May 1999, Volume 1, No. 1

McGhee Giving Back To Carver, Community

If giving back to the community was an Olympic event, Carla McGhee would be adding another honor to her trophy case.

The Manual High School graduate recently returned to Peoria and donated to the Carver Community Center the Olympic gold medal she won in 1996, along with the uniform she wore, as a member of the U.S. women's basketball team in Atlanta.  "It's a privilege and an honor to be in the position to do something like this," said McGhee, who recalls her days as a young girl sharpening her hardwood skills at Carver.

McGhee says she hopes the memorabilia will inspire "some to believe that if a kid like me can grow up here and make it to the Olympics, they can reach their dreams to become doctors, lawyers ... or even professional athletes."

Overcoming adversity is nothing new to the former University of Tennessee basketball star, having survived the devastating effects of a traffic accident, as well as the demanding rigors associated with collegiate sports.   While the accident may have damaged her legs, it did nothing to quell her red-hot determination.  She went on to lead the Lady Vols to two NCAA championships.   From there, she traveled to Europe, returning to the U.S to land a spot on the national team.  She also had stints with the Atlanta Glory and Columbus Quest of the ABL.  She recently returned from Greece and hopes to land a spot in the WNBA.

McGhee holding her 1996 Olympic jersey while Wright and Baker show the audience her medal.  Even though she wore the red jersey during the championship game, she donated her white (home) jersey.  She said Carver Center and Peoria will always be her home and donated the home jersey to reflect that.

This Center gave me the opportunity to run with the legends," said McGhee, "and learn a lot about basketball and about life."

Upon receiving the gift, Carver Center Executive Director, Percy Baker Jr., said, "This is a very heartfelt gesture on her part to give up something she holds so dear to her heart.  We hope it serves as an incentive to the thousands of youths we serve that hard work and dedication pays off."

Click here for McGhee's WNBA Player Profile and stats.

Police Chief Says Carver Center Makes A Difference

Included among the more than 500,000 people, whose lives were influenced by the experience of visiting the Carver Center is Peoria Police Chief John W Stenson.

Stenson joined the police department in 1966.   During his career in law enforcement, he has been responsible for commanding every division within the department, earning appointment as Superintendent on October 16, 1997.   He is a graduate of the FBI Academy and the Northwestern Police Institute.  A graduate of Bradley University, Stenson earned a bachelor's degree in police administration and is currently working on a master's degree in the administration of justice at Sangamon State University.

He belongs to numerous professional and personal organizations, and is the recipient of several community service awards.  The Peoria native credits the influence of the Carver Center with "helping to create a meaningful path for me to follow" in his life.

We applaud Stenson for the contributions he provides in helping to make our community a safer place to live.

Summer Program:  Good Way To Beat The Heat

Beginning June 14th, children ages six to 14 will be able to make the Carver Center their summertime headquarters for fun and learning.

The program, which will run daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., includes lunch and so many things to do, it'll be Fall before you know it!   In addition to appearances by different speakers from the community, field trips are planned, as well as chef classes, tennis and T-ball instruction, computer classes, ceramics, tips on nutrition, scouting and 4-H activities.  To help sharpen your skills, math and English instruction will also be provided to give you that extra jump in the classroom.  A major out-of-town field trip is also planned on the last Friday of the program.

To participate in the Program, payment will be expected on the child's first day of participation along with a week's fee in advanced.   The programs is staffed by people from the Carver Center as well as staff from the Peoria area Urban League.  Space is limited, so sign up today and make your plans for a fun "summertime" at the Carver Center.

Day Care Program Provides "Learning-Based" Environment

Inside a newly-renovated facility, Carver Center is providing a full range of day care services for children ages two to five, Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The DCFS-licensed facility provides an environment for children to develop basic early learning skills.  Parental involvement is encouraged as a way to promote the child's educational experiences.   The director is Ms. Celena Stenson.

Parents, interested in the he program, should note that the child must be potty trained and have received a TB shot.  A complete physical is expected within six months.  Payment is based on income assessment   Child Care Connection applications are available to people receiving public aid, work and/or attend school.  If required, transportation for the child can be arranged.  To start, payment for the first week (along with a week in advance) is required at the time of the first visit.  A $7 child membership is also required on a yearly basis.  The program is limited to 40 children.

Hot meals, prepared to standards set by the USDA, are prepared onsite and served daily.  Field trips and other recreational opportunities are also included as part of the day care program.

Programs Abound For All Ages

Whether your interest is to learn ceramics or how to hit a baseball, Carver Center offers a variety of programs, geared to all ages and skill levels.

Among the programs offered include classes and instruction on how to sharpen your skills in the kitchen (chef classes, as well as opportunities involving computers and electronics).  If tennis is your game, Carver Center is serving up a program for youth and adults that promises to be fun and entertaining.  Basketball leagues are also being organized and youngsters interested in playing T-ball, can learn how to improve their hitting skills at Carver Center.

Beginning June 14 through August 6, children ages six to 14 can participate in an afterschool program that offers tutoring as well as activities involving basketball, billiards, scouting and computers.

Among the other programs available at Carver Center include those designed for senior citizens and another activity involving the local Catholic Worker House.

Carver Center is open 9:00 a.m. till 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.  For more information about any program or activity, call or visit the center today.

Carver Membership:  An Opportunity To "Make A Difference"

A membership in the Carver Center is affordable and easy to get.  At the same time, your contribution helps us fulfill our mission for making a difference in the community.

Annual memberships for organizations and community-based agencies is $50 (for up to 25 participants).  A family membership is also $50 and is available for use by the immediate family (father, mother, children).   Individual adult membership for those age 17 and older is $25 while children 16 and under and senior citizens may purchase a membership for just $7.

With your membership, you'll enjoy a host of privileges including a 10% discount on the rental of facilities, use of  the gym, nautilus room, computer classes, billiards, scouting, 4-H, a Boys & Girls program, as well as an out-of-school and mentoring program.

Join today and join the fun!