Illinois Arts Council announces executive director

[APRIL 25, 2005]  CHICAGO -- Illinois Arts Council Chairman Shirley R. Madigan announced Friday that the council commissioners elected Terry A. Scrogum as the council's executive director. Scrogum, a native of Astoria, has served as a council member since 1991. His understanding of IAC programs and administration is derived from extensive work as a council member in a variety of leadership roles.

"As chairman of the IAC, I know that Terry Scrogum's understanding of Illinois' diverse communities and the inner workings of state government, as well as his passion for the accessibility of the arts to all Illinoisans, made him a natural candidate for this position," Madigan said.

"Terry Scrogum will prove an excellent choice as executive director of the Illinois Arts Council, not only due to his previous involvement with the agency, but because he brings a considerable background and knowledge of state government, as well as the nonprofit sector," Gov. Rod Blagojevich said.

Over a 16-year period Scrogum served in various managerial and senior advisory capacities in Illinois state government, including senior adviser for arts and cultural affairs to the governor's office in 1999 and special assistant to the governor for arts and cultural affairs in 1991. He has also held senior management positions in nonprofit organizations in the arts and human services fields.

The Illinois Arts Council is committed to the cultural, educational and economic growth of the diverse people and communities of the state through the support and encouragement of the arts and artists.

[Illinois Arts Council news release]

Life Sentence, No Parole

If we tried to invent the cruelest punishment for dogs, we probably couldn't come up with anything worse than "solitary confinement" on a chain or in a kennel.

Dogs are pack animals who crave the companionship of others.  Scratches behind the ears, games of fetch, or even just walks around the block mean the world to them.  Curling up at your feet while you watch TV is their idea of heaven.

Many dogs left to fend for themselves at the end of a chain fall prey to attacks by other animals or cruel people, and many others are injured or hanged or choke as a result of getting entangled or caught in their tether.

If you have a backyard dog, please, bring him or her inside.  They don't want much--just you.

A public service announcement from Lincoln Daily News and helpinganimals.com