

Monday, June 11 – Family Flicks: “Happy Feet 2” – dusk. Enjoy movies outdoors suitable for the entire family. (Sponsored by Children’s Hospital) Admission: 50 cents per person.

Monday, June 18 – Family Flicks: “Puss in Boots” – dusk. (Sponsored by Western & Southern Life) Admission: 50 cents per person.

Thursday, June 21 – Dancing Under the Stars: Matt Vazquez – 7:00 p.m. Enjoy music and dancing on our outdoor dance floor. A dance instructor will show you how to do a few steps. Free.

Monday, June 25 – Family Flicks: “Kung Fu Panda 2” – dusk. (Sponsored by CEFCU) Admission: 50 cents per person.

Friday June 29 – Date Night: “Madea’s Big Happy Family” – dusk. Couples can enjoy outdoor films with popcorn and soda included. Admission: $5.00 per couple.

To see our entire summer calendar, pick up a brochure, view it online at www.peoriaparks.org or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/PeoriaAmp. For more information, contact Samantha Conrad at 681-2854 orsconrad@peoriaparks.org.