Running Club Winter Session Begins January 13

Tap Dance Classes Begin January 14

Big Fun Gym Begins January 12

Join Us For Holiday Movie Night

Check Out Our New Television Commercial

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCk_mMBWa2T1HQQ2_RDvcxYA

How to Use Our Matrix Selectorized Machines

View the videos on our YouTube channel for instructions on how to use the 9 new Matrix Selectorized pieces of fitness equipment we recently installed in our fitness center. The videos feature personal trainers Rob Ordaz and Megan Rupiper.

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCk_mMBWa2T1HQQ2_RDvcxYA

Celebrating Veterans

In honor of Veteran's Day on Tuesday, November 11, we want to introduce just a few of our members who served our country.

Jack Moore enlisted in the Navy in 1951 during the Korean War. He spent almost four years on a destroyer escort DE341 as a Machinist 2nd Class working in the engine room, boilers, and evaporators. During the warm months, Jack was stationed in Florida with the ship. When the weather turned cold, the ship went north, and so did Jack. When they reached Boston, Jack volunteered to play basketball. "I would have volunteered for anything just to get off that ship," said Jack. He played for three seasons for the Northern Atlantic Fleet.

With his strong desire to get off that ship, Jack turned around and got right back on, working as a river boat captain along the Illinois river throughout his career. 

All of his memorabilia from his time in the Navy was lost during a tornado in 1990 that hit Plainfield, IL and destroyed his home. 

Jack has been a Pearce member since 1995. He usually comes in three times each week to walk the track, exercise, participate in Meals on Wheels, and visit with friends. 

Carl Carr joined Pearce in 2002 after his career with Cat. He also enlisted in the Navy, serving from 1958 to 1961 as an airman. 

His job was to prepare parachutes and survival gear. He was stationed in Cuba during the Cuban Missile Crisis; on a ship in Greece in 1960 that caught fire, killing 10 people; and spent most of his time in the Mediterranean Sea.

Of all the places he saw, the French Riviera was his favorite because of the magnificent beaches and the wonderful "entertainment." Carl declined explaining exactly what "entertainment" meant! 

Pearce member Frank Cramer got one year of college completed at the University of Illinois before he enlisted in the Navy Air Corp at the height of World War II in 1944. As a Seaman 3rd Class, Frank was stationed at nine different bases throughout the US over two years. 

When the chance came in 1946 to get out, he took it and returned to college. Frank finished his general engineering degree on the GI Bill and went on to serve as a county engineer for Marshall County for 30 years.

In 2010, Frank's granddaughter escorted him on an Honor Flight to Washington, DC.

Annual United Way Giving Campaign

Employers throughout the area are presenting their employees with the opportunity to donate to the Heart of Illinois United Way by signing up for automatic payroll deduction. Please consider making a donation to help meet community needs.

Summer Camp Donation to Pearce

Last week, Pearce received a donation of $650 from 3 Sisters Summer Camp Music Festival to be used to support ongoing operations at Pearce. This program was created by regional promoter Jay Goldberg about 10 years ago as a way to give back to non-profit organizations in Chillicothe.

People who purchase Summer Camp tickets either online or at the box office can choose to pay an extra $1.50 to support Chillicothe non-profits. It is not simply a cost of the ticket. The purchaser is making a choice to support the community.

All of the money that is raised is then divided equally between all the organizations that have applied for a distribution. 

Spinning Got Spooky

Spinning instructor Kelly Buffum held a costume contest during her Friday morning Spinning class on Halloween. The 2 most creative costumes, Robin and Jane Fonda, won a free 8-punch Spinning punch card.

25th Anniversary of Pearce Community Center

Pearce Community Center will celebrate its 25th anniversary in 2015.

If you would like to send your best wishes, sign our card! For only $25, your typed name will be added to a page in our new 2015 Program Information Guide coming out December 29, 2014. 

Purchase at the front desk during normal business hours.

The deadline to participate is Monday, December 1, 2014.

And THANK YOU for helping make us great for 25 years!

Spooktacular Fun!

Again this year, Pearce celebrated Halloween with its popular Spooktacular event. Ghosts, goblins, witches, vampires, monsters, and a variety of other spooks enjoyed inflatables, carnival games, a cake walk, the a-MAZ-ing maze, and dinner. Here's a BIG, HUGE THANK YOU to ALL volunteers who donated time and baked goods to make this event a success.

November Member of the Month

As a probation officer, November Member of the Month Brian Long finds that coming to Pearce is the time when he can forget about dealing with the criminal and delinquent behavior of others. His Pearce time allows him to burn off stress and maintain his fitness, critical if he must make an arrest.

Brian keeps fit by running. You can find him on a treadmill or a rowing machine in the Cardio Room; participating in the Core group exercise class; or running half and full marathons. He has also run in Pearce’s annual Run For the Health of It 5K race and coached a Pearce youth soccer league. He does sit down from time to time to watch Cardinal’s baseball.

Aside from fitness, Brian trusts Pearce to provide exceptional care for his son in the Before and After School Care and Summer Camp programs.

Given his profession, Brian believes that it’s not about how hard you’re hit. It’s about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward.

“Become a Foundation Member, and ensure that Pearce will be a place our community has for future generations.” Brian Long

Holiday Basketball Camp with Coach K

Pearce Community Center will host Inner Circle Sport’s Champions of the Court Basketball Camp Monday and Tuesday, December 29 and 30, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The camp is designed for children ages 6 to 18.

Campers will be coached on technique, conditioning, and overall fundamentals of the game by the professionally skilled staff of Inner Circle Sports Inc. including Coach Ahmed Kabba. Coach K has worked with some of the most elite coaches and has coached at top camps around the country that have been ranked #1 by Sports Illustrated Kids. Focus areas will include dribbling and ball handling; shooting; finishing in the paint; footwork; position development; defense; and speed and agility. Kids will learn shooting including proper form, balanced footwork, defensive reads, and getting a shot off the dribble via attack and shoot moves.

The cost of the two-day camp is $125 per camper; $95 per camper with a team of seven or more.

Space is limited and advance registration is required. Visit www.teamicsports.com to learn more and to register.

It Could Be The Difference Between Life and Death

Enjoy Some ME Time with Parent's Night Out

Holiday Swim Lessons Begin November 11

Volunteers Needed for Spooktacular

Ghosts, goblins, witches, vampires, monsters, and a variety of other spooks are needed to help make this year's Spooktacular a success.

 
In the morning of the 31st, we need help setting up the event and decorating several areas of the Center. Some lifting will be required. Also in the morning, drop off cakes, cookies, brownies, and any dessert items.

 
Beginning at 4:00, we need help running the carnival games; monitoring the inflatables; selling game tickets; and redeeming game tickets.

 
If you are willing to help with any of these activities, please contact cmcintyre@pearcecc.com. 

Become a R.I.P.P.E.D. Certified Instructor at Pearce

Pearce Community Center will host R.I.P.P.E.D. Instructor Training on Saturday, November 15 from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. This training will equip participates with everything they need to successfully teach R.I.P.P.E.D. Training includes:

• CEC’s for ACE, AFAA, NASM, or BCRPA
• R.I.P.P.E.D. instructor training manual, instructional DVD, music soundtrack CD, and choreography booklet
• Free access to R.I.P.P.E.D. diet and nutrition tools
• R.I.P.P.E.D. Certification of Completion to teach anywhere for 2 years
• Discounted R.I.P.P.E.D. apparel and merchandise at the training

Register now at www.rippedplanet.com to take advantage of early registration discounts that end November 3. Early fee is $229; $279 from November 4 to November 14; and $309 to register at the door.

For more information on this training, watch this video at http://youtu.be/KNIiH6GA2PA or contact Beth LaVallee at (877) 210-3484. 

New Seated Fitness Classes Begin in October

Beginning Thursday, October 23, two new seated group exercise classes will be offered in the Group Exercise Studio on the second floor.

First, Zumba Gold Toning will be offered from 8:45 to 9:30 a.m. This class includes the same fun moves and music as a regular Zumba class but in a seated position.

From 9:30 to 10:00 a.m., Silver Sneakers Yoga will be taught. Also from a seated position, participants will practice slow, calming stretches to improve flexibility and range of motion. 

Halloween Already?

No, these are not Halloween costumes, just football fans and good friends, despite the ongoing rivalry. 

The football rivalry between Pearce members Jim Fehland (left) and Joe Raguz (right) continues.

What's Old is New Again

Isn't it funny how some old favorites stand the test of time? Take a look at 1958. The Chevy Impala was introduced, still one of the most popular cars in America. Sweet n' Low artificial sweetener became available. Although it has some competition, many people still use the "pink" sweetener. And the Hula Hoop became all the rage. 

Wait, didn't that one die out? Nope. Hula Hoops are now part of a national fitness trend. The American Council On Exercise reported this new fitness craze burns 420 calories per hour - similar to that of boot-camp class, step aerobics and cardio kickboxing. Read the study here. 
 

Rocking movements forward and backward shift your weight, releasing the tension in the muscles surrounding the lower part of the back and realigning them with the rest of the spine, improving blood flow to the spine and total flexibility.

We've added a beginner Hula Hoop class to our group exercise schedule. Join us each Wednesday morning from 9:00 to 10:00 a.m. to try this fun trend.  

 

Equipment of the Month: All New Matrix Selectorized Equipment!

This month we celebrate the nine new pieces of weight equipment just installed in the Selectorized equipment area of the fitness center. We're waiting for three more pieces to arrive to complete the line. 

The fitness center staff is always available to assist you with the new machines. Just ask!

The new chest press replaces the incline chest and chest press machines. This machine strengthens the muscles in the upper chest area including the front shoulder area.

The seated fly replaces the seated pec/dec  . This machine strengthens the muscles in the upper chest area.

The converging shoulder press replaces the shoulder press. Work the front and top of your shoulders to increase strength and range of motion in the shoulder area.

Matrix back extension replaces the back extension machine. This machine strengthens the lower back and lightly works the abdominal area.

The Matrix abdominal curl replaces the abdominal trunk curl and the seated abdominal machines. Strengthen and tone stomach muscles, part of the core from where all movement originates.

The old leg press has been replaced with the Matrix leg press. Strengthen leg muscles including the muscles of the lower leg and the upper gluteals (your buttocks).

The Matrix leg curl replaces the leg curl machine. Target the hamstring muscles found below the gluteals at the back of the legs.

The Matrix hip abduction machine replaces the hip abduction/adduction machine. Work outer thigh muscles for stronger legs.

Work those inner thigh muscles with the new Matrix hip adduction machine that replaces the hip abduction/adduction machine.

Recent Seal Coating Brings Parking Changes

Sure, the new seal coating in the parking lot looks nice and fresh and the painted stripes are bright, but there's more to it. During this project, we added the wheelchair icon to two of the parking spaces in the front of the building.

"These aren't legal handicapped parking spaces," said Director Ben Alvarez. "We added the icon to indicate these spaces should be used by people who face mobility issues but do not have a parking placard for people with disabilities. We hope our members and guests will follow the spirit of our intent as a courtesy."

October Member of the Month

October Member of the Month Lisa Bischler is married to our February Member of the Month Joe Bischler and is Pearce personal trainer Anthony Bischler’s mom. The family joined Pearce nearly 15 years ago in 2005.

During her visits to Pearce, Lisa uses the cardio room, weight machines, and free weights to stay fit. She also walks the family dog frequently to get even more exercise. “My husband and son inspire me to keep going with my exercise,” says Lisa. “They work out often and help me realize the importance of it.”

Lisa also appreciates the convenience Pearce offers in location and hours of operation. With so many features, amenities, and such a large variety of equipment all contained in a climate controlled environment, she can exercise in any weather.

“It is so easy just to give up and not exercise, but it is so important to keep going: even if it's just a few minutes,” says Lisa. “You will be glad you did.”

October Member of the Month Lisa Bischler

The Learning Zone Coming to Pearce

We are excited to announce our new program, The Learning Zone, beginning Tuesday, October 7. TLZ is designed to provide K-8 students with a safe, positive environment conducive to the focus and concentration required to learn. 

TLZ offers two programs: Tutoring and Homework Help. Appointments for tutoring must be made in advance. Homework Help is a drop-in program; however, initial registration is required. 

TLZ tutors include local K-8 educators. Morgan Watson, junior high math teacher at Chillicothe Elementary Center is one of TLZ's tutors. She joined the program because she believes it is important to be available to students outside of the classroom. "Forty-two minutes goes so fast," says Morgan. "I want students to know I care and I'm available to them." 

Morgan Watson

Morgan is in her sixth year of teaching math, science, and engineering to middle school-aged children. Her credentials are impressive. She graduated with a 4.0 grade point average, magna cum laude, with both her bachelor and master degree. She also earned certification from Project Lead the Way to teach engineering to middle school students. 

Her devotion to teaching young people manifests itself in her personal crusade to secure grant money for her classroom. In only six years, she has managed to win more than $22,000 in grants for the various classrooms in which she has taught. 

Tutoring will be available by appointment after school on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. Working closely with you, the Tutoring Coordinator Sharon Padilla will discuss

Tutoring Coordinator Sharon Padilla

your concerns, and then consult

with your child's teacher to identify areas in need of improvement. Individualized lessons prepared specifically for your child will be presented by one of our highly qualified tutors. Through consistent communication and a common goal between parent, teacher, and TLZ, student learning and confidence will grow. Frequent, informal assessments will be prepared and presented to you and the teacher. 

One hour one-on-one tutoring sessions are available to purchase. Foundation members pay only $18.75; members pay $25; and non-members pay $30.

Homework Help is available from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. A tutor, along with the help of aides, will answer questions and give guidance on any school work your student brings to the Center. Our goal is to help students successfully complete homework assignments. In this quiet, supportive environment, the tutor and aides will also offer suggestions for effective study strategies. 

Homework Help punch cards are available to purchase. A 5-punch punch card is only $7.50 for Foundation members; $10 for members; and $15 for non-members. A 10-punch punch card is only $15 for Foundation members; $20 for members; and $30 for non-members.

Volunteer Tutor Aides Needed!
If you love seeing the light bulb click on in a child's eyes when they get it, volunteer in TLZ. Under the leadership of our highly qualified tutors, volunteers will check students into and out of the Zone; implement Center guidelines for addressing student's questions; monitor students in the Center; offer assistance with work students bring to the Center; suggest effective study strategies; and maintain a positive environment in the Center. 

Sound interesting? If you feel this list of qualifications applies to you, please contact us to see how you can help.

• Previous tutoring and or teaching experience preferred but not required.
• Completed two years of college, preferred but not required. Priority will be given to those in an education related field.
• Work comfortably with people from diverse backgrounds and exhibit patience and a positive attitude.
• Common Core experience or general understanding of Common Core standards preferred but not required.