Some are calling for teachers to be armed. This idea has many flaws and shows a lack of understanding about a teacher’s real role. There are better solutions. I studied to be an English teacher, attended conferences and seminars and took classes to hone my skills and to learn ways to reach students and help them with […]
Cinda Ackerman Klickna
Cinda Klickna is a former teacher from Springfield and past president of the Illinois Education Association.
Posted inArts & Culture
Poetry Out Loud
Wynton Gage, a senior at Southeast High School, has a deep voice made for TV or radio. At the recent Regional Poetry Out Loud contest he commanded the stage during his memorized recitations of “Four Glimpses of Night” by Frank Marshall Davis and “The Universe as Primal Scream” by Tracy K. Smith. Wynton was named the winner. Awarded […]
Posted inOpinion
Is the Economic Development Corp. paying attention?
The Sangamon County Board has recently formed the Economic Development Corporation(EDC) to attract new businesses to the Springfield area. Several concerns have been raised about the makeup of this group (23 men, 3 women and 1 minority), and the price tag to have a seat on the commission at $25,000-$50,000 per business. This cost leaves […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Dana-Thomas House: Documents add to rich history
Eyes downcast, with a guilty expression and in a quiet voice, a friend of mine admitted, “I have never been through the Dana-Thomas House.” She isn’t alone; too many have been missing out on a Springfield treasure – not only in seeing the stunning interior with its amazing art glass and furniture, but also in […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Lincoln in love
“Up flew windows, out popped headsTo see this Lady gayIn silken cloak and feather whiteAriding on the dray. At length arrived at Edward’s gateHart backed the usual wayAnd taking out the iron pinHe rolled her off the dray.” So wrote Dr. Elias Merryman in 1840, and he was referring to none other than Mary Todd. The poem […]
Posted inArts & Culture
A lifetime of activism for social justice
Barbara Dickerman, known as “Babs” to most, had boundless energy and a vivacious personality. She was a crusader for social justice causes in Springfield. Whether it was fighting for fair and equitable housing or speaking at a city council meeting, Babs wanted justice for all people of all races and all religions. She could be […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Crusader for higher ed, anti-racism, justice
Jim Forstall just had this twinkle in his eyes and a smile that drew one into him. Whether it was at a meeting of the Chamber’s Business Education Partnership discussing ways business and education could unite for students, or at one of the many community organizations that Jim participated in, he showed a gentleman’s demeanor. […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Sharing the love of reading
Tiffany Roe and Litina Carnes looked at their collection of books that had outgrown their houses and started brainstorming ways to share their love of books. “We didn’t just want to donate them and have them resold. So we said, let’s find a way to give them to ones in need,” Tiffany explains. Litina adds, […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Hometown artist
Bill Crook has been drawing for over 40 years, filling sketchbooks of his pen and ink illustrations that he says, “explore the interests of my heart.” Bill is a native of Springfield and has earned a reputation as an outstanding artist. People easily recognize Bill, often seeing him sketching at a site in Springfield, creating […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Illinois books make the season bright
Books with an Illinois or Springfield connection make great holiday gifts, whether you’re looking for something for children, photographers, cooks, Lincoln buffs or sports enthusiasts. There are books that inspire, instruct and inform. There are ones that tell a story, and ones that take you on a trip back in time. Local book stores and museum […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Colorful stories from Rochester history
Cotton, Violins & Shots in the Night – A Timeline Visit to Rochester, Illinois By Raymond and Pamela Bruzan. 467 pages If you live in Rochester, you should pick up this book. If you live in Springfield or another town nearby, you, too, should pick up this book. What a delightful trip through history with […]
Posted inNews
Stair climbing duo
It is noon. Terry Purcell of Springfield and John (Oz) Osborn of Rochester stand at the bottom of the stairs of a 14-story building, ready to race to the top – for the 10th time in the past hour. At 12:01:20 they arrive at the top. One minute and 20 seconds to climb 14 stories? […]
