Vol. 3, No. 8: August 2010
Signal
An Online Newsletter from WSIU Public Radio
This Month on Morning Conversations
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n Morning Conversations, host Jennifer Fuller speaks with a local author, the Friends of the Cross, and SIU administrators.
August 10: SIUC Chancellor Rita Cheng will talk with Fuller about plans for the University as we gear up for the new academic year.
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August 23: SIUC President Glenn Poshard will share the latest University news in his monthly interview.
ugust 2: Author Aaron Webster will be in to share insights about his new book The Drummer Boy From Illinois Went Crash, Boom, Bang.
Cover of local author Aaron Webster’s book. Photo: amazon.com
August 3: Representatives of Friends of The Cross will provide updates about their efforts to raise money for and renovate Bald Knob Cross in Alto Pass, and discuss more recent news about the organization.
Hey, I Think This Sounds Like Radio!
Morning Conversations airs at 8:30am on Tuesdays and other weekdays, as scheduled. If you miss the live broadcasts, tune in to our podcasts at wsiu.org and follow us on Facebook and Twitter!
Coming This Fall: This American Life
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hat does a college campus sound like? On July 18, Dave Armstrong, host of the experimental music program Sounds Like Radio on WSIU Radio (Sundays, 3-5am), led a group of interested community members on a tour of the many different soundscapes of Dave Armstrong (center, red cap) leads a soundwalk at SIUC the SIU Carbondale campus. Held in on Sunday, July 18. Photo: Monica Tichenor, WSIU. conjunction with World Listening Day, an event sponsored by the World Listening Project, the soundwalk invited participants to focus on how sounds interact with their environment and impact the atmosphere of specific locations. “Part of it is just being aware of the things we are hearing or not hearing,” Armstrong said in an interview with the Southern Illinoisan. “I think [a soundwalk] gives you a little bit better appreciation of how things go together and, without being too deep about it, it’s just fun to appreciate something new sometimes.” Those who took part in the walk were given an ear-opening experience and gained a new appreciation of the meaning of “acoustic ecology,” which explores the relationship between living beings and their environment based on sound. Armstrong plans to lead another campus soundwalk this fall when more students are present. Additional soundwalks also may be scheduled during the year. Stay tuned for details as they become available!
Host Ira Glass. Photo: Richard Frank.
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e are excited to announce that This American Life will make it’s debut on WSIU Radio in September. Produced by Chicago Public Radio, This American Life documents contemporary American life through everyday experiences. Each program explores a particular theme through a playful mix of radio monologues, minidocumentaries, “found tape,” short fiction, and unusual music. The program will air on Sunday afternoons (exact time TBA).
SIRIS Volunteer Profile: Jordan Wood
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eet Jordan Wood, Southern Illinois University student and SIRIS volunteer reader. Wood was raised in Danville, Illinois and attended the University of Colorado where he obtained his Bachelor’s degree. He relocated to Southern Illinois a year ago to be closer to his girlfriend, who works in Illinois, and to take additional classes that will prepare him for medical school. Wood first heard about WSIU Public Broadcasting through his girlfriend, who volunteered with SIRIS while she was a student at SIU. He began volunteering in the winter of 2009 and says he became interested in volunteering with SIRIS because, “Local news is really important; and it seems that older people, who are more involved in the community, are the people who are affected by vision impairment. They need to hear about the news just as much, or are just as interested as those people who don’t have vision impairment.”
Each week, Wood volunteers at SIRIS for a half-hour during which he reads and records the publication he is assigned, focusing mainly on local news. He points out that one of the great things about SIRIS is the flexibility of its volunteer schedule, “Just coming in any time during your free time and reading for a half-hour or an hour allows countless people to listen to [news] and benefit [from the service]. It’s really convenient, I think it’s a really good format for a lot of people to help.” Wood says that he hopes that through SIRIS’s services, people with vision impairment find it easier to keep current with news and events and feel less isolated. He is certainly not a stranger to helping others. Until this past spring, Wood also regularly volunteered at the Abundant Health Resource Clinic.
Jordan Wood. Photo: Hannah Rummel.
Unfortunately, the Clinic was forced to close due to lack of funding. When he is not volunteering for SIRIS, Wood is working hard to prepare to apply to medical school within the next year. He is also a WSIU Radio fan. He often listens to NPR and counts All Things Considered among his favorites. Learn how you can give back to your community as a SIRIS volunteer by calling (618) 453-2808 or clicking on the SIRIS tab at wsiu.org.
SIRIS Welcomes New Board Members: Brad Klein & Aaron Webster
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riginally from Rolling Meadows, Illinois, Brad Klein attended the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and received his Bachelor of Science in Architectural Studies in 1990. He moved to Carbondale in 1993, and began working for White & Borgognoni Architects Brad Klein. Photo: Hannah Rummel. in 1994. Klein has taken several classes at SIU Carbondale, including choral union, ballroom dancing, and metalsmithing. He has been a guest lecturer on the topic of sustainability in architecture, and has instructed a course on environmental design for architecture and interior design students at SIUC. Klein also is an avid boater and enjoys karaoke. He has volunteered for the Southern Illinois Irish Festival, the Women’s Center, and most recently for SIRIS as a reader. Klein also participates in the American Institute of Architects and is a past president of the Southern Illinois chapter. His son, Lucien, recently graduated from Carbondale Community High School. Brad is looking forward to participating on the board for SIRIS.
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outhern Illinois native Aaron Webster graduated from Herrin High School in 1986 and went on to study Art at Rend Lake College. While at Rend Lake, he worked as a cartoon artist for the campus, producing his own cartoon strip. Webster has published several books in a variety of genres, including musicians’ Aaron Webster. Photo: Hannah Rummel. biographies, western, romantic comedy, and children’s stories. Webster reads for SIRIS each week and narrates WSIU-TV InFocus episodes. As a broadcaster, he’s worked on the air at WTAO, WDDD, 97.7 THE BEAR, and at Q106, where he hosted a popular award-winning Elvis Presley series. His loudest role happens every weekend at the I-57 Dragstrip, as emcee sportscaster for “Outlaw Track” racing events. Webster most recently published his book entitled, The Drummer Boy From Illinois Went Crash, Boom, Bang, which he is turning Drummer Boy into a stage play. In his spare time, he enjoys playing guitar, reading, camping, and fishing. Webster is excited about his new role on the SIRIS board.
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Donate Time and Vinyl to the Classic Vinyl Sale GetYour Involved!
he SIRIS Classic Vinyl & Media Sale is approaching fast and SIRIS needs your donations! We are in particular need of certain genres that have consistently been best-sellers at our previous sales. If you have any Rock, Classic Rock, Country Rock, Blues, Country Western, Pop, Zydeco, or Disco albums you can part with, we would greatly appreciate your donation. You can drop off your donations at the University Mall Information Center in Carbondale, SIU Credit Union branch in Marion, or Wright Do-It Center in Murphysboro.
If you don’t have any vinyl to donate, volunteer! Volunteers are needed to help sort records, to work at the sale, and to clean up. Volunteers who work for at least four hours to organize the sale are invited to a sneak preview of the sale on Friday, September 10 when they can purchase items. Click here for addresses of the drop-off locations, as well as dates and times volunteers are needed. If you have any questions or would like to volunteer, contact Vickie Devenport, SIRIS Director, at (618) 453-6148.
Volunteers helping sort records before the 2009 sale.
Underwriter Profile: Scott McClatchey of Alliance Investment Planning Group values. Public radio in general, and WSIU especially, is all about honesty and integrity.”
Scott McClatchey. Photo: Provided.
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cott McClatchey provides investment advisory services for individuals, families, and business owners. Services include financial planning, investment strategies and advice, retirement planning, college savings plans, insurance and risk management. According to Scott, what may surprise people to know is that “What seem to be complex planning tools are simply ways to manage basic goals in life. For me, it’s about helping people realize their goals and strive to become financially independent. The journey may be challenging at times, but the destination is gratifying.” Scott helps to sponsor WSIU Radio’s daily news programs, such as Morning Edition, Fresh Air, All Things Considered, and the weekend news programs. Says Scott, “Oh, it’s definitely about shared
“We decided to sponsor WSIU because of its service-oriented mission and critically-important role in shaping Southern Illinois. We also feel a common bond with public broadcasting viewers and listeners in terms of a shared belief in promoting positive change and supporting fairness, balance, candor, and transparency in broadcasting. Public broadcasting is still the leastpoliticized of the major media outlets in operation today.” Scott also has been involved with WSIU as a volunteer member of the WSIU Friends Board, recently completing a term as Board president. Scott muses, “WSIU Public Broadcasting is a unique, essential public resource. It strengthens our region and supports the people of southern Illinois. Especially close to my heart are WSIU outreach activities like Raising Readers, PBS Teacherline, SIRIS, SciGirls, Library Corners, The Electric Company Circuit Tour, and Biz Kid$. Public broadcasting belongs to us; we need to support it to keep it alive and healthy.” Scott notes, “Since my underwriting sponsorship began, I’ve received numerous comments – all positive – and several ‘thank you’s’ from
members of the community. I’ve also been pleasantly surprised at how many people who support public broadcasting are willing to engage in conversation once they realize you, too, are a supporter and member of this special family.” Scott says he definitely would recommend program sponsorship to other businesses. “WSIU underwriters aren’t just reaching the best customer demographic in the region, they’re also supporting a critical resource that brings unique, high-quality programming and outreach services to all of us. Audiences respect the sharedvalues and service-mission aspects of sponsoring public broadcasting.” Scott is an avid viewer and listener. “On WSIU-TV, I enjoy watching thoughtful programs like Nature, Charlie Rose, PBS NewsHour, NOVA, and InFocus, and entertaining programs like Soundstage, Austin City Limits, Rudy Maxa, and Rick Steves. I’m also a big fan of Ken Burns and his extraordinary documentaries. WSIU Radio programs I enjoy listening to include Morning Edition and All Things Considered, and classical music.” Alliance Investment Planning Group is located at 115 S. Washington in Carbondale. For more information, call (618) 519-9344 or visit www. allianceinvestmentplanning.com.
Underwriter Profile: Peter J. Pirmann D.M.D., P.C.
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r. Peter Pirmann has practiced general dentistry in Carbondale, Illinois for 28 years. His practice includes the full range of dental services, from children’s dentistry to esthetic dentistry for patients of all ages. “What most people may not be aware of is that we use digital radiography instead of traditional x-rays. Digital technology means less exposure time to x-rays and the patient doesn’t have to wait for x-rays to develop. We also use an intra-oral camera so that patients can see exactly what the dentist is viewing.” Dr. Pirmann is a long-time sponsor of WSIU Public Radio, currently underwriting a variety of programs, including news, classical music, and weekend entertainment and public affairs programming. He explains his commitment to WSIU as, “It’s a quality service that reaches beyond the university campus to serve people out in the greater region. WSIU
reaches out to communities and really just touches so many lives. Those values of quality community service are important to me.” Recently, he participated in the Illinois State Dental Society Mission of Mercy, where he and his colleagues met for two days to provide over one million dollars in free dental services to over 2000 patients who had no other access to dental care. This event was the first of its kind in Illinois. Pete is a dedicated fan of the WSIU stations. He explains that, “What WSIU has to offer is excellent programming, day after day. It provides both entertainment and education. I also appreciate that you don’t have to worry about what your kids are hearing on WSIU. It is safe, smart, and enlightening.” He notes that, “My patients thank me for supporting the stations – they are really appreciative that we help to
Peter J. Pirmann D.M.D., P.C.. Photo: Provided.
support and sustain it. The feedback has been very positive from both existing and new patients, and it’s often mentioned when a new patient is referred to me. WSIU gives that sense of community; it bridges town and gown in a positive way.” Pete says he keeps his own radio tuned to WSIU. “I am entertained immensely by Click and Clack [Car Talk], and I enjoy listening to classical music, especially on long drives. On WSIU-TV, I always enjoy Nature and NOVA.” Dr. Pirmann may be contacted at his office, 420 Robinson Circle in Carbondale, 618-529-2212, or online at www.pirmanndmd.com.
August 7 • New Releases This week’s program features new and recent vocal and instrumental tracks from some of the best Celtic Musicians currently recording.
Sat, 3pm • Sun, 6pm
August 14 • Bands on Tour Which Celtic bands are on tour this summer and might be appearing at a festival or on a concert stage near you? We will sample some recent CDs by the leading bands on the tour circuit in this week’s program. August 21• Old Favorites We raid the record shelves for some old favorite vocal and instrumental music this week on Celtic Connections. August 28 • Men of the North The North of Ireland has a rich tradition of singers and instrumentalists, some of whom are featured on this week’s program.
Don’t Miss The Human Edge on WSIU Radio
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on’t miss The Human Edge, airing on Mondays on WSIU Radio during NPR’s Morning Edition and All Things Considered now through September 6. The series identifies the key attributes that gave humans the competitive advantage over other species and explores how we acquired our unique characteristics, skills, and abilities.
“...WSIU Radio is a wonderful source for news, music, and entertainment.” - Chris Wissman, Carbondale, Illinois
Upcoming episodes include: August 2 • Guts, Teeth, and Fire Morning Edition August 2 • Throwing All Things Considered August 9 • Three Pounds of Jelly Morning Edition August 9 • From Beads to Books All Things Considered August 16 • Talking Morning Edition August 16 • Playing Fair All Things Considered August 23 • Tears and Empathy Morning Edition August 23 • Of Gods and Humans All Things Considered August 30 & 31 • Telling Stories Morning Edition August 30 • An Alien’s View All Things Considered September 6 • Are We Done Yet? Morning Edition
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hat do I like about the programs at WSIU? Great information. It’s a wonderful source for news, in particular, but it’s also a great source for music and entertainment. Some of my favorite programs are Morning Edition, especially Weekend Edition With Scott Simon, All Things Considered, and State Week in Review, [which is] the best place to find out about state and regional news. One story I recall is WSIU carrying the Rod Blagojevich impeachment roll call in the Illinois Senate. It was a momentous time for our state and WSIU was carrying it verbatim. Whad’Ya Know? with Michael Feldman is a very funny program, and I also listen to the cutting-edge music program, World Café. I think people should support public radio because there are few places...on the radio dial that carry similar programming, that give [listeners] the opportunity to learn about the world and to hear music and entertainment off the beaten path. I’m Chris Wissman from Carbondale and WSIU is powered by me.
P o w e re d b y Yo u ® WSIU Public Radio Communications Building 1003 - Mail Code 6602 Southern Illinois University Carbondale 1100 Lincoln Drive Carbondale IL 62901 • 618/453-6101 • wsiu.org • wsiuradio@wsiu.org