CWTC Community Integration “Adopts” Kellar Branch of the Rock Island Trail for Clean Up

Community Workshop Training Center has teamed up with the Friends of Rock Island Trail to “adopt” a portion of the trail to clean. Once an abandoned and derelict railroad, the Rock Island Trail is now a peaceful haven for hikers, cyclists, and cross-country skiers.

A slender oasis of woodlands and prairies in Central Illinois, the Friends of Rock Island Trail work to maintain the 29 mile trail through donations and the support of the community. CWTC has stepped up to be a part of that community support. CWTC Executive Director Patti Gratton says, “One of the goals of CWTC is to help our consumers integrate into the community and with that, give back to the community. There is no better way to teach it than do it. Our consumers truly enjoy being a part of the community and look forward to working with the Friends of The Rock Island Trail.”

CWTC Community Integration Manager Don Rulis has announced the first trail cleanup event, Thursday October 13th at 4:00PM. CWTC Clean Up Teams will meet at Northmoor and Knoxville Roads and begin the clean up towards Route 6. Volunteers from the Community Integration program will help to pick up trash on the adopted portion of the trail on a regular basis. Rulis added, “Friends of CWTC are welcome to join consumers and staff to help show support for the trail on Oct 13th!”

For information on the Friends of the Rock Island Trail, check out their web site: http://www.ritrail.org/

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

The Methodist Medical Center Service League members will hold their 61st annual Gift Show Saturday, November 5, 2011 in the lobby of the Methodist Atrium, 900 Main St., from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Admission and parking are free.

The Service League Gift Show is known for its high quality handmade items at reasonable prices. A wide variety of clothing for infants and toddler clothes to size 4, toys, hand made doll clothes, fashionable jewelry, holiday decorations and party items, gift-wrap and stationery, interesting gift baskets, and everlasting silk floral arrangements make it easy to complete holiday shopping in one stop. Antiques and collectibles are also offered at affordable prices.

Home baked goods are offered on the lower level as well as a Gourmet Section featuring homemade candies.

All proceeds from the Gift Show support patient care services at Methodist Medical Center. Most recently, contributions to the Foundation from the activities of the Service League have supported complimentary patient transportation, mobile mammography services and upgrades to equipment and technology in the newborn nursery.

Since 1952, the Service League of Methodist Medical Center has raised and donated over $6 million to enhance programs and patient services at Methodist. In addition to the annual gift show, the Methodist Service League operates the hospital’s gift and flower shop for the convenience of patients, visitors, and employees. Workshop volunteers also sew turbans and headscarves used by cancer patients and special “heart” pillows given to patients who have undergone heart surgery at Methodist.

[Press Release]

Tuesday, October 11, 2011 • 5:00 p.m. @ Congressman Aaron Schock’s Office (Corner of Main & Monroe • Peoria)

The job crisis in our country is urgent and demands action right now!

Working families across the country are calling on lawmakers to promote a real jobs agenda and put our citizens back to work!
Bring your families, neighbors, seniors, and students to urge Congressman Schock to work with President Obama and pass a viable jobs plan!

Sponsored by the Labor Council of West Central Illinois
For more information contact Mike Everett at 309.673.3691

2011 Campaign Headed by Jim & Paula Moore

The Salvation Army announced Jim & Paula Moore as this year’s Tree of Lights Honorary Co-Chairs at its noon Advisory Board meeting today. Jim Moore just recently retired from OSF St. Francis as the Chief Executive Officer after a 24 career with OSF. Paula Moore, is a registered nurse, and member of The Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary. The duo were introduced as the Honorary Co-Chairs for the 2011 campaign, the 25th Tree of Lights Campaign. The annual campaign traditionally raises more than a third of the local annual budget for The Salvation Army. “Paula has served on the Auxiliary for years, and we are happy that the timing worked out with Jim’s recent retirement,” said Major Evie Diaz, Divisional Commander.

“The Salvation Army is well-respected for their work, and Paula and I are humbled and honored to be asked to help them out in this campaign, “ said Jim Moore. The Moore’s will help lead the campaign which formally begins November 11 and will run through the last week of January. Funds raised through the Tree of Lights Campaign provide holiday assistance and financial support of various programs that serve the less fortunate in the Peoria area throughout the year. The 2011 goal will be announced in a 10 am ribbon-cutting ceremony at Northwoods Mall on November 11.

In 2010, The Salvation Army raised $1,432,018 with the help and leadership of Mike & Kay McCord. The Tree of Lights Campaign formally began in Peoria in 1987 and includes many various programs and holiday events in the Peoria area.

This is a reminder that tonight is a panel discussion by four local educators who will discuss “What should be the role of the federal government in education.” This is sponsored by the League of Women Voters of Greater Peoria.

The League of Women Voters US has a national study finishing up in November to determine it’s position on this issue. That position enables the organization to lobby congress.

Public participation is encouraged tonight from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. at HyVee at Sheridan at Lake (Club house room on the second floor.)

In conjunction with the Illinois Treasurer’s Office, State Rep. Jehan Gordon (D-Peoria) will be holding a Cash Dash Day on Thursday, October 6, throughout the 92nd District.

In Illinois, banks and businesses are required to turn over unclaimed property to the Treasurer’s Office if they are not able to find the rightful owner after five years. Unclaimed property can include: abandoned saving and checking accounts, safe deposit boxes, unclaimed apartment security deposits, items mistakenly mailed to a former address or returned, and unclaimed property or assets from a loved one.

“During these difficult economic times every penny helps. The Illinois Treasurer’s Office holds on to any unclaimed property to ensure that it goes to the right person. I want to make sure that my constituents are able to get the money that is legally theirs,” Gordon said. “Please come to any of our locations throughout the day to check to see if you have if you have any unclaimed property.”

The Treasurer’s Office will be at will be at the following locations on Thursday, October 6, to check to see if residents have unclaimed property and to return it to them.

Gebby’s Restaurant from 8:30 AM to 10:30 AM, 726 E. War Memorial Drive, Peoria Heights
Kroger Grocery Store from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM, 1405 W. Garfield Ave., Bartonville
Northwoods Mall from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM, 2200 W. War Memorial, Peoria (Near Simon Guest Services)

If you have any questions about Cash Dash or any other upcoming events, please contact Rep. Gordon’s constituent services office at 309-681-1992 or by e-mail repjgordon@gmail.com.

This October Peoria Players Theatre celebrates our 20th anniversary of presenting THE ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW! A favorite among “participating” audiences, Peoria Players shows the movie on the big screen while our cast of characters acts along onstage. Gather your props, dress as your favorite character and join us at the theatre on Friday, October 28 or Saturday, October 29. Doors open at 11:30 pm each night and the show begins at midnight. For an approved prop list, please go to our website at peoriaplayers.org.

Tickets are $15 general admission and are available by calling 688-4473 or by visiting us online at www.peoriaplayers.org.

Nine Morton 709 School District classes will learn about fire safety in Fire Prevention Month.

October is National Fire Prevention Month, so the American Red Cross and Menold Construction and Restoration are bringing fire safety education to nine first grade classes in Morton.

On October 6, 2011 from 9:30am to 2:30pm, classes will visit the Central Illinois Fire Safety House which will be located at Menold Construction and Restoration on the corner of Jefferson and Detroit in Morton. This educational experience teaches children what to do to prevent and how to respond in a fire.

“Classes enter the fire safety house and see a simulated kitchen and bedroom. As smoke fills the room, children crawl low under the smoke and ‘escape’ the house through a window,” says Ashley Bauer, Emergency Services Education Coordinator. “It is a memorable experience for anyone who visits the fire safety house, and it may very well save lives.”

That evening, there will be a family open house that focuses on preparedness.

The event will feature:
•Free food – Pulled pork and hot dogs
•Central Illinois Fire Safety House
•OSF Life Flight
•CPR/AED demonstrations by local EMTs
•Morton Police Department will be on scene to give sobriety tests to participants wearing fatal vision goggles
•Illinois State Police will recreate a rollover car crash with the “Rollover” simulator
•Henry’s Kitchen and the Red Cross Emergency Response Vehicle will be on site for tours! (disaster permitting)
•Red Cross hygiene education games for kids
•Games and Red Cross puppet shows for the kids

Event details:
Place: Menold Construction and Restoration located at 880 W. Jefferson St. in Morton, IL
Date/Time: 4pm to 8pm on Thursday, October 6, 2011

Traffic Safety Program teaches about the dangers of drinking and driving.

The American Red Cross – Central Illinois Chapter Traffic Safety Program is partnering with Sears to host a community crash re-enactment in the parking lot tomorrow. This is a powerful, sobering event that presents individuals with a mock car crash scene. On-lookers see emergency personnel, coroners and their fellow citizens re-enact a drunken driving crash.

“This year, someone you know may lose their life in a crash, all because someone made the choice to drive after they had been drinking. This re-enactment will show possible consequences of a collision due to an impaired driver,” Monica Grugett, Director of Youth Services.

The re-enactment will show the impact of drinking and driving to Central Illinois residents who may otherwise be untouched by such tragedies. The American Red Cross Injury Prevention Program is in its 17th year of serving Central Illinois. This program provides educational and informational opportunities, with a focus on vehicle-occupant protection and the prevention of impaired driving.

Community Crash Re-enactment Details:

Date: Saturday, October 8, 2011
Time: 2:00pm
Place: Sears, 2200 W War Memorial Dr, Peoria

The American Red Cross – Central Illinois Chapter Traffic Safety program is supported by a grant from the Illinois Department of Transportation Division of Traffic Safety.

2011 Campaign Already Busy Behind the Scenes in Planning Stages

The Salvation Army will announce this year’s Tree of Lights Honorary Co-Chairs at its October 6th Advisory Board meeting. The meeting will be held at The Salvation Army’s Divisional Headquarters, 401 NE Adams at noon. The 2011 campaign marks the 25th Tree of Lights Campaign. The annual campaign traditionally raises about a third of the local annual budget for The Salvation Army.

The Honorary Co-Chairs will help lead the campaign which formally begins November 11 and will run through the last week of January. Funds raised through the Tree of Lights Campaign provide holiday assistance and financial support of various programs that serve the less fortunate in the Peoria area throughout the year.

In 2010, The Salvation Army raised $1,432,018 with the help and leadership of Mike & Kay McCord. The Tree of Lights Campaign formally began in Peoria in 1987 and includes many various programs and holiday events in the Peoria area.