Jessie Edwards, a 20-year-old aspiring social worker, was looking for a project to fulfill a college class requirement.
Edwards, who is known for her unusually big heart, decided to take on a project in line with her reputation.
She discovered that there are 26 grade schools in Macon County, and many of their pupils do not have gloves.
So why not make sure all the children have their fingers covered this winter?
"I have a big passion for children in the first place," said Edwards, a junior at University of Illinois-Springfield. "My dream is to help children in the community."
Edwards looked over the charity landscape and discovered a gaping hole.
"There’s a coat drive, a food drive, but I never heard of a glove drive," said Edwards, during an interview at Dennis School, where she kicked off her marathon giveaway in early December on one of the first really cold days of the season.
With financial support from the Macon County Sheriff’s Office’s community outreach program, Edwards purchased 1,000 pairs of gloves from Dollar General. She bought 26 Christmas-themed bags, and placed about 40 pairs in each bag.
The story was published by the Decatur Herald & Review on December 28, 2013.
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Saturday, December 28, 2013
Thursday, December 26, 2013
Former Sangamon State instructor is famed writer Mailer's authorized biographer
J. Michael Lennon said he had two reactions when he was tabbed to write the authorized biography of Pulitzer Prize-winning novelist Norman Mailer.
“One, was, OK, this is going to be a (huge) job,” said Lennon, 71, who spent two decades at Sangamon State University (now University of Illinois Springfield) as an administrator and instructor. “The other, of course, was that I was terrifically excited.
“But I knew if I was going to get it done, it had to be a total commitment.”
Lennon spent a monk-like four years writing “Norman Mailer: A Double Life” (Simon & Schuster), which came out in October to mostly positive reviews. That was after he did three years of research and interviewing friends, editors and family members of Mailer, who died in 2007.
Despite its imprimatur, the tome, which runs 900-plus pages, isn’t a hagiography of one of the most colorful literary figures of the 20th century. Lennon said that if he had Mailer’s approval, Mailer also had his back, giving him unfettered access to letters and other personal papers and in his interviews.
The story was published by The State Journal-Register on December 26, 2013.
Read the article online
“One, was, OK, this is going to be a (huge) job,” said Lennon, 71, who spent two decades at Sangamon State University (now University of Illinois Springfield) as an administrator and instructor. “The other, of course, was that I was terrifically excited.
“But I knew if I was going to get it done, it had to be a total commitment.”
Lennon spent a monk-like four years writing “Norman Mailer: A Double Life” (Simon & Schuster), which came out in October to mostly positive reviews. That was after he did three years of research and interviewing friends, editors and family members of Mailer, who died in 2007.
Despite its imprimatur, the tome, which runs 900-plus pages, isn’t a hagiography of one of the most colorful literary figures of the 20th century. Lennon said that if he had Mailer’s approval, Mailer also had his back, giving him unfettered access to letters and other personal papers and in his interviews.
The story was published by The State Journal-Register on December 26, 2013.
Read the article online
Wednesday, December 25, 2013
UIS reminding students guns not allowed on campus
People in Illinois can start applying for a concealed carry permit on January 5, but the University of Illinois Springfield is reminding students guns are still not allowed on campus.
In just two weeks, legal gun owners in Illinois can carry weapons with a permit, but the Firearm Concealed Carry Act doesn't change the status quo for college campuses. UIS campus police want to make sure students and visitors know the rules.
When students return from winter break, they'll see signs posted all over campus.
"When they come in the doors, they will actually see a sign that says you cannot bring a loaded weapon into the buildings," said UIS police officer Cindy Law.
Illinois' new concealed carry law kicks in next month, but that does not include college campuses. UIS students tell us they're relieved they won't be seeing weapons at school.
"There's been a lot more of guns getting into schools recently. Like some of the elementary schools. So I think it's good to help get that awareness out," said UIS junior Kelsey Hill.
The story was reported by WICS-TV 20 on December 24, 2013.
Watch the story online
In just two weeks, legal gun owners in Illinois can carry weapons with a permit, but the Firearm Concealed Carry Act doesn't change the status quo for college campuses. UIS campus police want to make sure students and visitors know the rules.
When students return from winter break, they'll see signs posted all over campus.
"When they come in the doors, they will actually see a sign that says you cannot bring a loaded weapon into the buildings," said UIS police officer Cindy Law.
Illinois' new concealed carry law kicks in next month, but that does not include college campuses. UIS students tell us they're relieved they won't be seeing weapons at school.
"There's been a lot more of guns getting into schools recently. Like some of the elementary schools. So I think it's good to help get that awareness out," said UIS junior Kelsey Hill.
The story was reported by WICS-TV 20 on December 24, 2013.
Watch the story online
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