Local May Events:
HCC Recognizes Outstanding 2009 Graduates
FREEPORT -- Highland Community College awarded 326 degrees and certificates at its annual commencement ceremony. “This commencement ceremony is obviously the culmination of our year,” said HCC president Dr. Joe Kanosky. “Our faculty and staff are dedicated to helping students succeed, so it is extremely rewarding to watch that happen.”
Highland has over 11,000 graduates and has touched the lives of thousands more through adult and community education programs. Success stories abound, and the College enjoys recognizing the students who achieved academically and those who overcame the odds to achieve their dream of earning a college degree. A graduation breakfast is traditionally held the Friday preceding graduation at which faculty members present awards to outstanding students. The 2009 recipients demonstrate the diversity of goals and interests pursued by Highland students.
Samuel Cook of Hanover Park received the Nursing Award. Samuel graduated with highest honors- earning a perfect 4.0 grade point average. He also served as president of the Day Nursing Program. Samuel has worked in a variety of settings which have led him to the nursing field, including group homes for developmentally disabled adults and an orphanage in Bolivia. He plans to gain some experience working as a nurse in a hospital setting before working overseas for a non-governmental organization, providing nursing care and education.
Alexandra Hartman of Freeport was awarded the Fine Arts/Performing Arts Award. In addition to receiving high honors, “Alex” was a member of Phi Theta Kappa and involved in numerous Fine Arts ensembles and productions, including the Royal Scots, Chamber Singers, Highland Chorale, and Summerset Theatre. In the fall, Alex plans to attend Illinois State University to pursue a degree in musical theater.
Nathan Spurlock of Lena was presented with the Fine Arts/Visual Arts Award. Nathan was an active staff member of the student newspaper, The Highland Chronicle. He also served on the production staff of The Prairie Wind magazine which contains original poetry, prose, visual art, and music contributed by students, staff, alumni, and other members of the Highland Community. A member of Phi Theta Kappa, Nathan also assisted with freshman orientation and art galleries. He plans to continue his education by going on to complete a BFA in painting and to one day teach art at the college level.
Dian Purnamasari of Freeport received the Liberal Arts Award. Dian is a foreign exchange student from Central Java, Indonesia. Dian completed an associate of science degree and graduated with high honors. She plans to continue her education in the field of nursing.
Maria Altfillisch of Galena was presented the Business Administration/Accounting Award. During her tenure at Highland Community College, Susan earned her Associate of Applied Science degree in Accounting. Susan volunteered as a member of the Galena Band Boosters, St. Michael Alter and Rosary Society, and the Galena Country Fair Society Committee. In the future she plans to complete a four-year degree in accounting.
Meredith Davis of Stockton was presented the Life Science Award. Meredith, a high honors graduate and member of Phi Theta Kappa, majored in biology and plans to transfer to University of Wisconsin – Platteville to study micro-biology and genetics for forensic science. Meredith served as a biology lab assistant and micro-biology tutor.
Carol Ellefson of Orangeville received the Vocational Technology/Information Systems Award. Carol graduated with high honors after being out of school for many years before returning to college to complete an associate of applied science in information systems.
Joey Stott of Lena was presented with the Citizenship Award. Joey has been a dynamic student leader at Highland. She served as president of Phi Theta Kappa in 2007-08 and vice president of the Student Senate in 2008-09. She also served as a mentor and tutor in the Success Center. Joey is active in the community as well; she serves as a Jo Daviess County auxiliary deputy sheriff and member of the mounted patrol. She also serves as secretary/treasurer of the Le-Aqua-na Saddle Club. Joey plans to transfer to the University of Wisconsin – Platteville to study the sciences and secondary education.
HCC officially dedicates the Health Science Nursing Wing
by Keith Bardell
Freeport- The day finally came on May 6 for the official dedication of the Ray and Betty Stamm Health Schience Nursing Wing on the HCC campus.
An estimated crowd of 80 persons were witness to the ceremony that was held just months after the official groundbreaking. The completion of the Nursing Wing was the culmination of 5 years of planning and hard work. The wing was added to the Natural Science building and flows seamlessly throughout. HCC administrators, faculty and many local dignitaries, including Freeport Mayor George Gaulrap, were on hand along with the nursing students to witness the historical event.
“I’m thankful to God for making me available for the students,” said Ray Stamm.
Kim Grimes, President of the Freeport Area Chamber of Commerce, and the Chamber Ambassadors helped with the official ribbon cutting. Due to rain, the ribbon cutting was moved indoors and the building was open for touring.
“It’s fabulous that the students can practice in real life on simulation manikins,” Dr. Shannon Lizer, Director of nursing , said.
FHN also contributed funding for much of the equipment to be used by the students. Lizer pointed out that they also have a room with one-way glass so that instructors can observe students as they practice on the manikins. This is a great contribution that will be of value for many years to come for our community.
Shriners Onion Drive in Freeport
by Keith Bardell
The Shriners have set up in the old Farm and Fleet parking lot located at 1775 S. West Ave in Freeport to raise money by selling vadalia onions.
Dean G. White (pictured) holds a bag of vadalia onions that have become a local yearly tradition in Freeport. The bags are $10 each and are sold to raise money for the Shriners Hospitals. The closest hospital is a brand new facility located in Chicago. The shriners also are a local staple of many parades in which the drive their miniature Model Ts.
"We've replaced the motors last year in the cars which have been in use since 1963," said White.
The Shriners also receive payment for their performances that cover northern Illionis and southern Wisconsin.
In the parking lot, from now until about May 18, Shriners will be selling the onions. On Friday May 8, Dyle Barrett, a Shriner selling the onions had seen a steady flow of eager customers.
"The Shriners Hospital Burn Centers helps any children with burns or child defects get corrective surgury regarless of their ability to pay," Barrett said.
Support the Shriners with a donation or the purchase of a bag of vadalia onions.
MALCOLM EATON RAFFLING LIGHTHOUSE ITEMS
AT ANNUAL PORK CHOP DINNER & CAR SHOW
FREEPORT, Illinois – A lighthouse-themed oil painting and quilt will be raffled off at the upcoming MALCOLM EATON Enterprises’ 15th Annual Pork Chop Dinner & Car Show. Raffle tickets are available now, as are tickets for the May 17 dinner. Registration is also open for the car show.
“We are so lucky to have the work of local artists Kathy Raum and Christine Raum, who created these beautiful items,” said Sue Swanson, MALCOLM EATON Enterprises executive director. “The quilt and painting would make lovely additions to any home, and would be especially treasured by lighthouse collectors and aficionados.”
The 16 X 20 framed oil painting is titled “Cape Hatteras at Sundown,” while the quilt and matching pillow show various East Coast lighthouses. Tickets are 1 for $5 or 3 for $10. They are available before the event by stopping at MALCOLM EATON, 570 West Lamm Road, or calling the organization, (815) 235-7181. Tickets will also be sold at the dinner.
MALCOLM EATON’s Annual Pork Chop Dinner will be held from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. May 17 at the organization’s facility, 570 W. Lamm Road, Freeport. Tickets for the dinner are available at Cub Foods, Lena State Bank and MALCOLM EATON Enterprises.
Dinners are served in the dining room, via drive-through at the SportsPlex parking lot or by delivery service. Those wanting delivery service should call (815) 235-7181 starting at 8 a.m. on the day of the event to schedule their delivery. Meals will be delivered between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Delivery is available only in Freeport. A $2 delivery fee per destination will be charged. Only cash, checks and advance tickets will be accepted for delivery payment.
A ticket costs $8.50 and includes two specially seasoned pork chops, baked potato, green beans, applesauce, roll and a beverage. Although serving is from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., the dining room will remain open until 4 p.m and carryouts will be available in the dining room from 3 to 3:30 p.m.; the drive-through is available from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The SportsPlex is just north of MALCOLM EATON. People can enter off Walnut Road.
MALCOLM EATON Enterprises will once again be sponsoring a car show in conjunction with the pork chop dinner. Awards will honor the Top 70 entrants as determined by participant judging plus eight ”Best of” and one Best of Show trophy will be awarded. In addition, three Special Interest plaques will be given. The car show is presented by Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie No. 679. Registrations are being accepted for the show, which starts at 8 a.m. that day. To register, contact Hilliger at MALCOLM EATON Enterprises, (815) 235-7181.
Highland Cougar Summer Sports Programs
Basketball, Volleyball, Baseball, Softball
FREEPORT – The Highland Community College athletic department is now accepting registrations for the 2009 Highland Cougar Summer Programs. Basketball, volleyball, baseball and softball camps are offered. The Highland Cougar Summer Camp Programs are among the best and longest running in the region. These camps are designated for specific ages and skill levels so that all athletes can get the most out of their camp experience. All participants receive a camp T-shirt.
The sports program staff features Coach Pete Norman, the Highland Cougar basketball coach; Coach Beth Groshans, the Highland Cougar volleyball/softball coach; and Coach Don Tresemer, the Highland Cougar baseball coach.
BASKETBALL
The basketball camps are designed to achieve a number of goals, including increasing the interest and enjoyment of basketball, learning the fundamentals of the game, individual contests and introducing team play. Basketball camp sessions are for K-4th graders (co-ed), 5th-8th graders (boys/girls sessions) and 9th-10th graders (boys/girls sessions).
VOLLEYBALL
The volleyball camps have also been designed to achieve specific goals based on age. These include an introduction of the game of volleyball, improvement of basic fundamentals while having an emphasis on proper techniques. Volleyball camps are for 5th-6th graders (2 sessions), 7th-8th graders (2 sessions), and 9th-10th graders.
BASEBALL/SOFTBALL
The baseball/softball camps have also been designed to achieve specific goals based on age. These include focus on the fundamentals and mechanics of hitting, throwing, pitching, fielding, and base running. The two sessions of baseball camp are for 3rd-6th graders and 7th-9th graders. The two sessions of softball camps are for 3rd-6th graders and 7th-8th graders.
Pre-registration is encouraged. If space allows, registrations will be accepted through the first day of each camp. The 2009 Highland Cougar Summer Camp schedule and brochure may also be found on the athletics page on the Highland Web site, www.highland.edu. For more information about the Summer Sports Program, contact Pete Norman at 815.599.3465 or at Pete.Norman@highland.edu.
SILENT ECHOES:
SELECTIONS FROM THE NATIONAL VIETNAM VETERANS ART MUSEUM
The Freeport Art Museum presents Silent Echoes, an art exhibition that brings together over 40 works borrowed from the National Vietnam Veterans Art Museum (NVVAM) in Chicago. The concept for the show began a couple of years ago with a visit to the NVVAM by director, Jennifer Kirker and her brother Jeff, who was preparing for deployment overseas with the Army. When they walked through the door, they remember being greeted by a light, tinkling sound coming from overhead. Looking up, they found tens of thousands of metal dog tags suspended from the second story ceiling above. Later they would find out there is one printed tag for each of the over 58,000 service men and women who died in the Vietnam War. Called the Above & Beyond memorial, this installation is one of over 1,500 works of art housed in the NVVAM that exists to inspire a greater understanding of the impact of war. As powerful as the experience was for Jennifer and her brother, she knew war is a topic that affects so many of us today and that the Freeport Art Museum is in a unique position to open a dialogue about the experiences of war through visual art. The art selected for Silent Echoes is primarily drawn from the NVVAM permanent collection but it also includes a handful of works on temporary loan by those who have served in the war in Iraq. Needless to say, the art works are intense, diverse, poignant and often surprisingly beautifully rendered.
This exhibition also provides an opportunity for the FAM to collaborate with veteran organizations and other museums in our community to honor our veterans’ sacrifices and to discuss a variety of aspects relating to war and military service. During the show, a space will be dedicated to a special installation based on the novel, “The Things They Carried” by Tim O’Brien, in which veterans from our community will display items they saved from their experiences. In partnership with the Freeport Art Museum and the Freeport VietNow Organization, Highland Community College will present the award-winning “A Piece of My Heart” by Shirley Lauro, on Friday, June 5th and Saturday, June 6th featuring guest speaker, Diane Carlson-Evans. The play is a stylized
Stephenson County 3rd grade students are “Going Green”!
Released by: Kim Christman, University of Illinois Extension 235-4125
Martha Ebbesmeyer, Conservation & Agricultural Partners 235-2165
Jennifer Nowicki, Oakdale Nature Preserve 235-6114 x 107
On Tuesday, May 5, learning came more NATURally than usual for 173 - 3rd grade students from Lincoln Douglas, Aquin, Pearl City, and Dakota Elementary Schools. As participants in a specially planned outdoor learning event called “Keepers of the Land,” students found themselves looking into the eyes of a live barn owl, finding a special place in the forest and pretending to be a skunk, all in the perfect setting of Oakdale Nature Preserve in Freeport.
“Keepers of the Land” was the result of a cooperative effort between University of Illinois Extension’s 4-H Youth Development Educator, Kim Christman, Oakdale Nature Preserve’s Supervisor, Jennifer Nowicki, and Education Coordinator for Conservation & Agricultural Partners, Martha Ebbesmeyer. It was designed to provide students with hands-on learning adventures aimed at deepening their awareness and appreciation of the role that humankind can play in protecting and sustaining the earth and its resources.
The event was comprised of nine different workshop sessions characterized by hikes, nature art, demonstrations by professionals in the field, and hands-on activities covering topics including: rehabilitated animals, aquatics, forests, seeds, animal adaptations and defenses, and wildlife. Many thanks go to all of the workshop presenters who shared their time and talents to make “Keepers of the Land” possible. They included: Jim Ritterbusch from the Natural Resources and Conservation Service; Jodi Baumgartner of the University of Illinois Extension; Sarah Giaimo, Cynthia Kubitz, Randall Westfall, Dieter Ammann, and Sarah Knapp of Oakdale Nature Preserve; Michelle Yeager, University of Illinois Extension Master Gardener; Dave Koska, Naturalist Educator; and Candy Ridlbauer of Northern IL Raptor Rehabilitation and Education Center.
The coordinators would like to thank the following organizations and individuals for their contributions to the event: Highland Area Gardeners, Modern Woodmen of America, Excelsior Masonic Lodge #97, Stephenson County Farm Bureau, Lincoln-Douglas Kiwanis, Freeport Kiwanis, Freeport Garden Club, and volunteers Mary Dickman, Lori McPeek, and Joanell Findley.
During the Wild Animals in Human Hands session, 3rd graders had an opportunity to see a barn owl up close.
The kids were able to use their artistic side by drawing what they saw, heard, and experienced during the day in the Earth Studios session.
Students learned about how animals use their strongest senses to hunt for prey in the wild in the Adapting Animals session.
Grantwriting Training Offered for Area Farmers
Interested farmers and agriculture professionals can find out how to write successful grant proposals and learn more about the North Central Region Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (NCR SARE) Farmer Rancher Grant Program at a two-hour workshop that will be held on May 13, presented by the University of Illinois Extension-Winnebago and Stephenson Counties. The workshop will be held in the Community Meeting Room (downstairs) of the US Bank, 430 Main Street, Pecatonica from 6:00 pm-8:00 pm.
The workshop will include information to help farmers compete for grants from the North Central Region Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (NCR SARE) Farmer Rancher Grant Program. Producers interested in research, demonstrations or educating others about profitable, environmentally sound, socially responsible agricultural are encouraged to attend.
Deborah Cavanaugh-Grant, Extension Specialist, Small Farm and Sustainable Agriculture, University of Illinois Extension and State Sustainable Agriculture Coordinator will discuss Successful Grant Writing and take participants through the NCR SARE Farmer/Rancher Grant Program Call for Proposals. Farmer Rancher Grant recipients will share their experiences as NCR SARE Farmer Rancher Grant Program recipients.
The cost of this workshop is $15; please register by calling the University of Illinois Extension-Winnebago County at 815-986-4357. Pre-registration by May 10 would be appreciated.
Business Planning for Your Small Farm or Market Garden
The University of Illinois Extension-Stephenson County will host a business planning and risk management workshop for small farms and market gardeners. This workshop is designed to help with the basics of business planning, bookkeeping and risk management. You’ll hear how to avoid risks when selling directly to consumers and what type of insurance is best for your enterprise. You’ll also learn about bookkeeping tips that will help you track the progress of your enterprise.
Business Planning for Your Small Farm or Market Garden will be held on Tuesday, May 12, 2009, at the Freeport Public Library. The program will start at 9:30 a.m. and conclude at 11:30 a.m. This program will be led by Deb Brown from Ag and Small Business Service of Lena, IL. To register call the University of Illinois Extension-Stephenson County at 815-235-4125 or on-line at www.extension.uiuc.edu/stephenson. Registration is $10.
Stephenson County 4-H & Extension Foundation Pork Chop Dinner Fundraiser
Sunday, April 26th from 11a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Eagles Club
1200 W. Galena Ave. Freeport (Across From the old Menards)
Tickets are $7.00 prior to the event and will also be available at the door for $7.50. The meal includes 2 Pork Chops expertly seasoned and grilled by the Stephenson County Pork Producers, potato salad or chips, cheese, applesauce, drink, and homemade dessert
$3.00 Hot Dog Meals will be available at the door only and not sold prior to the event.
Carry-Out Meals are also available, and new this year—A CARRY-OUT LINE!!!!
There will be a Silent Auction with gift baskets donated by 4-H Clubs and a 50/50 Drawing
Tickets are available at:
University of Illinois Extension – Stephenson County Office
2998 Pearl City Rd. Freeport (815-235-4125) or
Stephenson County Farm Bureau
210 Spring St. Freeport
All proceeds to benefit Stephenson County 4-H and Extension Foundation and stay in Stephenson County
Any Questions? Call the University of Illinois Extension Office at 815-235-4125
Spring Brunch at the Freeport Art Museum:
121 North Harlem Avenue
Freeport IL 61032
V: 815-235-9755
F: 815-235-6015
Email:
artscenter@aeroinc.net www.freeportartscenter.org FREEPORT, IL – The Freeport Art Museum will host a Spring Brunch on Saturday May 2 from
10 am to 12:00 pm. Dine amidst the Aspiring Artists exhibition, featuring extraordinary art
created by area students, and the Museum’s own extraordinary permanent collection. Savor
the tastes of breakfast pastries, fresh fruit, salads, eggs, ham and decadent desserts. Tickets
are $15.00 for Members, $18.00 for Non-Members, and $25.00 at the door. At the Spring Brunch, visitors will get a special preview of beautiful watercolor paintings
donated by noted Midwest landscape artist Richard Boschulte. A life-long resident of the
Midwest, Boschulte holds a BFA degree in painting from the University of Illinois at Urbana-
Champaign and an MFA in painting from Illinois State University. His work has been displayed
throughout the United States with contemporaries such as Keith Jacobshagen and James
Butler. He has generously donated a number of watercolors to the museum specifically for
fundraising purposes. Beginning at the Spring Brunch, donors who make a tax-
deductible gift of $200 or more to the Museum will receive an original watercolor
landscape of their choice.
“What better way to celebrate spring than with world-class art and food?!,” says Jennifer Kirker,
Director of the Freeport Arts Center. “We look forward to sharing the 2009 Aspiring Artists
exhibition and Boschulte watercolors with our members and visitors as they enjoy the flavors of
spring at brunch.”
About the Freeport Art Museum
Established in 1975, the Freeport Art Museum’s mission is to promote an awareness and
understanding of the continuum of art and culture through collecting, preserving, exhibiting,
educating and supporting the arts. Currently FAM’s collection contains over 4,000 artifacts
from all continents and time periods including: antiquities from Egypt, Greece and Rome;
ethnographic objects from Africa, Southeast Asia, and Papua New Guinea; Pre-Columbian and
Native American baskets and pottery; excellent 15th-19th century European painting, prints and
sculpture; and a significant collection of contemporary American prints, paintings, and
sculpture. The Freeport Art Museum is partially supported by the Illinois Arts Council, a state
agency.
The Freeport Art Museum is located at 121 North Harlem Avenue, and is open Tuesday
through Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and Saturday from Noon to 5:00 p.m. Tours may
be scheduled by calling 815-235-9755 or you may email: artscenter@aeroinc.net. For more
information, please visit our website at www.freeportartscenter.org.