ROTARY CLUB OF PEORIA-NORTH ELECTS OFFICERS
The Rotary Club of Peoria-North 2013-2014 officers and board members were installed on Thursday, July 11. Officers are Doug Huff, President; Scott Paulsen, Vice President; Jim Barrack, Immediate Past President; Matt Machala, Secretary; and Alan Willadsen, Treasurer. Board members are: Stacy Borho, Frank Gutwein, Emily Hampton, and Ben Roberts.
Rotary is an international organization of business, professional and community leaders united worldwide to provide humanitarian service, encourage high ethical standards in all vocations, and help build goodwill and peace in the world.
The Rotary Club of Peoria-North meets at Barrack’s Cater Inn Banquet Center at 1224 W. Pioneer Parkway every Thursday from 11:45 a.m. to 1:15 p.m.
Easter Seals Offers Programs for Children with Special Needs
Easter Seals will host three programs for children with disabilities and special needs during the month of August. All programs will be held at the Easter Seals Peoria Center, 507 E Armstrong Ave., Peoria.
The Inspired Arts Academy, in partnership with Easter Seals, is opening all of their classes this fall to children with special needs. “Sample the Arts,” a preview of IAA classes, is being offered on Thursday, August 8, from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. at Easter Seals. “Sample the Arts” will give children with special needs and their families an opportunity to experience art, music, and dance. A child may participate in one or all three classes. Information on how to enroll in the Inspired Arts Academy will be available. Refreshments will be provided. There is no cost to participate. Call 309-686-1177 or e-mail parentsupport@ci.easterseals.com to reserve your spot.
A group designed for children, ages 7 to 10, who show symptoms of anxiety will begin Monday, August 12. The Anxiety Group provides a structured environment for children to learn and practice skills such as self-calming techniques, ways to reject irrational thoughts, realistic problem-solving skills, and enhancing relationships with family and other significant people in their lives. The group meets on Monday 3:30 – 4:30 p.m. through mid-December.
Splashercise, a warm water exercise class for children, ages 6 to 18, with disabilities or special needs will begin Tuesday, August 20. The class, led by a licensed therapist, focuses on age-appropriate strengthening, range of motion and stretching, weight bearing, balance and endurance activities in a warm water environment. Children and adolescents with post-orthopedic surgery, juvenile arthritis, spina bifida, cystic fibrosis, cerebral palsy, diabetes, asthma, and autism will benefit from this program. The class meets on Tuesday 5:00 to 5:45 p.m. for six weeks. There is a $65 fee and scholarships are available.
Registrations for all programs are being accepted. Call Jennifer Simpson at 309-686-1177, extension 2202 for additional information or to register.
NATIONAL MS SOCIETY, GREATER ILLINOIS CHAPTER CALENDAR OF EVENTS
The National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Greater Illinois Chapter is hosting a wide variety of programs, events, support groups and teleconferences this summer and fall for individuals living with MS, their family members, and community members interested in joining the movement to create a world free of MS. Nearly 20,000 people in Illinois and more than 400,000 in the United States live with MS. Many of these events are free of charge.
Monday, August 12 – Midwest Regional Teleconference: “Probiotics and MS”
As part of the monthly teleconference series, Dr. Loren Rolak, MD, Director of the Marshfield Clinic MS Center, will lead a discussion about probiotics and MS. Understand probiotic as treatment options and learn about the hygiene hypothesis, what it has to do with MS and what research projects in MS are based on this hypothesis. Register today for this free service!
Time: 7:00 to 8:00 p.m.; Free; Register: 1.800.344.4867 or online at MSillinois.org; Location: Call-in by phone
Saturday, August 24 – Regional Research Symposium 2013
Listen to keynote speakers, David W. Brandes, MS, MD, FAAN, MSCS, discuss “Sleep Disorders in MS” and Dr. Stephen Miller, Northwestern University, discuss “Merging Immunology and Nanoscience for Development of a New Therapy for Multiple Sclerosis.” Concludes with a question and answer session. A complimentary breakfast buffet will be provided.
Time: 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.; Free; Register: 1.800.344.4867; Location: Par-A-Dice Hotel, 21 Blackjack Boulevard, East Peoria, IL 61611
Monday, Sept. 9 – Midwest Regional Teleconference: “Complementary and Alternative Therapy for MS”
As part of the monthly teleconference series, Patricia Kennedy, RN, CNP, MSCN, Can Do MS Nurse Educator and Programs Consultant, will offer a comprehensive discussion of complementary and alternative (CAM) therapy. Topics will include gaining a better understanding on what CAM therapies are, learning the benefits and risks of CAM, and explaining the importance of talking to your physicians about the CAM therapies you are using. Register today for this free service!
Time: 7:00 to 8:00 p.m.; Free; Register: 1.800.344.4867 or online at MSillinois.org; Location: Call-in by phone
Multiple sclerosis, an unpredictable, often disabling disease of the central nervous system, interrupts the flow of information within the brain, and between the brain and body. The disease affects more than 20,000 individuals in Illinois and 2.1 million worldwide. The Greater Illinois Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society mobilizes people and resources to drive research for a cure and to address the challenges of everyone affected by MS. Envisioning a world free of MS, the Chapter moves toward that end by driving change through advocacy, facilitating education, collaborating with others and by providing helpful programs and services. For more information, visit MSillinois.org.
UnityPoint Health-Methodist Mobile Mammography Schedule
August 2013
The following is the schedule for the UnityPoint Health-Methodist Mobile Mammography Van for the month of August, 2013. Methodist features all digital mammography equipment providing improved, faster and more comfortable exams.
August 3-Friendship House | 800 N. E. Madison Avenue, Peoria
August 5-UnityPoint Clinic | 1909 N. Morton, Morton
August 7-Wal-Mart | 2071 N. Main, Canton
August 13-UnityPoint Clinic | 901 Walnut, Metamora
August 14-Cherry Tree Shopping Center | Washington
August 15-IGA | El Paso
August 17-Stop The Violence Rally | John Gwynn Park,
809 W. John Gwynn Jr. Ave,
August 20-UnityPoint Clinic | 1909 N. Morton, Morton
August 21-UnityPoint Clinic | 1800 Broadway, Pekin
August 22-Havana IGA, 943 E. Laurel Ave | Havana
August 24-Sister to Sister | Martin Luther King Park,
825 W. McBean| Peoria
August 27-UnityPoint Clinic | 223 E. Main St.| Princeville
August 28-UnityPoint Clinic | 525 Sweetbriar | Chillicothe
August 29-Supervalue, 106 N. 6th St | Wyoming
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.
Fogelberg Foundation Announces 4th Annual Dan Fogelberg Celebration Weekend
The Fogelberg Foundation of Peoria is excited to announce the 4th annual Dan Fogelberg Celebration Weekend, happening August 30 & 31, 2013 (Labor Day weekend) in Peoria, IL. Please mark your calendars, and make plans to join us for what is sure to be another grand tribute to the musical legacy of Dan Fogelberg!
Our host hotel will once again be the Four Points Sheraton. Rates start at $109/nt for rooms including breakfast, or you can reserve a room for $99/nt without breakfast.
August 30th – Friday Night Welcome Party — We will be enjoying the wonderful atmosphere of the Cornerstone Building for our kick-off party, which is 7:30 p.m. to midnight. Featured will be Fogelberg tribute artists from around the country in an acoustic “unplugged” format.
August 31st – Plans for Saturday will include a reunion picnic at the Dan Fogelberg Memorial site in Riverfront Park from 12:00 – 4:00 p.m., which will include a food vendor and Fogelberg song circles. A Dan Fogelberg Tribute Concert at the Scottish Rite Cathedral with a post-concert reception begins at 7:30 p.m. The guest artist for this year’s Celebration Weekend feature concert will be the Don Campbell Band from Cape Elizabeth, Maine. This is Don’s first appearance at the event and we are thrilled to have him and his band. Don recently released a 2 CD DF Tribute album, “Kites To Fly,” to great success and was just nominated for “Tribute Album of the Year” from the Independent Music Awards.
Hotel reservations may be made and tickets to the Friday night and Saturday night events are available at www.dfpeoria.com. For more info, please email FFoP co-founder, Deb Jelinek at deb@dfpeoria.com.
“Take a Stab at the Riverfront!” Event on September 13th
Peoria Riverfront Museum is partnering with the Peoria Park District Riverfront Division for a very unique “Take a Stab at the Riverfront!” event on Friday, September 13, 2013. This dinner and a movie event kicks off at the Gateway Building downtown Peoria at 6:30 p.m. with a movie-themed meal, cash bar and Alfred Hitchcock’s ‘Rear Window’ movie in the Giant Screen Theater beginning at 8:00 p.m. Cost is $30 for dinner and a movie.
Menu for “Take a Stab at the Riverfront:”
Chicken (a.k.a. The Birds) w/ a bread knife (a.k.a.Blackmail) stuck in it.
Garlic Mashed Potatoes (a.k.a.Frenzy)
Green beans w/ onions and diced red pepper
Tossed salad with dressing
Raspberry Torte cake w/ red drizzle (a.k.a. Psycho)
To purchase tickets, visit www.PeoriaRiverfrontMuseum.org
Write Your Own Life Story
The Peoria Park District’s 50 Rock program for active 50+ individuals is offering the class Write Your Own Life Story, where participants are taught some keys to developing a story of their life. Cost is $25.
August 13 & 20 10 a.m. Bernard Hall Code: 56775
August 14 & 21 10 a.m. Franciscan Rec Complex Code: 56772
August 14 & 21 5:30 p.m. Franciscan Rec Complex Code: 56781
For more info & to register, visit www.peoriaparks.org/50rock or call (309) 681-2859.
30th Anniversary of the National Night Out Against Crime
Tuesday, August 6th is the 30th anniversary of the National Night Out Against Crime. Night Out is held each year to celebrate neighborhoods and to foster positive relationships between resident, businesses, City staff and the police. In Peoria, neighborhood associations host block parties typically between 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Neighborhood associations that are registered with the City of Peoria may request up to $250.00 in reimbursement for Night Out related expenses. The deadline to register is July 19th. Night Out documents are available on the City’s Website at: Neighborhood Programs or by contacting Steve Fairbanks at 309 / 494-8250.
Just a Few Blocks from Here: The Art of Tom Gross on Display
Peorian artist Tom Gross will display a collection of his work at the Peoria Public Library Main Library Gallery August 1 – 30 during regular open library hours of 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. The show is free and appropriate for all ages. A Gallery Walk/Talk will be offered on August 14 at 2:00 p.m.
Gross captures local scenes in acrylics and on a large scale. He says that when searching for ideas to release the creative drive that is in the artist that is in himself, it was only natural that he would begin painting cityscapes. He explains that since he grew up in an urban environment he was always sketching buildings and street scenes.
“Starting with the first painting I knew I had fallen on subject matter that I not only could get a creative release, but also bring out some emotion from the viewer. What is art but the search for an emotional connection with the artist and the viewer?” said Gross.
He talks of the early days when his paintings were of local scenes and welcomed by the galleries in the area. As Tom Gross began to travel more he started to capture images from around the country. He paints everything from manhole covers, gas and parking meters to grand views of Major League Ballparks majestic stadiums.
Gordon-Booth Launches Fifth Annual Cell Phones for Soldiers Drive
Continuing her efforts to honor and assist those serving in our nation’s armed forces, state Rep. Jehan Gordon-Booth is collecting cell phones for her annual Cell Phones for Soldiers Drive.
“For the men and women who are serving our country overseas, staying connected to their family can be difficult,” said Gordon-Booth. “Each cell phone donated to Cell Phones for Soldiers provides members of the military with 2.5 hours of talk time with their loved ones back home. I am proud to be partnering with this wonderful organization again this year to help our troops connect with their loved ones.”
Cell Phones for Soldiers is a non-profit organization that has raised millions of dollars in donations. The organization delivers approximately 12,000 free calling cards to our soldiers on a weekly basis. Collected equipment will be sold to Mindful eCycling 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-Booth’s District Office, 300 E War Memorial Drive, Suite 303, Peoria
• Peoria Heights Public Library, 816 E. Glen Ave., Peoria Heights
• Limestone Township Building, 1501 W. Garfield Ave., Bartonville
“By donating unused cell phone at any of the collection sites, you will be providing comfort to soldiers serving overseas and their families,” Gordon-Booth said. “I encourage everyone to take a few minutes to drop off an old phone and support military families.”
For more information about this or other upcoming legislation, please contact Rep. Gordon-Booth’s constituent service office at (309) 681-1992 or repjgordon@gmail.com.
Humana Promotes Tina McNaught to Market Director for Great Lakes Medicare Region
Humana Inc. has promoted Tina McNaught to serve as the company’s Market Director for its Medicare Great Lakes region.
In her new role, McNaught will oversee Humana’s Medicare operations for its prescription drug plans, Medicare Supplement and Medicare Advantage health plans for Illinois, Michigan and Wisconsin. She will also set the strategic direction for the growth of Humana’s Medicare business. McNaught will remain based in Peoria.
“I’m pleased to have such strong leadership in place in Peoria,” said Tim O’Rourke, vice president of Humana’s Great Lakes Medicare region. “Serving Medicare beneficiaries with distinctive products and services is fundamentally important to Humana, and Tina is a true champion of providing exceptional customer experiences. I’m confident her extensive skills, talent and health-benefits experience will further enhance the value Humana brings to Medicare beneficiaries.”
McNaught joined Humana with the company’s May 2008 acquisition of OSF HealthPlans Inc., where she began her health-benefits career in 1999. Since then, she has been recognized for her outstanding performance and consistently appointed to positions of increasing responsibility. Prior to this promotion, since 2008 she served as Market Manager and led the team responsible for the Humana MarketPOINT portfolio of Medicare and financial protection products.
A life-long Central Illinoisan, McNaught graduated from Illinois State University in Normal, Ill. She volunteers for several local charitable organizations and currently serves as Chair for Heartland’s Christmas for Seniors. McNaught was selected in 2012 for Humana’s Women in Leadership Program and in 2009 was named Regional Manager of the Year. In 2005, she was recognized for her professional and community service accomplishments with a “40 Leaders Under 40 Award” presented by InterBusiness Issues, the Peoria area’s leading business publication.
Peoria’s “Ag Lab” comes to Museum
The Peoria County Board is hosting a “Science Rocks! Celebrating Peoria as a Place of Invention” event on Saturday, August 3, 2013 at Peoria Riverfront Museum. With free admission to all museum galleries and planetarium, this community day event from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. will give museum visitors a chance to learn more about Peoria’s USDA National Center for Agricultural Utilization Research (NCAUR). This collaboration is part of the “Places of Invention” grant from the Smithsonian Institution Lemelson Center.
Science Rocks! will give participants an extensive view of what goes on inside “The Ag Lab” in Peoria with different activity tables and exhibits. Visitors can talk to local scientific professionals and learn about the history of innovation in the Peoria community through hands-on activities in the museum lobby 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Event participants will be able to record a story in the Oral History Center located in The Street exhibition. At 4:00 p.m., Dr. Stephen W. Peterson will give a free presentation about Peoria’s role in the development of penicillin.
NCAUR is the largest regional research center operated by the Agricultural Research Service (ARS), the in-house research agency of the United States Department of Agriculture.
West Nile Virus Positive Mosquitoes in Peoria County
The Peoria City/County Health Department is reporting the first West Nile virus positive mosquito sample detected in Peoria County for 2013. “The positive mosquito pool is an indication that West Nile Virus is circulating in our area. These mosquitoes are not the same as the nuisance mosquitoes that we saw after recent flooding conditions. We are now seeing these disease carrying mosquitoes and individuals should take appropriate preventive measures to protect their health,” states Wil Hayes, Director of Environmental Health for the Peoria City/County Health Department.
“As we enter the hot temperature season, we will start to see more mosquitoes test positive for West Nile virus in the Central Illinois region,” said Hayes. “The best way to prevent West Nile disease or any other mosquito-borne illness is to reduce the number of mosquitoes around your home and to take personal precautions to avoid mosquito bites. Precautions include practicing the three “R’s” – reduce, repel and report.”
· REDUCE exposure – Avoid being outdoors when mosquitoes are most active, especially between dusk and dawn. Make sure doors and windows have tight-fitting screens. Repair or replace screens that have tears or other openings. Try to keep doors and windows shut, especially at night. Eliminate all sources of standing water where mosquitoes can breed, including water in bird baths, ponds, flowerpots, wading pools, old tires and any other receptacles.
· REPEL mosquitoes – When outdoors, wear shoes and socks, long pants and a long-sleeved shirt, and apply insect repellent that contains DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus or IR 3535, according to label instructions. Consult a physician before using repellents on infants.
· REPORT mosquito breeding grounds – In communities where there are organized mosquito control programs, contact your municipal government to report areas of stagnant water in roadside ditches, flooded yards and similar locations that may produce mosquitoes.
West Nile virus is transmitted through the bite of a mosquito that has picked up the virus by feeding on an infected bird. Common West Nile virus symptoms include fever, nausea, headache and muscle aches. Symptoms may last from a few days to a few weeks. However, four out of five
people infected with West Nile virus will not show any symptoms. In rare cases, severe illness including meningitis or encephalitis, or even death, can occur. People older than 50 are at higher risk for severe illness from West Nile Virus.
For more information on public health issues, visit the Peoria City/County Health Department’s website at www.pcchd.org.
Peoria Area SeniorNet Sponsors Open House & Fall Class Registration on August 17th
Peoria Area SeniorNet is sponsoring an Open House on Saturday, August 17, 2013 at 9:00AM at the First Baptist Church in Peoria. The church is at 411 W. Lake Ave. at North St. Park in the lot behind the church and use the west entrance. The purpose of this meeting is to introduce prospective new students and computer buyers to SeniorNet and to answer any questions they might have about computers. The Open House will be followed by registration for fall classes from 10:00AM to noon. For more information about SeniorNet and class schedules, go to the SeniorNet web site at www.PeoriaAreaSeniorNet.org. For other questions, call 1-800-872-4651 ext. 1510. Leave a message and a SeniorNet volunteer will return your call.
The purpose of the Open House is not only to introduce prospective students to SeniorNet, but also to provide a forum where present and future computer users acquire information that will help them make choices when buying computers, selecting computer accessories, and choosing computer courses. SeniorNet instructors and coaches will be available for one-on-one questions and discussions with the attendees.
SeniorNet volunteers will entertain questions from the attendees and discuss such things as what computer you should buy, what courses you should take, and what computer programs are available to you. You may also want to talk about that computer you received as a gift.
Students may register for SeniorNet Fall Classes following the Open House. Former students and those already familiar with SeniorNet may skip the open house and arrive between 10:00AM and noon to register for classes. Use the east entrance to register.
Peoria Area SeniorNet is sponsored by Illinois Eye Center and PNC Bank.
Deadline to Register with FEMA Extended to August 8th
Residents affected by the flooding that occurred between April 16 and May 5 who plan to register with FEMA for disaster assistance must do so by Thursday, August 8th. Residents may register any of the following ways:
Call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362 or (TTY) 800-462-7585
For those who use 711 Relay or Video Relay Services, call 800-621-3362
Online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov
Via web-enabled phone at m.fema.gov
The toll-free numbers operate from 7:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. daily. Multilingual phone operators are available on the FEMA Helpline: choose option 2 for Spanish and option 3 for other languages.
Residents registering with FEMA will be assigned a nine-digit Registration Identification Number that verifies their registration status.
Area’s First Potbelly Sandwich Shop to Open August 7th
Potbelly Sandwich Shop will open its doors at 318 W. Washington St., East Peoria, Wednesday, Aug. 7. This will give area residents the chance to experience the lively, neighborhood hangout that makes Potbelly Sandwich Shop “The Best Place for Lunch.”
The franchise store is family owned by longtime Peoria residents and business leaders, Scott and Lara Ackerman, and Jeff and Kim Ackerman. “Lara, Jeff and I are lifelong Peorians and we all have strong ties to the local community,” Scott said. “We graduated from Bradley University and the Ackermans are third-generation graduates. We are excited to bring the Potbelly neighborhood experience to our home town.”
The new shop will partner with Fondulac District Library during its pre-opening event, the Oven Warming Party, to raise funds for the organization. “We are excited about all of the new things the library has going, and we look forward to a long relationship,” Jeff said. Plus, we really like the idea of helping our neighbor.”