Peoria Il, April 2, 2013: A re-branding campaign is in full swing at the law office of Ghantous & Almasi. Previously known as Ghantous Law Offices Ltd., the company has been in business for nearly 29 years. New commercials are airing as of today, April 2 and they have also created a new logo and a softer tagline. Updates have been made to their website and a new social media campaign is in effect as well. These changes are being made in an effort to show the community that the firm is still a strong presence in the Peoria area.

Included in this new push for the business are multiple community efforts as well. The company is showing its support for local politicians and looking into other ways that it can help out the community that has allowed it to be a force in personal injury cases for over 25 years. Future efforts will most likely include a scholarship and other local philanthropic efforts.

Owner Leo Ghantous states that: “The changes being made to our law firm are to demonstrate to the community and our clients that we are here and we care. We are a small firm by choice. We made that choice so that nothing slips through the cracks. As Ghantous & Almasi, we’ll make sure that mentality translates through to what we do in the community as well.”

Ghantous & Alasmi, previously known as Ghantous Law Offices Ltd., is a law firm based out of Peoria, IL. The owner is 26 year legal veteran Leo Ghantous and his partner is Andrew Almasi. They focus on personal injury, family law, and DUI defense. These Peoria attorneys are known for their personalized counsel and attention to detail in the representation of their clients. For more information see the law firm’s website at www.ghantouslaw.com. The company can be reached by phone at (309) 672-1444, and is located at 3100 N. Dries Lane in Peoria.

Hopedale, IL – Hopedale Medical Complex is committed to providing the community with excellent services. Miss Mona’s Daycare, our well respected, nurturing child care facility, is now accepting PUBLIC enrollment for 3-5 year olds.

Miss Mona’s has been on the HMC campus since 1999. They pride themselves on a “children first” experience for all families. The children will be nurtured everyday with activities for mental, physical, and emotional well being. Children are encouraged to express themselves and be inspired. Miss Mona’s offers a variety of programs and equipment for the daycare developmental experience including: Large outdoor playground equipment with a paved bike trail, security cameras, full time or part time enrollment, staff with CPR and AED certifications, meals and snacks provided including infant formula, cereal and jar food, bi-annual screenings, large indoor play room, summer field trips, and parents are welcome to stop by at any time.

If you would like more information please call Director Jennifer Bowman at 309.449.4933. Miss Mona’s Daycare is located adjacent to The Commons Assisted living facility on the Hopedale Medical Complex campus.

Hopedale Medical Complex is dedicated to promoting the experience of excellent healthcare, healthy lifestyles, health education, and wellness. Visit HopedaleMC.com to learn more about the services offered at Hopedale Medical Complex, which is just 10 miles south of Morton, off Interstate 155 (Exit 19.)

Peoria, Illinois – Congratulations to all Midstate College students who have earned a place on the Winter Term Perfect Attendance List for their outstanding commitment to furthering their education. Congratulations on a job well done!

Atlanta – Jody L. Wibben
Aurora – Oronde D. Davis
Bartonville – Lynnette J. Carter, Lindsey N. Cash, Cynthia L. Crosswhite, Angelic K. Mathus, Columbia J. Ozuna, David C. Ozuna, Kim C. Stanley
Bellevue – Tracey L. LaValle
Brimfield – Alicia R. Couri, Jamie L. Little, Stephenia L. Robinson
Canton – Joseph W. Riley
Chillicothe – Brian J. Buss, Crystal M. Ivey, Linda L. Lancaster, Shawnna M. Sisk
Congerville – Kayla M. Hartter
Creve Coeur – Jennifer Althiser, Linda K. Cox, Veronica L. Elms
Cuba – Debra S. Ridgeway
Decatur – Crystal L. Kitchens
Deer Creek – Cassie E. Flannigan
Delavan – Jennifer L. Mitchell
Dunlap – Elizabeth L. Benker
East Peoria – Jacy A. Daniels, Troy W. Erbentraut, Samantha C. Gross, Jasmyn C. Kelso
Russell E. Neal, April J. Stidham
Edelstein – Cristina M. Bishop, Patricia A. Colwell
Edwards – Andrea M. Gallagher
Farmington – Kristin M. Grubb
Galesburg – Rachel M. Stomberg
Germantown Hills – Lydia A. Gilmour, Stefanie D. Murrell
Green Valley – Shannon M. Harbourn
Hanna City – Denise K. Anderson
Havana – Chelsey S. Clayton
Heyworth – Kayrn A. Hedrick
Hudson – Deanna M. Elshoff
Knoxville – Marci J. Menard,
La Moille – Cari L. Becker
Lacon – Karly M. Haworth, Jennifer L. Kelly
Lewistown – Shane E. Rosencrans
Mackinaw – Brad W. Lessard, Michel L. Mayberry-Pawlak, Jennifer R. Osman
Manito – Dori J. Ford, Kirk R. Garman
Marquette Heights – Darla S. Chismark
Metamora – Cord N. Crisler, Cynthia L. VanDusen
Morton – Steven D. Cassady, Michelle R. Eads, Angelia R. Evans, Heather C. Kinser, Jonathan L. Leggins, Stephanie C. McFarlane
Normal – Abby L. Beck, Travis L. Beck
Oneida – Jamie J. Johnson
Ottawa – Celeste M. Margherio
Pekin – Adam P. Barker, Erika E. Bickerman, Heather J. Dunlap, Nicholas A. Gale, Amy M. Hansen, Matthew T. Happach, Charissa L. Hilst, Brenda M. Jacobs, Katelyn M. Neel, Kaylee A. Ozuna, Molly A. Sering, Amanda L. Siwecki, Nicole R. Stenzel, David R. Strode, Amanda K. Williams
Peoria – Kenneth J. Arant, Maria I. Barragan, Tracy L. Bennett, Natalie N. Boatman, Vipapone K. Bounnack, Timothy W. Bradshaw, Deana L. Burke, James D. Burke, Jacqueline D. Childs, Valerie L. Chrostowski, Brittney A. Collins, Donna A. Davis, Patricia A. Davis, Kathleen L. Deffenbaugh, Evergreen Dotson, Eric J. Dubrowski, Alice C. Evans, Tracy L. Ford, Maricela G. Garza, Julie L. Hoadley, Rebecca S. Homolka, Tricia E. Hoskins, Norma J. Hughes, Linda K. Jasper, Ashley N. King, Daniel S. Krile, Sherry K. Leonard, Kristina R. Manning, Diana L. Martinez, Jennifer A. McKenzie, Gregory S. McMurtrey, Robert F. Mitchell, Erin K. Moore, Matthew L. Morrow, Brent K. Oakes, Emily R. Pearson, Ann M. Pokorski, Casey M. Pyles, Jill M. Ramirez, Cathy M. Rodgers-Warren, Erica D. Rowry, Patricia A. Rubnich, Charissa L. Smith, Darcy S. Smith, Deborah L. Smith, Cheryl A. Stach, Christine M. Stowell, Annette L. Swanson, Erica D. Telles, Daniel Z. Torralba, Nyrobi S. Wheeler, Carolyn J. Williams, Allison M. Wood, Nikki M. Wright
Peoria Heights – Diana L. Brown, Rodney N. Brown, Briana N. Couve, Gerald L. Leathers, Diane R. Mariscal, Dennis C. Peck
Princeville – Cynthia A. Schuerr, South Elgin, Tyler A. Shields
Sparland – Katherine N. Price, Angela A. Riddell
Springfield – Tara A. Hohimer, Anne M. Kerwin
Stanford – Jessica D. Lee
Varna – Melissa F. Hofmann
Victoria – Brittany E. Becher
Washington – Teresa E. Brown, Kari G. Grund, Michelle L. Hastings, Deborah M. Kupferschmid, Leiana E. Moore, Vickie L. Potts, Richard D. Sank, Reva M. Schoch, Patrice A. Wilson
West Peoria – Danielle A. Baumgardner, William J. Folmar, Clare E. Ripp
Sahuarita, AZ – Melody M. Hales
Maple City, MI – Scott E. Kissau

For more information, please contact Ashley Spain, arspain@midstate.edu or 309.692.4092 ext. 1150.

Peoria – The Peoria County Board’s Minority Business Ad-hoc Committee has rescheduled the first of a series of free quarterly meetings sponsored by PNC Bank for minority, women, and disadvantaged business owners and entrepreneurs (collectively, MBEs). The public meeting will be from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 18 at Thrive Capital Partners, Inc., 919 S. Matthew Street, Peoria (formerly, Blaine-Sumner School). The meeting will feature two panels: one of small business service providers and a second panel comprised of local small business owners who will offer advice and answer questions of those present. MBEs are encouraged to attend.

The Minority Business Ad-hoc Committee meets regularly at 4:30 p.m. the second Tuesday of each month in Room 402 of the Peoria County Courthouse, 324 Main Street. Committee meetings are open to the public. For more information on the Committee or its quarterly public meetings, please contact Mark Rothert, Assistant County Administrator for Economic Development, at (309) 672-6056.

The Peoria Area Chamber of Commerce will host the first of two “Understanding the Affordable Care Act” workshops TOMORROW Tuesday, April 2nd from 11:45 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. This event is SOLD OUT to the public. Understanding the Affordable Care Act

There are many issues up in the air right now that will have a major impact on Illinois businesses. One such issue is the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Many employers and business leaders are concerned because the ACA is quite complex and confusing. There are many changes that will go into effect in 2014, so now is the time to plan and prepare.

The Peoria Area Chamber of Commerce is offering a workshop luncheon to learn more about the ACA’s impact on your business and how to best prepare for the changes that are on the horizon. These changes are going to impact all industries and businesses of all sizes, so it’s important you understand how it affects you and your business today. We have invited Laura Minzer from the Illinois Chamber of Commerce to host this workshop and help you decipher employer obligations & understand coverage options under the ACA. Laura is Associate Vice President, Government Affairs Executive Director and Healthcare Council at the Illinois Chamber of Commerce.

This event will be a great opportunity to learn a lot about the new law, to ask questions and get specific answers, and also to connect with other professionals and business owners to learn about how they plan to handle this upcoming transition. Find out about employer coverage requirements, the new penalty system and the state health insurance exchange.

Due to overwhelming response, there will be two workshops on Tuesday, April 2nd from 11:45 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. and Monday, May 13th from 11:45 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. at the Kepple Team Real Estate office at Keller Williams (2426 W Cornerstone Ct, Peoria, IL 61614). These workshops are open to the public but RESERVATIONS ARE REQUIRED. The cost is $15 for Chamber members and $30 for future members and lunch will be provided. Call Jolene at 495-5923 or jcole@chamber.h-p.org to register or reserve a seat online at http://peoriachamber.org/event/affordable-care-act-aca. The Affordable Care Act workshop is sponsored by Proctor Hospital.

Peoria – Peoria County is celebrating National County Government Month (NCGM) this April. NCGM is an annual recognition month organized by the National Association of Counties and this year’s theme is “Smart Justice.” Peoria County offers opportunities throughout the month for citizens to learn more about county government. Residents of the county are encouraged to participate in one or more of the following free events. For more information on any of the month’s activities, please call the Communications Department at 672-6918.

City and County Collaboration
Thursday, April 4
6:00 – 7:00 p.m.
Illinois Central College North Campus, Hickory Hall Room 108

When multiple jurisdictions collaborate on service delivery they save taxpayer dollars by sharing the cost, eliminating duplicity, and improving efficiencies. The Metro Peoria Committee is a joint effort by the Peoria City Council and Peoria County Board to enhance collaboration between the two units of government. Participants will learn about current initiatives and discuss opportunities for future collaboration. Interested persons may register by calling 690-6900 or visiting www.icc.edu/acp and selecting “Know Your Community” in the workshop schedule.

Hands Around the Courthouse
Friday, April 19
Noon
Peoria County Courthouse Plaza

April is Child Abuse Prevention Month and the Youth Services Network Panel in conjunction with Peoria County is hosting its annual “Hands Around the Courthouse” event to draw attention to the 1,009 pending child abuse and neglect cases in Peoria County. Guest speakers will talk about the importance of child abuse prevention. Persons attending the event will join hands to show their support of local prevention efforts. Attendees are encouraged to wear blue to show their support.

Economic Development: A Regional Approach
Thursday, April 25
6:00 – 7:00 p.m.
Illinois Central College North Campus

Economic development is critical to the success of any community. Those interested in our economic future can learn more about the region’s growth and development strategy from Peoria County’s economic development team. Interested persons may register by calling 690-6900 or visiting www.icc.edu/acp and selecting “Know Your Community” in the workshop schedule.

Other departments promoting “Smart Justice” during the month of April include:

The Peoria County State’s Attorney’s Office will be raising public awareness of National Crime Victims’ Rights week, April 21-27.

The 10th Judicial Circuit created a Court Services brochure that includes information about specialty courts and legal resources

The Children’s Waiting Room will begin distributing a coloring page/informational flyer to children visiting the waiting room: on the back of the coloring page is information about the Legal Self Help Center for parents and guardians.

CWTC has joined forces with Buffalo Wild Wings in Peoria for Takeover Night, Monday, April 15th from 5PM-9PM. You can celebrate filing your taxes and help CWTC while enjoying great food at Buffalo Wild Wings in Peoria.

Buffalo Wild Wings will donate 15% of all pre-taxed food sales (less alcohol and discounts) from all guests who present a CWTC flyer to their server or cashier when they purchase food between 5:00 – 9:00 p.m. (including carry-out)!

Patti Gratton, Executive Director for CWTC, says “We are so happy to accept Buffalo Wild Wing’s invitation to participate in Take Over Night! Their generosity to help CWTC with their incredible menu is greatly appreciated!”

Fliers can be picked up at CWTC, 3215 N. University Street, Peoria, IL 61604 or you can download one at www.cwtc.org Fliers must accompany the order for the donation to be applied.

For more information contact Rick Stephenson at 686-3300.

CWTC, Community Workshop and Training Center, Inc., provides programs and services to adults with disabilities; enriching their quality of life, promoting social change, and optimizing their potential for independence.

Who: CWTC, Community Workshop and Training Center, Inc.
What: CWTC Takeover Night at Buffalo Wild Wings
When: Monday, April 15, 2013, 5PM-9PM
Where: Buffalo Wild Wings
5121 West American Prairie Drive
Peoria, IL 61615-9239

Wed, 04/17/2013 – 3:00pm
The Business Showcase will be held at the Peoria Civic Center on April 17, 2013 from 3:00 – 7:00 p.m.

For more information, please contact Tessa Bonello at tbonello@chamber.h-p.org or 309.495.5970.

The Peoria Park District’s Co-Rec Kickball starts Sunday, April 21 at Peoria Stadium. Teams of 10-15 players (with at least three female players) will attempt to outrun their opponents with a little friendly and enjoyable competition.

Team Fees are $75 for resident teams and $80 for non-resident teams. Player Fee is $10 for residents and $15 for non-residents. Registration packets are available at Glen Oak Park Pavilion, Franciscan Recreation Complex, RiverPlex, and online at: http://www.peoriaparks.org/kickball. Please note that online registration is not available; registration packets must be returned to the Glen Oak Park Pavilion.

For more information, contact Matt Suellentrop, Sports Coordinator, at 681-2866 or visit www.peoriaparks.org/kickball.

The Peoria Park District’s Golf Learning Center is offering free clinics on Saturday, April 27. Sign up by calling (309) 690-7162. Limited to 20 people per session.

Ages Time
7-11 1:00 – 2:00 p.m.
12-16 2:15 – 3:15 p.m.
17+ 3:30 – 4:30 p.m.