PEORIA, IL – Continuing efforts to help students and school districts, state Rep. Jehan Gordon-Booth (D-Peoria) recently passed legislation originating from Lt. Gov. Sheila Simon’s Classrooms First Commission aimed at making dollars go farther in Illinois schools.

“As schools across the state are facing tighter budgets, we must do everything we can to enable them to make smart financial choices,” said Gordon-Booth. “Mergers allow school districts to save money, allowing them to invest more money in their students, teachers, and community.”

The Classrooms First Commission was tasked with identifying ways for school districts to reduce duplicative administrative spending and increase educational offerings. House Bill 2267 contains three suggestions from the Class Rooms First Commission’s final report.

Under this proposal, non-contiguous school districts within 30 miles of each other would be allowed to consolidate. Schools districts that have an enrollment of fewer than 750 students would be allowed to participate in an expedited dissolution. This means school districts would be able to dissolve without a referendum vote. This legislation would also allow school districts waiting for school construction funds to delay consolidation until those funds have been awarded.

“People begin to worry when the state starts discussing school consolidations, but this bill is only intended to make it easier for school districts interested in consolidation to do so,” continued Gordon-Booth.

House Bill 2267 now moves to the Senate for further consideration. For more information, please contact Rep. Gordon-Booth’s constituent service office at (309) 681-1992 or e-mail her at repjgordon@gmail.com.

PEORIA, IL – State Rep. Jehan Gordon (D-Peoria) encourages qualifying households to apply to the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) to help pay for winter energy services. Peoria County residents should contact the Peoria Citizens Committee for Economic Opportunity (PCCEO) for assistance.

“Families throughout the region are struggling to make ends meet and this program can offer them a much needed helping hand,” said Gordon-Booth. “LIHEAP helps low-income households pay their heating bill. If you could use a little extra assistance, I encourage you to apply for this program.”

Eligibility for LIHEAP is based on the total household income earned in the 30 days prior to filling out an application. To receive funds, a household of two may make up to $1,839 and a household of 4 may make up to $2,794. Applicants must also supply a copy of their most recent heat and electric bills and social security numbers for everyone in the household. If applicants are also receiving state benefits, a copy of their Medical Eligibility Card must also be provided. All renters must also provide a copy of their rental agreement with the stated monthly rent.

To take advantage of LIHEAP funds that are still available, all applicants should call or visit the PCCEO for more information. The PCCEO is located at 711 W. McBean Street in Peoria. Applications will be processed until May 31, 2013 or until all funds from the program have been used.

“As the deadline for energy assistance approaches, I want to make sure that people who still need help in our community know where to go,” said Gordon-Booth. “LIHEAP can help provide you and your family with a little extra financial security.”

For more information, call the PCCEO office at (309) 671-3900 and ask for someone in the LIHEAP Department. You can also get more information by contacting Rep. Gordon-Booth’s constituent services office by calling (309) 681-1992 or by e-mailing repjgordon@gmail.com.

United Presbyterian Church To Host April 6

The Oakbrook Terrace Citadel Band & Songsters of The Salvation Army will be in concert at the United Presbyterian Church at 2400 Northmoor Road in Peoria on Saturday, April 6 at 5:30 p.m. Artistic and inspiring, this brass and percussion ensemble and songsters will perform a variety of repertoire from classical transcriptions to contemporary Christian music.

“We are grateful to United Presbyterian Church for hosting our divisional Music Day sessions and the Oakbrook Terrace Citadel Band and Songsters, and invite everyone to enjoy this wonderful brass ensemble,” said Major Evie Diaz, Divisional Commander for The Salvation Army.

The concert is Saturday, April 6 and is free of charge, but seating is limited. For more information, please contact Captain Rachel Stouder at The Salvation Army at 655-7220.

Peoria – Members of the Metro Peoria Committee’s Speakers Bureau will be presenting City of Peoria and Peoria County service collaboration initiatives to the Moss-Bradley Residential Association at the association’s regular meeting on Wednesday, April 3 from 7:00 – 8:00 p.m. at Westminster Church, 1420 W Moss Ave, Peoria. This meeting is open to the public.

The Metro Peoria Committee established a speakers bureau earlier this year to help raise awareness of the joint partnership between Peoria City and County governments. The committee, comprised of three County Board members and three City Council representatives, helps identify, investigate, and implement collaborative efforts for better service delivery to citizens.

Service clubs, community-based organizations, schools, or other groups wanting to learn more about local government matters such as collaborative efficiencies, citizen engagement, or transparency are encouraged to contact Jenny Fulton, Peoria County’s Director of Strategic Communications, to schedule a speaking engagement for Metro Peoria Committee members: (309) 672-6918 or jfulton@peoriacounty.org.

Baseball, sharks and dinosaurs will dominate the museum’s big screen.

PEORIA, IL— Peoria Riverfront Museum announces the next line up of movies coming to the Giant Screen Theater beginning Friday, April 29. Baseball, sharks and dinosaurs will appear on the museum’s big screen.

The museum salutes the beginning of baseball season with “Take Me Out to the Giant Screen Theater. Beginning on Friday, March 29 through Wednesday, April 3, some of baseball’s critically acclaimed and beloved movies will show on the big screen. Movie-goers can celebrate the upcoming opening day of Major League Baseball and register to win free tickets to Peoria Chiefs baseball games when they attend the March 29 showing of Moneyball. “Take Me Out to the Giant Screen Theater movie line-up:

Moneyball — March 29 at 7:15 p.m. & March 30 at 7:15 p.m.
Field of Dreams — April 1 at 7:15 p.m. & April 2 at 7:15 p.m.
A League of Their Own — April 3 at 7:15 p.m.

On Thursday, April 4, JAWS will be playing in the theater for a one-night-only event, part of the Giant Screen Spectacular Series, at 7:15 p.m. Tickets for JAWS go on sale this afternoon. To purchase tickets, visit PeoriaRiverfrontMuseum.org or call 309-686-7000.
Jurassic Park 3D will premiere on Friday, April 5. Universal Pictures is releasing Steven Spielberg’s classic dinosaur thriller as a celebration of the 20th anniversary of Jurassic Park, originally in theaters in 1993. Tickets go on sale this afternoon. To purchase Jurassic Park 3D tickets, visit PeoriaRiverfrontMuseum.org or call 309-686-7000.

The Women’s Fund of the Community Foundation of Central Illinois Announces its April First Tuesdays event at Silk Route

Peoria, IL- The Women’s Fund of the Community Foundation of Central Illinois is holding its monthly networking opportunity for central Illinois women on Tuesday, April 2, 2013 from 5:00-7:00pm at Silk Route.

Join local area women who are passionate about empowering women and children in our communities. Socialize and enjoy shopping at the same time! Silk Route is a studio with a unique shopping experience where every client is a guest and every product in studio is a treasure awaiting its rightful owner.

Most of the merchandise is handpicked from artists in the villages and cities of India . The studio carries a wide selection of scarves as well as interesting pieces of handcrafted jewelry in semi-precious stones for all occasions and seasons.

Women’s Fund
The Women’s Fund of the Community Foundation of Central Illinois is an endowment that supports projects that strengthen families and communities by empowering women and girls. Become part of a national movement towards Women’s Philanthropy and check out the Women’s Fund First Tuesdays on April 2, 2013. Learn how you can make a difference in the lives of women and children in your community. You may also visit www.communityfoundationci.org to find out more about the Women’s Fund and past grants.

Women’s Fund First Tuesdays
Tuesday, April 2, 2013
5:00-7:00pm

Silk Route
6615 N. Mill Lane
Peoria, IL 61614

Beginning March 28, the tigers at Peoria Zoo will be off exhibit for approximately two weeks while modifications are made to their outdoor exhibit. The exhibit, built in 1992 to display lions, was previously modified in 2006 prior to acquiring tigers and again in 2011 to accommodate a breeding pair of tigers.

With the birth of four tiger cubs in June 2012, the Zoo staff again investigated the need for further modifications. After consultation with experts within the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, the decision was made to again modify the enclosure.

The Park District contracted with a structural engineer on the project. His plan calls for increased structural support in order to withstand the weather in central Illinois. This additional work will add time for completion of the project.

The Prairieland Koi & Pond Society will be at the Peoria Zoo on April 13 to prepare the Zoo’s koi pond for another season. The pond and surrounding wetland area were installed by the Society in August 2011. Since that time, they have dedicated their expertise and hours of labor to maintain the pond and landscaping.

Clean up will begin at 10:00 a.m. and will take several hours to remove all the debris.

Peoria, Illinois – Midstate College is proud to announce the airing of the special edition half hour show featuring Midstate College on InView Series, hosted by Larry King. The program will air on the Discovery Channel, Monday April 8th, 2013 at 6:00 a.m. CST. The Midstate College feature program will be aired in a segment entitled “Educating and Preparing Our Youth & Workforce.” Midstate College President and Chief Executive Officer, Meredith N. Bunch, feels privileged to have the College featured on such a highly respected program, “it is with great honor that Midstate College is recognized on a national level for being a leader in educating and preparing learners of all ages for the workforce needs of tomorrow.”

About Midstate College
The experience of attending school at Midstate College is different from other institutions. Since 1888 Midstate College in Peoria, Illinois has been a leader in professional training and education. Over time, Midstate College has developed a comprehensive understanding of business knowledge, specialized career skills, and technological advances to offer the perfect solution for individuals wanting to advance in their careers or embark into new areas of employment. The caring faculty and individualized attention students receive at Midstate College is unparalleled by other institutions. The supportive atmosphere allows learning to take place in a comfortable environment that meets the needs of all students. Small classes are offered day, night, and online to provide access to students with complex schedules. Our students are often surprised at how learning at Midstate College is such a positive and enjoyable experience.

About InView Series
The mission of InView is to create quality educational programming, which will inform, educate and enlighten our viewers both nationally and internationally. The InView Series covers a variety of topics such as education, medical, environment, agriculture, architecture, business and technology.

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

The Jim Maloof family of realtors recently participated in a Ninja Selling retreat. The retreat, which lasted over a four-day period, included classes on improving the home selling or buying experience for customers, improving communications and systems, and helping buyers and sellers achieve the best outcomes possible, just to name a few.

Ninja Selling is a client-friendly selling system based on a philosophy of building relationships, listening to customers and then helping them achieve their goals, whether it be buying or selling a home. It’s called Ninja Selling because it is based on finding the win-win for everyone involved to make the buying and/or selling process a good experience, while achieving the best results.

“The Ninja Selling system is a great way to help our family of realtors focus on activities that help buyers and sellers, and build strong relationships in the process,” said President Michael Maloof. “In the end, the results are satisfied and well-served customers and a harmony between work and home life.”

Jim Maloof/Realtors taking part in the retreat included: Amy Arp, Shawn Bannister, Laura Behrens, Liz Blumenshine, Julie Bowald, Linda Smith Brown, Deb Coughlon, Lisa Crocker, LeAnn Eades, Sherri Ernst, Helene Flanigon, Rebecca Gaetz, Renee Gass, Dale Hovey, JR Koch, Mark Lockwood, Pam Longman, Nick Maloof, Suzanne Miller, Azi Mofidi, Debra Paul, Aubrey Rhoades, Shaun Rickey, Shelly Rigelwood, John Ritz, Roger Roemer, Norma Rossi-Meford, Julie Russell, Peter Russell, Tee Rynerson, Debra Schepke, Denise Scislowicz, Teri Shepherd, Diane Shipton, Lisa Skibinski, Blanche Slyman, Patti Smith, Greg Smith, Barbara Soldwedel, Melanie Spurgeon, Carol Urish, Colleen Waller, Elaine Wild and Brenda Young.

Jim Maloof/Realtor has been in the business of helping people make their dreams come true since 1969 when it was founded by Jim Maloof. Today, Jim Maloof/Realtor is central Illinois’ largest real estate company with 16 branches in six counties and employs over 230 agents and support staff.

Ninja Selling is based on a belief in abundance and the power of focused energy and synergy with others. The symbol used for Ninja Selling is the Japanese symbol for “Ki,” or the universal energy (spirit) that connects all things. Ninja Selling is based in the philosophy of the non-violent martial art, Aikido – the way of harmonizing energies.