HOSPICE VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

Community Hospices of America is seeking caring dedicated volunteers who would enjoy being a part of our hospice team. Those choosing to volunteer will work in their own community on a schedule tailored to their availability. We offer a free comprehensive training program providing you with the information you will need to have a rewarding volunteer experience. Volunteer opportunities include: patient and family visits, holding a hand, providing caregiver relief, pet visits, playing bingo, sharing memories, and providing musical entertainment. The personal rewards of volunteering are endless. If you have a caring heart and would like more information, please contact Denise Frank, Volunteer Coordinator, Community Hospices of America at (309)691-0280

GREEN VIEW ANNOUNCES FALL FEST SEMINAR LINE-UP

Free Fall Fest Schedule begins at 10:00 a.m. on Oct. 11 and Oct. 18. The event features free seminars & walking tours.

To reserve seating please call Green View at 309.243.7761.

Saturday, October 11 -

10:00 a.m. “Caring for your Newly Planted Tree” Seminar by Green View Nursery. Learn how to plant, mulch and care for the new trees in your landscape.

11:00 a.m. “Blossoming Berry Trees for your Landscape” Seminar by Green View Nursery. Discover the magic of incorporating berry trees into your landscape this fall.

12:00 p.m. “Green View’s Tour of Trees” Take a guided tour through Green View’s many varieties of richly colored fall trees.

Saturday, October 18 - 10:00 a.m. “Adding Colorful Fall Shrubs to your Landscape” Seminar by Green View Nursery. Discover the difference colorful, autumn shrubs can make in your garden or landscape.

11:00 a.m. “Exploring our Fall Blooming Favorites” Seminar by Green View Nursery. Give your garden and landscape a splash of fall color with these late blooming plants.

12:00 p.m. “Color of Green View Walking Tour” Take a guided tour of Green View’s most colorful plants for fall.

Methodist Offers Program for PAD Sufferers

The Methodist Wellness Center is offering a series of classes developed for patients with Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD).

The Methodist PAD Rehab program will be offered on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:00 - 10:30 a.m. at the Methodist Wellness Center in the lower level of the Methodist Atrium. The program runs through November 20th, 2008. Cost is $100. To register, call 672-5739.

Methodist Offers “SPY” Technology for Plastic Surgeries

Methodist Medical Center is one of the first hospitals in Illinois to obtain the latest equipment designed to improve outcomes for patients of breast reconstruction and other plastic surgeries. The technology called “Spy” is manufactured by Novadaq Technology and can be used prior, during and after surgery to produce real time visual images of blood vessels during plastic, micro and reconstructive surgeries.

The SPY System is the only FDA-approved, intra-operative imaging system that provides real-time fluorescent images while the patient is in the operating room. SPY images enable surgeons to optimize surgeries, eliminate guesswork and potentially avoid postoperative complications including repeat surgical operations.

Methodist has been using the system since July of 2008, primarily for breast reconstructive surgery. National research indicates it’s not unusual for as many as 15 - 30% of breast reconstructions to develop complications caused by inadequate blood flow to portions of the reconstructed areas.

SPY combines a fluorescent imaging agent, a sophisticated laser light source and high-speed imaging to produce real-time images during the course of surgery in the operating room. The use of SPY has been shown in independent clinical studies reported in peer reviewed literature to reduce complications, improve patient outcomes and reduce the incidence of repeat procedures. The SPY technology is cleared for use in plastic and reconstructive micro-surgery, as well as cardiac surgery.

HOERR NURSERY SELLING SEVERAL 45,000 POUND TREES TO ST. LOUIS PARK

Hoerr Nursery is selling mature trees to Environmental Design, a company in Texas, who is moving these gigantic trees to a new urban park in downtown St. Louis. A crew from TX has been working at Hoerr Nursery, 8020 N Shade Tree Drive, Peoria, digging enormous ditches and creating giant crates for the trees (the tree and the root ball weigh about 45,000 pounds ea. i.e. 22.5 tons). They will erect a crane on site to load these enormous trees on flatbeds to drive to St. Louis.

Key facts:

Hoerr Nursery is selling at least 5 giant trees to the Texas firm.

The cost to the customer to purchase one of these giant trees and have it planted can range from $20,000 to about $85,000.

Duryea Days in Peoria Heights on October 10th & 11th

On October 10 and 11, the Village of Peoria Heights will once again be hosting Duryea Days. This old fashioned festival is designed for family fun and sponsored by the Peoria Heights Chamber of Commerce.

Starting at 5:30 p.m. on October 10, experience the excitement of seeing classic cars with a cruise-in from Midwest Cruisers. They will be located at Tower Park and across the street on Glen (Pearl’s parking lot). Enjoy great music, food, and beer tasting/beer tent.

October 11 the event starts at 9 a.m. and continues until 4 p.m.

At Heritage Square (4400 block of Prospect) there will be a large antique and collectible show with dealers coming from as far as Indiana and Iowa. But don’t stop there. You’ll find old fashioned craft demonstrations like blacksmithing,weaving, etc. The Farmer’s Market Harvest Festival will be going on with square dancing, clogging, musicians, pumpkin painting contests, face painting and more. You’ll find foods of the season and many, wonderful food vendors.

Tower Park (corner of Glen and Prospect) provides the setting for Duryea Days Antique and Classic Car Show. You can get your picture taken with the car of your dreams or the one you remember from your childhood. Don’t miss the parade down Prospect at Noon. Cars are on display from noon – 3:00 p.m.

And, if that isn’t enough, on the 4700 block of Prospect you will find a vast array of antique book dealers and local authors.

For additional information or, if you wish to display, go to itshappeningintheheights.com or phone 309-691-1500.

NATIONAL NIGHT OUT AGAINST CRIME ONLINE SURVEY

In response to concerns about severe heat and humidity in August, the National Night Out Against Crime (NNO) event in Peoria was celebrated on September 15th this year. Thirty neighborhood associations and four neighborhood watch groups participated this year.Although it was a successful event, there was some citizen concern that the September date may have conflicted with school events, prevented some youth and parents from participating, as well as concern regarding the reduced daylight causing events to end sooner than planned.

The National Association of Town Watch, which sponsors this event, has announced that in 2009, the NNO will be held on August 4th, 2009.

Citizens are encouraged to take a brief online survey to share their opinion of when NNO should be celebrated in Peoria at www.ci.peoria.il.us; go to News & Events and follow directions to the survey. Survey results will be released in early November.

For more info, call Steve Fairbanks at 494-8603.

Peoria County Triad Senior Safety Fair

Peoria County Triad presents their Senior Safety event Wednesday, October 22nd from 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. at the Itoo Society Hall.

Seniors will learn how to protect themselves from scams and other crimes. Sheriff McCoy will discuss Safety Issues and Detective Todd Green will speak on Financial Exploitation. There will be a free lunch for all attendees sponsored by Peoria County Triad free File of Life Cards.

Proctor Hospital will offer free blood pressure screenings and flu shots for $30, or bring your Medicare Part B card to cover the cost. Safe Shred of Peoria will be available to shred any of your unwanted documents. The event features a style show with officials from law enforcement, fire, utilities, and other service workers dressed as they would dress if they were to come to your door. There will be displays and businesses with products and information for seniors and more.

Some special features of the event are:

· Speakers: Peoria County Sheriff McCoy & Det. Todd Green

· FREE File of Life Cards

· Scam prevention tips

· Uniform identification and recognition

· FREE lunch for all attendees

· FREE blood pressure screenings

· FREE Goodie bags with special safety items for seniors

· Over 20 exhibitors with information to help keep seniors safe

· Meet & greet members of county sheriff’s departments, police and fire departments

Peoria County Triad is a senior safety organization that focuses on reducing criminal victimization of older persons. The Triad organization is the combined efforts of the Peoria County Sheriff’s Department, the City of Peoria Police Department, and other senior service organizations. They work together to assess the needs and concerns of seniors in our community and find creative ways to address these needs.

For more information call 697-7855 or 494-8309

11th Annual Construction Industry Career Expo

Labor, Management and Education have joined together to sponsor the 11th annual Construction Industry Career Expo. This event will be held at Exposition Gardens Arena Building, Tuesday, September 30 through Friday, October 3, from 9:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m.

The 11th Annual Construction Industry Career Expo has been planned to provide 8th grade students an opportunity to look at careers in the union construction industry. The students will have be able to work in 10 different craft trades through a hands-on experience as well as learn the requirements to pursue a career path in the building and construction trades. These students will do everything from wiring an outlet, building a brick wall, to pouring curb and carpentry work.

Over 1,200 8th grade students from Peoria, Tazewell, Woodford and Fulton counties are expected to attend the four-day event. As well as the students, area educators have been invited to learn more about construction careers to be better informed when helping students plan for their futures. Over 50 educators from around the state are expected to attend the four-day event.

The first-ever construction career expo was held in 1998 and was the first of its kind in the nation. Since its inception, many organizations throughout the nation have copied this exciting event. The expo has been recognized by the Illinois State Board of Education for “contributing to the career development of students in Peoria County.”

Methodist Medical Center

Mobile Mammography Schedule

October-2008

The following is the schedule for the Methodist Medical Center Mobile Mammography Van for the month of October 2008. Unless otherwise listed, the van will be in these locations from 9:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Methodist now features all digital mammography equipment providing improved, faster and more comfortable exams.

Oct 17-Bergners-Grand Prairie Shopping-Mammo-gram-a-thon

Oct 25-Women’s Lifestyle Show-Civic Center

Oct 27-Methodist MedPointe at Peoria-8914 N. Knoxville-Peoria

There is no need for a doctor’s order for a screening mammogram if you’re 40 or over. If you are uninsured or underinsured, tell us when you call for an appointment. You may qualify for a free mammogram

Call for an appointment at 671-8282

Goodwill Industries of Central Illinois is seeking nominations for a series of awards to be presented at “To Honor and To Serve: The Goodwill Veterans Recognition Event” scheduled for Thursday, November 20th at the Peoria Civic Center. Tom Brokaw is the guest speaker for the event. He is joining Goodwill to thank veterans from throughout central Illinois and to honor the memory of his friend, General Wayne A. Downing. Mrs. Kathy Downing is honorary chair of the Goodwill event. In November, the Goodwill Home for Veterans will be named in honor of General Downing.

A major part of the event will be the awards presented to those who support veterans and continue to their issues and needs in the forefront. There are a total of five awards to be made.

Caterpillar, Inc. is sponsoring The General Wayne A. Downing Award. , which honors the integrity and service of General Downing. Advanced Technology Services, Inc. is sponsoring The Veteran Patriot Award. Vonachen Services Inc. is sponsoring The Military Patriot Award. CEFCU is sponsoring The Citizen Patriot Award. OSF St. Francis Medical Center is sponsoring The Business/Association Patriot Award.

Nominations s will be accepted by Goodwill through October 20th. Details, including specific criteria and a nomination form for each award, can be found at www.goodwillpeo.org or may be obtained from Goodwill by calling 309-682-1113.

Illinois River Sweep of Peoria RESCHEDULED for October 18th

The Peoria Illinois River Sweep has been postponed from Saturday, September 20th to Saturday, October 18th due to the Illinois River flooding. The times and meeting place will remain the same.

Since 1999, the non-profit Friends of the Illinois River have been coordinating this statewide effort to beautify and raise awareness of one of the most unique resources in the Midwest. Illinois River Sweep is an annual event in which thousands of citizens assemble for a day of volunteer action to protect and celebrate our river and natural heritage. Pre-registration is ongoing. You can pre-register by calling 309-686-3360. Day of registration begins at 8:30 a.m. at Forest Park Nature Center. Sweep hours are 9:00 a.m. -12:00 p.m., or longer if you’d like. A picnic at Poplar Lane Park just south of the Nature Center on the river will immediately follow the sweep.

Since 2003 the Peoria Illinois River Sweep has grown from ten volunteers to over 200. Since that year over 300 tires and over 450 bags of trash, along with various large items such as couches, bed frames and even a telephone booth have been removed from the local river banks. This event needs volunteers to make it a success. Volunteers get free commemorative t-shirts (while they last) and protective gloves along with all other items needed to clean the shores of our river and streams. To volunteer in the Peoria area, contact John Mullen at 686-3360 or arrive at the Nature Center at 8:30 AM on October 18th.

Sponsors include Friends of the Illinois River, Peoria Park District, Peoria Mayor’s Litter Committee, Village of Peoria Heights, Waste Management, and Illinois American Water.

Recover Walks 2008

The Illinois Institute for Addiction Recovery at Proctor Hospital & Proctor Health Care Foundation will host Recovery Walks! 2008 on September 27th at Proctor Hospital. The Walk benefits the Ameel Rashid Scholarship for treatment of individuals and families affected by addiction. The Walk is from 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. and includes a one-mile or 5K walk. The Walk will begin at Noon. Registration is just $15.00 per person/$10.00 for children 12 and under/$40.00 per family. Participants will receive a Walk t-shirt; those in recovery may choose to become members of the Honor Guard and receive t-shirts that honor their number of years in recovery. For more info call 693-0414.

Advocates for Access to Host Sign Language Class

Advocates for Access is hosting a basic sign language class beginning September 25th. The Deaf Advisory Committee, a committee of Advocates for Access, is proud to host this informational for the Deaf, Hard of hearing, and Interpreting communities, to come together to learn about the rights of the Deaf community to have a sign language interpreter.

The purpose is to inform the audience on the proper steps to receive interpreters when at the doctor’s office, hospital or at work. Advocates for Access will provide the Deaf community with a laminated Preferred Interpreter card. Also, a demonstration will be given on proper Videophone etiquette.

The event is free and open to the public. Please call 682-3500 to reserve your seat. Advocates for Access is located at 4450 N. Prospect Rd., Suite C8, Peoria Heights, IL. The meeting will be held in the conference room on the lower level.

Common Place’s 22nd Annual Walk for Reading on September 13th

Come support literacy by walking through the streets of literature: Rhett Butler Blvd., Curious George Way, Anne of Green Gable Place, and many more at Common Place’s 22nd Annual Walk for Reading on Saturday, September 13, at Common Place, 514 S. Shelley Street. Two routes will be available: a 5K Novel walk, and a 1 mile Short Story walk, both routes encompassing a stop at the Lincoln Branch Library.

Registration will begin at 8:00 a.m., with the Walk starting at 8:30 a.m. Registration is $20 for individual and $30 for family. Sponsorship is encouraged, as well as team participation.

Web Tech Services, Inc Announces Sponsorship for 100 Women in Business Event

Web Tech Services, Inc, a website design and computer repair company in East Peoria, IL, announced that it has joined Doris Symonds, CEO of Teaching Learning and Knowledge (T.A.L.K.) to support her 100 Women in Business Event.

The event will be held September 4, 2008 at the new Embassy Suites Hotel in East Peoria from 6:00 - 8:30 p.m. Speakers will give testimonies on how to market your business and an opportunity to meet a panel of five successful women in business. Food, drinks and great company are included for a small fee of $25.00.

“We are pleased to be working with Doris at T.A.L.K, and believe in her mission to offer assistance to area women in business by providing networking environments and educational events,” commented Tammy Finch, Owner of Web Tech Services, Inc.

The event is co-sponsored by Commerce and Regions Bank. A registration form is available at the Web Tech Services’ website at www.webtechservices.com – all women interested in attending are encouraged to R.S.V.P. before August 22, 2008.

Pediatric Resource Center Night at Peoria Chiefs Game

Join the Pediatric Resource Center (PRC) at O’Brien Field on Saturday, August 2nd as the Peoria Chiefs take on the South Bend Silver Hawks. August 2nd is also Jimmy Buffet Night, featuring the band Coco Loco and a fireworks display after the game. There will be both live and silent auctions of themed game jerseys, with proceeds benefiting the Pediatric Resource Center. The PRC has reserved a block of tickets in Section 107, located just behind home plate. Tickets may be purchased for $10 each from a PRC Community Advisory Board member or by call 624-9595. A portion of each ticket sold through the Pediatric Resource Center will be donated to the PRC.

Softball Tournament Benefits Komen Breast Center

The Real Realtors Wear Pink Event will be held on August 23rd from 8:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. at the Peoria Stadium. Some local Realtors have formed this group to do their part in fighting breast cancer. They’ve partnered with PAAR (Peoria Area Assoc. of Realtors) and with Komen Breast Center of Peoria. This is a one-day single elimination softball tournament with the proceeds to benefit Komen Breast Center in Peoria. Coed teams of 15-20 are welcome. Team registration fee is $250, plus $15 per person, which includes a tournament t-shirt for each player. Deadline is August 1st.

Peoria Players to Present “The Wiz”

Peoria Players Theatre presents its 12th Annual Summer Youth theatre! This summer’s production, The Wiz, will be directed by Bryan Blanks.

Dorothy’s adventures in the Land of Oz have been set to music in a dazzling, lively mixture of rock, gospel and soul music. Everybody knows the story, but not it’s a new fantasy for today – mysterious, opulent and fanciful!

The production will run August 7, 8, and 9 at 7:30 p.m. and on August 10 at 2:30 p.m. Tickets are $17 for adults, $12 for patrons 18 and under, and will be on sale July 14th. Tickets are available by calling the Peoria Players box office at 688-4473, or at www.peoriaplayers.org

Peoria Players theatre is located at 4300 N. University, in Lakeview Park.

Beyond Breast Cancer Support Group meets on August 13th

August 13th, the Beyond Breast Cancer Support Group will meet. Networking & Support will be from 5:30 - 6:00 p.m. From 6:00 - 7:00 “Self-care Thru Your Feet” will be presented by Becky Cobb, Reflexology by Becky. RSVP by August 11th at 683-5324.

Peoria begins public comment period on sewer overflow options

A 30-day public comment period on Peoria’s options for reducing sewer overflows to the Illinois River began today, Public Works Director David Barber announced. Information is now available on-line at www.peoriacso.org on the options for controlling overflows.

Public meetings to answer questions and gather comments are planned at the following locations:

• August 6: Gateway Building, 200 N.E. Water Street
• August 7: Neighborhood House, 1020 S. Matthew Street

The open-house style meetings will be held from 4:00 - 8:00 p.m., with 30-minute presentations scheduled at 5:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. The public may come at any time to review project information and ask questions.

The options being considered include:

Option 1: Storage and Treatment Along River and at GPSD Plant

Option 2: Eliminate Overflows Upstream of Bob Michel Bridge

Option 3: Eliminate Overflows Upstream of GPSD Treatment Plant

Under all the alternatives, overflows would be reduced from the current 28 or more per year to 2-6 in a year with typical rainfall. Overflow frequency predictions are based on a year with average rainfall. In wet years, the City expects more overflows and in dry years, less. The new storage units also would increase capture of sewer flows during wet weather from the current 55-74 percent to 93-99 percent. Estimated construction costs range from $105 to $262 million.

“We need the public’s input because this project will be the largest investment in clean water infrastructure in Peoria’s history,” Barber said. “We must meet state and federal requirements and comply with the Clean Water Act, but the public’s input will help us decide what form our plan will take.”

In addition, the City is seeking public input on the potential use of green infrastructure to capture and treat stormwater, litter control programs to reduce trash in the river, and public education programs to improve the public’s involvement in efforts to improve and protect the Illinois River.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and Illinois Environmental Protection Agency are requiring cities with combined storm-and-sanitary sewers, like Peoria, to develop long-term plans to comply with the Clean Water Act and state sewage treatment requirements. Peoria’s plan must be submitted by December 2008.

For updated information about the combined sewer project, visit the project Web site at www.peoriacso.org. For CSO warnings go to project Web site or call the CSO Hotline, 494-8873.

Peoria Area SeniorNet Schedule Registration for Fall Classes

Registration for Peoria Area SeniorNet fall classes will be on Saturday, August 16, 2008. Registration will take place any time from 9:00 - 11:00 a.m. in the Classrooms 1 & 2 on the Lower Level of the Proctor Professional Building at 5401 North Knoxville in Peoria. Mail-in registration is also offered for those who cannot attend. The deadline for mail-in registration is September 1, 2008. All classes will begin during the week of September 15, 2008. For more information call 1-800-872-4651, ext. 1510 and leave a message. A SeniorNet volunteer will return your call and answer any questions you may have. A detailed schedule of classes is available on our web site at www.PeoriaAreaSeniorNet.org. Click on the Fall Classes button.

Classes are scheduled at five different locations in the Peoria Area.

Peoria Area SeniorNet is sponsored by Illinois Eye Center and National City Bank.

Annual Mass for West Peoria Citizens

The Sisters of St. Francis of the Immaculate Conception invite all citizens of West Peoria to their annual Mass for the citizens on August 10th at 10:30 a.m. at the Immaculate Conception Convent, 2408 W. Heading Ave.

Mass will be followed by a fellowship where coffee and doughnuts will be served.

Keep Peoria Beautiful – progress report

Eaton Street Beautification: With a grant from the IEPA, Keep Peoria Beautiful has created an attractive landscaped area at the new westbound entrance ramp onto I-74 at the corner of Eaton Street and Washington.

Upgrade 74: Keep Peoria Beautiful has partnered with IDOT and the Upgrade 74 project to plan and design both the hardscape elements and the landscape enhancements. The landscape enhancements along the I74 corridor are now underway. You can see the results with the beautiful new plantings along the right of way from the Murray Baker Bridge to North Street. What an attractive gateway into the city for both our residents and visitors to enjoy!

Great American Cleanup: Keep Peoria Beautiful sponsored its 10th annual spring litter cleanup. More than 1,200 volunteers from 70 organizations participated. 83,300 pounds of litter and landscape waste as well as over 600 old tires were collected during the cleanup.

Diary of Jennifer O’Brien

LAST Page, last day …

I wonder if mom hears the whispering of my heart? Some children come into the world a little sick, but my heart is strong and healthy. It beats so evenly. You’ll have a healthy little daughter, mom, and I’ve heard you say you’ll name me Jennifer. I like that.

Today my mother and I were on our way to the Doctor. A drunken driver hit us head-on. She will live, but I will die. The judge will feel sorry for this man (he has this “disease” you know). It wasn’t his fault for killing me, they’re not responsible with this affliction.

The drunk may be asked to pay a small fine (if he can afford it), have a comfortable night in jail. Tomorrow his drinking buddies will pay his bail.

Author unknown,