PEORIA, IL — “Percy Jackson: Sea of Monsters” will open in Peoria Riverfront Museum’s Giant Screen Theater Wednesday, August 7, 2013; the next Hollywood movie to premiere downtown Peoria! “Percy Jackson: Sea of Monsters” is a fantasy adventure film based on the Rick Riordan novel, a sequel to the 2010 film “Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Lightning Thief.”

Movie Synopsis: Percy Jackson’s seventh-grade year has been surprisingly quiet. Not a single monster has set foot on his New York prep-school campus. But when an innocent game of dodgeball among Percy and his classmates turns into a death match against an ugly gang of cannibal giants, things get… well, ugly. The unexpected arrival of his friend Annabeth brings more bad news: the magical borders that protect Camp Half-Blood have been poisoned by a mysterious enemy, and unless a cure is found, the only safe haven for demigods will be destroyed. In this fresh, funny, and wildly popular follow-up to The Lightning Thief, Percy and his friends must journey into the Sea of Monsters to save their camp. But first, Percy will discover a stunning new secret about his family–one that makes him question whether being claimed as Poseidon’s son is an honor or simply a cruel joke.

To purchase tickets and to see what is currently playing in the theater, visit www.PeoriaRiverfrontMuseum.org

Any movie is bigger, bolder and better in Peoria Riverfront Museum’s Giant Screen Theater. The theater has a screen that measures 52 feet tall by 70 feet wide and features RealD 3D, Hollywood’s preferred 3D provider. With the newest and brightest projectors available, visitors take in ultra-sharp, ultra-detailed images. A state-of-the-art audio system with surround sound and stadium seating also enhance the viewing experience. Movie fans can choose from daytime educational movies and evening Hollywood films.

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville will celebrate more than 500 graduates during its August commencement exercises later this week. The summer ceremony takes place at 10 a.m. Saturday, August 3, in the Vadalabene Center.

SIUE Chancellor Julie Furst-Bowe along with Interim Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Ann Boyle will address the graduates.

The student speaker will be Alyssa Patton of Bethalto. She is graduating with a bachelor’s in political science from the College of Arts and Sciences. Kevin Nesselhauf, president-elect of the SIUE Alumni Association board of directors, also will speak.
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville provides students with a high quality, affordable education that prepares them for successful careers and lives of purpose. Built on the foundation of a broad-based liberal education, and enhanced by hands-on research and real-world experiences, the academic preparation SIUE students receive equips them to thrive in the global marketplace and make our communities better places to live. Situated on 2,660 acres of beautiful woodland atop the bluffs overlooking the natural beauty of the Mississippi River’s rich bottom land and only a short drive from downtown St. Louis, the SIUE campus is home to a diverse student body of more than 14,000.

Peoria, IL- The Women’s Fund of the Community Foundation of Central Illinois is holding its monthly networking opportunity for central Illinois women on Tuesday, August 6, 2013 from 5:00-7:00 PM at The Publik House.

Join local area women who are passionate about empowering women and children in our communities.

The Women’s Fund of the Community Foundation of Central Illinois is an endowment that supports projects that strengthen families and communities by empowering women and girls. Become part of a national movement towards Women’s Philanthropy and check out the Women’s Fund First Tuesdays on August 6, 2013. Learn how you can make a difference in the lives of women and children in your community. You may also visit www.communityfoundationci.org to find out more about the Women’s Fund and past grants.

Women’s Fund First Tuesdays
Tuesday, August 6, 2013
5:00-7:00 PM

The Publik House
4614 Prospect Road
Peoria Heights, IL 61614

August 1, 2013 – Morton, IL – Today, the Morton Chamber of Commerce announced that the 47th Annual Morton Pumpkin Festival Parade Marshal will be Norm Durflinger. The announcement was made by Parade Chairman Linc Hobson during the Rotary Club of Morton’s weekly meeting at the Best Western Ashland House.

Norm Durflinger began making an impact on the community of Morton in 1979 as Assistant Superintendent and then Superintendent of the Morton Public Schools. In 2002 Norm retired from the school district and several years later was elected as Morton’s Mayor. During his eight years as Morton’s Mayor, Durflinger led the community through the completion of a new comprehensive plan and was instrumental in the establishment of the Morton Economic Development Council, the Morton Business District, a Sister City in China, a downtown plan and strategy for the Village, and a new Morton Fire Station.
In addition to spurring strategies to strengthen the economy of Morton, Durflinger was a strong steward of Village resources. During Norm’s term, the Village’s savings grew from $4 Million to $7 Million. Durflinger also worked with the Trustees to reduce spending by over $2 Million in the Village budget.

Durflinger has participated and held leadership positions in the Morton Rotary Club, We Care Foundation, Morton Community Foundation, Peoria Area Convention and Visitor’s Bureau, Morton Economic Development Council, Morton Chamber of Commerce, Village of Morton Board of Trustees, and his local church council and building committee.
Durflinger’s awards during his professional and civic participation have been the Morton Chamber of Commerce Distinguished Service Award, the Morton Rotary Club Distinguished Service Award, the Distinguished Service Award for the Illinois Association of School Business Officials, Distinguished Service Award for the Illinois Association of School Administrators and the Distinguish Service Award for the Department of Educational Administration and Foundation at Illinois State University.

Durflinger is married to his wife of forty-five years, Cathy, and has three married children and four grandchildren all living in the Village of Morton. He and his family will lead the Morton Pumpkin Festival Parade on Saturday, September 14th as this year’s Parade Marshal.

Children will receive a free, properly-fitted bike helmet while supplies last.

PEORIA – Parents, are you looking for a fun way to teach your children about traffic safety in a safe, supervised environment? Bring your little cowpokes to a free Family Bike Rodeo, sponsored by the American Red Cross Central Illinois Chapter in conjunction with the Peoria Park District, Illinois Department of Transportation and the Children’s Hospital of Illinois.

The bike rodeo will be on Saturday, August 10 from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at Bicycle Safety Town. At this fun, FREE event, families can enjoy:
· Bike challenge courses
· Obstacle courses.
· Helmet decorating
· Face painting
· Games, including Pin the Helmet on the Biker

Russell’s Cycle and Fitness will be there to give bikes a free tune-up just in time for back to school commuting. Children will also receive a free, properly fitted helmet while supplies last!

This event is free and open to the public. No registration required.

Please Note: Bicycle Safety Town is located at 6518 N. Sheridan Road in Peoria, IL. For media interviews at the event, please ask for Monica Grugett or call (309) 202-0032.

The Peoria City/County Health Department is participating in National Immunization Awareness Month by providing local information related to a new immunization study. Greg Chance, Administrator at Peoria City/County Health Department states, “National Immunization Awareness Month is the perfect time to update the community on vaccines that prevent serious diseases like measles, diphtheria, rubella, and even some cancers. One particular immunization that has made recent headlines is the HPV vaccine that helps protect against the human papillomavirus virus (HPV) that can cause cervical, throat and anal cancer. With a recent study showing significant reduction in HPV in teens, we can use this exciting news to encourage more of our young people to get vaccinated.”

The study, published in the June issue of The Journal of Infectious Diseases reveals that since the vaccine was introduced in 2006, vaccine-type HPV prevalence decreased 56 percent among female teenagers 14-19 years of age. HPV vaccine is a series of 3 shots recommended for boys and girls 11-12 years of age and is available up to 26 years of age for persons who did not get the vaccine when younger.

HPV is responsible for the most common sexually transmitted infections. There are 40 types of infection that are responsible for causing approximately 70 percent of cervical cancers, genital warts, vaginal and anal cancers and a growing number of head and neck cancers.

Chance further states, “Since 2006, Health Department staff provided HPV shots to over 1500 young women and men in Peoria County. Unfortunately we only have about 75% of those returning for the 2nd dose and only 60% returning for the 3rd. To be fully immunized, our young people need to have all 3 vaccine doses. As a community we still have important work to do to help all our young people become fully vaccinated to reduce the risk for HPV-related cancers throughout the lifetime.”

For more information on immunizations, check with your local healthcare provider or call the Peoria City/County Health Department at 679-6055. For more imformation on important public health issues, visit our website at www.pcchd.org.

The Peoria Friendship House of Christian Service will host Community Unity Day & Health Fair from 8:00 a.m. to noon. The free event includes men’s, women’s and kids’ health centers, offering services from blood glucose and cholesterol testing to mammograms, dental screenings and more. Attendees can also enjoy snacks and refreshments, entertainment, raffles and giveaways.

For more information, call (309) 671-5200 or visit peoriafriendshiphouse.org.

A coalition of organizations led by the Local Initiative Support Corporation (LISC) was recently awarded $3 million by the Illinois Attorney General’s office. The funds, a portion of the state’s $70-million piece of the National Foreclosure Settlement, will support the revitalization of Peoria’s East Bluff neighborhood through the demolition of 20 buildings, construction and rehab of an estimated 30 homes, and access to housing counseling services.

LISC opened its Peoria office last year and leads a team that includes the Peoria Opportunities Foundation, IFF, Novadebt and METEC Housing Counseling Resource Center. The group is partnering with the City of Peoria, Busey Bank, Gaetz Home Team and East Bluff Neighborhood Housing Services to move forward with this effort.

To learn more about LISC, visit lisc.org.

Anniversary Celebration to Take Place on Campus August 8

Peoria, Illinois – Midstate College takes great pride in the long and distinguished history of serving thousands of students and graduates in the Peoria area. For 125 years, Midstate College graduates have successfully entered the workforce with the knowledge and skills necessary to thrive in a wide variety of business, legal and medical industries. In an effort to celebrate many years of success, as well as feature the positive experience that Midstate has to offer, the college will be hosting a 125th anniversary celebration on campus. All students, alumni, and community members are welcome to attend.

Midstate College President, Meredith N. Bunch, a third generation family member to lead the college, is looking forward to sharing the successes of Midstate with family, friends and the community. In her words, “I am incredibly proud to celebrate this milestone and to have the opportunity to showcase how life-changing our college has been for our students. My family and I have worked very hard over the years to make a positive impact on each one of our students’ lives and to ensure success for our graduates. This is definitely a reason to celebrate!”

What: Midstate College 125th Anniversary Celebration Event
When: Thursday, August 8, 2013; 4 p.m. – 7 p.m.; Ribbon cutting to be held 4 p.m.
Where: Midstate College Campus, 411 W. Northmoor Road, Peoria, Illinois 61614
Details: Please join Midstate College to celebrate 125 years of success! There will be great food provided by Barrack’s, a hosted bar, a jazz band, wine tasting, kettle corn, a photo booth and great prizes, including bottles of wine, a Kindle Fire and gift basket.

Local poet, Valerie Wieland will sign copies of her book, “The Language of Snow and Ice,” on Saturday, August 24 at 2:00 p.m. Wieland, who has had several pieces of fiction published in literary reviews across the U.S., has recently relocated to central Illinois. She is publishing a book of short stories which may be available at her signing.

I Know You Like a Book
4707 N. Prospect Ave.
Peoria Heights, IL 61616