'Cinderella' set to enchant at Peoria Players

Put a timeless and classic fairy tale in the capable hands of Mary Ellen Ulrich and magic is bound to happen.

That’s why it’s fitting that she direct the enchanted version of “Cinderella,” which opens Friday at Peoria Players Theatre.

“Oh, yeah, this one is right up my alley,” Ulrich said. “I always love to do the family friendly shows that have kids in it and ‘Cinderella’ certainly is that, though I would have liked for even more kids in it. But it has been fun.”

Any more, when one hears that a theatre is producing “Cinderella,” it is being done by a children’s theatre group. But one of the things that appealed to Ulrich when offered the show was that she would be able to cast it with age-appropriate performers to give it what she believes is the true feel of the show.

“I love doing this show with adults in the adult role. It’s great being able to have a wide range of ages in the cast. That’s the way it should be done,” Ulrich said just before the start of a dress rehearsal. “And I have been blessed with a very talented, and very fun, cast.”

“Cinderella,” for those who lived under a rock during their childhood, is the fairy tale about a young lady by that name who lives with her wicked stepmother and equally wicked stepsisters. Because her father has passed away, Cinderella has become a slave to the other women, expected to clean up after them and answer to every one of their whims.

When the village becomes excited by the news that the handsome young prince is going to have a party to meet all if the eligible young ladies in the kingdom, Cinderella is told by her stepmother she cannot attend. Besides, she has nothing to wear.

Enter the Fairy Godmother, who grants Cinderella her wish and that’s where the magic occurs: The mice in her home become her drivers and attendants when a pumpkin is made into a carriage and Cinderella transforms from a lass in dirty rags to a beauty in a gown in a mere puff of smoke.

Cinderella attends the ball, meets the prince and they immediately fall in love. But Cinderella doesn’t heed the Fairy Godmother’s warning to be home by the stroke of midnight and when that hour arrives, everything reverts to their original state.

Not to worry; Cinderella left behind a glass slipper and the prince goes around the village looking for his princess. When he tries it on the disheveled Cinderella, the shoe fits and she is instantly transformed back into the beauty in a gown and they live happily ever after.

Songs from this version of “Cinderella” include “In My Own Little Corner,” “Impossible,” “Fol-De-Rol,” “Ten Minutes Ago,” The Stepsisters Lament,” and “Do I Love You Because You’re Beautiful.”

Mary Rose Williams portrays Cinderella while Tyler Smith is the prince. Ulrich has directed both before, including giving Smith his first role when he was 9 years old, and knows what each is capable of. “They are wonderful is this show. I couldn’t be happier,” she said.

Lisa Burnett is the stepmother and her wickedness grows as the show moves on. The stepsisters are portrayed by Susan Hazzard and Katy Ailshie and their interaction with each other is hilarious. “They really are a hoot together. I’ve been directing the two of them since they were freshmen in high school and I knew when I cast them they would be funny,” Ulrich said.

Anita Rowden is funny and charming as the Fairy Godmother who has seen pretty much everything but can't resist granting Cinderella's wish.

The king and queen are portrayed by Bill Barr and Julie Simmons, respectively and Colin Evers is Lionel, the prince’s right-hand man.

The ages of the 55 cast members ranges from 7 to over 60 and many are veterans of community theatre stages in the Peoria area. Several of them, Ulrich said, are used to playing lead characters, “but they weren’t worried about that here. They just wanted to be part of this show and I love it.”

Ulrich said this show is typical of others she has directed in that they are several family units involved. In fact, there are nine in this show, including her own granddaughter making her stage debut. Ulrich’s son Jimmy choreographed the show.

Kari Kaps is music director.

Ulrich said she wants audiences to simply sit back, reminisce a little and enjoy the show. “It’s the age-old fairy tale we all grew up with,” she said.

Shows times are 7:30 p.m. on Nov. 13, 14, 18, 19, 20 and 21 and 2 p.m. on Nov. 15 and 22. For tickets call the Peoria Players box office at 688-4473 or visit www.peoriaplayers.org.

Fire Chief Tomblin moves up retirement date; new chief named

Kent Tomblin, Peoria Fire Chief for nearly nine years, announced Friday he will retire at the end of this month. His last day will be Nov. 27.

Tomblin announced his decision to the Peoria City Council and city department heads. He had earlier announced he would retire in February 2016.

Chuck Lauss, current the assistant fire chief, was named Friday as the new Fire Chief by City Manager Patrick Urish. The city will soon begin the process of filling the assistant fire chief position.

Tomblin has been Fire Chief since Feb. 19, 2007 and has been a fire service professional for more than 36 years. He started with the Peoria Fire Department on May 7, 1979 and has served as a firefighter, fire engineer, fire captain and assistant chief.

During his tenure with the Peoria Fire Department, Chief Tomblin has been on-site for multiple major fire incidents in the city’s history, including the 1984 fire of the Beeney Warehouse, where Riverplex now stands, as well as the 9th floor fire in the former Lehmann Building, which is where the Becker Building now stands.

Tomblin said the biggest advances he’s seen in his industry include increased education and technological improvements in fire gear and equipment.

“As I look back on over 37 years with the Peoria Fire Department, I can honestly say there is nothing about the Fire Department that I don’t love. I have been blessed beyond measure to be a part of this department. I felt that way the first day I reported to work on May 7, 1979 and that feeling remains with me today. Although I will miss it, I look forward to spending my time with my loved ones, especially my five grandchildren,” Tomblin said in a statement.

Urich thanked Tomblin for his years of service, stating, “Chief Tomblin has dedicated his career to the Peoria Fire Department and has spent the majority of his life working for the residents. The city has benefitted from his knowledge of fire service, his consummate leadership and his dedication to his community. I wish him the best in retirement.”

Tomblin has been a member of several professional organizations, including the International Association of Fire Chiefs, the International Association of Firefighters, the National Fire Prevention Association, the Illinois Terrorism Task Force, and the Energy Efficiency Task Force. He was also appointed by the Governor to the Office of State Fire Marshal Advisory Commission.

Starting with the 1986 Collective Bargaining Act, he participated in or contributed to every discussion involving collective bargaining. Partnering with State Sen. Dave Koehler (D-Peoria), Tomblin participated in the Peoria Area Labor Management (P.A.L.M.) program, going as far as Chicago to discuss labor management practices with the C.T.A.

In 2000, Tomblin was awarded the Eugene G. Moore Community Service Award by the Peoria AFL-CIO and the Robert G. Gibson Community Service Award by the Illinois State AFL-CIO.

Tomblin is also an active runner, having completed seven marathons, including the Run River City Marathon in Peoria and the Chicago Marathon.

Rauner announces deal on child care

By Mark Fitton 

Illinois News Network

SPRINGFIELD —  Gov. Bruce Rauner’s office on Monday announced the Republican chief executive would loosen eligibility standards for the state’s child care assistance program that his administration had tightened in July.

The administration this summer used its rulemaking powers to toughen eligibility standards for the program, changing the maximum-income standards from 185 percent of the federal poverty level to 50 percent, or from about $2,450 per month for a two-person family to about $665.

That brought heavy criticism from child care advocates and from legislative Democrats, who are in the midst of pushing legislation to roll back the governor’s change and limit the executive branch’s rulemaking authority.

Rauner spokesman Lance Trover on Monday released a statement saying the administration would file an amended rule that would set the eligibility threshold at 162 percent of the poverty level. “Other eligibility and restrictions will also be lifted pending further review and legislative consultation,” Trover said. “Additionally, the governor's office will establish a bipartisan, bicameral task force aimed at ensuring the long-term stability of the program.”

The governor’s office credited the change in position to serious, good-faith and bipartisan discussions.

 “This bipartisan agreement will allow us to avoid the unintended consequences and costs that Senate Bill 570 would have brought,” Trover wrote. “By working together, we will be able to bring financial stability to an important program valued by members of both parties."

 That doesn’t mean the bill to put a stop to the governor’s changes is dead.

 State Rep. Jehan Gordon-Booth, D-Peoria, the House sponsor of the bill, in her own statement said she intends to call the bill for a vote Tuesday.

 “My primary focus and concern is that of children, families and childcare centers that need access to this vital work program now,” Gordon-Booth wrote. “We must pass Senate Bill 570 to statutorily make certain that our children are never put in this kind of limbo ever again.”

 State Sen. Toi Hutchinson, D-Chicago Heights, said if the legislation does return to the Senate, she’d hold it, but not indefinitely. “If Senate Bill 570 comes back to the Senate for a vote, I have agreed to hold it only as long as the temporary rule is actually passed in the Joint Committee on Administrative Rules on Nov. 17, giving thousands of providers and kids immediate relief,” Hutchinson said.

 “It’s past time for us to work together in every way we can every time we can. Our children deserve nothing less,” the senator said.

 A week ago, Rauner’s team was pushing hard against the bill, saying “it permanently cements the eligibility level for the CCAP, regardless of appropriations or funds available."

 The compromise stance would apparently put the eligibility nearly to where it had been — 185 percent of the federal poverty level — yet leave the governor’s office some flexibility in the future.

 The governor’s top staff put the cost of the assistance program as mandated in Senate Bill 570 at $220 million for the remainder of fiscal year 2016 and as much as $800 million annually.

Proponents of the bill, however, questioned the accuracy of the administration's numbers and said not funding the program would ultimately cost the state far more.

Rauner announces deal on child care
But fight still may be brewing in the House

By Mark Fitton

Illinois News

SPRINGFIELD —  Gov. Bruce Rauner’s office on Monday announced the Republican chief executive would loosen eligibility standards for the state’s child care assistance program that his administration had tightened in July.

The administration this summer used its rulemaking powers to toughen eligibility standards for the program, changing the maximum-income standards from 185 percent of the federal poverty level to 50 percent, or from about $2,450 for a two-person family to about $665 per month.

That brought heavy criticism from child care advocates and from legislative Democrats, who are in the midst of pushing legislation to rollback the governor’s change and limit the executive branch’s rulemaking authority.

Rauner spokesman Lance Trover on Monday morning released a statement saying the administration would file an amended rule that would set the eligibility threshold at 162 percent of the poverty level.

“Other eligibility and restrictions will also be lifted pending further review and legislative consultation,” Trover said. “Additionally, the governor's office will establish a bipartisan, bicameral task force aimed at ensuring the long-term stability of the program.”

The governor’s office credited the change in position to serious, good-faith and bipartisan discussions.

“This bipartisan agreement will allow us to avoid the unintended consequences and costs that Senate Bill 570 would have brought,” Trover wrote. “By working together, we will be able to bring financial stability to an important program valued by members of both parties."

That doesn’t mean the bill to put a stop to the governor’s changes is dead.

State Rep. Jehan Gordon-Booth, D-Peoria, the House sponsor of the bill, in her own statement said she intends to call the bill for a vote Tuesday.

“My primary focus and concern is that of children, families and childcare centers that need access to this vital work program now,” Gordon-Booth wrote. “We must pass Senate Bill 570 to statutorily make certain that our children are never put in this kind of limbo ever again.”

State Sen. Toi Hutchinson, D-Chicago Heights, said if the legislation does return to the Senate, she’d hold it, but not indefinitely.

“If Senate Bill 570 comes back to the Senate for a vote, I have agreed to hold it only as long as the temporary rule is actually passed in the Joint Committee on Administrative Rules on Nov. 17,  giving thousands of providers and kids immediate relief,” Hutchinson said.

“It’s past time for us to work together in every way we can every time we can. Our children deserve nothing less,” the senator said.

A week ago, Rauner’s team was pushing hard against the bill, saying “it permanently cements the eligibility level for the CCAP, regardless of appropriations or funds available."

The compromise stance would apparently put the eligibility nearly to where it had been — 185 percent of the federal poverty level — yet leave the governor’s office some flexibility in the future.

The governor’s top staff put the cost of the assistance program as mandated in Senate Bill 570 at $220 million for the remainder of fiscal year 2016 and as much as $800 million annually.

Proponents of the bill, however, questioned the accuracy of the administration's numbers and said not funding the program would ultimately cost the state far more.

Child care bill faces showdown vote

By Mark Fitton

Illinois News Network

SPRINGFIELD — A battle between Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner and legislative Democrats is shaping up as House Democrats attempt to undo cuts the governor made to a state child care assistance program.

The Rauner administration in July used rule-making powers to toughen eligibility standards for the program, which helps low-income families pay for childcare. The administration changed the maximum-income standards from 185 percent of the federal poverty level to 50 percent of the poverty level, or from about $2,450 for a two-person family to about $665.

The House sponsor of a bill to roll back the rule changes, Democrat Jehan Gordon Booth of Peoria, said the administration’s actions eliminated child care assistance for up to 90 percent of those previously eligible.

State Sen. Toi Hutchinson said the administration’s changes would mean a parent who works full-time at minimum wage now makes too much to qualify for the program.

Hutchison’s legislation, Senate Bill 570, aimed at overturning the changes passed the Senate by a 37-to-7 vote in August.

In the House, Democrats in early September came within a vote of passing the measure before delaying a final vote to keep the bill alive. Democrats are expected to make another run at passing the bill, perhaps on Tuesday, and Rauner’s administration is staunchly opposed.

The legislation “permanently cements the eligibility level for the CCAP, regardless of appropriations or funds available,” two top Rauner officials wrote to legislators this week.

“That’s irresponsible to the budgeting process and the type of policy that created our backlog of unpaid bills. No serious legislator who cares about passing truly balanced budgets can honestly vote for this type of policy — it is a green light to create higher deficits,” wrote James Dima and

Tim Nuding, the governor’s human services secretary and budget director, respectively.

Were the bill to take effect in January 2016, it would add $220 million in costs for the remainder of this fiscal year and mean an annual cost of $800 million, the governor’s staff says.

The bottom line, according to Dima and Nuding: “A vote for SB 570 is a vote to increase the budget deficit and force a massive tax increase on the people of Illinois.”

Backers of the legislation were impressed by neither the Rauner team’s argument nor its numbers.

What “is the baseline for the annualized costs? The pre-cut levels? The post-cut levels?” Emily Miller of Voices for Illinois Children asked in a letter on behalf of a coalition of child care advocates and posted on the Capitol Fax blog.

“These are questions advocates do not know the answers to, and since we are unwilling to make numbers up, we are unable to refute the governor’s claims as a result,” she said.

“What we do know is that while the legislation would require restoring funding for the operation of the child care program, the cost of not funding the program is far greater than $220 million, or even $800 million,” Miller wrote.

The coalition concludes, “No serious policymaker can honestly say investing in quality childcare for working parents doesn’t save the state money in the short-and long-term.”

The bill would need 71 votes for passage, meaning if no Republicans break ranks to support the measure, House Democrats will need all of their members present and on board if they are to pass the legislation.