Our Vision: Pekin, Illinois: The community of choice for home, business, and recreation. Our Mission: To foster and promote a vibrant business environment that improves the quality of life in the Pekin area.
Tuesday, December 27, 2016
Tuesday, December 20, 2016
Pekin Hospital Welcomes Director of Surgical Services
Pekin Hospital and Progressive Health Systems are pleased to
announce Sue Silcox as Director of Surgical Services.
Silcox
brings more than 35 years of medical leadership experience to Pekin Hospital.
Previously she served as Interim Director of Surgical Services for Winchester
Medical Center in Winchester, VA, Director of Surgical Services for Spring View
Hospital in Lebanon, KY, and Senior Director of Surgical Services at St. Luke’s
Magic Valley Hospital in Twin Falls, ID.
Silcox
began her nursing career at Methodist Hospital in Houston, TX, where she served
for 20 years. She received a bachelor’s degree in nursing from the University
of Phoenix and is active in the Association of Operation Room Nurses.
Part
of Progressive Health Systems, Pekin Hospital is a 107-bed medical center
serving Tazewell, Peoria and Mason Counties since 1913. For more information
visit pekinhospital.org.
$35 MILLION EXTRAORDINARY DIVIDEND DISTRIBUTED TO CEFCU MEMBERS
A $35 million
Extraordinary Dividend was recently announced by CEFCU’s Board of Directors and
distributed to the Credit Union’s member/owners. The amount each member
will receive was determined by dividends earned and interest paid during the
first 11 months of the year, as of November 30, 2016. On the evening of
December 12, funds were deposited to members’ Savings accounts.
Over the last 17 years, CEFCU has returned $190 million in Extraordinary
Dividends to members. CEFCU Board Chairman, Nancy Medendorp, stated,
“Once again, CEFCU showed strong financial results. That, along with the
continued support and loyalty of CEFCU member/owners, made another large
Extraordinary Dividend available for members.”
Mark Spenny, CEFCU President/CEO, added, “As a credit union, CEFCU is a
member-owned financial cooperative. Operating as such allows CEFCU to
share the benefits of a strong year with members, not outside
stockholders. I want to thank members for their continued support and
CEFCU staff for consistently providing members with superior service to help
them achieve their financial goals and dreams.”
Members can learn more about this year’s Extraordinary Dividend at
cefcu.com/dividend.
With assets totaling over $5.5 billion, CEFCU serves over 320,000 members
through 20 central Illinois Member Centers and 4 Member Centers in Santa Clara
County, California; the CEFCU Financial Center; the Money Center 24 ATM
Network; CEFCU’s website, cefcu.com;
the surcharge-free CO-OP ATM Network; and the CU Service Center Shared Branch
Network.
ICC BOARD OF TRUSTEES APPROVES DR. LISA STICH AS INTERIM VICE PRESIDENT OF ACADEMIC AFFAIRS
In action at their regular meeting
last night, Illinois Central College Board of Trustees approved Dr. Lisa Stich
as the College’s Interim Vice President of Academic Affairs. Stich is slated to
begin her new role on Jan. 1. She replaces Dr. Margaret Swanson, who retired
from the position after more than 32 years with ICC.
Stich most recently served as Vice
President of Academic and Student Services at West Shore Community College in
Scottville, Mich., where she was responsible for academic and student services,
including teaching and learning, library services, online programming,
admissions, registration, financial aid, disabilities services, business
training, performing arts, and accreditation. She also has served in the
capacity of Interim Dean of the School of Health Science and Wellness at
Laramie County Community College in Cheyenne, Wy.; as Vice President of
Educational Services at Flathead Valley Community College, Kalispell, Mont.; as
Administrator of Institutional Advancement at Blue Mountain Community College,
Pendleton, Or.; and as Administrator of Instructional Development of Moraine
Park Technical College, Fond du Lac, Wisc. Dr. Stich also has teaching
experience both online and in the traditional classroom. She has been an instructor
for Laramie County Community College and the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.
Stich earned her PhD in Education
from Capella University, Minneapolis, Minn., and her Master’s of Science in
Health Services Administration from Cardinal Stritch University, Milwaukee. She
holds two Bachelor’s Degrees: one in Health Information/Medical Records from
Emory University, Atlanta; and one in Psychology from Ripon College, Ripon,
Wisc.
Stich will continue in this role while the search for a permanent replacement
continues for the College’s chief academic officer.
ICC OFFERS INFORMATIONAL AND TESTING SESSIONS FOR HIGHWAY CONSTRUCTION CAREERS TRAINING PROGRAM
Illinois
Central College will hold several informational sessions for its Highway
Construction Careers Training Program, with program applications and TABE
testing available at each session. There is no registration or fees
required for the informational and testing sessions. If selected for the
program, applicants will be eligible to attend classes, which will begin on
February 20, 2017, and end on May 12, 2017.
The ICC Highway Construction Careers Training Program
was implemented to increase the number of minorities, women, and disadvantaged
individuals working on IDOT highway construction projects and is offered
through the Corporate and Community Education Department at ICC. This
intensive 12-week program prepares participants for careers in the highway
construction trades industry through classroom learning, skills labs, and
real-world jobsite experience. Training includes, but is not limited to, math
for trades, job readiness skills, and technical skills coursework, as well as OSHA
10-hour certification and First Aid/CPR certification. Upon successful
completion of the program, students will have the skills necessary to seek
careers as laborers, cement masons, operating engineers, electricians,
ironworkers, sheet metal workers, carpenters, bricklayers, and other union
trades.
To qualify for the program a candidate must be 18 years
old, have a valid Illinois driver’s license, have a high school diploma
or GED, and consent to random drug screening.
Informational and
testing sessions will be held:
- Tues., Jan. 17 at 9 am
ICC North Campus, Hickory Hall
Room 131
5407 N. University Street, Peoria
5407 N. University Street, Peoria
- Wed., Jan. 18 at 1 pm
Goodwill Industries
2319 E. War Memorial
Drive, Peoria
- Thurs., Jan. 19 at 1 pm
Tri County (Peoria)
Urban League
317 S. MacArthur Hwy, Peoria
317 S. MacArthur Hwy, Peoria
- Thurs., Jan. 19 at 5:30
pm
ICC North Campus, Hickory Hall
Room 101
5407 N. University Street, Peoria
5407 N. University Street, Peoria
- Fri., Jan. 20 at 9 am
ICC North Campus,
Hickory Hall
Room 101
5407 N. University Street, Peoria
5407 N. University Street, Peoria
For more information about the program, please contact
Monica Arbuckle at (309) 690-6912, monica.arbuckle@icc.edu,
or Ellen George at (309) 690-6909, egeorge@icc.edu.
ILLINOIS CENTRAL COLLEGE OFFERING “EXPRESS ENROLLMENT” THIS JANUARY FOR SPRING 2017 CLASSES
Illinois Central College will offer
“Express Enrollment” Monday through Wed., Jan. 9, 10 and 11 from 8 am to 4 pm,
on the East Peoria Campus. Those interested in enrolling at ICC can complete
the process of applying and enrolling in just one day. No appointment is
necessary, and free parking is available in Lots A and B and in the Visitors
Lot. Classes for the spring 2017 semester begin on Tues., January 17.
“Express Enrollment” can be
completed in just a few hours’ time. Participants are encouraged to arrive by 1
pm in order to complete all of the steps leading to enrollment in one day. For
advising or testing completion only, participants must arrive by 2 pm.
The process includes: Completing and processing an ICC application,
completing placement testing, meeting with an advisor to develop a class
schedule, filling out financial aid paperwork and setting up a payment plan,
and getting an official ICC identification card.
Students should fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) five
days prior to coming on campus at https://fafsa.gov/. ICC Financial Assistance staff is available to
answer questions about completing the FAFSA or you can find helpful information
located at http://icc.edu/admissions/financial-aid/how-to-apply/.
In order to complete all of the
steps of admission and enrollment, participants should be prepared to bring the
following items with them:
·
A valid photo ID (driver’s license, passport, military ID, or
other government-issued ID).
- Checkbook or credit card to set up a payment plan.
- In
addition, potential students wishing to fill out a FAFSA also should bring
with them: 2015 tax return, 2015 W-2 forms and current bank statements.
(If the participant is aged 24 or younger, the parents’ social security
cards, 2015 tax return, 2015 W-2 forms and current bank statements also
are necessary.)
“Express Enrollment” is provided on
a first come, first-served basis. The total time needed to complete all of the
steps depends on the participant’s individual needs. Advisors will be available
to help students wishing to enroll on a full-time basis (12 hours or more) in
most majors and those students wishing to enroll on a part-time basis. However,
follow up appointments with an advisor may be necessary in some cases. Some
programs require restricted enrollment; therefore, only general education or
prerequisite courses will be available to students interested in those
programs.
For those interested in financial
assistance, ICC has scholarships available for the 2016-2017 academic year. To
be eligible for the scholarships, students must first apply to ICC online at http://icc.edu/admissions/enrollment/apply-now/.
Remaining scholarships are available at http://icc.edu/admissions/scholarships/remaining-scholarships/.
For more information or for any
questions, please call Illinois Central College at (309) 694-5-ICC or visit icc.edu/express.
ICC BOARD REVIEWS CANDIDATES FOR VACANCY, PENDING JANUARY VOTE
Illinois Central College Board of
Trustees has reviewed candidate applicants for the Trustee vacancy. The Board
intends to appoint Doug Stewart, pending Board approval, to fill the vacancy
following the death of James Polk. Polk passed away in November at the age of 77.
Polk, whose term was set to expire in April 2017, served nearly 20 years on the
Board.
During closed session at the December
meeting, the Board reviewed the applicants and intends to appoint Stewart to
finish out the remaining four months of Polk’s term. The Board is expected to make
the decision with a public vote and seat Stewart at its January 19 meeting.
Stewart has been a Peoria-area
banker for more than 40 years and is the Regional President for Central
Illinois at PNC Bank. He was an ICC Board of Trustees member from 1987 to 1997
and served as chairman three times. He is in his third term and currently is
chairman of the board at Bradley University. Stewart is active in the community
and has been a member of several other boards of local organizations, including
the Children’s Home and OSF Healthcare System. He is founding member of the CEO
Council and Peoria NEXT, as well as Lakeview Museum.
He holds a bachelor’s degree from
Illinois Wesleyan University and a master’s in business administration from
Bradley University. Stewart resides in East Peoria.
Three seats on the ICC Board of
Trustees are up for election on the April 4, 2017, ballot.
Friday, December 16, 2016
Gingoteague Ribbon Cutting
Friends, family, and customers of the Gingoteague Convenience Store joined owner Jon Flynn and representatives from the City of Pekin and the Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce for a ribbon cutting on December 14. Located at 2601 S. 14th, the Gingoteague Convenience Store offers soda, tea, nachos, snacks, beer, wine, spirits, frozen pizza, soft serve ice cream, chips, medicine, household items, Spudnut Donuts and more. They are open 7 days a week and can be reached at 346-7007.
Thursday, December 15, 2016
Monday, December 12, 2016
Coming up at Pekin Academy of Fine Arts
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Mackinaw Valley Vineyard

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TRIBUTE ARTIST TED VIGIL BRINGS A JOHN DENVER CHRISTMAS TO ILLINOIS CENTRAL COLLEGE DEC. 16
Tribute artist Ted Vigil brings a
holiday-themed performance based on a beloved music icon to the ICC Performing
Arts Center, located on the East Peoria Campus, on December 16 at 7:30 pm.
A John Denver Christmas
features Vigil, along with backing musicians as they present a mix of
traditional holiday songs, holiday music recorded by Denver, and several of
Denver’s classic songs in a 90-minute performance.
Vigil started out singing rock and
pop music, but his career took a slightly different turn in 2006 when he
entered a talent contest. When he arrived at the competition, he was told he
could also enter in the country music category. After two days, he was bumped
out of the rock and pop category, but he held a spot in the Top 20 of the
country category.
After numerous people approached
him with the same question during the weeklong contest, Vigil said he decided
to try singing a John Denver song.
“After a few days of being there
and everybody in the hallways saying, ‘Hey, did anybody ever tell you you look
like John Denver?’ [they] gave me the nickname ‘Denver,’” he said. “People were
saying, ‘You should think about doing a John Denver song,’ so I did. I went to
the hotel and practiced, practiced, practiced. I did Annie’s Song and
got a standing ovation.”
His performance advanced him into
the Top 5 in the competition, and he decided to perform Denver’s classic Rocky
Mountain High in the finals.
“I ran out on stage, sang Rocky
Mountain High and won first place,” Vigil said. “I met a couple people
after the contest who said, ‘You should think about doing a tribute show.’ One
guy had worked with John and the other was a pilot who knew him personally, and
they said I really had this down and I should do it. So, a couple years later,
I found myself doing a few shows here and there, and then it turned into a
full-time job.”
Vigil said he thinks the quality of
Denver’s music keeps it alive and being passed on to new generations.
“I just think John’s music--just
like a lot of other great artists’--is timeless,” Vigil said. “You see a lot of
people longing for the past and reliving memories of the good feelings they got
when they heard those songs, so I think the songs will go on and on. I have
fans that come to my shows that are in their 20s, which is kind of surprising to
me. It’s just great music, good for the heart and soul…good, uplifting stuff.”
Although Denver died in 1997,
Vigil’s shows continue to draw large audiences, which led him to an upcoming
international tour, which includes a stop in Australia.
Wildlife Prairie Park will be the
highlighted community partner for the event. The community partner program, a
part of the ICC Guest Artists Series, highlights a non-profit or community
organization which has ties to the Guest Artists Series performance.
Patrons at the event who donate to
support Wildlife Prairie Park will be entered in a drawing for two free tickets
to a future event. Patrons also will have the opportunity to provide input
about future Guest Artists Series shows.
As it does for all ICC Guest
Artists Series events, CityLink provides Park and Ride service from Peoria for
the performance. Buses leave Evergreen Square near the former LensCrafters
building at 6:45 pm and transport passengers directly to the ICC Performing
Arts Center. Buses return to Evergreen Square immediately after the show. Cost
for a one-way ride is $1. Senior citizens 65 years of age and older with
verification can ride for 50 cents one way.
The performance is presented by the
Arts at ICC. The Arts at ICC has a rich history of enhancing the arts community
and expanding education beyond the classroom. Arts at ICC presents more than
500 exhibits, performances, lectures, rehearsals, meetings, master classes,
clinics, seminars, receptions, orientations, forums, auditions and tournaments
annually.
Tickets for A John Denver
Christmas cost $30 and $20 for students. Tickets can be purchased at
ArtsAtICC.com or the ICC Performing Arts Center Box Office. For more
information or to purchase by phone, call (309) 694-5136.
LOCAL BANKER APPOINTED TO IILLINOIS BANKER’S ASSOCIATION WOMEN IN BANKING COMMITTEE
Susan
Webb, Branch Manager of South Side Bank’s
Bartonville Facility, was appointed to the Illinois
Bankers Association (IBA) 2016-2017 Women in Banking Committee by IBA President
and CEO Linda Koch.
As
a member of the Committee, Webb will assist the IBA in developing the Annual
Women in Banking Conference and other networking and educational opportunities
for female bankers.
The
Illinois Bankers Association, the voice of Illinois’ banking industry, is a
full-service trade association dedicated to creating a positive business
climate that benefits the entire banking industry and the communities they
serve. Founded in 1891, the IBA brings
together state and national banks that together employ well over 100,000 people
in nearly 5,000 offices across the state.
The IBA is proud of its diverse membership, serving all sizes of
financial institutions from the smallest community bank in the state to the
largest national bank in the country.
Illinois headquartered banks and savings institutions safeguard more
than $341.5 billion in deposits and extend more than $225.8 billion in loans to
consumers and businesses.
South Side Trust & Savings Bank, a locally
owned financial institution since 1922, has $665 million in assets and serves
the tri-county area with 12 full service locations in Peoria, East Peoria, West
Peoria, Bartonville, Chillicothe, Washington, and Pekin. South Side Bank owns Mid Illinois Insurance Services, Inc. located at 1524 W. Glen
Avenue in Peoria.
Mashie's Customer Appreciation Night!
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Ameren Illinois Urges Peoria-area Customers to Beware of Scammers
Ameren
Illinois is providing tips to customers in the Peoria area to help make them
aware of scam artists who are attempting to defraud them.
This week, more than 25 small businesses in Greater Peoria area, including several in Pekin, have reported suspicious activity. The majority of those incidents were phone calls from scammers who threatened immediate disconnection of utility service unless a payment was made from a pre-paid debit card.
"Our business customers in particular have been recent targets of this scam, however, residential customers must also be vigilant because they are often targeted with a variety of scam tactics as well," said Shirley Stennis, Director of Customer Service for Ameren Illinois. "Scammers claim they will disconnect service within the hour if a payment isn't made. This is not a practice or policy of Ameren Illinois. In fact, we give our customers the opportunity to make payment arrangements and would never demand a payment in this manner."
Ameren Illinois offers these tips to protect customers against scammers:
Ameren Illinois continues to work with federal, state and local authorities to investigate utility scams. "We continue to safeguard customer information, but it's up to our customers to recognize the warning signs so scams can be prevented," Stennis said.
If you suspect someone is impersonating an Ameren Illinois employee, end the conversation and immediately call Ameren Illinois at 1.800.755.5000 Customers can also follow Ameren Illinois on social media to receive the latest updates on fraudulent account activity.
This week, more than 25 small businesses in Greater Peoria area, including several in Pekin, have reported suspicious activity. The majority of those incidents were phone calls from scammers who threatened immediate disconnection of utility service unless a payment was made from a pre-paid debit card.
"Our business customers in particular have been recent targets of this scam, however, residential customers must also be vigilant because they are often targeted with a variety of scam tactics as well," said Shirley Stennis, Director of Customer Service for Ameren Illinois. "Scammers claim they will disconnect service within the hour if a payment isn't made. This is not a practice or policy of Ameren Illinois. In fact, we give our customers the opportunity to make payment arrangements and would never demand a payment in this manner."
Ameren Illinois offers these tips to protect customers against scammers:
•
Never give your credit card, debit card, Social Security, ATM, checking
or savings account numbers to anyone who comes to your home, calls or sends an
email requesting this information. Ameren Illinois never demands personal,
account or financial information for immediate payment.
•
Never let anyone into your home claiming to be from the utility unless
they show proper Ameren Illinois badge identification. Ameren Illinois
employees are not allowed to take payments in the field.
•
Never open email attachments unless you've contacted Ameren Illinois for
specific information. Ameren Illinois never sends emails with attachments
included, unless you've contacted the company to specifically request
information.
Ameren Illinois continues to work with federal, state and local authorities to investigate utility scams. "We continue to safeguard customer information, but it's up to our customers to recognize the warning signs so scams can be prevented," Stennis said.
If you suspect someone is impersonating an Ameren Illinois employee, end the conversation and immediately call Ameren Illinois at 1.800.755.5000 Customers can also follow Ameren Illinois on social media to receive the latest updates on fraudulent account activity.
Know Before You Go with IDOT'S Winter Road Conditions Map
Know
Before You Go with IDOT'S Winter Road Conditions Map
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SPRINGFIELD - With more snow in the forecast this weekend and the official
start of winter coming soon, the Illinois Department of Transportation
reminds you to visit www.gettingaroundillinois.com for updated Illinois road
conditions before heading out.
Available
on your computer and mobile device by clicking the "Winter Road
Conditions" tab, this handy map provides an overview of how the roads
are looking throughout the state. The map receives more than two million
visitors and nearly five million page views each winter.
"Be
ready before going out on your travels this winter," said Illinois
Transportation Secretary Randy Blankenhorn. "Our winter road conditions
map gives you an idea of what to expect. As a reminder, it's always best to
stay off the roads if travel isn't absolutely necessary during a winter
storm."
The
map is updated 24/7 during winter storms. Click here to see how we gather the data for it. Shared on news
broadcasts, social media and elsewhere, this map is a great resource during
the winter months.
Bookmark
www.gettingaroundillinois.com today!
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Friday, December 9, 2016
Puttin' On Pekin Recap
About 90 people attended the December 9th Puttin' On Pekin breakfast held at the Avanti's Dome. New chamber member Cliff Faber (Jester's Workshop) won the early prize while Mitch O'Shaughnessey (DreamScapes Landscaping) won the late prize, again. Members of Artistic Community Theater entertained the crowd with a short original skit. The December breakfast also features the year-end big grand prize drawing. Nine different people won prize packages valued at over $300 each: Joe Shehorn, Jim McClarey, Kevin McClaren, Gregg Ratliff, Dennis Kief, Annette Davis, Brigitte Krieg, Nancy Morris, and Manda Brown. You can see pictures of this event at: https://goo.gl/photos/tSD8n4KUubF8SBQB6
Wednesday, December 7, 2016
Institute of Women's Leadership Wraps Up
The Institute of Women's Leadership recently completed their six-week fall session. The Institute is a partnership between the Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce and Char Richardson of Richardson Counseling and Wellness Center.
The Institute was designed for committed, engaged career women ready to approach key challenges with a new perspective. The program provided a unique forum for women to realize their full potential and attain their highest levels of effectiveness and productivity in both their personal and professional lives.
Participants worked toward goals and created and maintained change through a supportive community of accountability. Topics included...
You can see more pictures from the Institute at: https://goo.gl/photos/Pn5DKuhrXnRS16W6A
The Institute was designed for committed, engaged career women ready to approach key challenges with a new perspective. The program provided a unique forum for women to realize their full potential and attain their highest levels of effectiveness and productivity in both their personal and professional lives.
Participants worked toward goals and created and maintained change through a supportive community of accountability. Topics included...
- Boost your career
- Lesson plan for change
- Growing in emotional intelligence
- Diffusing anger in others / effective conflict resolution
- Life balance and energy
- Eliminating obstacles / goal setting
Participants had favorable comments about the program.
Great program that helped me develop both personally and professionally.
This was a safe place to dialogue and discuss vulnerable topics. I appreciated learning from Char and other professional women.
Char had great materials, was engaging and thoughtful. The women in the group were very professional and it was great to share our experiences.
The Institute program has been a great experience for me. It was a safe space to express my feelings, grow as a person, and make connections with other women.The Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce and Richardson Counseling and Wellness Center hope to schedule another Institute of Women's Leadership in the spring.
You can see more pictures from the Institute at: https://goo.gl/photos/Pn5DKuhrXnRS16W6A
Tuesday, December 6, 2016
Welcome To Our Newest Member
Jester's Workshop
217 Court St.
Pekin, IL 61554
309-338-4927
Cliff Faber, Owner
Dan Downard, Owner
Website
Jester's Workshop is a woodworking shop specializing in custom made outdoor furniture and wood turning.
217 Court St.
Pekin, IL 61554
309-338-4927
Cliff Faber, Owner
Dan Downard, Owner
Website
Jester's Workshop is a woodworking shop specializing in custom made outdoor furniture and wood turning.
Welcome To Our Newest Member
Welcome To Our Newest Member
Pekin Villas of Holly Brook and Reflections
2720 S. 14th St.
Pekin, IL 61554
309-201-3763
Jennifer Horn, Director
Website
At the Villas of Holly Brook our goal is to be a leader in providing compassionate quality senior care, focusing on the unique needs of our residents and their families. We are committed to fostering an environment that promotes dignity, respect, positive communication and the "whole" person - mind, body and spirit. You've worked hard all your life to make sure your retirement years are comfortable and secure.
Reflections Memory Care Communities offer individualized healthcare plans, supervision by a nurse in a secured building that includes activity stations, outdoor walking paths and sensory gardens. Families will find peace of mind knowing that their loved one is being cared for in a state-of-the -art retirement care community thatspecializes in Alzheimer's and other memory care.
2720 S. 14th St.
Pekin, IL 61554
309-201-3763
Jennifer Horn, Director
Website
At the Villas of Holly Brook our goal is to be a leader in providing compassionate quality senior care, focusing on the unique needs of our residents and their families. We are committed to fostering an environment that promotes dignity, respect, positive communication and the "whole" person - mind, body and spirit. You've worked hard all your life to make sure your retirement years are comfortable and secure.
Reflections Memory Care Communities offer individualized healthcare plans, supervision by a nurse in a secured building that includes activity stations, outdoor walking paths and sensory gardens. Families will find peace of mind knowing that their loved one is being cared for in a state-of-the -art retirement care community thatspecializes in Alzheimer's and other memory care.
Quinn Johnston Receives Outstanding Small Business Award
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