Wishing for Independence

Wishing for Independence
Originally uploaded by davidzentz

Abby Grys, 15, plays with her 7-year-old brother, Jake, who has dwarfism brought on by a rare form of osteogenesis imperfecta, or brittle bone disorder, in his bedroom in their Pekin home before being told by their mother to stop so Jake won't break a bone. At 7-years of age, Jake is less than 30-inches tall and needs a wheelchair, making most of the home inaccessible to him. Recently, the TV show Extreme Home Makeover has expressed interest in helping the family remodel their home so Jake can be more independent.DAVID ZENTZ/JOURNAL STAR

Wishing for Independence

Wishing for Independence
Originally uploaded by davidzentz

Jake Grys, 7, who has dwarfism brought on by a rare form of osteogenesis imperfecta, or brittle bone disorder, sits on his living room floor nearby his motorized cart he uses to get around, at home in Pekin Tuesday afternoon. At 7-years of age Jake is less than 30-inches tall and cannot walk, making most of the home inaccessible to him. Recently, the TV show Extreme Home Makeover has expressed interest in helping the family remodel their home so Jake can be more independent. DAVID ZENTZ/JOURNAL STAR

Wishing for Independence

Wishing for Independence
Originally uploaded by davidzentz

Jake Grys, 7, sits with his mother, Jean Grys, at home in Pekin Tuesday afternoon. Jake has dwarfism brought on by a rare form of osteogenesis imperfecta, or brittle bone disorder. Recently, the TV show Extreme Home Makeover has expressed interest in helping the family remodel their home so Jake can be more independent. DAVID ZENTZ/JOURNAL STAR

Wishing for Independence

Wishing for Independence
Originally uploaded by davidzentz

Jake Grys, 7, has a rare form of osteogenesis imperfecta, or brittle bone disorder, a genetic disorder characterized by bones that break easily. His family is hoping to get the TV show Extreme Home Makeover to help remodel their home in Pekin, which is largely inaccessible to him as he is less than 30-inches tall and needs a wheelchair. DAVID ZENTZ/JOURNAL STAR

Flip

Flip
Originally uploaded by davidzentz

Chance Orwig, 8, reacts as his friend and neighbor Chris Sommer, 12, tries to flip him off his raft while playing in the pool with Orwig's dog Milo in Orwig's back yard on Bush Street in East Peoria on a beautiful Sunday evening. DAVID ZENTZ/JOURNAL STAR

Sticky

Sticky
Originally uploaded by davidzentz

Six-year-old Amelia Seymour pays no mind to the chocolate Dove bar running down her chin as she is fixated on the Red Baron Squadron performing loop-de-loops and barrel rolls in the sky above during the River City Air Expo at the Greater Peoria Regional Airport Sunday afternoon. Amelia was there with her family, including twin sister Hannah, father Ron and mother Lucy, who says Amelia wants to be a pilot herself one day. DAVID ZENTZ/JOURNAL STAR

Red devils

Red devils
Originally uploaded by davidzentz

Red Baron Pizza Squadron pilot Ryan Mohr flies one of four restored historic Boeing Stearman biplanes built in the early 1940s in formation over Peoria Thursday afternoon. The squadron, which was formed in 1979, is one of the longest running airshow teams in the world and will be on hand at the Prairie Air Show this weekend. DAVID ZENTZ/JOURNAL STAR

Red devils

Red devils
Originally uploaded by davidzentz

The city of Peoria is seen along the Illinois River from the cockpit of one of four planes in the Red Barron Squadron Thursday afternoon. DAVID ZENTZ/JOURNAL STAR

Yonder

Yonder
Originally uploaded by davidzentz

A 2007 Extra 300-L piloted by Major John Klatt of the Air National Guard's Aerobatic Team, in the back seat, and accompanied by Journal Star reporter John Sharp flies alongside aerobatic pilot Greg Poe in his Fagan MX-2, in back, over the Spirit of Peoria as it moves north along the Illinois River during a demonstration Wednesday afternoon. The two will be participating in the Prairie Air Show at the Greater Peoria Regional Airport July 21 and 22. DAVID ZENTZ/JOURNAL STAR

Yonder

Yonder
Originally uploaded by davidzentz

Major John Klatt of the Air National Guard's Aerobatic Team does a barrel roll in his Extra 300-L plane while flying alongside aerobatic pilot Greg Poe's Fagan MX-2 during a demonstration flight Wednesday afternoon. DAVID ZENTZ/JOURNAL STAR

Researching dementia

Researching dementia
Originally uploaded by davidzentz

Donald Dell, 77, and his wife Juanita Dell, 73, of Washington consult with Dr. Larry Lindahl at OSF's Institute on Aging Tuesday morning. Donald Dell, who suffers from Alzheimer's as well as Parkinson's and diabetes, is participating in research on dementia being done at the institute. DAVID ZENTZ/JOURNAL STAR

Shaker Heritage

Shaker Heritage
Originally uploaded by davidzentz

Johanne Grewell poses in the sitting room of her home on Moss Ave. Grewell's mother and two aunts were raised Shaker and as a result, there are many Shaker items, such as the rocking chair to her left, and storage boxes, decorating Grewell's house. DAVID ZENTZ/JOURNAL STAR

Shaker heritage

Shaker heritage
Originally uploaded by davidzentz

A large canopy bed is the centerpiece of a bedroom in Grewell's home on Moss Avenue. DAVID ZENTZ/JOURNAL STAR

In the spotlight

Church of LDS
Originally uploaded by davidzentz

Sister Adele Gabriel, Rachel Leech and elder Christopher Berrett, front to back, listen as Chris Linehan leads a class on gospel principles for new members and missionaries at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on West Reservoir Blvd in Peoria on a Sunday in June. Particularly for young church members in their early 20's, serving a two-year mission of proselytizing and community service away from home is a common practice. With Mitt Romney running for president, the Mormon Church is in the spotlight. DAVID ZENTZ/JOURNAL STAR

In the spotlight

Church of LDS
Originally uploaded by davidzentz

Missionaries Hector Gonzalez, Christopher Berrett, Steven Roush, and Time Hymas, left to right, listen as Chris Linehan leads a class on gospel principles for new members and missionaries at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on West Reservoir Blvd in Peoria on a Sunday in June. With Mitt Romney running for president, the Mormon Church is in the spotlight. DAVID ZENTZ/JOURNAL STAR

In the spotlight

Church of LDS
Originally uploaded by davidzentz

A young member of the Peoria ward of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints peers through the doorway to the church temple during a service in June. With Mitt Romney running for president, the Mormon Church is in the spotlight. DAVID ZENTZ/JOURNAL STAR

HOI Fair

HOI Fair
Originally uploaded by davidzentz

Siblings Jeremy Brock, 8, left, and Jerisha Alexander, 9, and fair worker Clint Harris ride the Dream Machine on an overcast Monday afternoon while attending the HOI Fair. DAVID ZENTZ/JOURNAL STAR

HOI Fair

HOI Fair
Originally uploaded by davidzentz

Fair-goers ride the Dream Machine on an overcast Monday afternoon at the HOI Fair. DAVID ZENTZ/JOURNAL STAR

HOI Fair

HOI Fair
Originally uploaded by davidzentz

James Davis, 14, gives Sarah Shue, 13 a piggy back ride while walking through the HOI fair on an overcast Monday afternoon. DAVID ZENTZ/JOURNAL STAR

HOI Fair

Love and attention
Originally uploaded by davidzentz

Amber Mayer laughs with Lori Fuller as her puppy decides to take a nap by a carnival game as she and other workers prepare for Friday's opening day of the HOI Fair Thursday afternoon. DAVID ZENTZ/JOURNAL STAR

Love and attention

HOI Fair
Originally uploaded by davidzentz

Diane Parrish comforts her 8-year-old son Stuart, who has autism, after he got upset during a class on animals at the Lakeview Museum Tuesday afternoon. Parrish and her husband, Robert, have spent the last year setting up a local chapter of the Autism Society of America to help other parents with the difficulties that come with raising an autistic child. The Parrish's have had great success with Stuart, who is on grade level and attends classes without an aide, through constant attentitiveness, working on his level and building up from there. DAVID ZENTZ/JOURNAL STAR

Love and attention

Love and attention
Originally uploaded by davidzentz

Robert and Diane Parrish sit with their 8-year-old son Stuart, who has autism, at their home in Peoria. The Parrish's have spent the past year setting up a local chapter of the Autism Society of America in Peoria to help other families cope with the difficulties of raising a child with autism. The Parrish's claim their success with Stuart, who is on grade level and attends school without an aide, is due to working with him on his level and building from there. DAVID ZENTZ/JOURNAL STAR

Love and attention

Building community
Originally uploaded by davidzentz

Stuart Parrish, 8, briefly zones out before resuming playing in his room with his siblings. Stuart has autism and his parents, Diane and Robert Parrish, have spent the last year setting up a local chapter of the Autism Society to help other parents of autistic children in Central Illinois. DAVID ZENTZ/JOURNAL STAR

Love and attention

Love and attention
Originally uploaded by davidzentz

Stuart Parrish, 8, gets a hug from his older sister, Sarah, 19, after becoming upset while playing with his younger sisters, Kathryn, 10, in back and Anna, 4, not pictured. Raising Stuart, who has autism, is a team effort for the Parrish family. DAVID ZENTZ/JOURNAL STAR

Love and attention

Building community
Originally uploaded by davidzentz

Stuart Parrish, 8, plays with his on a swing set with his siblings at home in Peoria. His parents, Diane and Robert Parrish are starting a local chapter of the Autism Society of America. The couple say they have had tremendous success with Stuart by working at his level and building up from there. DAVID ZENTZ/JOURNAL STAR

Eponymous surprise

Eponymous surprise
Originally uploaded by davidzentz

Neighborhood activist Frank Lewis, 64, leans on mayor Jim Ardis as he is overcome with emotion Thursday evening upon the unveiling of a sign marking the lot at the corner of Wayne and NE Monroe Streets as the Frank D. Lewis Park. More than 50 people, including fellow members of the Old Town North Neighborhood Association, family, friends and community leaders, surprised Lewis, who is terminally ill with pancreatic cancer, with the dedication of the park. DAVID ZENTZ/JOURNAL STAR

Eponymous surprise

Eponymous surprise
Originally uploaded by davidzentz

A large crowd of friends and family gather around neighborhood activist Frank Lewis, 64, at a surprise dedication ceremony of the Frank D. Lewis Park at the corner of Wayne and NE Monroe Streets Thursday afternoon. Lewis, who is terminally ill with pancreatic cancer, was overcome with emotion throughout the ceremony as individuals took turns sharing their thanks with him for his dedication to the community. DAVID ZENTZ/JOURNAL STAR

Eponymous surprise

Eponymous surprise
Originally uploaded by davidzentz

Old North Town neighborhood activist Frank Lewis, 64, is choked up by the outpouring of support as friends, neighbors and local officials gathered to surprise him with the dedication of the Frank D. Lewis Park at the corner of Wayne and NE Monroe Streets Thursday afternoon. DAVID ZENTZ/JOURNAL STAR

Eponymous surprise

Eponymous surprise
Originally uploaded by davidzentz

Frank Lewis's granddaughter Alexandra plays with her dog Cici in the park her grandfather helped build in a vacant lot on the corner of Wayne and NE Monroe Streets in Peoria during a surprise dedication ceremony held for Lewis Thursday afternoon. DAVID ZENTZ/JOURNAL STAR

Das Boot

Das Boot
Originally uploaded by davidzentz

Peoria Parking Enforcement officer Sharon Williams stands by the first vehicle in Peoria to receive the boot for unpaid parking tickets shortly after booting it Wednesday afternoon. City officials have decided to take stronger action on scofflaws, in this case, those with five or more outstanding parking tickets, since a great number of tickets go unpaid. DAVID ZENTZ/JOURNAL STAR

River regatta

River regatta
Originally uploaded by davidzentz

Jim Babel, front, and Bill Hawk of Gull Lake, Michigan come around a turn while competing in the 2007 District 4 Blue Star regatta hosted by the the IVY Club on the Illinois River Sunday morning. DAVID ZENTZ/JOURNAL STAR

River regatta

River regatta
Originally uploaded by davidzentz

Boaters compete in the 2007 District 4 Blue Star regatta hosted by the the IVY Club on the Illinois River Sunday morning. DAVID ZENTZ/JOURNAL STAR

River regatta

River regatta
Originally uploaded by davidzentz

The regatta boat of Fred Braastad and Nick Cione catches a gust of wind during the 2007 District 4 Blue Star regatta hosted by the the IVY Club on the Illinois River Sunday morning. DAVID ZENTZ/JOURNAL STAR

River regatta

River regatta
Originally uploaded by davidzentz

Matt Pederson and Tom Londrigan Jr. of Springfield sail across the Illinois River during at the 2007 District 4 Blue Star regatta hosted by the the IVY Club Sunday morning. The pair were the overall winners for the three-day competition. DAVID ZENTZ/JOURNAL STAR

More minimum

More minimum
Originally uploaded by davidzentz

As a customer gets change from the machine, Rodregas Cockfield, 54, of Peoria watches over the Waterworks car wash on North Western Avenue, one of three jobs where he works for at or just above minimum wage. The statewide minimum wage increase from $6.50 to $7.50 an hour, with annual increases of 25 cents through 2010, will be particularly helpful to Cockfield, who is working toward opening up his own auto detailing shop in Peoria. DAVID ZENTZ/JOURNAL STAR

Farm life

Farm life
Originally uploaded by davidzentz

Peoria County Farm Bureau manager Patrick Kirchhofer is reflected in an exhibit on rural church life, featuring a wedding dress from 1942, as he puts up agriculturally-themed coloring contest submissions sent in from area schools on the opening day of the Farm Life exhibit at Three Sisters Park Thursday afternoon. The exhibit, which runs through August 19, showcases artifacts from the past 100 years of American farm life. The coloring contest is designed to heighten children's awareness of the importance of agriculture in our lives, noting that only 1 percent of American children today grow up on farms. DAVID ZENTZ/JOURNAL STAR

Farm life

Farm life
Originally uploaded by davidzentz

Thursday kicked off the first day of the Farm Life exhibit at Three Sisters Park, showcasing artifacts from the past 100 years of life on the farm. The exhibit will be there through August 19. DAVID ZENTZ/JOURNAL STAR

Chiefs

Chiefs
Originally uploaded by davidzentz

The Chiefs' Russ Canzler collides with the outfield wall, unable to stop a Timber Rattlers' homerun on the first at-bat of the game as the Chiefs took on the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers at O'Brien Field Monday night. The Timber Rattlers maintained their dominance throughout the game, winning 15-3. DAVID ZENTZ/JOURNAL STAR

Chiefs

Chiefs
Originally uploaded by davidzentz

The Chiefs are defeated by the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers 15-3 at O'Brien Field Monday night. DAVID ZENTZ/JOURNAL STAR

Lots of love

Lots of love
Originally uploaded by davidzentz

Loriann Ellis, 39, reacts after seeing how much hair her daugther, Shelby Grow, 12, at right, just cut off to donate to the Locks of Love charity at their home in West Peoria. The two of them and Ellis's father, Richard Johnston, 66, all decided to cut off their hair together for the cause. Ellis donated 10 inches, Grow gave 14 and Johnston gave 28 inches. DAVID ZENTZ/JOURNAL STAR

Lots of love

Lots of love
Originally uploaded by davidzentz

Loriann Ellis, 39, helps her father, Richard Johnston, 66, put his hair in pony tails before cutting it off to donate to the Locks of Love charity. Johnston donated about 28 inches of hair that had been growing for about 7 years. DAVID ZENTZ/JOURNAL STAR

Lots of Love

Lots of Love
Originally uploaded by davidzentz

Stuart Mitchell, left, and Mike Ellis laugh as they watch Loriann Ellis, 39, cut off the last inches of her 66-year-old father, Richard Johnston's, hair after the two of them and Ellis's 12-year-old daughter, Shelby Grow, all cut off their hair to donate to the Locks of Love charity, while barbecueing at home in West Peoria Sunday afternoon. Johnston donated the most with more than 28 inches, followed by Ellis's 14 inches and Grow's 10 inches. DAVID ZENTZ/JOURNAL STAR

Tri-county tennis

Tri-county tennis
Originally uploaded by davidzentz





David Zentz

Photojournalist

Peoria Journal Star

http://www.davidzentz.com

http://davidzentz.blogspot.com

352-262-0702
Teri Chan sends a forhand shot back to her opponent, Wendy Rogers, during her 6-1, 6-2 victory in the Women's Open singles finals of the 39th Tri-County tennis tournament at Glen Oak Park Sunday morning. DAVID ZENTZ/JOURNAL STAR

Grass roots

Grass roots
Originally uploaded by davidzentz

Councilwoman Barbara Van Auken holds her cellphone to a microphone to project Barack Obama over loudspeakers to a small crowd of supporters gathered for a fundraiser at Kelleher's Irish Pub & Eatery Wednesday night. DAVID ZENTZ/JOURNAL STAR

Grass roots

Grass roots
Originally uploaded by davidzentz

From left, Mary Patton, Tina and Cliff Stamm and Trish Schmidt listen as Peoria City Councilwoman Barbara Van Auken projects Barack Obama's voice over loudspeakers from the upstairs balcony during an Obama campaign fundraiser at Kelleher's Irish Pub & Eatery Wednesday night. The fundraiser had Obama simultaneously calling in to multiple fundraisers around the state. DAVID ZENTZ/JOURNAL STAR