You Just Never Know Who You'll Find at Pearce!

IN THE HOUSE!

Look who we found working out at Pearce today! Granger Smith, playing in concert tonight at 3 Sisters Park! 

Then he went up front and helped Cherie Layne check in members and answer the phone.

Look for our exclusive interview and more photos in our next eNewsletter!

Pearce Spinning Instructor Participates in Bike Day at CEC

Spinning instructor and personal trainer Rob Ordaz joined Officers Devault and Brown from the Chillicothe Police Department on Tuesday, May 27 at CEC to deliver bicycle safety and maintenance messages to fourth grade students. 

After a bike ride to South School, the students gathered to listen to safety guidelines and maintenance techniques to safely enjoy their bikes all summer long. 

"It was COOL," said Zoe Irvin. "He took off his own tire without using any tools! And the police showed us how to clip a light on the back of our bike so the cars can see you."

Sarah Daum Just One Example of the Quality Staff Leading Summer Camp

Dozens of parents gathered at Pearce on Tuesday, May 27 to meet the counselors who will spend the summer with their children. "This is an experience not only for our children, but for parents as well," said mom Joanna Vining whose son is returning for his second year. "Because of the quality of the camp and the staff, I never worry about my son while I'm at work. I know he is well cared for, happy, and with a group of exceptional people who put his best interest at the forefront of everything they do." 

Intelligent and motivated, summer camp counselors represent some of the brightest young adults in our community. Many come back from college each summer to work with the campers. Common college majors for this group include education, nursing, social work, and business administration. 

Several counselors just graduated from IVC including Sarah Daum, Josey Allison, and Jacob Murphy. 

 

Josey brings extensive academic achievement to her second year as a counselor. She graduated with a 3.8 GPA and high honors. She is a member of the National Honor Society and the Spanish National Honor Society. Josey won a scholarship from the Chillicothe Altrusa Club and the Unsung Hero award presented by the Optimist Club, both based on her extensive volunteerism in the community and with her church. She is also a member of JOOI, Junior Optimists Octagon International. 

Jacob is returning for his second year as well. His 3.94 GPA is just one in a long list of accolades. Like Josey and Sarah, he received the Unsung Hero award; is a member of the National Honor Society and the German National Honor Society and served as the president and vice-president of NHS's Tri-M; worked with the Impact Service Group; served at the Children's Ranch for abused and neglected children in Shiloh, MO; and served as a Christian counselor at Little Galilee camp in Clinton, IL. 

"I love seeing my child run into the arms of a counselor when he is dropped off in the morning," said Vining, "and then waving a friendly good-bye when we leave at night. It's fun to see them braiding hair, playing tag, making bracelets, or just holding them while reading a book."

While summer camp serves a utilitarian purpose, it is also designed to enrich the life of each child. Through a strategic activity plan that integrates education with fun, delivered by exceptional counselors, children grow educationally, physically, emotionally, and psychologically. "The counselors truly want to make a difference in each child's life," said Vining. "They are the heart of Pearce summer camp."

Sarah Daum Wins Pearce Scholarship

Sarah Daum

Each May, the Pearce Foundation awards a $5,000 scholarship to one IVC graduating senior. This year's winner was Sarah Daum. 

The primary criteria for the scholarship is volunteerism followed by grade point average, teacher evaluation, involvement with Pearce either as a user, employee or volunteer, and financial need. "Pearce Foundation is happy to reward community volunteerism by virtue of this scholarship," said Dave Vojta, Pearce Foundation board president. "We received dozens of applications from very qualified students. It was inspiring to see so many students committed to volunteerism." Sarah logged more than 400 volunteer hours over the past two years at a variety of community organizations. 

Sarah's list of high school accomplishments is impressive: 4.17 GPA; AP and honors classes; student body president; member of Fellowship of Christian Athletes; participates in Ghost Buddies, a program that pairs mainstream students with those in life skills classes; soccer captain two years; National Honor Society; Sterling Merit Award winner; Illinois State Scholar; and many others. 

Sarah has worked at Pearce for two years. Her responsibilities have included nursery, Exergame room, and after school care attendant. Sarah will soon begin her second year as a counselor for summer camp.

After camp concludes August 13, Sarah will move to Rustin, LA, to study business administration at Louisiana Tech.

Last year's recipient of the Pearce Foundation Scholarship was Bria Kohlman who continues to serve as a summer camp counselor. 

Thank You Firefighters and Police
When the phone rings in the middle of the night, your mind automatically goes to tragedy, so when my phone rang just after midnight on May 20, I was immediately filled with dread. The alarm company was calling to tell me the fire alarm had sounded at Pearce Community Center where I serve as director.

There was smoke in the Community Room. Along with police officers, more than 25 volunteer firefighters and six trucks were on the scene within five minutes. They conducted an extensive search of the entire building including the roof and the ceilings, and used their thermal imaging camera to find the source of the smoke.

These guys were amazing. First, they were jolted out of their beds in the middle of the night, got dressed, and were on the scene within five minutes. When most people would go the opposite direction of danger, they went looking for it, crawling and poking around to make sure Pearce was safe. And they didn't receive one penny of pay for doing any of this. They are all volunteers.

Every couple of years, every fire department throughout the country is reviewed and rated by the Insurance Service Organization. Homeowner insurance premiums are influenced by this rating: the better the rating, the bigger the discount you receive. Review after review, those of us who are lucky enough to be served by the Chillicothe Volunteer Fire Department have enjoyed a savings on our premiums. Thank you, firefighters, for earning a rating that provides me with a discount.

All is well and safe at Pearce. Thank you to the volunteer firefighters and police officers who show up every time to keep us safe. Your commitment to the community is extraordinary.

Ben Alvarez, Director

Green Initiative Update 

Water bottle refill stations in Pearce have saved 71,000 plastic water bottles from landfills since they were installed January 2, 2013.

Become a Foundation Member By 5 PM June 2 For Your Chance to Win $500

All Foundation membership purchases will be entered into a drawing to win a $500 Visa gift card and other valuable prizes. Drawing will be held at 5:00 p.m. Monday, June 2. You do not need to be present to win; however, you must be a Foundation member at the time of the drawing.

Foundation membership is your best value and a benefit to you and your community! Satisfy your philanthropic desires, while enjoying all the amenities Pearce offers at the lowest rates.

The Pearce Foundation Membership includes:
Free guest privileges
25% discount on most classes/programs/events
10% discount on Before/After School Care program and Summer Camp
10% off all Pro-Shop purchases