In This Issue: Views from Young Journalists A New Illinois Board of Higher Education Why Educators Love Retirees The Spirit of the Generations Award
The Lewis and Clark Expedition Departs from Illinois May 14, 1804 Thank you to the authors and those who INTERGENERATIONAL INITIATIVE PARTNERS contributed to this issue
HIGHER EDUCATION AND P-16 (Preschool through Graduate School) Robert Moore, Jefferson National Expansion Memorial; Brad Winn, Chicago Educational Alliance • Chicago State Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center, Illinois Historic Preservation Agency; University • City Colleges of Chicago • Council of Community College Presidents • Eastern Ron Laycock, President, Lewis and Clark Trail Heritage Foundation; Illinois University • Federation of Independent Illinois Colleges and Universities • Governors Michael Haynes, Lewis and Clark artist; Kathryn Hymel, Don Hastings, State University • Illinois Community College Cindy Upchurch; authors of “Lewis and Clark Preparing for Discovery in Board • Illinois Community College Trustees Association • Illinois State University • North- Illinois,” A Curriculum Guide for 4th and 5th grades eastern Illinois University • North Central Col- lege • Northern Illinois University • Southern James L. Kaplan, Chair, Illinois Board of Higher Education (IBHE); Illinois University System • University of Illinois Robert Barr, Chair, Illinois Students Assistance Commission, Ben W. System • Western Illinois University Heineman, 1962 Chair, (IBHE) and Linda Oseland, Executive Assistant, P-12 (PRESCHOOL TO HIGH SCHOOL) IBHE; Michael Murphy, President Emeritus, College of DuPage; Walter Chicago Public Schools • Illinois Association of Regional Superintendents • Illinois Association Wendler, Southern Illinois University Carbondale; Elizabeth Lewin, Su- of School Administrators • Illinois Association perintendent, Carbondale District 95; William Simpson, President, John of School Boards • Illinois Education Associa- tion • Illinois Federation of Teachers • Illinois Wood Community College; John Anderson, Interim President, Rock Val- Principals Association • Illinois PTA • Illinois ley College; Mary Walsh, Rosemont; Tim Krieger, Port St. Lucie, Florida; State Board of Education Sherry Sparks, John Wood Community College, Anita Revelle, Illinois State STATE AGENCIES Aging • Children and Family Services • Correc- University; and Lynn Neidigh, Preston Morgan, and Joyce Chilton, Illinois tions • Historic Preservation • Human Services Community College Board • Public Health • Secretary of State • State Archives • State Library • Veterans Affairs Devontae Brooks and Jamie Marshall, United Township High
AGING & RETIREE ORGANIZATIONS School; Shravan Sarvepalli, Melody Baghdasarian, Kristina Satern, Jenn AARP • Chicago Department on Aging • Illinois Kloc, and Anna Zinga, Elk Grove High School; Nina Piolatto and Christie Association of RSVP Directors • Illinois Asso- ciation of Senior Centers • Illinois Coalition on Volden, Manteno High School; and Layran Elizabeth Simpson and Odion Aging • Illinois Retired Teachers Association Clunis, Small School of the Arts, Chicago Public Schools, Arne Duncan, • Service Corps of Retired Executives • State Universities Annuitants Association CEO Chicago Public Schools, Senate President Emil Jones, Jr.; Deborah Shipley, Senate Majority Office; Brenda Holmes, Deputy Governor for Edu- HISTORY ORGANIZATIONS American Family History Institute • American cation; and Carol Adams, Director, Illinois Department of Human Services Folklife Center, Library of Congress • Ameri- can Indian Center • Changing Worlds • Chi- cago Historical Society • Illinois Humanities Council • Illinois State Historical Society • Metro Chicago History Education Center • About the Cover Mexican Fine Arts Center Gary R. Lucy has completed over thirty years as a professional artist and has devoted SERVICE & COMMUNTY ORGANIZATIONS several years to the research of the Lewis and Clark Expedition. Lucy's "The Departure Illinois Campus Compact • Illinois Coalition for from the Wood River Encampment, May 14, 1804" depicts the early activities of the Community Service • Illinois Commission for Volunteerism and Community Service • Illinois expedition as they began their journey up the untamed Missouri River. Also see page Corporation for National Service 20. Published by Gary R. Lucy Gallery, Inc., Washington, MO, 800-937-4944, www.garylucy.com CONTENTS Spring / Summer 2004 Vol. 18 Nos. 3 and 4 2 20 COMING AND PAST EVENTS THE LEWIS AND CLARK POINT 2 Changes in Educational Leadership OF DEPARTURE 3 Lifelong Learning and Service Awards 21 Along the Mississippi Robert Moore Jr. 4 Why Presidents Welcome Retirees 23 Camp River DuBois 5 University Retirees Organizing Volunteers Brad Winn for Local Schools 25 Tailor Made, Trail Worn 6 Robert Moore, Jr. and Michael Haynes 27 Lewis and Clark Preparing for Discovery VIEWS FROM YOUNG Curriculum from the Illinois Lewis JOURNALISTS and Clark State Historic Site 6 United Township High School 30 Lewis and Clark Trail Heritage Foundation 8 Elk Grove High School 31 Lewis and Clark and Education The Congressional Caucus Is Applauded 9 Manteno High School
10 Small School of the Arts 32 12 COMING: FALL WORKSHOPS THE SPIRIT OF THE GENERATIONS • Using Oral and Family History in the Curriculum • New Award from Continuance Magazine • Promoting Cross-cultural Exchanges
16 Centerstory 33 ILLINOIS BOARD OF HIGHER OMMENTARY EDUCATION C • We Find Needs for Our Talents in Own 16 Current Board Backyards 18 First Members of the Board in 1962 Jane Angelis, Editor
www.siu.edu/offices/iii 1 Coming and Past Events
Changes in Educational Leadership
Illinois Board of Higher Education Robert J. English, a positive force for the Illinois Board of Higher Education, retired last December after serving for 20 years. He has been a champion of the interests of students and taxpayers and an advocate for a strong educational system. He has been a constructive critic in holding colleges and universities accountable just as he has been supportive of the vital role higher education plays in advancing the economic well- being of the state and its citizens. The Board has benefited from his vast experience as a teacher and administrator in higher education, his no-nonsense business perspective, Bob English and his role as the Board’s “institutional memory.” His example of public service is a model for Illinoisans of all ages.
Illinois Community College Board In 1997, Joe Cipfl became president and CEO of the Illinois Community College Board. He developed a systemwide, decade-long strategic plan called the “Promise for Illinois.” The plan for the system has been instrumental in establishing governance, public policy, core values, an articulation agreement with universities, and continued educational programs for older learners on nearly every campus. Cipfl started his professional Joe Cipfl Ed Duffy career as a principal, then superintendent and later became the president of Belleville Area College. He retired in February and is currently assistant to the president at McKendree College in Lebanon. Ed Duffy served as chair of the Illinois Community College Board for four years from 1999 to 2003. He fostered innovative directions and partnerships with all levels of education and the private sector. Guy Alonghi, the chair of the Illinois Community College Board, is the executive director of the Perry County Housing Guy Alonghi Geoff Obrzut Authority. Geoff Obrzut, the new President and CEO of the Ilinois Community College Board, comes from Developmental Disabilities, IL Department of Human Services.
Southern Illinois University Board Molly D’Esposito served on the SIU board for more than 14 years and was chair from 2001-2004. She also served on the IBHE board from 1996-1999. Glenn Poshard was appointed to the SIU board by Gover- nor Rod Blagojewich and was elected chair by the members. Poshard brings experience as a former congressman, higher Molly D’Espoito Glenn Poshard education administrator, and candidate for governor.
2 Continuance Spring/Summer 2004 Coming and Past Events
LIFELONG LEARNING AND SERVICE AWARDS
2004 Lifelong Award winners are congratulated during the Lifelong Coalition meeting. L to R back row: Anita Revelle, ISU; Vickie Cook, Kaskaskia College; Linda Jamali, Governor’s Office; Geoff Oberzut, and Lynn Neidigh, ICCB Front Row: Jane Angelis, Barbara Thenhaus, John Wood College; Dorothy Lashbrook, Kaskaskia College; and Ellen Neupert, Waubonsee Community College
The Lifelong Coalition met on Feb. 26. 2004, at two locations via video connection: the Illinois Community College Board (ICCB) in Springfield and the College of DuPage in Glen Ellyn. Those attending in Springfield were George Floyd, Shawnee College; Sherry Berg, Carl Sandburg College; Cheryl Barber, U/Illinois Urbana Champaign; Rebecca Barett, Illinois Central College; Jan Simon, Parkland CC; Margaret Plaskas, Mary Bates , Ellen Neupere , and Robert R. Goetz, Waubonsee CC; Sherry Sparks and Barb Thenhaus, John Wood CC; Vickie Cook , Diana Friend, Lauri Dougherty, Julie Hummert, Anna Humphrey, Verada Knolboff , Dorothy Lashbrook, and Doris Williams, Kaskaskia College; Lynn Neidigh and Preston Morgan, ICCB; Anita Revelle, Illinois State Univ. and Jane Angelis, Intergenerational Initiative, SIUC. Those attending through the video connection from DuPage were Kathie Deresinski, Triton College; Jean Johnson; Daley College; Cindy Kearns, McHenry CC; Sherrie Kirmse, William Rainey Harper CC; Margaret Hamilton, College of DuPage; Leona Hoelting, Oakton CC, and Mike Shore, RSVP, Highland CC.
Anita Revelle, Chair of the colleges will be asked to help Marrs, Tulsa Community College, Lifelong Coalition introduced distribute, and started a discus- Lou Ann Ladage, Department of Virginia McMillan, vice president sion on a statewide conference Commerce and Economic Oppor- ICCB, who welcomed the group. planned for 2005. tunity in Springfield, and Wes Linda Jamali of the Governor's The second annual Communi- Winter, U of I Extension, Office spoke on the Governor’s cation and Program Awards were Stephenson County. First-place educational plan. presented. Mike Shore of High- winners were from McHenry The coalition shared ideas land College and Sherry Sparks of County College, Illinois State about effective programming, JWCC were cochairs of the event. University, Kaskaskia College, and discussed a statewide survey all Judges for the contest were Cheryl John Wood Community College.
The Lifelong Coalition met on Feb. 26. 2004, at the Illinois Community College Board (ICCB) in Springfield and through a video connection to the College of DuPage in Glen Ellyn.
www.siu.edu/offices/iii 3 Why Presidents Welcome Retirees to Their Campuses
William Simpson, President Comments from Mike Murphy President Emeritus, College of DuPage John Wood Community College Older adults add to the rich- Additionally, older adults are ness of campus environments as often cheerleaders in the commu- well as gain a great deal from the nity, an especially important con- experiences. In no particular or- tribution for community colleges der, their contributions include that receive local funding; have life experiences that been known to become add to classroom dis- donors to their institu- cussions; disciplined tions; and are more work habits that chal- likely to support addi- lenge some under- tional funding for edu- Community colleges cut across graduates to work cation in general. all social classes and age groups. harder; stimulation for One hears more and Learning doesn't stop at any the faculty member more talk of older adults particular age, and older adults who has a special rea- who are reentering the can take advantage of community son for staying on his/her toes workforce. I believe we can expect college courses to fill gaps in their because older adults may chal- to see many of them taking courses knowledge. They combine a lenge them; and enthusiasm for leading to new careers as well as wealth of experience with their learning that is rarely exceeded. courses for personal interest. curiosity which enhances tradi- tional instruction.
President Christine Soldek Waubonsee Community College John Anderson Older adults possess a wealth of experiences and knowledge from Interim President which our students, faculty and staff can benefit. Our Lifelong Learning Rock Valley College Institute (LLI), a peer led senior organization of more than 300 men and women of diverse backgrounds, adds positive contributions to Waubonsee programs. The LLI members offer scholarships, volunteer at our bookstore, co-sponsor programs and events and support the college in many ways.
Presidents Thomas Jefferson (enacted by Clayton Jenkinson) and Christine Soldek,Waubonsee Personal enrichment is impor- CC, compare notes tant at any age and serving older during the Lewis and adults is a key component to the Clark event on comprehensive mission of a March 23. The event was supported by the community college and its com- LLI and local mitment to lifelong learning. businesses.
4 Continuance Spring/Summer 2004 University Retirees Organizing Volunteers for Local Schools
Chancellor Walter Wendler leads a discussion with retired faculty and community residents regarding a retiree volunteer program. A Timeline for a Retiree L to R: Bruce Appleby, Retired Faculty Association; David Volunteer Program Christensen, Institute for Learning in Retirement; Chancellor Wendler; Dean Keith Hilkirk, College of Education and Human Services; Mary Simon, Retiree Mentoring Program; Emil Spees, n March 2, SIU Carbondale Chancellor Emeritus Association; Ben Shepherd, Provost and Vice President Walter Wendler invited a group to his Emeritus; Bob Harper, President, State Annuitants Association, and conference room to discuss a partner- Art Aikman, State University Retirement Board. Not pictured, Lana O ship with local schools. Representatives from the Campbell and Lois Morgan, ILR; Seymour Bryson, Associate SIU Institute for Learning in Retirement (ILR), Chancellor for Diversity; Superintendent Elizabeth Lewin, and the Emeritus Association, and the Retired Jane Angelis, Director, Intergenerational Initiative. Faculty Association brainstormed with Superin- tendent Elizabeth Lewin, campus leaders, and Wendler. On March 30, a subcommittee met with Superintendent Lewin and Curriculum Director Linda Meredith, District 95 Schools, to develop ideas on what Ben Shepherd dubbed, the delivery system. The subcommittee reported back to the Chancellor and the main group on April 23 with recommendations on the delivery system, recruitment, myriad opportunities, and connecting retirees to the schools. David Christensen, ILR, and Emil Spees, Emeritus Association chaired the yet-to-be-named group. By the June 18 meeting, the Retired Faculty A subcommittee discusses the volunteer process, the Association, will develop a survey to determine opportunities, and the needs of the school district. the interests and talents of retirees and their L to R: Bruce Appleby, Ben Shepherd, Linda Meredith, and Superintendent Elizabeth Lewin. Not pictured are David availability to volunteer in the schools. Chancellor Christensen, Lana Campbell, Emil and Edith Spees, and Jane Wendler will host a recruitment and orientation Angelis. session in the fall to officially launch the program.
www.siu.edu/offices/iii 5 JournalistsViews From Young Interviews Connect Schools and State Leaders Students interviewed state leaders as a part of a project called, Saving Our Stories. Video conferences and one-on-one interviews linked students with state leaders for discussions on state issues as well as the history and background of leaders. Students and teachers from Carbondale Community High School, Illinois Math and Science Academy, United Township High School, Marion High School, Manteno High School, Elk Grove High School, and the Small School of the Arts interviewed state leaders Senate President Emil Jones, Jr., Brenda Holmes, Deputy Chief of Staff for Education in the Governor’s office, and Dr. Carol Adams, Secretary, Illinois Department of Human Services. Universities and community colleges provided video connections to the High School History Press Corps through Southern Illinois University Carbondale, the Illinois Board of Higher Education, the Illinois Century Network, Black Hawk Community College, and Central Management Services.. The following articles were submitted by students from four of the high schools.
United Township High School
nited Township High School is located in East Moline, in the northwest corner of Illinois. The enrollment is 1850 students. Teachers Carl Johnson and Mark Kaczmarek organized the event in cooperation with U Principal Leo Smith, and Superintendent Barbara Suelter. The school board president is Brian Mumma. Lee Bughman from Black Hawk Community College provided the video connection and technology expertise.
Views of Diversity that he has experienced bigotry Illinois Senate. He is a good Devontae Brooks and he doesn’t want anybody to example of a man who is comfort- have that feeling. able with all people. In the early Jones also mentioned that 1970’s, he was one of few African- The conference with Senator Emil understanding others who may be American members of the General Jones covered political issues, his different is important, particularly Assembly, but he took his chance family history, and the need for when it’s time to find a job. He and learned about people and let diversity among all generations. said, “The person who is hiring, them learn about him. He made may look like me. It is important friends and succeeded. Understanding diversity is that you feel comfortable with In conclusion, Emil Jones is a important to Jones. He says that other cultures, and that will give good man and has the right views everyone should be valued you an advantage.” for his job. He made us feel regardless of race, color, ethnicity, When asked if he supports comfortable when we asked or culture. He mentioned that it is affirmative action, he said yes. questions and urged us to learn very important to learn some- “Everyone should get a chance at more about other cultures. Inter- thing about others before we higher education and should be viewing him was one of the high judge them. His experiences from judged on how well they work, points of our year and it was a his teenage years until the present not their color.“ great privilege that our school was have taught him not to discrimi- Senator Emil Jones was a great selected. I will always remember nate, but to understand. He says choice for the president of the the experience.
6 Continuance Spring/Summer 2004 JVournalistsiews From Young
United Township High School Senator Emil Jones Jr.: On Volunteering Jamie Marshall
am a senior at United Town Senator Jones expressed his strong of satisfaction knowing that I may ship High School in East beliefs on volunteering and how it have made a significant difference IMoline, Illinois and I felt that should be incorporated in in someone’s life. Along with this interview was a great oppor- everyone’s life in order to develop volunteering, I was recently tunity for me. Prior to the video an understanding of other people recertified in CPR and First Aid conference, I read an article about and even other cultures and through my local American Red Senator Emil Jones and how he languages. By having this under- Cross. Having these skills makes performed the Heimlich maneu- standing for others, it makes you a me confident that in the case of an ver. well-rounded person. emergency I am equipped with One of my fellow students I agree with Senator Jones on the knowledge to control the sparked a discussion about this topic because I am currently a situation and possibly save volunteerism in high schools and volunteer for the American Red someone’s life just as Senator among the teenagers of America. Cross and I get the greatest feeling Jones did. These are skills that everyone needs to acquire because you never know when something is going to happen and you may Video Conferences be the only one around to assist the victim. Citizen response is the most important link and could be the difference between life or death. The topic of enforcing a set number of volunteer hours in order to graduate also came up in the discussion. An individual should have some volunteer hours completed before they graduate from high school. No matter what your volunteer The Saving Our Stories Coalition sponsored the video conferences connecting youth experience, it will make a differ- to state leaders. Above Senator Emil Jones, Jr. Jones participates in a video conference with members of the coalition in Chicago and Springfield. L to R: Pat ence in your outlook on life. Bearden, American Family History Institute (AFHI); Jan Fitzsimmons, North Central Volunteering has taught me to be College; Carole Franke, representing Kay Pangle, Kankakee Regional Office of thankful for what I have and in Education; Yolanda Simmons, AFHI; Mark Crippon, Il PTA; Senator Emil Jones, Jr., time of need to offer assistance. Mark Rodriguez, Changing Worlds; Nancy Villafranca, Mexican Fine Arts Center; Everyone should experience this Martha Jantho, Chicago Pubic Schools; Not pictured Jane Angelis, SIU Carbondale. feeling, but many teens are Those connected via video in Springfield were John Daley, Archives; Linda Dawson, IL Assoc. of School Boards; Tom Teague, IL State Historical Society; Dick missing out and the only way to Carlson, Il State Board of Education; Dave Joens, Secretary of State’s Office; and get them involved may be a Pat McGuckin, Illinois State Library graduation requirement.
www.siu.edu/offices/iii 7 JournalistsViews From Young
Elk Grove High School
Elk Grove High School is located near O'Hare Airport, but under the current runway configuration we have virtually no airport noise. (We like it this way.) Across the street is the forest preserve. The school serves students from Elk Grove Village, DesPlaines, Arlington Heights, and Mt. Prospect, all northwest suburbs of Chicago. The school community consists of approximately 2000 students in grades 9-12. Frank De Rosa is the principal and enthusiastically supported this endeavor. Elizabeth Ennis is the superintendent of Township High School District 214 and William Dussling, the president of the District 214 school board. Elk Grove High School is the southernmost school in District 214. - Mary Larsen, Advisor
Helping the Governor with an Educational Plan: Brenda Holmes, Educational Advisor Shravan Sarvepalli
ith 35 years of experi- about the legislative process and A Typical Day for ence and abundant how a bill becomes a law. Brenda Holmes W qualifications, Brenda Holmes, through her eclectic Jenn Kloc and Anna Zinga Holmes became the governor’s experience in education, devel- deputy chief of staff for educa- oped a unique perspective on tion. Holmes is “helping the several issues. Contrary to the Holmes says that her schedule governor put together an educa- popular belief that funding for depends on “which day you ask tional plan,” but also has several education should come from the me and what the issue is.” A personal goals that make her state, she believes that it is the typical day includes meetings especially qualified for this responsibility of local communi- with her boss, Deputy Governor important job. ties. She reasons that the funding Bradley Tusk, to discuss up-and- When Governor Rod W. varies directly with taxes and that coming matters. Then she meets Blagojevich appointed her, he more state funding would mean a with other groups, such as deans said, “Brenda Holmes knows rise in every citizen’s state tax. She of colleges of education as well as Illinois schools. Her background encourages local communities to teachers, to promote the state’s and experience in fighting to make take the initiative and make education plan. She also answers our education system stronger education a priority. conference calls, responds to will make her a valuable member Holmes believes that the No e-mails, and may meet with of my administration.” Child Left Behind Act could Governor Blagojevich. After graduating from Indiana succeed if funds were appropri- She works with people from University, Holmes started her ated for it. [Schools are] “comply- pre-kindergarten to universities. career teaching social studies at ing with a federal law they She advocates for legislation and Pawnee School District in Charles- haven’t received funding for in the speaks to people regarding ton from 1969 to 1986. Next, she first place,” she said. She has a educational issues. served on the senate staff through mixed opinion on this federal act. If Holmes could change the University of Illinois at “It is really an interesting debate,” anything about the educational Springfield, where she learned she said. system in the state of Illinois, she
8 Continuance Spring/Summer 2004 JournalistsViews From Young
Manteno High School
Manteno High School is located about an hour south of Chicago with an enrollment of 500 students. Beth Schurman, is the teacher for English and communications; the principal is Paul Russert, and Michael Smith is the superintendent. The school board president is Paul Torstrick.
Vending Machine Legislation Causing Controversy
Photo by Randy Squire A discussion of issues with Deputy Chief of Staff Brenda Holmes Brenda Holmes Nina Piolatto and Christie Volden would focus on homelife. “I think This year a ban on vending Many legislators believe that so many of the issues we deal with machines in schools has been the time has arrived for them to in elementary and secondary hotly debated. As the nation’s intervene. They believe that education go beyond the school obesity rate continues to sky- throughout the course of the doors,” Holmes said. She wants to rocket, so do politicians’ concerns. school day, students ought to ensure that children can come Recent studies show that in 49 make healthy choices. from a loving home, be well fed, states, 15% of the population is Brenda Holmes, deputy chief of sleep in a quiet, clean household, obese. staff for education, used this and have their parents encourage Earlier this year, Gov. Rod example when discussing the them academically. Blagojevich reiterated his sup- topic: “Here you are in health She also urges parents to read port of vending machine legisla- class or physical education class to their children. If children tion that would eliminate un- and the teacher or the instructor is cannot read, that “can hamper healthy choices from the selec- trying to emphasize the impor- [their] success in many other tion. tance of a healthy diet or exercise, subjects,” she said. Holmes wants Similar legislation has already and five steps out the door there is to be able to help students who been enacted in roughly 20 states. a soda machine or vending lack financial support and the In 2003, California became the first machine filled with less than loving support from their families. state to ban the sale of soft drinks healthy food.” Most politicians promise to in elementary and junior high Many advocates of the legisla- fund education during the cam- schools. New York, Hawaii, tion feel that there are other paign, but once they are elected, Massachusetts, Utah, Minnesota, beverages, besides soda, that can new priorities surface. Holmes is and Vermont, among others, are and should be stocked in vending proud that our governor is one of prepared to jump onto this machines. There are healthier the few to actually give education bandwagon. Total bans or limits alternatives, such as pretzels and the attention and funding it needs. on snacks available in vending trail mix, versus candy bars and “For the very first time, we machines are under consideration junk food. have a governor who says, ‘I want by approximately two-dozen On the other hand, the Na- to take on that leadership,’” states and are causing a great deal tional Soft Drink Association Holmes said. of controversy. continued on page 10
www.siu.edu/offices/iii 9 JournalistsViews From Young
Small School of the Arts
The Small School of the Arts, South Shore High School, is located in Chicago. The principal is Douglas Macklin and participating teachers are Lawaune Moorman and Yvonne Burnett. The CEO of Chicago Public Schools Vending Machine cont’d... is Arne Duncan; the school board president is Michael W. Scot. argues that parents, along with the local school districts--not the state- should dictate what students consume during school hours. The group also points out that soft drink companies also make bottled water, juice, and sports drinks among other beverages available to the students. People might read that sen- Students from the Small School of the Arts prepare for their interview with Dr. tence and suppose the students Carol Adams in her Chicago conference room. are just refusing to purchase the healthy substitutes and prefer the junk food. However, few realize An Interview with Carol Adams that these other drinks are pricier Layran Elizabeth Simpson and Odion Clunis than unwholesome drinks. For “If I told you that I had a hard such a good job of teaching her to example, in the average high life, I’d be lying,” explained the read and write, that she was able school, a can of soda from a Secretary of the Illinois Depart- to skip kindergarten and go machine costs around $.60. If the ment of Human Services, as we sat straight to the first grade. Her student were to step over to the at the conference table in the father worked very hard to Gatorade machine, it would cost boardroom of her spacious office support the family, but always $1.25. What about water? That in downtown Chicago. made time to volunteer at the also burns a hole in the student’s The Saving Our Stories Coali- neighborhood center in her pocket, at a price of $1.00. When tion arranged for students from community. asked, students at Manteno High the Small School of the Arts to When Carol L. Adams left her School, stated that they would interview Secretary Adams. The hometown of Louisville, Kentucky purchase healthier beverages, authors of this article wanted to to make a place for herself in the including water, sports drinks, find out whether her relationships world, she had everything that she and juice, if they were the same with family members had shaped needed to succeed: a strong sense price as soda. the person that she has become. of self, a love of learning, a good While eliminating vending Secretary Adams had many work ethic, and a commitment to machines altogether may not be positive childhood experiences. “I community service. the best option, considering that come from a very loving and The first stop was Fisk Univer- schools depend on that income, devoted family,” she said. Her sity. Adam’s favorite subject was balancing the prices of healthy family inspired her to believe in English, so she made extra money versus unhealthy foods and drinks herself. Her mother drilled into by tutoring students and editing seems to be a more effective her head the importance of getting papers. The second stop was alternative. a good education. Her sisters did Boston University, where she
10 Continuance Spring/Summer 2004 JournalistsViews From Young
Comments from School Administrators and Teachers about the Video Conferences and Interviews
Arne Duncan, CEO Chicago Public Schools I was delighted that our students were invited to interview Carol Adams, Secretary of the Dr. Carol Adams is the Secretary of the Department of Human Services. This is an Illinois Department exciting opportunity for them to practice their of Human Services. skills as journalists and meet a notable public earned a Master's degree. The official. Carol Adams has a wealth of experience third and final stop was Chicago. in public service and many insights to share with Adams chose to start her career in young people exploring the world of government. Chicago because she wanted to I want to thank the Intergenerational Initiative live in a big city and continue her and Saving Our Stories Coalition for allowing our studies at the University of students to participate in a valuable project and Chicago. She earned a Doctorate for sharing their work with your readers. of Philosophy from the Union Graduate School. Mary Larson, Advisor, When she moved to Chicago it Elk Grove High School. only took her a month to get a Beginning and advanced good job and her own apartment. journalistic writing students Dr. Adams believes that, embraced this opportunity to "Everyone wants to do well in speak to a renowned Illinois life." She has been recognized for public official. They enjoyed developing programs that pro- getting to know Brenda Holmes, Sup’t Michael E. Smith mote self-sufficiency, including but they also learned a great deal Manteno High School mentoring sessions for teen from their interactions with the It is a great opportunity for mothers; a fathers' late night other high school participants who students to get involved with state sports program to steer youth were caught up in school fund- leaders because they learn more from crime; and a drug prevention ing/referendum issues. For many about the important issues that and treatment program for public it was their first experience with a influence our society today and housing residents. teleconference. what actions our leaders are In 2003, Dr. Carol L. Adams taking toward them. was appointed Secretary of the Illinois Department of Human Services by Governor Rod Cheers for students, teachers, principals, and superintendents who Bragojevich, where she oversees a organized the video conferences. A new series of conferences will wide range of services for people be held in the fall for journalism, English, and social studies classes. in need, and is responsible for a 5 Contact [email protected] if you are interested in participating. billion dollar budget.
www.siu.edu/offices/iii 11 The Spirit of the Generations New Award from Continuance Magazine
ach spring, Continuance Magazine will recognize the efforts of indivduals who, in keeping with the earliest traditions of our E democracy, have invested significant personal and professional effort connecting generations and bridging cultures. The award is based on the following additional criteria.
Leadership and Commitment: The recipient will have demonstrated the ability to motivate all ages, including students, older adults and educators, and to move in concert with them.
Exemplary Citizenship: The recipient will have made a priority of “giving back” to the community, particularly through service learning, with a focus on civic involvement through all levels of education.
Fostering Intergenerational Learning and Teaching: The award will recognize the efforts of those who know that every- one, regardless of age, has potential to teach, learn, give all generations a chance to share their talents, and learn from others. The focus is P-16+ or, more specifically, lifelong learning and teaching.
Multicultural Approaches: Most significant will be the recipient’s demonstrated efforts in reaching out to other cultures to foster knowledge and understanding. By understanding the diversity of cultures in our country, we can learn and live in peace and harmony.
The Spirit of the Generations symbolizes history, the world, and the communication between generations and cultures. The logo and ribbons on the left give a stronger image of the personal and professional investments of those recieving the award. The eagle represents leader- ship and commitment, the power for good and the strength for bringing peace and harmony.
If the ribbons were in color, the middle ribbon would be gold, representing citizenship and the sun and the moon, the guardians of our earth. The outside two ribbons would be brown and blue and symbolize the sky and the earth, a vast umbrella that represents the unity of all ages and cultures--the framework for all teaching and learning through- out history. Last, multicultural approaches are represented by the shading on the eagle, representing people of all colors.
12 Continuance Spring/Summer 2004 Spirit of the Generations Mary Walsh and the Illinois Association of School Boards
ary Walsh has served the Illinois Association of M School Boards (IASB) as a member since 1990 and an officer since 1995. She recently retired from the association and the Rosemont Elementary School Board. Mary Walsh receives the Spirit Leadership and Commitment of the Generations Award from Jane Mary Walsh has been a com- Angelis, editor of mitted intergenerational flag- Continuance waver for 15 years. Through her Magazine. Michael perseverance, intergenerational Johnson, CEO of programs have been front and the IASB joins in center in her association through giving the award. publications, research, and “To understand is to gain respect, eliminate prejudice, and walk together personal contact. Walsh is a leader on the same road.” Mary Walsh in extolling the virtues of genera- tions working together in educa- tional settings. with others. Nothing in one’s life tional programs a part of lifelong Comments by students, could be richer than exchanging learning—so when a nursing teachers, and elders about ideas and contributing to the home director expressed interest intergenerational programs point growth of another individual.” in Mary’s train hobby, she packed to the strength of Mary’s leader- up several engines, tracks and ship. Fifth-grade teachers partici- Fostering Intergenerational assorted railroad pieces and set it pating in an intergenerational Learning and Teaching up in the nursing home. When the program said that students enjoy Walsh offers advice about residents saw the trains, they the learning experience and often developing a successful asked questions, told about discuss the topic with their intergenerational program. family-owned toy trains, and grandparents. This dialogue leads “Extensive collaboration between shared stories about Lionel car to meaningful conversation with the local school district and local design, how the bells and whistles the children. For example, stu- business is a strong beginning for were controlled, and what pow- dents told the teachers that kids an intergenerational program. ered the calliope. “need to be more patient “ around When we developed the elders, a clear indication that they intergenerational interviewing Multicultural Approaches had grown from the experience program with Rosemont fifth- The more you join together to and had become more sensitive. graders, everyone shared respon- discuss the differences and sibility in its beginning and pride similarities the better the under- Citizenship in its development. Each year we standing of diverse and interesting Mary’s attitude about commu- celebrated the accomplishments cultural backgrounds. To under- nity service says it all: “I have and in doing so celebrated what is stand is to gain respect, eliminate been fortunate and have gained right with our community.” prejudice, and walk together on much through giving and sharing Walsh considers intergenera- the same road.
www.siu.edu/offices/iii 13 Spirit of the Generations
Involvment with other cul- Tim Krieger and the Corporation for tures, too, has enriched her life. “When we were stationed at Fort National and Community Service Huachuca, Arizona, we learned about native peoples and have continued that involvement. We im Krieger is a recent retiree from the Illinois office of the Corporation lived in a hogan while tutoring for National and Community Service where he had provided leader- 5th-grade Navajo students and T ship since 1993. After college, he became a Peace Corps volunteer in have studied the Hopi culture. To British Honduras (now Belize). Since then he has traveled literally and understand is to gain respect, figuratively through West Africa, Jamaica, Fiji, and Tuvalu, Pennsylvania, eliminate prejudice, and walk Minnesota and Illinois. together on the same road.”
Leadership and Commitment federally funded Senior Programs, Illinois Association of Krieger recalls an event from including Foster Grandparents, School Boards (IASB) his early years that made a great Senior Companions, and the impact on him and exemplifies Retired and Senior Volunteers. The IASB is a voluntary leadership. He was working in a “Though my views of the value of organization of local boards village that had been completely seniors to our society has matured of education dedicated to destroyed by Hurricane Hattie. over the years, I was immediately strengthening public schools Mr. Abraham Christopher, an 80- impressed by the value of seniors through local citizen control. year-old and his wife were raising to our society’s social structure, The association was launched four grandchildren in their small its values, and the very quality of in December 1913 by a group cement home. Mr. Christopher our lives. Personal and profes- of school board members at a was designated to help Krieger sional experiences bolstered his meeting in Quincy, Illinois. with an agriculture project. “As commitment to supporting and developing intergenerational Today, more than 95% of the we worked together, Mr. Abraham programs. school boards in Illinois hold gained a new lease on life and active membership in the took his new village responsibili- association. ties to heart. His gratitude was Exemplary citizenship expressed in a most profound way “The need or ability to give The IASB, a member of when the project was finished. back is not different with the the National School Boards During the going-away gathering, different generations,” notes Association“To understand under is Executiveto gain “Everyone had a turn to give a Krieger. He says, however, that respect,Director eliminate Michael prejudice, D. Johnson and speech. When it was Mr. society often brands youth as walkand togethr Board onPresident the same Ray road.” Abraham’s turn, this dignified irresponsible, excluding them Zimmerman, offers programs gentleman just stood there--his from planning and decision designed to provide leader- head high, but so taken with the making. The working generations ship, service, and advocacy occasion that he could not speak. are so busy that they have little for local school boards. The The tears falling down his cheeks time or energy for giving back. IASB also engages in a variety said a world about the relationship Older adults are often excluded of governance, leadership, between a 24-year-old Peace Corps from the mainstream because of and public-relations activities. volunteer and a village elder.” stereotypes with age. Krieger has worked with the Krieger’s philosophy of citizen-
14 Continuance Spring/Summer 2004 Spirit of the Generations
“All my work has been driven by Corporation for National and the knowledge that this country’s Community Service greatest resource is its multicultural (CNCS) richness.” Tim Krieger The mission of the CNCS is to provide opportunities for a burden rather than an asset to Americans of all ages and schools. “We have not even started backgrounds to engage in to tap the potential of service that addresses the intergenerational learning and nation’s educational, environ- teaching. At a time when so much mental, public safety and stress is being placed on our human needs. Under the school systems, the involvement direction of CEO David Eisner of students and senior citizens is a and board chair Stephen solution.” Through our Senior Goldsmith, the goal is to foster Programs of the Corporation for civic responsibility and National and Community Service and other intergenerational involvement. The Corporation programs, we are placing elders in sponsors three programs: Tim Krieger teaching and mentoring situa- Senior Corps, AmeriCorps, tions, and providing a strong and Learn and Serve America. resource for the educational The groundwork for the ship is aptly summarized by system.” Corporation was the National Lincoln’s “of, by and for the and Community Service Act of people”in the Gettysburg Address. Multicultural Approaches 1990 (signed by G.H.W. Bush) “My dad is a German Jew who which authorized grants to Fostering Intergenerational had to leave Germany in 1937. My schools, supported service- Learning and Teaching mother is a Christian who met my learning, and gave demonstra- Krieger points out that the need dad and they married during the tion grants for national service for intergenerational learning and blitz of London in 1940. I was born programs. teaching is evident; unfortunately, in England, raised in New En- In September 1993, Presi- few teachers use other students to gland, and married a Belizean of dent Bill Clinton signed the support and teach others--even African background in the Catho- National and Community though the one mode of education lic Church. All my work--whether Service Trust Act, which that best instills knowledge and here in Illinois, in the U.S. or in an created AmeriCorps and the learning is teaching. international setting--has been Corporation for National and One of the more important driven by the knowledge that this Community Service to expand reservoirs of experience, our country’s greatest resource is its community service opportuni- senior population, is often seen as rich multicultural diversity.” ties. In September 1994, The first class of AmeriCorps The Spirit of the Generations Award members, 20,000 strong, Nominations will be accepted for the 2005 Awards until February 1, 2005. started serving in more than Contact [email protected] or www.siu.edu/offices/iii 1,000 communities.
www.siu.edu/offices/iii 15 Illinois Board of H
The New Board in 2004 James L. Kaplan, Chairman Graduate: Johns Hopkins University From the Chairman Professional: Managing Partner, Home: Chicago Kaplan & Sorosky Public member, term expires: 2005 s educators, we know Graduate: University of Arizona, that students are our Illinois Institute of Technology Samuel K. Gove most important prior- Kent College of Law Professional: Director Emeritus of A Home: Lincolnshire the Institute for Government and ity. As members of the Illinois Public member, term expires: 2007 Public Affairs and Professor Emeri- Board of Higher Education, we tus of Political Science at the Univ. know that we must constantly ask, Thomas Lamont, Vice Chairman of IL at Urbana-Champaign “Do our actions benefit students, Professional: Brown, Hay & Graduate: University of Massachu- their parents, and the system of Stephens; former member and setts, Syracuse University former Chairman of University of Home: Urbana higher education?” Illinois Board of Trustees Public member, term expires: 2005 I have been a member of the Graduate: Illinois State University board for five years and the chair University of Illinois College of Law Proshanta K. Nandi for one. We have a healthy balance Home: Springfield Professional: Emeritus Professor at Public member, term expires: 2009 University of Illinois at Springfield on our board, gaining benefit from Graduate: Gorakhpur University, the old and richness from the new, J. Robert Barr India; University of Minnesota with an open process that wel- Professional: Partner, Sidley & Home: Springfield comes discussion. Austin, Chicago; Public member, term expires: 2009 Chair, IL Student Assistance Com. Our committees are designed to Graduate: Grinnell College, Frances G. Carroll promote more interaction between Harvard University Law School Professional: Instructional Supervisor the IBHE, parents, students, and Home: Evanston for the School Achievement Structure local boards. Together they will Ex officio member representing IL Program, DePaul University Student Assistance Commission Graduate: Chicago Teachers gather input to make doable College, University of Sarasota recommendations for higher Jerry D. Blakemore Home: Chicago education policy. Professional: Chief Executive Representative of Public Universi- Officer, IL Sports Facilities Authority ties, term expires: 2004 Even though members of the Graduate: Princeton University, board may not always agree on John Marshall Law School Gilbert L. Rutman the issues or the approaches, we Home: Chicago Professional: Economist and are friends, colleagues, and take Public member, term expires: 2009 Emeritus Professor at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville seriously our important duties as Lucy A. Sloan Graduate: Boston University, Duke public servants. The board is an Professional: Member, Board of University extraordinary group of people John A. Logan College Foundation Home: Edwardsville giving many hours of their time Graduate: DePauw University Public member, term expires: 2009 Home: Carbondale toward a quality system of higher Public member, term expires: 2007 Steven Taslitz education in Illinois. We share the Professional: General Partner and responsibility for this stewardship. Cordelia Meyer Co-founder of Sterling Capital It is a sacred public trust. Professional: Vice President, Partners Civic Committee of the Commercial -James L. Kaplan, Chair Club of Chicago ...continued page 18
16 Continuance Spring/Summer 2004 Higher Education Current Board Members
James L. Kaplan Thomas Lamont J. Robert Barr Jerry D. Blakemore Chair Vice Chair
Lucy A. Sloan Cordelia Meyer Samuel K. Gove Proshanta K. Nandi
Frances G. Carroll Gilbert L. Rutman Steven M. Taslitz Guy Alongi
Alice Hayes Robert J. Ruiz Kevin O’Kelly Mark Weber
www.siu.edu/offices/iii 17 Illinois Board of Higher Education
First Members of the Board of Higher Education--1962
Graduate: University of Illinois In August 1961, the General Assembly passed Senate Bill 766 to establish Home: Glencoe a board of higher education in Illinois. The board consisted of 15 members Public member, term expires: 2007 with the mandate for three functions: approval of any new units of instruc- tion, budget for state universities, and preparation of a Master Plan for Guy Alongi higher education in Illinois. Governor Otto J. Kerner named Ben Professional: Chairman, ICCB Executive Director, Perry County Heineman, a Chicago businessman and CEO of Northwest Industries, Inc., Housing Authority chair. The board met for the first time on January 18, 1962 in the Chicago Graduate: John A. Logan College boardroom of Northwest Industries. Home: DuQuoin The staff in 1962 included Richard G. Browne, Executive Director; Ex officio member representing Lyman A. Glenny, Associate Director; Charles N. Dold, Budget Analyst; Illinois Community College Board Mary M. Ryerson, Secretary; and Wanda Sexton, Stenographer. The first office was Room 600 in the State House. Alice B. Hayes Professional: President Emerita, At the time there were 121 institutions of higher learning: universi- University of San Diego ties, junior colleges, and proprietary schools. Two commissions had Graduate: Mundelein College, been formed in the ‘50s to determine the need for a coordinating board University of Illinois, Northwestern and the issues for higher education. University Home: Chicago The first board members were: DATES OF SELECTED EVENTS Public member, term expires: 2009 Appointed by the Governor • 1917 Teachers College Board • Conrad Bergendoff established (replaced inde- Robert J. Ruiz • Hugh S. Bonar pendent boards for normal schools). Professional: Chief, Public Interest • George S. Harris Bureau of the Cook County State's • 1943 General Assembly prohibits • Mrs. Auguste C. Hershey professional courses except at Ul. Attorney's Office • Louis A. Turner • 1949 General Assembly removes Graduate: DePaul University SITJ from Teachers College Board. • Fred W. Heitmann, Jr. College of Law, University of Establishes SIU Board of Trustees. Illinois at Chicago • Richard J. Nelson • 1951 General Assembly makes Home: Oak Lawn Teachers College Board an Public member, term expires: 2007 From Governing Boards independent agency. (Changed from jurisdiction of the Dept. of University of Illinois Kevin O'Kelly Registration and Education.) • K.E. Williamson Undergraduate: Northern IL Univ, • 1957 State Colleges became Northern IL University, Eastern IL Major: Economics • Howard W. Clement • Wayne A. Johnston University, and Western IL Univ. Home: Downers Grove • 1960 General Assembly Student member, term expires: 2004 Southern Illinois University established Commission of Higher • John Page Wham Education. Mark Weber • Melvin C. Lockard -ISSC established (first funded, 1958-59). Student: University of Illinois Teachers College Board Urbana Champaign -Commission for Higher • Royal A. Stipes, Jr. Graduate: Morraine Valley Com- Education recommends a munity College • Morton H. Hollingsworth coordinating board. From Matsler, Franklin and Hines, Major: Political Science Edward. State Policy Formation in Illinois Home: Orland Park Sup’t of Public Instruction Higher Education. 1987. Center for Student member, term expires: 2006 • George T. Wilkins Higher Education, Illinois State University
18 Continuance Spring/Summer 2004 Early History of the Illinois Board of Higher Education
Youth Not Attending College The First Biennial Report: 1962
From the 1964 Master Plan of the Letter of Transmittal IL Board of Higher Education To Governor Otto J. Kerner and Members of the Illinois General Assembly: The percent of 18 year olds who go to college has been increasing rapidly in I have the honor to submit the First Biennial Report of the Illinois Board of the United States and in Illinois. In Higher Education. This report covers the Board’s work during the year 1962. 1960 the Illinois rate was about the The board was created by Senate Bill 766 of the Seventy-second same as the national average of 37%. General Assembly, approved August 22, 1961. The Board held ten meetings However, 22 other states had rates of in 1962 as follows: January 18, Chicago; February 6, Chicago; March 6, college-going higher than Illinois, some Chicago; April 3, Chicago; May 1, Chicago; July 10, Chicago; September 11, of them as high as 63%. Chicago; October 2, Chicago; November 12, Chicago; December 4, The Illinois rate has not kept pace Chicago. At each meeting a quorum was present and regular business was with increases nationally. It has transacted. dropped 2.8 percentage points in The Board established an office for its staff in Springfield in Room relation to its national position of 10 600 of the State House. The staff consists of three professional persons and years ago. Furthermore, the rate of two clerical employees. In addition, the Board has had two special studies, college-going in the various parts of the relative to university expenditures and accounting, made by the Arthur state is far from uniform. Andersen & Co. Staff reports concerning various matters within the scope of Today the social and economic the Board’s authority were presented at each meeting of the Board. The well-being of the individual and the presidents of the six state universities were present at each meeting by society depend heavily upon the level invitation and members of the press were also in attendance. of education achieved. Illinois youth are in a disadvantageous position and The statute creating the Board assigned to it three major functions: will continue so unless the college- 1. The approval of any new units of instruction, research, and public service going rate is increased substantially. proposed by any of the state universities. Too, an improved rate tends to raise the 2. The analysis of the operating and capital budget requests of the state expectations and the motivations of all universities and the reporting of the Board’s recommendations concerning youth to complete high school and to them. attend college, thus raising the 3. The preparation of a “Master Plan” for Illinois higher education consider- generational level of education of the ing the plans and future development of all segments of higher education, population. the state universities, the non-public institutions, and the public junior colleges. High Ability Students Not Entering This report describes the actions taken thus far and the work presently College underway in carrying out each of these three assignments. Throughout the first year’s work of the Board, I have been im- “ 37% of those scoring in the upper pressed by the devotion of its members, the cordial cooperation of the half do not go to college. In Chicago, university administrators, and the favorable attitude of the public toward this . . . it is over 40%.” This evidence important enterprise. indicates that Illinois has much to do in encouraging high ability students to Respectfully, Ben W. Heineman enter college.
www.siu.edu/offices/iii 19 The Departure from the Wood River Encampment in Illinois May 14, 1804
Gary Lucy
After a long winter camped on the Wood River in Illinois, across from the mouth of the Missouri River, the army expedition under the leadership of Meriwether Lewis and William Clark departed into a land few white men had ever seen. All hands were commanded to put their backs into it and row across the Mississippi River and into the gaping mouth of the muddy Missouri River. The Missouri is a river nothing like the rivers each member of the expedition had known. If the Mississippi River is the grandfather of American rivers and the Ohio River the responsible patriarch, the Missouri River is the drunken uncle, pleasant to be around at times, but hell on earth when he is on a bender.
With eyes wide open and senses heightened to a fever pitch, the men of the Lewis and Clark Expedition listened to the commands of the sergeants to disregard the pain of the effort required to move a fully loaded 55 foot keelboat against the formidable current that would be their nemesis for 3000 plus miles before they reached the Rockies. This scene depicts the beginning of an epic adventure.
Illinois: The Lewis and Clark Point of Departure
20 Continuance Spring/Summer 2004 The Lewis and Clark Point of Departure
Along the Mississippi: From Cairo to Camp River Dubois
Robert J. Moore, Jr.
steady drizzle quietly cheer, and the three boats--an on board the boat, joined William soaked a group of men unpainted 55-foot long keelboat Clark, his slave York, and the men A as they strained to load a and two shorter pirogues painted Clark had recruited, the so-called final, heavily laden barrel onto a white and red--slipped off into “nine young men from Kentucky” long wooden boat. Most of the the mist of the gray, wet after- who formed the backbone of the men were dressed in military noon. It was three o’clock p.m. expedition’s crew. They got under clothing and some were even on May 14, 1804, and Capt. way once more on October 27, wearing their brilliant blue and William Clark was leading his moving down the Ohio to Fort red regimental coats. A group of little flotilla westward toward a Massac, Illinois where they met civilian well wishers gathered rendezvous with Meriwether the half-Shawnee, half-French nearby, having walked the three Lewis and destiny. interpreter named George miles from the local settlement The Lewis and Clark Expedi- Droulliard. Lewis sensed that called Goshen. They huddled tion has been described as “the Droulliard was a real frontiersman together for warmth, some greatest camping trip of all time,” with what we might today call protected by umbrellas and a voyage of high adventure, an “the right stuff,” and hired him others by holding Hudson’s Bay exercise in manifest destiny which immediately. After studying the blankets over their heads. Was carried the American flag over- confluence of the Ohio and the event they were about to land to the Pacific Ocean. The Mississippi rivers at Cairo, Illinois witness to be historic? Only time expedition was all of this and they proceeded up the Missis- would tell. A tin horn was more. In fact, the story of the sippi, now working against the brought out by one of the ser- preparations for the journey, about current. geants, and an officer, dressed in how these men came to be at the At Cape Girardeau, Lewis his best blue and red uniform Wood River in May 1804, is nearly looked up the Spanish comman- coat and cocked hat, ordered it as interesting as the story of the dant, Louis Lorimier, finding him blown. A long, low, mournful voyage they made. at a horse race. In the process of note was heard, signaling to The expedition passed from the obtaining information from the soldiers on the shore of the mouth of the Ohio River at Cairo, Lorimier, Lewis was introduced to Wood River to board the three Illinois, up the Mississippi to his family, which included a boats tethered to the banks. The Wood River during November Shawnee wife and a very comely stream emptied itself but a and December 1803. On October daughter, who in Lewis’ words stone’s throw away into the 14, 1803, a keelboat built for Lewis was “remarkably handsome & mighty Mississippi River. Lines in Pittsburgh arrived in dresses in a plain yet fashionable were cast off, the crowd raised a Clarksville, Indiana, where Lewis, style, or such as is now common
www.siu.edu/offices/iii 21 The Lewis and Clark Point of Departure
in the Atlantic States among the Territory (today’s State of Illinois) “Camp River Dubois,” Dubois respectable people of the middle situated nearly opposite Spanish- being French for “Wood” or “The class. She is an agreeable, affable held St. Louis. Woods.” The area had plenty of girl, & much the most descent On December 8, 1803, timber, fresh water and game. It looking female I have seen since I Meriwether Lewis traveled across was a safe distance away from the left the settlements in Kentucky a the Mississippi River to St. Louis, allurements of a settlement, and little below Louisville.” then a town of just 925 residents, was easily supplied via the river. During most of their journey to meet with Lieutenant Governor A commissary of the regular U.S. up the Mississippi, Clark was ill Charles Dehault Delassus, a short, Army provisioned the camp, and a with an unknown malady, and bespectacled Frenchman in the woman was hired to act as a was confined almost the whole service of Spain. Through an laundress and mend clothing. time to the cabin of the keelboat, interpreter, Lewis asked Although some of the men were while Lewis conducted diplomacy Delassus’s permission to continue given passes to hunt for game, for and arranged for recruits. On up the Missouri River. Delassus the most part the camp depended November 25 and 26 they investi- told Lewis in a genial fashion that upon army pork, flour and whis- gated Tower Rock, measuring it he could not proceed without key for its survival. Like astro- and the currents which swirled clearance from higher Spanish nauts on the launching pad, the around it. authorities, or until the official Corps of Discovery settled in for At Kaskaskia, Illinois, Lewis transfer of Upper Louisiana in the the winter and waited. They were and Clark realized that their spring. Louisiana was still, still linked to the United States struggles with the mighty Missis- officially, a foreign country. Lewis and the world as they knew it by sippi necessitated a larger detach- rejoined William Clark at Cahokia the umbilical cords of supply lines, ment of men to move the supply- the following day. The co- the U.S. Mail service, and medical laden boats up the river. A large commanders decided that they assistance. After a winter of contingent of men would also be would remain in the St. Louis area organization, the men, the sup- needed after the expedition got for the winter to stock up on plies, and the maps and informa- underway in the spring of 1804, supplies and gather information tion on the route ahead were ready to move the boats against the from fur traders and explorers for Lewis and Clark to head Missouri’s muddy springtime about the territory through which toward the unknown. flood. A contingent of at least 17 they would pass. soldiers was “borrowed” from the Clark took the soldiers, commanders at the fort, doughty recruits and the three boats up the old Russell Bissell of the 1st U.S. Mississippi about 18 miles, Infantry and erudite Amos putting in at the mouth of the Stoddard of the U.S. Artillery. A Wood River on the Illinois side. third boat was also acquired, Looking out across the wide another pirogue, to carry the Mississippi, Clark could see the extra men and supplies. The mouth of the Missouri River, boats were moved up the river to which would be the departure Cahokia, passing old Fort point of the expedition in the Robert J. Moore, Jr. has worked for the National Park Service for 20 years and deChartres and Ste. Genevieve on spring. Somewhere along the has served as the historian for the the way. Cahokia was then one of small stream that was known as Jefferson National Expansion Memorial the major towns in the Indiana the Wood River, Clark established in St. Louis, for 11 years.
22 Continuance Spring/Summer 2004 The Lewis and Clark Point of Departure
Camp River Dubois Brad Winn
“. . . nearly opposit the Missouries I came to in the mouth of a little River called Wood River . . .” William Clark, December 12, 1803
fter the Spanish Com- prominent citizens of both The combination of boredom mandant Carlos Dehault Cahokia and St. Louis from whom and the apparent abundance of A Delassus, denied he could procure supplies and alcohol compounded the tension, permission to establish a winter gather the maps and information and as noted on several occasions encampment on the Missouri necessary for the success of his over the course of their five-month River near St. Louis, the party mission. stay, it would often lead to drunken- under the command of Captain During the five months that ness, fights, and neglect of duty. To Meriwether Lewis and William Clark spent in camp with the men, help reconcile the differences Clark “fixed on a place to build his primary responsibility was to among certain men, Clark em- huts” just below the confluence of select those individuals who ployed a variety of punishment the Mississippi and Missouri would be going on the expedition techniques. In one special case Rivers. They would remain at and prepare them for the chal- Clark “ordered those men who had what would become Camp River lenges that might lie ahead. In fought got Drunk & neglected Duty Dubois from December 12, 1803 to particular, he needed to bring to go and build a hut for Wo[man] May 14, 1804. Lewis would stay together as a unit these men of who promises to wash & Sow.” On in Cahokia and St. Louis for most various backgrounds from all a particularly serious note, Lewis of the winter, while Clark win- parts of the then-smaller United and Clark were forced to discipline tered with the men. Cahokia States. Success on this trip would a group of men who had challenged served as the site of the federal require teamwork. This task, the authority of the expedition’s post office and would serve as the however, was not easy: many of third in command, Sergeant John link between the expedition and the men recruited had never Ordway, who was left in charge of Washington during that winter as served in the regular army; nor the camp while both captains were Lewis completed his final prepa- were they accustomed to the in St. Louis. Clark notes several rations for the trip. By remaining lifestyle associated with being instances of John Shields, John in Cahokia, Lewis would be privy stationed in one place for such a Colter, and Reuben Fields not only to the most up to date information long time. The daily routine was failing to obey orders but also coming from the traders traveling repetitive and regimented; for attempting to shoot Sgt. Ordway. down the Mississippi and Mis- those men used to coming and On March 29th, 1804, Lewis and souri Rivers. From Cahokia, going on their own accord, these Clark tried Colter, Shields, and Lewis would be introduced to the monotonous conditions would Fields for their part in this apparent foreign officials, merchants, and prove to be a difficult adjustment. attempt at mutiny.
www.siu.edu/offices/iii 23 The Lewis and Clark Point of Departure
All were punished but allowed to remain part of the expedition, and there is no indication of further disciplinary problems. In fact, they later went on to become invaluable members of the party. The importance and success of Clark’s spending time to settle these disagreements and eliminate the weaker links from the party cannot be overstated; problems such as these emerging enroute could have jeopardized the success of the mission. Clark was also tasked with gathering, organizing, and pack- ing the supplies sent to him by Lewis from Cahokia and St. Louis. Fort DuBois Interpretive Center Throughout the early spring, The 14,000 square-foot facility, located at the Winter camp area of the expedition Clark detailed the daily prepara- features a 55-foot full scale replica of the keelboat used by Lewis and Clark. There tions, “I have meal mad[e] & the are also exhibits on Illinois, the preparation for the Expedition, a replica of the Fort, and many other exhibits. flour Packed & repacked, also Some porkie packed in barrels . . . all day Packing Provision. . . . all and proceeded on under a jentle and anxiety for the present; while a hands at work preparing.” Clark brease up the Missourie.” They sense of duty, and of the honour, was also modifying the boats to hoped that their time at Camp which would attend the completion of increase the space necessary to River Dubois under Clark’s the object of the expedition; a wish to accommodate the ever-growing command had prepared them for gratify the expectations of the amount of cargo. The success of the unexpected and had united government, and our fellow citizens. the expedition would hinge on them and had brought them Clark’s ability to utilize his five together as a unit that we would months’ stay in Illinois to bring later call the Corps of Discovery. together all these elements. Once under way there would be little Summing up the same emotion room for re-evaluation or correc- and courage most likely shared by tion of the decisions made while the others, on May 14, 1804, in camp. Patrick Gass would record in his By May 14, 1804, the day of journal, departure had finally come. The . . .The determined and resolute keelboat and two pirogues set out character, however, of the corps, and Brad Winn is Director of the Lewis and Clark State Historical Site in Hartford, at 4 p.m. “in the presence of many the confidence which pervaded all Illinois and a member of the Illinois Historic of the Neighbouring inhabitents, ranks dispelled every emotion of fear, Preservation Agency
24 Continuance Spring/Summer 2004 The Lewis and Clark Point of Departure
Tailor Made, Trail Worn: Army Life, Clothing, and Weapons of the Corps of Discovery
What Did They Wear?
Robert Moore, Jr. and Michael Haynes
hey can be seen on every Lewis and Clark Expedition’s even on the Pacific Coast! Begin- Lewis and Clark Trail clothing looked like cannot readily ning in the 1970s, reenactors made T highway marker from be found in the artwork, films or honest efforts to create accurate Illinois to Oregon. The silhouettes costuming created between 1890 images of Lewis and Clark. of the explorers tell the story: and the present. Most of the Instead they have, by and large, Meriwether Lewis wore a tricorn public’s impressions and expecta- reinforced stereotypes of the hat, while William Clark wore a tions on this subject come from explorers as bearded, grizzled coonskin cap. For millions of images created after 1890, and not mountainmen rather than as people, this image of the famous from facts gleaned from primary members of a military expedition explorers is as indelible as sources written or drawn during rooted in the traditions and Abraham Lincoln’s stovepipe hat the years surrounding the expedi- restrictions of U. S. Army dress or Douglas MacArthur’s beat-up tion. A sentimentalized historical and decorum. officer’s cap. But the fact is that tradition has been formulated In order to make a scientific neither Lewis nor Clark, nor any around the subject of Lewis and study of Lewis and Clark’s of their crew wore tricorn hats or Clark’s appearance through later clothing, these preconceptions and coonskin caps. artwork and the impressions “traditions” had to be set aside. If not tricorns or coonskins, created by modern reenactors. Primary source information had to what did the men wear when they These recent traditions, more than be located, which asi turned out to went west with Lewis and Clark real knowledge of the cut, texture, be a difficult task. just as we on their expedition of 1804-1806? and feel of clothing of the era, would not normally, in today’s This question has often been color public preconceptions of diaries, write in detail about what asked by the curious who read how the explorers dressed. color shirt we put on in the about the journey, by artists who The pervasive post-1890 artist’s morning or whether our pants wish to paint or sculpt Lewis and image of the explorers is as have cuffs, the journalists of the Clark, by reenactors or actors who buckskin-clad adventurers, Lewis and Clark Expedition did wish to portray them, and by dressed in the “frontiersman not often remark upon their filmmakers who wish to tell their style” clothing of fringed leather clothing. In conjunction with other story for the cinema. It seems like jackets and trousers. On the other expedition documents, however, a simple question, yet it has never extreme, however, artists like the journals provide tantalizing been adequately answered-and Frederic Remington depicted clues regarding what the expedi- perhaps never will be. Lewis and Clark in full Revolu- tion members wore. By examining A clear answer to what the tionary War-era military uniforms, the words of expedition members,
www.siu.edu/offices/iii 25 The Lewis and Clark Point of Departure
original artwork from the 1800- thinking, regimentation, and The Author and Artist 1810 period, original garments discipline influenced the expedi- that have survived, and descrip- tion of 1803-1806. Robert Moore is the public historian with the Jefferson National Expansion tions of clothing in military The authors feel confident that Historian Memorial in St. Louis. His they have done their very best to records, reports and regulations, background is in art, history, and film. an impression emerged of how approach this material with open He is completing a Ph.D. in history at much and what types of clothing minds and to present an honest, Washington University. was taken along. To this informa- fact-based piece of research. In tion the authors added their addition to archival sources, Michael Hayes is a historical artist who experience and knowledge about expedition journals, letters, and resides in Wildwood, Missouri. His receipts, the photographs of period clothing, carried forward painting of the Dress of the Corps of into logical conjecture when the original clothing specimens and Discovery was selected as a guide for record became scant. illustrations from period sources the uniforms created for films on the To present the best possible provide further clues and support- Lewis and Clark Expedition. information on the topic of the ing evidence for this study. Per- clothing of the Lewis and Clark haps, in the future, documents will Expedition, it is first necessary to be unearthed that will provide a provide some background infor- more complete picture with more Additional Resources mation about the U. S. Army of specifics on the expedition’s for Lewis and Clark the period. Without understand- clothing. Until then, using the ing that—first and foremost—the known original sources, we have Contributions of Philadelphia to Lewis Lewis and Clark trek was an compiled this written and illus- and Clark History official, government-sponsored trated record, and take full respon- assignment carried out by a sibility for any errors of fact herein. Paul Russell Cutright military force, it is impossible to We will probably never know An excellent resource understand how and why the men many details about this topic. Too describing the history of Lewis and Clark from dressed as they did. Only by little was preserved, too few 1803. Includes drawings comprehending the background letters were written, notes kept, and illustrations of and customs of the young and illustrations and paintings created. historical artifacts very tiny U. S. Army, the small The authors hope, however, that housed in Philadelphia. Contact the Philadelphia Chapter of the amount of funding it received, this book will provide the basic Lewis and Clark Trail Heritage and the sometimes shoddy and answers about what Lewis, Clark, Foundation, 610-567-2950. makeshift clothing and equipment and their crew wore as they made Lewis and Clark Educator’s Guide it utilized, can the reader begin to their way to the Pacific Ocean and formulate a picture of how the back. Further, through studying “Corps of Discovery for North the clothing of the period and the A guide for teachers that reviews the Lewis and Western Exploration” functioned reasons why people wore what Clark resources suitable and dressed. This is why the first they wore, perhaps the reader will for classroom use. four chapters of this book are also gain a better insight ‘into the Information is available devoted to the subject of the many cultural groups that com- on books, videos, websites, trunks, and military at the time, and present prised and affected the Lewis and other resources. Contact 406-994-1757 specific examples of how military Clark Expedition. www.teachlewis-clark.org
26 Continuance Spring/Summer 2004 Lewis and Clark Preparing for Discovery
Curriculum for 4th and 5th Grades
Lesson Four: Writing as a Member of the Corps of Discovery
Equipment: Paper and writing instrument. If using quills and ink, remember to use a very light touch with the quills, as the tips are fragile. Ink in the ink well should be very shallow, as too much ink simply overwhelmes the quill tips and creates a mess.
You are a member of the Expedition. There is a serious problem. You must write to either Capt. Meriwether Lewis or to Capt. William Clark, who are both away. You have to think of a way to solve the problem and make a recommendation. Someone has to act on your information.
You must write clearly, as your communication is important. Your work could become information form- ing the basis of some expeditionary decision or plan. President Jefferson may even read your words.
You need to clearly state the problem. State the consequences if the problem is not addressed and resolved. Suggest a solution. Suggest a person responsible for resolving the problem.
Lewis and Clark Preparing for Discovery in Illinois kits were developed by the Southern Partnership Project of Invest in Interpretation, Illinois Historic Preservation Agency. Authors are Kathryn Hymel, Edwardsville High School; Don Hastings, Lewis Clark Society of America; and Cindy Upchurch, Lewis and Clark State Historical Site; IHPA. Other who assisted included the Lewis and Clark Library System, and the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. Funding for this project was awarded to the Lewis & Clark Library System by the Illinois State Library, a Division of the Office of Secretary of State, using funds provided by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), under the federal Library Services and Technology Act.
www.siu.edu/offices/iii 27 Writing as a member of the Corps of Discovery
(Writer) (Audience) (Purpose) Pick a character: Write to a leader: Choose a suggested problem:
• Pvt. George Shannon: Capt. Meriwether Lewis Lost letter I was supposed to deliver to Cahokia. (Youngest: 19) Capt. William Clark Got lost hunting, lost two days, still lost and cold.
* York Capt. Meriwether Lewis Clark is very sick (Clark’s Slave) Capt. William Clark Whip saw is broke. Ax handle is also broke.
• George Drouillard Capt. Meriwether Lewis I am in Kentucky, cannot find West Point men. (Interpreter & Hunter) Capt. William Clark Game is scarce near the camp.
• Sgt. John Ordway Capt. Meriwether Lewis Some men do not accept my authority. (“in charge”): Capt. William Clark Some men lack skills (shooting, swimming, etc.).
• Mrs. Cane Capt. Meriwether Lewis Run out of soap, cloth and thread. (Washer Woman): Capt. William Clark Neighbors are unhappy as someone killed their pig.
You may think of another leader to write to (such as President Thomas Jefferson), and/or another problem to report and solve, beyond those that are suggested.
Brief Biographies Expedition’s journals for their first permanent party. This may be publication. He studied law, later first rooted in York working at Pvt. George Shannon practiced in KY and MI and Camp River Dubois with soldiers, George Shannon was born in became a Missouri State Senator. sawing lumber in the Saw Pit. Pennsylvania in 1785. He moved He died in Missouri in 1836. At the Pacific Ocean, after having to Ohio in 1800. Shannon was crossed the continent, York voted “taken on trial” by Lewis at York equally with all as to where the Maysville, Kentucky, the youngest York was born into slavery in Expedition should spend the winter. member (age 19 at departure) and Virginia and grew up with Will- However, after the Expedition’s one of the “nine young men from iam Clark. He was inherited by return, York did not participate Kentucky”. While on Expedition, William Clark from his father in with the rest and did not receive he was lost for two weeks in 1804 1799 and was considered large the land, extra pay and other and for a couple of days in 1805. and strong. Prior to the Expedi- rewards given the other men. After the Expedition, in 1807, tion, York was married. His wife After the Expedition, York as a member of a military party (also a slave) was owned by asked for his freedom but Clark returning peaceful Indians to their another master. As Clark’s slave, was reluctant to grant it. About home, the party was attacked by York served as his “body servant” 1816, York was freed, had his own hostiles. Shannon was shot in the and obediently went with Clark business and is understood to leg, which later was amputated. when Clark joined the Expedition. have rejoined his wife in Tennes- He was a friend of William After the Expedition’s depar- see. He died in Tennessee before Clark. ture and while exploring the West, 1832. It is understood his business After Lewis’ death in 1809, more and more, York gradually had failed and that he was enroute Shannon helped edit the became an equal member of the to William Clark in St. Louis.
28 Continuance Spring/Summer 2004 George Drouillard Sgt. John Ordway not know Mrs. Cane’s first or George Drouillard was born Sgt. John Ordway was born in maiden name and her age at the about 1773 in either Canada or the New Hampshire. He was re- Expedition’s departure. We do not Michigan Territory. cruited at Kaskaskia, from a know if she was young (some He was born to a French father company of the First Infantry married as early as age 14) or old. (of the same name) and a Shawnee Regiment (US military). Of the We do not know if Mrs. Cane Indian mother. As a boy, he lived Expedition’s original Sergeants, may have previously known with his mother’s people (who Ordway was the only one to come William Clark, other soldiers at the moved several times, some were from the military. Presumably, he camp, or whether she had prior in southern Illinois and they is the central figure instructing at experience as a military “Washer ultimately settled in the Cape Camp River Dubois in military Woman.” Giradeau area of Missouri.) behavior. Ordway performed We understand that she was He was skilled in Indian paperwork and was in charge of married and has been presumed to wilderness arts, in sign language, the camp when the Captains were be the wife of Jesse Cane (however, spoke several languages (he is away. He is understood to have Jesse could be her son). We do not, presumed to speak English, been 29 years old when the however, know whether she had French and several Indian dia- Expedition departed. Ordway children. At the time of the con- lects), and was a hunter. He was faithfully kept a journal for each struction of Camp River Dubois able to read and write and he day of exploration in the West. when Mrs. Cane came forward, we owned land. After the Expedition, he married do not know if she was already Drouillard was recruited at Ft. and returned to Missouri.He died established in the general area of the Massac by Lewis. He is presumed in Missouri in 1817. camp, or perhaps, had pursued the to have been a civilian employee Expedition from a prior location in to the military, perhaps a hunter. Mrs. Cane southern Illinois or even Kentucky. Drouillard formally joined the There was a “Cane Creek” in Following the Expedition’s depar- Expedition as a civilian inter- southern Illinois. This implies that ture, Mrs. Cane vanished from preter. On Expedition, he appears Canes were resident in southern history. On August 29, 1807, Jesse to have functioned as an unofficial Illinois at an early time; however, Cane lived “on the Sand Ridge … third officer. After the expedition, as there were many Canes resid- side of Marais Pacanne” (near he entered the fur trade.Drouillard ing in Kentucky, we cannot be Wood River, Illinois). Mrs. Cane was killed in 1810 by Indians at certain of a relationship between may have resided with him, but we the “Three Forks of the Missouri”. Mrs. Cane and Cane Creek. We do do not know.
www.siu.edu/offices/iii 29 Lewis and Clark Trail Heritage Foundation and the Third Century
Background on the Lewis and Clark Trail Heritage Foundation Ron Laycock, President
n 1964, the U.S. Congress, in response to a growing interest I in Lewis and Clark, estab- lished a Lewis and Clark Trail Commission. The Commission had a five-year lifespan, and it's final report to Congress in 1969 made several recommendations, one of which was to establish a private, nonprofit organization to preserve and promote the story of the Lewis and Clark Expedition. As a result, the Lewis and Clark Gerard Baker, Superintendent of the Lewis and Clark Trail, discusses the importance of the Trail Heritage Foundation trail to education. L to R: Ron Laycock, President. LCTHF; Joan Schmidt, President-elect National School Boards Association (NSBA); Baker; Anne Bryant, Executive Director, NSBA; (LCTHF) was formed. Its first and Carol Bronson, Executive Director, LCTHF members were from only the 11 trail states, and its membership was small: fewer than two dozen accurate information for research- the physical trail face in the attendees were recorded at the ers and scholars. We publish a future? Our Third Century first few annual meetings. quarterly journal, We Proceeded Committee is already preparing On, and a quarterly newsletter, as for the time after the bicentennial Today, 35 years later, the Lewis well as a curriculum guide for use commemoration with new mo- and Clark Trail Heritage Founda- in middle schools. mentum as stewards of the trail tion has a growing membership of and tellers of the story. 3,500, with members in all states What lies ahead? We are and several foreign countries. planning for the next century. We I would be remiss if I did not Coast to coast, we have 41 chap- must continue to promote research mention the positive relationships ters with a research library, an and scholarship and provide we have with our federal partners. archives, and international head- accurate historical information for Much of the Lewis and Clark Trail quarters in Great Falls, MT. our youth. Native Americans runs through public lands. We are played a vital role in the success of partners with the National Park The Lewis and Clark Trail the expedition, and it is important Service, the Bureau of Land Heritage Foundation is the that their stories be told and Management, and the U.S. Forest recognized authority on the Lewis heard. Therefore, the Foundation Service to protect and promote and Clark Expedition and the established a Sovereign Nations both the physical trail and the clearinghouse for historically Committee. What challenges will story of its creation.
30 Continuance Spring/Summer 2004 Lewis and Clark and Education The Congressional Caucus is Applauded by Leaders
chool children all over the country are build- ing replica keel boats, studying plants, writing S in journals, and participating in activities across the curriculum related to Lewis and Clark. Anne Bryant, Executive Director of the National Schools Boards Association (NSBA) said “the Lewis and Clark expedition is not just a story; it is a breath- ing movement that helps children develop skills in math, science, English, geography, social studies, journal writing, and more.” Susan Sclafani, Assistant Secretary, U.S. Department of Education, describes the power of the Lewis and Clark expedition as a Education leaders speak to the importance of Lewis and Clark for edu- “way to learn what people do on their own and to cation and applaud the efforts of the Lewis and Clark Congressional Caucus. L to R: Susan Sclafani, Assistant Secretary of Education; Anne learn where we have been and what we have done.” Bryant, executive direrector, National School Boards Association Lewis and Clark Trail Heritage Foundation (LCTHF) (NSBA), and Joan Schmidt, president-elect, NSBA. Executive Director, Carol Bronson applauds Congress for their foresight “The funding they have provided for Lewis and Clark projects is money well spent. Each federal dollar spent on Lewis and Clark has been multiplied by 6 additional dollars matched through other sources.” As a result, communities across the country have been able to develop Lewis and Clark education and trail stewardship projects. Gerard Baker, Superintendent of the Lewis and Clark Trail, and a member of the Mandan-Hidatsa Tribe, said that we must ”take the story into the classroom to kids who won’t have an opportunity to visit the Missouri River or the Rocky Mountains. The Richard Durbin, one member of the Lewis and Clark Congressional Caucus, joins foundation members on Capitol Hill. story is for our children and grandchildren and it L to R: Jane Angelis, SIU Carbondale; Ron Laycock, Durbin, Carol says who we are as American people. He said that Bronson, Gerard Baker, and Terri Purcell, field represenatitive for the the story is being told so that all Americans can Caucus. Other members of the Illinois Lewis and Clark Caucus are explore, teach, learn and respect one another. Senator Peter Fitzgerald and Congressmen Jerry Costello, and John Shimkus. On May 5, the Lewis and Clark Trail Heritage Foundation convened a group on Capitol Hill to children all over the country, and an enriched cur- bring attention to the achievements of the Lewis and riculum that relates the real life struggles of 1804 to Clark Bicentennial in the first year. The Lewis and the struggles of students in 2004. Clark Caucus is comprised of 80 members of Con- The Lewis and Clark Bicentennial continues until gress and their support has resulted in economic 2006 as it traces the journey to the west coast and growth for communities, connections between school back.
www.siu.edu/offices/iii 31 Coming in October and November Sharing History Building Connections
Workshops on Oral History Recording and Preserving Family, Community and Cultural History
Using oral and family history to preserve family legacies and to foster cross-cultural understanding.
• Workshops will be held in Carbondale, Peoria, Rockford, Edwardsville, and three locations across Chicago. The schedule will be available in August.
• The experiential workshops focus on strategies that integrate key communica- tion skills--interviewing, writing, and research—and help build community in your classroom.
• All activities are aligned with the Illinois Learning Standards and offer CPDU’s.
• Materials and suggestions will be available for entering the History Exposition with a family history or oral history application.
No charge for the workshop
For information, check the website www.siu.edu/offices/iii Or contact [email protected] or [email protected]
32 Continuance Spring/Summer 2004 CONTINUANCE Spring/Summer 2004 Commentary Vol. 18 Nos. 3 & 4
Continuance is a quarterly publication founded in 1987 with funding from the Illinois Board of Higher Education. Continuance highlights topics, Finding Talent in Our movements, and events that have potential to enrich intergenerational relationships and promote lifelong Own Backyards service and learning. Continuance is a publication of the Intergenerational Initiative, a project ucille Boysaw, a retired Chicago math teacher, heard a knock on her back that seeks to stimulate new thinking door. When she looked through the window, she saw two small children about educational issues and from the neighborhood. She opened the door and asked them what she intergenerational involvement. L could do for them. The taller one looked perplexed and said, “We don’t understand STAFF these word problems. Could you help us?” Boysaw worked with them and later
EDITORIAL observed, “We find a need for our talents right in our own backyards.” Editor: Jane Angelis, Ph.D., Director, Intergenerational Initiative, Office of In cities, rural communities, and inner city neighborhoods, old and young gather to the Associate Chancellor for share their talents and experiences. Older adults read with youngsters, mentor Diversity, Southern Illinois University Carbondale troubled high school students, provide guest lectures on their travels and hobbies, Editorial Assistance: Kathryn and listen. Students help older citizens with chores, teach computer skills, visit Koldehoff, Waterloo, Illinois nursing homes, and write oral history interviews with elders. Connecting genera- PRODUCTION tions is win/win for all. Graphic Design and Layout: Sharon Granderson Carol Tice, founder of Teaching/Learning Communities, gives us a formula for James Robert Gorman tapping the resources of young and old: “Listen, discuss, and ask.” Listen to the Skyler Taylor Instructional Support Services creative ideas of young people and elders who don’t think their ideas matter. Morris Library Discuss ways of organizing. And ask! Asking is the key, the action that makes the
SUBSCRIPTION connections and drives the progress. Each of us must ask, “Can I help?” School To be added to the mailing list, send districts must ask for help and make citizens welcome. your request to [email protected], FAX 618-453-4295, 618-453-1186 Retirees who volunteer in the schools bring years of experience and a presence that Intergenerational Initiative, Office of the Associate Chancellor for says, “Let’s tackle these problems together.” Helene Block-Fields, Emerita, Oakton Diversity, Community College, suggests six strategies for a successful intergenerational Mailcode 4341 experience. SIU Carbondale Carbondale, IL 62901 • Help create a safe and accepting learning environment. • Encourage curiosity and experimentation. www.siu.edu/offices/iii • Facilitate participation, making sure the children do as much as possible. • Value children's ideas, and respect their uniqueness. • Share your life skills and personal history with the children, when it is appropriate. They need this perspective on the passage of time and the life span. • Share what you see and think, when appropriate. You are an extra pair of eyes, you have vast experience, and you are still learning.
In the younger and older members of our society, we have the resources at hand to address the ever-growing educational challenges. Like Lucille Boysaw, we find a need for our talents right in our own backyards. - Jane Angelis, Editor NON- PROFIT ORG. CONTINUANCE U.S. POSTAGE Intergenerational Initiative PAID Office of the Associate Chancellor for Diversity PERMIT NO. 15 Mailcode 4341 CARBONDALE IL Southern Illinois University Carbondale Carbondale, Illinois 62901