PEORIA MAGAZINE August 2023

build and diversify programming at the Civic Center, including well-known and up-and-coming entertainers in R&B, hip-hop, dance, spoken word, classic arts and other categories. Peoria-based U.S. Ambulances for Ukraine has donated its 50th ambulance, part of a six-ambulance donation from Southern Paramedic in Arkansas. The vehicles are filled with supplies and made ready to go into service upon arrival in Ukraine. Of the 45 vehicles already donated and in Ukraine, most are serving on the frontlines as Ukraine defends itself against Russia’s invasion and occupation. The American Heart Association has awarded a $300,000 grant to Krishna Kumar Veeravalli, PhD , associate profes sor in the Department of Cancer Biology and Pharmacology at the University of Illinois College of Medicine Peoria . The Transformational Project Grant Award is for $100,000 per year for three years, funding Veeravalli’s research into the use of antibodies in stroke treatment.

MyFuture is designed to teach club members about the digital world and help bridge the digital divide. The Boys & Girls Club of Pekin Lift Zone is one of more than 90 Lift Zones in the region. ELECTIONS AND SELECTIONS Governor JB Pritzker has appointed Monica Hendrickson , public health administrator for the Peoria City and County Health Department , to serve as a member of the Health Facilities and Services Review Board. Hendrickson initially joined the City County Health Department in 2017 as its emergency preparedness planner. Later, she became the department’s epidemiologist before assuming her current role. Her term was set to begin in July pending confirmation by the Illinois Senate. Darren Tillis , owner of the Darren Tillis Insurance Agency in Chicago, has been appointed by Governor JB Pritzker to serve as a member of the Illinois State University Board of Trustees . Tillis has more than 29 years of experience in the insurance and financial services industry and has been involved in the North Lawndale community where he lives. He earned a bachelor’s degree from Illinois State University. His term was set to begin in July pending confirmation by the Illinois Senate. UPCOMING EVENTS For the first time since 2019, Peoria’s Italian American Society will host its Festa Picnic from noon to 5 p.m. Aug. 12 at Hickory Grove Park, 12403 N. Hickory Grove Road in Dunlap. The 92nd picnic will feature authentic Italian food and desserts, Italian and domestic beer and wines, a bocce tournament, local artisan booths, youth activities and live Italian music by Vince Amore and Jack Miuccio. Information is at italianamericansociety.com. The University of Illinois College of Medicine Peoria is hosting its Golden Gala — Building for the Future event on Sept. 30 at the Peoria Civic Center. The event is part of an alumni weekend

that includes a reception at the Peoria Riverfront Museum, campus tours and more. Proceeds from the Golden Gala support scholarships for medical students. Complete details including a registration link can be found at https://go.uic.edu/goldengala. The Peoria Area Chamber of Com merce’s Young Professionals of Peoria will hold its inaugural Rise Summit Leadership Conference Aug. 21-23 at the Par-A-Dice Hotel and Casino. Networking and leadership training will delve into four themes: diversity, equity and inclusion; quality of life; pro fessional development; and innovation and entrepreneurship. Rebecca Ryan, Carlos Whittaker and Chris Reynolds are scheduled as keynote speakers. Details at risesummitpeoria.com. Mt. Hawley Country Club will host the 14th Annual Tee It Up for the Troops Golf Classic of Central Illinois on Aug. 14. Proceeds from past events have helped about 8,000 local veterans, military personnel and their families. Find out how to register and more at 309-323-0488. The Peoria Historical Society will offer history tours in August. Walking tours are from 8:30 to 10 a.m. and are $15. Bus tours are from 10 a.m. to noon and depart from the Caterpillar Visitors Center, 110 SW Washington St. Cost is $20. For more information and tickets, go to 309tix. com or call 309-674-1921. The walking tours schedule for August is: • Historic High Street and Moss Ave nue, Aug. 10, depart from Converse Marketing, 1125 Main St. • The History and Sites of Downtown Peoria, Aug. 24, depart from parking lot at Main and Water streets. The bus tours schedule is: • Warehouse Renaissance, Aug. 4 • Roll out the Barrel, Aug. 5 and Aug. 19 • Springdale Cemetery, Aug. 11 • Grandview Drive, Aug. 12 • Notable Peoria Women, Aug. 18 • Naughty to Nice, Aug. 25 • Roots of the River City, Aug. 26

The Rotary Club of Peoria-North presented a $12,700 grant to the Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired in June. The Center will use the grant to purchase GPS-enabled We Walk canes and Alexa devices, which allow patrons to live active, independent lives, go to work and take part in activities they enjoy. Comcast has awarded the Boys & Girls Club of Pekin a $10,000 grant to support digital skills training through the club’s MyFuture technology initiative. L to R: Krishna Kumar Veeravalli, PhD; Casimir A. Fornal, PhD; Billy C. Wang, MD; Vinay Sama (UICOMP MD student); Claire Schaibley (UICOMP MD student); Sivareddy Challa, PhD

JULY 2023 PEORIA MAGAZINE 117