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Steve Robinson Normal Town Council members approved a modified resolution concerning signs for the new CVS Pharmacy, one of the anchor stores for the new Uptown Crossing complex along North St. in Uptown Normal. Council members were able to approve three waivers CVS had discussed with and sought from the Uptown Design Review Commission, by a 4-1 vote, with Council member Cheryl Gaines voting against. They were: CVS to have a projecting sign more than 60 inches from the building; to allow CVS to have a 12.56 sq. ft. projecting sign, where Town Code limits such signs to be 12 sq. ft.; and to allow signs with interior lighting. But while CVS was granted those items one item will be studied further by CVS and Town Staff, and will return to the Council agenda in May. CVS Pharmacy was looking for the new Uptown location to have something other CVS outlets routinely have: large window signage. Part of Gaines’s objection had to do with the amount of signage being put in the windows of the outside of the building. “I just think (such window signs) are not pleasing to the eye,” Gaines said after the meeting. Adam Skrzeszewski, development representative for Elgin, Ill.-based Sure Light Sign Co., told the Uptown Design Review Commission in November that CVS uses window signage screens to keep people outside from looking into the back of a store’s shelving units. At that time, he told the Review Commission CVS would lose some retail space if they had to remove shelving along the windows. Skrzeszewski told Council members Monday the use of window signage screens is only done in areas he described as “urban settings.” He said such a sign can be found at a CVS’ store in downtown Chicago. Operating And Investment Budget Approved: Council members unanimously approved an ordinance adopting the operating and capital investment budget for the Town for fiscal year 2010-11. Omnibus Agenda Items Approved: Approval of minutes of the Council’s meeting of Feb.15, 2010. Approval of Town of Normal expenditures for payment as of Feb.24, 2010. A motion to accept a bid award a contract to Normal-based U. S. Mechanical Services, Inc. for a new pool heater for the Fairview Family Aquatic Center in the amount of $40,350. A motion to approve semi-annual salary schedule adjustment for classified Town employees. A resolution for the use of Motor Fuel Tax (MFT) Funds to finance General Obligation Bonds to be used for roadway improvements in Uptown Normal. A resolution partially and conditionally approving the final development plan for the South Cottage Village PUD. A conditional resolution partially approving the Final Plat of South Cottage Village. An ordinance amending Sections 22.10-6(A) and 22.10-11 of the Municipal Code of the Town of Normal – Vehicle Relocation Services. An ordinance amending “An Ordinance Describing and Designating an Area Located Partially Within the City of Bloomington, Town of Normal and Unincorporated McLean County as an Enterprise Zone.” NCHS Alumni Association accepting applications new scholarships The NCHS Alumni Association is now accepting applications for three new $500 scholarships to be awarded to 2010 graduates of Normal Community High School. One scholarship recognizes academic excellence, one is for a student pursuing a career in education, and one is for a student entering a technical or vocational program. Eligibility requirements vary for each scholarship. Application materials are available in the Counseling Office at the high school. The deadline for applications is Tuesday, March 30. For more information, contact the Counseling Office. NCHS Alumni Assoc. seeking new members for the Board The Normal Community High School Alumni Association is seeking NCHS graduates interested in serving on the Alumni Board. Graduates of all classes, recent or older, are encouraged to participate. The Board oversees a number of projects that benefit the school, its students and teachers, and the alumni. Meetings are once a month throughout the academic year. A primary purpose of the Alumni Association is to preserve the history and legacy of Normal Community High School through projects such as creation of memory books for each class, preservation of memorabilia from the old high school, and maintenance of the yearbook collection. Currently, the Association is working on a number of projects, including the Orange Crush golf outing, the proceeds of which both benefit athletic programs and provide monies for scholarships awarded by the Alumni Association. In addition, the Board maintains the Traditions Brick Walkway project for which alumni may purchase engraved bricks in their names or to honor graduates, teachers, and friends of NCHS. An on-going project is to design a placement for items saved from the façade of the old high school, such as the concrete eagles. Each year, the Awards Committee also identifies and names Distinguished Alumni, and the full organization raises funds through sponsoring the Homecoming game concessions. The Board also serves as a contact for classes in planning reunions and locating classmates. Anyone interested in becoming a member of the Board may contact Board President David Usiak at (309) 664-7029 or dusiak@msiloans.biz. Allison Parks chosen to attend National 4-H Conference Local 4-H member Allison Parks, a daughter of Sid and Jeanne Parks of Bloomington, will join other 4-H’ers from all over the country for the annual National 4-H Conference in Washington, D.C. March 20 – 25. She belongs to both the Home Spun and Stylistics clubs. Parks is one of eight Illinois teens who will meet with USDA staff, teens, volunteers, and Extension staff to develop plans for 4-H Youth Development programming on the state and national levels. The 4-H members will also participate in issue-discussions and meetings with federal legislators. Friends of the NPL to hold spring book sale March 19-21 The Friends of the Normal Public Library is holding its spring book sale on the weekend of March 19-21 in the Community Room of the Normal Public Library. Along with thousands of books, the sale also contains videos, cards, games and puzzles. Friday, March 19, from 5-7 p.m. is the preview sale open to members of the Friends. Memberships are accepted at the door. On Saturday the sale is open from 8-4. Sunday a bag sale will be held from 1-4 p.m., most special priced books will be half-priced. For further information on the sale or donation of books for future sales - please call Paula Monroe at 452-2380. ‘Galaxies’ featured at Planetarium through May 8 Timothy Ferris’s Galaxies will be the featured show at the Illinois State University Planetarium through May 8. The show highlights the stars, nebulae and black holes of the Milky Way and traces the origins of the universe. Show times are Fridays at 7:30 p.m. and Saturdays at 2 p.m. There will be no showing of Galaxies on March 5 – 13, March 20, and April 2 - 3. Admission is $4 for adults, $3 for children ages 5-12, and $2 for children ages 3-4. Planetarium members are admitted free of charge. The Planetarium is located under the white domed roof at the intersection of School St. and College Ave. in Normal. For more information call the Planetarium’s Skyline at (309) 438-5007 or visit www.phy.ilstu.edu/planet.html TCAA Public Viewing Session: Crescent Moon & Mars Saturday, March 20 7:30 - 9:30 p.m. The Twin City Amateur Astronomers invites the public to join them at the Sugar Grove Observatory for the first Public Viewing Session of 2010! A short lecture will precede observation using several ground level telescopes. You don‚t have to be an expert to appreciate this program; interest is all that is needed. All ages are encouraged to attend. This program is FREE, no registration is required; however it may be cancelled due to the event of cloudy skies. If you are unsure that the program will be cancelled, phone Carl at (309) 830.4085 or Lee at (309) 324.2804 after 6:00 p.m. For more information about the Twin City Amateur Astronomers visit their website at http://twincityamateurastronomers.org. Free, No registration required. Sugar Grove Nature Center is located in beautiful, historic Funks Grove, just south of Bloomington-Normal. For a map and directions to the Nature Center, membership and program information visit us on-line at www.sugargrovenaturecenter.org. ‘Living on the Earth’ by poet Kathleen Kirk to be release April 30 Finishing Line Press of Georgetown, Kentucky, is pleased to announce the upcoming publication of “Living on the Earth,” by Kathleen Kirk, to be released April 30, 2010. The book was a finalist in the press’s New Women’s Voices chapbook competition, judged by Oklahoma poet Carol Hamilton. Kirk’s “Living on the Earth” will be number 74 in the New Women’s Voices Series. Bill Morgan, retired Illinois State University professor and author of “Sky with Six Geese,” says of “Living on the Earth”: “These smart, elegant poems - speaking to us sometimes in the voice of a lover, once in that of a resurrected body, occasionally as if from within a flower or from a crater on the moon -invite us to see the natural world and ourselves with renewed wonder and delight. And they move us to see beyond the known world so as to engage with yet another level of pleasure that can only be called spiritual. They are lyrical love poems to the earth and to our human capacity to cherish it.” The cover art for “Living on the Earth” is a photograph by local photographer Ken Kashian that inspired two of the poems in the book, “Cornfield in Winter” and “Blue Sky Girl.” Another poem, “Early Morning, River and Grasses,” responds to a Kashian photograph by that title. “Blue Sky Girl” also appears in Kashian’s book of photographs, “Along the Mackinaw River,” which contains poems by several Illinois poets. Kirk is the author of two previous poetry chapbooks, “Selected Roles” (Moon Journal Press, 2006), and “Broken Sonnets” (Finishing Line Press, 2009). Her award-winning poetry is widely published in literary journals and anthologies, with poems recently in “After Hours,” “Poems & Plays,” and “Spoon River Poetry Review.” She will read from her new book on Sunday afternoon, July 11, at 2:00 p.m. at Heartland Theatre. “Living on the Earth” can be ordered directly from the publisher on the New Releases page of their website: www.finishinglinepress.com or ordered by mail (for $14 + $1 shipping) at: Finishing Line Press, P.O. Box 1626, Georgetown, KY 40324. 4-H programs developed to engage more youth Illinois 4-H recently launched two new programs that are creating positive developmental experiences for young people across Illinois. Supported through University of Illinois Extension, Illinois 4-H is expanding its Special Interest, or “SPIN,” and Military 4-H club programs. Currently, over 25,000 Illinois youth are members of 4-H clubs. “We are very excited about our new 4-H club programs,” said Denise Legvold, assistant dean and director of Illinois 4-H. “4-H clubs allow young people, often from diverse backgrounds and experiences, to come together for fun, hands-on learning experiences. Through these valuable opportunities, youth gain independence, develop a sense of belonging, and learn important life skills.” SPIN clubs allow kids ages 8 to 18 with common interests or hobbies to meet as a club and share their special interest. Whether their passion is sailing, robotics, community theater, or just about any other topic, kids can gain knowledge and enhance their skills through a positive group experience. A SPIN club can be started with as few as one adult volunteer leader and five young people with an interest in a particular topic. While an adult leader provides expertise and guidance, club members take an active role in planning and running their own activities. “Traditionally, 4-H programs have been community-based,” Legvold said. “SPIN clubs reach out beyond local communities to bring kids and families with common interests together. They are a great way to introduce young people to a specific hobby or interest they might not otherwise have a chance to develop.” Illinois 4-H is also advancing its Military 4-H club program. The program is organized through Illinois 4-H’s Operation: Military Kids. Operation: Military Kids provides a support network for military youth living in civilian communities. The initiative is a partnership of Army Child and Youth Services, USDA National 4-H Headquarters, and the U of I Extension 4-H Program. The Military 4-H club program provides for enjoyable, positive learning activities for children of Illinois military families. Through clubs formed around special projects or topics, military youth pursue hobbies or special interests, establish meaningful relationships with peers, maintain connections with deployed parents, develop important coping skills, and more. Military 4-H clubs have been established at Rock Island Arsenal and Scott Air Force Base, and a 4-H youth club program is currently being formed at Naval Station Great Lakes. “Every U.S. military installation is mandated by the federal government to have a 4-H program, and 4-H programs are currently available in 72 countries throughout the world,” Legvold said. “Since military families move frequently, having 4-H activities available to military youth where ever they reside adds stability to their lives.” U of I Extension youth development educators are available to assist families or communities in starting a 4-H club in their area. For more information on Illinois 4-H SPIN clubs, contact Kimberly Rahn at (815) 268-4051 or rahnk@illinois.edu. For information on Military 4-H clubs, contact Patricia McGlaughlin at (217) 333-0910 or patm@illinois.edu. |
In The March 4 Printed Normalite:
Bill Linneman
Helen J. Leake's Master Gardeners Tips
The Spectator by Jim Bennett
Capitol Facts by Rich Miller
Normal Town Council Report
Capitol Commentary from Senator Bill Brady
Publisher Ed Pyne - Pyne Needles Chimperscage - by Alan Look
Mystery Photo, Legal Notices, Obituaries, Service Directory, School and Senior Information, and Classified advertisements Pick up a copy for these stories and more. by
Steve Robinson At their first meeting in February, Unit 5 School Board sought ways to reduce its budget, looking to make between $6 million-$10 million in cuts. At their meeting on Feb. 24, held at Sugar Creek Elementary School, District Superintendent Gary Niehaus said district officials found areas and personnel to cut, managing to make $7.5 million in budget reductions. The breakdown of the total areas where cuts will be to be made looks like this: • A total of $779,700 will be reduced from the budget that pays for Unit 5’s central office and administration. • A total of $3,047,300 will be cut from District-wide programs, including State programs, Gifted Education, staff development, library services throughout the district, and assessment and testing. • A total of $1,737,900 will be cut from the district’s Elementary Education budget, which includes six full-time teachers’ salaries, 51 teaching assistants’ salaries, and budgets for supplies and equipment. It also includes eliminating on full-time school administrative manager. • A total of $807,900 will be cut from the district’s middle school budget, including eliminating one full-time school administrative manager, and six full-time teachers. Also, there will be a reduction in how much will be spent on textbooks, supplies, and equipment. • A total of $1,114,200 will be cut from the district’s budget for high school expenses, including eliminating 1 school administrative manager’s position, and 13 full-time teaching positions, 10 full time teaching assistant positions. In addition, money available for a driver’s education vehicle, textbooks, supplies, and equipment have also been slashed. Niehaus said as yet unknown teacher resignations and retirements could help Unit 5 return some of the six full-time elementary teachers affected by the cuts. Martin Getty, Unit 5’s interim CFO, told Board members the district is still owed $6 million by the State of Illinois. Getty said that, should Unit 5 receive all the cash the state owes it, the district would be able to have a balanced budget. Niehaus told Board members he met with all of Unit 5’s school principals in January, asking them to look into their budgets to see where they could make reductions, in relation to their schools’ needs for the 2010-2011 school year. For the past two months, until Feb. 19, school principals have been under a spending freeze. Niehaus added principals were also asked to submit a list of needs for their schools for the next school year. Niehaus said Unit 5 officials are now waiting for Gov. Pat Quinn’s “State of the State Address,” which Quinn has postponed once already, but has rescheduled for Mar. 10, to see what Quinn will announce about education funding. “This situation is not a fix that will happen in one action by our legislature,” Niehaus told Board members. “It could be a 2- or 3-year endurance test for Unit 5.” Board member Scott Lay commented that reductions made by the district “need to spread equally. We need to make things equal. It’s painful to reduce certified teaching staff.” Answering a question from Board Vice President John Puzauskas, Getty said he expects Unit 5 will have an end balance of $3.3 million in its education fund at the end of fiscal 2010. Unit 5’s fiscal year ends on June 30. Benjamin School Chooses “Bears” Nickname: The nicknames of the teams represented by Unit 5’s 15 elementary schools go almost from A to Z. Specifically, they go from Bobcats (at Brigham Elementary) to Pumas (at Pepper Ridge Elementary). Prospective future students of the new Benjamin Elementary School chose “Bears” for their school nickname in a telephone survey. In the coming weeks, future students of Cedar Ridge Elementary will get to choose the team nickname for their school. The choices have been narrowed down to either Rockets, Raptors, or Rhinos. Superintendent Gets New Contract, Raise: Board members discussed and approved a 1 percent raise for Niehaus at the meeting. The new contract is for five years, and Niehaus will receive a 1 percent raise next year, followed by salary increases that would be between 1 percent and 4 percent per year, based on performance. Niehaus currently makes $188,260. The first raise would hike that to $190,142. The vote to approve the raise was 6-1, with Board member Mark Pritchett voting against the raise, but not because of Niehaus’ job performance. Pritchett said his vote would be based upon “compensatory funds,” – in other words, the amount being paid out, and had nothing to do with Niehaus personally or the job Niehaus was doing as superintendent. Board member Gail Ann Briggs pointed out that factors that went into approving the raise included responses to questionnaires evaluating Niehaus’ performance that went to Unit 5 employees. Sugar Creek’s New Look Gets Toured, Appreciated: A second floor addition, including classrooms with Smartboards, and a common area where large groups of students from more than one class can be taught at one time, were part of a school tour given to about 20 former Sugar Creek students who themselves are now parents. The tour took place prior to the start of the School Board meeting. The Board’s meeting was held in a common study area on the school’s second floor. Among the areas seen on the tour were the newly designed library with lower shelving, and a new gym that is larger than the one that was built when the building first was constructed. The school’s old gym is now doubles as the school cafeteria/general assembly area. The building now has a new, larger kitchen area which allows staff to be able to cook on site, rather than have food trucked in, which could only be reheated before serving. Unit 5 Board President Meta Mickens-Baker joined the tour, and during the meeting, publicly thanked those responsible, which included representatives from Perkins & Will Architects; Peoria-based LZT Associates; Chicago-based Turner Construction; and Jeff Monahan, construction manager for Unit 5. Bill Legett, president of Sugar Creek’s Parent-Teacher Organization, addressed Board members, expressing thanks for all their support in making the building upgrade possible. Community Players to present ‘Play It Again, Sam’ Community Players proudly presents Play It Again, Sam, a Woody Allen Comedy. A romantic comedy, Play It Again, Sam is the story of Allan Felix, who has been dumped by his wife and tries dating again using the advice of his hero, the apparition of Humphrey Bogart, and his two married friends. The results are less than satisfactory but more than entertaining! Performance dates are March 5-7, 11-14, & 18-20 with a special Pay-What-You-Can performance on March 4. Curtain times are 7:30 p.m. for evening performances and 2:30 p.m. for Sunday matinees. All performances take place at Community Players Theatre, 201 Robinhood Lane, Bloomington. This show contains adult subject matter.
Call the Box Office at 309/663-2121 or visit
www.community This program is partially supported by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council, a state agency. Pay-What-You-Can performance is sponsored in part by the Target Corporation. Produced by special arrangement with Samuel French, Inc. Community Players is a not-for-profit community theatre dedicated to promoting the performing arts. Christian Women’s Club brunch March 16th The Christian Women’s Club will meet Tuesday, March 16th at Eastland Suites Conference Center, 1801 Eastland Drive, Bloomington. Doors open at 9:30 a.m. Brunch is from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Tickets are $13.00 inclusive For ticket reservation and information call Debbie Vick at 309-827-3190. Reservations are needed by March 8th. Cancellations are necessary by March 10th Special Feature is the Christ Child Society of Central Illinois. A representative for the central Illinois chapter of the Christ Child Society will share the vision of the organization and their mission to serve children in need. Our key speaker will be Judy Majchrowitz of Huntley, Illinois. Judy, a former antique store owner, will share her message, “Finding Love that Last a Lifetime.” Biologist to lecture on negative effect of atrazine March 18 Tyrone Hayes, assistant professor in the Department of Integrative Biology at University of California, Berkeley will give two lectures during his visit to Illinois State University as the School of Biological Sciences 2010 Rilett Lecturer. He will present “An herbicide that does more than kill weeds: atrazine-induced chemical castration, feminization, homosexuality, and breast/prostate cancer” on Thursday, March 18 at noon in Schroeder Hall Annex 238. His public seminar “From Silent Spring to Silent Night: A Tale of Toads and Men” is set for 7 p.m. in the Bone Student Center Brown Ballroom. Hayes earned his Ph.D. in integrative biology in 1993 at University of California, Berkley. His primary research focuses on the role of environmental factors on growth and development in amphibians, specifically the effects of endocrine-disrupting pesticides on amphibian growth, development, reproduction and immune function and how these studies predict effects in other wildlife and humans. He has pioneered the field by showing that atrazine can alter normal development in animals resulting in a multitude of developmental defects, deformities, and cancer. Until recently, atrazine was the number one herbicide sold in the world. Atrazine is used with crops such as corn in more than 80 countries, but it is banned in all of Europe. A typical farmer applies atrazine at 290 million times the levels Hayes’ group used in their lab studies. Hayes’ research has shown that “there’s enough atrazine in rainwater to make frogs hermaphroditic” and Illinois’ public waterways have been shown to contain atrazine at levels high enough to cause developmental defects. At such high levels, atrazine has been implicated in inducing various types of cancer including breast and prostate cancer. Red Cross Evening of Stars features Cal Ripken, Jr. Tickets are available now for the seventeenth annual American Red Cross of the Heartland Evening of Stars on Thursday, April 29 at the Marriott Hotel in Uptown Normal. Major League Baseball Hall of Fame member Cal Ripken, Jr. who holds the record of playing in 2,632 consecutive baseball games for the Baltimore Orioles is the featured speaker. Evening of Stars is the chapter’s largest event and provides funding for local Red Cross services. Tickets are $150 and there are ten seats per table. Doors open at 6:00 p.m. with a cash bar available until the dinner begins at 7:00 p.m. Attendees may also choose the new “Red Carpet Experience” - for $500 fifty couples receive two admissions to both Evening of Stars and the Sponsor Reception held just prior to the event. Admissions are available for purchase online at www.archeartland.org or by phone at 662-0500. Checks may be made out to American Red Cross of the Heartland with “Evening of Stars” in the memo section and mailed to Evening of Stars Tickets, American Red Cross of the Heartland, One Westport Court, Bloomington, IL 61704. PAST EVENING OF STARS SPEAKERS 1994 Charles Kuralt 1995 Art Buchwald 1996 Tony Randall 1997 Regis Philbin 1998 Mike Farrell 1999 Sen. Robert Dole 2000 Capt. James Lovell 2001 Capt. Scott O’Grady 2002 Cokie Roberts 2003 Dick Vitale 2004 Lynn Redgrave 2005 Bob Costas 2006 Peyton Manning 2007 Chris Gardner 2008 Mike Ditka 2009 Mike Krzyzewski |
Normal Community Ironmen, Normal Community West Wildcats, Ridgeview Mustangs, University High School Pioneers, Central Catholic Saints, Lexington Minutemen, ElPaso Gridley Titans, Illinois State University Redbird, Illinois Wesleyan Titan, State Farm Holiday Classic, McLean County Tournament, HOI Conference, Heart of Illinois
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- Dialogue Connecting the Community. Unit 5 Lunch Menus Elementary Schools Mon. March 1 - Pepperoni* pizza, tossed salad, cherry tomatoes, pears, Animal Crackers. Tues. March 2 - Cinnamon pancakes, sausage & egg patty, tri-taters, apple wedges. Wed. March 3- Cheeseburger on bun, corn, mandarin oranges & bananas, Giant Goldfish Crackers. Thurs. March 4 - Chicken nuggets, whipped potatoes & gravy, orange wedges, whole grain bread w/marg. Fri. March 5 - Cheese Quesadilla, corn, fruit cocktail, chips & salsa Jr. High Schools Mon. March 1 - Chili dog* on bun, tater tots, rosy applesauce, Elf Graham Crackers. Tues. March 2 - Chicken patty on bun, broccoli, w/cheese sauce, pears, soft pretzel rod. Wed. March 3 - BBQ rib* sandwich or cheeseburger on bun, corn, pineapple, Vanilla Clodhoppers. Thurs. March 4 - Chicken nuggets, whipped potatoes & gravy, orange wedges, whole grain bread w/marg. Fri. March 5 - Cheesepizza, tossed salad, apple wedges, Curly Noodles. High Schools Mon. March 1 - Galaxy cheese pizza, tossed salad, cherry tomatoes, pears, Curly Noodles. Tues. March 2 - Grilled or spicy chicken sandwich, corn, apple wedges, Vanilla Clodhoppers. Wed. March 3 - Cheeseburger on bun, curly fries, mandarin oranges & bananas, Giant Goldfish Crackers. Thurs. March 4 - Chicken nuggets, whipped potatoes & gravy, orange wedges, whole grain bread w/marg. Fri. March 5 - Garlic cheese bread w/pizza sauce, California Mixed Vegetables, peaches, Trail Mix.- Menu subject to change. White or chocolate milk is offered with all meals. * May contain pork Student Lunches: $1.70 per day, $8.50 per week. Adult Lunches: $2.20 per day.Adult Lunches: $2.20 per day. No meeting this week Normal Rotary, three staffers, honored In Unit 5 “Good News” Normal’s Unit 5 School Board members heard four “Good News” reports at their regular meeting Feb. 24, held at Sugar Creek Elementary School. Members of the Normal Rotary Club, and three Unit 5 instructors received recognition for recent achievements. Normal Rotary Coat Drive: Unit 5 recognized members of Normal Rotary Club for their efforts to help some elementary and middle school students in need so that they would have coats for the winter. Normal Rotary Club President Ed Tanton and Coat Drive Committee Co-Chair Connie Gentry attended the meeting. Ron Timmerman is the other Coat Drive Co-Chair. “We had approximately 126 donated as well as received money donations,” Gentry explained. She said Normal Rotary also received donations of hats and gloves, in addition to coats. The need for coats became apparent to the district when schools discovered there were students staying home from school because they did not have coats to wear, Gentry said. The drive ran during November and December, Gentry said. She said Normal Rotary also took monetary donations from people who wanted to help the project, as well as receiving the needed items. She said they raised about $1,100. NCHS Technology Instructor Receives Grant From WHOI-TV: Normal Community High School technology instructor Don Whitman received a $1,000 Grant from Peoria’s WHOI-TV as part of the station’s on-going “One Class At A Time” program. NCHS teacher Michelle Byers wrote WHOI to nominate Whitman because of his work with students who are part of his Personal Computer Hardware class and a computer club Whitman oversees during after school hours. The computer club and PC hardware class works on rebuilding and updating computers for families of NCHS students who may not be able to afford new or updated computers. WHOI-TV and CEFCU Credit Union give the award out on a bi-weekly basis to area teachers who are nominated by co-workers or students. The money can be used for supplies, classroom tools, or other necessities. NCHS Band Director serves as guest conductor: Josh Masterman, NCHS Band director, was recognized by Board members for being invited to be guest conductor for the Springfield Public Schools All-City Music Festival, which was held on Feb. 23. Normal West Consumer Sciences Teacher Honored: Teri Wilson, a teacher at Normal Community West High, has been named Teacher of the Year for 2009-2010 by Illinois Association of Family & Consumer Sciences (IAFCS). IAFCS presented Wilson with the honor at their annual conference on Feb. 26, held at the Par-A-Dice Hotel in East Peoria. The award recognizes outstanding educational programs, methods, techniques, and activities in the field of family and consumer sciences. West Principal Tom Eder, in a memo to Board members about Wilson’s accomplishments, explained she “restructured a playschool into an Early Childhood Education Program as part of the Family and Consumer Science program at (West).” Beginning in the 2010-2011 school year, students will be able to earn dual credit at Heartland Community College through this high school curriculum. Prairie Fire Theatre opera ‘Fertile Ground’ to start March 28 at IWU theatre Prairie Fire Theatre announces the premier production of “Fertile Ground”, an original modern opera performing March 28th & March 30th and continuing April 1st and 2nd on the stage of Westbrook Theater in Presser Hall on the campus of Illinois Wesleyan University. Prairie Fire Theatre is a non-profit musical theater group. Robert Mangialardi is the managing and artistic director of Prairie Fire Theatre and is producing this opera. After three years of preproduction work, 2010 will mark the premier performance of this original operatic work commissioned in 2006 by Prairie Fire Theatre. “Fertile Ground” is a departure in style from previous Prairie Fire Theatre productions focusing in this opera on the modern musical style of Illinois Wesleyan’s David Vayo. Nancy Brokaw wrote the story for “Fertile Ground” which is set in a modern Illinois farm family and contains content that is only suitable for an adult audience. “Fertile Ground” continues Prairie Fire Theatre’s commitment to helping to produce new original works (Lloyd Farlee’s 2003, 2004 and 2005 chapters of “I’ll Be Seeing You”; Robert Mangialardi’s 2007 “The Story Goes On”; and Ray Roderick’s 2008 “Coming to America”). David Vayo wrote the music for “Fertile Ground” and is Professor and Composition Department head at Illinois Wesleyan University, where he teaches composition, improvisation, and contemporary music. He is also coordinator of new music activities. Nancy Steele Brokaw wrote the script for “Fertile Ground”. She is a writer/journalist/playwright. Nancy is the author of Leaving Emma, published by Clarion/Houghton Mifflin. Her work appeared regularly in the Pantagraph for over 10 years, and she has written for the Illinois Wesleyan Magazine since 1996. “Fertile Ground” tickets will only be available at the door and all seats are ten dollars. Half of all ticket proceeds will go to Illinois Wesleyan University. There will be first come, first served seating. “Fertile Ground” Premier Performances will be: March 28th (Sunday 3PM), March 30th (Tuesday 7:30PM), April 1st, (Thursday 7:30 PM), and April 2nd, (Friday 7:30 PM). Girls and gangsters garner guffaws in Conklin’s ‘Shady Business’ Conklin’s Barn II Dinner Theatre is excited to announce the opening of their premiere production of the hilarious Robin Hawdon farce “Shady Business” on March 11 and playing on Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings and Sunday brunches through May 2. Robin Hawdon, author of such comedy hits as “Perfect Wedding,” “Don’t Dress for Dinner” and “The Mating Game” has created a hysterical comedy involving dancing girls, mobsters and two hapless guys who get in way over their heads. The comedy opens with Larry waking up next to Mandy, a showgirl, in her apartment in Reno. Unfortunately, her jealous boss Big Mack is on his way to pick up the week’s profits from his various illegal operations, which are delivered to Mandy’s apartment. With Larry hiding in the bathroom, best friend Tania gets involved trying to hide him from Big Mack and his bodyguard, but mistakes delivery boy Terry for Larry and sets in motion a series of mistaken identities and troubles that erupt hilariously with Larry winding up in a dress as “Laura” during a very unusual and uncomfortable dinner party for Mack, Mandy, Tania, Terry and an amorous loan shark on the make. Funny men Dan Challacombe and Pat Gaik head up the cast as Larry and Terry, with Miranda Axsom and Diann Thompson as Mandy and Tania. Chad Kirvan plays mob boss Big Mack, with John Johnson as loan shark Harry the Hammer and Parrish Worsfold as bodyguard Dozer. The show is directed by Mary Simon. Set design is by Tom Weber, technical direction is by April Wyant, and publicity is by Pat Gaik. Conklin’s Barn II is known for its delicious buffet which, on evening performances, includes four main entrees featuring the Barn’s renowned prime rib and fried chicken, with salad, homemade soup and cheese spread, and a choice of four taste-tempting, homemade desserts. Prices for dinner and show are $31.00 on Thursday evenings, $33.00 on Friday evening and Sunday brunch, and $35.00 on Saturday evening, including tax. There is no performance on Easter Sunday. No advance payment is required. Conklin’s is also BYOB for wine, beer or cocktails. Glasses, ice and ice buckets are provided at no extra charge. For reservations, call the box office at 309-965-2545. For more information, visit the Barn on the internet at www.barn2.com Sugar Creek Nature Center Happenings Little Wonders: St. Patrick’s Day! Wednesday, March 17 10 - 11:30 a.m. or 1 to 2:30 p.m. What do snakes have to do with St. Patrick‚s Day? Three to five year-olds with an adult chaperone will explore many items associated with this fun holiday, from snakes and shamrocks to rainbows and leprechauns. A naturalist will lead the group where participants will enjoy a snack, listen to a story, make a craft, and then hunt for their own pot ‘o gold! Registration and adult chaperone required. Fee: $5/child for members, $7/child for non-members. For more information or to register, phone (309) 874.2174 or email register-sgnc@earthlink.net. Woodcock Walk Wednesday, March 18 - 6:30 p.m. Woodcocks are ground-nesting birds that exhibit one of the most delightful courtship flights just before dawn and at dusk. Join us to learn more about this fascinating game bird that returns to fields, prairies, and pastures throughout central Illinois in mid-March, then head outside to (hopefully) spot the males as they spiral toward the sky and dive to the ground in order to impress a potential mate. Fee: Members $5, non-members $7; registration required. For more information or to register, phone 309.874.2174 or email register-sgnc@earthlink.net. |
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