Mention the Galapagos Islands and many think of tortoises or Charles Darwin. Layne Zimmers discovered there is so much more to this area of the world when she was selected as a Lindblad Expeditions and National Geographic Grosvenor Fellow and had the chance to spend eight days with photographers, naturalists and storytellers on the Islands […]
Cinda Ackerman Klickna
Cinda Klickna is a former teacher from Springfield and past president of the Illinois Education Association.
Posted inSpecial Issues
Helping students navigate college
Deanna Blackwell, director of the TRIO program at Lincoln Land Community College, got word that a student had a serious medical issue so she got in her car and went to the hospital. As Deanna says, “We provide refuge and support to our students.” Going to see the student just seemed to be the right […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Restoring the Dana-Thomas House
The glorious Dana-Thomas House – built in 1904 by Frank Lloyd Wright for Susan Lawrence Dana, owned by the Thomas Publishing company for over 30 years, purchased by the state in 1981, and restored painstakingly in the 1980s – will be open for special behind-the-scenes restoration tours on third Saturdays, April through July. The tour […]
Posted inSpecial Issues
Pursuing a passion for pastel painting
George King may be short in stature, but he is powerful in his words and actions. He has a calm demeanor, a dry sense of humor – accompanied at times with a slight mischievous grin – and loves to talk about his new passion, painting. At the age of 82, he inspires others to follow […]
Posted inArts & Culture
This old house of worship
Early Illinois settlers established sites of worship, first holding services in someone’s home and later building a church. Each year across Illinois these early churches reach a milestone, their 150th year, and the Illinois State Historical Society (ISHS) holds a luncheon to honor them every three years. This year 28 churches will be honored in […]
Posted inOpinion
Why arming teachers is a bad idea
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 […]
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. […]
