NOROVIRUS: THE “STOMACH FLU”

The Peoria City/County Health Department reminds individuals that a norovirus outbreak, also known as the “stomach flu”, does not occur just on cruise ships this time of year. Noroviruses often occur in restaurants, schools, childcare facilities, long-term care facilities, and holiday gatherings. Noroviruses are a group of related viruses that affect the intestinal tract causing gastroenteritis illness. “Stomach flu” has no relation to the influenza virus, or seasonal respiratory flu.

Norovirus outbreaks occur throughout the year, but over 80 percent of them occur during the period of November–April. These types of outbreaks are responsible for about half of all reported outbreaks of gastroenteritis with symptoms of vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach cramping. Norovirus is highly contagious and can spread from person to person, through contaminated food or water, and by touching contaminated surfaces. Symptoms typically last 2-3 days. While there is no specific treatment or vaccine for norovirus, infected people should drink plenty of liquids to replace fluid, nutrients, and minerals.

Humans are the only source for noroviruses. These viruses do not multiply outside the human body. The viruses are present in the feces of infected persons and can be transmitted to others when hands are not thoroughly washed after going to the restroom.

Pertussis (Whooping Cough) in Peoria County

Pertussis is a very contagious respiratory bacterial infection and can cause serious complications in high risk groups, especially infants less than one year of age and children who have not been fully immunized against the disease. Pertussis is easily spread from person-to-person; therefore, health officials are strongly encouraging parents, pregnant women, other family members, caregivers, and all who come in contact with young infants to be vaccinated against pertussis.

Greg Chance, Administrator at Peoria City/County Health Department states, “A sustained increase in pertussis has been observed in Illinois, primarily in our northern counties in the last few years. We are now seeing an increase in the cases that are being tested and diagnosed in Peoria County. Pertussis is one of the most commonly occurring vaccine-preventable diseases. While we are encouraging individuals to get vaccinated against the seasonal flu, this is a prime opportunity to remind the public to get vaccinated against pertussis, as well. Vaccination is still the safest and best method of protecting our high risk vulnerable populations, particularly infants, against disease.”

Pertussis is spread to others through direct contact with bacteria from nasal and throat discharges from coughing and sneezing. Symptoms usually occur five to 10 days after exposure, but can take as long as 21 days. The first symptoms are similar to those of a common cold – a runny nose, sneezing, low-grade fever and a mild, occasional cough. The cough gradually becomes severe and, after one to two weeks, the patient has spasmodic bursts of numerous, rapid coughs. Unlike the common cold, pertussis can become a series of coughing fits that continues for weeks. During coughing attacks, the patient may turn blue, vomit and become exhausted. The name “whooping cough” is the characteristic high-pitched “whoop,” which is more common in children, and comes from breathing in air after a coughing episode.

The Peoria City/County Health Department closely monitors all infectious diseases in Peoria County. For more information on pertussis or other public health issues, visit the website at www.pcchd.org.

International Energy Conservation Code to become law in Illinois

Beginning January 1st, 2013, the State of Illinois will enact a new law regarding Energy Efficiency in all newly constructed homes and remodeling. The Illinois Energy Conservation Code, which is a slightly modified version of the 2012 International Energy Conservation Code seeks to raise the energy efficiency of a new home by 15% over the previous code.

Currently most homes exchange (or leak) air at a rate of seven or greater air changes per hour. The 2012 Code will require builders to reduce this to less than five air changes per hour. A combination of requirements, from increased insulation to additional caulking at certain construction points, will help achieve these results. Illinois Builders will have to comply with several new requirements, all of which will increase the overall cost of a new home.

The Home Builders Association of Illinois, local HBA’s, and the state’s Dept. of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) are already trying to educate not only builders, but municipal building inspectors as well, to this new code

Krendick appointed to Procurement Technical Assistance Center Position

Linda Krendick has been appointed the Director of the Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC) in the Turner Center for Entrepreneurship at Bradley University.

The PTAC program is an outreach and technical assistance provider to small businesses and entrepreneurs. It provides assistance from start-up to established businesses to market their commercial product or service with local, state and federal government agencies and large business.

Krendick previously served as Illinois PTAC Director at Illinois Central College and the Heartland Partnership. She has held business development leadership roles in the specialized area of automotive manufacturing. She is a Level II Associate Contracting Assistance Specialist with the National Association of Procurement Technical Assistance Centers and holds a degree in business management from the University of Illinois Springfield.

The Turner Center for Entrepreneurship is a not-for-profit program located in the Foster College of Business at Bradley University. The centers that make up the Turner Center for Entrepreneurship provide business counseling, technical assistance, training, and educational activities for individuals interested in owning their own businesses.

HAPPY FEET SOCCER PROGRAM OFFERED AT THE PEORIA PARK DISTRICT

The Peoria Park District will offer Happy Feet for ages 2-5 at the RiverPlex. This soccer program is a perfect starting point for developing skills as it is non-competitive and uses fun techniques to train advanced motor skills, dynamic dribbling, shooting skills and fitness.

The registration fee is $36 for both residents and non-residents. For specific program details and registration information, check the Playbook, available starting Saturday, Jan 5, or visit our website at www.peoriaparks.org or call 309-681-2866.

Movie Marathon @ Lincoln Branch of Peoria Public Library

January 3-5 – 2:30-4:00 p.m.

– Lincoln Branch

Join us for a marathon of Madagascar (January 3), Madagascar 2: Escape 2 Africa (January 4), and Madagascar 3: Europe’s Most Wanted (January 5). All ages Madagascar

LOCAL HEALTH DEPARTMENT SUPPORTS IDOT’S LIFE-SAVING YELLOW DOT PROGRAM

The Peoria City/County Health Department joins forces with the Illinois Department of Transportation to urge residents to participate in the State of Illinois’ 2013 Yellow Dot program, which could save the lives of people involved in a serious car accident. Last year’s 2012 program promoted special focus on the benefits to the elderly. IDOT’s 2013 program stresses the importance of Yellow Dot for everyone, especially for children with serious health issues or conditions.

Diana Scott, Public Information Officer at Peoria City/County Health Department states, “With safety as a major public health issue, this life-saving traffic initiative provides first responders with critical information to improve emergency care for persons involved in vehicle crashes. Because the first hour following an injury is the most crucial, the Yellow Dot program assures that essential personal health information is available in order to provide prompt and appropriate care for a crash victim.”

Those who are willing to participate in the Yellow Dot program simply fill out a medical information card for each person who regularly rides in the car. The card will contain their photo, emergency contact information, the name of their personal physician, any medical conditions, a list of recent surgeries, any allergies, and current medications being taken. After filling out the card and putting in their vehicle’s glove box, they simply place the yellow dot sticker on the back window.

The Peoria City/County Health Department, 2116 N. Sheridan Road, Peoria, now has the cards and dots available for pickup.

For additional information on the Illinois Yellow Dot program visit the website www.yellowdotillinois.org. For more information on other public health issues, visit the Peoria City/County Health Department at www.pcchd.org.

Peoria NEXT Awards $50K to Local Medical Research Start-up Business

Peoria NEXT continues to support technology and innovation in Greater Peoria by awarding VirtuSense Technologies (VST) $50,000 through its research grant program. According to Peoria NEXT CEO Grant Brewen, “This grant supports innovation and the implementation of commercialization in the areas of life science, physical science, material science, and engineering science. VST was chosen based on the company’s inter-institutional collaboration, scientific/technical merit, commercialization potential, and future access to funding.” Funds for this Grant Program were obtained through donations to Peoria NEXT.

VST is a spin-off company of Bradley University working to develop technologies to improve medical training and skill evaluation by collaborating with Emergency physicians at OSF HealthCare and UICOMP. VST is housed at Peoria NEXT Innovation Center. Chief of Technology, Deepak Gaddipati, says this grant allows his team to continue researching ways to develop cost effective systems to improve simulators used for training medical personnel. “This grant enables the development of preliminary components for an augmented reality based surgical training system that combines virtual patient simulation with trainee skill evaluation capabilities.” Gaddipati explains that VST is trying to develop state-of-the-art hardware and embedded medical training and evaluation systems for trauma procedures. One example utilizes disposable synthetic tissue, allowing medical trainees to perform surgical procedures while providing real-time analysis of their actions. This system will allow trainees to experience the nuances of real-life surgery before operating on a patient.

As announced earlier this year, Peoria NEXT went through a realignment process to better position itself to attract technology commercialization opportunities by focusing resources and energy on four main areas of concentration, one of which is the Medical/Healthcare industry. Brewen says this industry is one of the fastest growing industries and the Greater Peoria Region has a cutting-edge medical infrastructure that has witnessed over $600 million in recent investments, additions and renovations. The awarding of this grant to VST fits completely with the new vision of Peoria NEXT. “The focus of ‘NEXT Medical’ is to generate funding to sponsor and manage research in the areas of cancer biology, health informatics, medical education and medical device development. With vision that extends far outside the laboratory, ‘Next Medical’ can aggregate funding from both public and private sources, develop research projects involving multiple institutions and actively manage their funding and accountability.”

THE PEKING ACROBATS JANUARY 26, 2013

Are you ready to be amazed? Over 2,000 years of tradition, perfection, spectacle, and awesome entertainment comes to Five Points Washington as they welcome The Peking Acrobats for a very special 5/5/5 Celebration Event Saturday, January 26th.

The Peking Acrobats kick off their 27th North American Tour in January with a performance right here in Central Illinois. Five Points Washington is excited to have this show as part of their 5 month 5th anniversary celebration. A troupe of China’s most gifted tumblers, contortionists, jugglers, cyclists, and gymnasts. The Peking Acrobats have pulled out all the stops to make this their most memorable tour to date.

The Peking Acrobats have performed the world over for more than twenty-five years to packed houses and standing ovations, including such far-reaching corners of the globe as Australia, Europe, throughout the Americas, the Middle East, Africa, and numerous Asian countries.

Tickets available on line at www.fivepointswashington.org

Adult: $25-$35 / Youth: $15-$25 (18 and under)

Theater Doors Open: 6:30 p.m. / Curtain: 7:00 p.m.

SOUTH SIDE TIF REDEVELOPMENT PLAN AND NEW NAME

The City of Peoria South Side Tax Increment Financing (SS TIF) Redevelopment Draft Plan is available for public review on the City of Peoria’s website at: www.ci.peoria.il.us.

The proposed redevelopment project area includes properties in the City’s South Side neighborhood, roughly bounded by Martin Luther King Jr. Drive on the north, Western Avenue on the west, Adams Street on the south, and McArthur Highway on the east, including additional nearby properties A formal public hearing to review the plan and to submit public comments will be held February 11, 2013 at 6:15 p.m. at Peoria City Hall, 419 Fulton St., Room 400.

The City is also seeking a new name for the South Side TIF. Following is a proposed list of names for the South Side TIF created by the residents and stakeholders in the area. The public can vote on their favorite name by completing the SS TIF Name Survey which is also located on the City’s website.

Proposed Names of South Side TIF:

* New Heritage Area TIF

* Martin Luther King Place TIF

* Historic South Village TIF

* New Beginnings TIF

* South View TIF

* Lincoln Heritage TIF

* Veteran’s TIF

* New South Heritage TIF

To vote on your favorite name, go to: www.ci.peoria.il.us Voting will remain open until December 21, 2012.

For more information, contact Leslie L. McKnight, Office of Economic Development at 309-494-8651 or lmcknight@ci.peoria.il.us

Central Illinois Health Information Exchange Becomes Independent Non-Profit

The Central Illinois Health Information Exchange (CIHIE), is now a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. The development of the health information exchange began in 2009 with a one-year planning grant to Quality Quest for Health of Illinois from the state of Illinois that covered 20 counties in central Illinois, including the cities of Peoria, Bloomington-Normal, Decatur, and Champaign-Urbana and surrounding communities.

As a combined region, the geography encompasses:

· A population of approximately 1.3 million

· 27 hospitals

· 20 health departments

· 2,800+ physicians

· 280+ pharmacies

· 0+ imaging services and labs

· Hundreds of ancillary healthcare providers: behavioral healthcare, rehabilitation services, long-term care, home health, and more

“We like to say CIHIE was incubated under Quality Quest and now we are standing on our own,” said Joy Duling, who has served as the Interim Executive Director of CIHIE since its inception. “We have a great team in place and look forward to continued close working relationships with our many members.”

Duling will formally begin as the permanent Executive Director on January 1, 2013.

A new location: CIHIE has a new office location at 809 W. Detweiler Drive, Suite 801, in Peoria.

CWTC PRESENTS SUPER TRIVIA CHALLENGE! – JANUARY 25th FUNDRAISER SEEKING PLAYERS

CWTC, Community Workshop and Training Center announce their annual “Super Trivia Challenge” fundraiser on Friday, January 25th at 6:30 p.m. at Barrack’s Cater Inn, 1224 Pioneer Parkway in Peoria.

“Everybody loves trivia!” says Patti Gratton, Executive Director for CWTC. “From U.S. history to pop culture to ‘Name That Tune,’ we’ll cover it all!” Individuals, companies, and organizations are welcome. Registration is $20 a person while groups can reserve a table of eight for $150. Entries include appetizers and cash bar. Prizes will be awarded to first, second, and third place teams. All money raised goes directly to programs and direct services for CWTC consumers. For registration & info call 686-3300 or rstephenson@cwtc.org.

CWTC provides programs and services to adults with disabilities; enriching their quality of life, promoting social change, and optimizing their potential for independence.

Cancer Research Center Design Earns Recognition

From cell structure to the building structure – the University of Illinois College of Medicine at Peoria is among the top.

The Central Illinois Chapter of the American Institute of Architects recently awarded the new Cancer Research Center and entrance at the University of Illinois College of Medicine at Peoria (UICOMP) an Honorable Mention at their annual Design Awards.

Thanks to unwavering public-private collaboration and support, the Cancer Research Center at UICOMP completed a $13 million expansion project in December 2011. Architects were from Peoria-based Farnsworth Group, Inc.

The sleek, modern design of the two-story addition includes outward-leaning glass framed with a metallic “skin.” A lighted “sail” greets visitors to the building and the interior entrance is vast with bold lines.

With the walls of the Cancer Research Center, UICOMP researchers continue making new discoveries in cancer research.

In 2012 alone, cancer biology researchers at UICOMP have published 25 scholarly articles detailing their findings, adding to their already impressive list of internationally-recognized findings. Since 2001, the cancer biology program at UICOMP has received nearly $28 million in research funding.

UICOMP recently welcomed a new researcher, Dr. Eleonora Zakharian, whose work in cell “signal reception and desensitization” could provide future, unique methods for delivering cancer-fighting drugs.

She says understanding how certain molecules and their complex structures operate could shed light on more easily delivering cancer-fighting treatments and inhibiting cancer cell growth.

Zakharian brings funded research to Peoria in Transient Receptor Potential ion channels and biological polymers such as Polyhydroxybutyrate and Inorganic Polyphosphates – molecules found in all living organisms. She is funded by the National Institutes of Health and by the American Heart Association.

Men in Black Movie Marathon @ Peoria Public Library

January 2 – 4 – 3:30-5:30 p.m.

– Main Library Auditorium

Calling all MIB fans! Can you believe the original MIB was released 15 years ago? Join us as we relive the crazy antics of Agent K and Agent J and the aliens they encounter.

Jan 2 – Men in Black

Jan 3 – Men in Black 2

Jan 4 – Men in Black 3

Light refreshments will be served. All ages welcome. 497-2143

Sun Foundation Annual “Winter Warming” Children’s Program Fund Benefit

Join friends of the Sun Foundation for the annual “Winter Warming”, an enchanting evening of fine wine, brews, food, and music. This benefit for the Sun Foundation’s Children’s Program Fund will take place January 19, 2013 from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. at the Peoria Riverfront Museum, 222 SW Washington St., Peoria, IL, 61602.

Experience the essence of the Pacific Northwest through wine and brew tasting hosted by Super Liquors, hors d’oeurves by Cracked Pepper Catering, decadent desserts, coffee by Starbucks, and live music with Paul Adams. The event will also feature a silent auction and specialty raffle.

Make your reservations now to be a part of this winter’s warmest evening. Reservations and information are available online at:

www.sunfoundation.org, by phone at 309-246-8403, or by email at:

info@sunfoundation.org. Payment is available through Pay-pal.

IL Neurological Institute Stoke Center @ OSF Saint Francis Medical Center Receives Comprehensive Stroke Certification

The Illinois Neurological Institute’s (INI) Stroke Center at OSF Saint Francis Medical Center has been named a Comprehensive Stroke Center by the Joint Commission and the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association. It is the second center in the United States to earn this prestigious designation and the first in Illinois and the Midwest. Established in 1995 under the direction of Dr. David Wang, the INI Stroke Center at OSF Saint Francis became the first JCAHO certified primary stroke center in Illinois in 2004.

This new level of certification recognizes the significant resources in staff, training, and state-of-the-art infrastructure that comprehensive stroke centers must have to treat complex stroke.

The INI Stroke Center at OSF Saint Francis underwent a rigorous two-day onsite review in September. Joint Commission experts reviewed compliance with the Comprehensive Stroke Center standards and requirements including advanced imaging capabilities, 24/7 availability of specialized treatments, and staff with the unique education and competencies to care for complex stroke patients.

Nonprofit Leader Training

for Central Illinois

Local leaders partner to provide training for nonprofit board members, staff and volunteers.

Local leaders are partnering again to provide training for non-profit board members, staff and volunteers. “The Fundamentals of Nonprofit Business” is an ongoing series of continuing education opportunities for nonprofit leaders in central Illinois. Each session offers a different topic that relates to a specific aspect of nonprofit management and administration. Target audiences will change as topics will relate to board, staff, volunteers or managers.

The second session, “Navigating Legal Issues in the Nonprofit Sector” will be held on January 14th, 2013 in the auditorium of the Peoria Public Library located in downtown Peoria , IL from 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. Nonprofit Executive Directors/CEOs, staff and board members are invited to attend. There is no cost for this training, but registration is required. To register, visit www.communityfoundationci.org and click on “The Fundamentals of Nonprofit Business Series” link under “Quick Links.”

Local experts presenting: John Sahn, of counsel at Scully, Sudow, White & Fredrick on “Law and Trends Pertaining to Nonprofits” and Clete Winkelmann, President and CEO of Children’s Home Association of Illinois on “Proactively Managing Your Nonprofit and Promoting Excellence and Compliance.” Participants will have the opportunity to exchange ideas and network in small groups. There will also be a speaker question and answer section.

“The Fundamentals of Nonprofit Business” is a collaborative effort designed to impact the nonprofit sector by offering quality training on issues relevant to our community. Each session includes a focused discussion concerning the central Illinois nonprofit sector as a whole. The intent is to create an open dialogue within the sector in a neutral setting. Therefore, professionals and nonprofits will not only benefit from the training content, but have the opportunity to network and more importantly to participate in an organized dialogue about our community.

The first training in the “Fundamentals of Nonprofit Business” series was held on October 10th, 2012. 100 nonprofit professionals attended this inaugural event. The topic was “How to be an Effective Board Leader” and speakers included:

· Bill Cirone, President and CEO of Federal Warehouse Company – “The Nonprofit Thriving in the World of Business”

· Chris Monroe, CEO and Founder of CPS – “Staying on Course-Making Your Vision Your Reality”

· Mark Spenny, President and CEO of CEFCU – “Creating a Dynamic Board-Recruit, Orient and Putting to Work”

· Eileen Setti, Partner at Ruby & Associates – “Governance and the Care and Feeding of the Executive Director”

“The Fundamentals of Nonprofit Business” is organized through the efforts of the Community Foundation of Central Illinois, Chuck Weaver and Leaders Change Peoria and local nonprofit consultants, Ruby & Associates. The January training, “Navigating Legal Issues in the Nonprofit Sector” is partially underwritten by a generous contribution from Bill Cirone of Federal warehouse Company.

The Community Foundation of Central Illinois manages a fiscal account for any contributions given to the project. Designate gifts to “The Fundamentals of Nonprofit Business.”

Vaccines for Adults

The Peoria City/County Health Department reminds all residents that being immunized against vaccine preventable diseases is a positive healthy behavior not only for children, but also for adults. With vaccinations, the United States has been successful at reducing the threat of many infectious diseases and outbreaks.

In the Peoria area, most children receive their recommended age-appropriate vaccinations, but the same does not hold true for adults. Many adults skip recommended vaccinations, which can lead to preventable illnesses and possibly death. In fact, every year adults become ill from vaccine-preventable diseases such as the flu, pneumococcal disease, hepatitis A and hepatitis B.

Greg Chance, Administrator at Peoria City/County Health Department states, “As an adult, the type of vaccines you should get can depend on your age, lifestyle, profession, underlying health conditions, and even the places you travel. You may also need a booster shot, which is an additional vaccine needed to maintain your immunity to a disease. Our Department helps adults chose the correct vaccines for their needs. During this holiday season, recommended immunizations might include those needed for travel to foreign countries.”

Some adult vaccines include:

· Seasonal Flu vaccine: Adults should receive a flu vaccine each year to protect themselves and those around them from influenza, which can be especially risky for individuals ages 65 and older, pregnant women and people already living with serious health conditions.

· Shingles vaccine: The shingles vaccine is recommended for people age 60 years and older and can help against the painful outbreaks of rashes and blisters caused by the chickenpox virus.

· Tdap vaccine: The Tdap vaccine protects against tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis. It is important for adults, particularly pregnant women and those people caring for infants, to be immunized against pertussis or whooping cough since it is spread easily and is extremely dangerous to infants.

· Pneumococcal vaccine: Pneumococcal disease can cause three major conditions of pneumonia, bacteremia, and meningitis; all of which are leading causes of serious illness among children and adults.

· HPV vaccine: The HPV vaccine protects against strains of the human papillomavirus that can cause cervical and anal cancer.

· Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B vaccines: These diseases are caused by viruses and can cause serious liver infections.

Assistance is available

For more information on vaccination, call the Peoria City/County Health Department Immunization program at 679-6655. For information on other important Public Health issues, visit the Peoria City/County Health Department website at www.pcchd.org.

Lt. Molleck Receives Award

Mark Molleck, a lieutenant with the Peoria County Sheriff’s Office, was awarded the Harold D. Brignadello Award by the Peoria County Association of Chiefs of Police (PCACP) at its annual Christmas Awards banquet. The award, named for a State Police lieutenant, is presented to a member of PCACP who best exemplifies the purpose and goals of the Association. As President of PCACP, Sheriff Michael D. McCoy presented the award to Lt. Molleck, in part for the lieutenant’s role as Incident Commander in the search for missing Alzheimer’s patient John Garrett last February.

Lt. Molleck was also recognized for his instrumental role in establishing a Search and Rescue team in Peoria County. The team, created in May, now has 37 trained and certified volunteers who respond to missing person call-outs in Peoria County, neighboring counties, and communities across the state. One such call-out resulted in Peoria County Search and Rescue volunteers locating a 76-year-old Alzheimer’s patient who had been missing more than 24 hours in Douglas County last July. They found the man in a cornfield, alive but unable to talk.

Lt. Molleck is now working diligently to improve the Search and Rescue team’s chances of locating missing persons in Peoria County by becoming involved in Care Trak International, a program that uses a tracking device to hone in on missing persons wearing a personal transmitter. For more information on Care Trak or the Search and Rescue team, please call the Peoria County Sheriff’s Office at (309) 697-8515.

RING IN THE NEW YEAR WITH THE HEARTLAND FESTIVAL ORCHESTRA

New Year’s Greeting – Vienna to Broadway featuring Broadway Stars Christiane Noll and Doug LaBrecque on January 5, 2013 @ 7:30 p.m. at Five Points Washington.

Tickets: $30 adults/$8 students. Call 309-444-8222 for tickets or get them online at: http://www.heartlandfestivalorchestra.org/or in person at Kidder Music.

Bus rides to the concert leaving from 2Chez at 6:15 p.m. and Junction City at 6:30 p.m. Please email or call 309-339-3943 to reserve your spot on the bus.

Peoria County Genealogical Society’s January Meeting

Peoria County Genealogical Society will begin their 2013 year with speaker John D. Morris, the director of development for the Ronald W. Reagan Society of Eureka College. He has held this position since 2008. In his role, he leads Eureka President J. David Arnold’s “Reagan Forward” initiative designed to raise money to support Eureka College as a national living legacy to American opportunity. John’s topic will be “Ronald Reagan in The Chapel: How the Great Communicator Found His Voice.”

Join us at our 6:30 p.m. Thursday, January 10th meeting at the Peoria Public Library North Branch at 3001 W. Grand Parkway off Townline Road behind Menard’s. The area is well lighted with parking close to the door, and the public is always invited.

Proctor Hospital’s January 2013 Community Calendar

alonetogether Grief Support Group – Mondays – alonetogether is a grief support group, open to the community, that meets Mondays from 4:30-6:00 p.m. in Group Room 4 of the Counseling Center at Proctor Hospital. If you are experiencing grief from loss of a loved one, divorce or separation, or experiencing grief of any kind, please attend.

For more information contact Steve at 689-6018 or steve.wilson@proctor.org

American Red Cross Blood Drive – Proctor Professional Building, Classrooms 1 & 2
Thursday, January 10 from 7:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. January is National Blood Donor Month. If you last donated on or before 11/15/12 you may be eligible to give. Free food in the donor canteen.

For an appointment, please call Carrie McMillion at 689-8608.

Free Medicare Help Desk – Wednesday, January 23 from 9:00-11:00 a.m. in the lobby at Proctor Hospital – No registration required. Sponsored by Proctor Hospital and BlueCross BlueShield of Illinois.

Red Cross Releases Winter Weather Travel Tips

Winter storms may bring hazardous driving conditions and downed trees and power lines. With winter weather forecasted for our area later this week, the Red Cross offers these suggestions to help you be prepared and stay safe in the event of a winter emergency.

Always stay home when severe weather is expected.

1. Dress warmly in layers

2. Listen to the radio or television to get the latest information and know the terms

· Wind Chill – “Wind chill” is a calculation of how cold it feels outside when the effects of temperature and wind speed are combined. A strong wind combined with a temperature of just below freezing can have the same effect as a still air temperature about 35 degrees colder.

· Winter Storm Watches and Warnings

“winter storm watch” — Be alert, a storm is likely

“winter storm warning” — Take action, the storm is in or entering the area

“blizzard warning” — Snow and strong winds combined will produce blinding snow, near zero visibility, deep drifts, and life-threatening wind chill—seek refuge immediately!

“winter weather advisory” — Winter weather conditions are expected to cause significant inconveniences and may be hazardous, especially to motorists

“frost/freeze warning” — Below freezing temperatures are expected and may cause damage to plants, crops, or fruit trees

3. Assemble essential supplies

· Flashlight and batteries

· Portable, battery-powered radio

· At least one gallon of water per person and a small supply of nonperishable food

· Red Cross First Aid kit

If you need to be on the roads, please prepare before you drive.

1. Winterize your vehicle and keep the gas tank full; a full tank will keep the fuel line from freezing.

2. Allow extra time when traveling. Monitor weather conditions carefully and adhere to travel advisories.

3. Keep a Red Cross First Aid kit and a winter storm survival kit in your car. At minimum, a storm kit should include:

A battery-powered radio and extra batteries

Flashlight and extra batteries

Blankets or sleeping bags

Jumper cables

Bottled water and non-perishable snacks

Compass and road map

For more information about winter safety, please visit http://arcillinois.org/tip-library/winter-safety/

Richwoods & Metamora High Schools Hosts 6 week Baseball Camps w/U.S. Baseball Academy

Richwoods High School is hosting a six week baseball camp starting January 6. Richwoods head coach Doug Goessman will direct the program in conjunction with U.S. Baseball Academy. Classes are available for players in grades 1-12 and are limited to six players per coach. Sessions are offered in advanced hitting, pitching, catching, fielding and base-running at a cost as low as $99 for six weeks. Space is limited. Registration is now under way. For more information, visit www.USBaseballAcademy.com, or call toll-free 866-622-4487.

Metamora High School is hosting a six week baseball camp starting January 6. Metamora head coach Eric Stone will direct the program in conjunction with U.S. Baseball Academy. Classes are available for players in grades 1-12 and are limited to six players per coach. Sessions are offered in advanced hitting, pitching, catching, fielding and base running at a cost as low as $99 for six weeks. Space is limited. Registration is now under way. For more information, visit www.USBaseballAcademy.com, or call toll-free 866-622-4487

January 2013 Free Kids Events at Peoria Public Library

Infant/Toddler

Thursday, January 3, 10, 17, & 31 – North Branch – Tadpoles Storytime – 10:30-11:00 a.m. Children ages 2 – 3 & caregivers.

Monday , January 7, 14, & 28 – North Branch – Wednesday, January 9, 16, 23, & 30 – Lakeview Branch – Tiny Tots Storytime – 10:30-11:00 a.m. Babies 12 – 23 months & caregivers welcome.

Monday, January 7, 14, & 28 – Lakeview Branch – Little Sprouts Storytime – 10:30-11:00 a.m. Babies 0 to 11 months and their caregivers are welcome.

Tuesday, January 8, 15, 22, & 29 – Friday, January 11, 18, & 25 – Lakeview Branch

Lakeview Lambs – 10:30-11:00 a.m. Storytime Ages 2- 3

Preschool

Wednesday, January 2, 9, 16, 23, & 30 – McClure Branch – Fun Time Storytime – 10:00-10:30 a.m. Ages 3 to 6.

Friday, January 4, 11, 18, & 25 – Lakeview Branch – Lakeview Lions – 3:00-3:30 p.m. Storytime. Ages 4 to 6.

Tuesday, January 8, 15, 22, & 29 – Lincoln Branch – Terrific Tattletale Tuesday Storytime – 10:00-10:30 a.m. Ages 3 to 6.

Grade School

Wednesday & Friday, January 2 & 4 – Lakeview Branch Make It! Take It! – 10:00 a.m.-7:30 p.m. (5:30 p.m. Friday) Stop by the library and make a fun craft! While supplies last. Ages 3 to 8.

Wednesday, January 2, 9, 16, 23, & 30 – Main Library – Make It! Take It! At Main – 4:00-5:30 p.m. Kids in grades K thru 6 can drop in to make the day’s craft. While supplies last.

Thursday, January 3 – North Branch – Science Sleuths – 4:00-5:00 p.m. Learn how the library can help you explore the mysteries of the universe. It migh get messy, so don’t wear your favorite sweater! 3rd-5th grade.

Saturday, January 5 – Lakeview Branch – Discovering Great Artists – 10:30-11:30 a.m. Hands-on activities to learn the artistic styles of great artists. We will focus on Renaissance art and create our own inspired project. Ages 7 – 12.

Saturday, January 5 – North Branch – Make It! Take It! – 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.Sstop in the Children’s Activity Room and make a cool craft! While supplies last. Ages 4-10.

Thursday, January 10 – Lincoln Branch – Front & Center: Dewey’s Amazing Race – 5:00-5:45 p.m. Join our race to complete challenges based on the various subjects in the Dewey Decimal System. Ages 7 to 12.

Saturday, January 12 – North Branch – Family History Club – 10:30-11:30 a.m. Children & parents will explore their family history, culture, and tradition with fun-filled educational activities that connect sthem to their past. Ages 7 to 10.

Tuesday, January 22 – Lincoln Branch – Front & Center: Celebrate Winnie the Pooh – 5:00-5:45 p.m. Bring your favorite bear as we play Pooh games, make Pooh crafts, and read Pooh stories. While supplies last. Ages 4 to 10.

Saturday, January 26 – Lincoln Branch – Snowman Stories & Craft Day – 2:30-3:30 p.m. Ages 5 to 8. While supplies last.

Wednesday, January 30 – Lakeview Branch – Monarch Award Storytime – 1:15-1:45 p.m. Join us for a storytime featuring Monarch Award nominees. Each child will have the opportunity to vote for their favorite book to win the 2013 Monarch Award. Grades K through 3rd.