(Peoria, IL / April 12, 2013) – The monthly meeting of the Better Breathers Club will be held Wednesday, April 24, 2013 from 2:00 -3:30 PM in Classroom 1 at the RiverPlex in downtown Peoria.

The program will feature Brian Urbaszewski, Director of Environmental Health Programs for the Respiratory Health Association. His topic is “Air Quality and Your Health: Pollution sources you should know about.” 

In addition, Kimberly Hartwig, RN and Ashley Scott, RN from the Illinois Lung Institute will give an update on COPD Research Opportunities. 

Anyone dealing with lung or breathing problems is welcome to attend. It is requested that those attending not wear perfume or cologne to meetings as it may bother other participants with breathing difficulties.

For more information about the Better Breathers Club, contact Sara Shull at the RiverPlex at 309.282.1646.

Hopedale, IL – Hopedale Medical Complex is committed to providing the community with family-oriented activities and events. Our staff would like to recognize mothers for their tireless efforts by celebrating their special day with an amazing brunch.

The Commons at Hopedale will be hosting a Mother’s Day Brunch and Open House in the Commons East Grand Room, located at 211 Southwest Railroad in Hopedale. This event will take place on Sunday, May 12, 2013 from 11:30 am to 2:00 pm. There will be free carnations to the first one hundred mothers in attendance and an opportunity to tour the Independent and Assisted Living apartments.

Entertainment will be provided by Judy Howard.

The menu selections include: Biscuits and gravy, sausage links, roasted red potatoes, Fresh fruit, egg casserole, roast beef, chicken salad croissant sandwiches, garden salad with dressings, Mother’s Day cupcakes, fresh baked bread and cookies. The refreshment choices will include: juice, coffee, iced tea and lemonade. Cost will be $12 for adults and $6 for children 3-10 years old.

Reservations are required and can be made by calling Cynthia Noreuil at 309.449.6791. RSVP must be made by May 6, 2013. Please join us for this delightful event honoring our mothers.

Hopedale Medical Complex is committed to promoting excellent 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.)

PEORIA, IL –U.S. Rep. Aaron Schock is hosting former House Minority Leader Bob Michel for a public celebration from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Federal Courthouse in Peoria, 100 NE Monroe St. The Hon. Ray LaHood will be in attendance to take part in the celebration. All three have held the 18th District seat, shared the same office in the courthouse, and are Bradley University alumnus.

“Bob Michel is known for his pragmatism and his ability to make lasting and loyal relationships. So it’s befitting we host a celebration with friends and family in his home district on this milestone birthday,” said Schock. “Bob has been a mentor to me with a storied history, unmatched institutional knowledge and a soft heart.”

Michel served in the House of Representatives for 38 years from 1957 to 1995. He served as the Republican Minority Leader for 14 years from 1981 to 1995. He routinely travels back to Peoria for Bradley University Board of Trustee meetings. Bearing his namesake in Peoria is the Bob Michel VA Outpatient Clinic, Bradley University’s Robert H. Michel Student Center and the Bob Michel Bridge. In the U.S. Capitol, the suites occupied by the U.S. Speaker of the House are named after him.

The event is being co-sponsored by Bradley’s Sigma Nu Fraternity, of which Michel remains a member. The Bradley Chamber Singers will perform. Refreshments and cake will be served.

The general public is welcome and encouraged to attend. Entrance is through the Main Street doors.

Reception Honoring Former House Minority Leader Bob Michel
Friday, April 26th, 2013
3 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Federal Building
100 NE Monroe
Peoria, Illinois

Local Tax Preparers Work Extended Hours to Serve Consumers and a Good Cause

Midnight Madness Promotion Kicks Off TODAY on Friday, April 12

PEORIA, IL – April 4th, 2013 – As a way to help the local community, Jackson Hewitt Tax Service® in Peoria is encouraging taxpayers who have not yet filed a 2012 tax return to come in and lend a hand to a local charitable organization. From April 12 through the tax filing deadline day of April 15, participating Jackson Hewitt locations in the greater Peoria area will contribute $5.00 to Meals for the Hungry of Peoria for every individual tax return prepared*.

In addition to benefitting a local organization in need, taxpayers will also benefit by having access to Jackson Hewitt’s team of tax preparers during extended hours, with offices open from 9am through midnight from April 12 through April 14 and 7:30am through midnight on April 15th.

“No one should be going hungry in Peoria, so we have once again teamed up with Meals for the Hungry of Peoria to lend a helping hand to those who need a bit of assistance,” said Mary Jo Roberts, Area Manager, Jackson Hewitt Tax Service. “Over the past four years, Jackson Hewitt has donated over $4,500 to Meals for the Hungry and we look forward to raising even more needed funds this year.”

Jackson Hewitt has a long-standing affiliation with Meals for the Hungry. Employees are encouraged to do their part to raise money throughout the tax season by wearing jeans to the office on Fridays; in return, they contribute a three-dollar donation to the organization. In addition, the local office(s) of Jackson Hewitt collect funds to support a weekly program in which a former tax preparer serves hot meals to approximately 50 homeless people in Peoria, with food cooked in her own kitchen.

To learn more about Jackson Hewitt’s Meals for the Hungry program, visit us at 3809 N Sterling Ave in Peoria or call 309-688-1040 to find a local office offering extended hours.

Jackson Hewitt would also like to welcome you to their 3809 N Sterling Ave location Monday, April 15 from 7:30am-noon, as Methodist Wellmobile will be offering FREE Cholesterol, Blood Pressure, and Spirometry screenings.

*Valid at participating locations only and may not be combined with any other offer.

Would you ever think to compare Peoria’s local business climate to that of Silicon Valley? It is becoming more of a reality as local non-profit Startup Peoria is leading the movement for high growth startup companies to be born here in central Illinois – and now they’re taking that movement to the national stage.

Startup Peoria Co-Founder, Jake Hamann has been named as a Regional Champion for Illinois within Startup America, a White House initiative designed to celebrate, inspire and accelerate high growth entrepreneurship throughout the nation. Hamann has been invited to represent Startup Peoria at the Startup America Summit in Phoenix, AZ next week (April 15 – 17).

Startup America CEO Scott Case says, “America’s story has been forged in large part by
entrepreneurs who have against great odds created innovative products and services that have changed the world and created millions of jobs. Our nation once again looks to these creative risk takers to unleash the next wave of American innovation.”

Hamann explains why it’s important for Peoria to be represented at this summit; “Peoria has the talent, interest and resources needed to become a hub for high growth startup companies.

Attending the conference next week allows us to gain national support for the efforts happening right here in the Peoria area.”

Peoria area entrepreneurs can get involved in the Startup Peoria movement and help grow the entrepreneurial business climate in central Illinois. Startup Peoria hosts weekly and monthly meet up events that are listed online at StartupPeoria.com.

The Peoria Park District’s Golf Learning Center will host a Titleist Demo Day on Thursday, April 18 from 3:00 – 7:00 p.m. Walk-ons are welcome, appointments are preferred. Call (309) 690-7162.

Demo days are a chance to hit the latest clubs, get free fittings, and enjoy the lowest prices of the season on new clubs that are ordered that day. Free range balls will be available in the demo area.

For more information call the Golf Learning Center at (309) 690-7162.

Peoria Park District Golf is offering a new tournament in our lineup. The Round the Clock 4-player best ball tournament is Saturday, April 20 at Donovan Golf Course. Entry deadline is Sunday, April 21.

“Round the Clock” refers to the pin placement on the green. Cups will be arranged toward the edge of each green, in different “clock” positions (i.e. 3 o’clock on hole #1, 7 o’clock on hole #2).

Cost is $60/team, plus green fees. Entry forms are available on-line at www.ppdgolf.org and at all PPD pro shops.

For more information on the Peoria Park District’s tournament program, call Golf Operations at (309) 689-3329.

CWTC has joined forces with Buffalo Wild Wings in Peoria for Takeover Night, Monday, April 15th from 5PM-9PM. You can celebrate filing your taxes and help CWTC while enjoying great food at Buffalo Wild Wings in Peoria.

Buffalo Wild Wings will donate 15% of all pre-taxed food sales (less alcohol and discounts) from all guests who present a CWTC flyer to their server or cashier when they purchase food between 5:00 – 9:00 p.m. (including carry-out)!

Patti Gratton, Executive Director for CWTC, says “We are so happy to accept Buffalo Wild Wing’s invitation to participate in Take Over Night! Their generosity to help CWTC with their incredible menu is greatly appreciated!”

Fliers can be picked up at CWTC, 3215 N. University Street, Peoria, IL 61604 or you can download one at www.cwtc.org Fliers must accompany the order for the donation to be applied.

For more information contact Rick Stephenson at 686-3300.

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

Who: CWTC, Community Workshop and Training Center, Inc.
What: CWTC Takeover Night at Buffalo Wild Wings
When: Monday, April 15, 2013, 5 PM-9 PM
Where: Buffalo Wild Wings
5121 West American Prairie Drive
Peoria, IL 61615

The Peoria Park District’s Logan Recreation Center is cancelling their Spring Garage Sale that was scheduled for Saturday, April 13 from 9:00 am until 4:00 pm at Logan Center, 1414 S. Livingston.

For more information contact Mike at Logan Center at 676-8179. Logan Center is located at 1414 S. Livingston in Peoria.

Who: Children’s Home Association of Illinois

What: The Children’s Home is sponsoring a $10,000 cash raffle to help raise money for its privately-funded Leaders of Tomorrow program. Don’t miss this opportunity to win one of six CASH PRIZES while supporting the youth in our community! Tickets are 1 for $50, 3 for $100 or 20 for $500.

First Prize is $5,000
Second Prize is $2,500
Third Prize is $1,000
Fourth Prize is $500
Fifth Prize $500
Sixth Prize $500

When: The Drawing will be held Saturday, April 27th, 2013, during the Children’s Home Spring Gala Event at the Country Club of Peoria. You need not be present to win.

For information about our Spring Gala Event or to purchase raffle ticket(s), please contact Jody Smith-Brown at 309.687.7423 / jbrown@chail.org