A+ Children’s Academy is the first Reggio Emilia inspired school between Chicago and St. Louis. Reggio Emilia uses the visual arts as a medium to make learning visible for teachers and parents. The Academy employs such innovative features as a separate art studio, plus on site enrichment classes that children need to reach their full potential.

Sign language is taught as a second language with infants and toddlers. Michelle explains that “Infants are capable of communicating their needs thru sign language before they communicate verbally. This promotes communication, problem solving and research shows, higher IQs.” Spanish is the second language taught to 2 year olds through preschool. The Academy offers a range of additional on site enrichment classes including ballet, tumbling, additional Spanish and music.

The Reggio Approach to teaching was developed in Reggio Italy after WWII in a school built by parents and other townspeople. One of its fundamental principals is that children must be seen as capable individuals with tremendous potential. Michelle says “The Reggio Emilia Approach promotes a love for investigation and brings learning to life. At A+ Children’s Academy our curriculum promotes creativity through the visual arts, literacy skills, science, math, socialization and hands on learning. As a child investigates an interesting topic in smaller groups they will be problem solving, journaling, and exploring the world around them”.

Michelle has been educating children in the Peoria area for 18 years. She is a graduate of Bradley University with an undergraduate degree in Early Childhood Education and a master’s degree in Curriculum Instruction. Michelle has been educating teachers throughout the state of Illinois for nine years. She is very proud of her new academy saying “I am committed to giving the children of A+ Children’s Academy the best early education possible to make them more than kindergarten ready”.

The AEYC is Illinois’ largest early childhood professional organization with over 4600 members. Since 1969, the organization’s volunteer members have successfully dedicated their time and efforts to improving the education and lives of young children in their own communities and throughout the state.

For information on the seminar or a tour of the Academy contact Nancy Weichmann at 691-2998.

Dear Billy,

I am proud to announce the opening of my new restaurant TWO25. The restaurant has been open for just over a month now with great success. Due to the busy holiday season, the grand opening is scheduled for later in the month.

TWO25 is the brainchild of three local entrepreneurs: Bud Grieves, former mayor of Peoria, Ryan Dunkle, former executive chef at French Toast and myself. We are located downtown in the Mark Twain Hotel, Peoria’s Premier Boutique Hotel.

The concept of TWO25 is two experiences in one restaurant– business lunch Monday through Friday from 11am – 2pm, and “Polished Casual” dinner service served seven days a week starting at 4:30pm.

Our lunch menu consists of a top notch Express Salad Bar, Pasta, Pizza, Gourmet Burgers, Specialty Salads and Sandwiches.

Our dinner menu focuses on steak, seafood, and pasta; it also includes hand-tossed pizzas, gourmet burgers, specialty salads and great sandwiches.

Executive Chef Ryan Dunkle brings nearly two decades of mastery cooking to signature entrees, such as his Broiled Peppercorn New York Strip, Dijon Crusted Salmon, Shrimp & Crab Carbonara and the classic Gratin Dauphinois– a 30 layer potato gratin. Delectable dessert choices such as his Chocolate Mousse topped with a Raspberry Chambord Sauce and Crème Brulee. Diners can complement their meals with our wine program– 18 wines are available by the glass, half bottle or bottle.

We are deeming the concept “Polished Casual”– serving the finest food, using only the highest quality ingredients, paired with a warm and unforgettable dining experience. Every customer is treated as if they are a part of our family.

Finally, TWO25 can accommodate your meeting or party in one of our private rooms. Please visit our website at http://www.two25peoria.com to download our menu.

–Not a bistro. Not fine dining… just great food!

Bob Eid, Managing Partner
TWO25
STEAKS – PASTA – PIZZA

Among the assets in the acquisition are video-on-demand movie systems for hotels and customized Internet including state-of-the-art technology from companies such as IP3, Nomadix, 3Com and Teledex. Maximus officials are reviewing several cities as possible co-locations around the country for planned hospitality showrooms.

Among the products and services offered through Maximus Multimedia International to the hospitality industry include Entertainment on Demand, High Speed Internet, Free to Guest Satellite Programming, High Definition Television, Hosted and Managed Communications, Guest-Use Computer Systems, and Video Conferencing.

Maximus Multimedia International is the provider of media and information technology services in approximately 2,600 hotels in the United States and is second only to Lodge Net/On-Command. It provides system installation, around the clock technical service support and a call center.

Maximus Multimedia International will increasingly focus on building new content agreements with other major film and music product distributors as well as the expansion of Maximus’ original content and creative services. “The formation of Maximus Multimedia International will provide our hospitality clients with integrated media systems that offer today’s hotel guests with the content, access and mobility they’ve come to expect,” said Harding.

Maximus Multimedia International will provide a true video-on-demand servicing alternative for all types and sizes of hotel properties while representing collectively one of the largest property footprints in the world. It provides entertainment, information and Internet services primarily to the mid-level hospitality market segment in the United States. Maximus Multimedia International now has an instantaneous global presence for its products and services. The web site, www.playmaxmedia.com, is currently under construction.