AARP Safe Driving Course

Pearce Community Center will host the AARP Safe Driver course on Thursday and Friday, September 15 and 16 from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

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.

The course fits the needs of anyone older than 50; however, those under 50 are also invited to attend. The course is a total of eight hours offered in two four-hour sessions.

AARP membership is not required; however, AARP members pay only $15; non-members pay $20.

Advance registration is required. 

Fall Swim Lessons

Pearce will offer group swim lessons this fall to children ages six months and older. The eight-week session begins the week of September 6.

Lessons are available for three age groups. Parent/child lessons for children age six months to 35 months are offered on Mondays or Wednesdays at 11:00 a.m.; preschool lessons for ages three and four years are offered on Mondays or Wednesdays at 9:30 a.m.; and youth lessons for children five years and older are offered on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 4:15 p.m. or 5:15 p.m. 

The cost of the class is $33.75 for Pearce Foundation members; $45 for members; and $65 for non-members. Register for swim lessons at Pearce.

Running Club Fall Session to Begin

Pearce Running Club will kick off its 9-week fall session on Tuesday, August 30 at 5:30 p.m. Club members can choose to run on Tuesday or Thursday evenings. 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 $60 for club membership; members $80; non-members $100.

Junior Fitness Certification

Junior Fitness Certification will be offered on Friday, September 2, from 1 to 2 pm.

Participants will learn how to use the equipment in a safe, productive manner. Additionally, they will learn fitness etiquette and rules.

After successfully completing the class and receiving certification, young members will be allowed access to the cardiovascular room and the Selectorized equipment area.

Pearce Foundation members pay only $9; members $12. Advance registration is required.

August Senior Potluck

Pearce will host the monthly senior potluck at noon on Tuesday, August 23. All seniors are invited to bring a side dish and their own table service and join in the fun. Fried chicken and drinks are provided. This month, entertainment will be provided by Mary Sherwood.

Kids Fitness Programs Registration Now Open

Pearce will offer four different fitness classes for kids as part of their six-week Kids Fitness Program.

The classes are designed for boys and girls ages 6 to 12 and will be held on the stage from 5:45 to 6:30 p.m. with a 15 child maximum enrollment.

Kids Zumba with James will begin on Monday, September 12 and feature kid-friendly routines based on original Zumba® choreography. Tumbling with Priscilla will begins on Tuesday, September 13 and include cartwheels, head and hand stands, bridges, round offs, front and back walk overs. On Wednesday, September 14, Kids Strong with Rob will begin. This class allows kids to safely participate in cross-training. Finally, Yoga with Ruth will meet on Thursdays beginning September 15. The class including flexibility and balance, essential to overall health and physical fitness.

Pearce Foundation members pay only $18.75; Pearce members $25; and non-members $31.25.

July "Cooking with Kids" Extra Fun Specialty Camp Full Again This Year

The final Extra Fun Specialty Camp of the summer sold out again this year. Cooking with Kids offered kids going into grades 1-7 the opportunity to learn 

Monday through Friday, campers made breakfast, snack, lunch, dinner, and dessert. 

The kids learned how to measure dry and liquid ingredients and crack eggs. The function of each ingredient was explained as well. At the end of the week, they received a cook book of all the recipes they had made.