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

Pearce Receives Donation From Claud-Elen Days 

Bill Prather, son of Claud and Elen Prather, awarded the money raised during the 2013 Claud-Elen Days Benefit to several worthy community organizations on May 20. Pearce received a donation to support camp programs for children.

The annual Claud-Elen Days Benefit, originally created by Mr. Prather's parents to support Rescue 33, will be held June 4 through 7 and will include carnival rides, a silent auction, pageants, food, and entertainment.

Carie McIntyre, Program Manager, and Ben Alvarez, Director (right) accept a donation from Bill Prather (center)

Spectacular Easter Bonnets on Display During Volunteer Luncheon

Since this year's annual luncheon to honor Pearce volunteers was held on the Saturday before Easter, attendees decided to put on a spectacular display of some of the finest Easter bonnets. Enjoy!

Pearce Honors Volunteers at Annual Luncheon 

More than 70 Pearce volunteers were honored at the annual 

luncheon Saturday, April 19. Annual awards in four categories were presented after lunch.  

Walter Gutzwiller   Barb Hines Allison Irvin  Raamah Sprinkle

The Pearce Ambassador award is presented to an individual or organization that positively represents the spirit of PCC to the community.Walter Gutzwiller represented Lutheran Hillside Village as this years winner. Walter is the Village's bus driver. Shortly after joining Pearce in 2012, he was instrumental in developing a program to transport Village residents to water aerobics classes. 

The Cory Shilson award honors a volunteer who seeks ways to help. This year's winner was Barb Hines, Pearce member since 1991. Barb faithfully helps with Meals on Wheels every Monday, Wednesday and Friday, as well as our monthly senior potluck. She also manages the food service for special events including Run For The Health of It, Family Fun Day, and Spooktacular. 

The Youth Sports award was presented to Allison Irvin for her support of sporting and sportsmanship at Pearce and throughout the community. She has consistently served as a volunteer coach for several youth sports leagues. 

The Barbara E. Truitt Volunteer of the Year award celebrates the individual who has consistently supported Pearce and made it a better place through volunteerism, financial support, and efforts to improve Pearce's position in the community. This year's winner was Raamah Sprinkle, Pearce member since 1990. She consistently donates her time and energy to Meals on Wheels, preparing take out meals that are delivered to seniors who cannot get to the Center; the monthly senior potluck; and special event food service. 

May Member of the Month Announced

Our Member of the Month for May is the group of Pearce members who recently represented Pearce Community Center in the men’s and women’s novice division of the spring Festivus Games held April 19 in Peoria. Novice and intermediate CrossFit athletes at gyms across the country competed in this one day event, all on the same day.

Pearce member competitors included Mindy Daum, LouAnn Harms, Allison Irvin, Brooke Kitts, mother and daughter Carol and Erica Larson, Sarah Miller, and Kassie Williams.

Allison Irvin finished fourth of 27 local competitors. Brooke Kitts won first place locally, and ranked sixth in the nation against 1,062 competitors.

In the men’s novice division, Pearce members Tony Oedewaldt, Brian Ramseyer, and Nathan Webster competed. Webster won the local competition and ranked fourth in the nation against 372 other competitors.  

Congratulations to all the competitors!