Charleston, IL
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Friday, June 30, 2017
NEW TO THE NEWS
Illinois high school students attend 11-day journalism workshop sponsored by Illinois Press Foundation at Eastern Illinois University
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hen rising senior Corryn Brock discovered an all expenses paid journalism conference in Washington, D.C., she knew exactly what she wanted to do over the summer. Brock spent two months perfecting her application, hoping to gain the coveted spot of Illinois ambassador. But Brock was not invited to attend that conference. When her grandmother suggested a smaller summer journalism program as an alternative, Brock applied without any lofty expectations. Months later, Brock would find herself spending ten days in June at the Illinois Press Foundation (IPF) High School Journalism Conference at Eastern Illinois University (EIU). Brock does not regret this chain of events in the slightest. “Honestly, if I had the choice between that con-
First row, from left, Chet Piotrowski, Elizabeth Johnston, Annie Banks, Janaleigh Muszynsky. Second row, from left, Madison Parola, Olivia Lamberti. Third row, from left, Katy Brennan, Olivia Homel, Dominika Chruszcz, Andrea Davenport, Jason Howell. Fourth row, from left, Corryn Brock, Josh Perry, Alizah Qadri, Amie Shields, David Porter. Fifth row, from left, Ryan Allibone, Eric Vaughn, Kalyn Hayslett, Joe Gisondi.
ference and IPF camp, I would choose IPF camp every time,” Brock said. “I can guarantee you, there’s not one person I would meet there that I would have a better connection with than any of the people here.” Sixteen high schoolers hailing from across the
state, including Brock, stayed at EIU from June 20 to June 30 to gain experience in modern news media. However, many atendees agreed with Brock on the value of experiences gained beyond the educational. Graduating senior
Eric Vaughn was astounded by the friendships he developed over such a short period. “You don’t normally get to know people this fast, but since you’re together all the time there’s a sense of camaraderie,” Vaughn said. “I [didn’t] want to go home.”
Workshop participants were surrounded by journalism professors, newspaper editors, and broadcast experts during classes. EIU alumni served as round the clock mentors in the form of counselors. Recent graduate Kalyn Hayslett found that serving as a counselor was more than just an act of service- it was a rewarding experience. “I learned so much from the campers,” Hayslett said. “It’s really just awesome to watch [them] develop into better people.” Though attendees hail from diverse regions of Illinois, many hope to keep in touch. Rising senior Annie Banks found solace in her like minded peers. “I made a great group of friends that I really hope to have in my life for a long time,” Banks said. “I didn’t know what to expect, but once I got here, it was amazing.”
WHERE’S THE BUDGET?
#IPFCAMP
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PAGE A2 • FRIDAY, JUNE 28, 2013
ILLINOIS REPORTER
Lawmakers fight for state budget
By Annie Banks, Katy Brennan, Elizabeth Johnston and Madison Parola The Illinois Reporter is produced by students attending the Illinois Press Foundation/Eastern Illinois High School Journalism Workshop. Funding is provided by the Illinois Press Foundation, EIU’s Student Publications and Department of Journalism.
Students
Ryan Allibone, Steinmetz Prep Annie Banks, Hinsdale HS Kaitlyn Brennan, Vernon Hills HS Corryn Brock, Meridian HS Dominika Chruszcz, Lane Tech Andrea Davenport, Downers Grove South Elise Guillen, Steinmetz HS Olivia Homel, Mother McAuley HS Elizabeth Johnston, Brookfield Olivia Lamberti, Stevenson HS Janaleigh Muszynsky, Palatine HS Madison Parola, Mundelein HS Joshua Perry, Edwardsville HS Alizah Qadri, Plainfield East HS Amie Shields, Illini Central HS Eric Vaughn, Hutsonville HS
Staff
Joe Gisondi, director Amanda Bright, assistant director Bryan Murley, multimedia adviser Kayln Hayslett, counselor Kevin Hall, counselor
Journalism Faculty
Thanks to the following journalists who volunteered their time during the 11-day workshop: Dick Schneider, Belmont Univerity/Gannett Greg Bilbrey, Daily News (Robinson) Jeff Egbert, Pinckneyville Press Chet Piotrowski, Piotrowski Photos David Porter, Lebanon Advertiser/Arcola Record Stan Zoller, Lake Forest College Emma Diltz, University of Missouri Austin Keating, Northwestern University Adriana Colindres, Knox College Dann Gire, Daily Herald (Arlington Heights) Shannon Helmuth, The Prairie Press Jason Howell, EIU
Professional Internship Staff
Champaign News-Gazette – Dan Corkery Decatur Herald & Review – Chris Coates Effingham Daily News – Jeff Long Mattoon Journal-Gazette & Charleston Times-Courier – Penny Weaver Robinson Daily News – Greg Bilbrey
CHARLESTON––As representatives scrambled around Springfield on June 25 trying to pass a budget, the mood inside of the Capital swelled with hope. Moving into three fiscal years without a budget, Illinois’ financial status is on life support. If lawmakers do not pass a budget by July 1, Illinois’ credit rating will be demoted to “junk status.” Receiving a junk status rating will make it nearly impossible for the state to borrow money without significant interest rates. Not only will Illinois’ credit rating tank, but many crucial programs will have their funding cut. Programs at risk include education, transportation, human services, and other providers that maintain a person’s well-being. Director of Public Affairs Reporting at the University of Illinois Springfield, Charlie Wheeler, shared the critical situation of the state during a speech to prospective journalism students. “Even though there is no budget, the money keeps coming,” Wheeler said, “What’s going on is not noticeable.” Lobbyist for the Better Government Association, Jose Sanchez, echoed Wheeler as he explained that citizens do not see the problems now, but they will if the state moves into July 1 without a budget. He elaborated on his concerns, stating that on July 1 if we do not have a budget, all construction projects will close and Illinois will not regain its Powerball Lottery license. “We just need to get a deal
PHOTO BY KATY BRENNAN
Springfield’s capital building stands strong on June 25, as lawmakers debate over the budget.
Not only will Illinois’ credit rating tank, but many crucial programs will have their funding cut. done,” Sanchez said. He explained that his lobbyist group does not advocate for Conservatives or Republicans; they advocate for a budget. Their hope is that this goal will be accomplished by July 1, and the citizens of Illinois will never see these consequences.
When speaking with two representatives from the Illinois House from Collinsville and Lake Villa, it became clear that many representatives are hopeful that compromise is soon to come. “I’m hopeful,” Representative Deborah Conroy of Lake Villa said. “It’s my
understanding that they’re getting much closer.” Representative Katie Stuart of Collinsville reiterates this perception when asked about the budget’s future and meetings between leaders of both parties. She used the word “hopeful” when discussing the House’s progress on a balanced budget. When asked about the meetings between Democrat and Republican leaders, Stuart stated that “every report I hear sounds one step closer.” Despite being from opposite ends of the state, these
women agree on one thing: Illinois needs a budget. Both stated no specific requests for the budget’s content, so long as we pass a budget. Conroy and Stuart both remain optimistic that the state of Illinois will soon pass one. The general opinion of the reps seems clear. Everyone believes that “legislators need to get this done” said Sanchez. Eventually, the citizens will chime in. As Wheeler said, “people will figure out what’s the best for what they want.”
Politics specialist discusses future of Illinois budget By Dominika Chruszcz, Andrea Davenport, Janaleigh Muszynsky, and Amie Shields
Starting as a chemistr y major, Professor Charles N. Wheeler III decided to change directions in careers. Wheeler, having a 24-year experience with the Chicago Sun-Times, reports subjects of state government, politics, and communication. He divulges his time into making sure that the news he and others read is supremely accurate. Nu m e r o u s p o l i t i c i a n s , businessmen, and Wheeler himself are concerned with the three year period of a non-existent state budget. “Unless the General Assembly and the governor get their act together in the next few days, we’ll start another fiscal year 18’ on July 1st without a budget in place,” Wheeler said. He also notes that numerous programs will be lost in healthcare and schools if no budget is passed. “We have this room to increase our tax rates to make them comparable to our neighboring states and do it over a period of time trying to reduce the deficit at
PHOTO BY K AT Y BRENNAN
Charlie Wheeler talks to the IPF journalism camp, giving advice on future carrer choices.
the end of the year,” Wheeler said. “So that after maybe five or six years, we’re back in the black.” Wheeler seems to disapprove and question Governor Rauner’s efforts in creating a stable relationship with speaker of the House Michael Madigan. Wheeler said that during the decades before
Rauner, other Republicans were able to come to a consensus with Madigan. “You have the governor sending out these messages all the time, ‘It’s all Mike Madigan’s fault! It’s all Mike Madigan’s fault!,’” Wheeler said. “As I said earlier, why is it that this Republican governor can’t work with Mike
Madigan when every other Republican governor has been able to?” In regards to today’s political matters, Wheeler also believes that today’s journalists have a more difficult time in writing precise stories. During his time as a journalist, he noted that he would have to physically bring copies of
various budget books and look them over on his own time. He believes that social media dictates article deadlines, increasing a more intent and vigorous atmosphere between the competitiveness of newspapers. “The thing is when I started as a reporter, we used a device called a typewriter. Nowadays, it’s all computer,” Wheeler said. “In fact, the availability of online stuff makes [information] in one sense easier because you could look up reports [and] you could look up records. The internet has made it easier for misinformation to spread.” Wheeler wished the EIU journalism program multitudes of success for the future. He offered advice to prospective journalists and even directed it to the people who weren’t sure about their career paths. “ Whatever you do; remember to be engaged as citizens, follow the issues, follow the campaigns,” Wheeler said. “Use your best judgement; ‘Who could best serve myself and my neighbors and my family?’”
PAGE 3 FRIDAY JUNE 30 , 2017
ILLINOIS REPORTER
State reporter offers insight on impasse BY RYAN ALLIBONE, CORRYN BROCK, ELISE GUILLEN, ERIC VAUGHN
VIDEO FILMED BY RYAN ALLIBONE
Beat writer Andy Maloney speaks in front of a press conference of prospect journalists at the state capital. Video of speech available online.
Springfield court reporter Andrew Maloney has covered a multitude of stories at the capitol for the past five years. Maloney utilizes his writing to help people understand the situations within the court, such as why certain things are happening and what it may cause. He feels like he needs to fill in the missing details that people don’t go out to find. “I try to still write things that are digestible to people” said Maloney. Maloney does this because he knows the process could be used to confuse people so he attempts to explain it as well as he can. Due to the confusion, Maloney helps keep an eye on the process and in doing so, has been able to help people understand the whole process. One thing Maloney noticed throughout the years is that the people who serve genuinely want to help people who have any questions about the process. “I think they want something that’s a little bit more digestible at the end of the day,” he said. Through his work, he has been
shocked on multiple occasions by people who have taken the chance to speak with them and how helpful they were. Maloney said that legislators want the media to understand what is going on and no matter how busy they are, they will find time to explain what people don’t know or understand. Maloney’s passion for his career is shown through his ability to articulate the positives effects of being a journalist. “Going through school, writing was my thing,” he said. Maloney realized this affinity by constantly writing, yet he never had a journalistic experience before college due to his high school not having a newspaper. Once he reached college, Maloney felt he wanted to write for sports, just to realize that many others had that desire as well. To take on a challenge, Maloney decided to write about the news. By writing news, Maloney’s passion became journalism. By finally being a part of what he always wanted to do he found his place in the world Maloney describes reporting the news and what journalism is to, “keep your finger on the pulse of the world.” Photo courtsey of YouTube
Beyond on the tour: Responses to corruption Bob Anderson’s work is about simplifying the Illinois government. In his opinion, the t’s a day like any other in less agencies and governmental the State Capitol building organizations we have, the clearer in Springfield, Ill. A tour governmental proceedings will be. is being held by David A journalist working with the Joens, the Director of the Chicago Daily Law Bulletin, Illinois State Archives. He talks Andrew Maloney, has been at the at length about the history of capitol for five years. He agreed the capitol building as he strolls that bureaucracy can be used through its halls, but his accounts to obfuscate the truth when it aren’t dry: they are flavored with comes to government’s internal inside accounts of Springfield’s workings. past. “It’s interesting to see how the “My tour of this is going to be process can be used to confuse less about the architecture and… people,” Maloney said. “You more about the people and stories realize how easy it is to slip of Illinois,” Joens said. something through the cracks.” In one story, Joens recounts Tom Mannard, a lobbyist who the construction of the current is advocating funding for higher capitol building in 1868. A education, gun control, and more, contest was held held a different to determine opinion. He which architect believes that would design circumstances the structure, have changed and Joens said due to the that foul play current budget occurred. impasse “The wrong situation. way to do it “I don’t would be to think that bribe the jury, there’s the panel, the probably a lot judges,” Joens of corruption David Joens, Director of The Illinois State Archives said. “The at a time where Illinois way to there’s no do it would dollars to be be—you know that 3,000 dollars spent,” Mannard said. “I think if we had fewer [government you’re gonna win? That’s what you agencies], people would be more when there was a greater amount use to bribe the jury.” of money that was around, maybe involved.” Illinois has long had a there was a temptation for that. Bob Anderson, 79, an activist reputation of dubious activity, I actually think that the people for consolidated government, under-the-table dealings, and who serve now are, by and large, agreed with his wife, but didn’t rampant corruption—all of which want to speak much about it. good quality people.” seem to have left an imprint in However, Joens still believes “I do know we have a corrupt the minds of state civilians. Joens that the old standards of Illinois state,” Bob Anderson said. “It’s summarized these succinctly with government apply. not a nice opinion to have of our the conclusion to his story. “I don’t want to besmirch the state, but it’s very well-known. “This building was built in state, but sometimes it’s who you I don’t want to say a whole lot scandal,” he said. know,” he said. about it.” Joens inadvertently expressed BY OLIVIA HOMEL, OLIVIA LAMBERTI, JOSH PERRY, ALIZAH QADRI
I
a sentiment shared by many of Illinois’ residents: that the capitol is rife with corruption, deceit, and graft. Judy Anderson, 77, disliked how corruption affects state government. “I think it’s very sad, and I think it’s contributed to the state of the house,” Anderson said referring to the budget stalemate in the legislature. “It’s embarrassing, it’s sad.” Anderson also said that things could become simpler if joinings of unnecessary extensions of government occurred, making it easier for the public to keep a close eye on things. “It takes too much time to monitor, to follow what they’re doing,” Anderson said. “Maybe
“My tour of this is going to be less about the architecture and… more about the people and stories of Illinois.”
VIDEO FILMED BY OLIVIA L AMBERTI AND OLIVIA HOMEL
David Joens leads a group of students through Secretary of State Jesse White’s office. Video of tour available online.
Photo courtsey of YouTube
PAGE 4 • FRIDAY, JUNE 30, 2017
ILLINOIS REPORTER
PHOTO BY: OLIVIA HOMEL
Construction on Green Street in Champaign, Illinois caused detours and road blocks.
Green Street construction takes a toll By Dominika Chruszcz, Olivia Homel, and Madison Parola
The rumbling jackhammers distract pedestrians walking down Green Street from maintaining a conversation. With an added inaccessibility of parking from construction; started May 6, is steadily showing an impact on local businesses. Apricot Lane Boutique, located at the intersection of Green and Wright Street, hasn’t been affected by the construction.
“Mostly it’s summer. We always get slower in summer because the students are gone.” Shannon Skulborstad, an employee of Apricot Lane Boutique said. “So, I haven’t noticed a noticeable difference.” The parking in the area also takes a great toll on who visits what stores. “People already find it hard to park around here and the meters are only thirty minutes; so if you’re coming here to browse then it’s a little harder.” Skulborstad said. “Plus there’s only two retail stores on campus be-
sides Ragstock.” According to Skulborstad, the boutique will not have such a harsh loss because of the sales they make online. Employees of another clothing store, Main Outlet, agree that the construction wouldn’t affect their revenue. Olivia Tuggle and Michelle Fairbarin gave their opinions about the issue. “I wouldn’t really say so because we have all of our registration,” Fairbarin said. “Our camps—obviously those are still going on.” Jeff and Michele Fassett, owners
of Main Outlet, do however understand the negative effects of the construction. “There’s no parking, there’s students every which way and outside of; like a game day, when they’re walking here or something like that—you don’t get a lot of townspeople coming in,” Michele Fassett said. Jeff Fassett doubts there will be federal funding for construction on other streets, as well as Green Street, because budgets are getting cut “right and left.”
Heath museum stands as historical monument
Local library gives incentives for reading By Corryn Brock
By: Eric Vaughn
Being such a small town, you wouldn’t expect Robinson Illinois to have much to offer, but a small store by the courthouse will prove otherwise. In 1914 L.S. Heath, founder of the candy bar of the same name, opened his first store in Robinson. 4 years later, after Heath sold the brand to a company called Leaves, the Crawford County Heritage purchased the original candy factory and still runs it as a museum today. When Leaves sold Heath to Hershey in 1997, The Heritage saw it as a perfect opportunity; since there is a Hershey factory in Robinson, they made a deal with them, allowing the store to buy and sell Heath directly from the factory rather than buy them from a third party. Glenda Fulling, a major part in bringing the museum together, said that they get about 40 visitors on an average day, though Robinson has a Heath festival every year, spiking the store’s business. “During Heath Harvest Festival Weekend, we have thousands
Some businesses still think that the impact will be a lot more drastic. Employee of Ragstock, Valerie Jordan, thinks that the construction has affected their business “110%.” “We’ve been preparing ourselves for this and Ragstock’s not new to construction. We’ve dealt with it with other stores before,” Jordan said. “It will still impact businesses and we’ll still see a decrease. Construction around here takes notoriously longer.”
PHOTO BY ERIC VAUGHN
Mural on the wall of the Heath museum represents the history of the company.
PHOTO BY ERIC VAUGHN
Heath ice cream is distributed as you
of people come through here,” she said. Opening in 1999, the museum, that also sells various candies, milkshakes, and drinks, has been a standing monument of history for almost 2 decades, and they show no signs of slowing down anytime soon.
“During Heath Harvest Festival Weekend, we have thousands of people come through her” Glenda Fulling, President of Hersey Credit Union
Blue Mound Memorial Library continues to host a summer reading program for all ages. For over thirty years the public library has hosted a summer reading program for the community. Library Director Julie Jones believes “this is a little library that has a big impact on this community.” The program offers the group of mostly grade school children incentives for completing their reading goals as well as fun programs, such as a whiffle ball where students had the opportunity to play ball with a local coach and State Finalist softball team members. On June 28 attendees had the opportunity to watch a science show put on by Jason Tipsword. Tipsword travels for the group, Absolute Science. Attendees were shown several experiments and had the ability to help with each. The program has 188 participants, but the attendance for the program varies based on the community’s interest level. People of all ages are invited to join into the events hosted by the library but to receive incentives students must have a library card.
PAGE 8 • FRIDAY, JUNE 30, 2017
ILLINOIS REPORTER
Investigating the Coles County Courthouse By Olivia Lamberti, Olivia Homel, and Eric Vaughn
CHARLESTON IL, June 23 — The Coles County Courthouse serves a small community that’s surprisingly big on crime. “Most people who come here aren’t happy,” Judge James Glenn said. “[But] with all these legal minds at work, the right decision has to made.” The courthouse maintains records ranging from modern murder trial evidence to nineteenth century land documentation. While those on trial may be unsatisfied, most employees of the courthouse appreciate the importance of their job. “Our system is so great,” Judge Glenn said. “It’s the best job in the world.”
PHOTO BY ERIC VAUGHN
Eastern Illinois University Professor David Bell talks to Karen Whisler, reference staff member, in Mary J. Booth Library on June 23.
PHOTO BY OLIVIA HOMEL
ABOVE: A 530 foot tunnel connects the Charleston court house to the jail. Because the tunnel is located undeground, it often floods and becomes muddy. LEFT: The Coles County courthouse still stands today as the wheel of justice turns. Built in 1898, it remains a landmark in the small community of Charleston.
PHOTO BY OLIVIA L AMBERTI
ABOVE: Judge James Glenn talks to young journalists about the importance of his profession. “It is the best job in the world,” Judge Glenn said. “The choices I make directly impact the person’s life.”
PHOTO BY OLIVIA HOMEL
EIU librarian rings up research for almost two decades By Ryan Allibone, Dominika Chruszcz, Elise Guillen, and Madison Parola.
PHOTO BY ELISE GUILLEN
ABOVE: EIU Professor David Bell researches materials. Bell has taken on many roles within research involving theater arts, journalism, recreation, administration, kinesiology and physics.
Reference librarian David Bell has helped a variety of people at Eastern Illinois University with researching different subjects. Since 1999, Bell has taken on many roles within research involving theater arts, journalism, recreation, administration, kinesiology and physics. Bell couldc have taken the career path as English professor using his master’s in English Literature, but decided to become a librarian instead. “After college I spent a long time in the library doing the research for my Masters [degree]. I saw the academic librarians and thought I might like to do that,” he said. Bell lamented on how different his job is compared to when he started. “It’s really interesting how the world of research has changed in the last 25 years,” he said. “There’s a lot of progress that has been made with how easy information is to get.”
PHOTO BY MADISON PAROL A
ABOVE: Eastern Illinois University Professor David Bell talks to Karen Whisrler, reference staff member, in Mary J. Booth Library on June 23. [Photo by Madison Parola]
PAGE 6 • FRIDAY, JUNE 30, 2017
#IPFcamp
All IPF campers were asked to “tweet” about their experiences while they were on their internship, out reporting and spending time with other campers.
ILLINOIS REPORTER
ILLINOIS REPORTER
FRIDAY, JUNE 30, 2017 • PAGE 7
Families have fun at ‘Outdoor Play Day’ Library offers outdoor activities as a part of its summer reading program. By Andrea Davenport, Joshua Perry, Alizah Qadri
Vicki Funneman watched over a free event by capturing the liveliness of the library’s Outdoor Play Day through her camera. The youth services assistant at the Suzette Brumleve Memorial Effingham Public Library said the day was a way to get families together in an outdoor setting. Wednesday’s activities included chalk art, parachute games, an obstacle course and bubbles. Children were seen with wide smiles as they played with others on the library’s lawn. Funneman said that changes in the weather sometimes mean that events like these don’t always work out. “It was a good opportunity for us to get outside and play a little bit,” said Funneman. “(We let them) use some gross motor skills and that kind of thing.” The outdoor play day is a part of the library’s summer reading program. Along with the other activities in the program, the program came at no cost to families. The event didn’t require registration, nor a library card to participate. Rita Feldhake, the youth services programming consultant, spoke highly of the summer reading program. “I love it,” said Feldhake. “It’s
Rita Feldhake, library staff member, helps others handle a parachute with children at the Effingham public library for the Outdoor Play Day Wednesday (Photo by Dawn Schabbing).
wonderful. It’s teaching without grading and consequences.” An organizer of many events for children from preschool to teenagers, Feldhake said she has organized around 16 programs in the last six weeks. “My idea is to come out here and play new outdoor games and enjoy the good weather,” Feldhake said. “I (accept participants) as young as 2. We don’t really have a cut-off.” Feldhake said that these summer programs, although meant for fun, are also intended for learning. She be-
lieves that they can improve a child’s “gross motor skills.” She added that the events held at the library are a way to combine education with science, art and technology, creating a fun and enjoyable atmosphere. Katie Lewis, a mother who attended the program, brought four children: three of her own and a niece. Lewis has been attending the library’s events and classes for almost six years now. She spoke about the classes she has attended and why she does so. “I want them to have fun. It’s some-
thing to get them out of the house,” said Lewis. “We’ve been to painting classes this summer. We’ve done clay classes and we’ve done programs about bugs … all sorts of classes.” This year was no different for Lewis. Attending the classes has always been a pleasure for her and her kids. Not only are the classes entertaining for the youth but they also supply ease for the parents and families — by tiring out their children and getting them exercise. “We love it here,” Lewis said. “It’s just so awesome. It’s free and it’s class-
es that normally you would have to pay quite a bit for.” Amber Schmitz, formerly of Effingham and now living in Minneapolis, said she came back home for the July 4 holiday. With her at the library were her twins, Hazel and Cole, 5, and son, Everett, 2. “I’ve got to say, I’m impressed with the new library and the kids’ programs,” said Schmitz. Lewis added that the event is a great gift to the community. “There’s no reason not to take advantage of it,” she said.
Local families host soccer coaches at Chicago Fire camp growing up, his family had hosted more than 20 foreign exchange students. “It was a natural fit,” said Bobby Most families are familiar with the Brummer. “I always ran around with process of foreign exchange: A stu- an international crowd in college.” His wife, Marie Belmonte Brumdent from another country arrives at one’s house to learn the culture and mer, said their son, Santiago, age 4, teach the hosts about grew to love soccer betheirs. cause of his coaches. But most people “I love seeing “Sometimes it is have never had a prokind of hard to get the little ones to play socfessional soccer player the kids when stay at their house. cer, even if they like Employing coach- they understand the game,” Belmones from The Unit- something and you te Brummer said. “So last year, he rememed Kingdom, Chicago Fire “Soccer in see them actually bered some of the t h e C o m m u n i t y” coaches names still. aims to spread soc- applying that He really liked the excer throughout Effperience.” ingham for the sec- to that play.” Josh Williams, 22, from Sheffield, Engond year. Josh Williams, 22, coach However, besides land, began coachteaching kids the baing at the age of 15. A sics of soccer, the program gives fami- former professional player for Sheflies an opportunity to learn other cul- field United in Britain, he is being tures by hosting a traveling soccer hosted by the family of Aaron and Billie Jansen. He described how he coach. Jamie Rose, 23, of Brighton, Eng- enjoys teaching, as well as playing land, has traveled all over England, as the game. well as America, and has been playing “I love seeing the kids when they soccer from an early age. understand something and you see As his first year at the Chicago Fire them actually applying that to that camp, Rose recounted the experience play,” Williams said. of coaching the children. As the hosts got to know Williams “It’s nice for them to learn the fun- more, he noticed the benefits of his damentals at that age,” Rose said. relationships with the children. He “Hopefully, it will make them enjoy found that his presence was accepted and much appreciated. it.” “I think it’s great for the kids to The family of Bobby and Marie (Belmonte) Brummer hosted Rose. have extra people around,” said WilBobby Brummer said when he was liams. “They get real excited, they By Andrea Davenport, Joshua Perry, Alizah Qadri
Shown are Marie Belmonte Brummer and Bobby Brummer of Teutopolis, who hosted soccer coach Jamie Rose from England for the Chicago Fire soccer camp. With the Brummers are their children Solena, 2 , Santiago, and Sebastian, 1 month (Photo by Dawn Schabbing).
want to stay up late.” Besides earning a new friend, the children also experience the cultural exchange opportunities of hosting an international soccer player. “They’ve been asking us questions.
They’ve been learning about the different accents of the North and the South (of England). They have been great with us,” Williams said. Regardless of their different cultural backgrounds, the children show
adoration for their coaches and their love of soccer is affirmed, Rose said. “Just the smiles on their faces — seeing them learn, seeing them have fun really motivates you to keep doing what you’re doing,” Rose said.
PAGE 8 • FRIDAY, JUNE 30, 2017
ILLINOIS REPORTER
Artist uses appearance to inspire creations
P H O T O S BY O L I V I A L A M B E R T I
Steve Meadows’s artwork is on display to local customers. Meadows’s artwork is classified as “junk art” and is made entirely of people’s disposed household objects. By Elizabeth Johnston
Sporting a pair of paint-splattered overalls, a silver pin reading “artist” and tight, shoulder length curls, Palestine, Ill., artist Steve Meadows is the picture of eccentricity. But perhaps the most distinctive component of his style is his artwork’s uncanny resemblance to himself. Locally, Meadows is appreciated for his “junk art,” an artistic practice in which recyclables and household items are transformed into newfangled masterpieces. Among his favored materials wooden boards, discarded paintbrushes, door knobs and knockers, old combs, mason jar lids, just about anything he can get his hands on. Meadows’s typical approach involves making faces out of found objects; he can recall seeing faces in inanimate objects from a young age, influencing him to incorporate them into his later work. Today, first-time visitors to his store might be surprised to find dozens of the artist’s faces staring back at them. The pieces in his shop are abstract portrayals of himself: coiled pieces of wire for hair, rake or push broom ends a mustache and small wheels or circular objects for his thick-rimmed glasses. Meadows’s drive to create was largely self-inspired; his middle school and high school did not offer many art classes, so save for his brief sketching course, he was entirely self-taught. Although his mother was a “gifted artist,” Meadows was not raised in an especially creative household–– children his age helped with fami-
his vocational aspirations. His answer was simply, “Well, I’d like to go to a school that taught nothing but art.” According to the counselor, there was no such place. During his college years, Meadows did one semester at Eastern Illinois University consisting of two pencil drawing classes, a jewelry class and a sculpture class. By the time he reached his 20s, he opened up his own arts and crafts store because he believed it would compensate for the lack of creative time in his childhood and because it would give him time to decide on a definite career path. “The definition to me as an artist is somebody who lives off their art,” Meadows said of his decision to open the business. Yet after some time, he was still unsure of which creative field he wanted to enter. About 15 years ago, after doing contracting work for 13 years followed by 25 years of woodcarving, he decided to take the plunge and explore the world of junk art. To this day, Meadows is still doing art shows and galleries, promoting and selling his own artwork in booths at different PHOTO BY ELIZ ABE TH JOHNSTON events. Additionally, Meadows actively mentors aspiring artists in Meadows posing for his portrait in his store. hopes of promoting a future for them in art. “There’s a lot of competition out there,” he said of the indusly work. “Us kids had to work all the time. When school was out, try. “If you can just encourage just that one child [to pursue art].” we had to work, and there was no playing or anything like Meadows’ devotion to his craft is evident through his desire to that,”Meadows said. “Very very little playing.” instill the same love of creation in those who have the rest of their During high school, a counselor asked Meadows to pinpoint lives to dabble in the opportunities the creative field has to offer.
Mattoon children learn wilderness survival skills Douglas-Hart Nature Center holds annual summer camp for children ages 8-12
By Katy Brennan
Surrounded by a grove of trees that strike the average eye to look out-of-place, campers gather to learn skills at Douglas-Hart Nature Center that prepare them for threatening situations in the wilderness. The center of the camp is placed near a preserve that houses Illinois wildlife, despite the vast stretch of crops and fields that surround it. Both natural vegetation and animals inhabit the man-made forest. Children enjoy the beauty of this man-made forest during a weeklong “Tribal Camp” at the nature center from June 26-30. Beginning Monday, campers aged 8-12 engaged in a “survival camp” taught by Charleston High School science teacher Charlie Jaques. According to Jaques, “this camp is really fun because it’s like ‘survivor’ and encourages friendly competitiveness.” Camper Kendall Holtzhouser agreed with Jaques as she explained that the camp teaches her team bonding and cooperation. At the day camp, children not only gain new skills for camping and survival, but they make new friends. Ten-year-old Peyton Walker from Charleston, Ill., said her
favorite part of the camp is “making new friends.” This appreciation for camp friendships was echoed by 9-year-old Baylee Lowe as she explained that her favorite part of camp is “walking with my friends and seeing all the wilderness.” Some campers, however, have known one another for years. Lorelei Warren and Izzy Hilligoss shared they have known each other from other camps at the nature center. Both returning campers have been with the center’s camp program for more than two years and plan to return in the future. When asked about the new skills acquired at the camp, Warren explained that “we learn about things we can use safety-wise when camping.” Warren added she has used these skills before while camping at Fox Ridge State Park. Education Director Jennifer Tariq explained that the nature camps are so important in getting kids outside. With all the new technology, Tariq believes “we need to find a healthy balance of getting (children) back outside.” The Tribal Camp accomplishes this goal by “connecting (campers) with nature.” Camper Kendall Holtzhouser elaborated on this connection with the outdoors. “I do this camp because I really like nature. It’s my away place where I can just really
PHOTO BY ELISE GUILLEN
The Douglas-Hart Nature Center sign welcomes campers into its “Tribal Camp.”
think,” Holtzhouser said. “I just really like being here.” It is evident by many campers’
opinions that Tribal Camp is a “bonding” and “cooperative” environment where everyone feels at home. As Vol-
unteer Coordinator Dakota Radford said, “it’s like ‘Survivor’ without being kicked off the island.”
ILLINOIS REPORTER
FRIDAY, JUNE 30, 2017 • PAGE 9
Booth hosts Rennaisance practices
By Joshua Perry, Alizah Qadri, Andrea Davenport
Libraries are known for being places of quiet reflection and houses of knowledge. The Mary J. Booth Library on the campus Eastern Illinois University is an exceptional example of an ideal library. A veritable shrine for books, Booth is seems to be deserving of mare recognition than an ordinary establishment. It is a place where people can pursue knowledge together and work hard to better themselves and society. The elaborate architecture and stunning volume of information are symbols of what many are capable of if they choose to learn.
The multilevel library is very accommodating. It allows for easy accessibility and volumes on all levels. The bands renaissance interments consist of only recorders. Each member plays a different type of recorder and together they play music ranging from the 1100s to the 1600s.
Ron Levellie says he likes to work at the Booth library because he enjoys the atmosphere and helping patrons. Levellie said the only thing that keeps him in Illinois is this job.
The plant life outside of the Booth library decorates the building as well. It surrounds the area and improves the air quality. A bas-relief, “Sacagawea Leading Lewis and Clark to the Pacific Ocean,” adorns the wall of the library. The artist of the work is unknown.
Volunteers relive history stitch by stitch By Janaleigh Muszynsky
Women have been contributing to home and work since the beginning of time, whether it’s tending to the children, doing house tasks or in the case of the 1800s, making quilts. In Illinois, at least 1 percent of the construction costs funded by the state of Illinois must go toward public art. This is called the Art-in-Architecture Program, and it exists to fund local art. The Lincoln Log Cabin State Historic Site used their one percent by adding decorative quilts to the walls of the theater. The theater on site is used to play a 14-minute film about the Lincolns, their neighbors the Sargent family, and life in the 1840s. When the site was first built, there was a fundraiser where the volunteers stitched queen sized quilts and put them in a raffle. The volunteers
would stitch the queen sized quilt, and a sample of the quilt which is a small replica of the queen sized. “The colors and patterns are of the era we portray,” Volunteer Cheryl Hawker, said. Most of the quilts that decorate the theater are of the 1840s era, however there are a couple modern pieces. In particular, there is a small quilt of half the American flag, and half the Confederate flag which was unanimously voted to be hung in the theater. Over the two halves reads “United We Stand”. “The vote took place in December of 2001,” Hawker said. “Following the 9/11 attack, the unity was strong and the quilt got a unanimous vote.” In addition to the American-Confederate flag on display, there are two modern pieces. They are of floral patterns, with petals that stick off the quilt.
PHOTO BY K AT Y BRENNAN
Historical buggy boasts Charleston’s rich history outside of the Lincoln Cabin Historical Site.
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ILLINOIS REPORTER
LEGO Camp gives the oppurtunity for kids to build friendships and models By Elise Guillen
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EGO Camp, a program for kids interested in legos, teaches kids new techniques to build LEGOs to help them express their love for LEGOs. LEGO camp is located at the Old Main building at Eastern Illinois University. Nowadays, many children are heavily invested in LEGOs so this camp is a great opportunity for children to interact with other kids their age all while working on something they enjoy. There are different levels of LEGO camp such as Beginning Engineering LEGO Camp, Introduction to LEGO EV3 Robotics, Intermediate Engineering LEGO Camp, and LEGO WeDo Robotics Camp that occur throughout the summer. Each program lasts for four days. The LEGO camp for beginners was visited on the second day. Peter Wiles, who is the director of the program explains the camp as an introduction to simple machines. Wiles thinks that LEGOs are a great tool for kids to build and design whatever they want. “LEGOs allow for creative design,” Wiles said. Wiles went on to say that the goal for the camp is to have the kids thinking about engineering and building for the future. The camp allows for kids to be interested in science and math without them even knowing it. Overall, Wiles is amazed by the children involved with the camp. Once they are taught something and obtain the knowledge, they are able to apply it to real life situations and other tools. Although the children are taught by the book by their teacher, Amber Spitz, they are still given the option to modify the LEGOs that they are building to their liking. It’s always interesting to Wiles to see what the children come up with. By receiving freedom with design, it allows the kids to be creative with the consideration on the effect the modification will have on what they’ve built. Even though there may be consequences, the children seem to still enjoy the camp a lot and don’t really get bothered by their mistakes. “They’re very engaged and are never bored,” Spitz said. Some kids were inter viewed while working on their lesson, axles and wheels, and applying it to their LEGOs. Many kids explained the lesson they were working on and showed what they were working on. One
ABOVE: Student builds LEGO car while teacher Amber Spitz watches at Eastern Illinois University. LEFT: Summer camp students working on lesson by building cars out of LEGOs at Eastern Illinois University. PHOTOS BY JANALEIGH MUSYNSKY
8 year boy named Gunner Barr explained the camp was really educational and fun. “I feel like kids will love this,” Barr said. He went on to explain that it’s a great way to make friends who have the same interest and is especially great
because it’s nothing like the second grade. Most kids were from around the area and many parents heard about it and registered them due to how much their kids love LEGOs. The passion for LEGOs was evident in
these kids just based on how they spoke about it. Many kids use them to build things like ships, cars, and houses. One kid named Kyujin Wharram said he loves to make jets that no one has ever seen. LEGO camp is a great opportuni-
ty for kids who love LEGOs and the results of their work are limitless. Kids love LEGOs because they able to make whatever they want. It helps them think and allows them to express themselves. If interested, register at https:// www.eiu.edu/adulted/kids.php.
Historical society adapts to digital age By Olivia Lamberti Not everyone can say they’re related to a passenger on the Mayflower, but Sue Jones could- at least until she researched her genealogy more thoroughly. Using records at the Crawford County Historical Society Museum, Jones was able to separate ancestral fact from fiction. Now, thanks to thousands of scanned records on the society’s webpage, other residents of Crawford County can, too. “It’s easier for people to do research on our website,” Jones, Historical Society secretary, said. “We get over a thousand hits a month.” Making these records accessible is no simple task. Posting obituaries, newspaper clippings, and other
documents on the web page requires countless hours of scanning. Wi t h o u t t h i s w o r k , h ow e v er, many sources would not be preserved. “Everything we have here is crumbling or faded,” Jones said. “We really have to get this stuff digitized.” Web page uploads are not the only way the museum maintains relevance. Nearby McDonald’s and Pizza Hut locations display historical society photos, while local children’s groups often visit the museum. Jones is happy to share the historical society’s story with a younger generation. “It’s always nice to have children in the museum,” Jones said. “They’re just amazed by the things we have.”
Virginia Hyrniwicz verifies documents before they’re posted on the Historical Society webpage. Transferring records onto the Internet requires hours of scanning. PHOTO BY OLIVIA L AMBERTI
ILLINOIS REPORTER
FRIDAY, JUNE 30, 2017 • PAGE 11
Lincoln Log Cabin volunteers speak about how they started performing By Annie Banks
Despite the grueling heat of the relentless sun while wearing seven layers of clothing, or the hours laboring away at tedious tasks, those who volunteer at Lincoln’s Cabin return each season to bring the 1800s to life. “[Volunteering is] a family experience,” volunteer Cheryl Hawker said upon reflection of 31years of service at the Cabin. Alongside Hawker, nineteen other volunteers return to Lincoln’s Cabin where they recreate the everyday lives of those in the Lincoln and Sargent families. “We came to some special events [here] and it looked fun,” she said. Hawker’s children and grandchildren quickly became involved with the opportunity to volunteer, where they had attended a 12-week training session that had taught them how to fit into their characters and the Southern Kentucky speech patterns. Originally, Hawker’s daughter had began volunteering before her mother, and the rest of her family had additionally stepped forward and joined her. Hawker became fascinated by the idea of becoming another person when it came to interpretation, and the aspect had encouraged her to offer her time to the historical site. Like others, she had don keynote characters of the time such as Sarah Lincoln and Elizabeth Burlingame. “I wanted to be someone else,” Hawker said. Similarity to Hawker, who had soon enlisted as a volunteer after her daughter had initially taken interest, volunteer Shawn Ames had come to the Cabin after her son had spent time at the camps the organization offered. Ames mentioned that she grew up in Lerma, and frequently visited Lincoln’s Cabin with her grandfather at a young age and likes to belive that she ‘grew up’ at the landmark. She stresses the dire need for volunteers as numbers dwindle, and claims that the organization is simply ‘wonderful.’ “I just love [it] all,” Ames said, “[I do] anything I can do to help.” Like Hawker, Ames does some interpretation with school groups, and assists on the days when they come to the Cabin. With the site hosting two neighboring farmsone belonging to the Lincoln family and the other the Sargent family,she finds the lifestyle intriguing. Be-
PHOTO COURTESY OF DANIEL SCHWEN
Lincoln Log Cabin hosts volunteer reenactors in Charleston, IL.
“Being a pioneer woman was 10 times harder than the Marine Corps,” Shawn Ames, volunteer at Lincoln Log Cabin
fore her time spent at Lincoln’s Cabin, Ames had been stationed in California and had served in the United States Marine Corps, and had returned to Illinois when she had left.
“Being a pioneer woman was ten times harder than the Marine Corps,” Ames said. Besides a handful of volunteers, Lincoln’s Cabin staffs approximately
five paid employees such as Kate Gosnell. Though she doesn’t freely donate her time to the organization, her responsibilities include watching those who do volunteer or teaching visitors that pass through wherever she is stationed for the day. She also tends to children, who she said can cook, play games, or do chores around each farm. Gosnell told reporters that she had first gained an interest of working at the Cabin when her sister had volunteered. Analogous to volunteering, Gosnell participates in live interpretation.
“ We are not doing first-person [interpretation] this year, more of a third-person [simplification],” Gosnell explained, and stated that she goes everywhere she is needed throughout each day. She admits that she considers the food the most popular attraction and the visitor’s favorite experience at Lincoln’s Cabin while preparing sweet sausages and a dessert known as ‘cinnamon flop,’ “The food tastes much better with the Dutch oven, and it draws people [in,]” Gosnell said.
Catholic Charities packs food at donation event By Ryan Allibone
PHOTO BY RYAN ALLIBONE.
Camp Sokkia children package food for families in need.
This Wednesday, Catholic Charities hosted an event with the YMCA at a Decatur church where a summer camp helped pack food for families in need. The children packaged various food items into boxes which would be later delivered to local families. The boxes are delivered to people in Macon, Moultrie, and Shelby. One of the Catholic Charities members, Robin Murray, further explained what exactly was happening. “We deliver to those who have very limited resources for food, such as being limited to only going to the gas station” “This program started over a month ago. The children come every Wednesday to package food for families in need” Murray continues.
The children are from a YMCA summer camp called Camp Sokkia where they participate in a variety of activities. “For Cancer Awareness, the children made get-well-cards for cancer patients” says Matt Whitehead, one of the camp counselors. Catholic Charities also holds a myriad of other events in order to help everyone in the community, something they’ve been doing since the 1940s. “You don’t need to be catholic to receive help from us. Many of the people we serve are non-catholic” says Murray. Catholic Charities has always done its best to give back to the people. “All Catholic Charities wants to do is help the community in anyway we can.”
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ILLINOIS REPORTER
Spending time at Coles County Animal Shelter
A 1-year-old tiger cat yawns as she wakes up from a nap on June 23 at a Coles County animal shelter. Cats at this shelter are readily available for adoption. By Annie Banks, Elizabeth Johnston, and Kaitlyn Brennan
A multitude of cats and dogs find their foster or permanent homes at the Coles County Animal Shelter in Charleston, Ill. Here, animals are rescued and cared for, sometimes requiring the assistance of animal control officers.
PHOTOS BY ANNIE BANKS
“We respond to emergencies even after hours,” said Marty Webster, one of the shelter’s officers. “It’s not just an eight-hour job; it’s something that’s required every day.” Visitors are encouraged to interact with dogs in the meet and greet room and are also welcome to visit the juvenile and adult cat rooms.
At the shelter on Friday, an 8-month-old cat entertains herself as she plays with tassels that were teased above her. All three of the shelter’s juvenile cats live together in the juvenile room.
Two-year-old Pit Bull dog, Jewel, excitedly meets visitors on Friday at the shelter. Despite the stigma against Pit Bulls, “she’s a good’en,” Burton said as she wipes her face with the collar of her shirt after Jewel had given her enthusiastic kisses.
Camp Sokkia influences kids, community for better through community service By Amie Shields
Camp Sokkia is a day camp that does service projects weekly, influencing the kids and the community around them. The camp is through the Decatur Family YMCA for ages 5-12. The
camp is a based around children exploring their talents. The camp includes field trips to various area attractions, and although this may just seem like a fun summer camp for kids, it also doesn’t forget to include community service. They volunteer at Catholic Charities weekly to assemble food boxes to be delivered
throughout the area. The student have also made cards for cancer patients and plan on doing more service projects throughout the summer. “What we are doing today is developing kids,” said Matt Whitehead, YMCA CEO, “That’s what our camp is all about.”
“What we are doing today is developing kids.” Matt Whitehead, YMCA CEO