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Features

[MARCH 26, 2002]   NORMAL — There wasn’t a milk break or a nap time, but nine Illinois State student-athletes wowed the first-, second- and third-grade classes of Prairieland Elementary School, Wednesday, with the reading of such stories as "The Babysitter Robot," "Stinky Cheese," "Rude Giants," ‘The Frog Prince" and "The Easter Surprise."

The Redbirds attended the grade school as part of the State Farm Insurance Company/Missouri Valley Conference "Just Read" program. In addition to reading books, the athletes explained how reading played a vital role in their personal development for athletic and academic success.

"The student-athletes had a great time and really enjoyed the experience," assistant athletics director Jane Fulton said. "Each one of our athletes did a great job of explaining to the elementary school students the importance of reading, and its importance in fulfilling the dreams that they have."

The Redbirds had representatives from football, gymnastics, softball, tennis, and track and field. Included in that group was Monique Haan, a women’s triple jumper, and Ricky Heath, a men’s tennis player. Haan read "The Easter Surprise" to a first-grade class, while Heath read "Stinky Cheese."

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"It’s always nice to give back to the community," Haan said. "The kids are in such awe with the athletes. It makes you feel all warm and tingly to be that admired. The kids picked out the book, but "The Easter Surprise" was a good book and it was fitting for the season. It was a Berenstein Bears book, so I knew it was going to be good."

Heath also had a great experience.

"I read ‘Stinky Cheese’ when I was about the same age, so it was fun that they picked that book," Heath said. ‘I had a really good experience because I enjoy working with kids. They were very attentive and they were in awe with my accent, so they really had to listen. They asked me about my homeland (South Africa), and I was surprised with how much they knew about it."

Illinois State student-athletes will participate in another Just Read stop at 10 a.m. Thursday, April 18, at Towanda Elementary School.

[Todd Kober, Illinois State University
director of media relations]

[MARCH 12, 2002]   NORMAL — What does making slime, agitating fish and examining animal feces have to do with a kid’s future? On Friday, March 15, 134 local fourth- and fifth-graders will find out when they do that and more at Heartland Community College’s Hands On Science event. The event will take place from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. in the Instructional Commons Building, known as the ICB, on the Raab Road campus.

Groups of approximately 25 students will travel from lab to lab, discovering through experimentation the mysteries of biology, microbiology, industrial chemistry, forensics and hydrology. A faculty member will lead each presentation, and a local expert will explain how the experiment relates to his or her career.

Janet Beach Davis, HCC science lab supervisor, initiated planning for this event because recent research states that science scores are falling nationally and in schools located within the college’s district. She worked with Pam Westerdahl, HCC’s director of employment and workforce services, to create an event that would (a) help students become more interested and hence do better in science, and (b) introduce students to a variety of "cool careers" in science.

The response from teachers and schools within HCC’s district has been phenomenal. Capacity for the event was full within two days of sending the initial invitation. Approximately 900 students from 12 schools had to be turned away. Plans are already in place to accommodate these schools with another Hands On Science event, scheduled for Oct. 11.

Descriptions of the six labs follow. The grand finale is the "Bed of Nails." A volunteer pre-selected by HCC will lie on the bed of nails and allow a trained and trusted HCC representative to break a concrete block on his or her chest with a sledgehammer. (Quite a spectacle, this final experiment of the day is based in physics and is harmless to the volunteer.)

While wearing gloves, students will prepare a sample by soaking animal feces in a solution to remove the parasites. They will then make a slide from the solution and view it under a microscope to see what types of parasites could make pets sick. (ICB 100 1)

Science field: biology

Career field: veterinary technician

Faculty presenter: Verona Barr

Expert: Bernard Bleem, D.V.M., Krueger Animal Hospital

"Bettas Gone Bad"

Students will use deductive reasoning and observation to determine why male betta fish act aggressively when they see another fish. They will experiment with a fish drawing to find the exact behavior trigger. (ICB 1005)

Science field: biology

Career field: animal behavior

Faculty presenter: Thuong Jongky

Expert: Darryl Coates, district wildlife biologist with Illinois Department of Natural Resources

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"Fun With Fomites"

Students will be growing bacteria found on quarters after they have been "disinfected." (ICB 1009)

Science field: microbiology

Career field: bacteriologist

Faculty presenter: Leslie Cleary

Expert: Lisa Skinker, RN, BSN, cardiac screening manager at OSF St. Joseph Medical Center

Students will make slime to investigate the properties of polymers, specifically non-Newtonian fluids, which allow a person to stand on their surface, but act like a fluid if poked with a single finger. (ICB 1401)

Science field: chemistry

Career field: industrial chemistry

Faculty presenter: R. John Muench

Expert: John Mincy, owner and operator of Sign-A-Rama

Students will use modern police investigation techniques to try to solve a fictional, theatrical crime. (ICB 1405)

Science field: forensics

Career field: crime scene investigator

Expert and presenter: Tommy L. Walters, detective with Bloomington Police Department

Students will be taking and testing water samples from a closed system to find where the pollution is coming from. Students will be able to see and try on a real hazardous waste material reclamation suit. (ICB 1409)

Science field: hydrogeology

Career field: hydrogeology, health management

Faculty presenter: Mark Yacucci

Expert: Susan Sylvester, chemist and assistant supervisor of the treatment plant for the Water Department of Normal

 [HCC news release]

Honors & Awards

[MARCH 25, 2002]   LCHS speech team members in group interpretation and contest play competed at the state level on March 22 and 23 at Southeastern Illinois College in Harrisburg.

Carrie Schreiber and Ed Jodlowski were  co-directors of the contest play. Carolyn Schreiber was the group interpretation director.

LCHS placements:

Fourth place in group interpretation

Eighth place in contest play

Individual honors:

Kerry Dobihal and Doug Rohrer, all-state group interpretation members

Betty Buttell, Ty Sank and Tom Swan, honorable mention in group interpretation

Eric Agostino and Beau Hanger, all-state contest play members

Brandon Davis, honorable mention in contest play

According to the coaches, "This weekend was a wonderful experience for the members of both teams. They had an opportunity to see some very difficult competition and to show that they can compete at a very high level. We are very proud of the work they put in to be ready to compete with teams from all over the state of Illinois."

[LCHS news]

[MARCH 22, 2002]   A few students from the Lincoln Junior High band got a taste of the good life. The special incentive for the band’s fall fund-raiser was a free limousine ride to lunch from Jeff Waggener of Great American Opportunities.

"Mr. Minier and the L.J.H.S. band are an outstanding group and did a wonderful job," Waggener said.

The white limousine picked the students up from school during their lunch period. The chauffeur exited the car and opened the door for the lucky band members and their director. Envious students watched from classroom windows while the group boarded the limo. The band members enjoyed the fact that many people in the community were staring at the car and trying to figure out what rock star or movie star was inside.

The students ended up at Pizza Hut, where Mr. Minier treated them to a free meal for their hard work. Each student had sold over 30 items. Many cars were pulling into the restaurant’s parking lot to figure out who was in the car, and the band students received some funny looks when spectators figured out that they were the people in the limousine.

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Pictured above are the top sellers receiving their "Limo Lunch" from Jeff for a job well done. The students are, from right to left , Lori Knollenberg, Nathan Courson, Amber Phillips, Sonya Twist, Victoria Jones, Jared Andreason, Chad Minier and the limo driver.

[LJHS press release]

[MARCH 21, 2002]   

Fifth grade — Michelle Boyer, Kayla Jenkins, Kelsey Jurgens, Katie Mason, Jessica Mehan, Josh Mehan, Diane Monday

Sixth grade — Jacob Harnacke

Seventh grade — Katie Conklen, Jennifer Dammerman, Kimber Davison, Jason Dean, Justin Harnacke, Brandee Heidbreder, Jeremiah Kirby, Justin Mason, Lincoln Moore, Jill Patrick, Molly Tobias

Eighth grade — Michael Bates, Laura Moehring

Fifth grade — Nikki Becker, Zach Gasparini, Danielle Horn

Sixth grade — John Fink, Brandon Merriman

Seventh grade — Nick Apke, Jenna Hutchison, Jewel King, Staci Otto

Eighth grade — Serena Tripplett

[MARCH 20, 2002]  The Lincoln Junior High School band competed in the Illinois Grade School Music Association’s District I Solo and Ensemble Contest on March 9 at the Glenwood Middle School in Chatham. LJHS received two ratings of "First Superior" and 21 first-place ratings.

The following students received a First Superior rating:

Rachel Kasa, B-flat clarinet solo

Rachel Kasa, piano solo

The following students received a first-place rating:

Victoria Jones, flute solo

Mindy Malerich, oboe solo

Sarah Edwards, B-flat clarinet solo

Lori Knollenberg, B-flat clarinet solo

Nikki Shehorn, B-flat clarinet solo

John Cosby, E-flat alto sax solo

Rebecca Kasa, E-flat alto sax solo

Whitney Kincheloe, E-flat alto sax solo

Max Pozsgai, E-flat alto sax solo

Hannah Snyder, E-flat alto sax solo

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Tim Wiser, B-flat tenor sax solo

Nathan Courson, B-flat trumpet solo

Kelsey Dallas, B-flat trumpet solo

Jonathon Leisinger, B-flat trumpet solo

Daniel Parson, B-flat trumpet solo

Amber Phillips, B-flat trumpet solo

John Dallas, trombone solo

David Mauhar, trombone solo

Wes Shrader, snare drum solo

Hannah Michalsen, piano solo

Sonya Twist, piano solo

Kyle Edwards and Brad Whiteman, percussion duet

[LJHS press release]

[MARCH 18, 2002]  Members of the Lincoln Community High School speech team participated in IHSA sectional competition March 15 and 16 in Charleston. The LCHS contest play entry placed first in a tie with Normal West and Olympia.

Carrie Schreiber and Ed Jodlowski were co-directors of the contest play.

The LCHS group interpretation entry placed second at the sectional. Carolyn Schreiber was the group interpretation director.

"In just four short weeks these students have put together two solid productions," the directors said. "We are happy to see that their efforts have been recognized."

Individual honors

Eric Agostino and Beau Hanger — All-sectional contest play members

Betsy Buttell, Doug Rohrer, Stanton Schumacher — Honorable mention contest play members

Kerry Dobihal, Doug Rohrer, Tom Swanson — All-sectional group interpretation members  

Betsy Buttell, Ty Sank, Eric Agostino — Honorable mention group interpretation members 

The team will travel to Harrisburg to compete in the IHSA state tournament at Southeastern Illinois College on March 22 and 23.

"The experience of the IHSA state competition will be one that they will never forget," the speech coaches said. "We want to thank the community and parents for all of their support throughout the entire season. Without support and cooperation, this type of activity would not be possible."

[LCHS news]

[MARCH 16, 2002]  NORMAL — At a presentation March 1, Heartland Community College President Jonathan Astroth received recognition from the National Committee of Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve and from the 183rd Fighter Wing, Illinois Air National Guard

Lt. Col. Michael Meyer, 183rd Fighter Wing vice commander, Illinois Air National Guard, presented Dr. Astroth with a Certificate of Appreciation for Outstanding Service to the National Defense, "For the College’s support by making Major William Marrs’ time and talents available to the 183rd Fighter Wing, Illinois Air National Guard, Springfield, Illinois."

The honors were issued for the college’s support of Maj. William C. Marrs, chair of the Business Division at Heartland, who reported to duty soon after the Sept. 11 attacks in New York and Washington, D.C. Marrs serves as management and systems officer for the 183rd Fighter Wing. He is a third-generation guard member.

"The National Guard recognizes these skilled reservists’ value to their employers," Meyer said. "The available use of these skills would not be possible," he noted, "without the support of employers like Heartland — willing to sacrifice for the benefit of the country."

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"We acknowledge and appreciate your patriotism," he said.

In his acceptance of the certificate and plaque, Astroth responded, "To actively support our nation in these times is the least we can do."

In his nomination of Heartland for the award, Marrs stated: "I consider the actions of the college to be above and beyond the obligations imposed on them by law, exhibiting a commitment to current and future operations. This is the highest level of consideration given to those serving on military duty of any organization for which I have worked."

The National Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve, or ESGR, promotes both public and private understanding of the National Guard and Reserve through community and employer support to encourage employee and citizen participation in National Guard and Reserve programs. According to the ESGR, the nation’s Ready Reserve components comprise approximately 50 percent of the nation’s total available military manpower.

[Heartland Community College]

Announcements

Deadline for enrollment in College Illinois! approaches

[MARCH 16, 2002]  SPRINGFIELD — Sen. Claude "Bud" Stone reminds area residents that there is limited time left to enroll in a program designed to help parents and students save thousands of dollars on college tuition. The deadline for the program named College Illinois! is March 27.

"With tuition costs rapidly rising, College Illinois! is a sensible way to plan for the future and save money," said Stone, R-Morton. "Numerous Illinois families have taken advantage of the program that could literally save thousands of dollars in tuition costs. The program allows families to lock in future college costs at today’s prices, helping to keep a lid on tuition inflation."

There are three payment plans to choose from with a variety of pricing options, varying in cost depending on each institution’s tuition amount. Prepaid tuition through the program is not restricted to Illinois schools. The savings plan also can be used at out-of-state schools and can be applied to both public and private institutions.

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Benefits provided by the program are entirely exempt from Illinois state income tax. Federal tax (on earnings; not on payments) will begin only after the student enrolls in college and begins to use the purchased benefits. Additionally, benefits are backed by the state and do not fluctuate with the stock market.

For more information and an application, call 1 (877) 877-3724. Phone representatives are available from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday. Also, access the program’s website at www.collegeillinois.com.

[News release]

Health care career scholarship applications available

[JAN. 26, 2002]  Applications for the Dwight F. Zimmerman Scholarship, sponsored by the Abraham Lincoln Healthcare Foundation, are currently available.

Applicants must be seniors graduating from Lincoln Community High School, Mount Pulaski High School, Olympia High School, Hartsburg-Emden High School, Delavan Community High School or Illini Central High School, or students currently attending Lincoln College.

All applicants who are chosen as finalists to interview with the scholarship selection committee will receive an award to be applied directly toward tuition, fees and books. The two top applicants will receive scholarships of $1,500. Other finalists will be awarded $500 scholarships.

  Applications are available in the guidance offices of the above-listed schools. Applications are to be submitted to the Abraham Lincoln Healthcare Foundation, 315 Eighth St., Lincoln, IL 62656. The deadline to submit an application for the Zimmerman scholarship is April 5. For more information, call the foundation office at (217) 732-2161, Ext. 405.

People wishing to contribute to the scholarship fund may send their contributions to the Abraham Lincoln Healthcare Foundation, 315 Eighth St., Lincoln, IL 62656.

[News release]

Menus

• Lincoln Elementary Schools

• New Holland-Middletown Elementary District 88

(Milk served with every meal)

Monday, April 1 — Cereal, toast with jelly, juice

Tuesday, April 2 — Cheese toasty, fruit

Wednesday, April 3 — Cereal, graham crackers, juice

Thursday, April 4 — Scrambled eggs, potato wedges, toast

Friday, April 5 — Cereal, rice crispy treat, juice

Monday, April 8 — Cereal, cinnamon toast, juice

Tuesday, April 9 — Trix yogurt, peanut butter and jelly sandwich, fruit

Wednesday, April 10 — Cereal, toast, juice

Thursday, April 11 — Cereal, biscuit with jelly, juice

Friday, April 12 — No school. Parent-teacher conferences.

(Milk served with every meal)

Monday, April 1 — Chicken strips with sauce, green beans, bread and butter, applesauce

Tuesday, April 2 — Sloppy Joes, cole slaw, hash brown, cranberry juice

Wednesday, April 3 — Pepperoni pizza, corn, carrot sticks, jello with fruit

Thursday, April 4 — Hot dog on bun, french fries, goldfish crackers, peaches

Friday, April 5 — Chili with crackers, corn bread with butter, dill spear, whipped dessert

Monday, April 8 — Mini corn dogs, tortilla chips with cheese sauce, green beans, cinnamon applesauce

Tuesday, April 9 — Ravioli with meat sauce, mashed potatoes, bread and butter, fruit cocktail

Wednesday, April 10 — Chicken and biscuit, peas, carrot sticks, pears

Thursday, April 11 — Pancakes with syrup, hash brown, sausage patty, peaches

Friday, April 12 — No school. Parent-teacher conferences.

(Two percent white or chocolate milk, bread, butter and peanut butter served daily. Menu may be subject to change.)

Tuesday, April 2 — Corn dogs, peas, peaches, oatmeal chocolate chip cookie

Wednesday, April 3 — Chicken patty, mashed potatoes and gravy, pineapple, oatmeal cake

Thursday, April 4 — Chicken noodle soup, carrot sticks with dip, fruit cocktail, Texas cake

Friday, April 5 — Cheese pizza, lettuce salad, pears, chocolate pudding

Monday, April 8 — Hamburger, CB, bun, french fries, pineapple, ice cream treat

Tuesday, April 9 — Dismissal before lunch

Wednesday, April 10 — Hot dog, bun, corn, applesauce, chocolate chip cookie

Thursday, April 11 — Nachos, corn, strawberries, sugar cookie

Friday, April 12 — Ravioli, green beans, pears, no-bake cookie

Monday, April 15 — Macaroni and cheese, peas, applesauce, O’Henry bars

Tuesday, April 16 — Sloppy Joe, bun, green beans, mandarin oranges, oatmeal cookie

Wednesday, April 17 — Ham and cheese sandwich, corn, peaches, vanilla pudding

Thursday, April 18 — Beef "tator" bake, peas, apple slices, Texas cake

Friday, April 19 — Cheese pizza, lettuce salad, strawberries, peanut butter fingers

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Monday, April 22 — Salisbury steak, mashed potatoes and gravy, pears, "go gurt"

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