Otto’s Column

SCHOOL NEWS

Polo elementary in a t wo-week ‘adaptive pause’

By ALEXA ZOELLNER azoellner@shawmedia.com

POLO – Centennial Elementary School in Polo implemented a two-week “adaptive pause” that started Jan. 7.

Aplington Middle School and Polo Community High School students are continuing in-person learning.

“ W e a r e t a k i n g t h i s s t e p d u e t o increased cases of [COVID-19] symptomatic students and staff,” Superintendent Kelly Mandrell wrote in a Jan. 6 letter to district families. “Though we initially had hope to forgo a building-wide closure, through examination of the data and our local health officials, we have regretfully concluded that this is the appropriate course of action.”

The plan is for elementary students to resume in-person attendance on Jan. 24, according to the letter.

“We apologize for any confusion or frustration this announcement may have c a u s e d , ” M a n d r e l l w r o t e . “ H a vi ng w a t c h ed o u r n u m b e r s c o n t i n u e t o increase since returning from break, the decision had to be made to keep everyone safe.”

Students will have work sent home to them for Jan. 7, the letter states. Teachers will send a schedule for students to start logging in on Jan. 10.

Households that require a hotspot for internet should contact Centennial’s office the morning of Jan. 7, so that a hotspot can be delivered along with lunches, Mandrell wrote. Centennial Elementary School is located in Polo.

Earleen Hinton/Shaw Media

LOCAL HISTORY

Margaret Fuller v isited Oregon July 1-5, 1843

By OTTO DICK

Restarting my articles, I chose three very special events that occurred in Oregon. These are the visits of Margaret Fuller, Abraham Lincoln and President Franklin D. Roosevelt.

S e v e n y e a r s a ft er O re go n w as founded, Boston transcendentalist Margaret Fuller traveled by boat from Buffalo to Chicago, then overland to Dixon and finally to visit her uncle who lived in a cabin located near where Black Hawk Statue stands today. William Fuller who practiced law in this area was a Harvard-trained lawyer.

“ E v e n t h o u g h t h e r e w e r e o n ly about 200 residents of Oregon at that time, the community held a Fourth of July Celebration, complete with keynote speaker by an New England orator. Margaret’s day included a visit to the bluff named Eagle’s Nest, dinner, ice cream, fireworks and a trip to town. Her party crossed the Rock River in a flotilla accompanied by fifing and drumming.

M a r g a r e t , a f e m i n i s t , b e li ev e d achieving equal rights for women was to provide education for women. She was the first woman allowed to use the library at Harvard College.

She led seminary discussions concerning women’s lack of access to higher education. In 1844, she became the literary critic of the New York Tribune. Margaret considered the Native Americans an important part of American heritage.

In 1850, returning from Europe with her husband and daughter, their ship wrecked and all perished.

The first Margaret Fuller Festival was held on September 17, 1880, 30 years after her death and 37 years after her visit to this valley.

In 1880, there were some citizens around who might have been here when Margaret visited. She would have been 70 years old if she could have returned for the dedication.

Over 1,500 citizens gathered for the dedication of Margaret Fuller Island, Eagle’s Nest Bluff and Ganymede Spring. Two Rock River Steamboats, The Rover and the Occidental, helped transport people to the sites.

A barge was used to carry people to the island. Picnics, reunions, a choir and the Rock River Cornet Band added to the celebration.

It is interesting that the first woman allowed to use the Harvard University Library was honored with a festival in Oregon just 14 years after the close of the Civil War.

Margaret Fuller named Ganymede Spring and wrote Ganymede to His Eagle, July 4, 1843. So today when you see Fuller Island, Ganymede Spring and Eagle’s Nest tree laying on the ground at Taft Campus, remember her visit to Oregon seven years after Oregon was founded. Being here just five days, she left a lasting impact on this area.

The next two articles concern two Presidents, Abraham Lincoln and Theodore Roosevelt speaking in Oregon, Illinois.

Photos supplied by Otto Dick Margaret Fuller (above left) visited Oregon in 1843. This old photograph (above right) shows the north end of Margaret Fuller Island. The island is located in the center of the Rock River by Oregon.

Many hospitals are private businesses, yet “we’re expecting them to jump in like a government agency,” Auman said.

Protecting yourself and others

“Really, this is a situa t i o n w h e r e w e a b s o lutely need the public’s help,” Auman said. “We need everybody to get on board.”

Getting vaccinated – or getting the booster shot – is strongly encouraged and is one of the best protections, he said. Social distancing, masking, being mindful of interactions and staying out of large crowds are “the biggest opportunities we have to make a difference,” Auman said.

Auman also encouraged people to monitor themselves for even the most mild symptoms, and to isolate if they exhibit them, at least until testing negative for COVID-19. Additionally, it’s good to communicate with those you’ve recently been close to that they need to be careful as well, he said.

“The public needs to participate for all of us to be successful,” Auman said. “These are public health issues we all have a stake in addressing.” Kyle Auman

Clinics offered at Mt. Morris church Jan. 21 and Feb. 11

Trinity Lutheran Church, Mt. Morris will be hosting two COVID19 vaccination clinics. The first date is Friday, Jan. 21; the second date is Friday, Feb. 11. The clinics will be open from 1 to 5 p.m.

Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines and boosters will be available, plus vaccines for those 5 to 17 years old. The vaccinations are free.

T r i n i t y L u t h e r a n C h u r c h i s located at 308 E. Brayton Road in Mt. Morris.

Although not necessary, registration can be done by going to Trinity’s website (www.trinitymmil.net) and following the link established for these clinics.

Individuals may call the church office at 815-734-6354 if further information is needed.

VACCINATION CLINICS

Vaccines available in Mt. Morris, Forreston

COVID-19 vaccine clinics at Forreston library Jan. 19 and Feb. 9

In partnership with IDPH, the library will be hosting COVID-19 vaccine clinics on Wednesday, Jan. 19, and Wednesday, Feb. 9, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. for ages 12 and up.

First/second shots and boosters will be available.

Call the library at 815-938-2624 for more information or to register.

Trinity Lutheran Church in Mt. Morris is hosting two free COVID-19 vaccination clinics in January and February.

GAME TIME!