Art in the Park sponsored by Vonderheide Floor Coverings

Thank you Vonderheide Floor Coverings for sponsoring the 2018 Pekin Marigold Festival Art in the Park!

Heartland Bank and Trust Company Names Lauryn Carr Retail Manager in Carlock and Mackinaw

Heartland Bank and Trust Company has named Lauryn Carr as Retail Manager in Carlock and Mackinaw. Carr is located at the bank’s 2017 West Washington Street branch in Carlock. She is responsible for ensuring value and top-of-the-line service to bank customers and overseeing retail employee development and training.

Carr most recently served as Retail Manager for the bank in Bloomington and has seven years of banking experience. During her career, she has gained experience as a Customer Service Representative, Credit Card Administrator, Finance Assistant, and Loan Processor. Carr has attained a Fundamentals of Accounting certification from State Farm^® University. Originally from Mahomet, she now makes her home in Congerville with her husband Michael.

Heartland Bank and Trust Company is an independently owned community bank with assets of $3 billion. Headquartered in Bloomington, IL, the bank has offices in communities throughout Illinois. The bank offers a complete line of financial services to commercial and retail customers. More information is available on the bank’s website at www.hbtbank.com.

Pepsi Marigold Medallion Hunt

Thank you Pepsi for sponsoring the 2018 Pekin Marigold Festival Marigold Medallion Hunt! 

Pekin Insurance Festive Food Court

Thank you Pekin Insurance for sponsoring the 2018 Pekin Marigold Festival Festive Food Court!

Chalk Walk sponsored by NRG Powerton Generating Station

Thank you NRG Powerton Generating Station for sponsoring the 2018 Pekin Marigold Festival Chalk Walk! 

Rose Kingsley presents an evening of Andrew Lloyd Webber

Welcome To Our Newest Member

Gateway Foundation
11 South Capital
Pekin, IL 61554
309-346-7800
Website
Debbie Kuhns, Outreach Coordinator
Brandon Underwood, Owner 
Gateway is the largest network of non profit drug & alcohol treatment centers in Illinois. We are celebrating our 50th anniversary. The Pekin location is conveniently located in the Arcade Building in downtown Pekin.

Speed Painter Michael Israel to Give Presentation at Illinois Central College August 29

Acclaimed artist, humanitarian in area to promote October appearance at Peoria Promise anniversary gala

World-renowned speed painter Michael Israel will give a presentation about his craft at Illinois Central College on August 29 from 2 to 2:45 pm in Room 212 C/D, located in the Academic Building on the East Peoria Campus.

Israel’s visit to ICC takes place as he is in the area to promote his performance at the Peoria Promise 10-year anniversary gala on October 13.

The mission of Peoria Promise is to build a more skilled workforce for Peoria by providing tuition assistance from 50% - 100% to City of Peoria high school graduates to attend ICC. Peoria Promise is 100% donor funded with no local, state or federal taxes collected to support this program. 

More information will be available to media at the Peoria Promise Press conference to be held Wed., August 29 at 10 am at the Peoria Civic Center 4th floor landing (see press release from Peoria Promise).

Israel’s presentation at ICC is being coordinated by the ICC Art Program, part of the Arts at ICC, which 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.

For more information about Israel’s presentation at ICC, visit ArtsAtICC.com or call the ICC Arts and Behavioral Sciences Department at (309) 694-5113.

The Partnership for a Healthy Community Survey

If you live in Peoria, Tazewell or Woodford county, please help us out! The Partnership for a Healthy Community is working with all area hospitals, United Way, Heartland and our County Health Departments to assess the health of our community.

As most of you know we collect our Community Health Needs Assessment primary data every three years, it is that time again!  Please take this survey yourself and pass the link along to clients, staff members, co-workers, friends and family.

We need as many people as possible to complete the survey at this link:

English - https://bradley.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_ai7I38CZYnJc4U5

Spanish - https://bradley.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_agct2lnGNdH3MA5

Court Street Block Party!

Winners Revealed: 30th Annual Duck Race Raises $155,000 to Benefit the Center for Prevention of Abuse

Lucky individuals win prizes at local nonprofit’s signature fundraiser  that helps build a safe and peaceful community

The Center for Prevention of Abuse (CFPA) hosted its 30^th Annual Duck Race today, August 25, at EastSide Centre where 30,000 rubber ducks raced down a giant 750-foot water slide. The event sold out of all 30,000 ducks and raised $155,000 to benefit CFPA and its mission of helping all women, men, and children live free from violence and abuse in Central Illinois.

Attendees participated in free activities for kids including a photo booth, face painting, bounce houses, cotton candy, and refreshments from Moja Southern Kitchen and Kona Ice before the race began at 2:00 p.m.

The owners of the first 30 ducks to cross the finish line won prizes. The first duck to cross the finish line and win the grand prize of $5,000 cash belonged to John Rose of Biloxi, Mississippi. David Smith of Dunlap, Illinois won three separate prizes as three of his ducks crossed the finish line in the first 30.  

This year’s full list of winners includes:

•         Grand Prize $5,000 Sponsored by Associated Bank - John Rose of Biloxi, MS

•         $3,000 Sponsored by Caterpillar and Bob Lindsay Acura - Joe & Linda Pieper of Peoria, IL

•         $2,500 Sherman’s Gift Card Sponsored by Sherman’s - Cynthia Ridle of Marietta, IL

•         Gas Powered Moped Scooter Sponsored By The Fresh Market and Par-A-Dice - Kevin Lyons of Peoria, IL

•         Family 4-Pack Disney World Tickets and $500 Visa Gift Card Sponsored by Menold Construction & Restoration - Sharon Tear of Peoria, IL

•         $500 Kroger Gift Card Sponsored by Kroger - David Thomas of Mapleton, IL

•         55” Roku Smart TV Sponsored by Getz Fire Equipment and Hanson Professional Services, Inc. - David Smith of Dunlap, IL

•         43” LG Smart TV Sponsored by Rent-A-Center - Jeanann McCoy of Lake Oswego, CA

•         Series 3 Apple Watch Sponsored by Hopedale Medical Complex and Kriegsman Warehouses - Maggie of Peoria, IL

•         Date Night Bundle (Overnight stay for two at Stoney Creek Hotel, two Peoria Players Theater tickets, $50 Logan’s Steakhouse Gift Card) Sponsored by Dennis and Judy Triggs - Suzanne Vanderham of East Peoria, IL

•         Pearl Necklace Sponsored by Jones Bros Jewelers - Connie Cavanagh of Peoria, IL

•         Photo Session by DRAKE Photo - Les Hedgespeth of Bartonville, IL

•         ASUS Tablet Sponsored by Ray Dennison Chevrolet - Kimberlee Spinella of Grass Valley, CA

•         $250 JC Penney Gift Card - David Smith of Dunlap, IL

•         $250 Peoria Himalayan Salt Cave Experience - Debbie Herold of Mapleton, IL

•         Aura Salon Experience Package - Drew Bergstrom of Peoria, IL

•         $200 Summer Savings Bundle ($100 Casey’s Gift Card, $50 Red Carpet Gift Card, 1 Beachler’s Oil Change Certificate) - Sandra Quinn of Morton, IL

•         Mackinaw valley Winery Package - Beth Ann Burt of Roseville, CA

•         Maui Jim Sunglasses - Erica Turney of Morton, IL

•         $100 Jeffrey Alans Gift Card - Brad McMillan of Normal, IL

•         Keurig – K Elite C Sponsored by Costco and Hecht-Stout Insurance Agency - Suzi of Peoria, IL

•         $100 Alwan & Sons Gift Card Sponsored by C.T. Gabbert Remodeling and Construction - Lindsey Etheridge of Normal, IL

•         $100 Amazon Gift Card Sponsored by American Pest Control - Pat & Lark Sullivan

•         Tanners Orchard Experience Package - Sheila Bussone

•         Gone In 60 Escape Games Package - Patsy Scovil of Peoria, IL

•         4-Pack White Sox Tickets - Kristen Querciagrossa of Dunlap, IL

•         CxT Roasting Company Basket - Walt Bradbury of Peoria, IL

•         $50 Amazon Gift Card Sponsored by Walz Label & Mailing Systems - Pam Herchenroder of Pekin, IL

•         $50 Logan’s Steakhouse Gift Card Sponsored by Dennis and Judy Triggs - Gregory Sams of East Peoria, IL

•         Amazon Echo Dot Smart Speaker Sponsored by Mike Murphy Ford - David Smith of Dunlap, IL

Winners should call CFPA at 309-691-0551 to claim their prize.

After the race, kids in attendance helped in the annual “Kid’s Cleanup Crew!” and assisted in cleaning up and packaging the ducks. 

“We would like to thank every single person who sponsored a duck, those came out to celebrate this landmark year with us on Race Day, and our incredibly generous sponsors who helped us put on a wonderful Duck Race,” said Carol Merna, Executive Director at the Center for Prevention of Abuse. “We couldn’t have done it without Mayor Dave Mingus, Doug McCarty of EastSide Centre, Rick Swan of the East Peoria Chamber of Commerce, and the East Peoria Fire Department. We are thankful for all the support that we receive so that we may continue providing free and confidential services to survivors of abuse and work toward building a safe and peaceful community.”

All funds raised through the Duck Race go directly to client services at CFPA, helping all women, men, and children live free from violence and abuse.

August Biz Barometer

Kids Experience sponsored by Big R

Thank you Big R for sponsoring the 2018 Pekin Marigold Festival Kids Experience! 

Commerce Bank Carnival

Thank you Commerce Bank for sponsoring the 2018 Pekin Marigold Festival Carnival! 

ValuCheck Liquor Department Expands

ValuCheck recently celebrated the expansion and remodeling of their liquor department.  Store Director Thomas Tow and store employees were joined by representatives from the City of Pekin and the Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce for a ribbon cutting to celebrate the project.  The expansion created additional display space and a more convenient shopping experience.  You can see a few more pictures from this event at:  https://photos.app.goo.gl/R9hJbjv5bE4pReQM6

Marigold Festival Parade sponsored by Busey Bank

Thank you Busey Bank for sponsoring the 2018 Pekin Marigold Festival Parade! 

Celebrity Tent sponsored by Kouri's Pub

Thank you Kouri’s Pub for sponsoring the 2018 Pekin Marigold Festival Celebrity Tent!

Midstate College Hosts Their First Intern

Our GP Works partners at Midstate College hosted their first intern in the Spring of 2018! Eric Black, a senior at Richwoods High School, had the opportunity to spend his afternoons with the Midstate administrative and IT staff. Eric gained experience in a variety of roles at Midstate, from helping at the front desk, to working on long-term IT projects.

“It was a very different experience from being in a classroom,” says Eric. “There are a lot of things that I learned here that can’t be taught in a classroom setting.” One of Eric’s many roles at Midstate was helping at the front desk, answering the phone and directing visitors. “It was good to have that experience, working with customer service. Even if he never does it again, I think doing [that kind of work] gives people an appreciation for what administrative professionals do,” reported Kaitlin Seaman, eLearning Coordinator at Midstate.

Eric also had the opportunity to work on several projects with Kaitlin’s eLearning team. Midstate’s eLearning team is working to expand the college’s online offerings and Eric got to help the team as they designed and implemented new software. “I enjoyed working with the eLearning team. There was a lot more freedom and it was great to apply some of the skills I learned in school to what we were working on.” Eric especially enjoyed working with the coding, where he learned about how bugs are created and how to fix them. “He’s a self-starter, and working with IT let him show that,” reported Kaitlin.

The team at Midstate had nothing but great things to say about Eric. One of the biggest benefits for them was the added perspective that Eric provided. “It was very useful to have another perspective from an outsider, especially a young person’s perspective. He sees things differently than I do, with 10 years on the job, and that’s a real benefit,” said Kaitlin. Angela Kepler, Registrar at Midstate, said that having Eric on the team provided new opportunities for staff. “I was able to give some of my employees leadership roles with Eric, which was great because they don’t have opportunities for leadership otherwise.” Kaitlin shared her advice for those who might be hosting their first intern. “Keep an open mind to the possibilities of the intern. [They want] to learn as much from you as you want to learn from them.”

Eric’s time at Midstate changed his perspective a great deal. “There’s a difference of culture from going to school,” he said, “You’re never going to be able to understand it without experiencing.” He says that the biggest take-away from his internship is the rigorousness of his work. “It’s important to learn to do things even though you don’t want to.” Overall, the internship provided irreplaceable benefits for both Eric and the Midstate team and everyone agreed that this was a great experience.

CareerSpark is Almost Here!

Spots are still open for the 2nd annual CareerSpark, which is just around the corner on October 23 & 24 at the Peoria Civic Center. Registration ends on September 1.

CarreerSpark is an interactive, multi-industry career expo open to all 8th grade students in our region.  Through hands-on exhibits, this event helps spark students' interest in the exciting careers available in Greater Peoria.

Want your business in the expo?  http://www.gppathways.org/gp-careerspark/

CEFCU Soda Stations

Thank you CEFCU for sponsoring the 2018 Pekin Marigold Festival Soda Stations!

Pekin Community Bank Showcase Stage

Thank you Pekin Community Bank for sponsoring the 2018 Pekin Marigold Festival Showcase Stage!

2018 Marigold Festival Supporters

Thank you to the 2018 Pekin Marigold Festival Supporters!

Upcoming City Events

The Center for Prevention of Abuse Celebrates 30 Years of Ducks and Hosts 30th Annual Duck Race at EastSide Centre 8/25

Record-Breaking 30,000  Rubber Ducks to Race Down 750-foot Water Slide at Family Fun Event,
Raising Funds to Help Build a Safe and Peaceful Community

Who:                   Center for Prevention of Abuse (CFPA)

Interviews:        Carol Merna, Executive Director, Center for Prevention of Abuse

What:                 The Center for Prevention of Abuse is hosting its 30^th Annual Duck Race, which raises funds to provide free and confidential services to help all women, men, and children live free from violence and abuse in Central Illinois.

The family fun event has free activities for kids, including bounce houses, face painting, music from Mix 106.9, cotton candy, and more. Refreshments are available for purchase from Moja Southern Kitchen and Kona Ice. The event features 30,000 rubber ducks that are released out of a dump truck and then race down a giant 750-foot water slide, which runs down the street leading to EastSide Centre in East Peoria, Illinois. The person whose duck crosses the finish line first will win $5,000 cash. In honor of the 30^th year, the owners of the top 30 duck finishers will also win prizes, including $3,000 cash, $2,500 gift card to Sherman’s, a moped, televisions, an Apple watch, pearl jewelry, local gift baskets, and more.

                             This year will feature a Kid’s Cleanup Crew. All kids interested in helping to clean up will receive a colorful bucket to help scoop and return the ducks to the cases.

When:               Saturday, August 25, 2018
Fun beings at 12:00 p.m.
Race beings at 2:00 p.m.

Where:                EastSide Centre
                              1 Eastside Drive
                              East Peoria, IL 61611

Why:                   The Center for Prevention of Abuse Duck Race is the longest running duck race in the country. Thanks to generous sponsors, 100% of the proceeds go to support all of the programs and services offered at CFPA to help all women, men, and children live free from violence and abuse.

Pekin YWCA invites you their Open House

We are having an Open House to honor the award recipients and their tutor on Monday, September 10, 2018 from 4 p.m. until 6 p.m.  There will be light refreshments.  Everyone is invited.  We encourage everyone to stop by to show support for the learners, their tutor, and the YWCA adult literacy program.

Secretary of State and State Librarian Jesse White honored the winners of the 2018 Spotlight on
Literacy Awards, which recognizes participants in Illinois literacy programs. Ten students
received the Spotlight on Achievement Award and ten volunteer tutors received the Spotlight on
Service Award during a ceremony at the Illinois State Library in Springfield.

“I am honored to congratulate these outstanding students for their hard work and determination
to attain lifelong reading and learning skills,” said White. “Many of them have had to overcome
great difficulties and personal obstacles to reach this level of achievement. I am also proud to
recognize our outstanding volunteer tutors for their generosity and encouragement in helping
literacy students achieve their utmost potential.”

This year, 89 programs are supporting adult, family and workplace literacy efforts statewide.
Last year, with 48 literacy programs statewide, 5,941 adult students were served by 3,278
volunteer tutors.

Below is a list of award winners:

2018 Spotlight on Achievement

• Jaqueline Aparicio and Darwin Amaya, YWCA in Pekin
• Deborah A. Buckner, Baby TALK through Richland Community College in
Decatur
• Gil Rogelio Arce Urisquieta, Literacy Chicago in Chicago
• Eugene Street, The Literacy Council in Rockford
• Michelle Hernandez, Howard Area Community Center in Chicago
• Martha Reyes, Joliet Junior College in Joliet
• Adriana Zarate, PODER Learning Center in Chicago
• Lourdes Castelan, Literacy DuPage in Naperville
• Ruben Vega, Morton College in Cicero
• Maria G. Bazan Guillen, Corazon a Corazon in Blue Isand
2018 Spotlight on Service
• David Allen, Lewis & Clark Community College in Godfrey
• Phil Hjemboe, The Literacy Council in Rockford
• John Ostergren, Oakton Community College in Skokie
• Kate Adams, Chinese Mutual Aid Association in Chicago
• Marlene Delaney, Township High School District 214 in Arlington Heights
• Shelly Hanson, Hana Center in Chicago
• Marlene Greenberg, Township High School District 214 in Arlington Heights
• Sarah Poontong, South-East Asia Center in Chicago
• Edward Schultz, Howard Area Community Center in Chicago
• Marti Vandervest, Oakton Community College in Skokie

Illinois Central College Names Kim Armstrong to New Role of Vice President of Marketing and Institutional Advancement

               Illinois Central College has named Kim Armstrong, of Peoria, Ill., to the newly created role of vice president of marketing and institutional advancement. Armstrong began her new position at the College on August 13. The ICC Board of Trustees approved her appointment at their July meeting.

               Armstrong will oversee both the ICC Educational Foundation and the Marketing Department, which includes the public relations, events, document services, web services, social media, graphic design, and admissions offices. Her new role combines the previous positions of vice president of marketing and college communications, from which Dr. Cheryl Fliege retired in March of 2018, and the vice president of the Educational Foundation, a role that has remained vacant for several years.

She joins ICC after serving for 11 years as the key account executive for the largest account at Taylor Communications (formerly pii), in Bloomington, Ill. She also worked at Xerox in Peoria, Ill., where she served as the production solutions executive and was responsible for production printing solutions for clients such as State Farm and Caterpillar.

               Armstrong holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in marketing and public relations from Bradley University. She is actively involved in the community and volunteers with the Peoria Public Arts Advisory Commission, Chi Omega Sorority, Invictus Woods, and Bradley University. She has received numerous awards, including the 2007 Centurion Award, which recognizes a Bradley alumnus who has brought national and international credit to Bradley University; the 2017 Lydia Moss Bradley Award for outstanding service; and the Chi Omega National House Corporation 2017 Member of the Year Award.

               “We are so pleased to have Ms. Armstrong join ICC in this new role,” ICC President Dr. Sheila Quirk-Bailey said. “She brings with her a broad range of experience, as well as a lifelong dedication to volunteer opportunities in our area. These qualities will serve her well in leading both the Marketing and Educational Foundation departments in a coordinated effort as we strive to continuously improve upon our service to ICC’s students and the community as a whole.”

               “I'm thrilled to join the team at Illinois Central College,” said Armstrong. “For over 50 years, ICC has been changing lives in our community. My goal is to help tell its story to even more people. We are incredibly fortunate to have a resource like ICC in the area, and I'm honored to be a part of it.”

               For more information, contact ICC at (309) 694-5422.

Illinois Central College Announces Mobile App to Enhance Campus Safety

               As part of Illinois Central College’s ongoing commitment to the safety of its students and employees, the College is launching “ICC Guardian,” a free, award-winning app designed by Rave Mobile Safety that turns any smartphone into a personal safety device. By downloading the app, users can enhance their personal safety.

               ICC Guardian users can choose to create a profile of pertinent personal information that is shared with Campus Police, if the user calls or texts for help in an emergency. They also will have the option of sharing their current location. Additionally, users can easily send anonymous texts to share information or photos, but not their identity, with police. 

               “The safety and security of our students, faculty and staff is a top priority for ICC,” said Police Chief Tom Larson. “The Rave ICC Guardian app offers everyone on our campuses a free and easy way to be proactive and partner with Campus Police to keep the community safe. We encourage everyone to download the app to take advantage of its safety features and the other resources it offers, such as a direct-dial ICC phone directory and website links.”

               The ICC Guardian app is a product of Rave Mobile Safety, the same company that created the MyAlert emergency notification system ICC uses. The app is available for Apple and Android mobile devices by searching for “Rave Guardian” in the app stores.

               For more information on the Guardian app, go to raveguardian.com or contact ICC Campus Police at 309-694-5223.

Illinois Central College ICC’s *NEW* Industrial Maintenance Apprenticeship Program Signing Day --- Fri., August 24, 2018 11:30 am to 1:30 pm --- ICC East Peoria Campus Agricultural & Industrial Technologies Bldg. Room 203

               Illinois Central College, along with local companies sponsoring apprentices, will host a signing event for the 12 students in the first cohort of the Industrial Maintenance Apprenticeship Program. Students will begin the earn-and-learn program August 20, 2018.

               ICC has partnered with the following companies providing apprenticeships: AECOM, ALCAST, Caterpillar Inc., and Morton Buildings.

               The partnering companies will provide the work experience to ensure professional skills upon completion, and ICC will provide the in-class training. The apprentices earn as they learn – receiving short, four-week blocks of coursework, followed by four weeks of on-the-job training to refine the skills they have acquired. Additionally, they will earn a guaranteed minimum hourly payment of $13, and the sponsoring company pays for full tuition, fees and books. All candidates were accepted into ICC and are selected to work with the companies through a pre-screening and interview process. At the successful completion of their program, students will receive an Associate in Applied Science degree in Mechatronics Technology.

               Available for interviews:

• ICC Associate VP of Workforce Development Dr. Andrew Kerr
• Sponsoring companies
• Student apprentices

               For more info on the Industrial Maintenance Apprenticeship program, visit icc.edu/apprenticeship/.               

Shuttle Bus sponsored by Peoria Limousine

Thank you Peoria Limousine for sponsoring the 2018 Pekin Marigold Festival Shuttle Bus!

UnityPoint Health Civic Collage

Thank you UnityPoint Health for sponsoring the 2018 Pekin Marigold Festival Civic Collage! 

Planet Fitness held their Grand Opening on August 16th and representatives from the City of Pekin and the Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce were on hand to welcome them with a ribbon cutting ceremony.  Planet Fitness also presented a $2,500 grant to the Pekin Boys and Girls Club as part of their celebration.  Planet Fitness is located at 3247 Court (next to Goodwill).  They are open 24 hours a day and can be reached at 201-3580.  More photos from this event can be found at:
https://photos.app.goo.gl/y1yGHLT38LRpFkcZ8

Art in the Park sponsored by Vonderheide Floor Coverings

Thank you Vonderheide Floor Coverings for sponsoring the 2018 Pekin Marigold Festival Art in the Park!

Pepsi Marigold Medallion Hunt

Thank you Pepsi for sponsoring the 2018 Pekin Marigold Festival Marigold Medallion Hunt! 

Ameren Celebrates National Senior Citizen Week!

Illinois Central College Showcases Ag and Diesel Technology in High-Tech Career Expo Sept. 13

A drone flies high above rows of corn with pinpoint accuracy. A tractor navigates itself through the field. A service technician troubleshoots an issue for a customer’s combine through remote technology.  

            Illinois Central College will feature these tools of the trade, and more, for today’s agriculture and diesel technology careers at its High-Tech Ag and Diesel Career Expo on Thurs., Sept 13 from 4 to 7:30 pm in the Agricultural and Industrial Technologies (AIT) Building on the East Peoria Campus.

            This free event is open to high school juniors and seniors and their parents. Recent high school grads, as well as college-aged and older adults interested in learning more about educational opportunities for today’s agriculture, diesel technology, and STEM-related careers also are encouraged to attend.

            “Jobs in the agriculture industry are out there, but there currently are a very limited number of graduates with employable skills in the emerging technologies to fill those jobs,” said Stacy Gehrig, ICC Dean of Agricultural and Industrial Technologies.

            “ICC is partnering with local businesses in the ag and diesel technology fields to train students with the skills they need to become the employees these business leaders want.”

            The College offers several academic majors that prime this employment pipeline, including Ag Transfer, Agricultural Science and Technology (including a new Precision Agriculture specialization), and Diesel Powered Equipment Technology (DPET).

             More than 20 local agricultural businesses and organizations are expected to be on hand during the event to demonstrate the sophisticated technology they use to provide premium goods and services to farmers, producers and other agricultural businesses.

            Participants will hear from current ICC students who are majoring in agriculture or diesel powered technology, as well as alumni of the ICC ag and diesel programs who have completed their education and are working in the industry. ICC faculty and business representatives also will be available to discuss a variety of educational paths and job opportunities with potential students.

            Tours of the Agricultural and Industrial Technologies Building classrooms and labs, as well as live demonstrations of diesel equipment, will be available. ICC faculty also will feature an automated tractor driving display and the use of drones in the field.

            Pre-registration is encouraged. Submit reservations online at icc.edu/ag-diesel-rsvp/ no later than Fri., Sept. 7.
       

            For a full listing of companies expected to participate, visit the ICC website at icc.edu/ag-diesel-expo

            For more information, call ICC Admissions Office at (309) 694-5200.

CANDIDATE PACKETS FOR ICC BOARD OF TRUSTEES ELECTION AVAILABLE SEPTEMBER 12

Candidate packets for the Illinois Central College Board of Trustees consolidated election will be available on Wed., September 12, 2018. Candidates may begin routing petitions to gather the 50 required signatures beginning September 18, 2018. Two seats on the ICC Board of Trustees are up for election on the April 2, 2019 ballot.

Candidates must meet the following criteria to qualify to run for a position on the Board:

·        Qualified elector/registered voter

·        U.S. citizen aged 18 or older

·        Resident of Illinois

·        Resident of ICC District #514 for at least one year prior to the election on April 2, 2019

In addition, potential candidates must file a petition including 50 signatures, a Statement of Candidacy, and a receipt for filing a Statement of Economic Interest from the Tazewell County Clerk. These items may be filed with the Secretary of the Board of Trustees between December 10 and 17, 2018.

A lottery for ballot placement will be held on December 18, 2018, at 9 a.m. in Room L422 on the ICC East Peoria Campus for candidates waiting in line to file petitions as of 8 a.m. on December 10, 2018, or for those petitions received in the mail on that date. 

For more information or to request a packet, contact Alaina Smith, Interim Secretary to the Board of Trustees, at (309) 694-5432, or email asmith@icc.edu.    

US Cellular Business Solutions Workshop

Pekin Insurance Festive Food Court

Thank you Pekin Insurance for sponsoring the 2018 Pekin Marigold Festival Festive Food Court! 

Illinois Central College Hosts 38th Annual Landscape and Garden Day September 8

               Illinois Central College’s 38^th Annual Landscape and Garden Day offers a variety of special programs and activities specifically designed for families with young children, as well as the usual favorites for local gardening enthusiasts. This year’s theme is “Superhero Landscapes: Save the World.” The free event is set for Sat., September 8, from 9 am to 3 pm, at ICC’s Horticulture Land Lab on the East Peoria Campus. Free parking is available.

               The event features topics and demonstrations of interest to gardeners of all ages and experience levels. Showcased will be the newest winners of the All-America Selection, which include the best and brightest new flowers and vegetables available for next year’s home gardens.

               There will be seminars, exhibits, tours, discussions, and a plant sale featuring hostas and other perennials and woody plants grown by students in the ICC Horticulture Program.

Local Master Gardeners will be on hand in the plant clinic to identify and diagnose. Visitors can enjoy displays by area garden clubs, nurseries, and landscapers as well as check out this year’s featured All-America Selections Winners in the display garden.

Golf enthusiasts can enjoy the ever-popular “Putt for Plants,” and taste testing will be available at the vegetable garden.

               The day’s seminars include:

“Medicinal Wonders and Killer Plants - Herbs, The Good, The Bad and The Ugly” 

9:30 to 10:15 a.m.

Jan Powers, Peoria Herb Guild

Jan Powers is a founding member and past president of the Peoria Herb Guild, a member of the Herb Society of America, the Beatrix Potter Society, and the Garden Writers Association. A volunteer gardener at Luthy Botanical Garden in Peoria Ill., her work and gardens have been featured in Crafts Magazine, Midwest Living, Victorian Homes, Country Sampler’s Decorating Ideas, Family Circle, and Mary Engelbreit’s Home Companion. The gardens surrounding her century-old Victorian home have been featured on many garden tours. Jan and her husband Mike occupy a century-old Victorian farmhouse surrounded by an acre of gardens that they lovingly tend in tribute to the three generations of gardeners who came before them.

“The Good, The Bad, and The Downright Ugly in the Bug World”   

11 to 11:45 a.m.

Kelly Allsup, University of Illinois Extension Horticulturist

and Corinne Brown, Illinois Central College

Kelly Allsup is the University of Illinois Horticulture Educator serving the communities in Livingston, McLean and Woodford counties. Kelly is responsible for offering leadership, developing community programs and providing expertise in Horticulture and Environmental Sciences. Corinne Brown is an Assistant Professor of Horticulture at Illinois Central College and Program Coordinator for the Horticulture program. Together they will present on the ten most beneficial and harmful insects living in your landscapes. Come and learn how to identify, attract or eradicate, and observe these landscaping heroes and bad boys.

“Biochar-From Terra Preta to Your Lawns and Gardens” 

1 to 1:45 p.m.

Dr. Steven Vaughn, USDA Research Plant Physiologist

Since 1989, Steve Vaughn has been a Research Plant Physiologist at the USDA, ARS, National Center for Agricultural Utilization Research (NCAUR) in Peoria, Ill., where he has conducted research on environmentally friendly weed, pathogen and insect control practices for high value horticultural crops and turfgrasses, the development of organic fertilizers from food and agricultural processing wastes, the development of novel biobased products, and the use of biochar in horticultural applications.  He is the author of more than 100 publications on this research and has been awarded three U.S. patents.  He obtained a B.S. in Botany from the University of Massachusetts-Amherst in 1981, a M.S. in Plant Breeding from Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, in 1983 and a Ph.D. in Agronomy from Texas A&M in 1987. His presentation will be about the history of biochar (agricultural charcoal), the recent interest in its use and some of his own research on it.

For more information, contact the ICC Horticulture Program at (309) 694-8872.

Illinois American Water Announces 2018 Firefighter Grant Program

Program offered to fire departments in communities served by Illinois American Water

Belleville, Ill. (Aug. 8, 2018) – Illinois American Water is accepting applications for its 2018 Firefighter Grant Program. Through this program, the company provides financial assistance to fire and emergency organizations serving communities in its service areas.

According to Bruce Hauk, president of Illinois American Water, the Firefighter Grant Program is another opportunityfor Illinois American Water to support fire protection efforts. He said, “This program allows our team to build on our partnership with our local heroes and contribute to their hard work. Since 2010, we’ve had the opportunity to award over $417,000 for over 425 grants to our community firefighters.”
The maximum grant amount is $1,000. Fire departments‐districts are eligible for one grant per calendar year. Only uniformed professional and volunteer fire departments serving Illinois American Water’s service territory are eligible to receive funding. Grants of up to $1,000 will be considered to cover the costs associated with the following:

 Personal protective gear
 Communications equipment
 Firefighting tools
 Water handling equipment
 Training and related activities/materials used to support community fire protection
 Reimbursement for specific fire training classes, including training manuals and workbooks

Eligible fire departments should send a letter of application by Sept. 7, 2018 with the following information:

 Description of the organization(s) seeking support
 Overview of specific project to be funded and grant amount requested
 Community problem/challenges that the project will address
 Timeframe for implementation of project
 Summary of other sources being approached for support of project
 Project budget

Applications can be emailed to Karen Cotton, manager of external affairs, at karen.cotton@amwater.com.

About Illinois American Water – Illinois American Water, a subsidiary of American Water (NYSE: AWK), is the largest
investor‐owned water utility in the state, providing high‐quality and reliable water and/or wastewater services to
approximately 1.3 million people. American Water also operates a customer service center in Alton and a quality
control and research laboratory in Belleville. With a history dating back to 1886, American Water is the largest and
most geographically diverse U.S. publicly‐traded water and wastewater utility company. The company employs more
than 7,100 dedicated professionals who provide regulated and market‐based drinking water, wastewater and other
related services to over 14 million people in 45 states and Ontario, Canada. American Water provides safe, clean,
affordable and reliable water services to our customers to make sure we keep their lives flowing. For more
information, visit amwater.com and follow American Water on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn.

American Heart Association Recognizes Busey for Workplace Health Achievement

Scientific, evidenced-based instrument rates and recognizes workplace health programs and workforce heart health

Champaign, IL – The American Heart Association released the results of the 2018 Workplace Health Achievement Index, and Busey achieved Silver level recognition for taking significant steps to build a culture of health in the workplace.

Busey is committed to supporting associates to be their healthiest and happiest through B Well, a comprehensive health and wellness program available exclusively to Team Busey! The program is designed to help associates make positive lifestyle changes through exciting challenges, engagement initiatives, coaching opportunities and much more. By taking advantage of these complimentary offerings, as well as lifesaving screenings, flu shots and annual checkups, B Well helps associates enhance their overall wellbeing.

The American Heart Association created the Workplace Health Achievement Index with its CEO Roundtable members, a leadership collaborative of more than 40 CEOs from some of America’s largest companies who are committed to applying evidence-based approaches to improve their employees’ overall health. The Index uses science-based best practices to evaluate the overall quality and comprehensiveness of their workplace health programs. A unique feature of the Index is that it calculates an average heart health score for employees of participating companies that securely submit aggregate health data.

More than 1,000 companies completed the Index assessment this year and, of those companies, 75% received either Gold, Silver, or Bronze recognition. Companies receive benchmarking reports, which allow them to identify potential areas of improvement so that they can advance their annual performance and recognition in the Index and help their workforce move toward ideal heart health.

The Association’s Workplace Health Achievement Index allows companies to measure the effectiveness of their workplace health programs as well as the overall heart health of their employees. Unlike other existing organizational scorecards, the Index also scores companies on the heart health of their employees based on Life’s Simple 7^® – the Association’s scientifically validated definition of ideal heart health. The American Heart Association’s Workplace Health Achievement Index assessment is grounded in data-driven science and a quality improvement framework. According to the Nielsen 2016 Employee Health Survey, robust and comprehensive strategies for wellbeing are associated with positive impacts on employees’ health.

For more information on Workplace Health Achievement Recognitions from the American Heart Association, visit heart.org/whsrecognitions—and to see a comprehensive list of Busey’s recognition, visit busey.com/awardsandrecognition.