Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce

The Tazewell County Jaycees will present their monthly Trivia Night on Thursday, June 10 from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. at the Knights of Columbus, 120 Walnut Street, Washington (east side of Washington Square). This month’s proceeds will benefit the Alzheimer’s Association of Central Illinois. Participants are needed to form teams for the competition. Cost is $10 per person, and teams may have between 2 - 10 people. The winning team will receive a traveling trophy and free table for the June trivia night. Numerous prizes will be awarded throughout the evening, and a 50/50 drawing will also be held. In addition, the Knights of Columbus will offer a full bar plus grilled pork chops, cheeseburgers, pizza, and popcorn. Participants are also welcome to bring in their munchies for your table to snack on. To reserve your table please contact Lori Rowe, Tazewell County Jaycees, at 309-241-3888, or firstgradelover@yahoo.com. Held on the third Thursday of each month, the trivia nights generate fu

Representatives from the City of Pekin and the Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce came together for a ribbon cutting ceremony to welcome a new business to Pekin. Frank & Lisa Stetler, owners of the 8th Street Sweet Spot, were joined at the ribbon cutting by their employees and family. Located at 211 N. 8th Street, across from West Campus, the 8th Street Sweet Spot is open daily from 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 pm, The family-owned business offers ice cream, sandwiches, and iced coffee.  You can see more pictures from this and other chamber events by visiting our picture website at:  http://picasaweb.google.com/PekinChamber

Join us for another great Puttin' On Pekin breakfast on Friday, June 11th, beginning at 6:45am at the Knights of Columbus Hall, 715 N. 11th.  Gene Olson, director of the Wayne A. Downing Peoria International Airport will be the speaker and provide an update on the new passenger terminal and other improvements at the airport.  The cost is just $10 per person and you can pay at the door.  Please RSVP by 4:30pm on June 9th to chamber@pekin.net or call 346-2106. Don’t miss the door prizes, one-minute reminders, and “Meet the new chamber member."

Through May 24, 2010 - Thank you to the following businesses and organizations that recently renewed their membership with the Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce: Advanced Medical Transport ~ American Milling Company ~ Associated Bank ~ Atlas Supply Company ~ CDS Office Technologies ~ City of Pekin ~ Debbie Fornoff Interior Designs & Drapery ~ Elliff, Keyser, Oberle & Dancey, PC ~ Lynn Glover ~ Holiday Inn Express ~ Homerun Advertising Specialties ~ Karl E. Kaebel Realtor ~ Laserpro of Peoria, Inc. ~ Let It Shine, LLC ~ P & W Builders ~ Pekin-Peoria Yellow Checker Cab ~ Pekin Prescription Laboratory ~ Pekin Rotary Club ~ Peoria International Airport ~ Steve Saal ~ St. Jude Midwest Affiliate Development/Run Office ~ State Farm Insurance - Greg Ladendorf ~ Stropes Real Estate and Investments ~ Tazewell County Historic Places & Tazewell County Museum ~ Winpak Heat Seal Corporation

Join us at the June Business After Hours on Thursday, June 3rd, at NTS Telephone Company, 205 Enterprise Drive.  Please RSVP to the chamber at 346-2106.

Emily Lowman, a PCHS art student, designed this year’s medallion that will be used in the Pepsi Marigold Medallion Hunt.  The PCHS art department held a contest for the medallion design and the Marigold Festival Committee picked Emily’s over two other finalists. Congratulations, Emily!

The 2010 Marigold Festival logo was recently unveiled by the Marigold Festival Committee.  It was designed by the Pekin Daily Times and will be used for promotions of this year's festival.

By Bill Fleming New Employee I’m pleased to announce that Tonya Burris has joined the staff at the Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce.  Tonya’s customer service and communications skills and experiences will be a great addition to the office.  She has 10 years of experience in Pekin real estate as a Licensed Assistant and a Realtor.  She is a member of several industry associations and currently serves on the Board of Directors of the Peoria Area Association of Realtors.  Tonya will be working in the afternoons on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. In addition to assisting callers she’ll be focusing her energies on our online communications, i.e., blogs, monthly newsletter, websites, social media, etc. Tonya resides in Pekin with her husband Greg, and their daughter Ali. Credit Card Payments The Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce can now more easily accept your credit card payments.  This includes payment for your dues, event registrations and other invoices you might receive from us.  I

Brown DJ and Sound presents "It's Finally Friday Night.   There will be live acoustic music starting shortly after 5 for the business crowd and then Alias is performing from 7 till 10 or so.  Start your Memorial Day Weekend at 353 Court on Friday, May 28th.  You can order food from a menu and "adult beverages" all evening.  It will be an evening of live music, drinks and good food. 

Interested in learning more about the Tazewell County Jaycees? Stop by CJ’s Café, 404 Court Street in Pekin, on Monday, June 7th from 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm to meet and greet with members and discover how the organization can benefit you personally and professionally. Learn how the TazCo Jaycees have already impacted the community and what exciting events are in the works. Coffee and dessert will be provided. For more information, please contact Kimberly Weeks, President of the Tazewell County Jaycees, at 309-242-3960. The Tazewell County Jaycees is a leadership training organization for individuals age 18-40. Jaycees programs stress the development of leadership and managerial skills through the running of projects that benefit the community.

Farden's Pest Control, Pekin; Rich Farden, Owner; 346-1414 or 208-5672; Office hours Monday - Friday 8 am - 5 pm and by appointment.  Farden's Pest Control offers commercial and residential pest inspections and treatment.  With over 21 years experience, Rich quotes: Low Rates & Quick Service. 

The Illinois Division of the International Association of Administrative Professionals (IAAP) has announced the 2010-2011 Board of Directors at their Illinois Division Annual Meeting held April 30 – May 2, 2010 in Elgin, Illinois. Diana Hampton, CAP, MOA was elected as the 2010-2011 President Elect for the Illinois Division Board of Directors. Ms. Hampton is the Administrative Assistant for Paul Kramer, President of Children’s Hospital of Illinois. Ms. Hampton is a charter member of our local IAAP Tri-County chapter and has served as chapter president. Diana is the recipient of this year’s IAAP Member of Excellence award. She will serve as next year’s Illinois Division president. Tonda Stewart, CPS/CAP was elected as the 2010-2011 Secretary for the Illinois Division Board of Directors. Ms. Stewart is the Administrative Assistant to Mark Hohulin, Senior Vice President, Decision Support and Mary Breeden, Senior Vice President, Managed Care at OSF HealthCare System Corporate Office. M

Carol Hiller will present "New Resources Available at TCGHS” at the June 8 general meeting of Tazewell County Genealogical and Historical Society. Carol is a member of the society and has done a great deal of computer work for the society. She will highlight the new CD available titled Atlas Map of Tazewell County, Illinois - 1873. This project was a major accomplishment - due to the large size of the book (14" x 17") which encompassed several steps to make the final searchable version. Carol also scanned The History of Tazewell County, 1879 and A Portrait and Biographical Record of Tazewell and Mason Counties, Illinois, 1894. In addition, David Perkins, past president, longtime member and society newsletter editor, will discuss the Tazewell County Land Records from our archives which were also scanned. A short discussion will follow concerning the ISGS Fall Conference to be held in Peoria in October. The meeting, which is open to the general public, will be held on Tu

The Tazewell County Museum and Education Center and Pekin Public Library are once again sponsoring a play for the 2010 season. The event is a captivating production of “We the People,” an entertaining, educational and patriotic play by Houston, Texas-based playwright Pat Cook. "We the People” begins with a committee discussing plans to host a patriotic play for its town. In the quest to discover what America means to them, they use the Preamble to the Constitution as a framework for the play, with sketches organized phrase by phrase from the Preamble. Funny and poignant vignettes showcasing everyday life will explore the deeper meaning of the Constitution and how it not only applies to past history but also is relevant to the present and future of this country. Tickets for $8 will be on sale at various locations in Pekin, including the Pekin Public Library, Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce, and the Tazewell County Museum. Directed by Dennis Peacock, the play will be performed in

The Grand Victorian of Pekin held an open house and Hawaiian Luau in celebration of their 1-year anniversary. Lynn Van Dyke, Director, cut the ribbon. She was joined at the ceremony by employees, residents, and representatives from the City of Pekin and the Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce. Located at 2700 S. 14th, the Grand Victorian is recognized as a leader in state-of-the-art senior services. Guided by dedicated staff and management, such a level of competence places The Grand Victorian at the forefront of quality care for older adults who require assisted living services or who are blessed with a level of health that allows independent living.

Come join us for a Customer Appreciation cookout at Champion Fitness Physical Therapy in Pekin. We will be serving free lunch on Friday, June 11th from 11 – 1. We are located at 2105 Court Street, in the County Market Shopping Center. Visit with our therapy staff and say hello to some of our Corporate members. Bring a friend and see what we have to offer at Champion. Brats, hot dogs, chips, drinks and treats will be served. Hope to see you then! Visit our website at http://www.champfit.com/ to see how we can help you “GET BUSY LIVING!”

Combination sewage overflow is a real problem that threatens our local water supply.  Come help us clean up the streets where these old sewage systems are in place, and keep litter out of our streets and protect our water ways! May 22, 2010  *Rain date: May 29, 2010 8:00 am - Noon  - Join us for refreshments before and after! Meet at the Township building, downtown Pekin Clean up will focus in these areas: Broadway to 8th St, and Sheridan Rd to the Illinois River. (based upon the number of volunteers)  Wear bright colored clothing, closed toed shoes, gloves, sunscreen, a hat & sunglasses. For more information and to register , please contact the Tazewell County Health Department at 477.2223

Thursday May 20th, 5:30 - 7:30 pm, @ Grumpy Pete's Steakhouse Need a night out? Did you miss our last month? We're back! Come join us for fun, fashion and a fabulous time. Miche bags Tastefully simple BeatiControl Spa Consultant Taste some new & wonderful wines New Stylist @ The Happening: Nicole For more information, contact Grumpy Pete's 477.8835 or 202.2302 Ask who might be here next month!

On June 17th, from 4:30p.m. to 6:00p.m., at the Pekin Salvation Army at 243 Derby Street . A reception will be held to honor Captains Peter & Catherine Mount, who are being transferred to the new Kroc Center in Grand Rapids, Michigan. The Mounts have had a tremendous impact on the Pekin Army and we would like to give them a great send-off. At the same time, we would like to welcome our new Captains Martin & Shannon Thies, who are coming to us from Clinton, Iowa. For more information, contact the Salvation Army at 346-3010

On Saturday, June 5 at 9 a.m. at the Pekin YWCA, Pekin Hospital and the YWCA will host a seminar called Reinvention Factor for Central Illinois women. This is an exciting opportunity for women and their families to evaluate, or reevaluate, their health and well-being by focusing on breath and breathing. Pekin Hospital respiratory therapist Patti Baltisberger will educate you on taking action for your respiratory health. ProCare Durable Medical Equipment will also provide education on sleep apnea. Lung health screenings will also be available. Reinvention Factor promises to be a positive experience for all consumers, where people can also enjoy an introductory yoga class provided by the Pekin YWCA. Reinvention Factor is geared to help women understand how health can be reinvented at any age through diet, fitness, allergy control, smoking cessation, better respiratory health, and other lifestyle changes. If you are looking to reinvent yourself and are searching for ways to end daily s

The YWCA hosted their Women's Recognition Luncheon honoring local women. The following awards were presented: Arts Award, Cheryl Sullivan Business Award, Kathy Woolsey Borden Professions Award, Laurie Hartshorn Community Service Award, Christal Dagit Outstanding Employee Award, Kathy Simpson Sports Award, Holly Payne Mission Award, Edison Jr. High School Congratulations to all!

Representatives from the Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce and The Chamber's Ambassadors held a ribbon cutting during the grand opening at Rhythm & Brews, 513 Court Street. Owners Kathy and Terryl Brawner and Holly and Tom Stoner were joined for the ceremony by family and friends. Open 10:00 am to 1:00 am Monday through Saturday and 12:00 to 9:00 pm on Sunday, Rhythm & Brews is a nice, clean, adult lounge with a home-like atmosphere and welcoming service. They offer a full bar with a wide variety of imported beers and a great selection of martinis.  You can see this and other pictures from all of our chamber events at http://picasaweb.google.com/PekinChamber

Pekin Life Insurance Company held its annual meeting on Tuesday, May 11, 2010, at the company’s home office in Pekin, Illinois. The Company reported net loss of $2.7 million. Premium income increased by 16 percent to $245.4 million. Life Insurance in force exceeded $11.8 billion in the year 2009. At the meeting, shareholders elected directors Thomas C. Hornstein, Pekin, Illinois; Scott A. Martin, Peoria, Illinois; and Christine A. Schwartz, Pekin, Illinois, to three year terms to expire in May 2013. Other directors whose terms continue are: Steven R. Anderson, Loves Park, Illinois; Craig W. Concklin, Hinsdale, Illinois; Daniel V. Connell, Pekin, Illinois; Byron A. Dodd, Anna, Illinois; A. Richard Kriegsman, Pekin, Illinois; and Gordon M. Walker, Groveland, Illinois. On April 21, 2010, Pekin Life Insurance Company declared a quarterly dividend of $0.05 per share payable June 1, 2010, to shareholders of record April 30, 2010. The Company has paid dividends each year since June 1,

The Peoria Chiefs have announced they will retire #31 in honor of former Peoria star and future Baseball Hall-of-Famer Greg Maddux on Friday, June 11 in a pre-game ceremony. Maddux, who pitched in Peoria in 1985, will attend the ceremony with his wife Cindy and their two children Amanda and Chase. On June 11, gates will open at 5:00 p.m. and Maddux will sign autographs for one hour from 5:15 to 6:15. Fans must purchase a special autograph ticket to get in the autograph line. The Maddux Autograph Package will be $60 and includes a game ticket and a $50 autograph fee. The money raised from the autograph sales will be split evenly between St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, the Children's Hospital of Illinois and Easter Seals. The Maddux Autograph Package must be purchased at the O'Brien Field Box Office and there is a limit of two per customer. Tickets will go on sale Saturday, May 15 at Noon and are only available in person at the O'Brien Field Box Office, which wi

Saturday May 15th, 10:00 AM – 1:30 PM Join us for food and fun at American Fire Service , 540 S. Main Street, North Pekin, IL 61554. Use our video simulator to learn how to safely extinguish a fire! Fire Department and fire protection equipment will be on display and on sale. Open house hosted by Pinnacle Safety Group.

Pekin Fire Department in partnership with Pekin Main Street to host the annual Pekin Fire Fest event on Saturday May 15th as the Pekin Fire Department celebrates 150 years of service. The event will kick off with a parade at 11:00am from James Field (9th & Broadway) and make its way down Broadway and Court ending at the Courthouse Square followed by Fire Fest activities surrounding the Courthouse Square and Capitol Street towards City Hall. Fire Trucks, lights and sirens will fill the streets as area fire departments, firefighters, retirees, fire enthusiasts, groups and businesses have been invited to participate in the parade and showcase their fire trucks, equipment and services with Pekin Fire Department and retirees along the streets of downtown Pekin around the Courthouse Square. Pekin Fire Department will demonstrate safety rescues, kids can enjoy a bouncy house & slide, test their skills at a fire slide pole and fire hose spray, practice escape plan in the Safe Escape

Peoria, Illinois (May 12, 2010)- Methodist Medical Center has announced the May, 2010 Employees of the Month. Their peers in the areas of patient care, nursing, and non-nursing support recognize three separate employees. The three selected were Penny Maher RN of Washington who was selected for the category of Nursing. She works in CVICU (Cardiovascular Intensive Care Unit). Also selected was Caroline Booth of Chillicothe for non-nursing support. She works with Business Development. And for the category of Patient Care, Alisha Henkhaus of Bartonville was selected. She works at the Peoria MedPointe. All three will be honored at a hospital reception on Wednesday, May 19, 2010

Pekin Fire Department's 150th Anniversary Saturday May 15, 2010 Downtown District Fire Fest Parade 11:00am - 3:30pm (Parade Route - James Field to Broadway to Court Street to Capitol, ending at Courthouse) 11:00am - 3:30pm Courthouse Square & City Hall Lawn Activities: Antique & Modern Fire Trucks & Equipment Display Food vendors (Pork Chop Sandwiches & Hot Dogs) Kid activities (Fire Safe Escape Trailer, Bouncy House & Slide, Fire Hose Spray & More!) Fire Truck Photo Station Live Demonstrations with Pekin Fire Department Honor Fallen Firefighters & Veterans Ceremony "Armed Forces Day" Courthouse Memorial Garden at 11:45am For more information:  http://www.pekinmainstreet.com/

Pekin Hospital is pleased to offer an adult diabetes education workshop on May 24, 25, 26. The series of three classes will be held from 2:00 – 5:00 p.m. in the 4 South Education Classroom at Pekin Hospital. The classes are designed to provide information on managing adult diabetes and are designed to help diabetics learn and develop the skills of self-management of diabetes therapy. Topics covered in the sessions will include: the importance of diabetes control and the factors that influence this control how to plan meals according to food selections and serving size the possible complications associated with diabetes why exercise will benefit your health and make you feel good Workshop speakers will include a Certified Diabetes Educator, Registered Dietitian, Registered Nurse, Registered Pharmacist, Exercise Specialist, and Registered Medical Technician.    Class fees are $60 per person (one guest may accompany the registrant at no extra cost). The $60 includes all three clas

The Paintball Park at Pekin, 14444 Towerline Rd, Pekin IL 61554; (309)346-7000; http://www.pekinpaintballpark.com/ ; Mike McKinley, Owner; Amanda McKinley, Owner. The newest paintball park in central Illinois offers 5 scenario fileds and 1 PSP regulation size speedball field complete with 18,000 sqft of astroturf! Pro Shop open Tuesday & Thursday 4:30pm - 8:00pm. Field hours are Saturday & Sunday 9:00am - 5:00pm.

Intouch Home Care of Lutheran Social Services of IL , 3000 W Rohmann Ave, Peoria IL 61604; (309)671-0308, http://www.lssi.org/ ; Dale Claus, Community Liaison; Susan Bohm, Director; A faith-based, not-for-profit organization offering professional, compassionate, affordable in-home care to older adults since 1981. Business hours: 8:00am - 4:00pm Monday - Friday. Intouch Home Care... Connecting with you... Caring for you.

One in three adults in this country have high blood pressure and from 1996 to 2006, the death rate from high blood pressure increased almost 20%. Central Illinois residents will have an opportunity to learn more about “Controlling Your Blood Pressure” during a free “Coffee with the Doctor Health Forum” Tuesday, May 18, 2010 from 10:00 a.m. until noon. The program will be presented at the new Methodist North at Allen Road Conference Center at 2338 W. Sud Parkway at the intersection of Route 6 and Allen Road. Dr. Aaron Boyer of the Methodist Medical Group at Peartree will present a program on how to control blood pressure for healthier life. Dr. Boyer is a board certified family medicine physician. Hannah Lee, R.D. is a Registered Dietitian at Methodist who will present a healthy cooking demonstration and show how meals can be appealing and still be healthy. Snacks and refreshments will be provided and the program is free, however seating is limited. Call today to reserve you seat

The Methodist Wellmobile will be offering free PSA tests for Peoria County residents on June 15th, 2010 at the Methodist Medical Group at Princeville, 223 E. Main from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. The Methodist Wellmobile will also be on hand for free blood pressure and cholesterol screening. A PSA screening is recommended for men over the age of 50. A blood draw from the arm is analyzed in the lab and results are mailed to the patient. These results indicate a possible risk of Prostate Cancer. The free screening is offered through grant funding from the Peoria City /County Health Department. Cholesterol, blood pressure and spirometry are also included with this screening. An 8-12 hour fast is required. An appointment is also required. You can register by going to www.mymethodist.net/events or by calling 672-5900.

Understand . . . . . Imagine . . . . . Create! June 9, 2010 – 8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. To learn more about turning ideas into action in your community or your organization, attend the 12th Annual Illinois Leadership Conference at Jumer's Chateau Hotel in Bloomington, on June 9. The conference will feature several nationally known speakers, including Bliss Browne, who founded Imagine Chicago and has worked around the globe to help community members develop and implement innovative civic projects; Tim Miles, who will give the keynote luncheon talk entitled, “Managing Change from the Inside Out;" and Connie Pirtle, nationally known for her work in managing volunteers. In addition to exploring the ideas-into-action theme, conference topics include recognizing and managing generational differences, enhancing your local library's community connections, developing and managing a volunteer base, and alternative energy options in Illinois. This year, the conference features dozens of

Peoria, IL- The Community Foundation of Central Illinois (CFCI) announces the appointment of Seshadri Guha and Peter Wong to its Board of Directors. Mark Roberts, CFCI’s CEO, stated “the Community Foundation of Central Illinois’ Board of Directors benefits greatly from the diverse experience and knowledge of its members. We are delighted that Guha and Peter will be joining us, and know that they will contribute to CFCI’s future success based on their leadership experience and commitment to the greater Peoria area.” Seshadri Guha is Founder and Managing Partner of CGN & Associates, Inc. a global business performance management firm. A recognized expert in framing complex business challenges and defining unique approaches to business strategy, Guha has lead the development of CGN over the past 15 years into an industry leading professional services firm, with Fortune 100 clients in Manufacturing, Automotive and Financial Services and operations in North America, Europe, India and

The May 6th Business After Hours was hosted by Avanti's Ristorante, 3610 Kelly Avenue. Stephan Zeller and his staff served great food, drink and hospitality to the chamber members and their guests. Open daily from 10:30am to 10:00pm, Avanti's Ristorante is a full service restaurant offering a large dining room, a private dining room, and banquet services. They also offer carryout and delivery.  You can see more pictures from this and other chamber events at http://picasaweb.google.com/PekinChamber

Welcome to our newest member, US Cellular.  Located at 3552 Court St, Pekin IL 61554; (309) 353-7964; http://www.uscellular.com/     Open Monday - Friday 10:00am to 8:00pm, Saturday 10:00am to 7:00pm, Sunday 12:00pm to 5:00pm offering cellular service, wireless air cards and smart phones.  Chad Blaine, store manager; Derek DeMott, sales manager: Jeff Voice, service technician; Jason Green, account executive.

Mr. Ryan Davis with The Unland Companies in Pekin has received the Accredited Advisor in Insurance professional designation following his completion of Indiana Insurance's 30-week agent training and development program.

Pekin Orthopedic Center is pleased to announce the launch of its new website at http://www.pekinortho.com/ . The website has been designed to provide patients with detailed information on state-of-the-art procedures offered, interactive educational information, and an ask the expert feature. There are also links to online resources, patient testimonials, patient forms, frequently asked questions, and more. “Our online visitors will now be able to explore options or treatments that may benefit them. The resources provided online will also help patients research their particular symptoms and assist in identifying options to help them improve their quality of life,” said Donald Mitzelfelt, M.D., of Pekin Orthopedic Center. Originally located at 1503 Valle Vista, Pekin Orthopedic Center was established in 1978 by Dr. Steven Clark. In July 1994, Dr. Donald Mitzelfelt joined the practice. Together, they built a new facility in May 2000 and moved to the present location at 2351 Broadway

The students of the Suzuki Strings Program will be performing at the Pekin District 108, School of Music, Annual Suzuki Strings Spring Concert on Thursday, May 13. The concert will begin at 6:30p.m. in the Patricia Hackler Auditorium, Washington School, Pekin. The Suzuki Strings Program began in 1973 through the efforts of Mrs. Patricia Hackler. Its purpose is to develop the students’ performance and listening skills to become responsible and well-rounded individuals. The Suzuki Strings Program currently has over 100 students enrolled in the program. The Suzuki Strings instructors are Laura Balaban, cello and violin, Mary Billner, violin, viola and bass, Leslie Koons, violin, and Jan White, violin. The concert is free and open to the public.

The Southside Business Association is proud to again sponsor Derby Days at the Southside Park near 10th and Koch streets.  This year's event runs from May 6th through the 9th.  Thursday, May 6th - carnival opens (bracelet night from 6-10pm) Friday, May 7th - carnival and vendors Saturday, May 8th - SBA salutes the Veterans and their families.  The event starts at 11:00am with opening ceremony, color guards, prayer, music, speakers and free carnival rides for veterans and their families.  The SBA's famous pork chop booth will serve from 12:00pm to 6:00pm.  Entertainment will be on stage starting at 1:30, with Killinois playing from 6:00-8:00pm.  Bring your lawn chairs and the entire family and help honor the Veterans.  (May is National Veterans Appreciation Month.) Sunday, May 9th - Pork chop booth opens at 12:00 and the carnival will have another bracelet special from 1:00-5:00pm.  Christian music on the stage starting at 1:00pm.

Peoria, Illinois (April 30, 2010)--Methodist College of Nursing (MCON) is proud to announce that its nursing program has received initial accreditation from the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). CCNE ensures the quality of and integrity of baccalaureate and graduate nursing programs through accreditation.  The Methodist nursing program also has accreditation from the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission, Inc. (NLNAC). MCON’s nursing program now has both accreditation’s available for nursing education programs and is the only area nursing program with both accreditation’s. Dr. Kimberly Johnston President of Methodist College of Nursing said, “ This accreditation is focused on the quality of institutions of higher and professional education and on the quality of educational programs within the institutions. To the prospective student, accreditation provides a guide to quality programs that have been reviewed by an objective outside accrediting body.”

Peoria, IL – April 26, 2010 – Goodwill Industries of Central Illinois is proud to announce its participation in Put Illinois to Work, an anti-poverty program intended to create subsidized employment opportunities for low income families and individuals. Governor Quinn officially announced the program on April 26th. “Put Illinois to Work will provide good-paying jobs that will help support families and strengthen communities. The program will also assist in building a workforce that possesses the skills, abilities and experiences that Illinois employers need to remain competitive in the U.S. and global marketplace.” Put Illinois to Work is a collaborative effort of the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS), the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO), Heartland Human Care Services (HHCS), and Goodwill Industries. Funding is provided through the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Emergency Contingency Fund (ECF), which was created by the Ame

Peoria, Illinois (April 30, 2010)--Methodist Medical Center President and CEO Michael Bryant announced the appointment of Dr. Erick Laine as Senior Vice President and President of the Methodist Medical Group. In this position, Dr. Laine will lead the strategic direction and all day-to-day operations of the Methodist Medical Group, as well as partnering with Methodist leadership and physician leadership in driving growth and continuous performance enhancement.  Dr. Laine, an internal medicine physician, led a 75-physician multi-specialty group for eight years and is familiar with physician recruitment, quality and safety, budgeting and service line growth.  Dr. Laine will be joining Methodist May 24, 2010.  Methodist Medical Group is a network of primary care, walk-in care, and specialty physicians and healthcare providers located throughout Central Illinois.

WASHINGTON – The Tazewell County Jaycees will present their monthly Trivia Night on Thursday, May 13 from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. at the Knights of Columbus, 120 Walnut Street, Washington (east side of Washington Square). This month’s proceeds will benefit The American Cancer Society, and participating Relay for Life teams will have themed baskets to auction off for their teams. Participants are needed to form teams for the competition. Cost is $10 per person, and teams may have between 2 - 10 people. The winning team will receive a traveling trophy and free table for the June trivia night. Numerous prizes will be awarded throughout the evening, and a 50/50 drawing will also be held. In addition, the Knights of Columbus will offer a full bar plus pork chop sandwiches, chips, pizza, tamales, garlic bread, and popcorn. Participants are also welcome to bring in their munchies for your table to snack on. To reserve your table please contact Lori Rowe, Tazewell County Jaycees, at 309-241-3