CW Notes

Starting Tuesday, May 28, the MacArthur Highway, between Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive and Richard Allen Drive, will be closed until June 14 to make repairs to the bridge deck. Because of the deteriorating surface, construction crews will be removing the broken concrete surface on the bridge deck and replacing it with an asphalt surface.

Romeo B. Garrett Avenue between Richard Allen Drive and Saratoga Street, which is underneath the bridge, will also be closed so that the repair crews can safely perform the work.

For more information on the road closure, contact Nick Stoffer, Public Works Traffic Engineer, at (309) 494-8800.

Peoria – In conjunction with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources Office of Water Resources and IEMA, Peoria County will be hosting an open house for flood impacted residents at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, May 29, at Illinois Valley Central High School, 1300 W. Sycamore St., Chillicothe. Woodford and Tazewell County residents affected by the flooding are welcome to attend as well.

The open house will feature presentations from state officials on the importance of inspections and permitting, and will include explanations of mitigation options such as elevation, demolition, relocation assistance, and buyout programs. Various state and federal grant programs will be described to help property owners better understand their options as they continue to recover from recent flooding events. Peoria County officials will be available to meet with property owners as well.

Questions regarding the open house may be directed to Peoria County’s Planning & Zoning Department: (309) 672-6915.

Peoria, IL – The City of Peoria will be temporarily closing Adams Street from Liberty Street to Hamilton Boulevard from 6 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 23, 2013. The City has made arrangements to allow citizens to exit the One Technology Plaza Parking Deck and the Niagra Parking Deck during this time; however, citizens will not be able to enter these parking decks during this time. Citizens who need to exit the Jefferson Street Parking Deck will be routed to the Jefferson Street exit.

The three block closure of Adams Street will take place to allow for video footage as part of the quest for the 2013 All-America City Award in which the City of Peoria has been named a finalist. The goal of the video is to highlight the great assets and great people of Peoria. The Peoria Area Chamber of Commerce’s Young Professionals Organization, (YPGP) who spearheaded this effort, is calling all Peorians to pack Adams Street for the final video footage. Invite your friends, family, neighbors and co-workers to come out and show their pride in Peoria!

Staging will begin downtown at 6:00 p.m. on Adams Street between Main Street and Hamilton Boulevard. For more information about the All-America City Award or details about participating in the final video footage on Adams Street, please call Leslie Williams at Simantel at (309) 674-7747 or lesliew@simantel.com.

Ron W. Lee, MD Pediatric Care Award – Clinical Excellence

(Peoria / May 21, 2013) – The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) and the Illinois Emergency Medical Services for Children (EMSC) program today honored Teresa Riech, MD with a special pediatric care award for her contributions to childhood care. The Ron W. Lee, MD – Excellence in Pediatric Care Awards are given annually by IDPH and EMSC to recognize those dedicated to pediatric emergency care and childhood injury prevention initiatives. Individuals or organizations can be nominated in one of three award categories – Lifetime Achievement, Clinical Excellence and Community Service.

Dr. Teresa Riech is the Emergency Department Pediatric Medical Director at OSF Saint Francis Medical Center and Children’s Hospital of Illinois. She is triple board certified in emergency medicine, internal medicine and pediatrics. Her education certifications include: Pediatric Advanced Life Support, Advanced Cardiac Life Support, Neonatal Resuscitation Provider, Advanced Trauma Life Support and International Trauma Life Support.

“Dr. Reich’s dedication to quality pediatric care and promotion of family-centered care is evident not only by her multiple certifications, but by the initiatives created and protocols developed to better treat children,” said Dr. LaMar Hasbrouck, Illinois Department of Public Health Director.

“Dr. Reich’s efforts to get pediatric APNs (advanced practice nurses) and child life specialists into the Emergency Department helped to raise pediatric Press Ganey patient satisfaction scores from 60-70 percent in December 2010, to about 90 percent consistently,” said Leon Yeh, MD, FACEP, OSF Saint Francis Emergency Medical Services Medical Director.

“Dr. Riech’s greatest drive has been in the treatment of pain in children. Doing nothing for pain whether “in pain” or “inflicting pain” is just “NOT ACCEPTABLE.” Over the past three years we have completely moved from a culture of occasionally providing a pain relief choice to a culture of always providing pain relief,” said Carolyn Henricks, RN, OSF Saint Francis Pediatric Quality Coordinator.

“The monthly newsletters (“Peds Pearls”) that Teresa writes and publishes for the Emergency Department staff enhance education and professional practices at various levels; Child Life Specialists, nursing staff, and bedside technician staff,” said Sue Behrens, RN, ACNS-BC, NEA-BC, Director Emergency Department, CDU, Trauma Services at OSF Saint Francis. “Her dedication to providing the highest quality pediatric care is impressive – she truly does care.”

Dr. Kay Saving, Medical Director, Children’s Hospital of Illinois noted, “In my opinion, Teresa truly embodies the ideal of a pediatric emergency medicine physician leader, with her unfailing emphasis on the highest quality of family-centered care for her patients, coupled with her patience and skill in forging long-lasting collaborative relationships that assure an ongoing commitment to the best care of every child, every time.”

Dr. Riech is also Major Riech, a Flight Surgeon with the Air National Guard logging more than 300 hours in an F-16 Fighting Falcon with deployments to Iraq, Bosnia and Afghanistan. In addition, Dr. Riech is a Department of Defense Flight Surgeon with NASA, coordinating emergency medical response for space shuttle landings at Edwards Air Force Base.

The Ron W. Lee, MD Excellence in Pediatric Care awards are presented each May. Dr. Lee, who died in 1998, was the director of emergency medicine at Loyola University Medical Center and was instrumental in establishing and fostering the EMSC program in Illinois.

The Illinois EMSC program is a collaborative effort of the Illinois Department of Public Health and Loyola University Medical Center. It was established in 1994 to ensure the emergency medical care needs of children are adequately addressed.

WHAT: The 2013 Arthritis Walk® and 5k Fun Run is the signature fundraising event for the Arthritis Foundation. Every year, people across the country move together to celebrate those who are making a positive impact on the lives of people living with arthritis.

WHEN: Saturday, June 1 – Walk steps off at 9:00 a.m. Dog walks steps off at 10:00 a.m. (Dogs get arthritis, too) Wellness Fair will take place from 8:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

WHERE: Midstate College – 411 West Northmoor Peoria, IL 61614

WHY: We aren’t just fighting arthritis and helping the more than 2.5 million people who live with arthritis pain in Illinois, many of them are children. We’re making the impact of arthritis unacceptable and taking a stand, moving together to help prevent and treat this serious and painful disease through research, education and community programs.

Participants walk for friends or family members with arthritis, and those with arthritis wear blue hats to signify their action to take control of their condition.

Our thoughts and sympathies are with all those impacted by these horrific tornadoes. We are working around the clock to provide food and shelter to all those whose lives were affected by these storms. Shelters are open and Red Cross volunteers were out overnight with food and supplies for first responders.

Shelters are open and emergency aid stations will be open where people can get food and snacks, mental health and health care services and information about what help is available.

More workers, supplies and equipment are on the way to help the people of Oklahoma. Almost 30 emergency response vehicles are enroute to distribute food, water and relief supplies to people in need

The Southern Baptist Convention is joining the relief effort and two kitchens will be available with the ability to make tens of thousands of meals a day. The Red Cross also has kitchen support and relief supply trailers on the way to help those forced from their homes.
This has been a deadly and devastating storm, and Red Cross disaster mental health workers are available to help people cope with the aftermath.

We also are operating shelters and supporting people affected by Sunday’s storms in Shawnee and other parts of the Oklahoma City area.

The Red Cross will be on the ground in these affected areas for weeks to help people get back on their feet.

People in the affected area should let loved ones know they are safe, and the Red Cross has several ways to help do this.

People can register on the Red Cross Safe and Well website by visiting www.redcross.org and clicking on the “List Yourself or Search Registrants” link under “How to Get Help”. Those who can’t access a computer can call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) and one of our operators can help you register.

Disaster victims can also update their Facebook and Twitter status through the Safe and Well website.

From a smart phone, visit www.redcross.org/safeandwell and click on the “List Yourself as Safe and Well” or “Search for friends and family” link.

People can also use the “I’m Safe” feature of the free Red Cross tornado app.

This has been a major disaster, and the Red Cross will be there for the people in this state and this community. You can help people affected by disasters like tornadoes, floods and other crises by making a donation to American Red Cross Disaster Relief.
You can donate by visiting www.redcross.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS or texting the word REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation.

Your donation helps provide food, shelter and emotional support to those affected by disasters.

The Red Cross stands ready to help meet the blood needs of patients in and around Oklahoma City if needed. There is currently enough blood on the shelves to meet patient demands. However, those with type O negative blood are encouraged to give blood when they are able.

Peoria IL– It’s the time of year when many residents spruce up their homes and yards, and since May is designated as Mailbox Improvement Month, it’s also a good time to check your mailbox.

Customer Relations Coordinator Rebecca Brummitt said, “Neat, attractive, and well-maintained mailboxes enhance the overall appearance of your neighborhood and the community. It also provides a secure depository for your mail. A well-maintained mailbox keeps your mail out of the wind and weather.”

Here are some tips for maintaining your mailbox:
• Check the door and hinges to ensure the door closes properly.
• Look for protruding nails and sharp edges. Sand, repaint or replace your mailbox if it is
rusty.
• Check the post for stability and anchor it if necessary.
• Make sure your box identifies your address. It’s a good idea to display the address on both sides of the box so police, fire, and rescue personnel can find you. Adding house numbers to the box helps ensure that you get your mail too.
• Trim shrubs and branches that may be blocking access to your mailbox.

Approved traditional or contemporary mailboxes are required when a mailbox is replaced or newly installed.

Contact your local post office for height requirements for curbside or rural boxes.

Downtown museum is one of more than 1,800 museums across America to offer free admission to military personnel and their families this summer

PEORIA— Today Peoria Riverfront Museum announced the launch of Blue Star Museums, a collaboration among the National Endowment for the Arts, Blue Star Families, the Department of Defense, and more than 1,800 museums across America to offer free admission to all active duty military personnel and their families from Memorial Day through Labor Day 2013. Leadership support has been provided by MetLife Foundation through Blue Star Families. The complete list of participating museums is available at www.arts.gov/bluestarmuseums.

“Blue Star Museums is a collaboration between the arts and military communities,” said NEA Acting Chairman Joan Shigekawa. “Our work with Blue Star Families and with more than 1,800 museums ensures that we can reach out to military families and thank them for their service and sacrifice.”

Blue Star Museums is a collaboration among the National Endowment for the Arts, Blue Star Families, the Department of Defense, and more than 1,800 museums across America. The program runs from Memorial Day, May 27, 2013 through Labor Day, September 2, 2013.

Peoria – Peoria County State’s Attorney Jerry Brady is pleased to announce the American Mausoleum will host a Memorial Service in honor of Memorial Day on Saturday, May 25 at 10:30 a.m. Following a presentation by Vietnam Veteran Dearl (Skip) Morris, the American Legion Limestone Post 979 will conduct the Presentation of Colors. A 21-gun salute will also be performed during the ceremony. The mausoleum is located at 7911 N. Allen Rd in Peoria and the public is invited, and encouraged, to attend.

Sergeant Morris served in the U.S. Army, attached to the 101st Airborne Division, from 1967 – 1973 and was stationed in Vietnam from 1968-1969. Born in Peoria, Sgt. Morris graduated from Illinois State University in 1975. He retired as the Corporate EEO/Affirmative Action Manager from Caterpillar, Inc. in 2009, after 35 years with the company.

Persons attending Saturday’s service will be able to enjoy the mausoleum’s recent renovations, including improvements to the interior and exterior of the building, the grounds, and the plumbing and heating and air conditioning systems. Refreshments will be provided for Saturday’s ceremony.

For more information on the Memorial Service or the American Mausoleum, please call the State’s Attorney’s Office at (309) 672-6900.

Multiple Ways to Donate To Disaster Relief Efforts

As disaster relief continues in the wake of devastating tornadoes across Oklahoma, donors are interested in helping out. “We know that many people are touched by the tragedy and want to help,” said Major Evie Diaz, Divisional Commander for the Heartland Division. “Cash donations allow The Salvation Army to purchase product to quickly and efficiently meet the most urgent needs of disaster victims,” said Diaz. When possible, the purchases are made near the disaster site to stimulate the local economy and ensure quicker delivery.

It is easy to give to The Salvation Army:
• By phone at 1-800-SAL-ARMY (1-800-725-2769)
• Online at www.salvationarmyusa.org
• By mail:
The Salvation Army – Disaster Relief
P.O. BOX 2536, Oklahoma City, OK 73102

Please make checks payable to “The Salvation Army” and clearly marked “May 2013 Oklahoma Tornadoes.”

You can also text the word “STORM” to 80888 to make a $10 donation through your mobile phone; to confirm your gift, respond with the word “Yes.”*

*A one-time donation of $10 will be added to your mobile phone bill or deducted from your prepaid balance. Message & Data Rates May Apply. All charges are billed by and payable to your mobile service provider. Service is available on Verizon Wireless, AT&T, Sprint and TMobile. By participating you certify that you agree to the terms and conditions, that you are 18 yrs. or older, or have parental permission, and have authorization from the account holder. Donations are collected for the benefit of The Salvation Army by the Innovative Giving Foundation and subject to the terms found at igfn.org/t. Privacy policy: igfn.org/p. Text STOP to 80888 to stop; Text HELP to 80888 for help.

More information on the relief efforts can be found at : www.disaster.salvationarmyusa.org