5th Annual fundraiser benefiting Crittenton Centers

The 5th Annual Kids’ Day, presented by G & D Integrated, will take place on Saturday, July 30 from 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. at The Shoppes at Grand Prairie (a rain day has been scheduled for Sunday, July 31).

Attractions for the day include info rmational booths, a balloon man, face painting, inflatables, on going family friendly entertainment and much more.

All proceeds from the event go to benefit Crittenton Centers’ Crisis Nursery. For more info rmation regarding the event, call Crittenton Centers at 674-0105.

Crittenton Centers has been serving the Peoria community for 119 years. Our mission is to protect and nurture children and families in the Peoria community. Crittenton Centers’ services include: The Crisis Nursery, Child Development Center , and Family Services. To learn more about Crittenton Centers, please visit our website at www.crittentoncenters.org.

Methodist Medical Center will be offering parents and athletes an opportunity to learn more about concussions and other sports related injuries during another is a series of “Coffee with the Doc”.

Dr. Brandon Bockewitz of Methodist Medical Group Sports Medicine will explain how adults and children can both stay safe while playing sports. Dr. Bockewitz is board-certified in Family Medicine and fellowship trained in Sports Medicine. He has a special interest in the prevention and treatment of concussions and other sports injuries.

“Coffee with the Doc” will be held Thursday, August 18 from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Methodist on North Allen Road, 2338 W. SUD Parkway at the intersection of Route 6 and North Allen Road.

This event is free but seating is limited. Call to reserve your seat at 636-9500.

Illinois American Water plans to invest approximately $274,000 to upgrade water main and install three fire hydrants in its Pekin District. This investment is expected to enhance water quality, fire protection and water pressure to customers.

Approximately 1,610 feet of two-inch water main installed about 60 years ago will be replaced through the company’s main replacement program. The program focuses on replacing mains where leaks occur, corrosion has caused damage or the size of the water main isn’t sufficient to meet demand.

“The age of the pipes coupled with corrosion and sediment accumulation over the years makes the replacements necessary,” said Dennis Barron, operations supervisor for the Pekin District.

Two-inch water main will be replaced with eight-inch main along Southmoor Street from Koch Street to Herman Street and along South 3rd from Koch Street to South Street. According to Barron, “It can be easy for people to take for granted the infrastructure needed to deliver high-quality tap water because they don’t see it everyday, but much of the water main underground was installed several decades ago and is too small to meet today’s demands.”

Construction, which includes installing three hydrants, will begin this month and will continue through September.

The U.S. EPA reports that the nation’s water utilities will need to make more than $335 billion in infrastructure investments over the next 20 years to ensure public health. These investments include replacing thousands of miles of pipe and upgrades to treatment plants, storage tanks and other assets. Illinois American Water’s investment in water main projects in the Pekin District is just another example of continuous
investments and improvements being made, helping to meet the demands of today’s customers and planning for the future.

At the July 18, 2011 meeting, the Peoria County Board of Health adopted the Peoria County Community Health Improvement Plan for 2010-2015. This report identifies four priority community health issues that need to be addressed to improve population health in Peoria County. The identified priority strategic community health issues include: obesity, oral health, reproductive health, and community health system integration.

The Peoria City/County Health Department initiated this community health improvement strategic planning effort with collaborative partners and key stakeholders to assure that the strategic document is accepted and implemented by the community. The health needs assessment process was guided by a local steering committee representing Peoria County’s system of medical providers, social service agencies, civic organizations, elected officials, and local health department staff.

Peoria City/County Health Department Administrator Greg Chance states, “The adoption of this plan is the first step toward improving the health and well-being of community residents. The next step is the much anticipated identification of strategies to actually implement the plan. We have identified best practices and model programs to address identified health issues. We now need to challenge community stakeholders to embrace and organize methods to implement this plan in their businesses, their communities, and in their personal lives.”

The plan includes the strategic priority community health issues, interventions to address these issues, and evaluation measures of progress. Chance adds, “The next phase of the plan includes the creation of a new committee of community stakeholders to develop a brand for the plan and a strategy to implement that plan. The challenge lies in engaging the whole community and I have confidence that the community will participate in improving the health of Peoria County residents.”

For more information about the Community Health Improvement Plan for Peoria County call 309-679-6090. To view the completed assessments or for more information on other public health issues, visit www.pcchd.org

Peoria City/County Health Department is having special back to school walk-in immunization clinics for all children at the Peoria City/County Health Department, 2116 N. Sheridan Rd, Peoria on Fridays, July 29 and August 5 from 9:00 – 11:00 A.M. Late afternoon clinics are also scheduled on Tuesday, August 2 and August 9 from 4:00 -6:00 P.M.

The Peoria City/County Health Department holds periodic walk-in shot clinics intended to assist busy parents in getting their children properly immunized to be ready for school. A parent or guardian must accompany the child. Cost is $10 per immunization for children or a Medicaid/All Kids card is accepted. No appointment is necessary for these special walk-in clinics. For other scheduled immunization appointments, call 309-679-6050.

Plan ahead and beat the rush to get all children immunized and ready for school.

For more information on immunizations, call Peoria City/County Health Department at 679-6050. For information on other public health issues, visit www.pcchd.org .

Peoria ranks 71 among top 200 “Best Places for Business and Careers” in 2011 according to Forbes.com. That’s up from #86 in 2010. The list focuses on three main components: cost of business, job growth and education. Topping the list are Raleigh, NC; Des Moines, IA; Provo, UT; Lexington, KY; Fort Collins, CO. 0

Peoria is ranked 71, topping the list of Illinois cities with Chicago coming in at 80, Lake County at 134 and Rockford at 191. When analyzing the specific scoring components, Peoria ranked 86 on cost of business list (Shreveport, LA # 1), 67 for job growth (Kennewick, WA #1) and 123 on the education list (Boulder, CO #1).

Hopedale Medical Complex (HMC) is providing relief from the excessive heat in Central Illinois. The Cooling Center is located at the Hopedale Wellness Center air-conditioned Gym, 222 NW Grove St., Hopedale, Ill. The Cooling Center will be open Tuesday-Friday, from 5:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m., this week.

For more information, contact Eddie Papis at the HMC Wellness Center, 309-449-4500.

Teddy Bear Wellness Clinic – The Teddy Bear Wellness Clinic for ages 2-8 will be Friday, August 5, from 12:00-1:00 p.m. at the North Branch. Dr. Claire Crone, noted Teddiologist, visits the library to provide a yearly check-up for your teddy or other furry friend. You can also enjoy some “beary good” stories, songs, and snacks. This event is free and open to the public. For more information, call 497-2100.

Picture Book Picnic: Sing Out Lunch with Dorothy and Annie – The Picture Book Picnic for ages 3-14 will be Thursday, August 11, from 12:00-1:00 p.m. at the North Branch. Get ready to join Annie and Dorothy to sing selections from Peoria Players’ productions of The Wizard of Oz and Annie! Kids and adults are invited to arrive in costume as Annie or Dorothy or any of the characters from either play. You’ll be over the rainbow with excitement! Bring a sack lunch or snack and a blanket for a melodic and fun-filled Picture Book Picnic! Beverage provided. Children ages 3 to 14 and their caregivers. This event is free and open to the public. For more information, call 497-2100.

Midsummer Fun Booklet – Having a dull summer? Need a little extra fun in your life? Why not stop in the Children’s’ Area at the Main Library and pick up a Midsummer Fun Booklet! Throughout the month of August there will be a booklet especially for 4-7 year-olds and also one for 8-12 year-olds. If you finish up all the activities in the booklet you will be eligible for a prize. Just bring in your finished booklet to the 2nd Floor Information Desk, show it to the librarian and receive your prize. Simple as that – some summer fun and a prize too! This event is free and open to the public. For more information, call 497-2100.

Drop-In Summer Crafts – Drop-In Summer Crafts for ages 4-12 will be on Tuesdays, August 2, 9, and 16, from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. at the Main Library. Drop by the Main Library this summer and make a fun craft to take home. This event is free and open to the public while supplies last. For more information, call 497-2000.

Make It! Take It! Crafts – Make It! Take It! Crafts for ages 4-10 will be Saturday, August 6, from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. at the North Branch. While looking for some books, stop in the Children’s Activity Room and make a cool craft! This event is free and open to the public while supplies last. For more information, call 497-2100.

Writing Workshop – A writing workshop for children in grades 2-5 will be held Wednesday, August 3, from 3:00-4:00 p.m. at the North Branch. Join Peoria author Deborah Ruddell as she hosts a writing workshop for children in grades 2-5. Mrs. Ruddell has written several books and even had one illustrated by her twin sister! Come listen to Mrs. Ruddell’s tips and do a little writing of your own! This event is free and open to the public. For more information, call 497-2100.

Science Sleuths – Science Sleuths for children in grades 3-5 will be Thursday, August 4, from 4:00-5:00 p.m. at the North Branch. Are you the designated spider catcher for your household? Do you stay up late to view the wonders of the cosmos? Is your fossil collection the wonder of the neighborhood? Join us each month to learn how the library can help you explore the mysteries of the universe. Experiments, outdoor exploration and fun included! This month: Insects, Spiders and Crustaceans, Oh My! This event is free and open to the public. For more information, call 497-2102.

Week of the Watermelon! – Week of the Watermelon, for ages 8 and up or younger with an adult, will be Thursday, August 4, from 3:00-4:00 p.m. at the RiverWest Branch. Enjoy a watermelon story and slice of a watermelon to celebrate Watermelon Week and beat the summer heat! Come in and join the fun! This event is free and open to the public. For more information, call 497-2080.

RiverWest 4-H – RiverWest 4-H activities for ages 8 and up will be on Mondays, August 1, 8, and 15, from 10:00-11:00 a.m. at the RiverWest Branch. Nutrition, gardening, games, and snacks. This event is free and open to the public. For more information, call 497-2080.

Diary of a Wimpy Kid Party – A “Diary of a Wimpy Kid” Party for ages 8-12 will be Saturday, August 13, from 2:30-3:30 p.m. at the North Branch. Greg Heffley Rocks! If you think Diary of a Wimpy Kid is awesome literature, this party’s for you! Join in on the fun of this illustrated novel and celebrate one of the most memorable fictional characters since Harry Potter. Supplies and space limited to 50 people. Please call ahead to secure your spot with the other Wimpy Kids! This event is free and open to the public. For more information, call 497-2100.

Picture Book Picnic: Holy Spotted Cow! It’s Ice Cream! – Picture Book Picnic for ages 3-12 and their caregivers will be Thursday, August 18, from 12:00-1:00 p.m. at the North Branch. Frank Abdnour, owner of The Spotted Cow, will share his “ice cream story,” provide tips about great ice cream, and tell his favorite children’s story. Parents/caregivers are invited to bring blankets and a sack lunch or snack. Held outdoors if sunny, inside if rainy. Library provides beverage. And we’ll make our own ice cream! For more information, call 497-2100.

Best of the Best: 2011 Great Reads for K-8 Students – Best of the Best: 2011 Great Reads for K-8 Students will be Friday, August 123, from 12:00-1:00 p.m. at the North Branch. A 60-minute book-talk covers the latest in compelling non-fiction works as well as popular fiction for kids. This event is intended for parents, grandparents, educators, and all adults interested in children’s literature. This event is free and open to the public. For more information, call 497-2100.

Seminar is open to the public

The Peoria Area Association of REALTORS® (PAAR) will hold a free seminar for the public on property assessment and the appeal process on Tuesday, August 2, 2011, 6:00 to 7:30 p.m., at the PAAR office at 7307 Willowlake Court, Peoria. Topics will include how property taxes are determined; how properties are assessed; and the process to appeal a property assessment.

To register for the seminar, call the PAAR office at 688-8591.

OSF Saint Francis Medical Center and Children’s Hospital of Illinois are pleased to announce the most recent winners of the DAISY Award, which recognizes outstanding nursing care. Winners are nominated by patients and their families.

The March DAISY Award was presented to Jodie Robinson from Kewanee who works in the Neuro Acute. She was nominated the brother of a patient.

The April DAISY Award was presented to Linda Blackert from Peoria who works in the Obstetrics Acute unit. She was nominated by patient Jodi Schaidle.

OSF Saint Francis Medical Center is the first hospital in the Midwest to participate in the DAISY Award, a national endeavor. The hospital receives approximately 180 DAISY nominations each month. From those nominations, a panel of five judges from the Professional Nursing Congress Recognition/Communication Committee at OSF Saint Francis chooses a monthly winner. Nurses who win a DAISY Award receive an award pin as well as a hand-carved Shona sculpture from Zimbabwe, an award certificate, a bouquet of daisies, cinnamon powder called “DAISY dust”, and cinnamon rolls for their entire unit.