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1. Article number 1 - Governor Quinn Proclaims Tuesday, April 22, Earth Day in Illinois
2. Article number 2 - Illinois Arts Council Agency Announces Poetry Out Loud State Final
3. Article number 3 - IDNR Awards Illinois Biodiversity Field Trip Grants to Schools
4. Article number 4 - Beware Of Fire Danger From Alternative Heat Sources
5. Article number 5 - Health Insurance Marketplace Open Enrollment Ends

• Governor Quinn Proclaims Tuesday, April 22, Earth Day in Illinois

  CHICAGO – Governor Pat Quinn proclaimed Tuesday, April 22 as “Earth Day” in Illinois and urged residents to get outdoors and involved in keeping Illinois at the forefront of conservation and sustainability. The Governor also discussed the work the state is doing to improve sustainability and protect our environment. Today’s proclamation is part of Governor Quinn’s agenda to protect our natural resources and ensure a clean and healthy environment for future generations.

  Happy Earth Month!

• Illinois Arts Council Agency Announces Poetry Out Loud State Final

  ILLINOIS – The Illinois Arts Council Agency is pleased to announce Illinois’ 2013-2014 Poetry Out Loud State Final, featuring recitations by sixteen regional contest winners. The event will take place on Friday, March 14, 2014, beginning at 1:00 p.m. in Springfield’s Hoogland Center for the Arts. Attendance is free, open to the public, and accessible.

  For an in-depth look at the national Poetry Out Loud program, visit www.poetryoutloud.org

  Pictured on left is the 2013 Illinois State Champion Rapheal Mathis. (Photo courtesy of Poetry Out Loud)

• IDNR Awards Illinois Biodiversity Field Trip Grants to Schools

  SPRINGFIELD – Illinois Department of Natural Resources Director Marc Miller today announced the awarding of more than $96,000 in Illinois Biodiversity Field Trip Grants. The 103 grants to schools in 41 counties, made possible through private donations, will assist more than 7,700 students to visit Illinois state parks, museums and other natural resources sites to learn about nature and conservation.

  Illinois Biodiversity Field Trip Grant Information

  Illinois Conservation Foundation

• Beware Of Fire Danger From Alternative Heat Sources

  SPRINGFIELD - The Office of The Illinois State Fire Marshal (OSFM) is raising awareness about winter fire risks, especially with the use of space heaters and fire places as alternative sources to heat homes. Nearly half of all home heating related fires occur between the months of December and February, according to the National Fire Protection Association.

  “This is very dangerous time for fires and carbon monoxide poisoning. During this rough winter it is imperative to remind the public of the proper use of space heaters and other ways to stay warm,” said State Fire Marshal Larry Matkaitis.

  Be smart and fire safe. For more information on fire safety please visit OSFM website www.sfm.illinois.gov or www.nfpa.org/safetytips.

• Health Insurance Marketplace Open Enrollment Ends

  However, if you started your enrollment during the Marketplace Open Enrollment Period but were unable to finish before the deadline, you have limited time to complete it after March 31st. Don’t delay!

  1. Visit the Get Covered Illinois website

  2. Call the Get Covered Illinois Help Desk at (866) 311-1119 from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. every day.

  3. Speak to a trained Navigator in your community for free.