Adult Tap Class Begins

Tap class for adults 16 and over will be offered at Pearce Community Center. Basic tap class begins on Friday, January 13 and intermediate class begins Wednesday, January 11. Both classes meet from 10:45 to 11:45 a.m.  Tap shoes are required to participate. Pearce Foundation members pay only $30; members pay $40; and non-members pay $50.

For more information on the adult tap dance classes, or to learn how to become a member at Pearce Community Center, call (309) 274-4209 or visit www.pearcecc.com.

School's Out Day Camp Offered at Pearce

Pearce will host School's Out Day Camp for students in grades K-6 from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Monday, January 16 when IVC District 321 is not in session for Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. Before camp care is also available beginning at 6:30 a.m.

Campers will spend the day enjoying a variety of indoor and outdoor activities, swimming in the pool, and local field trips. Bring a daily sack lunch that does not require refrigeration but can contain microwaveable items and a drink, swimsuit and towel, gym shoes, and a book. An afternoon snack will be provided.

Register in advance at Pearce. Foundation members pay only $31.50 per child per day; Members $35; and non-members $55.

Junior Fitness Certification Scheduled

Junior Fitness Certification will be offered on Monday, January 2, from 1 to 2 pm for Pearce members ages 13 and 14.

Participants will learn how to use the equipment in a safe, productive manner. Additionally, they will learn fitness etiquette and rules.

After successfully completing the class and receiving certification, young members will be allowed access to the cardiovascular room and the Selectorized equipment area.

Pearce Foundation members pay only $9; members $12. Advance registration is required.

Winter Running Club

Pearce Running Club will kick off its 10-week winter session on Tuesday, January 10. The Club is open to all ages and skill levels; however, children under the age of 10 must run with an adult.

The Club runs each Tuesday and Thursday evening at 5:30 p.m. Runs are led by Illinois Valley Striders Bill Holmes. In inclement weather, the Club runs on Pearce’s indoor track. Foundation members pay only $60 for club membership; members $80; non-members $100.

REFER A FRIEND!

Pearce members can earn one free month of membership every time they refer a friend!

Before and After School Care at Pearce

What to do when it's to cold to go outside? Why nerf games and Twister of course.

Campers Keep Warm During Before and After School Care Program

Baby it's cold outside, so we had hot cocoa during Before and After School Care!

Group Swim Lessons and Swim Club Registration Opens

Pearce Community Center will offer group swim lessons this winter to children ages six months and older. The eight-week session begins the week of January 9.

Lessons are available for three age groups. Parent/child lessons for children age six months to 35 months are offered on Mondays at 11:00 a.m.; preschool lessons for ages three and four years are offered on Mondays at 9:30 a.m.; and youth lessons for children five years and older are offered on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 4:15 p.m. and 5:15 p.m.

The cost of the class is $33.75 for Pearce Foundation members; $45 for members; and $70 for non-members. Register for swim lessons at Pearce.

Swim club registration is also being accepted. Swim Club is designed to help swimmers ages 5 and older develop and improve competitive swimming abilities including a variety of strokes, strength, and speed. Participants must be able to swim the length of the pool unassisted. The winter swim club session runs concurrently with swim lessons and meets on Mondays and Wednesdays at 4:00 p.m.


The cost of swim club is $45 for Foundation members; members $60; non-members $75.

12 Days of Fitness

On the fourth day of fitness, Rocky gives to you: 50 reps of knees to elbows. Jesse Brucker demonstrates.

Challenge for Change Fitness Program Helps Set a Healthy Pace for the New Year

Pearce Community Center will offer Challenge forChange, January 9 through March 16, meeting twice each week for 10 weeks.

Participants will change the way they think about exercise, fitness, and nutrition to overcome obstacles that prevent them from meeting their fitness goals in order to make long lasting changes to their routines for better health. Weigh-ins will be conducted and inches lost will be tracked; however, participants will come to understand that these are a byproduct of hard work. Workouts will be designed to improve strength, endurance, and overall fitness to improve everyday life. 

Three training sessions are available: Mondays and Wednesdays from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m., Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 9:00 to 10:00 a.m., and Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Participates will be required to attend an informational meeting on Wednesday, January 4, 2017 at 6:30 p.m.


The cost of the program is $225 for Pearce Foundation members; $300 for Pearce members; and $375 for non-members. 

12 Days of Fitness

On the third day of fitness, Rocky gives to you: deadlifts, with a 10, 8, 6, 4, 2 rep scheme demonstrated here by Chase Dietrich.

Youth Basketball League Registration Ends Dec 30

Registration is open for Pearce Community Center’s winter youth basketball league open to boys and girls ages 4 to 12 years old. The league is designed to provide fun, recreational basketball practice and play during which participants will learn basic skills and rules of the game in a structured environment. Every child, regardless of their skill level, will have the opportunity to experience basketball. Games are played at Pearce on Saturdays.

The six-week season runs from January 14 to February 18. Practice begins the week of January 2. Registration for this season ends December 30.

Pearce Foundation members pay only $30; members $40; non-members $60.

12 Days of Fitness

As promised, here is the first day of Christmas exercise from Fitness Manager Raquel Herron: 100 sit ups, and here is Pearce member Jesse Brucker enjoying Raquel's gift!

Westy Doty Shooting Camp Coming to Pearce

Pearce Community Center will host the Westy Doty Shooting Camp on Wednesday, December 21. Presented by Coach Chuck Westendorf and Coach Jim Thornton, participants will get 2 hours of high intensity workouts and individual drill instruction from 2 IBCA Hall of Fame coaches and find out what it takes to raise their game to the next level.

Boys and girls in grades three through five will train from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. while grades six through eight will train from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m.

The cost of the camp is $25 for Pearce members and $30 for non-members $30. Registration forms available at westydotyshootingcamp.com or at the front desk at Pearce.

Breakfast with Santa

Pearce will host Santa and Mrs. Claus during Breakfast with Santa, Saturday, December 3 from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. A sausage and pancake breakfast will be served along with caroling and a visit with Santa.

Tickets can be purchased in advance or at the door. The advance purchase cost is $7 for people 13 and older and $5 for children 3 to 12 years. Tickets purchased at the door will sell for $10 for people 13 and older and $7 for children 3 to 12. Children 3 and under will be admitted free.

Black Friday Fitness Bash A Healthy Alternative to Shopping

Pearce will host its Black Friday Fitness Bash Friday, November 25 from 8:00 to 11:30 a.m. Skip the shopping crowds and join the dynamic instructors at Pearce to burn off all the extra calories from Thanksgiving.

This special event includes seven 30-minute group exercise classes including

8:00-8:30 Les Mills BODYPUMP with Rocky

8:30-9:00 Zumba with Sarah

9:00-9:30 Les Mills BODYATTACK with Stephanie Tomlinson\

9:30-10:00 Step ‘N Tone with Megan

10:00-10:30 Kick Strength with Mary Rose

10:30-11:00 Yoga with Natalie

11:00-11:30 SilverSneakers chair aerobics with Mary Rose

The event is free and open to the everyone 12 and older.

Pearce Running Club Members and Friends Participate in Local Run

Members of the Pearce Running Club and some of their friends competed in the

Ghost Chase Race in Chillicothe benefiting the Illinois Valley Central School District band programs. 

• Cassie Earleywine 3rd in the female 11 to 15 age group with a time of 25:48
• Pam Waldschmidt 2nd in the female 60-69 age group with a time of 26.36
• Dan Razo 2nd in the male 60-69 age group with a time of 26:59
• Rod Curtis 3rd in the male age group 60-69 with a time of 28:00
• Cliff Lee 4th in the male age group 60-69 with a time of 29.51
• Bill Holmes 5th in the male age group 60-69 with a time of 31:25
• Lori Curtis 3rd in the female age group 50-59 with a time of 31:43
• Toni Smith 7th in the age group 40-49 with a time of 33:45
• Dave Vojta 5th in the male age group 50-59 with a time of 33:49

While this event took place on what runners consider an easy course, Jason Young placed 7th over all at the McNotAgain 10-mile trail race in Pekin with a time of one hour and 48 minutes. 

The Eating Season is Upon Us

By Raquel "Rocky" Herron, Fitness Manager

We've made it to November, which as we all know, starts the eating season...I mean the holiday season! Undoubtedly this time of year is marked by copious amounts of food, from Thanksgiving turkey to New Year's cocktails. There's no shortage of cookies, pies, or Christmas hams. It's quite honestly, "the most wonderful time of the year." I know for many, this time of year is a stressful time, and often health and fitness take a back seat. So sit back, grab a cup of coffee or protein shake, and enjoy these tips on how to stay active and enjoy your favorite holiday eats during this busy, fun season.

If we made it through a holiday season without indulging in our favorite cookies or mashed potatoes, it truly would be a Christmas miracle! Most of us tend to eat a little more when the holidays roll around. There's no need to stress about this, but rather try to make smart choices most of the time. For example, if you know that you're going to have a big dinner on Thanksgiving, don't overdo it at breakfast.  Instead opt for a wholesome breakfast of a couple hard boiled eggs and some oatmeal, or a veggie omelet with a side of nitrate free bacon. Also, you don't have to starve yourself all day until "the big meal," as people generally tend to over-eat when they engage in this behavior. Just eat normally, as in eat your normal portions. There is no rule that says you need three servings of pumpkin pie because it's Thanksgiving. Be mindful and enjoy your pie, but don't overdo it. If you have to lie down after you eat, you may have eaten too much.  

What about exercise? I thought you'd never ask! If scheduling exercise during the busy holiday season becomes a chore, simply step back and see where you can fit in at least two quality gym sessions. This may mean you're coming in for a class or a sweat session at a different time than normal, but that's ok. If you're going to have family or friends in town, bring them here to Pearce! Let them see what a great facility we have and take them to your favorite class. If it's around Thanksgiving, we put on an awesome Black Friday sweat session in group exercise that's free for everyone! Still need a little more encouragement? Sign up for a race!  This time of year is always full of jingle bell runs and turkey trots. Gather up your friends and make it a group effort. When you sign up and pay for an event, you're more likely to follow through with your fitness efforts.

  

Last, but not least, please don't wait until the New Year to get started on your fitness goals. Make an effort to continue or start your fitness efforts before the holiday rush. Waiting until the New Year will make getting healthy an even bigger task. By starting before the holidays, you'll be in full fitness swing when the New Year rings in. Plus, by starting now, you'll feel that much better sooner rather than later. 

Staying active through the holidays will also help lighten the stresses associated with cooking, cleaning, and gift buying. A quick jog or weight session will relieve your mind from the pressures the holidays can unfortunately bring. There's nothing like throwing on your headphones and getting lost in a workout for an hour!

 

The holidays are a busy, exciting time of year, but don't let that get in the way of your healthy habits. Try to make smart food choices most of time, but enjoy your favorites without guilt. Try to get at least two quality workout sessions in a week, to include both cardio and strength. Don't put your health on the back burner until the New Year. Continue with your fitness efforts through the holidays and your mind and body will thank you! I hope these quick tips help you stay on a very merry fitness path this season. Happy exercising!

Spooktacular Costume Contest Winners

The annual Spooktacular Halloween event was a big success with more than 30 brand new games, perennial favorite cake walk, and a fantastic performance by James and the Hip Howlers. Click here to see their dance. 

With 25 cent tickets, families enjoyed an evening of affordable games including face painting, Spooksensory, a haunted house, poke-a-pumpkin, and many, many more. Parents also were able to purchase a hot dog dinner to make sure their children had dinner. 

Also a favorite each year, the costume contest was filled with creative costumes. Judges Stephanie Ferris, Vera Jezek, and Betty Newman had a difficult time choosing the winning costumes, all featured below. 

Annual Nut Sale Schedule

Holiday Swim Lessons

Pearce will offer group swim lessons this fall to children ages six months and older. The four-week session runs November 14 through December 15 with no classes on November 24.

Lessons are available for three age groups. Parent/child lessons for children age six months to 35 months are offered on Mondays at 11:00 a.m.; preschool lessons for ages three and four years are offered on Mondays at 9:30. The cost of these lessons is $ $16.88 for Pearce Foundation members; $22.50 for Members; and $35 for non-members.

Youth lessons for children five years and older are offered on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 4:15 and 5:15 p.m. The cost of these lessons is $33.75 for Pearce Foundation members; $45 for members; and $65 for non-members.

Register for swim lessons at Pearce.

CPR Certification Course

Pearce is offering a CPR certification course on Wednesday, November 16, from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. for people 11 and older. Training includes chest compressions, breathing, and using an AED.

The cost is $5. Register in advance at Pearce.

SafeSitter Babysitting Class

Pearce is offering the Safe Sitter® babysitting class on Saturday, November 12 from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. for ages 11 to 17.

The class will develop knowledge of first aid, rescue skills, and behavior management techniques as well as provide the experience to handle medical, behavioral, or household emergencies. Participants will also learn how to feed and diaper small children and create their own personalized toolkit of activities, crafts, and games to take with them to babysitting jobs.

The cost of the class is $30 for Foundation members; $40 for members; and $50 for non-members. Register for the Safe Sitter® program at Pearce.

For more information on the class, or to learn how to become a member of Pearce Community Center, call (309) 274-4209 or visit Pearce at www.pearcecc.com.

Spooktacular Friday, October 28

Don't miss our annual Halloween event this Friday featuring dozens of new games for the kids to play, a performance by James and the Hip Hop Howlers, and a costume contest!

Monthly Senior Potluck at Pearce

Pearce will host the monthly senior potluck at noon on Tuesday, October 25. All seniors are invited to bring a side dish and their own table service and join in the fun. Fried chicken and drinks are provided. This month, musical entertainment will be provided by Tom Beckman Band.

Senior Nutrition Program ((Meals on Wheels)

Every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday morning, Pearce hosts Neighborhood House Association's Senior Nutrition Programs in the Community Room. This program provides activities that include bingo and chair aerobics that begin at 10:00 a.m., followed by a lunch meal for seniors.

Recently, Greg Owens from Owens Design Group donated magnetic signs for use on the cars of the volunteers who deliver the meals in our community. These signs will make meal delivery safer and give greater visibility to this valuable program.

Left to Right: Bill Stoops, Sandy Tucker, Terry Claycomb, Linda Wilson, Barb Hines, Don Wilson, Donna Gillham, Ramaah Sprinkle, and the driver is Roy "Speed Demon" Lewis.

Rocky Conquers Tough Mudder

Have you ever wondered why Pearce Fitness Manager Raquel Herron has the nickname "Rocky?" Because when it comes to physical strength, endurance, and stamina, she is one tough cookie.

Just for the fun of it, she recently competed in a Tough Mudder competition in Plymouth, WI, taking on five miles of physically demanding obstacles in and out of dense woodlands, up and over mud mounds.

"It wasn't about competition for me," said Rocky, "it was about completion. I only did the half mudder because I couldn't stay for the second day to do the full event. Really, that's the truth!" 

Pearce Running Club Members and Friends Participate in Local Run

Members of the Pearce Running Club and some of their friends competed in the Snackpac 5K/10K to benefit the Snackpac program in Chillicothe that provides a weekend and summertime boost of nutrition for school age children who qualify for the free school lunch program. Pearce Community Center collaborates with the Chillicothe First United Methodist Church and other Civic organizations to make this program possible. Local volunteers operate the program.

In the 5K:

Diane Legaspi, 7th, female 60-64

Pam Waldschmidt, 10th, female 60-64

Jim David, 4th, male 60-64

Tina Bajic, 6th, female 40-44

Cliff Lee, 15th, male 65-69

Bill Holmes, 18th, male 65-69

Rod Curtis, 13th, male 60-64

Lori Curtis, 21st, female 55-59

Debra Cheng, 22nd, female 50-54

Marla Anderson, 24th, female 45-49 

 

In the 10K:

Jason Young, 1st, male open

Daniel Razo, 12th, male 65-69

Left to right: Tina Bajic,Jim David, Tom Mullen, Jason Young, Dan Razo, Cliff Lee, Pam Waldschmidt, Bill Holmes, Debra Cheng, Rod Curtis ,Lori Curtis, Marla Anderson.