3 Obit/Record Friday, October 16, 2015 • The Tonica News • 3
Freedom House and improv group team up By Goldie Rapp news@tonicanews.com
PRINCETON — Freedom House has kicked off its observance of Domestic Awareness Month. Each year in October, the organization provides an outreach event to help educate the community about the victims of domestic violence to help them better understand the struggles the victims endure. This year, Freedom House teamed up with the Illinois Valley Community College theatre group improv team to produce a provoking performance showcasing the struggles women go through after leaving an abusive relationship. Amber Killian, Freedom House shelter advocate, said this year’s event is meant to target agencies that work with the victims of domestic violence. The overall theme focuses
around the hoops women have to jump through once they leave. “A lot of times it creates an atmosphere for them that it’s almost easier to stay. We want to invite agencies to help them understand that when a woman has left, if the system fails her, she’s more likely to go back to what she knows has worked in the past,” Killian said. “We want to create a discussion on how agencies may be unwillingly creating barriers for women, because of funding or their policies.” Killian said the improv group was able to come up with a 25-minute performance that portrays that powerful message. “You can tell they understand and get it, and it’s really been a pleasure to work with them,” she said. “Everyone is just amazed by the performance. I think a lot of them are walking away with a different perspective on what
these women go through.” The improv group will perform in Princeton at 1 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 14, in the Elks lodge. Killian is hoping many area agencies and community members take advantage of this opportunity to come out and see the performance. “By coming they are not supporting Freedom House. They are supporting the women who walk through these doors,” she said. Those who can’t make it to the Princeton performance will also have three other opportunities to see the theatre group’s performance. They will perform in Lacon on Wednesday, Oct. 21, at 1 p.m. in the Congregational Church, at IVCC on Tuesday, Oct. 27, at 4 p.m. and in Granville on Wednesday, Oct. 28, at 1 p.m. in the United Church. Performances are free to the public.
Tonica Fire Department TONICA — The October Tonica Volunteer Fire Department meeting was called to order by Chief Al Stremlau with 24 members present. One donation of $100 or more was received from Lewis and Bernice Barr during September. There were four emergency calls during August. There were no fires. One call was with good intent, and there were three ambulance calls. The total of emergency calls for the year, through Aug. 31, is 99. The annual town collection was conducted at 6 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 5. This door-to-door collection requested a donation from each homeowner, renter and business within the village limits. These monetary donations allow fire, ambulance and rescue services to be provided without property taxation. Donations can be dropped off at the Tonica Bank or the Tonica Fire Station. Chairperson Dave Huss reported on the deer display and chili dinner night
which will be held at the Tonica Fire Station on Saturday, Nov. 21. Stremlau reported he is working with the village and phone company to correct the problems with the town’s storm and fire sirens. The committee members gave their reviews of, and recommendations for, the new protective clothing which will be ordered for the firefighters. This month the fire department conducted hands-on training with vehicle extrication tools. There was also EMS training covering asthma and the administration of the medications Albuterol, Atrovent and Epinephrine. Lt. Dan Francisco completed his dispatcher training which included the topics of aspirin advisory, submerged/ sinking vehicle advisory, special challenges of autism, recognizing a stroke, dispatcher CPR, hearing disorders, call handling etiquette, Alzheimer’s patients, endangered missing persons and language barriers during 911 calls.
LaSalle County Sheriff At 3:45 p.m. on Oct. 7, deputies handled a two-vehicle accident on Route 251 at Elm Street in Tonica. A vehicle driven by Mary J. Sadnick, 54, of LaSalle was stopped to turn when she was struck from behind by a vehicle driven by Tracy A. Daugherty, 41, of Lostant. Tonica EMS responded to the scene; all parties refused treatment. No citations were issued. At 5:26 p.m. Oct. 10, LaSalle County deputies investigated a two-vehicle accident at 306 South First Street in Tonica. Sheryl L. Cate, 54, of Lostant claimed she was blinded by the sun while backing out of a parking stall and struck a car parked next to her. There were no injuries and no citations issued. At 9:57 a.m. Oct. 11, the LaSalle County Sheriff’s Office was called for a single parachutist fatality at Skydive Chicago in rural
Ottawa. Richard Gomez, 65, of Berwyn, was pronounced dead at the scene by the LaSalle County Coroner’s office. The incident
remains under investigation by the LaSalle County Sheriff’s Office, the LaSalle County Coroner’s office and the FAA.
Photo contributed
Apple Press sold PERU — Greg Vaccaro and Chuck Alleman have announced the sale of Apple Press to Jay Endress of Peru. The Peru-based commercial printer specializing in all forms of printing, promotional products and apparel was founded in 1983 by Vaccaro and Alleman. Apple Press has become a leading commercial printer in the Illinois Valley area and has expanded into a variety of niche areas including apparel, custom screen printing/embroidery, promotional products and campaign printing. “This is a company with many proud traditions,” said Endress. “From its customer service dedication to providing the highest quality printing and support services, staying true to its values has gotten Apple Press to where it is today. We plan on continuing down this path while also positioning the company for growth.” Endress added, “Their passion and dedication to producing the finest printing is already well known.
It’s an honor to become a part of this incredible team.” Vaccaro noted, “Jay is committed to sustaining the reputation that Apple Press has achieved and extending the same great customer service that is so important to all of our clients and customers. You can expect very little changes in the day-today operations and, in most cases, business will operate as usual.” Alleman said, “Jay is a proven leader whose strategic vision and strong execution skills will leverage Apple Press’ position as a market innovator and provide customers with marketing and printing solutions. His commitment to delivering excellence will continue under his stewardship.” Endress’ future plans for Apple Press include, “evolving our business strategy, while continuing to deliver industry-leading solutions to our customers. I am thrilled to a part of this dynamic organization, which has a strong track record of success and I share
Greg and Chuck’s dedication to Apple Press’ strategy and success. Endress announced separately that Chuck Alleman will stay on at Apple Press and will be involved in customer service. Additionally, the remaining staff of Apple Press will continue in their current capacity. No change in the management of Apple Press is expected. Services, quality and the products produced by Apple Press will continue to be handled in the same manner as usual. Endress intends to maintain all of Apple Press’ customers, employees, sales representatives, suppliers and its highly visible location at the corner of Route 251 and adjacent to Illinois Valley Community College. Endress is a business owner and currently manages the St. Bede Abbey Press located on the grounds of St. Bede Abbey and Academy. Endress’ background is in the printing and newspaper industries and related businesses that complement Apple Press.
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