Magazine. Local Calendar of Events See Inside. Serving Metamora & Germantown Hills. August 2015

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1 August 2015 Serving Metamora & Germantown Hills Magazine Local Calendar of Events See Inside A Community Publication Provided By MTCO Communications MTCO Communications 220 N. Menard Street Metamora, IL 61548

Behind The Scenes At MTCO Every now and then, we ll bring you a little spotlight article about one of the employees of MTCO Communications.

His knowledge of techy and gadget things make him a great asset to this department.

These monitoring systems allow us to be more proactive with the service we provide our customers.

The report gives us an over the top view of our total user experience. It purges through all of the messages generated by customers set top boxes over the last seven days.

software not detected it. Neil states that it is a good feeling catching the problem before the customer gets too frustrated.

2 Behind The Scenes At MTCO Every now and then, we ll bring you a little spotlight article about one of the employees of MTCO Communications. This month we introduce you to Neil Hagan, our Field Tech Supervisor at MTCO. Neil has been with the company for over 15 years. His knowledge of techy and gadget things make him a great asset to this department. One of the areas that Neil maintains for MTCO is monitoring our systems operations to make sure everything is running like it should. These monitoring systems allow us to be more proactive with the service we provide our customers. Many times Neil has spotted problems with the system before any customer would know something was wrong. It all starts with an automated weekly report. The report gives us an over the top view of our total user experience. It purges through all of the messages generated by customers set top boxes over the last seven days. Using this data we are able to determine which customers are either experiencing issues, (and have not informed us of the problem), or may be experiencing issues which would go unseen had the software not detected it. Neil states that it is a good feeling catching the problem before the customer gets too frustrated. There have been plenty of calls which have resulted in a response similar to, I am glad you called! and I have been meaning to call you. Since we began proactively troubleshooting, the amount of errors have dropped drastically. So relax if you re a MTCO customer. We ll keep you connected! On The Cover Another great aerial view picture of the Metamora Square using a DJII Vision Plus Drone. The picture was taken on a beautiful day on July 10, At the time, the intersection on the square by the Post Office was having the bricks replaced. Metamora has one of the best small town squares in Illinois. For more information about our services, please visit or scan this QR code with your smart phone. MTCO Communications 220 N. Menard Street Metamora, Illinois connected@mtco.com President & CEO Glenn Rauh Vice President & CFO Ann Dickerson Wireless Operations Manager Editor - Connected Magazine Bob Becraft bbecraft@corp.mtco.com Marketing Manager Editor - Connected Magazine Kip DuBois kdubois@corp.mtco.com Connected Magazine is published monthly by MTCO Communications with corporate office located at 220 North Menard Street, Metamora, Illinois, The publication is intended for use of the residents of Metamora and Germantown Hills. No article in this issue or any part of this publication may be reproduced without the expressed written permission of the Publisher. For more information about this magazine, or for additional copies, contact Bob Becraft or Kip DuBois at or connected@mtco.com. If you have questions or concerns regarding your services, please contact our Customer Service Representatives at (309) or Copyright 2015 MTCO Communications, Inc. All rights reserved.

Entertainment & Technology Encrypted Chat Service Bleep, an encrypted text, picture, and voice chat app built on peer-to-peer architecture by BitTorrent has recently launched.

Bleep lets users create an account using just a nickname, which in turn creates a Bleep Key that can be shared so others can connect with the account holder, or alternately the phone s email

Messages and images are stored on the device and encrypted before reaching the Internet, which the service claims means no metadata nor messages will be readable by hackers or governmental

There is no recourse to retrieve contact information of the person behind the computer or phone, thus raising concerns of sexual predators.

Manage your DVR / Access TV Program Guide from Anywhere MTCO digimax has several ways to access your DVR recordings when away from home or check your TV Program Guide to see what is on tonight:

ManageMyTVs App - Turn your Android, iphone, or ipad into a remote control!

TV channels. After calling MTCO, just scan the QR code to the right to go to the site to download the ManageMyTV App from Google Play or the App Store.

3 Entertainment & Technology Encrypted Chat Service Bleep, an encrypted text, picture, and voice chat app built on peer-to-peer architecture by BitTorrent has recently launched. Bleep works on Windows, OS X, Android and ios. Bleep lets users create an account using just a nickname, which in turn creates a Bleep Key that can be shared so others can connect with the account holder, or alternately the phone s addresses and phone numbers can be verified to make it easier for others to discover the account. Messages and images are stored on the device and encrypted before reaching the Internet, which the service claims means no metadata nor messages will be readable by hackers or governmental surveillance activities. The concern is for parents whose children use this app. There is no recourse to retrieve contact information of the person behind the computer or phone, thus raising concerns of sexual predators. Monitoring is also an issue as the Whisper function keeps a message live for only 25 seconds. Manage your DVR / Access TV Program Guide from Anywhere MTCO digimax has several ways to access your DVR recordings when away from home or check your TV Program Guide to see what is on tonight: Access the digimax DVR Web Portal under Customer Quick Links at to view your Program Guide, DVR Library, and schedule/ cancel recordings. ManageMyTVs App - Turn your Android, iphone, or ipad into a remote control! Just download the App and use your phone or ipad to view your TV Program Guide, schedule/cancel DVR recordings, perform numerous Remote Control functions, and even utilize voice recognition to change TV channels. After calling MTCO, just scan the QR code to the right to go to the site to download the ManageMyTV App from Google Play or the App Store. Call MTCO at to set up access to get started! Bluetooth Multi-Device Keyboard The Logitech Bluetooth Multi-Device Keyboard K480 is designed for use with up to three devices, regardless of computing platform. Now you can work on a report on your computer, and with the flick of the Easy-Switch dial, respond to a message on your smartphone or type a tweet on your tablet. The suggested retail cost is $ August TV Premiere Fear the Walking Dead is an upcoming American television series created by Robert Kirkman and Dave Erickson scheduled to premiere on AMC on August 23, It is a companion series to the horror drama television series The Walking Dead, which is based on the comic book series of the same name by Robert Kirkman, Tony Moore, and Charlie Adlard. AMC greenlit the pilot to series on March 9, 2015, with a two-season commitment Keep up with Entertainment and Technology news. Add MTCO to your Facebook and Twitter groups and visit and click on MTCO News on the right section of the webpage.

30 31 24 Germantown Hills Planning Commission

Mary s and Germantown Hills Grade Schools First

School Board Meeting 7pm 10 25 MGS BOE Meeting

MABA Meeting 11:30am 11 Germantown Hills S.D.

Metamora Village Board Meeting 7pm 4 28 IL

4pm Watch New Releases, Free Movies, and just

Snyder Village Assisted Living Open House

Season at 7pm 9 3 2 American Legion Post

First Day of School 19 Worth Township Meeting

7pm 12 Metamora Park Board Mtg Village Hall 7pm

Concert in the Park Bill Hardesty Band MTHS

Park Jim Markum Swing Band 7 31 28 1 22 29

7pm 15 8 >> new releases August 2015 Germantown

Summer Concert in the Park Gus Gustafson

5 Germantown Hills Planning Commission Mtg. Village Hall 6pm St. Mary s and Germantown Hills Grade Schools First Day of School 17 Germantown Hills S.D. #69 School Board Meeting 7pm MGS BOE Meeting at 7pm Metamora Village Board Meeting 7pm 18 MABA Meeting 11:30am 11 Germantown Hills S.D. #69 PTO Meeting Middle School Library 6pm Metamora Village Board Meeting 7pm 4 28 IL Prairie District Library Board Mtg. 4pm Watch New Releases, Free Movies, and just aired TV Shows, whenever you want. Snyder Village Assisted Living Open House 1pm-4pm Metamora Pool Closes for the Season at 7pm American Legion Post Meeting 7:30pm Metamora Grade School First Day of School 19 Worth Township Meeting Worth Township Bldg. 7pm 12 Metamora Park Board Mtg Village Hall 7pm 5 29 MTHS Fall Emphasis Night 6pm 21 Summer Concert in the Park Bill Hardesty Band MTHS First Day of School 14 Summer Concert in the Park Jim Markum Swing Band Metamora/Washington Alumni Game at Washington 7pm 15 8 >> new releases August 2015 Germantown Hills Village Board Meeting at Village Hall Summer Concert in the Park Gus Gustafson Concert Band 6pm 27 Willow Creek HOA Board Mtg. Summer Concert in the Park Cat Big Band Metamora Village Hall 7pm MTHS BOE Meeting at 7pm 20 Germantown Hills EDC Meeting at Village Hall 5pm

In Our Community Gifts in the Moment The gitm Foundation s Tri-County Fresh Food Hub s mission is to provide fresh, local produce to all residents, regardless

A Food Hub receives fresh produce from community gardens, home gardens, and farmers to be boxed and delivered to designated stops to be picked up by the

Food is also available for purchase on the Mobile Fresh Food Van, much like a farmers market.

share. They are also seeking gardeners who have excess produce they would like to donate.

The Mobile Fresh Food Van makes stops in Peoria, Pekin and East Peoria, along with stopping at Great Oaks Community Church in Germantown Hills on Thursdays from

m. to 10:00 a.m. This 501(c)3 charitable foundation is also seeking partners to help meet the $15,000 matching grant provided by MTCO to purchase a second van

The date is August 1, 2015 with check-in from 6:30 a.m. to 7:10 a.m. The start time for the run is 7:30 a.m. All pledges and entry fees from the run and walk go to Central Illinois Right To Life, Inc.

at 1115 Harbers Lane in Metamora. The event will kick-off with a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony at 1:00 p.m. Tours and refreshments will follow.

6 In Our Community Gifts in the Moment The gitm Foundation s Tri-County Fresh Food Hub s mission is to provide fresh, local produce to all residents, regardless of location of their home or ability to pay, along with sustaining local growers. A Food Hub receives fresh produce from community gardens, home gardens, and farmers to be boxed and delivered to designated stops to be picked up by the consumer. Consumers can purchase a share which entitles them to pick up a box of fresh produce, usually once a week. Food is also available for purchase on the Mobile Fresh Food Van, much like a farmers market. The foundation is looking for individuals and other organizations to purchase shares to donate to be used for people who cannot afford a share or a portion of a share. They are also seeking gardeners who have excess produce they would like to donate. Donated produce will make its way to local food pantries, including WHIP, Hope Chest, and Peoria Area Food Bank. The Mobile Fresh Food Van makes stops in Peoria, Pekin and East Peoria, along with stopping at Great Oaks Community Church in Germantown Hills on Thursdays from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., Eureka Heartline and Hearthouse on Fridays from 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., and at Russell s Cycling and Fitness in Washington on Thursdays from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. This 501(c)3 charitable foundation is also seeking partners to help meet the $15,000 matching grant provided by MTCO to purchase a second van to service Tazewell and Woodford counties. To learn more, visit or gitm@mtco.com. Run For Life The 29th annual Run for Life, which has been traditionally held at Bradley Park in Peoria will be held at Metamora Fields this year. The date is August 1, 2015 with check-in from 6:30 a.m. to 7:10 a.m. The start time for the run is 7:30 a.m. All pledges and entry fees from the run and walk go to Central Illinois Right To Life, Inc. Snyder Village Open House Snyder Village will host an Open House to celebrate their Assisted Living expansion from 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, August 30, at 1115 Harbers Lane in Metamora. The event will kick-off with a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony at 1:00 p.m. Tours and refreshments will follow. The War to Settle the Score The rivalry lives on as former players have an opportunity to put on a helmet and pads and do battle on the gridiron. Washington High School will host a fundraising alumni tackle football game between the Washington Panthers and the Metamora Redbirds on Saturday, August 15, 2015 at 7:00 p.m. at Babcook Field. Proceeds from each $10 ticket sold before the game will be split evenly between the two booster clubs. Tickets can be purchased in advance from players in the game. Proceeds from each ticket sold at the gate will go to Alumni Football USA. Watch the replay of the game the following week on Metamora s own digimax Local Channel 400/410HD!

Ribbon Cuttings Nena Ace Hardware held its Grand Opening Ribbon Cutting with members of the Germantown Hills Chamber of Commerce on Friday, July 10th.

MTHS Fall Emphasis Night Metamora Township High School will introduce all Fall Sports Teams on Friday, August 21, 2015, beginning at 6:00 p.m. at Malone Field.

As in years past, we ask that your price of admission to Emphasis Night be a canned food donation.

Park District Activities Metamora Park District scheduled activities for the month of August. Metamora Pool Passholder Appreciation Night: Monday, Aug. 3, 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. Pool Closes for the Season: Sunday, Aug.

m. - 7:30 p.m. on Aug. 4 and 6; 9:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. on Aug. 8. Nature Play: 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m., Aug. 14 at Park District Office. Little Lego Club: 9:30 a.m. - 10:00 a.m., Aug. 19 and 26 at Park District Office Jr.

They have 15,000 square feet of inventory at each store. Weight N Cardio Family Fitness opened in March this year at 725 W. Mt.

7 Ribbon Cuttings Nena Ace Hardware held its Grand Opening Ribbon Cutting with members of the Germantown Hills Chamber of Commerce on Friday, July 10th. Nena Ace Hardware is located at 505 Jubilee Lane and is open seven days a week: Monday - Saturday 8:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m, and Sunday from 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Their phone number is MTHS Fall Emphasis Night Metamora Township High School will introduce all Fall Sports Teams on Friday, August 21, 2015, beginning at 6:00 p.m. at Malone Field. Scrimmages will follow once the introductions are complete for the Boys Soccer and Football teams. The MTHS Sports Boosters will offer concessions that night. As in years past, we ask that your price of admission to Emphasis Night be a canned food donation. All food donations will go to assist the Open Arms Food Pantry, which serves individuals within the boundaries of MTHS District 122. Park District Activities Metamora Park District scheduled activities for the month of August. Metamora Pool Passholder Appreciation Night: Monday, Aug. 3, 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. Pool Closes for the Season: Sunday, Aug. 9 (Open 12:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. that day) Silver Hikes: 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. on Aug. 3, 10, 17, 24 and 31at BPP. Metamora Adventure Camp Land Before Time : 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Aug. 3-6 at BPP BPP Run Club: 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. on Aug. 4 and 6; 9:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. on Aug. 8. Nature Play: 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m., Aug. 14 at Park District Office. Little Lego Club: 9:30 a.m. - 10:00 a.m., Aug. 19 and 26 at Park District Office Jr. First Lego League: 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m., Aug. 19 and 26 at Park District Office. Nena Ace Hardware was established in 1979 and also has a location in Peoria at 1415 W. Forrest Hill Avenue. They have 15,000 square feet of inventory at each store. Weight N Cardio Family Fitness opened in March this year at 725 W. Mt. Vernon, and held its Ribbon Cutting on Tuesday, July 14th with members of the Metamora Area Business Association. Their goal is to help people get fit and increase their muscle tone, while assisting them in losing weight and reaching their goals. The facility is equipped with new equipment, including free weights, dumbbells, weight machines, and cardio equipment. They also feature classes that are available 24/7 by Wellbeats, which is a virtual class with the privacy of a separate room aside from the rest of the gym equipment. Stop in for a tour and receive a free seven day pass to get started on your journey to looking and feeling better! Visit for additional information. Do you have some community news to share with the residents of Metamora and Germantown Hills? Send it to connected@mtco.com, or mail it to us at 220 N. Menard St., Metamora, IL Attn: Connected Magazine.

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Magazine. Local Holiday Events See Inside. Serving Metamora & Germantown Hills. December A Community Publication Provided By MTCO Communications

Magazine. Local Holiday Events See Inside. Serving Metamora & Germantown Hills. December A Community Publication Provided By MTCO Communications December 2015 Serving Metamora & Germantown Hills Magazine Local Holiday Events See Inside A Community Publication Provided By MTCO Communications MTCO Communications 220 N. Menard Street Metamora, IL