“It is our honor to celebrate a woman whose quiet strength, boundless compassion, and lifelong dedication have left a lasting impact on the Pekin community.” Maureen’s impact began in the classroom, where she inspired generations as a beloved English teacher at Pekin Community High School. Her love for literature – especially The Great Gatsby – was matched only by her passion for instilling curiosity, empathy, and integrity in her students, and her love for writing helped craft genuine expression and creativity within her students. Her unwavering support for her students made her more than a teacher; she was a mentor, a role model, and a friend. 

In retirement, Maureen has only expanded her reach. In essence, she is still educating through her part-time work as the curator for the Peoria Historical Society, through her part-time work as the YWCA Pekin’s Coalition for Equality director, and through her nearly 40 years as a group exercise instructor at Parkside Fitness. Maureen continues to teach by creating exhibits on local history and by planning programs that celebrate her lifelong commitment to diversity, equality, and inclusion. Most notably, for the YWCA’s Coalition for Equality, Maureen coordinates the annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. celebration for Pekin District 108 primary and intermediate students, facilitates the summer-time Kids’ Fun Days, a literacy, art, exercise, and healthy eating program for students who live at the Pekin Housing Authority, and organizes the YWCA’s snack pack program which helps ensure children in the Pekin community don’t go hungry. 

Not surprisingly, Maureen is a fierce advocate for education and equal opportunity, especially for young women, and to that end, she works tirelessly for the Pekin branch of AAUW (American Association of University Women). Her leadership in scholarship fundraising has helped open doors for countless female students, and she does this not out of obligation but from the heart.

Also, as a testament to her unwavering support of all literacy initiatives, Maureen serves as a trustee on the Pekin Public Library Board and as a committee member of PALS (Pekin Alliance for Literacy Success.)

Additionally, Maureen is an active member of the Pekin Altrusa Club (another literacy focused organization), the Y Reserves, and the Tazewell County Retired Teachers Association, volunteers with POI (Pekin Outreach Initiative) and served on the City of Pekin’s Bicentennial Committee. She was thrilled to help produce a kids’ activity book in honor of Pekin’s 200th birthday. 

Maureen lives in Pekin with her husband, Tom Teijido. They have two grandsons who live too far away.

Those who know Maureen describe her as thoughtful, creative, fiercely dedicated, and full of joy. She leads with humility and heart, and always gives her all.

Jimmy John’s Marigold Medallion Hunt kicks off August 25th! 
“A Community Obsession.” Every year at the end of August, Pekin’s amateur detectives and determined sleuths prepare for the Pekin Marigold Festival Medallion Hunt. They put their interpretive skills against the Medallion Hunt Clue Meister who has carefully hidden the small disc somewhere on public property, releasing “clues” on a daily basis. The clues carry double-meaning, veiled references, and carefully disguised hints all designed to bring out the “DaVinci Code” enthusiast in us all.

The hunt always commences the Monday before Labor Day. Clues are released Monday through Friday at 12:00 noon and then on Saturday at 6:30am. If the medallion hasn’t been found, another clue will be released at 6:30 on Labor Day. If still not discovered, clues will continue being released daily at noon beginning on Tuesday.

This year’s medallion was created by Pekin Community High School Art Student, Ava Wagemann. Ava is the daughter of Eric & Shelby Wagemann. Follow @PekinMarigoldFestival on Facebook or visit www.pekinmarigoldfestival.com for all of the Pekin Marigold Festival details. 

Business at Breakfast Awards Honor Local Excellence
The Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce celebrated outstanding local businesses and individuals during its Business at Breakfast Awards held on June 13.

Monica Campbell and Ashley Flynn, owner of Take Two Resale Boutique were each honored with the Sunshine Award, recognizing their exceptional service and positive contributions to the community. Monica’s nominator said that she is a ball of sunshine and energy who finds a way to be involved and impact so many pieces of our community. Her involvement in the PCHS Athletic Booster Club as a member and President over the last two years has been highlighted by donating over $60,000 in scholarships to graduating student-athletes, the addition of different fundraisers at our sporting events (United Way), and a fresh perspective on equity that only Monica can bring. Ashley is an entrepreneur and new retail business owner, a mom, and still gives of her time and treasure. A few months before opening, Ashley reached out to the Totes for Tata’s organization as she wanted their purses in her boutique. It turns out Take Two is the absolute perfect fit for their new and gently loved purses! This partnership makes a huge impact on the mission of supporting cancer patients and research in Central Illinois. 

The Spotlight on Business Award was presented to Lisa Fuller, owner of Olivia’s Playhouse, for her notable achievements and impact as a growing local business. Olivia’s Playhouse is a locally owned, independent children’s store specializing in high-quality toys, books, pretend play, puzzles, games, plush, baby gear, and gifts.

The awards were presented at the Chamber’s morning gathering, where local leaders and business owners came together to celebrate the spirit of entrepreneurship and community engagement in the Pekin area. The event also included a guest speaker, Josh Wray, Director of Economic Development at the City of Pekin. Chamber officials expressed gratitude to all who attended and continue to support the thriving local business environment.