Liz Cook Promoted to Lead Team

ORLANDO, Fla. (August 20, 2013) – LongHorn Steakhouse is proud to announce the promotion of Liz Cook to Managing Partner of the restaurant’s Peoria location. Cook started her career with Darden Restaurants nearly 13 years ago as a hostess at Olive Garden and most recently held the position of Staffing and Training Manager at the Peoria LongHorn before being promoted. In her new role, she will oversee all aspects of the restaurant’s operations, including managing a team of approximately 50 team members.

This promotion is the result of Cook’s ability to lead by example as she motivates her team to practice a “guest first” attitude and to deliver the cut-above dining experience for which LongHorn is known.

“Liz has done a tremendous job of connecting with her restaurant team and making them feel supported,” said Kerri Ressmeyer, Director of Operations for LongHorn. “The first thing you notice when you enter the Peoria location is pride. Liz’s team truly appreciates her dedication and commitment. A true mentor at heart, she brings 110% effort to work every day and consistently looks for ways to develop herself and her team.”

“I’m excited to be promoted to Managing Partner and to lead the Peoria restaurant,” said Cook. “At LongHorn, we have an employee culture where we genuinely care about each other. As a result, our team enjoys coming to work – and our guests can see that. When you dine with us, you’re not just getting an excellent meal – you’re being served by a team that truly cares about you.”

Cook and her team support a number of local organizations and groups, including the Robert A. Jamieson School. During the school year, students visit the restaurant weekly to assist with kitchen preparation and dining room set up – enabling them to take part in that same “pride” felt as you enter the restaurant.

“Giving back to the community is an important part of what we do daily,” said Cook. “It’s all about extending that ‘family’ culture from inside the restaurant to outside it.”

Visit Cook and her team at the LongHorn Steakhouse in Peoria at 7401 N. Grand Prairie Drive.

About LongHorn Steakhouse®
Known for a “Passion for Grilling®” fresh, tender, juicy steaks, LongHorn Steakhouse provides guests with a cut above steakhouse experience. Unlike other steakhouses, LongHorn® offers the widest variety of cuts and numerous preparations, including its signature bone-in Outlaw Ribeye® – all served in a relaxed, warm atmosphere inspired by a rancher’s home. A growing brand, LongHorn plans to open more than 45 new locations over the next year, bringing our total to well over 400 restaurants across 37 states. LongHorn is a division of Darden Restaurants, Inc. (NYSE:DRI), the world’s largest full-service restaurant operating company. In 2013, Darden was named to the FORTUNE “100 Best Companies to Work For” list for the third year in a row and is the only full-service restaurant company to ever appear on the list. LongHorn is committed to making a difference in the lives of others in the local community. As part of this commitment, all LongHorn restaurants participate in the Darden Harvest program, which has donated more than 60 million pounds of food to local community food banks across the country. For more information, please visit www.longhornsteakhouse.com.

About Darden Restaurants
Darden Restaurants, Inc., (NYSE: DRI), the world’s largest full-service restaurant company, owns and operates more than 2,100 restaurants that generate over $8.5 billion in annual sales. Headquartered in Orlando, Fla., and employing more than 200,000 people, Darden is recognized for a culture that rewards caring for and responding to people. In 2013, Darden was named to the FORTUNE “100 Best Companies to Work For” list for the third year in a row and is the only full-service restaurant company ever to appear on the list. Our restaurant brands – Red Lobster, Olive Garden, LongHorn Steakhouse, Bahama Breeze, Seasons 52, The Capital Grille, Eddie V’s and Yard House – reflect the rich diversity of the people who dine with us. Our brands are built on deep insights about what our guests want. For more information, please visit www.darden.com.

Jeremy Moser, a Peoria resident and 2013 graduate of Dunlap High School, has been awarded The Vanguard Scholarship to attend SAE Institute, which was recently cited as being the best audio recording/engineering school in America by Vibe Magazine.

Reported at: Nashville (PRWEB) August 20, 2013
Jeremy Moser, a Peoria resident and 2013 graduate of Dunlap High School, has been awarded The Vanguard Scholarship to attend SAE Institute, which was recently cited as being the best audio recording/engineering school in America by Vibe Magazine.
SAE’s Vanguard Scholarship is merit-based. It’s presented annually to one outstanding prospective full-time student who possesses “a superior creative aptitude, a rigorous work ethic, an insatiable desire to succeed, and a penchant for innovation”. The Scholarship, valued at $28,290, provides full tuition to any one of SAE’s campuses in New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago, Atlanta, Miami, or Nashville.
“I’m thrilled to win the Vanguard Scholarship, and also thrilled to be attending SAE,” says Moser, who’ll be enrolled in the Audio Technology Program at SAE’s Nashville campus. “I looked at several other audio engineering programs, and I knew that SAE was right for me because of its impressive international reputation. I was amazed at how much industry experience the staff in Nashville has, and by the amount of hands-on learning that SAE makes available to its students compared to other colleges, which offer minimal in-studio training.”
Jeremy’s application process for the Vanguard Scholarship included a 300 word essay, two letters of recommendation, an original audio submission and production paper, and a research paper on a topic related to audio or music. He competed against scholarship applicants from across America.
“The entries this year were very competitive for the Vanguard Scholarship, but ultimately it was Jeremy’s submission that impressed the SAE scholarship committee the most,” says Lynn Dorton, Campus Director of SAE Nashville. “His lifelong exposure to music helped make his scholarship application stand out above the rest, and we expect great things from him while he’s here.”
Moser’s diverse musical background includes drum lessons that began when he was 4 years-old, piano lessons at 5 years-old, and guitar lessons when he was 12. At 13, he played drums for Northwoods Community Church in Peoria, and at 16 was hired to perform on weekends for services and church events. He’s also a fan of digital recording and electronic music production. His favorite music genres are alternative and indie rock.
“Ultimately, I’m not sure whether I’d want to focus on being an engineer of live music or a studio engineer,” says Moser. “When any kind of audio engineer does his job well, the impact he can have on people is impressive, so getting my schooling at SAE will give me a great foundation to decide which area I’d like to eventually pursue.”
Along with his affinity for SAE’s Nashville campus, he also connected with the Nashville lifestyle experience.
“Nashville is the perfect place for me to get started in the music industry,” says Moser. “It’s such an amazing city, and I loved hearing live music along Broadway. I couldn’t possibly pass up the opportunity to live and go to school in Nashville.”
Moser will begin his classes at SAE Institute Nashville on September 3.

Youth Piano Lessons Beginning in September
The Peoria Park District offers multiple sessions of Piano Lessons for ages 5-13, both beginner and intermediate, starting September 3 and 4 at Don’s Music Land. Beginner and intermediate mini-mester classes cost $38/residents, $43/non-residents.
Full-schedule piano classes begin September 24 and 25 and allow for a small performance on the last day of class. Cost is $98/residents, $113/non-residents.
See a complete list of available times and dates, and register online, at www.peoriaparks.org/piano-classes

September Adult Piano Lessons
The Peoria Park District’s Adult Mini-Mester for Beginner I and Intermediate Piano/Theory class for ages 14+ runs Wednesdays, September 4 through 18 at 6 p.m. at Don’s Music Land. Cost is $38/residents, $43/non-residents. Register online using code 56016 at www.peoriaparks.org/piano-classes.
The full session of Adult Beginner I and Intermediate Piano/Theory runs Wednesdays, September 25 through December 4 at 6 p.m. at Don’s Music Land. Cost is $98/residents, $113/non-residents. This class is for high school age and above. Register online using code 57924 at www.peoriaparks.org/piano-classes.
Adults 50+ also have the option of participating in their own Beginner I and Intermediate Piano and Theory mini-mester classs starting September 3. Cost is $36.
A full piano session for 50+ adults, both beginner and intermediate, begins September 24. Cost is $120/residents, $140/non-residents.
Visit www.peoriaparks.org/mature-adult-music-and-arts to see complete class details and register online.

Huge, Fun, Day-Long Event for Ages 50+
The Peoria Park District’s 50 Rock program for active 50+ individuals is hosting 50 Rock Rocks Wokanda on Saturday, September 7 from 8 a.m.-8 p.m. at Camp Wokanda. Cost is $35 per person, which includes all activities and three meals. The registration deadline is Tuesday, September 3. 50 Rock Rocks Wokanda is a showcase event for everything 50 Rock offers. Participants will enjoy a day full of indoor and outdoor activities: Entertainment
• Campfire sing-along led by Mike Foster and Mike Boyle
• Wine Tasting by Willett’s Winery
Sports
• Pickleball • Kickball • Canoeing Lessons and Canoe Races • Fly Fishing • Nature Hike
• Bike the Roads surrounding Camp Wokanda • Rugby Experience
Fitness
• Yoga • Tai Chi • Hoop Fitness • Massage Therapist Alma Sander-Landis

Hopedale, IL – Hopedale Medical Complex recently recognized another one of its outstanding employees. Heather Inselmann, an employee in the Human Resources Department and a member of HMC’s PRIDE team, earned the HMC employee of the month. She was nominated by Rehabilitation and Sports Medicine Director Emily Whitson, who had this to say about Mrs. Inselmann :

“Heather has been an integral part of the HR team. She was very pivotal is keeping HR running during the absence of the Asst. Director and without a permanent HR director. Heather always has a smile on her face and a cheerful voice for employees and prospective employees alike. She also plays a vital role on the PRIDE team. She recently organized and implemented the plans for the 2013 4th of July float and parade. She has embraced a lot of changes with her job description and takes everything in stride. She always volunteers to help with programs and activities taking place on campus. I feel that Heather embodies the HMC mission and is very deserving of this award.”

Congratulations to Heather on your achievement. HMC appreciates the tremendous hard work!

Hopedale Medical Complex is committed to promoting outstanding healthcare, healthy lifestyles, health education, and wellness. Visit HopedaleMC.com to learn more about the services offered at Hopedale Medical Complex, which is just 10 miles south of Morton, off Interstate 155 (Exit 19.)

WHO: Title Sponsor Par-A-Dice Hotel Casino will present their sponsorship check to
The Center for Prevention of Abuse. Friends and fans of the Duck Race, volunteers and staff will be there to cheer on the winning ducks.

WHAT: DUCKS!! Thousands of Yellow Rubber Ducks will be launched into the Illinois River to race for prizes. Grand Prize is $5000.00 sponsored by South Side Bank.
• Live Music by Corn Wolves (spin off of JammSammich)
• Food for purchase from Haddad’s Restaurant Food Cart
• Fruit Smoothies for purchase from Maui Wowi
• Uncle Bob’s Ice Cream for purchase
• The Glitter Fairy
• The Unique Twist
• Kid’s Games

WHEN: Saturday, August 24, 2013
• Fun starts at Noon
• Check presentation @ 1:45pm
• Ducks Swim @ 2:00pm
• Winners announced before 2:30pm

WHERE: Peoria Riverfront Marina next to the Spirit of Peoria.

WHY: To raise funds to help fill the gaps of needed services in our communities including:
• Additional Prevention Educators to meet the great demand of teaching kids how to keep their bodies safe, respect others, build healthy relationships and solve problems in a positive way.

• Additional Legal Advocates to help manage the highest number of Orders of Protection in the history of The Center.
• Additional Adult Protective Services Caseworkers to meet the steady rise in monthly intakes of abuse, neglect and financial exploitation of adults over 60 and adults with disabilities 18 – 59.

“The support from the community and the increased awareness about the mission of The Center is extremely important,” says Martha Herm, Executive Director. “With cuts to human services, we need the race to bring in record sales to support our work throughout central Illinois.”

To buy a duck and see a list of great prizes, go to – duckrace.com/Peoria or call 691-0551 for a race entry form.

Storytime Workshop to be Offered to Child Care Providers

A “Storytime Workshop” for Daycare providers will be offered at Lincoln Branch on Saturday, August 24 from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Those who work with young children will get some tips on doing a storytime or how to liven up storytime. This fun filled workshop about Storytimes, Toddler Lap Sits and Puppet Shows begins at 10:00 am and ends at 12:00 pm. and includes a light snack. All attendees will receive a certificate of participation.

To attend this workshop or for more information, please call 497-2600.

The Peoria Zoo’s adult female tiger, Kyra, died Sunday evening after a short illness that did not respond to treatment. A necropsy was performed and test results are pending.

Kyra came to Peoria in 2006 and gave birth to four cubs in June 2012 and although she was a first-time mom, she proved to be an excellent parent.

Zoo Director, Yvonne Strode, said “The staff is heartbroken and we know that many members of the public will be also.”

For further information, contact Yvonne Strode at (309) 696-6504.

WHO: Title Sponsor Par-A-Dice Hotel Casino will present their sponsorship check to The Center for Prevention of Abuse. Friends and fans of the Duck Race, volunteers and staff will be there to cheer on the winning ducks.

WHAT: DUCKS!! Thousands of Yellow Rubber Ducks will be launched into the Illinois River to race for prizes. Grand Prize is $5000.00 sponsored by South Side Bank.
• Live Music by Corn Wolves (spin off of JammSammich)
• Food for purchase from Haddad’s Restaurant Food Cart
• Fruit Smoothies for purchase from Maui Wowi
• Uncle Bob’s Ice Cream for purchase
• The Glitter Fairy
• Unique Twist
• Kid’s Games

WHEN: Saturday, August 24, 2013
• Fun starts at Noon
• Check presentation @ 1:45 pm
• Ducks Swim @ 2:00 pm
• Winners announced before 2:30 pm

WHERE: Peoria Riverfront Marina next to the Spirit of Peoria.

WHY: To raise funds to help fill the gaps of needed services in our communities including:
• Additional Prevention Educators to meet the great demand of teaching kids how to keep their bodies safe, respect others, build healthy relationships and solve problems in a positive way.
• Additional Legal Advocates to help manage the highest number of Orders of Protection in the history of The Center.
• Additional Adult Protective Services Caseworkers to meet the steady rise in monthly intakes of abuse, neglect and financial exploitation of adults over 60 and adults with disabilities 18 – 59.

“The support from the community and the increased awareness about the mission of The Center is extremely important,” says Martha Herm, Executive Director. “With cuts to human services, we need the race to bring in record sales to support our work throughout central Illinois.”

To buy a duck and see a list of great prizes, go to – duckrace.com/Peoria or call 691-0551 for a race entry form.

It will be a busy weekend at Bradley University as Saturday, August 24th marks the official move-in day for students. There will be some significant changes in traffic patterns around Bradley to accommodate the activities. Expect considerable delays on University Avenue between I74 and campus especially between 8-2 Saturday.

Peoria Charter buses will be redirected to the front of Baker Hall on Main Street rather than the Michel Student Center on both Friday and Saturday. Baker Hall is located on Main St. at Institute.

Saturday:
The following roads will be closed starting at 7:00 a.m.: Elmwood at Main, St. James at University, Bradley at Duryea, and Bradley at Institute. Bradley police officers will be in place to assist with traffic flow. Major move-in activity is expected to begin at 9:00 a.m. and conclude about 3:00 p.m.

Sunday:
Fredonia Avenue from Duryea to Glenwood will be closed starting at 3:00 p.m. for the block party that takes place from 6:30 to 9:00 p.m. The Heuser Art Center parking lot will be closed all day.

Randy Couri will be the guest speaker at the Peoria County Genealogical Society on September 12th at 6:30 p.m. The meeting will be held at the Peoria Public Library North Branch at 3001 W. Grand Parkway.. Randy is a historian and genealogist for the Peoria Itoo community and for his ancestral village of Aytou, Lebanon. Randy will share his expertise on how to search for Ellis Island Manifests. He will discuss the difficulties involved in finding the manifests, and how to interpret the information found on each page.Manifests were filled out not at Ellis Island, but at the immigrants’ ports of departure. From 1892 to 1954, over twelve million immigrants entered the United States through the portal of Ellis Island. Call for more info at: 309-697-4518.