April Member of the Month

Our April Member of the Month is Mame High best known for her enduring smile.

Mame is a retired dental assistant and now spends her time fishing, shopping, going to movies, and enjoying monthly lunches with her girls group.

Mame is involved in a wide variety of activities at Pearce including group exercise classes like Zumba, aqua Zumba, Yoga, cardio, and step. Her passion for tap dancing began as a little girl, taking lessons from area dance instructor Gene Buckingham. Mame is delighted to once again be under Gene’s tutelage in the intermediate adult tap dance class at Pearce.

She has also enjoyed participating in the annual Run For The Health of It; the food fight and Bingo games during Family Fun Day; senior potlucks; swimming; and Pearce’s benefit for the victims of the 2013 tornadoes in Washington.

“When I come to Pearce, I get to see old friends and make new ones,” said Mame. “Pearce is affordable and a great place to walk on the inside track during the winter.” Her fitness advice: “Don’t give up and keep up the good work!”

Given her signature smile, it’s not surprising that one of Mame’s favorite sayings is, “Always greet everyone with a smile and a kind word.” 

Mame High, April Member of the Month, far right.

New Weight Loss Group Personal Training Program Added

If you're searching for a more personalized approach to your fitness program, consider Weight Loss Group Personal Training. Beginning April 20 and running for 6 weeks through May 28, program participants will meet with a personal trainer in a group setting to establish a customized plan that includes exercises, proper form, nutrition, and support and encouragement to reach your weight loss and fitness goals. 

Gavin Sullivan

Personal trainer Gavin Sullivanwill offer the program on Mondays and Wednesdays from noon to 1:00 p.m. Gavin holds a bachelor of science degree in sports management from Loras College where he played basketball for four years. Since 2008, he has provided basketball skill development training to grade school, high school, college, and professional athletes from all over central Illinois. Gavin currently directs an elite travel basketball program. He specializes in functional strength training for all ages and leads Pearce Strong cross-training at Pearce. He also competes in area CrossFit competitions.

Michelle Manjak, personal trainer, will offer the program on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. Michelle is a certified

Michelle Manjak

personal trainer, and a certified Spinning®, TRX, and group fitness instructor. She has more than 15 years of experience in the fitness industry and has trained all fitness levels. Michelle tries to create a training environment that motivates and empowers individuals to challenge themselves in a fun and rewarding way. She enjoys running, Yoga, weight training, and spending time with her husband and young children. Michelle studied sports and leisure management at Ohio State University for four years. She also teaches the new TRX Suspension Training premium group exercise classes at Pearce. 

The cost is $100 for members; $150 non-members.

Adult Tap Class Begins

Tap class for adults 16 and over will be offered at Pearce Community Center. Basic tap class begins on Friday, April 17 and the intermediate class begins Wednesday, April 15. Both classes meet from 10:45 to 11:45 a.m. and are held in the dance studio. Tap shoes are required to participate. Pearce Foundation members pay only $30 for the 10-week series; members pay $40; and non-members pay $60. 

Parent’s Night Out at Pearce

Pearce Community Center is offering Parent’s NightOut, Friday, April 10, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. for students in grades K-6.

Parents enjoy some adult time while children get some quality kid time in a safe, fun, familiar place with trained staff leading them through games, activities, crafts, and much more. A late snack will be provided. 

Spring Break Day Camp Offered at Pearce

Pearce Community Center will host Spring Break Day Camp for students in grades K-6 from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, March 30 through April 3 when IVC School District #321 is not in session. Before camp care is also available beginning at 6:30 a.m.

Campers will spend the week 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 $27 per child per day or $135 for all 5 days; members $30 daily or $150 for all 5 days; and non-members $45 or $225 for the week.

Quilting Class to be Offered at Pearce

Pearce Community Center will offer a beginner quilting class this spring. The class meets Tuesday, April 7, 14, and 21 from 9:00 a.m. to noon.

The class is designed to help participants learn, improve techniques, and allow more experienced quilters to share the best practices they have learned. A supply list will be provided at registration. Participants need to bring their own sewing machine.

The cost for the series of classes is $27 for Pearce Foundation members; $30 for Pearce members; and $40 for non-members.  

Running Club Spring Session Scheduled

 The Pearce Community Center Running Club will kick off its 9-week spring session on Thursday, April 2 at 6:00 p.m. The Club is open to all ages and skill levels; however, children under the age of 10 must run with an adult. Weekly runs are led by Illinois Valley Striders. In inclement weather, the Club runs on Pearce’s indoor track. Foundation members pay only $56.25 for club membership; members $75; non-members $90.