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M I D C E N T R A L
SEPTEMBER 2013
I L L I N O I S
Building a better work force Reneé Stivers brings kids, employers together
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September 2013
YOUR CALENDAR
Tuesday, Sept. 3 Forsyth Rotary, 7 a.m., Homewood Suites by Hilton, 333 W. Marion Ave., Forsyth. BNI First Class Professionals, 7:45 a.m., Crestview Christian Church, 4415 N. Water St. Kiwanianne Club of Decatur, 9:30 a.m., Scovill Banquet Facility, 3909 W. Main St. Prairieland Kiwanis, 9:30 a.m., Decatur Civic Center Decatur AMBUCS, noon, Decatur Club, 158 W. Prairie Ave. Noon Kiwanis Club, Decatur Club. Noon Sertoma, Decatur Club. Blue Mound Rotary, 6:30 p.m., Pleasantview Township shed.
Wednesday, Sept. 4 Greater Decatur Chamber of Commerce Breakfast, 7 a.m., Decatur Club. Scheduled speaker is John Whitlock who will be presenting “Re-Imagining Decatur Public High Schools for 21st Century Education.” Decatur Golden K Kiwanis Club, 9:30 a.m., Scovill Banquet Facility. Decatur Shrine Club, noon, Scovill Banquet Facility.
Thursday, Sept. 5 Earlybird Kiwanis, 6:45 a.m., Scovill Banquet Facility. Decatur Metropolitan Rotary Club, noon, Decatur Club. Human Service Agency Consortium (HSAC), noon, Central Christian Church, 650 W. William St. Thursday Noon Toastmasters, Greater Decatur Y, 220 W. McKinley Ave. Metro Decatur Home Builder’s Association, 6 p.m., Beach House, 2301 E. Lake Shore Dr. Lincolnland AMBUCS, 6:30 p.m., Easter Seals’ Building, 2715 N. 27th St.
Friday, Sept. 6 Decatur Breakfast Sertoma, 7 a.m., Scovill Banquet Facility. Decatur Black Chamber of Commerce First Friday Luncheon, noon, Main Street Church Tea Room, 2000 N. Main St.
Noon Kiwanis Club, Decatur Club. Noon Sertoma, Decatur Club. Blue Mound Rotary, 6:30 p.m., Pleasantview Township shed.
Wednesday, Sept. 11 Decatur Golden K Kiwanis Club, 9:30 a.m., Scovill Banquet Facility. Mount Zion Chamber of Commerce Luncheon, 11:30 a.m., Mount Zion Lions Club. Decatur Shrine Club, noon, Scovill Banquet Facility. Decatur Real Estate Investors Association, 6:30 p.m., Perkins Family Restaurant, 2999 N. Monroe St.
Thursday, Sept. 12 Earlybird Kiwanis, 6:45 a.m., Scovill Banquet Facility. GFWC Decatur Woman’s Club, 11:30 a.m., Scovill Banquet Facility. Senior Resources Network (formerly Mature Resources Network), 11:45 a.m., Keystone Gardens, 1455 W. Mound Road. Decatur Metropolitan Rotary Club, noon, Decatur Club. Thursday Noon Toastmasters, Greater Decatur Y. Decatur Area Women’s Network (DAWN), 5:30 p.m., location varies. Lincolnland AMBUCS, 6:30 p.m., Easter Seals’ Building.
Friday, Sept. 13 Decatur Breakfast Sertoma, 7 a.m., Scovill Banquet Facility.
Monday, Sept. 16 Decatur Noon Lions Club, Main Place Bar & Grill. Decatur Rotary 180, noon, Decatur Club. Women’s Progressive Club, 6 p.m., Greater Northside Baptist Church.
Tuesday, Sept. 17
Decatur Noon Lions Club, Main Place Bar & Grill, 101 S. Main St. Decatur Rotary 180, noon, Decatur Club.
Forsyth Rotary, 7 a.m., Homewood Suites by Hilton. BNI First Class Professionals, 7:45 a.m., Crestview Christian Church. Kiwanianne Club of Decatur, 9:30 a.m., Scovill Banquet Facility. Noon Kiwanis Club, Decatur Club. Noon Sertoma, Decatur Club. Blue Mound Rotary, 6:30 p.m., Pleasantview Township shed.
Tuesday, Sept. 10
Wednesday, Sept. 18
Monday, Sept. 9
Forsyth Rotary, 7 a.m., Homewood Suites by Hilton. BNI First Class Professionals, 7:45 a.m., Crestview Christian Church. Kiwanianne Club of Decatur, 9:30 a.m., Scovill Banquet Facility. Prairieland Kiwanis, 9:30 a.m., Decatur Civic Center. Decatur Building Construction Trades Council, 10 a.m., IBEW Local 146 Hall, 3390 N. Woodford St. Decatur Area Society for Human Resource Management, 11 a.m., Doherty’s Pub and Pins, 242 E. William St. Central Illinois Ad Club, 11:30 a.m., Decatur Club. Decatur AMBUCS, noon, Decatur Club.
Decatur Golden K Kiwanis Club, 9:30 a.m., Scovill Banquet Facility. Christian Women’s Network, noon, Decatur Club. Decatur Shrine Club, noon, Scovill Banquet Facility.
Thursday, Sept. 19 Earlybird Kiwanis, 6:45 a.m., Scovill Banquet Facility. Decatur Christian Women’s Club, 11:30 a.m., Scovill Banquet Facility. Decatur Metropolitan Rotary Club, noon, Decatur Club. Thursday Noon Toastmasters, Greater Decatur Y.
Decatur AMBUCS, 6 p.m., Decatur Club.
Friday, Sept. 20 Decatur Breakfast Sertoma, 7 a.m., Scovill Banquet Facility. Noon Women’s Network, 11:45 a.m., Decatur Club.
Monday, Sept. 23 Decatur Noon Lions Club, Main Place Bar & Grill. Decatur Rotary 180, noon, Decatur Club.
Tuesday, Sept. 24 Forsyth Rotary, 7 a.m., Homewood Suites by Hilton. BNI First Class Professionals, 7:45 a.m., Crestview Christian Church. Kiwanianne Club of Decatur, 9:30 a.m., Scovill Banquet Facility. Decatur Building Construction Trades Council, 10 a.m., IBEW Local 146 Hall. Decatur AMBUCS, noon, Decatur Club. Noon Kiwanis Club, Decatur Club. Noon Sertoma, Decatur Club. Blue Mound Rotary, 6:30 p.m., Pleasantview Township shed.
Wednesday, Sept. 25 Decatur Golden K Kiwanis Club, 9:30 a.m., Scovill Banquet Facility. Decatur Shrine Club, noon, Scovill Banquet Facility.
Thursday, Sept. 26 Earlybird Kiwanis, 6:45 a.m., Scovill Banquet Facility. Decatur Metropolitan Rotary Club, noon, Decatur Club. Thursday Noon Toastmasters, Greater Decatur Y. Greater Decatur Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours, 5-7 p.m., Decatur Orthopedic Center, 104 Ashland Ave., Mount Zion.
Friday, Sept. 27 Decatur Breakfast Sertoma, 7 a.m., Scovill Banquet Facility. American Business Women’s Association (Monarch), noon, location varies.
Monday, Sept. 30 Decatur Noon Lions Club, Main Place Bar & Grill. Decatur Rotary 180, noon, Decatur Club. Women’s Progressive Club, 6 p.m., Greater Northside Baptist Church.
Tuesday, Oct. 1 Forsyth Rotary, 7 a.m., Homewood Suites by Hilton. BNI First Class Professionals, 7:45 a.m., Crestview Christian Church. Kiwanianne Club of Decatur, 9:30 a.m., Scovill Banquet Facility. Prairieland Kiwanis, 9:30 a.m., Decatur Civic Center. Decatur AMBUCS, noon, Decatur Club. Noon Kiwanis Club, Decatur Club.
Noon Sertoma, Decatur Club. Blue Mound Rotary, 6:30 p.m., Pleasantview Township shed.
Wednesday, Oct. 2 Greater Decatur Chamber of Commerce Breakfast, 7 a.m., Decatur Club. Decatur Golden K Kiwanis Club, 9:30 a.m., Scovill Banquet Facility. Decatur Shrine Club, noon, Scovill Banquet Facility.
Thursday, Oct. 3 Earlybird Kiwanis, 6:45 a.m., Scovill Banquet Facility. Decatur Metropolitan Rotary Club, noon, Decatur Club. Human Service Agency Consortium (HSAC), noon, Central Christian Church, 650 W. William St. Thursday Noon Toastmasters, Greater Decatur Y. Metro Decatur Home Builder’s Association, 6 p.m., Beach House. Lincolnland AMBUCS, 6:30 p.m., Easter Seals’ Building.
Friday, Oct. 4 Breakfast Sertoma, 7 a.m., Scovill Banquet Facility. Decatur Black Chamber of Commerce First Friday Luncheon, noon, Main Street Church Tea Room, 2000 N. Main St.
To submit items for Your Calendar, contact Scott Perry at (217) 421-7976, at sperry@heraldreview.com, or click the “Submit an Event” link at www.thebusiness-journal.com
History Corner Love looking at historic photos? The Herald & Review has a gallery loaded with hundreds of images from Decatur’s past. Check them out at: www/heraldreview.com/ gallery
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September 2013
FROM THE EDITOR Is it just me or was this past August the busiest ever. And I’m not just saying that because of work (which was crazy) and the fact I moved my son to Carbondale to begin his college career (Go Dawgs). Think about it. The month began with Decatur Celebration and ended with the Farm Progress Show. In between there were things such as Pony Express Days, a mud volleyball tourney, a poker run on Lake Decatur, concerts in downtown Decatur and Mount Zion, several charity golf and dinner events, and much, much, much more. One thing is for certain. None of these things could have happened if not for the small army of volunteers that take time out of their lives to provide these fun and worthwhile opportunities for others. As the recent 20 under 40 and this month’s 20 over 50 honorees pointed out repeatedly, Macon County residents and workers can be counted on to give generously of their time and money. For this we should be very proud and very, very thankful.
BUSINESS JOURNAL
BUSINESS JOURNAL OF MIDCENTRAL ILLINOIS
VOLUME 19
ISSUE 9
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September2013Contents 19
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Back to School Change and the start of a new school year go hand in hand. Check out what changes are taking place in area public and private schools, as well as a look at what the future holds at Richland Community College. Inside
12 GOOD HEALTH It’s as simple as ABC
Information published is the responsibility of the author and does not reflect the opinions of The Business Journal of MidCentral Illinois. To submit articles, mail typewritten and 500 words or less to: The Business Journal, 601 E. William St., Decatur, IL 62523. Articles will not be returned. Any editorial content or advertising published is the property of Lee Enterprises Inc., DBA The Business Journal of MidCentral Illinois. Copyright 2013 Herald & Review All rights reserved for entire content.
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September 2013
YOUR COMMUNITY
Business Journal/Jim Bowling
Construction is under way on the Workforce Development Institute on the southeast side of the Richland Community College campus.
Richland looking toward the future Campus growing, adding buildings By NICOLE HARBOUR Business Journal Writer
DECATUR — Construction crews have become a familiar site at Richland Community College lately as the college not only renovates and adds on to existing buildings, but also constructs and plans new ones for its growing campus. Walking on the college’s campus Aug. 19, students returning for the first day of classes saw a couple new additions, including partially completed brick walls that will house a new restaurant and dining area on the west side of the Shilling
Community Education Center, and a steel skeleton on the far east end of the campus that is quickly becoming the college’s new Workforce Development Institute. “This is really exciting,” said Greg Florian, Richland’s vice president of finance and administration, of the $16-million, multifaceted project. The Workforce Development Institute is a 45,000-square-foot building that will house a new fitness and wellness center, as well as the college’s auto body, auto technology, diesel technology and building trades programs. The ongoing campus construction project also includes the addition of a new culinary arts dining room, renovation of the college’s existing fitness and locker room space into an Early Childhood and Education Center and trans-
form the college’s current auto technology space into a larger welding lab. Watching local contractors and construction workers with Core Construction of Morton bulldoze land that will eventually become a geothermal well field that will heat and cool the Workforce building, Florian noted the existing construction demonstrates how much the college is evolving and changing. “This lets us see that we’re a growing campus,” Florian added. The 18-month project, which officially began in April, is projected to be completed and ready for use by next fall. But if the campus master plan, which includes several immediate and intermediate projects, is any indication, construction crews may not be leaving when the culinary arts dining room is done in
the spring and the Workforce building is completed next summer. “We actually just finished an intermediate project by upgrading our south wing (in the main campus building),” said Florian, noting that after 24 years the wing got new carpet, ceiling tiles and repainted walls and will also be getting new equipment and furniture for its classrooms in the future. The project was made possible by $195,000 in state funding, which was released by Gov. Pat Quinn in March. “But our next big project is the Student Success Center.” President Gayle Saunders said the $3.5-million center, another state-funded project that will consolidate all of the college’s student services into one place, has been in Richland’s plans for many years.
www.thebusiness-journal.com “We’ve waited for this for a long time,” add 12,000 square feet adjacent to its said Saunders, noting that the college south wing. had been waiting for the funds to be Supported by a $1.7 million gift from released since June 2009 and even longer the Dell and Evelyn Carroll Estate, the since the original plan for the center was business center will help freshen up an conceived in 2003. area of campus that was built 25 years She explained that the goal of the cenago and also help meet the technological ter is to deliver student services in a needs of Richland’s current and future more organized and effective way. business students. “The center will really change our phi“Today’s students are digital natives,” losophy on how we provide service to Richland Dean of Business and Technolstudents,” she said. “The center will give ogy Jack Adwell said. “Their world is us all of the space and opportunities we one that is global, and it is one that is need for a new student or a prospective changing. And so therefore when we prostudent to enter Richland Community vide them with education, we must proCollege and know how to access all of its vide them with more than just job skills; services in one location, or for a continuwe must provide them with transferable ing student to conskills that will stantly know where help them adapt they can come back to those changes to get any services in their lives and that they might in their world.” need while they’re He noted that on their journey the Carroll through their Estate’s generous degree programs.” gift, bestowed to With plans to the college by extend the college’s Evelyn Carroll’s north wing nearly cousin, Gary 13,000 square feet, Likins, will help in addition to renoRichland business vating the current students navigate space that is being an increasingly used for adminissophisticated busitrative and student ness field. services, Saunders “This gift will said the new Stuallow us to develdent Services Cenop new interactive ter will be a onelearning-based stop shop for stucurriculums that dents who will be will focus both on served at informajob skills and tion stations. transferable skills “They will be … and will give able to talk about our students expowhat their interests sure to entrepreGREG FLORIAN, or needs are with neurship and VICE PRESIDENT OF FINANCE student services international busiAND ADMINISTRATION staff, and from that ness, as well as point, the staff project learning, members will determine what the best smart technology and real-world experimap is (for the student)” and will conence,” he said. nect the student with the appropriate While the project doesn’t yet have a staff member who will best be able to concrete time frame, Saunders said she serve them, she said. is optimistic Richland will have a busi“Instead of the student being sent to a ness center within the next two or three lot of different places around campus … years. the student will sit at an information sta“We’re not really adding square tion and the staff members or advisors footage so much as we’re reinventing a they need to talk to will come to them.” space that currently exists so that it has With plans for interactive video a lifespan for the next 30 or 40 years in a screens that will provide students with 21st century learning environment,” she more information on the college’s varisaid. “It provides us with a new teaching ous programs, as well as more smart and learning space like nothing we’ve technology, Saunders said she is excited ever been able to do on the associate for the project, which is currently awaitdegree side of the house” that could also ing approval from the Capital Develophelp promote four-year partnerships ment Board and the state of Illinois. She with universities. added that she is hopeful construction Richland also has been working on the bids for the 18-month project, which she $1.2 million Clinton Extension Center, a believes will help the college retain and 4,200-square-foot facility just south of better serve students, will be out by next city’s high school, that construction spring and the north wing addition crews broke ground on in early January. enclosed before 2015. With drywall currently going up and Another large project Richland hopes parking lots being constructed, Florian to embark on in the near future is the said the building should be open by the Business Education Center, an estimated end of October. $5.5 million project that will help With a number of other immediate redesign and renovate approximately and intermediate projects on the radar, 10,800 square feet on the second floor of including a sustainable walkway for the the college’s main building, as well as college’s National Sequestration and
‘... our focus is always on what’s going to be coming forward for those who live and reside here and want to be prosperous here.’
September 2013
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Business Journal/Jim Bowling
Apprentice electrician Andrew Rempe, left, and bricklayer Derek Williams work on a culinary arts classroom next to the culinary arts restaurant. Education Center, an arboretum that would act as a display garden for native Illinois trees, a life sciences addition that would include more instructional space for the life sciences program and an Agribusiness Applied Technology Park project, Richland is looking toward the future and isn’t slowing down. “ ‘Community’ is our middle name, so our focus is always on what’s going to be
coming forward for those who live and reside here and want to be prosperous here,” she said. “We just want the students to be successful, and as I drive around the campus and see many of the construction projects beginning to take shape, I am excited about the quality learning opportunities that will be afforded to our students in the years to come.”
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September 2013
Changes abound at county schools ARGENTA-OREANA The three schools in the Argenta-Oreana School District each have two new teachers. At the high school, Renee Anderson is teaching science, and Allison Saldaris is teaching math. Anderson is a graduate of Western Illinois University and previously taught in Arcola. Saldaris is a graduate of Illinois State University and previously taught at Decatur Eisenhower High School. The middle school welcomes a pair of first-year teachers who are graduates of Argenta-Oreana, Emily Barnes and Kassie Knoll. Barnes, a graduate of Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville, is teaching sixth-grade social studies and seventh-grade American history. Knoll, a graduate of Millikin University, is teaching seventh- and eighth-grade language arts. At the elementary school, Cora Jeffers, a graduate of Millikin, is teaching music, and Megan O’Riley, a graduate of Southern Illinois University at Carbondale, is teaching first grade.
CERRO GORDO With roughly 185 high school students returning for the fall semester, Principal Gary Page said he’s ready and eager to take on a new challenge. The new principal of Cerro Gordo High School is taking over after the retirement of his predecessor, Vince Bialeschki, after spending three years as principal at Cerro Gordo Middle School. “This being my first year over in the high school, we will focus on continuing to raise the academic expectations we have for our students,” said Page, a native of the small town of Catlin, who previously worked in Monticello schools. “The job market is changing, and we have to do our part to help prepare our students for it.” The high school, he said, will do this by “continuing to make education an even bigger priority.” Page said a nononsense attitude would be necessary in making sure students are ready for their continuing educations after high school. “We’re raising standards of what’s expected of the students day-to-day in order to get them ready for the next level in college,” he said. “Georgetown University recently released a study estimating that by 2018, about 65 percent of jobs will require a college education. We need to get our students ready for that world.” Heading into the 2013-14 school year, Page also confirmed that the district has extended its cooperative agreement with Bement High School to include boy’s basketball in its athletic co-op, forming the Cerro Gordo-Bement boy’s
basketball team. Likewise, Page confirmed several other new teaching positions had been filled. Jennifer Thomas is the new art teacher for the high school, and J.C. Walker joins the staff as the new agriculture instructor and FFA advisor. Steve Cline, meanwhile, takes over as principal of Cerro Gordo Middle School.
MAROA-FORSYTH Renovations in Forsyth Park will soon be under way as the Maroa-Forsyth School District agreed in July to a 5year lease with the village of Forsyth for use of three fields for its baseball and softball teams to play home games. The village and district will divide costs to upgrade the fields, with changes including the leveling of an outfield for softball and installing scoreboards. The district plans to spend $10,500 per year, or $3,500 per field, for use of the three diamonds, Maroa-Forsyth Superintendent Mike Williams said. The total over 5 years would be $52,500, with the goal to cover nearly two-thirds of planned improvements to the fields, he said. “We’re real happy with it,” Williams said. “They have quality facilities there.” The school district uses the park’s Diamond 1 for junior high baseball, Diamond 4 for high school baseball and Diamond 5 for high school softball, Williams said. The lease agreement allows the district to hold back on hopes to build diamonds of its own, saving the $2- to $3-million cost of such a project. Williams said having its own facilities near the high school in Maroa would still be a consideration for the future, but other projects have taken priority. He said the district is in pretty good shape overall with no major changes taking place over the summer, with only a few smaller projects occurring such as parking lot repairs.
MERIDIAN Dan Brue thinks the Meridian School District’s new facilities will be a point of community pride. Students, faculty and residents can see the fruition of the first part of a fourphase project, as the district has opened a new 45,000-square-foot addition to the current high school. The addition includes a gymnasium, locker rooms, cafeteria, kitchen and home economics room. “We’re all very excited about having a top-notch facility,” said Brue, who started as the district’s superintendent in July. The addition cost $8.95 million, which
came from the Macon County school facility tax. During a dedication ceremony last month, Jim Underwood of the Capital Development Board announced the district will receive $28.9 million in capital development funds to be used for Phase II of its construction project. The second phase calls for renovating the existing high school into a middle school, constructing a new high school, constructing a new K-5 school and tearing down the existing intermediate school. The project is expected to cost $42 million to $48 million, funded through the local sales tax and state grants.
MOUNT ZION There may not be a lot of new offerings this school year in Mount Zion when it comes to new programs or classes, but that doesn’t mean the district’s students and officials are remaining idle. “We were excited to find out recently that our high school (Prairie State Achievement Examination) scores (from the 2012-13 school year) were the highest in Mount Zion history,” said Superintendent Travis Roundcount. “In each educational area of the test, our scores were also the highest we’ve had in the last decade.” Hoping to have another strong academic year this year, Roundcount said the district is excited about its new show choir director, Michael Swengel, and football coach, Mike Popovich. “Our show choir director has brought a lot of excitement to the program,” Roundcount said of Swengel, a Harvard native who will lead the Mount Zion Swingsations, Les Femmes High School Choir and Mount Zion Junior High show choirs Sound System and Vocal Trax. Swengel replaces Michael Winslow, who resigned from Mount Zion to take another high school director position in Connecticut. Roundcount said Popovich, a Staunton native who spent the past three years as offensive coordinator for the Army Black Knights football team in the Collegiate Sprint Football League, already has a strong following of students, as well. “Last year, we had 54 students who went out for football, and this year, we’ve seen 90 students try out,” he said. “We’re very excited to see the continued growth in the football program.” Popovich replaces Scott Davis, who took a coaching job at Meridian. Work is also under way on facility improvements that district officials hope will begin next summer, including the construction of additional classrooms at Mount Zion Grade School, as well as a new 1,500-seat auditorium, an Astroturf athletic field and an indoor
sports complex at the high school. “We’re hoping to do bidding and planning (on the improvements) this year, and next summer, we may see groundbreaking,” he said.
SANGAMON VALLEY The biggest difference students and parents noticed when they entered Sangamon Valley Schools in August was the new security measures. Harristown and Illiopolis elementary schools and Sangamon Valley Middle School now have secure entries. Visitors can’t get access to anything but the office area until they have signed in and been buzzed through by office staff. The idea is to add that extra layer of safety, said Superintendent Ernie Fowler. What they didn’t want to do, said Harristown Principal Jill Reedy, is lose that friendly, small-town school feel. The entryway is welcoming, with benches for waiting for your kids if you came to pick them up, and during the morning rush, a staff member waits at the locked door to welcome children with a smile after they’ve said good-bye to mom or dad. The school board has instituted a new weapons policy due to concealed carry law. It was already illegal to bring weapons onto school property, Fowler said, but the policy states it very clearly so that there can be no mistake. The middle school also has a new principal, Jonathan Field.
WARRENSBURGLATHAM With construction finally done on new facilities, Warrensburg-Latham Superintendent Kristen Kendrick said the biggest change for the school this year will be middle and high schoolers switching back to the eight period days. The eight period day means students will have the same classes every day. Before, Kendrick said, students were on the eight block schedule, where students had eight classes, but only went to four each day. Class would alternate every other day. The change was made to emphasize the importance of core classes such as reading, writing and math. “We wanted to make sure the kids were in the classroom every single day,” she said. Other changes for the upcoming school year will be new principals at the middle and elementary school. Mike Gardner, who had served as the middle school principal, is now the principal at the elementary school. Gardner is replaced at the middle school by Paul Hoffman, who previously served as assistant principal.
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Construction continues on new Eisenhower Standard changes greet students By VALERIE WELLS Business Journal Writer
DECATUR — A goal set almost five years ago will be reached in November when the renovations at Eisenhower High School are complete. Plans are to move over an extended four-week winter break, with Eisenhower students returning to the 16th Street location and MacArthur High School moving into the building on East Mound Road Track the progress on while their the Eisenhower and school’s renMacArthur high school ovations take renovation projects at place. www.dps61.org and “It’s an click on the “High exciting School Renovations year,” said Project” link on the Superintencover page. dent Gloria Davis. “It’s a year with a lot of continual success and change for the better and we all are going to be working very hard to make that happen. The highlight is probably the fact that we’re going to open one brand new renovated high school and prepare to open the second and anybody that drives by Eisenhower will have to say, ‘Wow.’ ” That’s the most obvious change, but several more are part of this school year, she said. The high schools are returning
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to a seven-period day from block scheduling due to budget and staff cuts. Students will have fewer elective choices and the number of credits required to graduate will decrease due to the end of block scheduling. Hope Academy, formerly a year-round school, is on the same academic calendar as Decatur’s other schools now, and has welcomed a large number of students formerly assigned to Brush College School, which closed in May. Some Brush College students were sent to Harris School, depending on their addresses. Common Core standards, which were already in place in math, will be expanded to language arts this year, Davis said, and the spring state testing will be entirely based on Common Core for the first time. “It’s going to then mean that our instruction will have to be focused on higher level expectations for students, a higher level of instruction that will have to be based around project-based learning, high level questioning and critical thinking skills and just having students to really adhere to a level of standards that has been accelerated,” Davis said. Work is under way to “theme” all the elementary schools, she said. Dennis School will continue to be a lab school, working hand in hand with Millikin University on project-based learning, while Hope’s staff will working on finalizing their choice of theme and Enterprise is exploring the possibility of becoming Decatur second public Montessori school. New staff and new assignments for existing staff include Sarah Oakes, principal at Durfee Magnet School; Joe
Business Journal/Scott Perry
A view of the work being done on the ‘new’ Eisenhower High School building as seen from nearby St. Mary’s Hospital. Smith, principal of South Shores School; Ann Mathieson, principal at Enterprise; Deloris Brown, principal of Stephen Decatur Middle School; Kathy Massey, director of Macon-Piatt Special Education; Angelina Bua, transformation officer. This will be Davis’ last year as superintendent, as she plans to retire in June, so the school board will be looking for a new superintendent. And the teachers’ contract will expire
in August, so work toward a new contract is already under way. “We’d like to start the sooner, the better,” said Suzanne Kreps, president of the Decatur Education Association. “Last time, they met face to face for 100 hours, and had other meetings outside of bargaining (sessions). It takes time. I think some of the county districts settle in three days of bargaining, and we don’t even get prepared in that amount of time.”
Parochial schools upgrading, renovating DECATUR CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Decatur Christian School was already completely wireless, but they are working on their infrastructure to be sure the school can handle technology demands, said Superintendent Randy Grigg. The one-to-one technology program is in its second year. Each student in grades sixth through 12 is issued a laptop for educational use in and out of school. This year will be the first of a twoyear sports cooperative agreement with the Lutheran School Association. Students who want to play football will join the LSA teams, and LSA students who want to play soccer will join the Decatur Christian teams. Decatur Christian is now a member of the Illinois Elementary School Association and the Illinois High School Association. The school is a new WeatherBug site and is frequently featured on WAND,
Grigg said, and weather conditions in Forsyth can be monitored through the WeatherBug site. Decatur Christian is in its 41st year as a school, with students and staff who represent more than 50 area churches.
ST. TERESA HIGH SCHOOL Renovations to St. Teresa High School continue under the Believe-Build-Become capital campaign, with a new roof, tuckpointing, electric upgrades including new lighting, new heat and air systems, renovation of the gym’s vestibule and restrooms, repair of a storm sewer leak and new outdoor restrooms for athletic events already complete. The next phase under way is construction of a new locker room/weight room addition and a new parking lot west of the science/music annex. In the near future, plans are to upgrade the football
field and create track facilities. To help raise funds for that, the school will sponsor an All-Star Reunion after the homecoming game Oct. 11, from 8 p.m. to midnight at the Knights of Columbus Hall, and is also selling memorial blocks for the new building. The school will hold a Mass on the Grass at 10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 11, to name the football field after former staff members Ed Boehm, Scott Davis and Dick Munn.
LUTHERAN SCHOOL ASSOCIATION The Lutheran School Association will have one-to-one computing in its middle and high schools this year, with every student in grades seventh through 12 equipped with a ThinkPad. The reason for choosing ThinkPads instead of iPads, said Superintendent Kyle Karsten, is that a local shop is able to fix and update them, and they have a
longer battery life. Students will use the ThinkPads for homework and research and even some of the textbooks will be on them. The LSA also has a new athletic director, Kurt Younghouse. This will be the second year for football under the lights at the school. In another year, the school will join the Little Okaw conference. The next goal is to add baseball and softball fields in the spring, bleachers, a press box and a restroom area for outdoor sports. Karsten estimated the cost for that project at $2.1 million. The high school population is almost 200, with more than $275,000 in financial aid to LSA families. Two music teachers and two art teachers are on staff with year. Megan Hoaglund will teach kindergarten through sixth and Andrew Gallegos will teach instrumental and vocal music to middle and high school students. Tim Fote teaches art to students through eighth grade and Justin Groth teaches high school art.
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September 2013
BIZ BITES
Now open Sav-Mor Pharmacy has opened in Mount Zion. The location is Sav-Mor’s 13th store across Central and Southeastern Illinois and company owner David Falk said once he gets shoppers inside, he believes superior service will make them come back. He said that is how he is able to compete successfully with big rivals. “We treat customers like they want to be treated and talk to them on a personal level and just shower them with customer service,” Falk added. “We give them a wow factor in customer service.” The store features a drive-through window and offers free delivery within a 20-mile radius. The store’s arrival has created eight jobs and the pharmacist, Mindy Amos, is from Mount Zion. The store is at 1410 East Village Parkway and its operating hours are 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, and closed Sunday. Call (217) 864-0910. nnn For two physicians, the opening of the Decatur Orthopedic Center in Mount Zion was a homecoming and a dream come true. Dr. Donald Sullivan, who completed his premedical studies at Millikin University, and Dr. Jacob Sams, a Mount Zion native, hatched their plan while earning their medical degrees at Southern Illinois University’s School of Medicine and completing their residencies in Springfield. Both liked the idea of returning home not only to offer cutting-edge surgery but also pain management designed to keep patients out of the operating room. “We’re not just technicians waiting for you to come to us when you need surgery,” Sullivan said. “We like to look at the big picture and take care of people’s overall health.” Sullivan has an additional tie to the Decatur area — his wife, Mary, and father-in-law, George Reid, are former Decatur firefighters. He chose to become a doctor and took additional training in joint reconstruction after undergoing successful neck repair in 1998 following a parachuting accident. Sams, on the other hand, focuses on the anterior hip, reverse total shoulder and sports injuries. The orthopedic center, at 104 Ashland Ave., has 6,500 square feet, seven examination rooms and options for expansion. Clinic hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays. For more, visit www.decaturorthopedic center.com or call (217) 864-2665. nnn Decatur marketing consultant Brady Rhoades and graphic designer Elias Stein have joined to form a new creative studio, Rhoades & Stein. The company intends to bring a fresh approach to helping local businesses by pairing Web strategy with top-shelf design. Their website, www.rhoadesandstein.com, has examples of previous work.
Services include branding, logos, web design, email newsletters, posters and fliers, marketing collateral, stationery, advertisements, packaging, books, signage and banners, T-shirts and billboards. Email Stein for more information at elias@rhoadesandstein.com. nnn Las Palmas Tex-Mex is open in the former Godfather’s Pizza at 4829 East U.S. 36 and serving up a southwestern twist on traditional Mexican fare. The specialty of the house is the Palma Grande, a combination of a fajita chicken and cheese enchiladas with a tamale in a crispy beef taco. Appetizer choices include sweet corn tamale cakes and fried avocadoes. The menu also includes mahi mahi and shrimp tacos, baby back ribs, alcoholic beverages and soft drinks. Manager Julia Aispuro said the restaurant serves fire-roasted warm salsa with chips, which is unique, as are other salsas from which diners may choose for their meals — sour cream, ranchero (red), Anaheim (green) and chili con carne. The owner is Antonio Galvan, who is new to restaurant ownership in Decatur. Aispuro was previously assistant manager of the former El Matador on West Eldorado Street. Las Palmas opens at 11 a.m. daily, closing at 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Call (217) 864-1751. nnn Hannah Shaw has opened a boutique shop in Forsyth. Willow Branch Boutique opened earlier this summer at 324 E. Ruehl St. in what had been the town’s original post office. Shaw said opening a storefront gives her space for displaying items along with having a studio to work. “It’s a mix of styles,” Shaw said. “I could bring my Northwest roots to Decatur. The styles are so different.” Shaw grew up in Washington before moving to the Midwest. The shop offers items including greeting cards, boutique clothing, jewelry, handbags and a line of repurposed shabby chic furniture. Shaw had been running out of room to decorate in her house, so her husband, Jason, encouraged her to find space of her own. Shaw had started off operating a small salon in downtown Decatur before quitting the haircutting business. Willow Branch Boutique is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday. Call (217) 872-6050.
2011. Stukins said the business, using cookie recipes dreamt up by her mom, Flo Coombes, was doing well and would have stayed open if The Sweet Life Bakery hadn’t wanted the space. But Stukins, who owns other buildings and businesses downtown including Coney McKane’s American Eatery, said giving way for the bakery to expand into a storefront location was the right thing to do. “Downtown businesses all feed off each other and we need variety there,” Stukins said. “We need businesses with really good selections, and it didn’t make sense for Sweet Life to go to another location when they could have this one.” nnn Love at First Sight, a not-for-profit shelter for puppies and kittens doing business in the Decatur area for the past 19 years, has closed. Karen Reed, shelter director, blamed the poor economy for declining adoptions and donations over the past year. Reed estimated the service adopted out between 500 and 600 puppies and kittens each year.
T HRO WThursTravel back in time every Thursday with the Herald & Review on Facebook. And while you’re checking out our archived photos, don’t forget to let us know what you think or share a memory you have of the location or event! herald-review.com/facebook
Biz Bites highlight businesses that are opening, closing, expanding … you get the picture. If you have information for our Biz Bites column, contact Tony Reid at treid@herald-review.com, Chris Lusvardi at clusvardi@herald-review.com, Theresa Churchill at tchurchill@herald-review.com or call them at (217) 421-6979.
Closed Coney’s Cookies in downtown Decatur has crumbled into history, but its owner says the business closure is a foretaste of good news. The last day for Coney’s at 231 N. Main St. was Aug 3. However, the space won’t be empty for long. An already established Decatur business, The Sweet Life Bakery, is remodeling the store and is due to open this month, said Lea Stukins, who founded Coney’s in
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Master plan suggests park district changes The future of the Decatur Park District could include closing Big Creek Riding Center, outsourcing golf and marina operations and creating more “native” prairie landscape in the parks. Those were a few recommendations consultant Greg Weykamp presented to the district’s board of commissioners. Weykamp’s firm, Edgewater Resources, was hired in December 2011 to update the district’s master plan, which aims to help facilities and programs adjust to Decatur’s changing and declining population. Commissioners recently received a draft of the plan, which they are expected to review and discuss in the coming weeks. It analyzes the district’s sprawling facilities in great detail, drawing on data about population and use to make broad and specific recommendations. The most immediate recommendation was to close Big Creek. Park board President Chris Riley said the facility loses $30,000 to $50,000 annually and has not made money in the past 15 years. It could close within the year, he said. A large portion of the presentation focused on the district’s three public golf courses: Scovill, Hickory Point and Red Tail Run. The district has lost more than $200,000 on golf in nearly all of the past 13 years, prompting commissioners to wonder whether it was appropriate to “subsidize” the courses, and if so, by how much. Weykamp suggested “reinventing” Scovill Golf Course for more casual play, with options to play three, six or nine holes. Another recommendation is to use some clubhouse space for other purposes, such as senior activities. “The plan does not recommend closing a course. That’s certainly a possibility down the road; I wouldn’t say it’s not, but nobody has a desire to do that,” Weykamp said. “What we have a desire to do is reinvigorate the golf market and get more golfers here and create different kinds of ways to play the game.” He said the district should look for management firms that might be a good fit to run the golf operations, as well as the marina and food and beverage offerings.
Ritter joins RCC board Tom Ritter is the newest member of the Richland Community College board. Ritter was appointed to fill the vacancy left by the death of Emmett Sefton. Ritter, 61, said he is eager for the appointment but knows he has a tough act to follow. “I have big shoes to fill,” Ritter said, acknowledging that he has known Sefton, who farmed for 51 years, through the Macon County Farm Bureau. “Emmett was a personal friend of mine.” Ritter is a lifelong resident of Blue Mound who owns and operates a corn and soybean farm with his son and has served on various agricultural boards, including the Illinois and National Soybean Checkoff Board, Macon County Farm Bureau, U.S. Grains Council and
Business Journal/Jim Bowling
Decatur once again played host to the world in August as the Farm Progress Show made its every-other-year return to Progress City. The largest ever group of exhibitors were on hand for the three-day show, which serves as a showcase for the latest agricultural developments. The show will return to Decatur in 2015. Macon County 4-H Foundation. He said he hopes to bring an agricultural and small-community perspective to the board. “I’ve been very impressed with Richland and its growth, and I just hope we continue to see it grow and serve the community through education and economic development,” said Ritter, who also co-owns Village Travel, a full-service travel agency, with his wife, Diana.
Food drive ups goal The WSOY Community Food Drive has collected a record amount of food each and every year since the first one brought in 35,000 pounds in 2002. Believing that 2013 should be no different, organizers have moved the bar still higher for the 12th annual event Oct. 4. Brian Byers, Neuhoff Media vice president of development, announced a goal of 750,000 pounds, which is 100,000 pounds more than last year’s goal and 6,000 pounds more than the 744,000 actually collected. “This is a number that we do not take for granted,” he said during a news conference at the Airport Plaza Kroger store. “It’s going to take all of us in the community to reach it.” Byers added that last year’s success not only helped food pantries at Decatur Catholic Charities and the Salvation Army but also allowed 75,000 pounds to be shared with Good Samaritan Inn, the
Judy Mason Thanksgiving Basket Project, Northeast Community Fund and the Oasis Day Center. “This is an amazing thing,” said Capt. Wes Dalberg of the Salvation Army. “It’s unlike anything I’ve seen anywhere else.” The drive features a school contest, with prizes ranging from $2,500 for the school that donates the most food by weight to $500 for fifth place. Cash donations are counted as $1 equaling 1 pound of food. The food drive will once again recognize the top small-, medium- and bigbusiness donors with Good Neighbor Awards and will also give a Geoffrey Neuhoff Spirit Award. The United Way of Decatur and Mid-Illinois will organize the volunteers on event day. For more information about the schools portion of the event, call Pete Vercellino, (217) 520-5098; businesses, call Karin Betzer, (217) 475-2709; volunteers/ pickup service requests, call Debbie Bogle, (217) 422-8537; other questions, call Tammy Moore, (217) 423-9744.
Company plans expansion Rail manufacturer Voestalpine Nortrak Inc. has announced plans to expand its facility in Decatur. The company plans a $4.35 million facility upgrade after outgrowing its previous building addition. Its facility is at
690 E. Kenwood Ave. The expansion will enable Voestalpine Nortrak to achieve increasing levels of production and efficiency that General Manager Sean Betty said are required by national and global clients. “We are creating an infrastructure that is ready for even more strategic growth,” Betty said. “This will be the same business operating in an even more efficient manner.” Production output and employee headcount in Decatur have grown since 2009, Betty said. The company currently employs 135 workers locally after adding 78 positions in the past three years. Current plans include maintaining established levels of production and work force long term, allowing for greater growth potential. “In addition to the increased production output, the increase in total headcount from December of 2009 through today is largely attributed to the conversion of temporary positions to full-time Nortrak positions,” Betty said. “By converting these temporary employees to full-time Nortrak employees, we are able to improve employee training and stability, as well as meeting the requirements placed on us by our clients.” Voestalpine Nortrak designs and manufactures special trackwork and distributes new rail. The current facility expansion will separate its plastic injection shop from the rest of the facility and increase sand reclamation.
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Union volunteers vital to community groups By SUSAN REIDY For the Business Journal
DECATUR — If not for the donation of blood, sweat and labor from Decatur’s building trade unions, Kathleen Taylor isn’t sure the Decatur Family Sanctuary would exist. “Had they not helped us, I don’t know if we would be here. It’s that simple. They were so significant in seeing that the old Good Samaritan was converted into a family shelter,” said Taylor, the shelter’s executive director. “We would not have opened as soon as we did, if we had to financially pay for the labor.” Representatives from at least three local building trade unions donated their time over a 14-month period to completely renovate the facility, which provides shelter to homeless families. It opened in September 2011. The shelter is just one example of building trade union members’ philanthropy. That same kind of relationship exists between Decatur’s union members and multiple organizations and charities throughout Central Illinois. Each year, union members give back to area communities by volunteering hundreds of hours of their time. They provide their skills and expertise with everything from electrical work to painting and construction. Volunteers give their time after hours and on weekends, squeezing it in among family obligations, work and classes. In addition to their on-the-job training,
many apprentices have to attend school five times a month. “From day one, we encourage everyone to get involved whenever they can, however they can,” said Shad Etchason, business manager/financial secretary, IBEW Local 146. “Most of the members are blessed with work and the opportunities that the apprenticeship affords. We’re trying to instill in them that giving back benefits the organization here, and it benefits those that they are helping as well.” That seed of volunteering planted early on often grows as they move from apprentices to journeymen. “They learn to enjoy the time they spent doing that charitable, donated work,” said Carl Draper, Decatur Trades & Labor Assembly president. “It’s not just a place to get a paycheck, but it’s something to take pride in. When you spend some time and sweat in something, you take a larger interest in it, more so than if you just wrote a check.” Taylor said if the organization would have had to save up the funds to pay for labor, it would have taken at least another year to open the facility. She appreciated all the expertise and knowledge union members brought to the renovation. “These guys all had far more knowledge than any of us,” she said. “They didn’t mind answering questions; they didn’t mind explaining something if I didn’t get it the first time through. “I can hammer a nail and use a screw driver, but can I wire? Not if I want it to
last very long. We definitely needed all the trades people that were here.” Members from IBEW Local 146, Plumbers and Steamfitters Local 65 and Sheet Metal Workers Local 218 all helped with the project. “They help anyway they can, for anyone that can let them help,” Taylor said. “You have to let them do their job, just walk away and let them do their job.” The Decatur Family YMCA also has benefited from donated labor, and a relationship with local unions that stretches back many years. The facility was constructed more than a decade ago with the involvement of all the trade unions, said Paul Stanzione, YMCA executive director, and they continue to help with additions and improvements. Through the years, Stanzione estimates the savings have added up to $50,000. One example is the pavilion next to the facility, which union members helped build. The pavilion is primarily used for the day camp program, but is also available to any youth serving group free of charge. “The things that labor have provided to us have saved us tremendous amounts of money,” he said. “Just the pavilion saved us $15,000 in labor, let alone some of the supplies that they provided to us and the use of equipment.” Apprentices have come in to paint different areas of the facility, and to install large donation boards in the facility. Beyond labor projects, union members
also have volunteered to be on committees and the board. “They provide guidance and expertise that we don’t have,” Stanzione said. For example, when the swimming pool needed new lights, committee members put Stanzione in touch with someone who told him which types of lights to use. “That led to getting a grant from Ameren when we put in the new lights because we were referred to using a certain type of lighting that will save money,” he said. “That’s something we may not have known about without labor.” It’s a personal relationship with the local unions that is close to Stanzione, whose father was in a carpenters union for 65 years as well as other family members. “I grew up in Gary, Ind., a big labor community,” he said. “It’s something that’s not only important for us at the YMCA, but it’s something that holds a special place in my heart.” Union members also recently offered their expertise to replace lamps and ballasts at New Life Pregnancy Center on Pershing Road. The center purchased all of the supplies, which were quite expensive, said Penny Weaver, the center’s executive director. “The donation of labor saved us so much money,” she said. “They were wonderful to have in the building. They worked very hard, and stayed on task. We just really appreciate their help and taking the time to help us out.”
We Are One fund hopes to double donations By SUSAN REIDY For the Business Journal
DECATUR — After increasing contributions to the We Are One Community Fund by 62.5 percent in just two years, organizers have set their sights on doubling donations before its next giving cycle. The working family charitable giving fund, created by the Decatur Trades & Labor Assembly and Decatur Building & Construction Trades Council in 2011, handed out a total of $13,000 in grants at a picnic in Fairview Park, following the annual Labor Day parade. In 2012, the fund gave out $8,000 in grants. By next Labor Day, the donor-advised fund housed at The Community Foundation of Macon County hopes to have at least $26,000 in grants for local services and organizations, said Amy Rueff, chairwoman of the fund. Raising awareness of the fund has helped increase donations, she said. “A lot of people were not aware that we existed. Local unions are putting it up on their Web pages and talking about it at union meetings,” Rueff said. “Last year, when we granted the money right before the parade, we raised awareness among our members walking in the parade. A lot of people took up collections right then and donated to this year’s fund.” Rueff said 99 percent of all the donations go directly to local services. Donors can make recommendations on grant recipients, and the fund’s advisory board, made up of local union members, determines who receives the grants. This year’s grants include: $10,000 to the Decatur Family YMCA’s Strong Kids program; $2,000 to the Easter Seals Central Illinois Parents Night Out program; and $1,000 to the Boys & Girls Club of Decatur.
The YMCA plans to use its grant to help children, families and seniors who are in need through its various programs, said Paul Stanzione, YMCA executive director. Some funds will be used to help children who need tutoring. “A lot of the children who don’t receive tutoring through the schools because they don’t qualify can come to the Y and get tutored for a nominal fee,” Stanzione. “We have them pay something so there’s a buy-in.” Some of the grant also will provide financial assistance for the YMCA’s before- and after-school program. Supplies also will be purchased for the new preschool outreach program. Grant money also will help the 155 senior members who are on financial assistance, including providing subsidies for exercise programs. The $2,000 grant for Easter Seals will help with the cost of its Parents Night Out program. Most of the respite program’s funding comes from the Macon County Mental Health Board, but it can only provide a set amount. “We always go over that amount, so the grant is going to help offset that difference,” said Lori Brown, Easter Seals executive director. The Parents Night Out program offers parents of developmentally disabled children ages 1 to 13 a night
out by themselves. Families can bring their children to Easter Seals, where they are cared for by qualified and experienced caregivers, and are treated to games, crafts and even field trips around the community. “It gives parents an opportunity to go out to dinner, a movie or just have some time to themselves,” Brown said. “Many times, children with special needs can’t use a typical baby sitter.” Siblings also are welcome, and the program is offered on one Friday and Saturday night, and one Saturday afternoon, each month. The Boys & Girls Club also will be using its grant to help local children, particularly through its education program. The group also received a grant last year. “We’re definitely excited that they decided to select our organization as a grant recipient,” said Bruce Jeffrey, executive director of the Boys & Girls Club. Specifically, the grant will help with buying new materials for the group’s two smart boards and to purchase incentives for children to keep them motivated. “It’s hard for kids to go to school for eight hours and then come here to do homework,” Jeffrey said. “We have many different incentives, some for those that come every day as well as quarterly and report card parties.” Union members are being asked to participate in the We Are One Community Challenge 52 — donating $1 per week to the fund, or $52 a year, Rueff said. Donations are collected from Jan. 1 to Dec. 31 each year, and granted on the following Labor Day. This allows the fund to collect interest and lets the assets grow for nine months into the next year. “If we could get everybody to give a dollar a week, it would be huge,” said Rueff, noting that there are 13,000 union members and retirees in Macon County.
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YOUR HEALTH
Poll: Americans don’t want to live to 120 WASHINGTON (AP) — Ninety birthdays maybe, but not 120: Americans hope to stretch out life expectancy another decade or so, but they’re ambivalent, even skeptical, about a fountain of youth. A new poll by the Pew Research Center explores attitudes about a scientific quest: Creating treatments that one day might slow the aging process and let people live decades longer than is normal. Scientists already can extend the life span of certain laboratory animals such as mice, worms, flies, with various techniques. They’ve also tried with monkeys, although the evidence in that species is mixed. There’s no way to know if there ever will be some type of Methuselah pill for humans. But with the field growing, Pew took the public’s pulse and found most Americans wouldn’t want a treatment that would let them live to 120. Fifty-six per cent said no thanks — although twothirds expect most other people would want to try such a step, said the report. Few expect such a radical idea to become reality, at least by 2050, although most of those surveyed expect other medical advances that could more gradually extend life expectancy, such as better cancer care. When asked about living to 120 or
beyond, the survey found 51 percent of people said that would be bad for society. They worried about a strain on natural resources, and that such treatments probably would be available only to the rich rather than to everyone. What is the ideal life span? To most Americans, it’s between 79 and 100; the median answer was 90 years, Pew reported. In the United States, a child born today can expect to live 78.7 years. Women’s life expectancy is longer, 81 years, than men’s, 76.2. With a rapidly graying population that is bringing concern about the growth of Alzheimer’s disease and an overburdened Medicare system, caution about the idea of one day living even longer may not be surprising. But longevity pioneer Cynthia Kenyon of the University of California, San Francisco, wonders if the public understands the real goal of such research, which is better health. Many of the experimental animals whose lives have been extended look and act far younger — and are far healthier — than their untreated counterparts of the same age, she said. “It would be the equivalent of a 90year-old person that you think is looking like a 45-year-old,” Kenyon told The
Associated Press. Because aging itself underlies the development of many chronic diseases as our bodies break down, the theory is that slowing the aging process might help keep people healthier for longer — even if it’s never as dramatic as what has happened with animals. “We are very interested in not only life extension, but extension of the health span,” said Dr. Marie A. Bernard, deputy director of the National Institute on Aging, which pays for much of this research. Research into life extension began with the discovery that severely restricting calories in lab animals — they regularly consume 25 percent to 30 percent less than normal — makes them live longer. Remarkably, they also were healthier than their litter mates. That led to the discovery of various genetic alterations that control life span. Kenyon’s research, for example, found that altering a single gene doubled the life span of roundworms, which stayed healthy until near the end. Other researchers have discovered similar aging-related gene mutations in different species. What about people? Some research has found healthy centenarians are more likely to harbor similarly protective genes.
The next step is to find medications that might somehow switch on those protective pathways, rather than drastic dieting or gene manipulation. A number of candidates have worked in animals. Just last month, institute researchers reported that a low dose of the diabetes drug metformin improved the health and longevity of middle-aged mice. No anti-aging pill is ready to try in people yet. Aging specialists say for now, common-sense is the best medicine: Eat a healthy diet, maintain a healthy weight and exercise. Asked about the poll, graduate student Katie Lebling, 24, of Washington said good health is key to how long she’d like to live: “It depends on how happy I am, if I was able to move or if I’m just sitting in a rocking chair.” If good health was a given, others wouldn’t mind living to 120. “I’m curious to see how things now would be then,” said John Gold, 38, a San Francisco software engineer. The Pew Research Center’s Religion & Public Life Project survey was conducted from March 21 to April 8, 2013. The nationally representative survey involved interviews, conducted on cellphones and landlines, with 2,012 adults. It has a margin of error of plus or minus 2.9 percentage points.
stmarysdecatur.com
THE PROMISE OF A BRIGHTER TOMORROW IS BUILT ON A PLEDGE WE’RE MAKING TODAY. TODAY AND EVERY DAY, WE PLEDGE TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE BY: Brightening the day of everyone we meet by warmly asking, “What can we do to make your day better?” Making each patient our priority, by actively listening and then responding at the highest level of compassionate care. Collaborating with patients to arrive at solutions that promote better outcomes and greater peace of mind. Sharing heartfelt enthusiasm for the patients, colleagues and community we care so much about. By living our core values of respect, care, competence and joy, we will light the way toward a better and brighter tomorrow.
Our pledge inspires us to always be at our best for our patients and each other. From bringing innovative technology right here to Decatur, to a newly renovated healing environment, our pledge is ushering in a brand new day in health care.
Learn more about our commitment to making each day exceptional by visiting us at stmarysdecatur.com. Expect EXCEPTIONAL.
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Simple habits and goals can keep your body, mind and spirit well By JAMIE LOBER
Attitude. Make sure your good vibe toward wellness is contagious. Share your goals with friends and family.
and enormous hairbrush and keys so we tell them to lighten up,” said Karen Jacobs, occupational therapist.
Back health. Be conscious of heavy briefcases, laptop bags and purses. “Women complain of neck, back and shoulder issues from carrying purses with every cosmetic, three pairs of glasses
Communication. It’s important to communicate with loved ones and your doctor. “A lot of patients have great relationships and build on them, but it is a two-way street and the dialogue
Business Journal Writer
is the responsibility of both the patient and the physician,” said Dr. Maria Granzoti, chief physician executive at St. Mary’s Hospital. Dental health. The American Dental Association asks that you brush your teeth twice a day with an ADA-accepted fluoride toothpaste, replace your toothbrush every three to four months and visit your dentist regularly for professional cleanings and oral exams. Eye health. “We believe that everyone over the age of 40 should have a comprehensive eye exam once a year because we can pick up early detection of diseases before the patient will be aware of them such as glaucoma, diabetes and cataracts,” said Dr. Phillip Alward, ophthalmologist at Decatur Memorial Hospital. Friends. Socializing is good for your health, whether it is through a peer group, square dancing club, bridge club or volunteer effort.
Lack of sleep can lead to irritability and stress. Make sure you get enough zzzzzzs.
Nutrition. The Di lines for America healthy diet as on sizes fruits, veget grains and fat-fre milk and milk pr lean meats, poult eggs and nuts; an rated fats, trans salt or sodium an
Germs lurk. “Good handwashing, covering your mouth when you
Get a comprehensive eye exam annually.
cough or sneeze and staying home when you are sick help prevent many diseases,” said Debby Durbin, director of nursing at the Macon County Health Department. Heart health. “Have healthy eating habits and do moderate intensity exercise for 30 minutes a day at least three times a week,” said Dr. Madhu Jyothinagaram, cardiologist with Decatur Memorial Hospital. Immunizations. Ask your doctor what immunizations can benefit you because it is the best way to
Optimize health. M optimize all aspe including mental social, physical a Remember to sch al physical with y tor.
Pride counts. Get brate many succe want to purchase photo album to n accomplishments way to boost self
Quality time. Mak the time to sit do family members your feelings and on in your lives. I to address any co one another know and support each
ss-journal.com
September 2013
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e serious effects
rts team. Try ave not done new hobby.
work. If you are e yourself a pat
There are studies ow that music lift spirits and problems from ression.
nt. Kathy SweedIllinois Extennd family ecosuggests trackg to prevent eveloping a realsticking to it; list to avoid g; paying bills late charges and t report; and by having at hs of living rve.
ietary Guideans describe a ne that emphatables, whole ee or low-fat roducts; includes try, fish, beans, nd is low in satufats, cholesterol, nd added sugars.
Make sure you ects of health, l, emotional, and spiritual. hedule an annuyour family doc-
Being social is great for your health. Start up a game night with friends, a book club or go out dancing. Staying engaged with friends is a positive step toward a balanced, healthy life.
Rewards. Remember that recognition does not always have to be bought at the store. It can be something as simple and free as a hug. Safety. Wear a seatbelt, have appropriate protection for sports and be cautious with food preparation and storage. The Illinois
Department of Public Health says that food safety involves keeping hot food hot and cold food cold, keeping everything in the kitchen clean and washing hands frequently.
notify them of any changes. It is also a good idea to keep a small card with you that includes your information and contact information for a neighbor or close friend.
Update your information. Make sure you have emergency contact information on file at work and
Volunteerism. Give back to the community by finding a cause you care about and doing something to make a difference.
Zzz’s. Get on a schedule. Mental Health America tells that if you cannot fall asleep after 15 minutes, you should try some soothing music, and if you remain alert, get up until you feel more tired.
Water. It’s important to drink plenty of water. “Eight glasses is a huge factor in maintaining a healthy body because it detoxes your kidneys and gets rid of toxins from food and the environment we live in,” Jacobs said.
t ready to celeesses. You may e a scrapbook or note all of your s. This is a great -esteem.
ke sure to take own with other and talk about d what is going It is important oncerns and let w that you love h other.
matter.
X-ercise. The American Heart Association advocates for walking because they feel it has the lowest dropout rate of any exercise and is easy and safe.
Want to start an exercise that has the lowest dropout rate? Try walking.
You. Although it may be your responsibility to care for others, don’t neglect your own needs in the process. Remember that you
Your financial situation is a huge contributor to stress. Reduce debt and keep to a realistic budget.
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Community health calendar Screenings Kidney Disease Screening, Monday through Friday, Sept. 2-6, at DMH Express Care locations. Cost is $25. The Sept. 2 screening will only be offered at Express Care North. For more information, call (217) 876-5320. Bone density screening, 9-11 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 4, Women’s Health and Breast Center, 302 W. Hay St., Suite 117A. Screening to check your risk for osteoporosis. Register online or call (217) 876-4377. Cholesterol screening, 7-10 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 5, at DMH Corporate Health Services, 2120 N. 27th St. and 8-10 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 12, at DMH Family Medical, 4775 E. Maryland St. Cost is $20. To register, call (217) 876-4377.
Support groups Grief to Hope: Grief Education Group, 6 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 3, St. Mary’s Hospital, Room G24. For more information, contact Chaplain Marla at (217) 544-6464 ext. 41850. TOPS Club IL 49 Decatur, 5:30 p.m. Tuesdays, Main Street Church of God, 2000 N. Main St. (enter from Garfield Street). Support group for Real People seeking Real Results with weight loss. For more information, go to www.tops club.org or call Chris Granda at (217) 5212420. Breastfeeding support group, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Monday, Sept. 9 and Sept. 23, Baby TALK, 500 E. Lake Shore Dr. To register, call Flo Folami at (217) 464-2334. SHARE support group, 7 p.m. Monday, Sept. 9, St. Mary’s Hospital, Room G24. Support group for those who have experienced the
death of a baby during pregnancy, at birth or early infancy. For more information, call (217) 464-2045. Facing Cancer Together, 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 11, Cancer Care Center of Decatur Complementary Education Classrooms, 210 W. McKinley Ave. Register online or call (217) 876-4750. Pink Link breast cancer support group, 6 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 12. To register, call (217) 8764377. Cardiopulmonary rehab wellness group, 6 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 17, Decatur Memorial Hospital, Classrooms, Lobby Level. Register online or call (217) 876-2496. Breath of Life support group, noon Tuesday, Sept. 17, St. Mary’s Hospital, Room 561. Speakers available to answer questions from those with breathing problems. For information, call (217) 464-2603. A New Season young widowed group, 6 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 19. For information, call Dawn Followell at (217) 864-2799. Essential Tremor Support Group, 2 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 22, St. Mary’s Hospital, Assisi Room. For more information, call Don Klinker at (217) 423-9667. Renewal bereavement support group, 6-7:30 p.m. Monday, Sept. 23, Cancer Care Center of Decatur Complementary Education Classrooms, 210 W. McKinley Ave. Register online or call (217) 876-4750. Us TOO prostate cancer support group, 4:30-6 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 24, Cancer Care Center of Decatur Complementary Education Classrooms, 210 W. McKinley Ave. Register online
How to spot sports injury Kids’ symptoms are often subtle McClatchy-Tribune News Service
Kids aren’t always forthcoming about pain, and symptoms can be subtle — much subtler than limping, swelling or bleeding. To catch problems early, “parents should pay more attention to any changes, not just obvious signs of injury,” said Dr. David Geier, an orthopedic surgeon and director of sports medicine at Medical University of South Carolina. Some red flags: Change in technique. Young athletes might make minor changes to their motion or form to work around pain. You also might notice a drop in performance level. Difficulty sitting. Kids with knee pain might have trouble keeping their leg bent continuously — sitting in a car or movie theater, for example — and often will feel better if they straighten it out or
walk around. Going up and down stairs also may hurt. Behavioral changes. Inability to sleep, mood swings and lack of appetite can be the first signs that a child is sore, which may keep a sport from being enjoyable and possibly contribute to mental burnout. Headaches. If a headache develops after any blow to the head — even a seemingly insignificant blow — don’t ignore it. Kids with pain that persists after a head injury should see a doctor before trying to play again. They also need medical attention for headaches that occur during or after exercise. Unusual comments about a sport. “I don’t like pitching anymore” might really mean, “My arm hurts when I pitch.” Ask questions to find out why a child feels that way. Low back pain. Activities that stress the back, including football, gymnastics and weight-lifting, can gradually damage bones in the spine. Stretching, strengthening exercises, rest and breaks from a sport can help.
or call (217) 876-4750. Widowed support group, 6 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 26. Monthly dinner gathering. For location or to register, call (217) 428-7733.
Classes Art therapy for cancer patients and families, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday, Complementary Medicine Art Rooms, Cancer Care Center of Decatur, 210 W. McKinley Ave. Clay, paint watercolor, acrylic draw, print make, collage, weave and more. For information, call (217) 876-4700. Infant CPR Class, 7 p.m. Monday, Sept. 9, DMH third floor OB Classrooms. Register online or call (217) 876-3448. Look Good, Feel Better, 6-8 p.m. Monday, Sept. 9, Cancer Care Center of Decatur, Cancer Care Specialists of Decatur Classrooms, 210 W. McKinley Ave. A program that teaches beauty techniques to female cancer patients in active treatment to help them combat the appearance-related side effects of cancer treatment. To register call, (217) 876-6600. Cardiopulmonary education session, 1:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 13, and 1 p.m. Friday, Sept. 20, DMH Cardiac Rehabilitation Department. Register online or call (217) 876-2496.
Parkinson’s disease support group, 1:30-3 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 19, Westminster Presbyterian Church, 1360 W. Main St. For information, call Kathy Broaddus at (217) 8203096. Breastfeeding Basics, 7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 19, Decatur Memorial Hospital Classrooms, Lobby Level. Registration is required. Register online or call (217) 876-3400 Real Dads Rock!, 6-8:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 26, DMH Cafe Classrooms 1 and 2. Program teaches new fathers how to handle, feed, burp, change, clean and respond to a baby’s needs. Register online or call (217) 422-6294.
More Red Cross Blood Drive, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 11, Assisi Conference Room, St. Mary’s Hospital. Community Health Lecture Series, 6 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 17, Decatur Public Library. This month’s presentation will be on Alzheimer’s disease, “Know the 10 Signs: Early Detection Matters.” Heather Mulder from the Greater Illinois Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association will lead the program. For more information, call (217) 464-5125. Car seat safety check, 2-6 p.m. Friday, Sept. 20, St. Mary’s Hospital, far west campus.
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September 2013
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TECHTALK
Videoconferencing for your business Videoconferencing is easier than ever. Nearly anyone with a laptop or smartphone can do video calls these days. Why bother with conference calls when you can meet up in person, virtually speaking? Business is all about relationships, and videoconferencing is a much better tool for teamwork and collaboration than voice alone.
ing through the sales process, and you can ensure great customer service by conferencing in customers as you work together with them. Even one-on-one meetings between staff members can be enhanced with video instead of just voice.
Why use video?
If you have a PC with a camera and microphone, you can videoconference. You simply need a service to facilitate the calls. Some of the most popular services are Citrix GoToMeeting, Adobe Connect, Cisco WebEx Meeting Center, Fuze Meeting Pro and Skype Premium. Each has its pros and cons, but the core of all these products is PC-based videoconferencing. Skype is one of the least expensive options if you just want to try out whether this works for you. As long as the main caller has Skype Premium, you can conference in up to ten callers. The other callers can use free accounts. If you like Skype but want to do more, consider exploring the more robust services listed above. They allow for more callers and provide more collaboration tools — at additional cost, of course. Each company has slightly different needs, so you will want to test which service is right for your organization. To enhance your video capabilities, upgrade your conference room with a large wall-mounted display that’s connected to a PC. Hook up a quality camera and microphone. Then you can easily host group video conferences. If you find that staff are using videoconferencing one-on-one, check out video chat options that allow for quick connections. Lync, from Microsoft, offers this; Skype is also an easy and effective tool. A good quality webcam costs less than $100, making it easy and cost-effective to provide high quality video to everyone on your team. The only other item you will need to consider is Internet bandwidth. If you are running videoconferences on a regular basis, they take a lot more bandwidth than phone calls and email. A T1 will be maxed out in no time. Check out highspeed fiber Internet connections, or at least a fast cable Internet connection. Pricing continues to drop, making the additional bandwidth steadily more affordable. If you go with a cable connection, get the fastest upload speed you can. A fast download means you will be able to receive audio and video from others, but without a good upload your audio and video may come across as choppy.
So why is videoconferencing better than phone? It’s a superior communications tool, second only to real-life meetings. Studies have shown that about two thirds of all communication is actually nonverbal. With videoconferencing, you can pick up on visual cues such as facial expression, body language and gestures. With a phone call, all you get is voice. That means you are Technology missing critical elements of every interaction. There simply is no substitute. Another key benefit is engagement. On conference calls that are voice-only, people may multitask and lose focus. Since you can’t see them, you can’t tell what else they may be doing besides listening. On a video call, you are expected to visibly pay attention to the topic at hand, and the rest of the participants can easily see if you get side-tracked. This is a level of accountability not possible with voice calls. Ironically, video conferencing can be more efficient than regular meetings as well. Since there is a defined start and end, with people calling in from different locations, there is less likely to be as much chitchat before and after. That keeps meetings very focused. Obviously, video conferencing has a variety of additional benefits: it can bring people together across multiple locations, it supports telecommuters by keeping them in touch with teammates, and it reduces travel expenses. It’s green too, since it reduces the need for travel.
Wendy Gauntt
Other uses Videoconferencing can be used for far more than just team meetings. It’s highly effective for interviews, making it a great screening tool for out-of-town candidates. It’s excellent for training, and sessions can be recorded for reference at a later date. It’s also a terrific tool to use with prospects and customers. Your sales people can have much more personal contact by video as they are work-
Tools
videocam. However, a laptop is not required. Mobile devices like tablets and even smartphones will work for most of the videoconferencing tools listed here. This means your team can meet from nearly any location.
High-end systems PC-based options are a fraction of the cost, but they can’t replicate the quality and ease of the high-end video conferencing systems, like Lifesize, Cisco TelePresence, and Polycom. These systems are expensive and consume huge amounts of bandwidth, but they provide the highest quality connections. The goal of these pricey systems is to make it feel like you are sitting right across the table from the other callers. Multiple high-definition cameras with eye-tracking features and directional microphones are programmed to replicate an in-person experience as closely as possible.
instead. Connect to team members working from home, customers in another city, or even staff who are traveling. As you expand your horizons, try screensharing or use a virtual whiteboard so that you can collaborate with everyone on the call. Once you get accustomed to videoconferencing, you will find more and more ways to use it. It’s a great way to bring your team and your customers together.
Wendy Gauntt is president of CIO Services LLC, a technology consulting company that specializes in small-business solutions. Visit her website at www.cioservicesllc.com for more information, ideas and free resources.
BUSINESS JOURNAL
Getting started A free Skype account and a couple webcams are all you need to get started with videoconferencing. Next time you want to do a conference call, try video
Reader Profile: n 63% have household incomes of $60,000 or greater. 36% have household incomes of $80,000 or greater.
Wherever you want to go: College transfer Career programs Earning college credit while still in high school Job training Personal and professional growth Richland Community College can take you there. Explore your choices today.
Mobile options You can videoconference from anywhere, not just your desk or conference room. Anyone with a laptop likely has a camera built in, and for very little extra you can upgrade them to an HD-quality
One College Park | Decatur, Illinois 62521 | 217.875.7211 | richland.edu
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BUSINESS TELEPHONE SYSTEMS
COMMON PROBLEMS AFTER A STROKE
Q Can I save money on my business telephone bill? A
Also with VIP,(a raised M should be after VIP) ESI puts unified communication within reach of nearly every business. So whatever your business communication needs may be, chances are there’s an ESI phone system that will handle them easily!
Unit Director 2801 N. Jasper St. Decatur, IL 62526 Voice: (217) 872-8000 Fax: (217) 872-8021
My husband just had a stroke…..other than physical changes, what are some of the common problems that could last for a while or longer?
A
Often we hear of the warning signs of stroke, but what can you expect in the weeks and months after a stroke? Depending on where the stroke occurred, and the severity of the stroke, you might see a combination of emotional, social, and cognitive changes.
Yes you can! It’s easy with ESI all-in-one business phone systems and Global Technical Systems, Inc. is an authorized sales & service provider for ESI. Most ESI phone systems use VoIP to communicate over your computer network, cutting longdistance bills and improving intracompany communications.
Jason Gensler
Q
Contact Global Technical Systems, Inc. today, at 217-8728000, to learn how an ESI phone system can increase your productivity and your profits.
Dr. Karen Lee Neuropsychologist
Logan Square Professional Bldg. 2490 North Water St. Suite 9, Decatur 217-877-1100
SAVE TIME AND MONEY WITH SMARTPHONE APPS
What are the latest trends in advertising?
There are so many smartphone apps on the market to help you save money, but it takes time to sift through all the options to find ones that are really useful. Here’s a list of smartphone apps we’ve found to help today’s savvy money manager:
The way that people consume news each day is evolving. In most communities, you still have a core group of the population that prefers the “real feel” of the newspaper each and every day. However, the population of people consuming news on the Internet has grown leaps and bounds and continues to grow each day. Even the “tried & true” print believers are still consuming news online, even unknowingly through Facebook and Twitter feeds.
• WhatsApp is a mobile messaging app that uses your internet data plan to exchange messages without having to pay for SMS. It works with all phones and allows you to create groups and send unlimited basic, video and audio messages.
Vice President of Marketing 4850 E. Prosperity Place Decatur (217) 864-3030
With most strokes there is trouble with reduced attention span, short-term memory loss, reduced problem solving skills, and occasional anger outbursts. Life after a stroke can be very frustrating! Imagining yourself in the same situation helps you to cope.
DIGITAL ADVERTISING
Q Which smartphone apps are actually useful?
Chris Phillips
With RIGHT-sided strokes, weakness is seen on the left side of the body. Damage to the right side of the brain may result in personality and emotional changes, denial of symptoms, and difficulty with visual and perceptual functioning.
In time, people who have experienced a light to moderate stroke regain some or most of their previous skills. Family should try to be as patient and understanding as possible and find creative ways to help the patient who is trying so hard to regain lost skills. If you find that being a caretaker is too difficult, and you begin feeling stressed yourself, ask a professional for help.
www.globaltechsys.com jgensler@globaltechsys.com
A
Persons with LEFT-sided strokes show weakness on the right side of the body. Damage to the left side of the brain usually results in trouble expressing one’s thoughts, or trouble understanding and comprehending what other people are saying.
• Shopkick is a shopping rewards program where you earn points (kicks) just by walking in your favorite stores. Rack up your kicks and spend them anytime on merchandise, gift cards or trips. • Unit Price Compare (Android) or CompareMe Shopping Utility (iPhone) apps help you save money at the grocery store by calculating the unit price of similar products sold in different sizes/quantities to tell which is less expensive. • Red Laser is an scanner app for iPhone, Windows and Android that works on barcodes and QR codes to deliver detailed information about the product, including whether you can buy it at a better price nearby.
Cayla Hittmeier Advertising Sales Manager
• Home banking app - check with your financial institution to see if they have a smartphone app. This can save you money by helping you avoid overdraft fees since you can check you balance and transfer money from savings to checking on-the-go.
All of these are items that we can offer our customers from our suite of products. Call one of our Media Specialists today. Let us help you dive into digital!
Check out next month’s article for money saving websites! For more information visit www.llcu.org. Chris Phillips, VP of Marketing Land of Lincoln Credit Union 4850 E. Prosperity Place 62521
(217) 864-3030 cphillips@llcu.org
What does this change in consumption habits mean for businesses making advertising decisions? It means you have to think outside of the box. Most print publications that carry their product online as well, have incredibly affordable bundled packages that include the core product, as well as digital ads. One of the fastest growing ways that consumers receive advertising messages is through videos online. These are easy to do and often can be adapted from television commercials, even from other print pieces that you’ve already had created. YouTube videos and pre-roll videos are becoming quite popular and they are a great way to be seen while consumers peruse their favorite sites.
217.421.6994
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September 2013
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YOUR CAREER
Meet Reneé Stivers Partners In Education director Hometown: Decatur Family: Significant other, Thomas, and our four-legged rescues, Maceo and Lenny (cats). My parents, Robert and Beverly Blakeman, and sister, Lisa Sparling, live in Florida. Occupation: Director of Partners In Education, a program of Richland Community College. Education: Bachelor of science, management and organizational leadership, from Millikin University. My “I’d rather be …” bumper sticker would read: “I’d rather be riding my Harley.” Experience it and find out for yourself. Hobbies/interests: Motorcycles, museums and working with stained glass. My first job: I received a workers permit at 14 in order to work at the restaurant in Oreana which is no longer there. Why I do what I do: I have a desire to make a difference for others, as well as myself. I went back to school later in life, which is not an easy task. I want to help our young people get a good start to their future by helping them discover the careers our world has to offer and providing information to help them set goals to be successful sooner rather than later. Personal approaches to challenges: I try to get a good understanding of the situation and talk with others that may provide additional knowledge or assistance. Using a technique from Youth Leadership Institute, I establish “Goals, Roles and Rules.” As I advance, I try to be flexible and make changes but always moving forward to achieve a successful solution. Community involvement: I have been involved with the Pink Ribbon Ride. Currently, I am on the Decatur-Forsyth Classic committee and a member of the Decatur Metropolitan Rotary Club. What is Partners In Education and why was it created? Partners In Education is celebrating its 30th anniversary! Partners In Education was established in May 1983 as a not-for-profit corporation to create a partnership between the Decatur and Macon County business community and its schools by identifying and implementing projects in which the community can contribute to educational activities. Why is a program like this so important? Partners In Education promotes school/business partnerships and community-wide efforts to move our young people toward becoming functional, healthy adults who are becoming our work force, our parents and our future leaders.
Business Journal/Lisa Morrison
Has it changed much over the years? A multitude of programs have come and gone throughout the past 30 years, but Partners In Education still holds true as the liaison between area schools and businesses promoting and implementing special programs. What are some of the programs/activities you oversee? Partners In Education has a number of core programs most of which serve entire grade populations. n Youth Leadership Institute, AugustApril, serving 33 juniors from 14 area high schools. n Decatur Area College and Career Fair, Oct. 8, serving juniors and seniors from 17 area high schools, plus alternative programs. n 8th Grade Career Fair, Jan. 7-10, serving students from 22 area attendance centers. n ADM Chemistry Days, Feb 11-13, serving chemistry students from 15 area high schools. n Partners’ Salute, March 3. n Careers On Wheels, April 29-May 1, serving fourth grade students from 27 area schools. I also arrange for golf course volunteers for the LPGA Symetra
Tour/Decatur-Forsyth Classic. How is it funded? The collaborative agreement with Richland Community College satisfies mutual goals and eliminates many overhead and administrative expenses for Partners In Education. However, contributions from businesses and individuals are still needed to fund the school-based and work-based learning programs provided by Partners In Education. It’s obvious you work really closely with local businesses. What are local business leaders identifying as some of the shortcomings/successes of our local school systems when it comes to creating future employees? Keeping up with technology is always going to be a challenge. An underlying issue is getting our students to make the connection between what they are learning in school and how it applies to the real world and future careers. They need to have a strong knowledge base to build on. Without that, their success may be limited and definitely harder to achieve. What is being done to build upon these successes and address these shortcomings? The longevity of Partners In Education core
programs speak to these successes. These programs assist our schools by providing students, at various grade levels, with the opportunity to experience career exploration directly from those individuals employed in these positions. By participating in Partners In Education programs, businesses and individuals open the doors to current and future careers and relate the knowledge needed. Any instances you can point to that school programs have been influenced because of the connection Partners in Education fosters? A specific example would be the 8th Grade Career Fair. With assistance from school counselors, students are given a career interest inventory prior to attending the fair. Students are then assigned to a cluster relating to their first or second career choice. This event is designed for junior high students to explore career possibilities and assist them in selecting appropriate classes during high school. How can a business/individual get involved? We are always looking for people to serve on the advisory committee, be a partner, share their careers or help with the operation of the programs. Contact Partners In Education, (217) 875-7211 ext. 575.
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Colleagues disrespectful during meetings Q: Since taking a new job, I have been appalled by my colleagues’ disrespectful behavior in meetings. Most of them bring laptops and type continuously while others are talking. I initially believed they were taking notes, but soon discovered that they are actually working on other things. Cellphones also are a problem, with people constantly texting and taking calls. In one meeting, the leader responded to instant messages while her computer screen was on disOffice Coach play for everyone to see. All this extraneous activity is extremely distracting. When I attend meetings, I leave my laptop on my desk, silence my phone and return calls afterward. However, since I am middle-age, perhaps my ways are just old-fashioned. What do you think? A: While common courtesy never goes out of style, the definition of appropriate behavior does evolve over time. Children are still expected to use proper table manners, for example, but are no longer required to remain silent during meals. Because workplace norms also shift, your question does not have a simple answer. To demonstrate respect, meeting participants should be expected to give their full attention to the person who is speaking. Using a laptop or tablet for note-tak-
Marie McIntyre
ing or locating relevant information is perfectly OK, but working on unrelated tasks is unquestionably rude. That said, however, there is a distinct and growing generational divide regarding technology. Younger people, who grew up surrounded by multiple communication devices, tend to be less offended by electronic multitasking. For them, simultaneous talking and texting is a common occurrence. Older colleagues should try to understand that split attention does not necessarily indicate intentional disrespect by their juniors. At the same time, millennials have to realize that texting or emailing during meetings with senior managers could be a career-killer. To prevent misperceptions, leaders need to establish clear ground rules for the use of electronics in meetings. They should also be sure to invite only people who really need to attend. Otherwise, some participants may multitask simply to make better use of their time. Q: I recently applied for a position in another department without telling my boss. The job description sounded interesting, but lacked important details, including work hours. I figured, however, that I could ask those questions during the interview. A few days later, I was shocked when my boss informed me that “Phyllis,” the manager of the other department, had called to inquire about my work history. Shortly thereafter, Phyllis got in touch with me to discuss the position. When I learned that the hours would not fit my schedule, I withdrew my application. Now I feel awkward around my boss, because she knows I applied for another
WEEKLY TIPS Can't get enough advice from the Office Coach. Get weekly column updates at www.thebusiness-journal.com. job. Although there is no policy on this, I believe Phyllis was completely out of line to contact my manager before speaking with me. Do I have a right to be angry with her? A: Probably not. Telling your boss about an external job search is hardly ever a wise move, but internal job postings are an entirely different matter. In fact, many companies require that the manager be informed before an employee can interview in another department. Even without such a policy, managers frequently pick up rumors about these applications through the grapevine. Because bosses can feel blindsided by surreptitious transfer attempts, employees generally fare better if they explain the situation up front. In this case, Phyllis apparently conducted a rather standard internal background check before scheduling interviews, not realizing that your manager had been kept in the dark. Since she neither violated a policy nor intended to do you harm, your anger would seem to be misplaced. To avoid such unfortunate misunderstandings in the future, your human resources department should clearly define confidentiality expectations during the job posting process. Managers
and employees need to understand when and how this information can be shared. Q: A supervisor who reports to me spends a lot of time listening to one employee’s personal problems. “Pete” really cares about his staff, which is a strength, but I think he’s overdoing it with this woman. I don’t want to sound unsympathetic, but they need to spend less time chatting and more time working. How should I coach Pete about this? A: First, you must be sure that Pete understands his role as a supervisor. While he should certainly demonstrate caring and concern, his primary goal is to produce expected results. If he starts becoming a buddy or a counselor to employees, then he has inappropriately crossed a boundary. Pete also needs to recognize that attention is a powerful motivator. Whenever he participates in an extended gab session, he is tacitly encouraging the employee to come back for more, so he needs to start setting an appropriate time limit. Like many polite people, Pete may feel trapped in these conversations because he doesn’t know how to escape without seeming rude. He may therefore benefit from rehearsing verbal exit strategies. For example: “I’m sorry you’re having problems, and I certainly hope things work out. However, I think it’s time for both of us to get back to work.”
Marie G. McIntyre is a workplace coach and the author of “Secrets to Winning at Office Politics.” Send in questions and get free coaching tips at www.yourofficecoach.com, or follow her on Twitter @officecoach.
What’s behind new worker’s lack of engagement? Q: We’ve recently added a new analyst to our staff. She just graduated from college, has some of the right skills, but is somewhat lackadaisical in her approach to her work. What can we do to increase her engagement? A: Plain talk is needed to make your expectations clear and to be sure she’s in the right role. Set aside any frustration, settle into a grounded state of mind and prepare to think about the situation. If necessary, take some deep breaths and focus on getting calm. Taking the emotions out of the situation, think about the actual events. It’s easy to exaggerate, or to see things as “always” or “never.” Be sure that you can
Liz Reyer
specifically describe the issues that you’re concerned about. Also think about the positives in her work. Then take your employee’s point of view. If she were to describe her new position, what might she say? Consider whether she really has clarity on what she should be doing, what to do when she finishes her tasks and ways to move forward. Also think about your culture, and how it might be supporting her or falling short. For example, does your organization have a “sink or swim” feel? If so, people who are less assured might struggle with asking for the support they need. Get feedback from others, as well. Do other teammates share your point of view? Perhaps they have different perspectives or ideas to help bring her along. On the other hand, an underproductive employee can bring down morale, so determine whether that dynamic is at play. Finally, clarify your expectations.
WEEKLY TIPS Get weekly career tips from Liz Reyer at www.thebusiness-journal.com. What would you like to see in three months? Six months? After a year? Know where you could compromise, and what is not negotiable. Recognize that direct communication will be the key to success, either through ongoing mentoring to help your new team member fit in her role, or in helping her realize that the job isn’t the right fit. Set up a time to meet with her. Lay out your observations, and ask for her perspective on how the job is going. To draw her out, ask about a variety of aspects, such as her specific responsibilities or her relationships with co-workers. Then let her know your expectations. Even if you feel that you’ve communicated them
before, it’s worth restating them. If she seems hesitant about her position, try to determine whether she is still adjusting to a professional role, or if the position doesn’t fit her skills and goals. If you feel that there’s potential for her, set up a schedule for regular meetings, and be sure that she develops a support network that extends more deeply into the company. Also, accept that she just may not be willing to step up. Her temperament may not fit; she may lack the work ethic you expect. Sometimes you’ll need to be willing to make a hard decision so that you can bring in the right kind of person. Be direct in addressing your new employee’s approach to work so that she can either step it up or move on.
Liz Reyer is a credentialed coach with more than 20 years of business experience. Her company, Reyer Coaching & Consulting, offers services for organizations of all sizes. Submit questions or comments about this column at www.deliverchange.com/coachscorner or email her at liz@deliverchange.com.
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September 2013
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YOUR BUSINESS
Employee recognition important Programs build workers morale By DONNETTE BECKETT Business Journal Writer
DECATUR — An employee recognition award is a gift that keeps on giving for businesses and workers. Just ask Molly Miller, a technology coach with the Decatur School District. Miller received the 2012 Avenue of Excellence award. “I was more humbled and grateful that the district acknowledged my hard work,” Miller said. “Looking at it still motivates me.” In these economically stressful times, it’s even more important now than ever before to keep up the morale of their employees. “Research consistently shows that competitive pay and benefits aren’t enough to attract, retain and cultivate the best talent,” according to Terryberry, a company that specializes in employee recognition programs. “Especially in these uncertain times, companies must acknowledge their people for their efforts and contributions,” the website states. That’s why many companies choose to
acknowledge their employees in various ways. One of the more common employee incentives is still Employee of the Month, although many companies call it a different name. For instance, employees of Consociate have the opportunity to receive the monthly STAR, or special thanks and recognition, award. STAR program employees are nominated through office and online suggestions. A small committee chooses the recipients who will receive the reward of the coveted front parking spot and an extra four hours of time off. For Emma Wene, Consociate pre-tax adjuster and the company’s August STAR recipient, it wasn’t just about the extra perks. “It makes you feel pretty awesome,” she said. St. Mary’s Hospital does its best to reward their monthly MVP recipient. The hospital’s most valuable person gets special treatment during the month with a premium parking spot. The MVP also receives $100 in Chamber Bucks which can be redeemed at various businesses throughout Decatur, such as The Beach House, Kroger and The Main Hangar. “They’re for places I actually do business (with),” said Bill Wood, EMT coordinator and St. Mary’s August MVP. Although the recipients appreciate the accolades, the one thing they have
‘We believe peer to peer motivation is also important.’ KEVIN HORATH, DMH HUMAN SERVICES VICE PRESIDENT in common is a sense of pride in their job. “I represent the hospital,” Wood said. “I’m very blessed to work here.” For some, the awards only confirm their hard work. “I take my job very seriously,” Miller said. “I felt I was doing a good job before.” Companies also see work performance improvements in the co-workers as well as the recipients. “Colleague recognition not only boosts morale and engages colleagues, but also improves performance overall,” said Denise Smith, director of people services at St. Mary’s. But even small rewards can be helpful
Featured Business:
in the work environment. Keeping that in mind, Decatur Memorial Hospital offers a program called Cares Currency for employees to support each other. When an employee sees a co-worker doing something above and beyond his/her normal duties, such as helping a patient who is lost, the employee can recommend the co-worker for a Cares Currency (equivalent to $1) which can be redeemed in the hospital cafeteria. “We believe peer to peer motivation is also important,” said Kevin Horath, DMH vice president of human resources. “It’s not all about the money, sometimes a pat on the back helps.” Encouragement and motivations can have an effect on customers and clients as well. Patients and families traveling the halls of DMH may see the 3-foot-tall M&M character with his own hospital identification badge displayed. This symbol recognizes the department of the month. “It affects our patient care also,” Horath said. The influence employee recognitions give to the business have lasting effects as years go by. After 14 years with the Decatur schools and a year after receiving her award, Miller continues to feel the appreciation from her hard work. “Money comes and goes,” she said. “I’ll always have that award.”
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September 2013
BUSINESS CLIPS as a Top 50 Fastest-Growing Firm and for its 2013 RIA Ranking. It also was named to the Registry of Business Excellence by the American Registry.
Promotions
Kowa-Morelli
Griggs
Luke Burket of Sikich has passed the certified public accountant exam.
Dawson
Tonya Kowa-Morelli has been promoted to president of Huston Patterson Corp.
Burket
Elizabeth Gephart has joined United Cerebral Palsy Land of Lincoln as the chief program officer. Barb Harp has joined the Glenda Williamson Realty as a broker associate.
New staff members
Melissa D. Griggs has been promoted to supervisor at Sikich. Jenny Dawson has been promoted to chief marketing and business development officer at United Cerebral Palsy Land of Lincoln.
Achievements Prairie State Bank & Trust announces its second quarter Excellence In Service Award recipients for the Decatur/Illiopolis/Long Creek/Mount Zion region. They are Deb Hunter, Misty McNear and Matthew McRae of the Mount Zion branch; Debbie Perryman and Taylor Kennedy of the Long Creek branch; Beth Royce and Christie Woods of the Illiopolis branch; and Julie Young of the Decatur. IPI Wealth Management Inc. has been recognized by Financial Advisor Magazine
Jenkins
Brandt
Hjort
Amy Jenkins has joined Sikich as a manager and Kierstin Brandt and Joshua Hjort have joined the firm as staff accountants. Ronda Eckhardt has been named manager of Illinois Ophthalmics’ optical laboratory. David MacDonna has been appointed director of development and commu-
Building and Construction Trades Council. Others elected to leadership positions were Bill Francisco, Painters District Council 58/Local 288, vice president; Larry Gooding, Plumbers and Pipefitters Local 137, secretary/treasurer; and Joe Riley, Laborers Local 159, sergeant-at-arms.
nication and Julie Simpson has been appointed youth development director for The Salvation Army of Macon County.
Simpson
Gephart
Harp Bill Peck has joined Global Technical Systems Inc. as a high-tier network specialist.
Burkhart
Pam Burkhart has Peck been named executive director of Macon County Court Appointed Special Advocates.
MacDonna
Shad Etchason of IBEW Local 146 has been reelected president of the Decatur
ASK THE SCORE COUNSELOR Q: What type of people should I look for to mentor me in my quest to be a successful entrepreneur? A: Entrepreneur. It’s a tough word to spell and to call yourself. Being an entrepreneur brings with it a love of leaping head first into the unknown. Lifelong entrepreneurs love new challenges, and live their lives in a constant growth phase. One of the common resources an entrepreneur turns to is a mentor. Asking for advice and bouncing ideas off of others is essential to the success of an entrepreneur’s journey. Here are the five types of mentors Joanna Lord, an online marketing expert, startup enthusiast and vice president of growth marketing at Seattlebased SEO, recommends every entrepreneur should have. 1. A friend that knew you before you started doing your own thing. Perhaps no voice matters more than the one that knew you before you had a startup. They knew you when all this was just a dream, or when you didn’t even know what a startup was. They can speak to your roots and ground you when you get lost in the startup haze. 2. A person with your similar skill set at your point of learning. Having regular coffee dates or Skype chats with people who are in your similar phase of growth can lead to valuable relationships. You can push each other and question each other’s decisions.
GOT A QUESTION? For more information on being a better business owner, for one-on-one, face-to-face business counseling, or to submit a question for the “Ask the SCORE Counselor” column, contact SCORE Chapter 296, Millikin University, 1184 W. Main St., Decatur, IL 62522 or call (217) 424-6296.
They can be there when things fall through or when you’re having a great day. There is a confidence that can come with camaraderie like that. You can understand what each other is going through. 3. A colleague you don’t love working with. One of the biggest challenges that face any entrepreneur is justifying what you want to do and why it’s going to disrupt the status quo — whether it be to investors, team members, staff or others. It helps if you’re good at talking to just about anyone. Fine tune your ability to take feedback and get good at turning it into positive results. There is no quicker way to do this than to push forward with a relationship that isn’t particularly enjoyable or easy at first. 4. A person with the exact opposite skill set than yours. Seek out mentors who are most
Bill McNutt of Moore, Susler, McNutt & Wrigley has been elected president of the Decatur Bar Association. Other officers are Lindsey Wise, presidentelect; Regan Lewis, secretary; Katherine Anderson, treasurer; and Susan Nicholas, past-president.
McNutt
Business Clips are abbreviated versions of paid Business Achievements which appear on Mondays in the Herald & Review. For more information about Business Achievements, go to www.heraldreview.com/app/secure/businessach/
BUSINESS JOURNAL Reader Profile:
Announcements
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Sixth Judicial Circuit Judge R.C. Bollinger has been elected to the board of directors of the Illinois Judges Association.
unlike yourself. For example, talking to your office manager or accountant will help you understand and learn more about exactly what they do. Maybe they have skills you do not possess, so take steps to learn these from them. Take classes in accounting or human resource management if needed. Lifelong learning is critical to success in business. 5. A friend who always knew you’d be an entrepreneur. Meet often with someone who knows you as “your entrepreneurial self” and not in any other way. He or she is likely the one to say “you got this” and “this is what you do” — even when you’re doubting it yourself. That person can’t imagine you ever taking the safe option or quitting. He or she would never tell you it’s OK if you haven’t given something your best effort, and will cheer every one of your accomplishments.
n 72% read The Business Journal monthly. n 17% are 34 and under
WINDOWS ROOFING DECKS KITCHENS RESTORATIONS DOORS SIDING REMODELING PORCHES BATHS
— Carol Harding, SCORE counselor
Meet a SCORE counselor
Vitale
Mike Vitale is the former owner and president of the local Pepsi-Cola Bottling Co. His counseling specialties are administration, management and sales. He has been a SCORE member for 17 years.
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September 2013
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21
It is human resource’s duty to warn Even when I disagree with her, I find her responses fair and practical. Her advice is usually spot on. I am a fan of Marie McIntyre (“Your Office Coach�), whose columns appear in the Business Journal, as well as in the Monday Herald & Review. You might remember this one: Q: Shortly after joining this company, I became aware of numerous issues related to discrimination and harassment. As a human resources Human Resources professional, I felt obligated to make management aware of these problems, so I reported them to my boss, who is the director of HR, and to several department heads. Although my superiors were willing to investigate some situations, they seemed reluctant to address any concerns that might involve executives. I was encouraged to overlook these matters and was advised that pursuing them could damage people’s careers.
Fred Spannaus
Because I believe it is my duty to report violations of state and federal law, I went around my management chain and contacted our ethics department. Since no one else was willing to file a grievance about these issues, I reported them myself. Now I have received a very negative performance review. What should I do? McIntyre offered good advice, suggesting that the reader might be mismatched to the company and musing whether the reader exhibited bias against management. So far, so good. But I wanted her to craft a sentence or two about HR’s “duty to warn,� She didn’t. So I will, because I have a column. The “duty to warn� means that human resource professionals must alert management when the organization violates the law or is noncompliant with regulations. When HR discovers something that exposes the company to legal risk, it has an obligation to inform the brass. Let’s review how McIntyre’s reader handled it (I need a gender here, so I’ll make it a he). First, he reported the issues to his boss. Good for him. He then reported the issues to “several department heads� as well. We don’t
know whom he contacted, why he involved them, what he said to them, or what he expected them to do. Maybe it matters, but let’s move on. Receiving inadequate responses, he went to the Ethics Department (cool that the organization has an Ethics Department!). Again, there’s some information left out: What did he say? Did the issue get resolved? But let’s skip over those questions as well. Instead, let’s suggest a different route for him. Let’s tell him to use a targeted approach and to frame the issue in terms of potential liability. When he approached his boss, he could have described the offensive practices and their impact on the affected employees. He could name the relevant laws and regulations. He could discuss liability by defining the potential penalties and citing situations when companies were fined for similar practices. He could have asked his boss to communicate this legal exposure to management and/or the company’s legal counsel. He could follow up with a written summary. This protects him and provides documentation. This approach is proactive and preventive — addressing the problem
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before a formal complaint is lodged. It is professional and thorough. It demonstrates that HR is protecting the company’s interests, not just causing trouble. It also puts the ball squarely in the court of the people who have the power to fix it. And that’s exactly where it belongs.
Fred W. Spannaus, principal of Spannaus Consulting, is a senior professional in human resources. He loves feedback to his columns. Fred can be contacted by email at spannaus@ ameritech.net or by phone at (217) 425-2635.
BUSINESS JOURNAL Reader Profile: n 48% share their copy of the Journal with others. n 23% are 35 to 44 years old n 66% have household income of $80,000 or more.
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September 2013
YOUR FREE TIME
The Arts Arts in Central Park, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 21, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 22. Includes art activities for kids. A preview night will be held from 5-7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 20.
Calendar of events For a complete list of events, go to www.herald-review.com/go/
Oktoberfest, hosted by the Metro Decatur Home Builders Association, 6-11 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 12, in the 100 block of South Oakland Avenue. Featuring music by Rosetta Stone. Special VIP seating and food/drink offer for association members. Call Irene Rainey at (217) 521-8846.
Gallery 510: Wood turning work by Don Davis. Opening reception from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 6. Call (217) 422-1509.
Decatur Club 130th anniversary celebration, 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 21, at the Decatur Club. Featuring a retro Las Vegas theme. Cost is $75 per person or $130 per couple. Call (217) 429-4200.
Decatur Airport: Mixed media by Leta Burch. Blue Connection: “The Art of Improvisation” an on-site interpretation of the Millikin Faculty Jazz Ensemble’s performance from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 6, by art students from Carriage House.
Music Millikin-Decatur Symphony Orchestra, opening night concert, 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 28, at Kirkland Fine Arts Center. Featured performer is Andrea Frakes Pope. For tickets, call (217) 424-6318.
On Stage Mount Zion Convention Center: Village Idiot Comedy Club presents Mike Armstrong on Thursday, Sept. 26, Midnight Swinger on Thursday, Oct. 3, and Bob Zaney on Thursday, Nov. 7. For information, go to www.mtzion.com or call (217) 864-5424. Kirkland Fine Arts Center: The Ultimate Michael Jackson Experience by Joby Rogers, 7:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 13; and iO Theater Whirled News Tonight, 8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 5. For tickets, call (217) 424-6318.
Charity events
The Rock Springs Nature Center. Go to www.maconcountyconservation.org and click on the Programs and Activities tab for a complete listing.
Misc.
Anne Lloyd Gallery: “An Eye Toward Design” featuring the photography of four young women who, while they have never met, share a common eye for the elements of design in their works. Opening reception from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 6. Call (217) 423-3189. www.decatur arts.org
David Erlanson Gallery at Richland Community College: “5,000 Head” featuring photographs by Anastasia Samoylova. The exhibit runs through Sept. 20.
Sept. 8; Family Campout, Friday, Sept. 13. Call (217) 421-7435.
The Cruise 11 to Remember 9/11 will be Sunday, Sept. 8, in Central Park. Funds raised will provide Christmas presents to veterans in need Dueling Pianos show to benefit DecaturMacon County Crime Stoppers, 6 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 14, at the Decatur Conference Center and Hotel. Cost is $40 per ticket or $80 per couple. For more information, call (217) 201-0661.
Palooza, Saturday, Sept. 28. Call (217) 423-5437. Scovill Zoo: Grandparents Day, Sunday,
Chevrolet Hall of Fame Museum Classic Car & Memorabilia Auction, Friday and Saturday, Sept. 27 and 28, at the Decatur Conference Center and Hotel. A preview party will begin at 3 p.m. Friday, with the memorabilia auction starting at 6 p.m. The auction, including all cars, will begin at 9 a.m. Saturday. For more information, go to www.chevrolethalloffamemuseum.com or call (217) 545-4583.
Got an item you’d like listed in the Your Free Time calendar? Send the information to Scott Perry at sperry@herald-review.com or 601 E. William St., Decatur, IL 62523.
Shoreline Classic, 7:30 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 15, Nelson Park Main Pavilion. This Tot Trot, 5k run/walk or 15k run benefits local and high school running programs. To register visit, www.shorelineclassic. com.
OUTDOOR PROJECTS
Betsy Smith 5k Run/Walk, to benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters, 8 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 21, at St. Mary’s Hospital. For more information, go to www.the betsyrun.com Brew Ha Ha, to benefit The Decatur Area Arts Council, 6 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 28, in the street outside the Madden Arts Center, 125 N. Water St. Includes a Taste of Germany (beer and food) and music by the Veggies. Call (217) 423-3189.
Cruise 11 to Remember 9/11, Sunday, Sept. 8, in Central Park to raise funds to provide Christmas presents to veterans in need. There will be a car show in downtown, with a cruise of an 11-mile route at 1 p.m. Registration begins at 10 a.m. There also will be a memorial service and salute to those who serve our country and community at 4 p.m. For information, call (217) 791-1385.
Prairie Pedal, 7 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 29, at Rock Springs Nature Center. This 20-, 40or 62-mile route through quiet country roads benefits the natural area preservation projects at Macon County’s conservation areas. Go to www.maconcounty conservationfoundation.org.
Fido Scurry, to benefit the Macon County Animal Control and Care Center, 8-11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 7, Fairview Park Pavilion No. 1. Includes a blessing of the animals, Dog Jog 5k or 1 mile run/walk, pet parade and costume contest. Call (217) 423-7387.
Children’s Museum of Illinois: Little Miss Ann, folk rock kiddie band, Saturday, Sept. 14; Family Science Sunday, 2-4 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 8; Worldwide Day of Play, Saturday, Sept. 21; Be a Tooth Sleuth exhibition opening, 5-7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 26, and Pumpkin
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September 2013
BUSINESS JOURNAL
23
YOUR MONEY
Study: Youth attitudes shift in Great Recession By MARTHA IRVINE AP National Writer
CHICAGO — Drew Miller clearly remembers the day his father was laid off. Miller, now 25, was a freshman at an Ohio college, full of hope and ready to take on the world. But here was this “red flag ... a big wake-up call,” he said. The prosperous years of childhood were over, and his future was likely to be bumpier than he’d expected. Across the country, others of Miller’s generation heard that same wake-up call as the Great Recession set in. But would it change them? And would the impact last? The full effect won’t be known for a while, of course. But a new analysis of a long-term survey of high school students provides an early glimpse at ways their attitudes shifted in the first years of this most recent economic downturn. Among the findings: Young people showed signs of being more interested in conserving resources and a bit more concerned about their fellow human beings. Compared with youths who were surveyed a few years before the recession hit, more of the Great Recession group also was less interested in big-ticket items such as vacation homes and new cars — though they still placed more
importance on them than young people who were surveyed in the latter half of the 1970s, an era with its own economic challenges. Either way, it appears this latest recession “has caused a lot of young people to stop in their tracks and think about what’s important in life,” said Jean Twenge, a psychology professor at San Diego State University who coauthored the study with researchers from UCLA. Its data comes from “Monitoring the Future,” an annual survey of young people that began in the mid-1970s. The authors of the study compared responses of high school seniors from three time periods — 1976-1978 and 2004-2006, as well as 2008-2010, the first years of the Great Recession. They found that at the beginning of this latest recession, more of the 12thgraders were willing to use a bicycle or mass transit instead of driving — 36 percent in 2008-2010, compared with 28 percent in the mid-2000s. However, that was still markedly lower than the 49 percent of respondents in the 1970s group who said the same. There were similar patterns for other responses, such as those who said they: n Make an effort to turn the heat down to save energy: 78 percent (1976-1978); 55 percent (2004-2006); and 63 percent (2008-
2010). n Want a job directly helpful to others: 50 percent (1976-1978); 44 percent (20042006); and 47 percent (2008-2010). n Would eat differently to help the starving: 70 percent (1976-1978); 58 percent (2004-2006); and 61 percent (20082010). Psychologist Patricia Greenfield said the findings fit with other research she’s done that shows that people become more community-minded, and less materialistic, when faced with economic hardship. “To me, it’s a silver lining,” said Greenfield, another of the study’s contributors, along with lead author Heejung Park, an advanced doctoral student in psychology at UCLA. Their analysis found that, of the three groups, the Great Recession group was still most likely to want jobs where they could make a “significant” amount of money. But the authors say that may simply be attributable to the ever-rising cost of day-to-day expenses, from groceries to electric and gas bills. In comparison, they note that the Great Recession group also showed a bit less interest in luxury items than the students who were surveyed in the mid-2000s. For instance, 41 percent of high school seniors questioned 2008-2010 said it was important to own a vacation home, com-
pared with 46 percent in 2004-2006. Again, both percentages are higher than the 34 percent who said the same in 1976-1978. These findings have a margin of error of plus-or-minus 1 percentage point, or less. Tina Wells, CEO of Buzz Marketing Group, which tracks youth trends, said the analysis fits with what she’s seen in her own work. Many young people, she said, are living in what she calls “millennial purgatory,” unemployed or under-employed, working in jobs below their qualifications, and sometimes still living at home with their parents. During the Great Recession, the unemployment rate for 15- to 24-year-olds has risen above 20 percent — more than double the overall rate. “If you’re 22 and trying to jump-start your life right now, it’s not so easy,” Wells said. As a result, various 20-somethings have tempered their career expectations in different ways. Until the economy improves, “I’ve been opting for security over the perfect job,” said Calvin Wagner, a 24-year-old accountant in suburban Cincinnati. As he bides his time, working for a small company with little chance for advancement, he’s studying for the exam to become a certified public accountant.
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