Happy 4th!

As everyone knows, Independence Day is right around the corner. With that being said, I felt it was necessary to write a post entirely dedicated to the 4th and how some individuals with EP!C celebrate our country's 239th birthday.

We all celebrate a little differently and I was curious to listen to what others had to say about how they celebrate on this day. So, Brittany and I caught up with a few individuals here to see if they have any particular annual traditions to honor the 4th of July

 In my opinion, this is the one day of the year that's brings us all together most. Not just family, not just friends, but all of us as a country. I've always been a pretty outspoken guy. I like to meet new people. I remember when I was just just a little tyke waiting outside for the fireworks to begin. It took so long to get dark enough to start them, so to pass the time I always lit a sparkler and drove my wheelchair up to random people and asked them a question or two about how they celebrate or what they love most about the 4th

Yes, I've wanted to be a journalist for many years now, so this was my way of practicing I suppose. Anyway, whenever I brought up the topic of the 4th of July, I was surrounded by nothing but smiles. Everyone was very transparent with their family traditions. One individual told me they got to Six Flags every year to watch fireworks. Another told me they just hang out at home, have a barbecue and create their own firework display. 

The grand finale of the 4th is obviously the fireworks. That's what everyone waits for. My hope is that no one forgets what this day is about. The pyrotechnics are cool, but at the end of the day, we have to realize that we wouldn't even be watching those fireworks without the men and women who have fought or are fighting to keep us all safe. I live in the greatest country in the world and have the upmost respect for those who keep it that way. 

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What's up everyone? I'm doing my best to keep everyone up to date with all things EP!C, so this week I want to write a little about EP!CASSO. I've always had a passion for art, so this is kind of my specialty.

 For those of you who might not know, EP!CASSO is the only program in the area that offers extensive arts education and exploration to adults with both intellectual and physical disabilities. The program gives everyone an equal opportunity to to express themselves through art.

 Over the years, they have collaborated with many notable local artists to create masterpieces such as the stunning pendant presented at this years Bon Appetite event. All items are 100% handcrafted by individuals involved in the day program. 

Funds for the EP!C program are provided by donations, EP!Casso market, sales and grants from the community foundation of Central Illinois. 

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Over & out!

All About Harvest

Have you ever been standing in the produce aisle at the grocery store and wondered a little about where all this food came from? With the EP!C Harvest, there's no need for that to even cross your mind. EP!C is truly an incredible place. There are so many unique things going on all the time, one of them being the EP!C harvest.

We have a wide variety of fruits and veggies that are grown right in our backyard. This includes collar greens, kale, green onions and broccoli which are all available at this very moment. As the year goes on we'll have plenty of other options. What makes the Harvest so special is that everything is 100% naturally and locally grown right here at EP!C.

 This year, we plan to have more options to choose from than we've ever had before. Much of our produce is showing up at various local restaurants including Table 19 in Peoria, which truly speaks to how important locally and naturally grown produce is to chefs in the area. It's safe to say that this is important to all of us.

 I've always believed that it's good for the mind to be curious and wonder, as it is a good "workout" for the brain. But one thing none of us want to worry about is if our food is sanitary and where it came from. With absolutely no artificial fertilizers or sprays of any sort, EP!C Harvest is the obvious choice for someone who wants nothing but the best natural produce in their kitchen.

That's all for now, over and out!