Outlook: The Road Ahead - LIVE

SUNDAY, MARCH 28, 2010

DECATUR, ILLINOIS

OUTLOOK 2010

The Road Ahead

LIVE learn work play Racer finds success in ‘diapers’/Page 3

Garden grows more than vegetables/Page 6

Denominations build combined church/Page 9

2 OUTLOOK

SUNDAY, MARCH 28, 2010

www.herald-review.com

DECATUR, ILLINOIS

Nicholson banks on building strong community Mentors taught him about civic involvement

THE RIGHT TUNE For fun, Corydon “Corky” Nicholson and his wife, Lesley, participate in musical endeavors.

Both sang in high school and college, so they adapted quickly to the Greater Decatur Chorale. Then, after successful auditions, they became members of the highly-acclaimed Opus 24 choral group directed by Milt Scott.

“I struggle when it comes to reading music, but I manage to get by somehow. It comes more naturally for Lesley,” Nicholson said.

Scott called him “a very good tenor, who sang in the chorale for several years and then became a charter member of our group. He obviously enjoys singing and is dedicated to many things musically in Decatur. He has been a good supporter of music in the city, both with his voice and financially.”

By REX SPIRES For The Herald & Review

Corydon “Corky” Nicholson set sail to become a career naval officer, but after four years of duty, the waters became muddied by circumstances, and he changed course.

That decision, made for family considerations, resulted in his return to Decatur and eventually on a career to become one of Decatur’s most experienced and respected bankers.

“When I first came back to Decatur, I took a job with Connecticut General Life Insurance in St. Louis.

That was to gain some experience with the idea of returning and helping with the family business,” Nicholson said. He returned to Decatur to follow in the footsteps of his grandfather, father and uncle, thus becoming the third generation to figure in running the well-known Nicholson-Clark Insurance Co. His grandfather’s name also was Corydon.

“The Nicholson family goes back to the 1850s in Decatur, and I know my dad wanted me to become involved, so I thought it was time to do that,” he said. “The problem is I didn’t really like the insurance business much, so when John Luttrell, who was president of the First National Bank then, offered me a position there, I jumped at it.”

“I had a couple of jobs there, but ended up in marketing, working along with Jim Gresham. I really enjoyed my years there, because Jim was fun to work with and John Luttrell was one of the greatest guys in the world to have as your boss,” Nicholson said.

Gresham, who was in charge of marketing at First National when Nicholson arrived, said Nicholson “was always a guy who could get things done. He had a sharp mind and a lot of energy. Those were some very good years at the bank. It’s been a long time ago, but Corky and I have remained friends ever since.”

“I left there in 1985 to take a job as vice president of commercial lending at the Millikin-Magna National Bank and was there until I had the opportunity to join the Hickory Point Bank in 2003 and learn the ropes from

Herald & Review photos/Kelly J. Huff

Corydon ‘Corky’ Nicholson overlooks Central Park from the DemirCo Building.

Nicholson and Brett Swallow, Hickory Point Bank executive vice president, discuss bank business.

Dale Arnold, who was about to retire,” he said. “I’ve been unusually fortunate to have worked for some outstanding bankers all along the

way, John Luttrell, then Ray Livasy at Millikin-Magna and Dale Arnold.

I learned a great deal about community banking from all of them. John

has passed on, but Dale, Ray and I are good friends to this day.”

He feels one of the most important things he gleaned from his mentors was the importance of being involved in the community. “All of them encouraged me to do something in the community and furthermore, they gave me the time to do it.

I feel that has helped me greatly in trying to do my part in making this the kind of community we all want it to be” he said.

He is a past president of the Decatur Park District Board, chairman of the Metro Decatur Chamber of Commerce, chairman of key Millikin University fund drives, chairman of the board for the Macon County Unit of the American Cancer Society and the St. Mary’s Hospital Foundation, past president of the Symphony Guild of Decatur and the Boys and Girls Club of Decatur and member of the board of directors of such diverse groups as the Futures Charity Classic Golf Tournament, United Way, Webster-Cantrell Hall, Junior Achieve-

The Road

For the Herald & Review/Phil Jacobs

Matt McLemore, the morning man at WRAN in Taylorville, hosts several popular shows, including Letter Mania, Swap Shop and Birthdays and Anniversaries.

This year I will reach my 62nd birthday, and I am amazed at how the world has changed during that span of time.

When I was born in 1948, my dad was a farmer and my mother a homemaker. I was their sixth child (a seventh would arrive later). During my childhood, we had no running water in the house and no bathroom. Our television came when I was 8 or 9, and the telephone party line arrived in our rural area when I was 13. It was a proud accomplishment for my mother to display our senior pictures to signify that all her children graduated from high school. My parents paid off the 40-acre farm before I graduated. In their lifetime they bought one new car.

The advances in technology

ment, Decatur Foresight Inc., Illinois Educational Development Corporation and the Community Investment Corporation of Decatur.

Nicholson also has served or is serving on the Decatur Public Building Commission, Decatur Zoning Board of Appeals, Decatur Human Relations Commission, the Decatur Memorial Hospital Now and Tomorrow Council, Decatur Public Schools Referendum Steering Committee and the Decatur Leadership Institute.

“I became convinced early on that if you want to make the town a place you enjoy living, you have to help make it that way. I don’t have time for people who gripe about things in the community, unless they’re willing to make the effort to do something about it,” he said.

He sees a bright future for local banks. “I believe we have more of a stake in the community and offer more personalized banking. At least that’s what I strive for with our people,” Nicholson said.

“Unlike some of the big banks that had to be bailed out, we didn’t get into risky loans. The health of Hickory Point Bank was probably best illustrated last June when we closed our fiscal year as our best year ever,” he said. “Studies have shown that people are flocking back to community banks. That bodes well for banks like ours and others like us.”

Ahead

have been phenomenal in every area from agriculture to medicine to business. Space exploration, new vaccines and computer networking are routine. People expect to have dishwashers, microwaves, washers and dryers and multiple bathrooms in their homes, as well as the standard stove and refrigerator. Travel and vacations are the norm. All of my children have college educations as do 12 nieces and nephews. Seven of these have advanced degrees. My husband and I have owned seven new vehicles. All of my siblings and I own our homes (except my brother who teaches at a university overseas).

In our nation’s many advancements, I believe we have lost some important values. Companies have no loyalty to their long-term employ-

ees and dismiss them heartlessly for the sake of profit.

Greed is rampant on all levels.

For example, some employees on Wall Street collected more than $20 billion in bonuses in 2009, the year after taxpayers bailed out the financial sector.

My vision for the future would be that we recapture the values that made our country great. Reverence for God, respect for our fellow man, personal responsibility for our actions, fidelity in marriage, protection of the lives of the unborn, family unity, honesty and integrity, friendship and loyalty, pride in our country and patriotism, need work and financial stability are the qualities that should be our quest on the road ahead.

Jo-Anne Flood Greenup

‘Luckiest guy in the world’ He went to California to study but found job back near home

By PHIL JACOBS For the Herald & Review

TAYLORVILLE — A typical day for radio personality Matt McLemore, the morning man at WRAN (98.3 FM) in Taylorville, begins early.

“I get up a 4 a.m. and try to get to the station by 5 a.m., McLemore said. “I don’t want to go on the air sounding like I just got out of bed. When I get to the station, I gather the overnight news from the Internet and other sources and record it for use throughout the day.”

The affable host of Letter Mania, Birthdays and Anniversaries and Swap Shop likes to keep things on the light side.

Matt often brings a note of levity to his programs with amusing stories and calling listeners by pet names such as the “Volks Folks” or referring to a group of area women as the “lovely and talented ladies at Taylorville Memorial Hospital.”

The ladies fax their solution to the daily Letter Mania puzzle each weekday morning. That program averages 160 calls and a few faxes each day. New callers get a special welcome.

The popular show, that began 14 years ago, features a scrambled five- or six-letter word, often with a holiday theme, which area listeners unscramble and call in. Those who call with the correct answer get their names added to the pot and on the last day

MORE INFO WHAT: WRAN, best known for “oldies format; WTIM, news/talk; and WMRK, country format; are all part of the Miller Media Group owned by Randy Miller of Taylorville.

ONLINE: taylorvilledailynews.com WEIRDEST CALL: Lady called in to report that a flying saucer was letting people out on the town square in Taylorville. The consensus was that the woman had forgotten to take her medications that day. of the month, the station gives away $98.30 to the lucky winner.

During the birthdays and anniversary segment, listeners call in and provide the month and day of the various events which are then read over the air — sometimes, more than once. A recent caller who was mentioned on the show had the information repeated and was congratulated a second time when she called in later on Letter Mania.

Josephine Morez of Pana, a regular listener to both shows, does her part to keep the show supplied with information.

“I call in all the birthdays and anniversaries I know of as the date approaches,” said the jovial octogenarian with the energy of the Energizer Bunny. “I listen every morning. Matt’s so informative and

does such a great job that it helps me start my day on a good note every day.”

Easily the most popular show is swap shop.

“There is some form of this popular show running on nearly every radio station in the U.S.,” Matt explained. “We get a lot of calls, and they just keep coming at all hours. I was working at the station during a recent election, and somewhere, about 12:30 a.m. or 1, the phone rang, and the caller wanted to know if anyone had called in with a refrigerator on the morning show. I told him I didn’t think so and referred him to our Web site where we post almost everything.”

The host was born in Decatur in 1955 and graduated from Blue Mound High School in 1973. Shortly after graduation, he moved to California where he took speech class at Pasadena City College. Following graduation from L.A. Broadcasters School, he sent resumés to several stations looking for work. On a whim, he called the station in Taylorville. The station was in need of a news director at the time. He took the job and moved back to Central Illinois. In time, he was given the shows he has today.

“I’m the luckiest guy in the world,” Matt said, smiling broadly. “I love the job, and I get up every morning excited to be able to come here and do it.”

Kyle McCarter Senator 51st District

There is hope for Illinois.

101 S. Main St., Ste. LL2 Decatur, IL 62523

217-428-4068 Mccarter51@att.net Not Printed at Taxpayers’ Expense. Paid for by Citizens for Kyle McCarter

www.herald-review.com

SUNDAY, MARCH 28, 2010

DECATUR, ILLINOIS

OUTLOOK 3

Pastoring with a badge Chaplains ride along with police to give support

By SHEILA SMITH H&R Staff Writer

Herald & Review photos/Kelly J. Huff

When racing organizations called for cleaner, safer methods to prevent accidents, Cerro Gordo racer and entrepreneur Dennis Ridgeway was ready with his Kevlar engine diapers that help prevent spills.

High-speed diapers Engine accessories can save racers’ lives

By HUEY FREEMAN

cleanup efforts, they are primarily used for safety.

“If a guy blows an engine at the finish line and he’s running 150 mph, the oil will blow out and hit his tires and could make it spin out and hit a wall or hit a competitor,” Ridgeway said.

An investment of $169 to $500 could save a $100,000 race car from being destroyed.

Ridgeway credits the success of his business to his devotion to oldfashioned THE customer NET service.

“We n www.engine cater to diapers.com the racers,” he said. “I spend a lot of time on the phone with these guys. I might spend three hours on the phone with a customer before a sale.”

Ridgeway, who recently constructed a 4,000-squarefoot metal building in Cerro Gordo to house his business, said his venture allows him the freedom to race. While he is on the racing circuit, which includes Florida, Pennsylvania, North Carolina and Louisiana, he promotes his product.

The diapers are sold to race car drivers throughout the nation and internationally, with customers ordering

H&R Staff Writer

CERRO GORDO — He calls himself the diaper man, but he is not working for a company that retrieves smelly pieces of cloth from households.

Dennis Ridgeway, 48, an entrepreneur and hot rod driver, cranks out hundreds of diapers that cover the undersides of race cars, to prevent them from messing up race tracks and killing their drivers.

“The main purpose of the diaper is to contain oil and parts if they blow an engine up,” Ridgeway said. “So the oil doesn’t get under their tires and cause the cars to crash.”

A Cerro Gordo High School graduate, Ridgeway has worked as a repairman and supervisor in the office machine industry, a boiler operator and a hunting guide.

He began drag racing about 15 years ago, and later noticed that the only diapers available were onesize-fits-all models.

Anyone who has ever tried to cover a small baby bottom with an oversized diaper could see that this was an invention just waiting for a mother. Ridgeway, an accomplished auto mechanic, stepped forward. With the help of a friend, Tony Hyde, who has been working in the auto upholstery business, he began manufacturing engine diapers about four years ago.

His company, Dennis Ridgeway Enterprises, produces about 150 custom made engine diapers each year, in addition to several ready made models.

Engine diapers are used especially on drag racing cars, which take off like rockets for races on short tracks.

Diapers are mandated for cars running faster than 9.99 seconds in quarter-mile races (135 mph or faster), and 6.49 seconds in oneeighth mile races, Ridgeway said.

While diapers can also prevent huge messes on the tracks, necessitating large

from Sweden, South Africa and New Zealand.

The use of engine diapers is a growing trend in drag racing, said Mike Baker, senior director of competition for the International Hot Rod Association, a sanctioning body for professional drag racing.

“More facilities are requiring the use of diapers and engine containment devices,” Baker said.

The diaper provides an additional measure of safety for drivers, because engines do blow up.

“Without the diaper there could be smoke and oil everywhere,” Baker said.

Ridgeway’s diapers feature a heat-resistant cloth, rated at 3,000 degrees Fahrenheit, which prevents them from melting. The cloth is reinforced with military strength Kevlar, to help prevent engine parts from penetrating and becoming unguided missiles.

Ridgeway’s 19-foot-7-inch long dragster, with a 605 cubic-inch, 1,100 horsepower engine, with a top speed of about 185 mph, has his nickname plastered across its side.

“Everybody calls me diaper man,” he said.

The Road Ahead

n Fina

ce

INTERIOR SPRING PAINTING

NOW GET YOUR EXTERIOR ESTIMATES NOW • Ceiling Repair • Whole House Rates • Wall Paper Removal • Insurance Work • Ceiling & Wall Texturing • Dry Wall Repair

s1painter@aol.com Steven Bledsoe - Owner

CALL NOW 429-2703

BENTLEY MOTORS "Where you buy Smart"

‘07 Buick Rendezvous CXL

‘07 Chevy Tahoe LT

Warr a

‘04 Chevy Impala LS

4x4, Quads, DVD, 20” Chromes

V6, Lthr, Moonroof, Local Trade

Warranty

$36,990

$8,995

‘06 GMC Sierra SLE

‘08 Ford Taurus SEL

4x4, Lthr, Chrome Whls, Fresh Trade

5.3L V8, Loaded, Fiberglass Cap, Must See

V6, All Power, Leather, Warranty

$8,995

20,010 Mi.

$18,990

Corner of 22nd St. and Wood

and Sam Baum, a retired Sheriff deputy and member of Resurrection Life Church.

Nevitt, however, took his chaplain duties a step further by going through training to become an auxiliary officer.

“I started doing this as a chaplain and didn’t know what it all entailed at first and

fell in love with it,” he said.

“It makes for a long day but makes for a great day after preaching three sermons and spending eight hours in a squad car,” said Nevitt, who is fondly known by officers as “the pistolpacking preacher.”

CHAPLAIN/PAGE 6

Police Chaplains Baum and Walkins talk with Patrolman Zeth Giles before a shift change.

217-330-6624

All roads lead to

home

The Glenwood is a beautiful 38-unit senior retirement community with amenities you will enjoy.

• No fixed contracts month to month rent.

• Large apartments with patios.

• One level - no stairs or elevators.

• Pets allowed.

• 24-hour certified staffing.

• FREE moving service.

nty

V6, 3rd Row Seating, Lthr, Low Miles

‘02 GMC Envoy SLT

Herald & Review/Kelly J. Huff

Decatur Police Department Chaplains Sam Baum, the Rev. BG Nevitt and the Rev. Dan Walkins welcome the opportunity to serve the public and the officers at the Decatur Police Department.

hfreeman@herald-review.com|421-6985

DRE diaper builder Tony Hyde hand crafts a custom diaper for an unusual shaped oil pan for a race car.

CITY: Neoga COUNTY: Cumberland POPULATION: 1,854 MAYOR: H. Wayne Modglin INDUSTRY: Kern Mfg. Co., Brighton Cabinetry Inc. MAJOR HIGHWAYS: Interstate 57, U.S. 45.

ON THE WEB: www.rr1.net/ users/ourlocal/html/ neoga.html.

DECATUR — A uniform, bullet-proof vest and holster equipped with gun and handcuffs are not the normal Sunday attire for a pastor.

But it is for Pastor BG Nevitt when he reports for duty with the Decatur Police Department.

“I have two blankets in my bag that the ladies from my church made, and sometimes, I will give them to a child if there is an incident.

It’s something cuddly that gives them comfort,” said the senior pastor of GT Church while loading the black bag into the police squad car during his chaplain shift.

Nevitt is one of the three chaplains who provide a support system for the men and women in blue with Decatur Police Department. The other two are the Rev. Dan Watkins of New Beginnings Church

The Glenwood Assisted Living Community 1635 Baltimore Ave., Mt. Zion, IL 62549 217-864-1073 theglenwoodcommunities.com

Call us today for a tour and more information

217-864-1073

4 OUTLOOK

SUNDAY, MARCH 28, 2010

www.herald-review.com

DECATUR, ILLINOIS

Great focus on a lot of focuses has a great ability to bridge the gap between nonprofit organizations and business and industrial firms in helping make the quality of life better in the community,” Wegi Stewart, Richland Community College development officer, added, “Cindy has an amazing ability to juggle a lot of things simultaneously and still end up producing a good result or product in her business. We have worked together on a variety of things in the community and you soon find out she is a go-getter.”

While running businesses, Cindy Deadrick leads park board through difficult changes

By REX SPIRES For The Herald & Review

If there is a woman in Decatur more involved in community affairs than Cynthia “Cindy” Deadrick, it would have to be a combination of people who seemingly can be everywhere at once, such as Oprah, Hilliary Clinton and Wonder Woman.

First and foremost, she is officer and co-owner with her father and brother of CynMark Corp., the holding company for C. Deadrick Development, a property development company; Events Plus, an events management company; Shop On Main, a woman’s apparel, gift and accessory store; and Design Printing and Graphics, a local printing company.

As if those things weren’t enough. She is president of the Decatur Park District Board of Commissioners and ramrod for the Duramed Futures Golf Tournament. Both organizations are grappling with key changes.

In the case of the park district, there is the issue of commercial lakefront development in Nelson Park as a way of combating problems related to a shrinking Decatur and Macon County population and resulting loss of revenue. As for the Futures Golf Tournament, the organization has had to deal with finding a primary sponsor or discontinuing the popular charity event that has been held in Decatur for the past 25 years.

Either one of these things would prompt a perpetual migraine headache for most people, but Deadrick seems to sail through in unflappable fashion.

“I suppose it comes from the experience I’ve had with so many organizations in the community through the years. After being involved with people who are used to

A family example

Herald & Review/Kelly J. Huff

Cindy Deadrick, seen in mirror, assists Millikin University student Bean Miller with a jacket inside her Decatur business, Shop on Main.

For the Herald & Review/Katy Hunt

Deadrick looks over new styles in fashion in her store. getting things done, you begin to believe that most problems are not insurmountable,” she said.

A community focus Although she is engaged in numerous projects related to her businesses and making decisions on a daily basis, she

H&R file photo

Deadrick and Bill Clevenger, Decatur Park District executive director, discuss improvements to Nelson Park.

l a t n Re e

d i u G Woodcrest Apartment Homes

said her primary focus is the lakefront development project, which she sees as vital to the long-range welfare of the city and the services it provides.

“We are actively seeking public opinion on this matter and trying to find a viable path to follow to accommodate a variety of interests. Many of us who have been studying this issue on a long-term basis have largely come to the realization that commercial development will generate muchneeded revenue that this city needs to move forward. Otherwise, we do nothing, remain stagnant and continue to sink deeper and deeper in public debt,” she said.

After John Skeffington and his Skeff Distributing Co. decided to give up major sponsorship and other top sponsors started doing the same as the recession took its toll, the Futures Golf Tournament, one of the most popular and wellattended events of the summer, was in jeopardy. Deadrick, who has been co-director of the tournament since 2003

THE WOODS APARTMENTS on Mound Rd. is now accepting applications.

62 + subsidized housing.

•Elevators •Laundry room •Picnic area •Potlucks & parties •Lounge areas •Excellent residents •1 Month Free Rent

NOW LEASING Fellowship Center

301 Lafayette Ave. East, Mattoon, IL (Next door to Odd Fellow-Rebekah Nursing Home)

217-877-5123

Office Hours 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Please call for an appointment.

• Several apartments available for Seniors 62+ immediate move-in.

No waiting!

• Must meet income requirements Phone: (217) 235-5414

We Put Back Into Apartment Living

Owned By Odd Fellow-Rebekah Housing Inc.

1 & 2 Bedroom Apartments 1st Month Free $99 Deposit Rent starting at $453.00* Fitness Center Pets Welcome Argenta/Oreana Schools

3903 Camelot Circle Decatur, IL 62526 1-866-939-8281 Fax: 217.875.3367

www.primequest.com/woodcrest *prices subject to change

• 2 & 3 bedrooms • 24 hour maintenance • Security on Site 3990 N. Water St. Decatur

217-877-4000

433-7099

Rent to Own References • Credit Check Proof of Income for 1 year

217-521-0266

West Mound Apts

2, 3 or 4 bdrms available

“DECATUR’S FINEST APARTMENT LIVING”

Water, garbage & cable paid Warrensburg Latham Schools

(217) 877-5323 If You Are 62+ And Within Our Income Limits You May Be Eligible To Live at

MATTOON TOWER APARTMENTS! Income At Our Below: 1 Person - $11,450 / 2 Person - $13,100

• Pool and Playground • Townhouses

• Distinctive Independent Living • Age 50+ • Efficiency • 1 BDRM

• Private, Clean and Affordable • Loads of Closet Space • Wall to Wall Carpet

Village Apartments • • • • • • •

was responsible for implementation of Race for the Cure project, which raised $300,000 in 2009 for breast cancer research, screening and education; initiated Focus On Women series on informational and educational seminars on women’s health issues; helped secure one of 25 grants awarded nationwide by Kellogg Foundation for an American Hospital Association demonstration program; and served on the board when a fund campaign produced the new Children’s Museum building.

In addition to serving on the park board since 2003, she is a board member of the Symphony Guild.

Don Luy, a fellow Park Board member, said, “Cindy

LATHAM PRAIRIE VILLAGE

3010 E. Mound Rd. • Decatur

Luxury

and has been involved in various ways almost since its inception, joined with remaining board members to try and salvage the tournament. A large part of that problem was erased recently with the announcement that Tate & Lyle has agreed to take over major sponsorship. She said details are still to be worked out, but the event is expected to continue its run this summer as usual.

Among the 55-year-old dynamo’s many community achievements have been hospital development work, including managing all aspects of hospital auxiliary fundraising, including gift, coffee and thrift shops; assisting with research, awareness activities for cancer care development; staffed and

Deadrick said examples and teachings by her parents made her aware at an early age of being involved in community affairs.

“My parents always said Decatur had been good to us, and we needed to be good to the community. That’s always stuck with me.”

Born and raised in Decatur, she attended Decatur schools and received her college degree from Millikin University. She has been active in helping Millikin with alumni events and also has been involved with a variety of Richland Community College projects.

She has been honored with the Chamber of Commerce Athena Award in 2000 and a Woman of Excellence Business Award in 2005.

In the rare times she isn’t engaged in running her businesses or serving community organizations, she said she enjoys attending stage productions, with musicals being her favorite, and traveling.

One of her favorite destinations happens to be Hilton Head Island in South Carolina, where she plans to marry fiancee Mark Wolfer in May. The ceremony will be witnessed by a small group of her closest friends and family members.

• • • • • • •

Accepting applications 62 and Older Subsidized Housing Elevators/Laundry Rooms Barber/Beauty Shop Exercise/Game Room Picnic Area Potlucks/Parties Library/Lounge Areas Excellent Residents!

Join our group for carefree living!

Oxford House 217-875-1081

• Step Saver Kitchen • Stove & Refrigerator • Individually Controlled Heat & Air

Call 217-235-4360 Persons With Disabilities Equality Welcome

$0 Security Deposit!

Efficiency Apartments 1,2 & 3 Bedroom Apartments 2 & 3 Bedroom Townhomes Heat Paid in Select Units • Pet Friendly Community Large Sparkling Pool • Short Term Leases Senior Discounts

Moundford Terrace 217-877-5600

www.herald-review.com

SUNDAY, MARCH 28, 2010

DECATUR, ILLINOIS

Toward her vision Petals owner finds customers flock to shop for personalized gifts

By HUEY FREEMAN H&R Staff Writer

DECATUR — During the two decades Kari Bartosik worked as an office manager for eye care professionals, she never lost sight of her original dream.

“Even when I was in high school, I always wanted to own my own business,” said Bartosik, owner of Petals, a gift and home decor shop she opened 1½ years ago. “I didn’t take this leap before because it was more secure to work for someone else.

While working in the offices of an optometrist and ophthalmologist, she laid the groundwork for her enterprise by working a second job, a homebased silk flower arranging business. She built a customer base of about 100 people, and developed skills that gave her confidence that she could succeed as a full-time business owner.

After she decided to make the leap, a property owner told her about a downtown storefront on North Main Street that had recently MORE become INFO Herald & Review/Kelly J. Huff available.

Kari Bartosik, owner of Petals in downtown Decatur, starts to work on another of her brightly colored springtime bouquets. Bartosik It had forWHAT: Petals, a worked in eye doctors’ offices for 20 years before recently realizing her dream of opening her own business. TOP: Brightly colored dish merly gift and home towels can be custom embroidered at Petals. housed a decor store spephotogracializing in silk Bartisok said it has been an porch and master bedroom.

She carries things that really She was surprised by how pher’s stuflower arrangeadjustment to have to work catch my eye, because I like well her customer base grew She especially appreciates dio. Barments and cusunique things for my home. in such a tough economic clithat Bartisok creates seasonal long hours to keep her busitosik liked tom monogramness going, but it has been She is very reasonable in her mate. arrangements, which she can the locaming of gift items. worth it to fulfill her dream. prices.”

“It was incredible how switch around during the tion, espeWHERE: 219 N. “I don’t want to go back to much the business increased Regular customer Julie year. cially work for somebody else,” BarMain St. when I got a storefront,” BarSchwalbe said she has pur“Her style is open and airy because of tosik said. “So far so good.”

CALL: 791-6395 tosik said. chased Bartisok’s floral and kind of whimsical,” its proximHOURS: 10 a.m.

Flexibility and change are arrangements for her front hfreeman@herald-review.com|421-6985 Schwalbe said. ity to to 5 p.m. weektwo of the key ingredients that restaudays and 10 a.m. keep Petals thriving and rants and to 3 p.m. Saturgrowing. other days Every season, the store is shops restocked with hundreds of which new items related to the seaattract foot traffic. son and its holidays. The front She tore down a center of her store is now filled with wall, added paint, display furEaster decorations: all kinds niture and merchandise, and of objects festooned with eggs, opened for business Sept. 29, chicks and bunnies.

2008. It seemed like an excelPetals depends on its loyal lent time to open, just before customers, who appreciate a the Christmas season, which place they can find things that retailers depend on are attractive and for a lion’s share of colorful. their sales revenue.

“Usually when I However, she was want a personalized thrown a serious gift that I can’t find curve, when an anywhere else I go enormous internain there,” said Val tional financial criMerritt. “I go in for sis surfaced within just about any occaweeks of her opension.” ing.

For her mother’s While other 80th birthday, Merstores closed at the ritt ordered an onset of the recesapron with the sion, Bartosik inscription: “Mom’s 80 and still cookweathered her first ing.”

Kari Bartosik season by filling Merritt said Barher store with many unique items, tisok’s floral and catering to the needs of arrangements are outstandher established customer ing. base. Her inventory included “She does little extra things her own wreaths and floral that are unusual that you arrangements and an eclectic can’t get anywhere else,” she selection of craft items by said. “I like to go in every season. I usually find something. local artists.

‘I don’t want to go back to work for somebody else. So far so good.’

Hand-crafted tins in various themes created by MaryPat Fehrenbacher can by used for card keepers, recipe boxes and all kinds of other ideals.

OUTLOOK 5

The Road Ahead My vision for the future is to see that the children in our community are shown the love that is often missing in their lives — parents today are working so hard to fulfill the dreams that their parents and grandparents had for them that they cannot see past the end of the hour, day or week.

At what age do we begin to see that life is what we make it, not by what we have or don’t have but how we live each day, showing ourselves and those around us that life is great?

As a grandmother who also had to work outside the home while her own two children were young, I can look back on what I did with them and give myself a pat on the back. They were shown love, they were appreciated for the things they did and for the person they were and have become. Yes, it’s hard being a working mom, but if you look around, there are always people and places willing to guide you along the way.

My church, school, scouting organizations and including other peoples’ children in doing things with mine helped me make our lives more fulfilled. As I continue to give back I see the smiles and giggles and, yes even some tears, from the young who are around us every minute of the day.

Education: Soak up the knowledge passed on to you from those willing to provide it.

Housing: Bigger, more expensive is not always better.

Health care: Re-energize, take time to see what God has done in our world. Take advantage of what nature has to offer and enjoy it not alone but with others — children, parents, grandparents, even strangers.

Laurel Cripe Monticello

6 OUTLOOK

SUNDAY, MARCH 28, 2010

www.herald-review.com

DECATUR, ILLINOIS

Growing more than a garden

The Road Ahead

Project teaches how to grow one’s own food

By THERESA CHURCHILL H&R Senior Writer

DECATUR — The growing season may be nearly a month away, but Decatur’s community gardening project is already branching out.

Volunteers and trainees with Decatur Is Growing Gardeners, or DIGG, are designing double the number of gardens the group started with last year and taking a series of classes on urban farming that began Feb. 4 at Richland Community College.

Among the half-dozen trainees is Vicky Spence, a client of Oasis Day Center for the homeless, who asked for cabbage, mustard greens, turnips and okra to be among the THE vegetables NET planted in www.decatur the Hope digg.org Garden just west of the Masonic Temple.

“I grew up pretty much with these,” said Spence, 56.

“It will be fun to have a garden again.”

The focus for the year-old nonprofit is to teach lowincome people how to garden, eat more nutritiously and possibly sell some of their produce.

“We’re also looking at doing some canning and preserving this year,” said President Sue Hemp. “We’d have to get bigger and get more funding to set up a job training program, so that’s not in our immediate future.”

Awarded $6,300 late last year by the Hospital Sisters of St. Francis, Decatur is Growing Gardeners is paying the $35 tuition for seven students to take the noncredit class in exchange for working at least 35 hours in a DIGG garden.

Several of the organization’s volunteers and other students also are enrolled.

Returning gardens (and volunteer supervisors) are God’s Acre near God’s Shelter of Love (organic gardener Deonne Orvis, DIGG Vice President Daniel Ray Pickrel and Sharna Reif); Grove Road (Pickrel); Turtle Trail (Nancy Rude, director of Oasis Day Center); Toad Hill

Herald & Review photos/Lisa Morrison

Decatur Is Growing Gardeners participants take a tour of one of Richland Community College’s greenhouses after they work on their garden plans. BOTTOM LEFT: Vicky Spence, Linda Heger and Sharna Reif try to determine if they have enough space for the vegetables they want to grow. BOTTOM RIGHT: Associate Professor David McLaughlin talks with Tess Leckrone, left and Sue Hemp about spacing of tomatoes. near the Macon County Health Department (Mike Irwin, William Rogers Jr.); and St. James near St. James Catholic Church (Irwin).

New are Charley near the Illinois Driver’s License Facility (Hemp, Vasudha Pinnamaraju, an environmental planner with the city of Decatur,

and Justin Sofia, a junior at MacArthur High School); Mad Love, corner of Church and Packard streets (Lawrence Barbee of Main Street Church of the Living God); Opportunity near Webster-Cantrell Hall (Marli Bardell, a foster care case manager with WebsterCantrell); Partnership in Big

Mike Irwin and William Rogers Jr. are hard at work determining how many plants will fit in their garden area and what that might mean as far as production.

CHAPLAINS Continued from Page 3 On this particular Sunday, Nevitt rides along with police officer Brandon Rolfs.

He sits in the front seat watching as Rolfs logs onto the computer and makes sure the high-definition video camera is working.

“It’s refreshing to have someone to engage in a deeper conversation with. And there is no hindrance of Pastor BG’s abilities to do certain things,” said Rolfs who began working at the police department in 2007.

While patrolling an area northeast of Eldorado and Jasper streets, Rolfs makes a few traffic stops and gives citations.

As Rolfs gets the information from the drivers, Nevitt is always standing nearby on the passenger’s side of the vehicle providing a second set of eyes for the officer.

Nevitt said one of the hardest things he faced while on a ride-along with an officer was going to a home to look for a man who was wanted on an

outstanding warrant. The man saw the police coming up to his house and ran and grabbed a baby that was inside and threw it out the front door to try to slow down police.

Nevitt said he immediately grabbed the baby off the ground and calmed it down.

“Later, I was able to put the baby back in his mom’s arms,” he said.

For Watkins, experiences during the ride-alongs has opened his eyes to what the police face each day when reporting for duty.

“It allows you to get into their world and see what they see,” he said about the officers and the job they do.

Back in October, Watkins went down to the Wharf tavern to provide support to officers after a scuffle occurred, where one man was shot and an officer injured.

“I am there for the officers to build relationships and trust,” Watkins explained. “I’m not talking with them about church or other religious issues,” he said.

Sam Baum knows all too well the dangers of the streets. He

was one of the first chaplains when the police chaplain program started in the late 1990s under Police Chief Michael Mowen.

Lt. JD Thomas, who is over administrative operations, said the chaplain program is a great benefit to the officers.

“The officers have someone to talk to about different things while at work. And the families use the chaplains as well,” he said.

“The chaplains also are our outreach to the community.”

Baum explained, “We are there to be good listeners and don’t try to push our churches on them or religion. We let them do their job and just watch their back in case something does happen.”

And there have been plenty of times that Baum stepped in to help an officer who was being assaulted. “Hey I am still in pretty good shape and work out at the gym,” he chuckled.

“I just like being a cheerleader for these guys and gals.

There are not a lot of cheerleaders for the police,” Nevitt added. sheilas@herald-review.com|421-7963

Brothers Big Sisters’ Partnership Park east of Decatur (Kate Shields, director of First United Methodist Church’s children, youth and families ministry, and Andy DeBerry); and Garfield Montessori School (physical education teacher Scott Davidson).

Hemp said the Boys & Girls Club of Decatur also is considering planting a small DIGG garden this year and that another goal of the organization is to sell produce to local restaurants and individuals.

There is also a potential market for some hard-to-find Indian vegetables that are planned for Charley Garden.

David McLaughlin, the associate horticulture professor at Richland, said the urban farming students will begin growing plants for their gardens during the last two sessions in April. “You’ll be amazed how fast this stuff comes up and grows,” he told the students.

Sofia, 17, will be DIGG’s youngest garden supervisor after he completes the class.

“I don’t have a lot of gardening experience, but I’m looking forward to learning,” he said. “I really (like) the idea of people growing their own foods and don’t like the

things we eat today because they have a lot of chemicals in them and other stuff.” tchurchill@herald-review.com|421-7978

I envision a Decatur that is known as the service capital of the world.

I had the privilege of representing Decatur when it was known as the softball capital of the world.

The first women’s Olympic softball team had strong ties to Decatur. New Zealand kids used to grow up dreaming of playing here. When we traveled to Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia and Palm Springs, Calif., Decatur was always the talk of the softball world. Even Hector Torres defected from Cuba for the chance to pitch here in Decatur.

What else is Decatur known for? On a city data Web site, a Chicago man was quoted, “Decatur is a medium-sized rust belt city. It has seen better days since industry went overseas and/or became mechanized. What remains is a tired old city without a particular sense of purpose.”

Somehow we have become a society that thinks we deserve things.

We deserve a good education, a good job, a nice house and a new car.

Today, our government even says we deserve free health care. One way to differentiate Decatur is for us to become a town that is focused on serve rather than deserve.

A hundred years ago, most jobs had to do with the farming industry.

Today, only 2 percent of jobs do. Just like we had to adjust to this change in work style, today, we have to adjust to an environment where most jobs are service related. If Decatur can become known as a city that is here to do whatever it takes to be of service, it would be our best bet for attracting quality companies and becoming a vibrant city with a vision.

I would love to see every sign in Decatur display “We are here to serve you” and then prove it.

Jim Minton Decatur

ys…

Dale Sa

Make One Stop And you’ll find everything you need.

Look for us under the red roof!

• Fast, friendly and reliable pharmacy services.

• Willow Tree, Fannie May, Yankee Candles, Jewelry, Picture Frames, Purses and more!

FREE

prescription delivery

• Many other new products!

245 W. First Dr. • Decatur, IL Ph. 217-429-5165 “Friends Helping Friends” Fax 217-429-5172 www.dalessouthlakepharmacy.com Hours: Monday-Friday 8:30-6 • Saturday 8:30-3

reliable

SAVE UP TO

3650

$

knowledge

service

Act Now Limited Funding Available

trust

2010 TAX REBATES INCLUDE: Federal Tax Rebate up to $1500 Ameren-Act on Energy® Incentive Rebates Illinois Energy Star® Appliance Rebate

Call Today!

423-9949 www.airkinginc.com 250 E. Eldorado St. • Decatur, IL 62523 Champaign 217-355-1808

Bloomington 309-821-0111

Decatur 217-423-9949

www.herald-review.com

SUNDAY, MARCH 28, 2010

DECATUR, ILLINOIS

OUTLOOK 7

The Road Ahead My educational, professional and future goals can only be described as a maze. They constantly are shifting; daily, they become more difficult to accomplish and harder to comprehend. College has always seemed completely irrational when brought up in conversation.

Throughout my early high school years, I can honestly say I did not show my true potential in my classes, but as I grew older, traveled, lost and gained confidence, I realized what opportunities I have right in front of me. It became apparent to me that I can make success happen for myself, my education and my profession.

I have several ideas about my career choice, but it has become clear to me that my old desires to be an artist, astronaut and pop star have quickly drifted away. I want a career that makes me genuinely pleased and eager to return each day.

I plan to graduate proudly from a public university and be happy in the career path I choose. I recognize that my dream job may be far-fetched, but the idea that I will have to struggle for my ideal job motivates me to get all I can out of college.

Along with continuing my education, gaining successful employment, working in the field I am studying, using my knowledge and learning from my faults will only make me stronger as an individual.

Krissy Dupree Shelbyville

A walk through Memory Lane Forsyth antique store offers finds for collectors, those reminiscing

By SHEILA SMITH H&R Staff Writer

FORSYTH — One of the first sights customers see when visiting Memory Lane antiques in Forsyth are the World War II-era war bond posters hanging near the doorway.

One poster encourages high school-age students to join the fight by helping raise money. Another poster, depicting a soldier, asks: “Doing all you can brother?

Buy War Bonds.”

“People MORE actually INFO had money WHAT: Memory taken out Lane antiques of their store checks to WHERE: 315 E. go toward Ruehl St., Forsyth the war HOURS: 10 a.m. bonds,” to 5 p.m. Tuesday said store through Friday owner and 10 a.m. to 3 Kathy p.m. Saturday.

Duncan.

Besides the posters, the store is filled with other vintage artwork, not to mention the many memories.

Some of the collectible “treasures” include: n an 18th century French Rococo style chair. n a briefcase from India made of reed grass n books from the Wizard of Oz series printed in 1904.

“You can’t go online to find certain books that I have,” Duncan said.

Although Duncan opened her antique store at the end of February, she recently

Herald & Review photos/Stephen Haas

Kathy Duncan goes through different items while setting up the displays in the new location for Memory Lane and More Antiques in Forsyth. TOP, FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: A framed piece of stained glass artwork; old books line a shelf; and lamps sit on display in front of a yellow rug. had the official grand opening March 13.

Before relocating to Forsyth, Duncan’s shop was housed in the former library on Main Street in Mount Zion. When she had the opportunity to move to Forsyth, just across the street from the post office, she took it.

“This is an older building and great for an antique store,” Duncan said. “Even an old fire hydrant outside the building adds to the

A war ration book is seen on the counter at the new location for Memory Lane and More Antiques.

A Steve Urkel doll stands on display among a collection of other figures.

quaintness of the building.”

Individuals bring things into the store to sell on consignment, such as Sally Rex, who has a talent for making new lamps out of old ones.

Janet Alred and her sister, Cheryl Slifer, also turn lamps into pieces of art by taking vintage family photos and turning them into lamp shades.

“We began doing it three years ago when we saw an article in Country Living magazine about this woman who did it. We then drove all the way to Vermont to take a class from her,” Alred said.

Alred said people love the custom-made shades. It also helps families preserve their history and memories.

Besides using old photos from your photo album, Alred said, “We have made lamp shades from grandma’s vintage needlework, old curtains and tablecloths.

It’s also a green thing because we are recycling these things.”

Alred and Slifer said the partnership with Memory Lane also helps promote their business.

“It can be hard selling lamp shades wholesale.

Being inside Memory Lane … goes along with what we do in preserving someone’s memories,” Alred said.

For Duncan and other antique lovers, the store serves a dual purpose.

“People come in looking for a deal at antique shops,” Duncan said. However, the customers who “come in for memories and the nostalgia” may be the ones who find the real treasures.

“It’s like a feel-good place in remembering things from the past,” Duncan explained.

YOUR UNDISPUTED LOW PRICE LEADER WITH OVER 2,000 VEHICLES AVAILABLE IN OUR FAMILY OF DEALERSHIPS

(217) 562-3986 PRICING ONLINE 24/7 www.bobridingschr ysler.com FACTORY AUTHORIZED SERVICE & WARRANTY

BOB RIDINGS in Pana

Times were tough, and we had to go to an outside toilet and can most of our food. Yet there were many good times.

We made our own root beer, which required finding bottles in the ditch and washing them. A Hires mix and some sugar guaranteed a tasty drink in a few weeks. Neighbors would get together and share food and games, such as horseshoes. In some ways, today, we as a community are having to pull together to find ways to help each other.

Volunteering is something young people are embracing.

Habitat for Humanity, home-

10 JEEP PATRIOT 4X4

MSRP ................$18,690 BR/DISC................. $462 REBATE ................$1,000 You Pay

$

17,228

10 JEEP COMPASS SPT 10 DODGE NITRO SE 4X4 10 DODGE GR. CARAVAN SE

#10020

#10010

#10044

#10022

MSRP ................$24,035 MSRP ................$22,965 MSRP ................$25,375 MSRP ................$26,560 BR/DISC................. $890 BR/DISC................. $796 BR/DISC................. $732 BR/DISC .............. $1,161 REBATE ................$1,500 REBATE ................$1,500 REBATE ................$2,000 REBATE ................$1,000 You Pay B. CASH ...............$1,000 B. CASH ...............$1,000 You Pay

$

20,645

$

20,669

$

22,643

$

23,399

10 DODGE JOURNEY SXT 10 JEEP LIBERTY LMT 4X4 10 WRANGLER UNLMT 10 GR. CHEROKEE LAREDO 10 TOWN & COUNTRY #10046

#10014

#10039 4X4

4X4

TOURING

#10032 MSRP ................$26,800 MSRP ................$31,225 MSRP ................$30,070 MSRP ................$35,005 BR/DISC .............. $1,173 BR/DISC .............. $1,178 BR/DISC .............. $1,208 BR/DISC .............. $1,776 REBATE ................$1,500 REBATE ................$2,000 REBATE ..................$750 REBATE ................$4,000 You Pay You Pay

$

24,127

10 RAM 1500 ST REG

$

28,047

#10011

MSRP ................$23,955 BR/DISC .............. $1,547 REBATE ................$1,000 B. CASH..................$500

MSRP ................$31,770 NO-CHARGE HEMI .. $1,310 BR/DISC ...............$2,217 REBATE ................$1,000

20,908

28,112

$

29,229

$

29,428

10 RAM 1500 SLT REG 4X4 10 RAM 1500 SLT QUAD 10 RAM 2500 SLT CREW 4X4 10 RAM 1500 SLT CREW

#10007

$

$

#10024 MSRP ................$33,810 BR/DISC .............. $1,882 REBATE ................$1,500 B. CASH ...............$1,000

$

27,243

#10029 4X4

#10019 4X4

#10045

MSRP ................$36,805 MSRP ................$35,150 MSRP ................$40,085 NO-CHARGE HEMI .. $1,310 BR/DISC .............. $2,291 NO-CHARGE HEMI .. $1,310 BR/DISC ...............$2,782 REBATE ................$1,000 BR/DISC ...............$3,130 REBATE ................$2,500 REBATE ................$2,500

$

30,213

$

31,859

$

33,145

PRE-OWNED SPECIALS 05 CHEVY CAVALIER

2 DR, LS SPORT

03 TOWN CAR SIG

#8210 ONLY 54K MILES

5,488 10,988 09 PT CRUISER

$

$

08 CHEVY IMPALA LS

08 DODGE CALIBER SXT

#8462

$

10,988

#8049 ONLY 14K MI

$11,988 11,988 07 GRAND CARAVAN $

05 BUICK LACROSSE 09 FORD FOCUS SEL TOURING CXL SXT

#8428 2 AT THIS PRICE

LTHR, 27K MI

04 RAM 1500 REG 4X4 HEMI

#8499 4 DR, LEATHER, ROOF 10 OTHERS N STOCK

08 DODGE CHARGER

3.5L , POWER SEAT #8319

#8325

13,988 $14,275 $14,988 $15,785 12,988 08 300 LTD 10 MUSTANG 09 LIBERTY SPORT 10 FORD FUSION SE 09 SABLE PREMIER $

$

PREMIUM 4X4

sheilas@herald-review.com|421-7963

Ahead

less shelters and food pantries are often destinations for youth eager to help.

The wonderful outcome is service but also networking and developing work skills.

People realize that jobs are often offered to people who are proven workers. Your apprentice work may well lead to a job.

Aging Americans will need help. Anyone who has helped an older person dependent on your services knows what a delight it is to see that spark in otherwise sad eyes. Stories shared to past experiences are better than any read of a

$

#10042

#8448

The Road

Thru March 31st 500 Bonus Cash Farm Bureau Members**

0% for 60 Months* 10 CALIBER MAINSTREET

CH PRICESECK OUR . WE THE CO MP BEAT DAILYE!TITION

novel. Young people who are attracted to medical volunteering will have a better chance to succeed in a troubled economy. We cannot stop aging and the physical consequences, but we can improve the quality of life.

The road ahead will have bumps and challenges, but the future holds a bright outlook. The vision for all of us is dependent on the cream rising to the top.

All people, especially our young people, need to reach out as volunteers.

Diane Anderson Neoga

$

#8443 LEATHER, ROOF 3 4 OTHERS IN STOCK

17,188 18,988 $

#8438 2 AT THIS PRICE

$

18,988 19,785 $

07 TOWN & COUNTRY 09 DODGE JOURNEY 08 DODGE NITRO SLT 09 SEBRING LMTD LTD 4X4 CONVT SXT

#8323 DVD, NAV, ROOF

$

#8555

#1680 LEATHER, ROOF

23,988

09 EDGE LMT AWD

09 ASPEN LMT 4X4

#8530

$

#8451 MOONROOF, VISTA VIEW

4X4 BIG HORN HEMI #8413

23,988 $23,988

$

$

29,788

#8296

19,965

09 FORD ESCAPE XLT 4X4

#8537

19,988 21,288 $21,985 $21,988 07 RAM 1500 QUAD $

08 COMMANDER SPORT 4X4

$

LTHR, ROOF, 14K MI, 20” WHLS #8529

ROOF, LTHR

LTHR, ROOF #8396

$

21,988

09 CHRYSLER 300 LIMT AWD

ROOF, NAVIGATION 4K MI

$

30,988

a na an Pa nP BOB RIDINGS iin 8 N. Locust, Pana 217-562-3986 • On select models in lieu of rebates •• On most Dodge models.

Dealer not responsible for errors in advertisement.

Sale ends 3/31/10. Tax, title, license and doc fee not included.

Rick Callison

Buddy Daniels Laverne Holthaus

8 OUTLOOK

SUNDAY, MARCH 28, 2010

www.herald-review.com

DECATUR, ILLINOIS

About the Boy Scouts

Herald & Review photos/Lisa Morrison

Chris Long and Ed Walker compare notes on ‘The Boy Scout’ statue, which has been given to the Lincoln Trails Council.

Unique homecoming Boy Scouts repair, proudly display statue

By ARLENE MANNLEIN H&R Staff Writer

DECATUR — In the early 1930s, the Great Depression caught up with the Gateway Area Council of Boy Scouts of America. The La Crosse, Wis., group could no longer afford to pay for the services of William B. Soules.

But they did manage to give him a parting gift: a plaster statue, about 18 inches or so in height, painted to look as if it was cast metal.

“The statue was presented to William Soules when he finished employment with the Boy Scout council in La Crosse, Wis.,” wrote his

daughter, Mary Sears, when she gave the statue to Lincoln Trails Council, which now serves 13 counties in Central Illinois.

“Mr. Soules took his wife and two daughters to Decatur, Ill., where he began his employment with the Lincoln Trails Council (then the Decatur Council) in 1932,” Sears’ note continued. “Please keep this statue in your Boy Scout office.”

Following Soules’ death in 1956, the statue had remained with the family, according to Jeanne Sears of Madison, Wis. “I got it and kept it for years in my Girl Scout office. It was a point of conversation,” Jeanne Sears said as she related the family history of the “Boy Scout.” Sears was a Girl Scouts executive for years as her grandfather was with

A closeup of recently restored statue ‘The Boy Scout.’

The Road I can envision a future where ice- and snow-covered roads are a thing of the past, as are potholes and buckled roadways. The roads will be heated and cooled using a series of environmentally friendly anti-freeze filled pipes underneath the road’s surface. This system would be powered by solar panel powered pumps spaced a mile apart, allowing maintenance to be done independently if needed as each mile is a separate closed system.

There are problems to be

Boy Scouts.

Once the statue was back in Decatur, Lincoln Trails Council turned it over to Ed Walker for restoration in time for the 100th anniversary year of Boy Scouts of America.

“The surface was scratched; paint was missing,” said Walker, chairman of the art department at Millikin University and an accredited appraiser.

“There were chips around the base. Being plaster, it’s pretty fragile, too.”

“But there were no structural issues, no cracks,” said Christian Long, executive director of Lincoln Trails.

Unfortunately, the statue isn’t signed. Or if the statue was signed, the signature has faded with time.

At first, Walker didn’t know its origin. At first, he said he couldn’t find anything similar to it.

“It was one of those things that I thought would be fairly easy going to find (its) origin,” he said.

But then, continuing to search while talking about the restoration, he found what he believes are the beginnings.

“Wait. I think I just found a bronze of the statue,” Walker said, his voice raising, showing excitement at making the discovery that the statue now in possession of the Lincoln Trails Council Boy Scouts of America might have come from the creative talent of R. Tait McKenzie.

The family of the late William B. Soules agrees with him, according to one of Soules’ granddaughters, Jeanne Sears.

The Boy Scout, an 18-inch version like the statue at Lincoln Trails, was first created in bronze in 1911. When McKenzie presented the bronze to the Philadelphia Council of Boy Scouts, he included the certificate of copyright registration, transferring it to the council.

Then a mold was made and cast. Apparently, plaster models also were created, starting in 1917, though there is no indication of the numbers of plaster statues created.

Walker said it took a couple of months before The Boy Scout looked like he did when first created. He said restoration required working in shifts, allowing the work to cure before he could move on to something else. The statue

Ahead

overcome for my future idea.

For one, the piping would need to be tough enough to withstand the repeated use of heavy traffic such as semitrucks. The battery backup storage system for use at night is as yet not invented.

This idea could be put in place by replacing parts of old asphalt roadways that are scheduled to be changed out anyway with the new user-friendly ones. These new roads will require less maintenance as they will not

freeze or thaw but be kept at an as yet undetermined temperature. The new system could be paid for by small tolls on interstate highways and small increases in local taxes for in-town streets until they are paid for, then the charges can be removed.

Any surface, such as sidewalks and driveways (parking lots), can utilize my glimpse into the future and make hazardous driving and walking a thing of the past.

Shirley Davis Arcola

is now covered with a kind of varnish, giving him something close to the original sheen.

“He should be the same in 100 years as he is now,” Walker said.

While, yes, The Boy Scout will be kept at Lincoln Trails, Long said he hopes to get him also into some public displays as part of the celebration of 100 years of Boy Scouts.

Scouts, said Long, are great collectors, so he thinks displaying the statue with vintage scouting uniforms and badges might be a possibility, adding it would also be possible the statue could be displayed in other areas of the council.

“This is a neat piece of history that worked its way back (home),” Walker said. amannlein@herald-review.com|421-6976

Scouting came to America after being organized in England.

Robert Baden-Powell, returning home to England as a military hero from service in Africa, discovered that English boys were reading his manual on stalking and survival written for British soldiers. Using some ideas from others, he rewrote the manual as a nonmilitary nature skills book and called it “Scouting for Boys.”

To test his ideas, BadenPowell took 22 boys to camp at Brownsea Island, off the English coast, the historic campout resulting in the advent of scouting.

It was William D. Boyce who brought Scouting to the United States.

In 1909, Chicago publisher Boyce lost his way in a dense London fog. A boy came to his aid, guiding him but refusing a tip, explaining that as a scout he would not take a tip for doing a “good turn.” This gesture by an unknown scout inspired a meeting with Baden-Powell.

As a result, Boyce incorporated the Boy Scouts of America on Feb. 8, 1910.

The Boy Scouts of America were incorporated under the laws of the District of Columbia.

By June 21 that year, 34 national representatives of boys’ work agencies met to establish the Boy Scouts of America.

Local scouting Locally, Lincoln Trails Council was chartered in 1924 and named the Decatur Council in

1926, serving Macon County.

The council now serves all or parts of Macon, Moultrie, Clark, Christian, Coles, Crawford, Edgar, Shelby, Cumberland, Fayette, Jasper, Piatt and Effingham counties and more than 5,000 youth.

Some items of note for the council, by decade, include: The 1920s: Camp Robert Faries was obtained in 1926 in an exchange of land in Faries Park.

The 1930s: Decatur became a test council for the new younger boy program, “Cubbing.” The Mattoon area was annexed into the council in 1931; Pana, Moultrie and parts of Christian and Piatt counties were invited to join in 1934. Toledo considered joining in 1936; Cumberland County, in 1937. Council name was changed to Lincoln Trails in 1938.

The 1950s: A swimming pool was added to Camp Robert Faries in 1953. Effingham, Fayette and Jasper counties joined in 1954.

The 1960s: In 1963, 600 acres of land near Pana were purchased for a camp.

The 1980s: The first camping experience for Rhodes France Scout Reservation came in 1980.

The 1990s: Robert Faries Camp was sold in 1998 with proceeds going into an endowment fund. In 1999, the council celebrated its Diamond Jubilee Encampment at the Decatur Macon County Fairgrounds with more than 2,000 participants.

The 2000s: In 2002, a majority of Edgar County and all of Clark and Crawford joined Lincoln Trails.

Sources: scouting.org; lincolntrailscouncil.org

Your downtown pharmacy committed to your family’s health care.

J.D. Powers 2009 Award Recipient

Now is the time to come to the most friendly and caring pharmacy in town.

• Patient consultations

— FREE Rx Delivery — • Western Union • WIC coupons • Link Card

• Money orders • Greeting cards and gifts

“By the stripes of Jesus we are healed” 1 Peter 2:24

00 OFF 10 Transferred Prescription $

Valid through June 30th, 2010 Limit one per new customer

* Free Diabetic Shoes with Medicare Supplement

Conveniently located in Downtown Decatur Across from Central Park

428-4000

www.herald-review.com

SUNDAY, MARCH 28, 2010

DECATUR, ILLINOIS

OUTLOOK 9

Photos for the Herald & Review/Phil Jacobs

United in Faith Church has a new building that will hold its first services on Easter Sunday. Two denominations, St. John’s United Church of Christ and First United Presbyterian Chuch, both in Pana, are combined as one congregation.

Denominations unite as one congregation Easter will be first service in new United in Faith Church

By PHIL JACOBS For the Herald & Review

PANA — Marilyn Rauch, much like poet Robert Frost, encountered “two roads diverged in a wood.”

She, too, took the one less traveled, and it has made all the difference.

Rauch arrived in Pana in late summer 2000 to pastor the First United Presbyterian Church, and in 2005, when the church became “yoked” with St. John’s United Church of Christ, she agreed to lead both congregations.

But the cleric with a ready smile and peaceful countenance has not always tended a flock. In fact, after graduating high school in Vinita, Okla., she attend a small college in Arkansas, eventually earning a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in music before entering law school at the University of Texas, Austin.

In time, Rauch began practicing law in Texas and then in Arkansas, a career that lasted 17 years. But she became disenchanted with the work when she began to feel the road she was on was perhaps becoming too well-trod. Rauch also felt that the Holy Spirit was tapping her gently on her shoulder, urging her to take a new path.

“Not long after I felt the call to do the Lord’s work, I closed my law office and headed to the McCormack Theological Seminary in Chicago,” Rauch said. “It was a lot of work after being away from school for so

LEFT: The St. John’s United Church of Christ building in Pana is closing its doors. The congregation already has joined with First United Presbyterian Church in Pana. RIGHT: The Rev. Marilyn Rauch serves the congregation at the Presbyterian church, seen in the background, as well as St. John’s, which are two denominations but one congregation. long, but I really enjoyed being there.

I knew it was where I belonged.”

It’s been 10 years since Rauch arrived in Pana. Besides finding a lot of nice people, she also has discovered no lack of work.

Her work day is filled with office hours, when she has the time, hospital and nursing home visits, baptisms, twice-a-week Bible study and sermon preparation.

Church secretary Winona Bruns, who has held that job for the past 50 years, lends a hand to Rauch.

The governing boards and the combined congregations, have been working since 2005, after the two

churches became federated, one congregation with two distinct denominations, toward building a new building. Their dream became a reality when work began last spring on the nearly completed church just south of the Pana Tri-County Fairgrounds. The land the church sits on was donated by Stanley Elvers, a local excavating contractor who has been digging graves for the past 40 years, and his wife, Nina.

And no one is more pleased with the merger and the road ahead than the congregation’s oldest member, Jinny Winn, whose great-grandmother, Mary Jane Pryce, an early

settler in the area, was one of the founding members of the Pana Presbyterian Church. The cabin she lived in has been preserved in the historic village at the fairgrounds.

“The merger went extremely well,” Winn said. “It’s a small town, and we all know each other, and it’s nice that we have been able to make use of both churches: St. John’s is air conditioned so we use it in the summer, and we meet in the Presbyterian church in winter.”

Winn added the congregation is also pleased with the pastor.

“We have had many pastors over the years, and while some have been

Broadcasting couple called back to radio Station owners say community keeps them from retiring

By ARLENE MANNLEIN H&R Staff Writer

MOUNT ZION — It was 1984. There was an open channel for an FM radio station serving the Decatur area. And the timing was right.

So Mary Ellen and Tom Burns went for it. He already owned a station in Michigan City, Ind., so she sought the local license.

“Tom noticed it in the trade press,” recalled Mary Ellen Burns.

Before the application process, the couple had never truly visited Decatur. One of Tom Burns’ earliest Decatur memories is a trip through the city while a student at the University of Illinois. He stopped his motorcycle alongside Illinois 48, only to find when he stood that one leg was totally numb, so he and cycle went down.

“The FCC application process involved a number of trips to Macon County to determine community needs which radio could address,” recalled Mary Ellen Burns.

“And I met many people whom I still cherish.”

Because more than one application was made for the license, it meant a hearing before the Federal Communications Commission in Washington, D.C. Part of the process for her was to intensely study Decatur; the couple also agreed to make the area their home if the license was awarded.

During the hearing, Mary Ellen Burns was questioned about the proposed tower location.

Why, she was asked, didn’t they put the station’s tower into that relatively vacant area the map showed to the city’s northeast? Or place it even nearer the city toward the

Herald & Review/Kelly J. Huff

Mary Ellen and Tom Burns have owned and worked at WXFM in Mount Zion for more than 25 years.

MORE INFO WXFM, (99.3 FM, Mount Zion/Decatur) and WDKR (107.3 FM, Maroa/Decatur) are the only locally owned and operated radio stations in Macon County.

WXFM went on the air on a Thursday; it was Nov. 4, 1984, with Randy Janes the first voice heard. The first newscast came from Forrest Landreth. Janes and Landreth, both Mount Zion natives, still share morning onair sports and news.

Other longtime staffers include Linda Davis, sales manager, 1986; Sharon Jackson, office manager, 1993; Jennifer Feather, weather-news-traffic, 1996; Beverly Shepherd, corporate bookkeeper, 1989.

Kevin Grindstaff, 1999, does morning news and public affairs on WDKR. WDKR first aired in 1996.

Studios of WXFM/WDKR remain at 120 Wildwood, Mount Zion. President and general manager of both corporations is Mary Ellen Burns. southeast side?

She could not recall any such blank areas.

The couple laughs out loud as they tell this story, because as it turned out, the maps provided were prepared in the early 1900s, when neither the

Decatur Airport nor Lake Decatur were already filling those sites.

Mary Ellen Burns said the couple began their careers in Sterling.

“It’s funny how you go in circles,” said Tom Burns, owner of a Sterling radio station, WLLT-FM (107.7 FM, Sterling/Dixon/Rock Falls), for the last 20 years. He still travels there several times a month, but also, in this computer age, can produce radio from his own home.

They continued their careers in Chicago. She worked at WIND (560 AM, Chicago), he in the news department of WLS (890 AM, Chicago). Their careers have taken her to working for the United Methodist Church, helping produce the Methodist Men’s Hour, him to being the writer of technical works.

“I translated engineer-ease into English,” he said, “for a number of years, wrote speeches, brochures, you name it.”

For her, “(Among) the most interesting jobs, was working in a mental health hospital as a volunteer supervisor,” she said.

But radio called them back.

“We thought we bought a radio station in Taylorville,” said Tom Burns. “But that col-

lapsed.”

That’s when he bought the Michigan City, Ind., site, WEFM (95.9 FM).

During their years here, Mary Ellen Burns has served on Crimestoppers, with the Decatur Area Arts Council and the Decatur and Mount Zion chambers of commerce.

They recall with pride how their local station dealt with the 2004 plastics plant explosion in Illiopolis. The station was able to alert the public, tell people what had happened, how traffic was affected, the events taking place, “All the things a newsperson would do,” Mary Ellen Burns said.

As they look back on their years in broadcasting, they agreed with certainty how technology business has changed their business, that what has changed is mega radio, large corporations of several stations.

“It’s extremely relevant,” said Tom Burns, when technology is chased, rather than community involvement.

He continued, “You can’t do it (run a radio station) from a central point. You can’t run a radio station out of a cookbook. I don’t think anybody can run 200 radio stations.”

Nor can radio stations be run by spreadsheets, he added.

And, he added, “Business just doesn’t roll into the door.”

“I couldn’t imagine a better place (than the Decatur area) in which to live and to do business. People here are caring, giving of their time, willing to work for the greater good of all,” Mary Ellen Burns said.

That’s one of the reason they keep going, though retirement is sometimes considered.

“You think about it,” she said.

And, yet they keep working because they enjoy doing what they are doing and working with people they like.

“I still get up at 4 a.m. and write news,” Tom Burns added. amannlein@herald-review.com|421-6976

good, and others, well, ho-hum, our present pastor is a jewel. We are so fortunate to have her. She’s a hard worker, and she puts a lot of work in her sermons and in her beautiful prayers, which I especially enjoy.”

To make the new United in Faith Church feel more like UNITED IN home, the congregation FAITH CHURCH will be taking SERVICES: Sunday a baptismal school, 9 a.m., and font, pews, worship service, 10:15 light fixtures, a.m. some stained HISTORY: While both glass, a pulbuildings are historic, pit, a lectern St. John’s history is a and the combit more colorful. munion table Their first church, from the old built in the mid-1850s, church buildwas destroyed by a ings to the tornado that also new one. If wiped out 25 to 30 all goes well, homes. The second they hope to building was celebrate destroyed by fire just Easter servbefore Christmas in ices in the 1916. When the presnew location, ent structure was though they rebuilt, it featured two will have to doors, a taller one for sit on folding men and shorter one chairs until for women, and in the historic German tradition, pews are men sat on one side refinished of the church and and installed. women on the other.

As Pastor The doors have since Rauch looks been bricked over. toward the future, she hopes to see some growth and the congregation becoming more involved in spreading the love of Jesus Christ through their mission work, both domestically and globally.

Need a Scooter?

Call today! 422-2220 2525 N. Main Decatur

Still the same friendly neighborhood service, Yesterday… …Today

Still the best meat in town.

Proudly serving Decatur for over 80 years.

EAST SIDE MARKET 1467 E. William St. • Ph: 423-3608 Monday-Saturday 8am-6pm, Closed Sundays • SENIOR DISCOUNT DAY THURSDAY

Payments as low as $100/month

Mark McCollom: Owner

New location 202 Spitler Park Drive, Mt. Zion South of ACE Hardware

217-864-2396 www.coachhousegarages.com

Macon County Sheriffs Department PROUDLY SERVING THE COMMUNITY SINCE 1829.

We are proud of our 150+ employees and their involvement in the community.

Sheriff Thomas Schneider

D E C A T U R

P A R K

D I S T R I C T

The mission of the Decatur Park District is to foster healthy lifestyles through recreational opportunities, provide quality programs and facilities, and preserve and protect our natural resources, benefiting and enhancing the quality of life for all in our community.

2009 Highlights Planning Process for Decatur’s Lakefront The enhancement of the Nelson Park lakefront area has long been identified as a community priority. Following constructive meetings by a number of organizations and individuals, the Park District resumed its planning process in 2009, with a focus on making the lakefront area a new economic engine for the community. A committee of Park District, City, Chamber, County, labor, and neighborhood (CONO) representatives requested proposals, visited several outstanding planning firms, and selected internationally-recognized AECOM to create a long-range vision and plan. The Community Leaders Breakfast (February 2010) spurred enthusiasm, interest and community dialogue. A new website and Facebook page now provide updates about the exciting process that will enhance Decatur's quality of life and serve as a catalyst for community growth.Visit www.decaturslakefront.com.

• Our partners make possible the following activities and programs: PERFORM!, Team Soy Decatur Junior Open and MidState Soccer teams (Team Soy Capital); education (ADM), golf programs (DMH), athletic programs and Staley Striders (Tate & Lyle), Decatur Park Singers and First Tee Golf (Ameren).

WSOY, STORMCENTER 17, and the Herald & Review are media partners. In 2009, the District warmly welcomed Wal-Mart as sponsor of Boo at the Zoo.

Air Choice One Airlines Lands at Decatur Airport Air Choice One, Decatur’s newest airline, began daily round-trip flights to Lambert St. Louis Airport on December 15 via their comfortable 9-passenger Cessna Caravan aircraft. Daily service to Chicago O’Hare was added on January 14, 2010. All in the community are encouraged to support Air Choice One to ensure the airline’s success. For flight schedules, fares, and information, visit www.fly-decatur.com.

• The Park District maintains an important relationship with Millikin University in operation of the DISC. The partnership also allows the community to benefit from the expertise of talented, shared professionals like MU exercise science instructor Allison Krich (DISC), MU instructor of music theory/director of opera music and the Women’s Choir, Michael Englehardt (Greater Decatur Chorale and Decatur Park Singers), and Ann Borders, MU Adjunct Professor of Theatre and Voice (Young Park Singers). Head coach Lori Kerans and the MU Women’s Basketball Team present the annual Little Hoopsters program at the DISC.

Changing of the Guard: Park Board of Commissioners April 2009 marked the retirement of Dr. William Van Alstine from the Park Board of Commissioners after an accomplished, 18-year tenure. Dr.Van Alstine served on the Board from 1989 – 1995 and 1997 – 2009 and was President from 1993 – 1995. He was influential in many important developments, including streamlining the corporate structure and adding a chief financial officer, District recognition as an Illinois Distinguished Agency and NRPA Gold Medal Finalist, and construction and renovation of countless parks, projects, and facilities. With Dr.Van Alstine’s retirement, the Board welcomed Bob Brilley II as its newest Commissioner for a six-year term.

Award Highlights

Online Registration and Tee Times To enhance customer service, simplify the scheduling of tee times, and enable visitors to sign up for Park District activities and classes from the comfort of their own homes or offices…online registration is now available at www.decatur-parks.org!

• Following the Park District Risk Management Agency’s (PDRMA) 2009 loss control review of administration, aquatics, golf, maintenance, police, recreation, DISC, zoo and SRA departments, the Decatur Park District received its highest rating to date, earning PDRMA accreditation and a level A membership status.

This score represents the District’s continued commitment to the prevention of unforeseen injury and the ongoing safety of employees and patrons.

Standard & Poor’s Bond Rating The Decatur Park District improved its financial rating two years in a row. In 2009, the Standard & Poor’s Financial Management Assessment rated the District an A+. In 2010, the District earned an AA-. Both ratings are significant accomplishments and unusually high for a park district. Ratings are based on financial stability, with higher scores resulting in lower bond interest rates and reduced expenses.

Arts & Recreation Center Renovation Since 2007 when the Poage family generously donated the former Tallman Pontiac/Cadillac dealership on Oakland Ave., the facility has been transformed into a functional, mixed-use building housing the Park District’s Arts and Fleet departments. In 2009, parking lot resurfacing and landscaping greatly enhanced the building’s outdoor appearance, while indoors, new additions included a costume shop, prop storage area, and dance studio with raised dance floor, wall-to-wall mirrors, and ballet barres. Throughout the year, dance and theatre classes, Chorale practices, and rehearsals for Perform!, B.O.S.S., and Park Singers energize the renovated facility.

Scovill Park Enhancements Thanks to a grant from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, the District was able to complete several significant enhancements to Scovill Park, including a new pavilion, bioswales at the park’s entrance, and interpretive signage. The bioswales will improve water quality by reducing run-off along the hillside. Signage now displays maps and various highlights within the park, including Scovill Zoo and the Wikoff Oriental Garden.

MLS Chicago Fire Mid-Fielder Mike Banner Visits MidState Soccer Camp Major League Soccer mid-fielder Mike Banner of the Chicago Fire signed autographs, led drills, and helped coach the MidState Soccer Camp on July 27 – 30 at the DISC. Banner is scheduled to return for the 2010 Summer Camp on August 2 – 5.

Redbird Rookies League Decatur’s Redbird Rookies League celebrated its first anniversary in 2009, with a visit from Fredbird, the popular Cardinals mascot. The league was formed in 2008 thanks to a successful partnership between the Park District, DMH and Dr. Wendell Becton. Participants learn the values of teamwork, integrity, self-esteem and leadership in the “classroom” of a baseball setting. Last summer, 300 Decatur area boys and girls learned to play baseball the Redbird Rookies way.

Decatur Commodores Baseball Joins Park District Family In 2009, the Decatur Commodores Baseball League came under the Park District umbrella. The goal is to provide superior coaching and instruction for boys who want to reach the highest levels of play. Teams participate in showcase tournaments to give players exposure to college coaches and recruiters. Thanks to the efforts of Behnke & Company, fundraising for the renovation of the Commodores’ home field at Sunnyside Park has begun. For more information, visit www.decaturcommodores.com.

Park Watch Program Fights Vandalism Did you know the Park District spends an average of $30,000 each year to repair damage caused by vandals?

Thanks to a new Park Watch program, those who vandalize Decatur Park District property and facilities are being punished for their crimes. Park Watch offers rewards of up to $1,000 for tips leading to the arrest of vandals. All tips are helpful, and callers may remain anonymous. Call Park Watch at 422-5911.

• Decatur Park District golf courses received the National Golf Foundation’s 2009 Customer Loyalty Award. This prestigious award is based on surveys through the NGF Voice of the Golfer and is presented to public golf facilities that have received high customer approval ratings and a ranking as “most improved.” The Decatur Park District was awarded first place in the nation in the municipalities category.

2009 Herald & Review Readers’ Choice Awards #1 Best Central IL Golf Course - Hickory Point #2 Best Central IL Golf Course - Red Tail Run #3 Best Central IL Golf Course - Scovill #1 Best Golf Pro - Kurt Rogers #3 Best Golf Pro - Jay Dexter #3 Best Place for a Wedding Reception - Hickory Point #3 Best Fitness Center – DISC • At the annual Illinois Association of Park Districts (IAPD) Conference, the Decatur Park District received the 2009 Youth License Plate Award – Best Promotional Practices for its support of the annual IAPD Kite Fly and Park District Youth License Plate. Also at the conference, the Park District received the 2009 Agency Showcase: Best in Show Awards for its Decatur Airport television commercial and activity guide series.

• The following individuals received 2009 Illinois Park and Recreation Association (IPRA) Community Service Awards for their outstanding contributions to the advancement of parks, recreation and leisure in the community and the State of Illinois: • Big Creek Advisory Committee & chairman Rod Bussell • MidState Soccer Club Advisory Committee member and coach John Kravanek • MidState Soccer Club Advisory Committee member and coach Mike Shumaker • Staley Striders Running Club director and coach Mike Landacre

Did You Know?

In 2009, over 200,000 individuals visited the DISC, which features a fitness center, indoor walking/running track, basketball/volleyball courts, indoor soccer field, rock climbing wall, dance and aerobics studios, batting/throwing cages, and indoor golf center.

Over 1,000 volunteers donated more than 9,000 hours in service to Scovill Zoo, Fairview and Nelson Parks, Dreamland Lake, recreation programs, arts programs, Special Recreation events, and golf tournaments.

In partnership with the State Board of Education, the Park District provides 68,500 free meals and snacks to over 500 youth in 18 summer recreation programs and at 15 partner agency sites.

Looking Forward For the past 86 years, the Park District has worked to fulfill our community’s needs for physical well-being, productive leisure activities, and outdoor parks and recreation spaces. 2010 will bring exciting new opportunities as we involve the community in the Nelson Park Lakefront project, complete the master planning process for Decatur Airport, continue the transformation of Big Creek Riding Center, expand the Stevens Creek Bike Trail, and address the important issues of youth obesity and senior wellness.

Community Partners The Decatur Park District benefits from a number of valued community partners who have joined in our effort to enhance the health, fitness, and quality of life for all in the greater Decatur area.

422-5911 www.decatur-parks.org PARKS • PARK SINGERS • SCOVILL ZOO • WEDDINGS • MEETINGS • GOLF COURSES • POOLS • DECATUR INDOOR SPORTS CENTER