Monday, September 22, 2014
Friday, September 19, 2014
Wednesday, September 17, 2014
Sunday, September 14, 2014
September Member of the Month
Our September Member of the Month is Jan Simpkins of Henry and Pearce member since 2007.
Jan is retired and enjoys participating at Pearce because it keeps her exercising on a regular basis and provides an opportunity to meet people.
You can find Jan in the pool almost every morning with a group of friends. When she’s not swimming, she enjoys gardening, reading, oil painting, and playing cards.
Jan demonstrates her strong advocacy of Pearce by promoting its classes and program to her friends. In fact, Jan has volunteered to man the Pearce booth at the Health Fair at St. Mary’s Center in Henry on September 19.
Jan is retired and enjoys participating at Pearce because it keeps her exercising on a regular basis and provides an opportunity to meet people.
You can find Jan in the pool almost every morning with a group of friends. When she’s not swimming, she enjoys gardening, reading, oil painting, and playing cards.
Jan demonstrates her strong advocacy of Pearce by promoting its classes and program to her friends. In fact, Jan has volunteered to man the Pearce booth at the Health Fair at St. Mary’s Center in Henry on September 19.
Saturday, September 13, 2014
Sullivan Drives Full Spectrum of Basketball Training
In addition to serving as Pearce's Youth League Sports Manager, Gavin Sullivan is also the director and coach of the Illinois Irish Basketball Program. The amateur sports team is an elite travel program created in 2006 by Gavin to help young men of all economic backgrounds gain different experiences through the game of basketball that help them mature on and off the court. The program uses basketball as a tool to help them further their education after high school. All players in this program have gone on to play college basketball except two. Both of those two went on to play Division One football.
Alec Peters, 19, of Washington, started playing in Gavin's program in eighth grade and continued to play until he graduated from high school. During his junior and senior year, Alec earned a spot in the all state first team and was named the Peoria Journal Star's Player of the Year.
Not surprisingly, 6'9" Alec had his choice of several college programs. Ultimately, he decided on Valparaiso University in Valparaiso, IN where he is studying sports management.
His first year of college basketball was impressive. Alec averaged 13 points per game; 5 rebounds per game; and had three 30-point games. He also averaged 30 minutes of play in 40-minute games. He also earned a spot on the first team of the Horizon League All Freshman Team.
With all of those accomplishments, a summer break seems reasonable. But not for Alec. He dreams of playing in the NBA or professionally overseas, and he knows what he has to do to realize those dreams. He spent most of the summer with his first coach and mentor, Gavin, at Pearce, who put him through grueling footwork and agility training. "He'll reach his goals," said Gavin, "because his commitment and work ethic are unwavering."
Alec has returned to Valparaiso to start his sophomore year. Gavin looks forward to working with him again over holiday breaks, but in the meantime, he has put together another youth basketball league program for community boys and girls ages 4 to 12 years. "I'm very lucky because I get to work across the entire spectrum," said Gavin. "I get to see and nurture that first spark of interest in basketball in a small child. Then I get to develop real talent in my Illinois Irish league; and then refine and polish the skills of college ball players."
Alec Peters, 19, of Washington, started playing in Gavin's program in eighth grade and continued to play until he graduated from high school. During his junior and senior year, Alec earned a spot in the all state first team and was named the Peoria Journal Star's Player of the Year.
Not surprisingly, 6'9" Alec had his choice of several college programs. Ultimately, he decided on Valparaiso University in Valparaiso, IN where he is studying sports management.
His first year of college basketball was impressive. Alec averaged 13 points per game; 5 rebounds per game; and had three 30-point games. He also averaged 30 minutes of play in 40-minute games. He also earned a spot on the first team of the Horizon League All Freshman Team.
With all of those accomplishments, a summer break seems reasonable. But not for Alec. He dreams of playing in the NBA or professionally overseas, and he knows what he has to do to realize those dreams. He spent most of the summer with his first coach and mentor, Gavin, at Pearce, who put him through grueling footwork and agility training. "He'll reach his goals," said Gavin, "because his commitment and work ethic are unwavering."
Alec has returned to Valparaiso to start his sophomore year. Gavin looks forward to working with him again over holiday breaks, but in the meantime, he has put together another youth basketball league program for community boys and girls ages 4 to 12 years. "I'm very lucky because I get to work across the entire spectrum," said Gavin. "I get to see and nurture that first spark of interest in basketball in a small child. Then I get to develop real talent in my Illinois Irish league; and then refine and polish the skills of college ball players."
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| Click here to learn more about the Youth Basketball League. |
Friday, September 12, 2014
Course Participation Can Deliver Auto Insurance Discounts
Pearce will host the AARP's Safe Driver Course on Tuesday and Wednesday, September 16 and 17 from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The course is open to all ages. The cost is $15 for AARP members; $20 for non-members.
In Illinois, if an individual is 55 or older, the primary driver of a vehicle, has a good driving record, and takes a course approved by the Secretary of State, all automobile insurance companies must provide a discount on automobile insurance premiums. Participants must attend both days to receive credit from their automobile insurance company.
In Illinois, if an individual is 55 or older, the primary driver of a vehicle, has a good driving record, and takes a course approved by the Secretary of State, all automobile insurance companies must provide a discount on automobile insurance premiums. Participants must attend both days to receive credit from their automobile insurance company.
Green Initiative Update
As part of the annual pool maintenance shutdown, the 14-year-old pool and spa boiler systems were converted to new high efficiency boilers, increasing the rate of efficiency from 80 to 98%.
Thursday, September 11, 2014
Lots of Work Completed During Annual Pool Maintenance Shutdown
During one week, the indoor pool area at Pearce received a significant amount of annual cleaning and repair.
The sauna and whirlpool were deep cleaned. The steps of the whirlpool were resurfaced and tile was repaired. The entire deck area was deep cleaned, and the pool coping stones around the edge of the pool were repainted. Several doors and door frames were painted as well, and the pump and motor were repaired in the equipment room.
Work concluded in the locker rooms where the floors were cleaned and disinfected.
The sauna and whirlpool were deep cleaned. The steps of the whirlpool were resurfaced and tile was repaired. The entire deck area was deep cleaned, and the pool coping stones around the edge of the pool were repainted. Several doors and door frames were painted as well, and the pump and motor were repaired in the equipment room.
Work concluded in the locker rooms where the floors were cleaned and disinfected.
Wednesday, September 10, 2014
Family Reunions Made Simple
Every other year, Karen Steiner of Henry and her family of nearly 50 relatives get together for a family reunion. If you've ever hosted one of these events, you know they can be a lot of work organizing, cooking, cleaning and entertaining. But Karen and her family keep it simple so that they spend their time enjoying each other instead of working.
For the third time, the tribe rented Pearce over the Labor Day weekend. With family members ranging in age from infant to 72, there is a wide range of preferred activities and interests, and the family has found that holding the event at Pearce offers something for everyone.
To keep the meal simple, everyone brings a side dish and drinks, and pizza is delivered. They gather in the community room where there is plenty of room to set out all the dishes, eat, visit, and play board games or cards that they bring along.
They also rent the gym and the pool where family members can swim, play basketball or volleyball, and run off energy. "The kids love it," said Karen. "The adults do too! It's always hard to get them to leave at the end of the evening."
For the third time, the tribe rented Pearce over the Labor Day weekend. With family members ranging in age from infant to 72, there is a wide range of preferred activities and interests, and the family has found that holding the event at Pearce offers something for everyone.
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| All ages enjoyed the volleyball game. |
To keep the meal simple, everyone brings a side dish and drinks, and pizza is delivered. They gather in the community room where there is plenty of room to set out all the dishes, eat, visit, and play board games or cards that they bring along.
They also rent the gym and the pool where family members can swim, play basketball or volleyball, and run off energy. "The kids love it," said Karen. "The adults do too! It's always hard to get them to leave at the end of the evening."
Wedding receptions, birthday parties, holiday parties, anniversary celebrations...whatever your event, Pearce has an area to rent that's just right and a great value. Click here to learn more about our many rental options.
Monday, September 8, 2014
Equipment of the Month: Helix Trainer
This awesome little machine not only tones and strengthens legs, thighs, and butt, it also does it with low impact to the knees. In fact, it actually protects knees by strengthening key supportive muscles. The unique side-to-side motion of the Helix Trainer gives your lower body a 360 degree workout, not just the front and back of your legs. Ask any member of the fitness staff to demonstrate how to use the Helix Trainer safely and effectively.
Friday, September 5, 2014
Tuesday, September 2, 2014
AARP Safe Driver Course
The AARP Safe Driver Course will be offered at Pearce on Tuesday and Wednesday, September 16 and 17, from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Participants must attend both days to receive credit for the course.
If you are over 55, present your course credit to your auto insurance provider. The state of Illinois requires insurance providers to offer discounted auto insurance for the completion of approved course work.
AARP members pay only $15; all others pay $20. Advance registration is required.
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