Living

Friday, November 20, 2009

Windsor Swim Club site to become condo community

URBANA – Architect Gary Olsen and his wife, Michele, say they hope to redevelop the Windsor Swim Club property in Urbana for condominiums.

The Olsens have agreed to buy the 4-acre site from the Harold Lopeman family, which operated the club for 43 years. The transaction is expected to close by the end of the year, both parties said.

Volunteers strive to save Santa letter service

ANCHORAGE, Alaska (AP) – Santa's "elves" at the North Pole have been given their walking papers – but they're not going quietly.

The volunteer "elves" are trying to counter a decision by the U.S. Postal Service to discontinue a program begun in 1954 in the small Alaskan town of North Pole, where they open and respond to thousands of letters addressed to "Santa Claus, North Pole" each year.

Rain, flu contribute to drop in popcorn sales

CHAMPAIGN – Sales for a Scout program that sends popcorn overseass to American soldiers is down this fall, but it's not just the economy.

It's a combination of two things that have been getting us all down: H1N1 and endless drizzly days.

Thursday, November 19, 2009

Extension wreath class scheduled for Dec. 1

DANVILLE – Mary Alice Stonecipher, University of Illinois master gardener, will teach participants how to fashion pine boughs into a wreath in a class at 6 p.m. Dec. 1 at the UI Extension office, 12190 U.S. 150, west of Danville.

Cost for the class is $10 and includes the greens and a ring frame. The finished wreath is 12 inches in diameter.

'Admonish' wins as 2009 Word of the Year

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (AP) – When the U.S. House admonished Rep. Joe Wilson for shouting "You lie!" at President Barack Obama during a health care speech to Congress, it not only lit up talk show lines, but also sent many people scurrying to the Internet in search of a definition.

Admonish, a verb dating to the 14th century meaning "to express warning or disapproval in a gentle, earnest, or solicitous manner," generated enough curiosity to crown it Merriam-Webster's Word of the Year for 2009.

Popular Santa letter program ends in Alaska

ANCHORAGE, Alaska (AP) – Starry-eyed children writing letters to the jolly man at the North Pole this holiday season likely won't get a response from Santa Claus or his helpers.

The U.S. Postal Service is dropping a popular national program begun in 1954 in the small Alaska town of North Pole, where volunteers open and respond to thousands of letters addressed to Santa each year. Replies come with North Pole postmarks.

Poll finds support for curbs on malpractice lawsuits

WASHINGTON (AP) – Most Americans want Congress to deal with malpractice lawsuits driving up the cost of medical care, says an Associated Press poll.

Yet Democrats are reluctant to press forward on an issue that would upset a valuable political constituency – trial lawyers – even if President Barack Obama says he's open to changes.

Tuesday, November 17, 2009

Champaign library gets award from architectural group

CHAMPAIGN – The Champaign Public Library received a 2009 design excellence award from the Chicago chapter of the American Institute of Architects.

A jury of architects gave the library an honor award, in the interior architecture category.

New mammogram advice raises questions, concerns

NEW YORK (AP) – For many women, getting a mammogram is already one of life's more stressful experiences.

Now, women in their 40s have the added anxiety of trying to figure out if they should even be getting one at all.

Poll: Americans favor taxing rich to pay for health bill

WASHINGTON (AP) – When it comes to paying for a health care overhaul, Americans see just one way to go: Tax the rich.

That finding from a new Associated Press poll will be welcome news for House Democrats, who proposed doing just that in their sweeping remake of the U.S. medical system, which passed earlier this month and would extend coverage to millions of uninsured Americans.

Fall used book sale set Saturday

DANVILLE – The Friends of the Danville Public Library will hold its fall used book sale from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturday in the first floor meeting room of the library, 319 N. Vermilion St.

The sale will include books for all ages, magazines, collectible books and audiovisual materials.

Parade, activities set for Thursday

DANVILLE – The Downtown Danville and Downtown Danville Rotary Club Night of Lights Parade steps off at 6:30 p.m. Thursday from Vermilion and Williams streets, but before that a number of activities are planned in the downtown area.

From 3 to 6 p.m., First Presbyterian Church at the corner of North and Franklin streets will hold a chili supper. Cost is $4 for adults in advance or $4.50 at the door and $2 for children ages 4 through 12. Children younger than 3 eat free.

Monday, November 16, 2009

Census data: Small U.S. cities lose luster in downturn

WASHINGTON (AP) – America's small cities are losing some of their traditional appeal to upwardly mobile families seeking wholesome neighborhoods, a stable economy and affordable living.

A review of newly released census data shows, for example, that cities of between 20,000 and 50,000 residents have lagged behind their larger counterparts in attracting higher-educated residents in this decade.

Sunday, November 15, 2009

Danville man can help you talk the talk in many lands

DANVILLE – Mark Frobose isn't afraid to describe himself as a "rags to riches" story.

"To show you what is possible, I started with an idea more than 25 years ago, then I failed my way to success over the years," he said. "It wasn't until I moved back to Danville that I became successful."

The story actually began even longer ago, when Frobose, now 55, was attending North Ridge Middle School. He wanted to take a French class but was denied access because his math scores weren't high enough. He brought his math grades up, only to come away from his French class with a D.

Getting Personal: Illinois Suprme Court Justice Rita Garman

What time do you typically get up? What do you do the first hour of the morning?

I get up at 4:45 a.m. I work out – run, walk, lift weights and/or go to Curves.

History buffs, invest in 'Urbana'

Area residents with an interest in and a love for local history can add another book to their must-read list: "Images of America: Urbana," prepared by Ilona Matkovszki and Dennis Roberts.

The photograph-rich paperback book is exclusively about Urbana (even the images of the University of Illinois campus are limited almost entirely to the east side of Wright Street) but even so, many of the pictures and some of the stories will be of interest to a broader readership. Even the most Champaign-centric reader ought to be intrigued enough to learn of the downtown Urbana saloon owner who kept a 6-foot alligator in a pond behind his West Main Street house which, incidentally, is still standing.

Saturday, November 14, 2009

Awards honor area outstanding philanthropy

CHAMPAIGN – Several central Illinois residents and entities have been honored with National Philanthropy Day Awards, handed out Friday by the East Central Illinois chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals.

The winners are:

Mulch now for great plant, soil benefits

If you're thinking about mulching your garden, this is a great time to do it.

Mulch now and help regulate soil temperature, prevent weeds and build up your soil.

Pecan sale fundraiser set in Danville

DANVILLE – The Altrusa Club of Danville will hold its annual pecan sale fundraiser from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday at County Market at the Village Mall and the same hours Nov. 21 at Big R South, 1625 Georgetown Road, Tilton.

The club will offer plain pecans, milk chocolate-covered pecans, cinnamon-glazed pecans, caramel pecan clusters and dark chocolate-covered pecans.

Wednesday, November 11, 2009

'A simple heartfelt message: Thank you'

URBANA — Ron Hubert vividly recalls setting the first stone for the veterans monument in downtown Urbana in 1992. It was under the Army panel.

On Wednesday, the former soldier from Urbana and now president of the Champaign County Veterans Association welcomed about 100 people to the annual Veterans Day service at the stately monument, dedicated in 1994.

Tuesday, November 10, 2009

Late but great: Farmer says corn harvest is his best ever

BONDVILLE – Rural Bondville farmer Avery Shaw, 78, has been farming since 1956, and he says he hasn't seen anything like the 2009 harvest.

Monday, November 9, 2009

Benefit scheduled for Tolono man battling leukemia

TOLONO – Bart Easton has always faced life's challenges in his own way, says cousin Jill Davis. But after a diagnosis of acute myelogenous leukemia this fall, friends and family are stepping up to help Easton with his battle to beat the disease.

The longtime Tolono resident was able to return home last week after a lengthy stay and treatment at Rush Medical Center in Chicago. The single father had been unemployed as a union glass specialist since January. Daughter Savannah, 19, has been looking after her two younger sisters, Shanna, 13, and Shelby, 9, with the help of family and friends.

Danville library's November activities include 2 for teens

DANVILLE – The Danville Public Library is hosting teen activity evenings in November.

Old School Retro Board Games Night, from 5 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, will feature Scrabble, Trivial Pursuit, Monopoly and Clue. Movie Night, from 5 to 8 p.m. Nov. 17, will feature a showing of "The Goonies."

Sunday, November 8, 2009

C-U native experiencing early success in Hollywood

CHAMPAIGN – Picture the ultimate Champaign-Urbana homecoming visit:

– Native son buys his grandmother new flat-screen television. While he's installing it, he appears on screen.

– Same returnee takes his grandfather, who used to work the gates, to the Illinois-Michigan football game. Illini win.

Studio Visit: Patrick Earl Hammie, 27, of Champaign

Q: When did you arrive here to join the UI's School of Art and Design?

A: Four months ago. My girlfriend and I found a house to rent in Champaign across from Hessel Park. I came here from the East Coast; I lived in Connecticut and South Carolina equally.

Getting Personal: WHMS-FM's Mike in the Morning

Explain in one sentence what it is you do.

It's my job to create a creative working environment that puts each member of our team in the best position to succeed in reaching company goals and achieving personal job satisfaction.

Reporter's father recalls role in WWII operation

WESTVILLE – As children, my brother, sisters and I had only a vague idea of what my father did in the Army Air Forces in World War II.

He seldom told war stories – only when we begged – and never in much detail.

Saturday, November 7, 2009

Montgomerys' 'Extreme Makeover' home is 'so like us'

PHILO – Nathan Montgomery admits his ultra-modern, colorful master bedroom was "a point of controversy."

The rest of the main floor of the new house in Philo is much more traditional in style and color.

Charleston to mark 'Sesame Street' birthday

If you love Sesame Street, head down to Charleston on Sunday to celebrate the beloved children's show's 40th anniversary.

The celebration will be from 2 to 3:30 p.m. in Charleston's Kiwanis Park. The streets running through the park will be renamed "Sesame Street."

Friday, November 6, 2009

'Pumpkin Fun' event set

HOOPESTON – The Hoopeston Public Library and the University of Illinois Extension, Vermilion County office, will present "Pumpkin Fall Fun" from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. Tuesday at the library, 110 N. Fourth St.

The event is for children ages 5 through 13 and their families. Activities will include pumpkin and gourd decorating and making pine cone birdhouses and easy pumpkin treats.

Wednesday, November 4, 2009

State budget crisis endangers A Woman's Place

URBANA – A Woman's Place could become the latest casualty of the state budget crisis.

The county's only shelter for victims of domestic violence is down to a skeleton staff of six and may have to close if it doesn't get a past-due state payment soon, officials said Thursday.

Tuesday, November 3, 2009

CRIS Senior Services begins implementing changes

DANVILLE – Change is coming to CRIS Senior Services and its senior center. Some of it is already here.

The center, at 309 N. Franklin St., has had a face-lift – fresh paint, new carpet and artwork.

Powerblitz set for Thursday, Friday in Danville

DANVILLE – The East Central Illinois Community Action Agency will provide energy-bill payment assistance to qualified customers through its annual Powerblitz.

The Powerblitz is set for 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday and Friday at the David S. Palmer Arena, 100 W. Main St. After Friday, applications are taken by appointment, at the agency's office, 56 N. Vermilion St. Office hours are 8 a.m. to noon and 1 to 3 p.m. Monday through Thursday.

Entrants sought for two holiday parades

Downtown Danville Inc. and the Georgetown Ladies Community Club are seeking entries for their holiday parades.

The Downtown Danville Night of Lights parade is set for 6:30 p.m. Nov. 19 beginning at the corner of Williams and Vermilion streets. It will proceed south to Vermilion and Main streets. A display of the award-winning floats will be along North Street at Temple Plaza after the parade.

Monday, November 2, 2009

Pumpkins flung far in fundraiser for schools foundation

CHAMPAIGN – Wide-eyed 8-year-old Elijah Wasson of Champaign was awestruck as he saw a pumpkin soar overhead some 900 feet before splattering in a grassy field.

"Whoa!" he said as he gazed at the sky. "That was awesome!"

Sunday, November 1, 2009

Urbana library offers home history online

URBANA – More than 800 pictures, title abstracts and maps showing the history of homes and neighborhoods in Champaign County are available online through the Urbana Free Library.

"Historic Champaign County Neighborhoods and Homes" is seen as a "first phase of a portal" to a digital record of the county, according to Anke Voss, director of the historical Champaign County archive at the library.

For 52 years, trans-Atlantic pen-pal friendship has thrived

Wistful "write soon" phrases have kept two women connected across the Atlantic Ocean for 52 years.

One from the Midwest and one from Finland, they met on paper in 1957.

UI prof has unique perspective on genome

URBANA – University of Illinois Professor Richard Powers was doing research for his 10th novel when GQ magazine made him an offer he couldn't refuse. Its editors asked him to have his own genome sequenced and analyzed and to write an article about it.

He really didn't want to know his medical future but accepted the assignment; the novel he was working on was about genomics, among other themes.

Couple hits the Oregon trail – the two-wheeled way

When Daniel Penner and Anona Whitley yearned for a change of scenery, they didn't just hop on a plane and head some place warm. Instead, the two former Champaign Cycle employees decided to move to Portland, Ore., and experience all the scenery along the way from the top of their bicycles.

Neither of the 23-year-old biking enthusiasts owns a car and they were attracted to the bike-friendly atmosphere of Portland.

Time to start making plans for holiday activities

CHAMPAIGN – More than 140 booths of handcrafted items will be part of the 30th annual Chris Cringle Craft Sale on Friday and Saturday.

They will be showcased at the University of Illinois Assembly Hall from 3 to 9 p.m. Friday and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday.

Saturday, October 31, 2009

Rain falls shy of monthly record

But it's more than enough to mess with parking at today's UI game

The area just missed setting a record for October rainfall Friday, as water and leaves clogged sewers.

CUPunkin'Chuckin' a different type of fall fling

Fling a few pumpkins at more than 350 miles per hour, spit pumpkin seeds as far as you can and bring your soft jack-o'-lanterns to toss at a toilet or bathtub.

Add these events to soft ground conditions after lots of rain this month, and you've got one silly spectacle designed to raise money for the community's public schools.

1871 home reflects world of art, tastes of owner

You wouldn't call J.R. Morrison a masked man. Rather, he's a man with many masks.

He began collecting masks in 1971 on his first trip to Santa Fe and Mexico and didn't stop until 15 or so years later, when he married Kim Shedaker, who, he said, knew that his collection was "part of the package."

Thursday, October 29, 2009

Danville museum volunteer honored for service

DANVILLE – The 15 nominees for an annual award are examples of what brings visitors back to Danville, according to the city's mayor.

"As mayor, I hear a lot about what makes people happy and what makes them unhappy," said Scott Eisenhower, emcee for the Recognition of Service Excellence – "ROSE" – awards event on Wednesday. "But what are always good comments come from people from outside our community that were here for special events. I hear what a great experience they had at a hotel or restaurant or events like Arts in the Park, the NJCAA championship tournament or a reunion.

Wednesday, October 28, 2009

Award-winner stopped at nothing to earn college degree

It takes a lot to impress Marlo Britton.

A case manager for the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity's Bureau of Workforce Development, Britton said she has never seen anyone as determined as Cecil Rhodes. And that's saying something, because Britton's mother raised 13 children.

Tuesday, October 27, 2009

Trick-or-treat hours in area communities

Here are trick-or-treat hours in East Central Illinois.

Monday, October 26, 2009

Trick-or-treat hours for area communities

Here are trick-or-treat hours in East Central Illinois.

'Extreme Makeover' episode evokes cheers, tears

CHAMPAIGN – Nathan and Jenny Montgomery laughed and cried, smiled and cheered with several hundred of their new best friends Sunday evening for the airing of their story on "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition."

"It's more than we could have imagined," Nathan Montgomery said. "I could not be more happy with how ABC did it."

The couple held hands as they watched as their children were introduced to their new robot-, army- and candy-themed bedrooms on three giant screens at a viewing party at the I Hotel and Convention Center in Champaign.

Family of girl found in landfill once called Paxton home

PAXTON – The mother and grandparents of a 7-year-old girl who was found dead last week in a Georgia landfill used to live in Paxton.

Janeene Bradley of Rantoul said the family of Somer Thompson of Orange Park, Fla., has been in shock since investigators discovered the suburban Jacksonville, Fla., child's body under trash in a landfill near the Florida-Georgia state line Wednesday.

Sunday, October 25, 2009

Vermilion County men taking charge with vehicles

DANVILLE – Every day, Judge Michael Clary drives his 2001 Ford Ranger truck to work with the "check engine" light shining, but never "checks" his engine.

He's not worried.

His truck has no engine.

It also has no exhaust system, no gas tank and no radiator.

The truck looks like any other Ford Ranger, but runs on an electric motor and 24 six-volt golf cart batteries – six under the hood and 18 in the truck bed – that weigh about 65 pounds each. Open the gas cap door to fill 'er up, and there's an electrical plug.

The circuit judge bought the truck in March, gutted it, and from April to August spent most nights and weekends in his garage transforming it into an all-electric vehicle.

Getting Personal: Lawn Rangers founder Pat Monahan

Explain, in one sentence, what it is you do.

I am central Illinois czar of the assembly of cleaning tools, a division of The Thomas Monahan Co., a family business since 1922.

Local women share uncommon thread in silk harvesting

When they decided to spin their own silk, three area spinners and weavers went right to the source.

That would be tiny silkworm eggs, which are the size of and a few shades lighter gray than poppy seeds.

Esther Peregrine, Sue Cutter and Kelli Miner raised more than 1,500 of them altogether, seeing them through from the egg to moth stages. And then they spent six hours recently in the somewhat painstaking process of extracting silk filaments from the cocoons.

Girl Scouts seek nominations for Women of Distinction

CHAMPAIGN – The Girl Scouts of Central Illinois is seeking nominations for its 19th annual Women of Distinction awards. Community members are invited to nominate women who inspire others, are outstanding in their field of occupation or have had an impact on making their community a better place. Nominees from Champaign, Douglas, Ford, Iroquois or Vermilion counties are eligible.

Deadline for nominations is Dec. 8. For nomination forms or information, call Holly Thompson at 693-4732 or e-mail her at hthompson<@>girlscouts-gsci.org.

Events to showcase women's organization's offerings

CHAMPAIGN – Crafts and information about China are among activities offered for women this week.

Home and Community Education, the women's organization that used to be known as home extension, will spend Monday and Thursday showcasing its activities at the Champaign County Farm Bureau building, 801 N. Country Fair Drive, C.

Wine event proceeds to benefit UI hospitality program

URBANA – The local fifth annual celebration of a French wine release will be Nov. 23.

The Beaujolais Nouveau Celebration will include French wine and a cold buffet for $75 per person. Proceeds are for the University of Illinois' Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition's hospitality management program.

Thursday, October 22, 2009

Tricks and treats for all ages: How ghoul is that?

Here's your guide to Halloween events and places. Enjoy!