Former President of Music Operations for Warner Bros. Pictures, Doug Frank, is coming to Bradley University. He will be on campus on Monday, September 9 to meet with students and faculty from the music business program. He will share his insights into how to get into the industry and will showcase some of his experiences working on shows with celebrities like Celine Dion.

He’ll give students and faculty insight into the music business from all aspects of the industry including creating movie music, legal and music clearance functions, how to work with composers, musicians and singers plus much more.

He also will work with Bradley on the Hollywood semester which offers students a chance to live, study and intern in Los Angeles giving them a rare opportunity to experience the working world of the entertainment industry.

CHICAGO, Sept. 6, 2013— Six years after being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, Peoria resident Becky Zentko is once again joining hundreds of other walkers and fundraisers for Walk MS, the largest annual fundraiser of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Greater Illinois Chapter, this Sunday, September 8, at Tower Park in Peoria Heights. Peoria’s Walk MS event is part of a 13-site network of walks taking place throughout Illinois, bringing over 12,000 people together with a goal of raising over $2.7 million for MS research, programs and services. Zentko and her team, Bright Future, have already raised nearly $2,000 this year, making them one of the top fundraising teams in the Peoria area. Zentko and her team will help kick-off opening ceremonies beginning at 12:45 p.m.

WHAT: Walk MS 2013 – the rallying point of the movement to end multiple sclerosis and largest annual fundraiser of the National MS Society, Greater Illinois Chapter. The two autumn Walk MS events (Peoria and Urbana) combined with the 11 Walks that took place in the spring are expected to raise more than $2.7 million for MS research, programs and services.

WHEN: Sunday, September 8 – Registration begins at noon, opening ceremonies at 12:45 p.m., and the walk begins at 1:00 p.m.

WHERE: Tower Park, 1222 East Kingman Avenue, Peoria Heights, IL

WHO: The National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Greater Illinois Chapter

WHY: Multiple sclerosis is an unpredictable, often disabling, autoimmune disease of the central nervous system that interrupts the flow of information between the brain and the body and stops people from moving. Proceeds from Walk MS go toward research, programs and services that improve the lives of the 20,000 people in Illinois affected by MS.

PEORIA, IL — Hollywood’s “Man of Steel” will open in Peoria Riverfront Museum’s Giant Screen Theater Friday, September 13; the next movie to play downtown Peoria. “Man of Steel” is a 2013 superhero film based on the comic character Superman.

Movie Synopsis
As the planet of Krypton crumbles, General Zod stages a coup as concerned leader Jor-El and his wife send their infant son Kal-El to a distant world called Earth. Superman flies back onto the big screen in this Warner Bros./Legendary Pictures production directed by Zack Snyder and produced by Christopher Nolan.

To purchase tickets and to see what is currently playing in the theater, visit www.PeoriaRiverfrontMuseum.org

Any movie is bigger, bolder and better in Peoria Riverfront Museum’s Giant Screen Theater. The theater has a screen that measures 52 feet tall by 70 feet wide and features RealD 3D, Hollywood’s preferred 3D provider. With the newest and brightest projectors available, visitors take in ultra-sharp, ultra-detailed images. A state-of-the-art audio system with surround sound and stadium seating also enhance the viewing experience. Movie fans can choose from daytime educational movies and evening Hollywood films.

PEORIA, IL – The Peoria City Council will make a decision regarding the purchase option of the Water Company by the end of October 2013. As water is a basic and essential resource with sustainability at its core, Mayor Jim Ardis has asked the Sustainability Commission to provide the Council with supplemental information to allow them to make an informed decision in the best interest of the community.

Furthermore, Mayor Ardis, along with the Chairman of the Sustainability Commission, Dr. Amir Al-Khafaji, have asked a group of prominent business people to provide objective feedback that focuses on the following:

1. broadly discuss the pros and cons of acquisition and provide point/counterpoint analysis to these issues;

2. attain updated financial information including revenues, expenses, capital expenditures, infrastructure replacement, etc.;

3. review IL-AWC historical price increases and compare to city-owned rate estimates (i.e., 3% per year, every year);

4. determine costs of financing/interest rates;

5. research what has been done successfully in other communities.

Although each item listed above has the potential to easily branch into additional questions and areas of interest, Mayor Ardis believes “the group needs to remain focused on the above items and provide sufficient data and information on each so that the Council, City Manager and City Staff have a concise base of knowledge from which to begin discussion and analysis.”

As such, Mayor Ardis and Dr. Al-Khafaji have asked former Councilmember Bob Manning to serve as Chairman of the group that will be providing feedback to the Council. Members that have agreed to serve in addition to Mr. Manning include:

Jim Mamer, Morton Community Banks
Tim Krueger, Thrive and former Maui Jim CFO
Mo Dalhoumi, ADM
Larry Ivory, President, Illinois Black Chamber
Mike Everett, Business Development Director, West Central Illinois Building and Constructions Trade Council
Dr. Robert Fuessle, Bradley University

Mayor Ardis expects that the group will work quickly and provide the Council with information in advance for discussion. In addition, Mayor Ardis stated “I firmly believe that Mr. Manning’s background and understanding of these issues will be invaluable. Information the Sustainability group provides us will insure a solid decision is made on this important issue.”

Please be advised, there is a large water main break at Main/University, in the City Of Peoria. Street department personnel and Illinois American Water are at the scene. If at all possible, please choose another travel route.

Kids Rock at the PPL! Presents: Jeanie B! and the Jelly Beans

Saturday, September 21 – 1:00 – 2:00 p.m.
Peoria Public Library North Branch McKenzie Room
1:00-2:00 p.m.
The award-winning Jeanie B! & the Jelly Beans will rock your socks off! Critically acclaimed, packing shows across the Midwest, and in rotation on Sirius XM Radio, Jeanie B uses what she hears around the neighborhood to create irresistible pop songs: “Kids will tell me things about themselves or life, and it’s like they are dictating lyrics to me!” Proceeds from CDs will benefit the Friends of the Peoria Public Library.

Music in the McKenzie Presents: Beth Bombara

Sunday, September 29 – 2:00-4:00 p.m.
Peoria Public Library North Branch
A Grand Rapids, MI native and current St. Louis resident, Beth has developed her signature sound over the past decade, drawing inspiration from not only her favorite rock, blues, and folk musicians but also from the places she’s lived in and toured through over the years, first as a member of Samantha Crain and the Midnight Shivers and then as a solo artist. Beth has steadfastly grown into her identity as a strong musician first and foremost, loath to be categorized as another delicate female singer-songwriter. Beth’s versatility in live performances and multi-instrumental chops make her much more than just another “girl with a guitar.” CDs will be available to purchase with proceeds going to the Friends of the Peoria Public Library.

Sign up today for Peoria Park District Happy Feet Soccer for ages 2-3 at the RiverPlex. Sessions start October 7 and 11 and run for five weeks. Registration fee is $36/residents, $41/non-residents. A variety of times are available.

This soccer program is a perfect starting point for developing skills as it is non-competitive and uses fun techniques to train advanced motor skills, dynamic dribbling, shooting skills and fitness.

For more information and to register online, visit www.peoriaparks.org/sports. Questions on Happy Feet Soccer should be directed to Matt Suellentrop at 681-2866 or msuellentrop@peoriaparks.org.

You can always count on your little black dress to make you feel confident.

Peoria, IL – Dress for Success Peoria will celebrate by hosting the Little Black Dress Extravaganza, sponsored in part by lia sophia and Lite Rock 107, on Wednesday, September 25th, 2013 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. at Peoria Marriott Pere Marquette Hotel- 501 Main Street, Peoria, IL, 61602.

Who: Dress for Success Peoria
What: Dress for Success Peoria Little Black Dress Extravaganza

The event is sponsored in part by lia sophia and Lite Rock 107. Tickets for the event are $25. Tickets can be purchased at the door for $30.

Little black dress is optional.

The 5th annual Girls Night Out event will bring together a variety of vendors selected to give women a chance to sample products and services targeted specifically for them – all in single location. The evening will include food, cash bar, vendors, a style show, demonstrations and raffles.

Tickets and a complete list of vendors is available online at www.dressforsucccess.org/peoria.

When: Wednesday, September 25, 2013 from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m.
Little Black Dress Style Show: on-the-go throughout the evening

Where: Peoria Marriott Pere Marquette Hotel, 501 Main St., Peoria, IL, 61602

The Little Black Dress Extravaganza is a unique ‘girls night out’; designed specifically for women who love clothes, shoes, accessories, and most importantly, having fun! Think about how you feel when you put on your favorite Little Black Dress. It fits just right and looks great on you. You can always count on your little black dress to make you feel confident. Now imagine if you felt that way in every outfit you own.

This is what Dress for Success Peoria is all about – helping women feel confident and empowered as they take control of their lives. Dress for Success Peoria provides not only interview and employment attire, but also additional tools, skills and resources to complete the entire package. Dress for Success Peoria has suited over 2000 women in the Peoria Area. Women of different races, ages, background; women with different obstacles to overcome; women with different dreams and hopes; women with one thing in common – the courage to improve their lives as well as those of their families.

Tickets for Little Black Dress Extravaganza are in advance by September 24th $25 each or you can purchase a Girlfriend Ticket Package – 5 tickets for $100. Tickets can be purchased at the door for $30. Appetizers will be available, in addition to a cash bar. Local businesses and representatives will be on hand to display new and exciting merchandise in addition to a variety of ongoing product/service demonstrations. Several area stores and boutiques will provide their version of the perfect Little Black Dress for the on-the-go style show. Models will include Dress for Success Peoria participants.

“At Dress for Success Peoria, we see the confidence and empowerment that comes the right clothes,” stated by Sarah Fletcher, Program Director of Dress for Success Peoria, “This event is a time for ladies to have a fabulous, fun-filled night out and support an organization that helps women at the same time.” As designer Karl Lagerfeld once said ‘One is never over-dress or underdressed in a little black dress.’

Tickets will be available for six Grand Prize raffles. Tickets are $10 or 3 for $25. Prizes list is available at www.dressforsuccess.org/peoria.

About Dress for Success
Dress for Success is an international not-for-profit organization that promotes the economic independence of disadvantaged women by providing professional attire, a network of support and the career development tools to help women thrive in work and in life. Since starting operations in 1997, Dress for Success has expanded to more than 130 cities in 15 countries. To date, Dress for Success has helped more than 650,000 women work towards self-sufficiency. Visit www.dressforsuccess.org to learn more.

Dress for Success Peoria was founded in 1999 as a program of the Peoria Friendship House of Christian Service. To date, Dress for Success Peoria has suited more than 2000 women and currently has more than 40 active members of the Peoria Professional Women’s Group.

Visit www.dressforsuccess.org/peoria to learn more.

Join us and other stores in the Heights on Saturday, September 21 from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. for a special event called, “BAM! Books, Art & Music in the Heights”. Over 30 local artists featured in the book, “Art Lives in Central Illinois” will be on hand in ten Heights businesses to sign copies of the book and display their artwork. As a special treat, Marcia Henry Liebenow, Concertmaster for the Peoria Symphony Orchestra will also visit the shops and provide a sampling of her extraordinary violin playing.

On Saturday, September 28, we are featuring a book signing with Central Illinois native, Ryan Bartelmay. He will sign copies of his debut novel, “Onward Toward, What We’re Going Toward.” Bartelmay, who has his MFA in fiction writing, crafts an epic tale of the decline and fall of an American family set right here in Central Illinois.

4707 N. Prospect Ave.
Peoria Heights, IL 61616
309-685-2665

Peoria, IL (September 4, 2013) A new music education program for youth, the Music Preparatory School, featuring both piano and classical guitar instruction for children ages 4 through 18, is being offered this fall at Bradley University in Peoria.

Private and semi-private instruction is available from experienced faculty. The program offers an innovative “child-focused” curriculum, flexible scheduling, and the excellence of a university-based preparatory program.

Registration is now open with a limited number of openings in the piano education program. For more information, go to www.bradley.edu/continue or call (309) 677-2820.
Music Preparatory School was formerly called Piano Preparatory School for Youth. The program is offered by Bradley’s Department of Music with support from Continuing Education.