[EDITOR’S NOTE: Attention to my Chicago, IL readers: here is a coffee and conversation opportunity with Alderman Michele Smith]

CHICAGO IL- State Rep. Ann Williams (D-Chicago) will host the fourth in a series of “Coffee and Conversation” events to meet with local residents on Tuesday, December 6 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Citygrounds, located at 507 West Dickens Avenue, in Chicago. Williams will be joined by Alderman Michele Smith.

“I always appreciate getting input and feedback from my constituents through phone calls and emails, but nothing can replace sitting down and talking one-on-one,” Williams added. “A critical part of my job to represent the district in Springfield is to know what is on the minds of the people I work for.”

Williams will also host an open house for constituents at her district office on Thursday, January 26 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. with more details to follow.

For more information, please contact Rep. Williams’ office at (773) 880-9082.

Peoria Labor Temple • 400 NE Jefferson, Lower Level

The purpose of this event is to talk about high unemployment, the growing need for food, clothing and shelter in the community and the need to extend Federal
Unemployment Benefits set to expire at the end of December.

The event will also focus on jobs and the extension of the federal payroll tax relief for employers and employees.

Speakers will include:
Kevin O’Brien, Ph.D., Department Chair and Professor of Economics, Bradley University
Dr. Barbara Hartnett, Executive Director Friendship House
Dave Mingus, East Peoria Mayor and
Executive Director Neighborhood House
Illinois State Senator Dave Koehler

Everyone is Welcome!

Giant Red Kettle, Gift Wrap Booth Signal Busy Season for Events

The Salvation Army has had its familiar red kettles at stores throughout central Illinois for over 100 years, but they have never had one like the kettle that will be at JC Penney’s in the Northwoods Mall beginning tomorrow. The usual kettle and stand will be replaced by a 700 pound 4 ½ foot tall kettle that will be in place the remainder of the season. (We anticipate the kettle will be in place by 10 am Thursday, December 1st.)

“Our Quad Cities office had two made last year, and this year, 6 more of our corps throughout the division had one fabricated,” said Rich Draeger of The Salvation Army. The unique kettles can also be found in Springfield, Bloomington, Decatur, Kankakee and Burlington, Iowa. Johnson Contracting of East Moline fabricated the kettles, which actually do serve as regular kettles, manned by bell-ringers. “We will have it at JC Penney and in the future, hope to use it around town for various other events,” said Draeger.

The Salvation Army will also be opening its Gift Wrap Booth in Northwoods Mall this weekend. The Gift Wrap Booth will be stationed near JC Penney on the lower level of the mall and will gift wrap for folks who are busy doing their holiday shopping at the mall.

“We are very grateful for the wonderful relationship we have with Rich Hudson and everyone at JC Penney, as well as Jeff Case and Bob Schertz at Northwoods Mall and are looking forward to the next few busy weeks,” said Major Evie Diaz, Divisional Commander for The Salvation Army.

The Salvation Army has nearly 40 kettle sites, including Bass Pro Shops in East Peoria, along with many counter kettle locations. For more information on helping out with ringing, go to www.ringbells.org.

Donations to the Tree of Lights Campaign can be made by mailing to The Salvation Army, PO Box 1468, Peoria, IL 61655, by calling (309) 655-7220 to charge on American Express, MasterCard, Visa or Discover, or online at www.usc.salvationarmy.org/heartland.

For more information, please contact Rich Draeger at 655-1348 or 253-9909.

December-2011

The following is the schedule for the Methodist Medical Center Mobile Mammography Van for the month of December 2011. Methodist now features all digital mammography equipment providing improved, faster and more comfortable exams.

December 8-Methodist at Morton-1909 Morton Ave.-Morton
December 9-Heartland at Carver Clinic-711 W. John Gwynn Blvd.-Peoria
December 12-Methodist Medical Group at Chillicothe-525 Sweetbriar-Chillicothe
December 16-Methodist at Pekin-1800 Broadway-Pekin
December 20-Methodist at Morton-1909 N. Morton Ave.-Morton
December 21-Cherry Tree /Shopping Mall-Washington
December 22-Heartland Clinic-2321 Wisconsin Ave-Peoria
December 29-Heartland Clinic-1701 W. Garden-Peoria

There is no need for a doctor’s order for a screening mammogram if you’re 40 or over. If you are uninsured or underinsured, tell us when you call for an appointment. You may qualify for a free mammogram

Call for an appointment at 671-8282

[EDITOR’S NOTE: How many politicians do you know that asks for your opinions and/or advice for potential legislation ideas?!! Put on your thinking caps folks!]

As the 2012 spring legislative session approaches, state Rep. Jehan Gordon (D-Peoria) is calling upon constituents to come forward with ideas and suggestions for legislation she can explore in preparation for the upcoming spring session.

“I encourage my constituents to think about the issues in our community that need to be addressed in Springfield, and let me know of any solutions they come up with,” Gordon said. “Whether it is a far-reaching problem or a concern exclusive to the Peoria area, I welcome my constituents’ thoughts and proposals. Many of the best ideas for legislation come from my constituents and I look forward to finding out any of the new ideas that are out there.”

The first day of the 2012 session is January 31. The legislative session presents an opportunity to continue working to address the state’s budget crisis and pass meaningful legislation to help the families of Illinois.

“Not every idea will make its way into legislative form, but for me it is important that we think outside the box and be innovative in our efforts to tackle the many challenges facing our state,” Gordon added. “Whether it is working to create job opportunities, reforming our education system, creating safer neighborhoods or improving health care, all of it depends on the feedback of those I represent. I encourage anyone who has and idea to let my office know so we can spend some time doing the appropriate research and exploring possible legislation.”

To submit your idea for legislation, please contact Rep. Gordon’s constituent service office at (309) 681-1992, e-mail repjgordon@gmail.com, or visit www.facebook.com/repjgordon.

The November 10 regular Peoria County board meeting and the November 17 budget board meeting will air consecutively on Comcast Cable Channel 22 at 7:00 p.m. on Saturday, December 10.

Real estate professionals, residents, and other consumers can now download a free iTunes application to check the assessed value of Peoria County properties. The application provides access to tax parcels and related public assessment information. The application can be found at http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/parcel-value-gis/id482620567 or by searching ” Peoria County GIS ” on the App Store on any Apple device.

Users can search by address or Parcel Identification Number (PIN) or use the iPhone’s GPS technology to locate where the user is in the county. The user can then select the property that they are interested in by touching that parcel. An aerial photo basemap is also available. Existing sales data are for valid sales in calendar years 2009 and 2010 only. There is no cost for the app, but data rates may apply.

GIS stands for Geographic Information Systems. The goal of the Peoria County GIS Division is to provide customers with efficient and dynamic geographic interfaces (digital maps) that are as dependable as they are useable. This application is the next big step in enabling consumers to be able to access the information they need independently and in a timely manner. See other mapping related tools and products at http://gis.peoriacounty.org.

For more information, please call Micah Williamson at 309-495-4840.

The 2011 yard waste collection season ends Friday, December 16, 2011, for City of Peoria residents served by Peoria Disposal Company (PDC).

Yardwaste set out for collection must be in:
· Garbage cans marked “Yardwaste only” which do not exceed 45 gallons in size nor 50 lbs. in weight.
· Paper yardwaste bags which do not exceed 30 lbs. in weight
· Bundles which do not exceed 5’ in length or 50 lbs. in weight

Cans, bags, and bundles which exceed the size and weight limits will not be collected. Each collection route serves approximately 1,200 homes each day; adhering to the size and weight limits is essential in avoiding injuries to collection employees.

The only container larger than 45-gallon size, collected by PDC, is the 96-gallon wheeled tote carts rented from PDC. These tote carts are manufactured to be compatible with the lift mechanism on PDC’s vehicles. The monthly rental fee is $2.50.

Questions about residential collection or tote cart rental should be directed to PDC at 674-5176 (Option 1).

JANUARY 27th FUNDRAISER SEEKING PLAYERS

CWTC, Community Workshop and Training Center, announces their annual “Super Trivia Challenge Night” Friday, January 27th at 6:30 PM. The fundraiser will be held at Barrack’s Cater Inn, 1224 Pioneer Parkway in Peoria.

“Everybody loves trivia!” says Patti Gratton, Executive Director for CWTC. “From U.S. history to pop culture to “Name That Tune,” we’ll cover it all!” Companies, organizations and individuals are welcome. Registration is $20 a person while groups can reserve a table of eight for $160. Entries include hors d’oeuvres and cash bar. All money raised goes directly to programs and direct services for CWTC consumers.

For registration and information contact Mona Robinson at 686-3300.

CWTC 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
What: CWTC Super Trivia Challenge
Where: Barrack’s Cater Inn, 1224 Pioneer Parkway in Peoria
When: Friday, January 27, 2012, 6:30PM

Earlier today, State Senator Dave Koehler (D‐Peoria) passed legislation that will allow police officers who serve on SWAT (Special Weapons and Tactics) or Tactical Response Teams to possess and use silencers. Medical authorities believe that the use of silencers will reduce hearing loss for these law enforcement professionals.

“Police officers already have a dangerous job that requires them to risk death or disability every day — especially the members of SWAT Teams,” explained Koehler. “During tense situations, they need all their senses intact. Fifteen seconds of hearing loss can be critical in a hostage situation.”

Under existing Illinois law, only federally‐licensed arms manufacturers can own silencers, and they cannot sell them within the state. Anyone else possessing a silencer—even a police department—is guilty of a class three felony, punishable by a $25,000 fine or two‐to‐five years in prison.

“This bill is a good compromise that helps keep silencers out of the hands of criminals, but allows the men and women who protect our homes and communities to use them to minimize health risks,”

Koehler said. “We even limited silencer possession to members of SWAT and Tactical Response Teams, the people who are most likely to discharge their firearms during the course of their work.”

The legislation, House Bill 1708, passed both chambers of the General Assembly unanimously and now goes to the governor for his approval.