iPads Abound
by Todd Ream
When I went away to college, my parents announced anything I took with me was going to have to fit into my car. Since I was never a slave to fashion, my clothes did not take up much room. Any books I needed I would just buy once I got to campus. However, this relatively new invention called the personal computer took up a considerable amount of space. The futuristic monochrome monitor and sleek, dot-matrix printer easily weighed enough to make me wonder if I needed to pull into some of the truck weigh stations on the interstate. All that just so I could type and print my papers, as even the internet had yet to emerge.
This fall, children in grades K-8 at Eastern received a device that weighs a fraction of my first personal computer and is small enough that it can fit in almost any backpack (most students in the high school received comparable devices known as netbooks). This one-to-one iPad initiative, an effort garnering local, state, and nationwide acclaim, is arguably the first of its kind. The essence of it is that each child was issued one of these devices in order to aid in their educational efforts both at home and at school. Some schools make these devices available in the classroom and Eastern had taken that approach for a couple of years. However, now each child can use this device in any number of locations.
With internet capability and high resolution screens, iPads can be used to support a host of initiatives from helping with research for science projects to shooting short documentaries. At a recent meeting of the Parent Advisory Committee, Eastern Elementary Principal Randy Maurer highlighted that iPads are even allowing for individualized instruction for students, such as reading assignments that match with each student’s current reading level.
Eastern Superintendent, Tracy Caddell, noted, “We are excited to see the positive feedback from parents, guardians, and other stakeholders concerning our one-to-one program with iPads and netbooks.”
Of course, students have also figured out that such devices can be utilized for a variety of purposes. The same iPad that can be used to make a documentary for science class can also be used to make a host of films starring any number of actors including family pets. Rumor has it that video footage of a previously unknown schnauzer that roams several acres on 100 N has now gone viral in Azerbaijan.
On a more serious note, Tracy Caddell also recently warned parents that “Unfortunately, we cannot fully control all aspects of internet access from sites other than our own. We highly recommend that the parent supervise and control internet use while the student is away from school to prevent them from reaching inappropriate content. Should you have concerns with how your student uses their device or the content they can reach, please contact us immediately.”
While our children will have more room in their cars when they leave for college for the latest fashion accessories, the introduction of new forms of instructional technology comes with both benefits and challenges. Remembering technology is a means and not an end, such devices are designed to reinforce and individualize what is best about the educational experience—not expose students to the worst dimensions of the human experiment. Failure to respect those parameters compromises what is ultimately a step into the future of education. We may very well all have a role to play in this new world where devices such as iPads abound.
Todd and his family live in Greentown. He has two daughters who attend Eastern Elementary School where he serves as a regular volunteer. He also teaches at Indiana Wesleyan.
Tuesday, October 9, 2012
New Business in Greentown
Hearth Shop Opens in Greentown
photo by Rachel Jenkins
Members of Greentown Main Street Association and Schlemmer Brothers Hearth & Home
participated in a ribbon cutting ceremony on Friday, Sept. 21 to mark the Grand Opening of the
business at 100 W. Main St. Left to right are Lisa Stout, Jay Freeman, Ron Simpson, Neil Clifton,
retail manager; Kent Henderson, owner; Dennis Kochenour - installer, Julie Henderson, owner;
Eric Haupert, sales associate; Tom Haneline, installer; Stephanie Hulce, Jodi Cecil, and Mary Miller.
Schlemmer Brothers Hearth & Home has opened their store at 100 W Main Street, on the NW corner of the main intersection in town. The business sells fireplaces, stoves, and inserts. The store has on display gas, wood, pellet and coal units. They are a full service dealer and sell, install & service all of their products. The owner, Kent Henderson, is the fourth generation in the family owned company. The original store is in downtown Wabash.
Hours are Monday - Friday 9 a.m. -5 p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
photo by Rachel Jenkins
Members of Greentown Main Street Association and Schlemmer Brothers Hearth & Home
participated in a ribbon cutting ceremony on Friday, Sept. 21 to mark the Grand Opening of the
business at 100 W. Main St. Left to right are Lisa Stout, Jay Freeman, Ron Simpson, Neil Clifton,
retail manager; Kent Henderson, owner; Dennis Kochenour - installer, Julie Henderson, owner;
Eric Haupert, sales associate; Tom Haneline, installer; Stephanie Hulce, Jodi Cecil, and Mary Miller.
Schlemmer Brothers Hearth & Home has opened their store at 100 W Main Street, on the NW corner of the main intersection in town. The business sells fireplaces, stoves, and inserts. The store has on display gas, wood, pellet and coal units. They are a full service dealer and sell, install & service all of their products. The owner, Kent Henderson, is the fourth generation in the family owned company. The original store is in downtown Wabash.
Hours are Monday - Friday 9 a.m. -5 p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Lincoln-Douglas Debates
Students to Recreate Portions
of Lincoln - Douglas Debates
While most people know the name “Lincoln-Douglas Debates,” it’s fair to say that many don’t know a lot about them. In fact, it’s a common misconception that the debates were Presidential debates. While Abraham Lincoln and Stephen Douglas did oppose each other in the four-way contested presidential election of 1860, their famous debates occurred two years prior when Lincoln challenged incumbent Senator Douglas in his Illinois re-election bid.
There were seven debates (one in each of Illinois’ seven congressional districts) with each one lasting several hours – much different than the media-driven versions we see today. By challenging the nationally known Douglas to defend his slavery policy of popular sovereignty (letting the individual territories decide for themselves), with his dry wit and self-deprecating humor, the relatively unknown Abraham Lincoln became a household name.
Four Eastern High School students, Riley Smith, Sarah Wagner, Josh Keith, and Jonah Evans, will perform select portions of the famous exchanges at the Greentown Historical Society, 103 E. Main Street, on Sunday, October 21, at 2:00 p.m. The students are enrolled in the AP Government and Politics class taught by Peter Heck.
The free program is open to the public. The facility is handicap accessible.
The presentation will be repeated at the annual meeting of the Greentown Historical Society, which will be Thursday, November 1, 2012, 6:00 p.m. at the Community Building at the Howard County Fairgrounds. The cost of the catered meal is $15.00. Call Karen Swan, 765-628-3565, for reservations by October 25.
of Lincoln - Douglas Debates
While most people know the name “Lincoln-Douglas Debates,” it’s fair to say that many don’t know a lot about them. In fact, it’s a common misconception that the debates were Presidential debates. While Abraham Lincoln and Stephen Douglas did oppose each other in the four-way contested presidential election of 1860, their famous debates occurred two years prior when Lincoln challenged incumbent Senator Douglas in his Illinois re-election bid.
There were seven debates (one in each of Illinois’ seven congressional districts) with each one lasting several hours – much different than the media-driven versions we see today. By challenging the nationally known Douglas to defend his slavery policy of popular sovereignty (letting the individual territories decide for themselves), with his dry wit and self-deprecating humor, the relatively unknown Abraham Lincoln became a household name.
Four Eastern High School students, Riley Smith, Sarah Wagner, Josh Keith, and Jonah Evans, will perform select portions of the famous exchanges at the Greentown Historical Society, 103 E. Main Street, on Sunday, October 21, at 2:00 p.m. The students are enrolled in the AP Government and Politics class taught by Peter Heck.
The free program is open to the public. The facility is handicap accessible.
The presentation will be repeated at the annual meeting of the Greentown Historical Society, which will be Thursday, November 1, 2012, 6:00 p.m. at the Community Building at the Howard County Fairgrounds. The cost of the catered meal is $15.00. Call Karen Swan, 765-628-3565, for reservations by October 25.
Pumpkins
Quite Like Pumpkins
photo by Rachel Jenkins
During the past few days, a field on SR 22 west of Greentown has revealed a large crop of pumpkins, turning the previous green cover to rows of bright orange pumpkins. The producer is Ladd Farms, Inc. of Peru, IN.
Township Consolidation
Advantages Seen to Consolidation
The trustees of Jackson, Liberty, and Union Townships, as well as some board members, addressed the question which will be on the ballot in all three townships. That question will ask for a “yes” or “no” on whether the three townships shall be reorganized (consolidated) into one political unit. This coincides with the Eastern School District. The meeting was held September 13 at the Greentown Public Library and conducted by the League of Women Voters of Howard County Area. Greg Kingseed, Trustee of Jackson Township; Linda Grove, Trustee of Liberty Township; and Steve Carpenter, Trustee of Union Township, answered questions from the League and from the audience. Assistance in the way of utilities, rent, medication, and food account for most of their time spent on official duties, as well as record keeping. Other duties are providing fire protection, care of abandoned cemeteries, and funeral costs and burials. The trustees met and composed a proposed budget for the combined area and estimate a 14% decrease in expense. Instead of three trustees and 7 to 9 board members, all drawing a salary, there would be one trustee and three board members. The trustees may also employ a clerk and an investigator.
All three current trustees favor consolidation. Kingseed stated that the Kernan-Shepherd Report recommended in 2007 the elimination of the 1,008 townships in Indiana. He says this plan of consolidating by school district maintains some level of local control while meeting a goal of more efficiency.
A similar meeting was held at Northwestern High School on Sept. 20. Another meeting will be held at the Greentown Public Library at 6:00 p.m. on October 11 for those who could not attend the first and for those who might have more questions. A second meeting is planned at Northwestern on October 18, also at 6:00 p.m.
Scott Deyoe, who attended the first Greentown meeting, expressed his hope that people will become informed about the issue. He said, “If you are ambivalent or haven’t become informed, it is better that you don’t mark the ballot on that question. Let those who have an opinion and have researched the issue determine the outcome.”
The trustees of Jackson, Liberty, and Union Townships, as well as some board members, addressed the question which will be on the ballot in all three townships. That question will ask for a “yes” or “no” on whether the three townships shall be reorganized (consolidated) into one political unit. This coincides with the Eastern School District. The meeting was held September 13 at the Greentown Public Library and conducted by the League of Women Voters of Howard County Area. Greg Kingseed, Trustee of Jackson Township; Linda Grove, Trustee of Liberty Township; and Steve Carpenter, Trustee of Union Township, answered questions from the League and from the audience. Assistance in the way of utilities, rent, medication, and food account for most of their time spent on official duties, as well as record keeping. Other duties are providing fire protection, care of abandoned cemeteries, and funeral costs and burials. The trustees met and composed a proposed budget for the combined area and estimate a 14% decrease in expense. Instead of three trustees and 7 to 9 board members, all drawing a salary, there would be one trustee and three board members. The trustees may also employ a clerk and an investigator.
All three current trustees favor consolidation. Kingseed stated that the Kernan-Shepherd Report recommended in 2007 the elimination of the 1,008 townships in Indiana. He says this plan of consolidating by school district maintains some level of local control while meeting a goal of more efficiency.
A similar meeting was held at Northwestern High School on Sept. 20. Another meeting will be held at the Greentown Public Library at 6:00 p.m. on October 11 for those who could not attend the first and for those who might have more questions. A second meeting is planned at Northwestern on October 18, also at 6:00 p.m.
Scott Deyoe, who attended the first Greentown meeting, expressed his hope that people will become informed about the issue. He said, “If you are ambivalent or haven’t become informed, it is better that you don’t mark the ballot on that question. Let those who have an opinion and have researched the issue determine the outcome.”
Wednesday, September 5, 2012
Candidate for Governor
Candidate for Governor has Greentown Connection
Greentown may seem like a small town to some, but for young John Gregg, it was considerably larger than his hometown, Sandborn, Indiana. Sandborn is in Knox County and had 547 residents in the 1960 census. By comparison, Greentown had 1,266 residents in 1960.
During the summer and on other occasions John would accompany his mother and brothers, and occasionally their father, to Greentown to visit “Aunt Mabe.” Aunt Mabe was Maybelle Mahon, his great-aunt on his mother’s side. Maybelle and her husband Ben lived on West Walnut Street in the home now owned and occupied by Joe and June Mason. John remembers that the neighbors on that block were Ross and Faith Wyrick and Don and Deloris Maple.
The Mahons were active in the community. Maybelle was a teacher in Eastern Elementary School in 3rd grade and then in the 2nd grade. She taught a Sunday School class at the Methodist Church and was a member of a church circle. She also was in the Research Club and was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star. She often opened her home for meetings. Ben was a partner in the Kahl and Mahon Construction Company, bridge contractors. He served on the Greentown Town Board 1964-1968 and was a director of the Greentown Lions Club. The Mahons passed away in 1972 and 1973 and are buried in the Sandborn Cemetery. With the Mahons gone, there were few visits to Greentown; however, John’s mother kept in touch with a special Greentown friend, Vetta Pickett, as long as Vetta lived
John says his annual visits to Greentown began in infancy and continued until he was about 20 years old. The visits were usually one week in length until the boys’ summer jobs dictated shorter trips. They always planned the visits to coincide with the county fair, which John remembers as being “a great fair.” While in town, he would get his hair cut at a local barber shop and remembers it cost 75 cents. He was impressed with Mast Furniture Store. He is well aware of Greentown glass and one of his brothers is a collector. The family would attend church services at the Greentown Methodist Church. As was the custom, Aunt Mabe would ask her visitors to stand and be introduced and she would brag on each. Typical of a teenager, John found this embarrassing.
One special trip the Greggs made to Greentown was to check on the Mahons after the 1965 Palm Sunday tornado. John remembers that it was a couple days before the roads were cleared and they were allowed into town. John continued his visits to Aunt Mabe even when he was a college student, first at Vincennes University and then IU Bloomington. He would often travel to Greentown during Christmas break.
A current Greentown area resident also has a connection with the Gregg family. Local dentist, Bill Begeman, also grew up in Sandborn. His mother taught the young John Gregg in school and was a friend of John’s mother. John later became the family attorney to the Begemans.
John Gregg is running for the position of Governor of Indiana.
Greentown may seem like a small town to some, but for young John Gregg, it was considerably larger than his hometown, Sandborn, Indiana. Sandborn is in Knox County and had 547 residents in the 1960 census. By comparison, Greentown had 1,266 residents in 1960.
During the summer and on other occasions John would accompany his mother and brothers, and occasionally their father, to Greentown to visit “Aunt Mabe.” Aunt Mabe was Maybelle Mahon, his great-aunt on his mother’s side. Maybelle and her husband Ben lived on West Walnut Street in the home now owned and occupied by Joe and June Mason. John remembers that the neighbors on that block were Ross and Faith Wyrick and Don and Deloris Maple.
The Mahons were active in the community. Maybelle was a teacher in Eastern Elementary School in 3rd grade and then in the 2nd grade. She taught a Sunday School class at the Methodist Church and was a member of a church circle. She also was in the Research Club and was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star. She often opened her home for meetings. Ben was a partner in the Kahl and Mahon Construction Company, bridge contractors. He served on the Greentown Town Board 1964-1968 and was a director of the Greentown Lions Club. The Mahons passed away in 1972 and 1973 and are buried in the Sandborn Cemetery. With the Mahons gone, there were few visits to Greentown; however, John’s mother kept in touch with a special Greentown friend, Vetta Pickett, as long as Vetta lived
John says his annual visits to Greentown began in infancy and continued until he was about 20 years old. The visits were usually one week in length until the boys’ summer jobs dictated shorter trips. They always planned the visits to coincide with the county fair, which John remembers as being “a great fair.” While in town, he would get his hair cut at a local barber shop and remembers it cost 75 cents. He was impressed with Mast Furniture Store. He is well aware of Greentown glass and one of his brothers is a collector. The family would attend church services at the Greentown Methodist Church. As was the custom, Aunt Mabe would ask her visitors to stand and be introduced and she would brag on each. Typical of a teenager, John found this embarrassing.
One special trip the Greggs made to Greentown was to check on the Mahons after the 1965 Palm Sunday tornado. John remembers that it was a couple days before the roads were cleared and they were allowed into town. John continued his visits to Aunt Mabe even when he was a college student, first at Vincennes University and then IU Bloomington. He would often travel to Greentown during Christmas break.
A current Greentown area resident also has a connection with the Gregg family. Local dentist, Bill Begeman, also grew up in Sandborn. His mother taught the young John Gregg in school and was a friend of John’s mother. John later became the family attorney to the Begemans.
John Gregg is running for the position of Governor of Indiana.
Not Your Father's School Lunch
Jody Alexander cuts bread while using the new safety glove.
With the start of the 2012-2013 school year, both Eastern school cafeterias saw some changes. Prompted by the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act and the first set of major changes in school meals initiated by the USDA in 15 years, the goal is to raise a healthier generation of children. Although its ranking has improved in recent years,
Indiana currently has the unenviable position of 21st in the nation in overall prevalence of children who are overweight or obese. The health ramifications of obesity have been well documented, with greater risk of diabetes, heart disease and certain cancers. This leads to more medical costs, absenteeism and loss of productivity.
The new guidelines emphasize calorie control while providing a well-balanced menu. A comparison of the former guidelines and the new ones quickly shows this is not your father’s school lunch. More fruits and vegetables with weekly requirements of vegetable subgroups, more whole grains, and no trans fats now
predominate. Changes the children immediately noticed are more choices, two entrees each day and a salad containing a meat. While students can no longer ask for seconds of the entrees, they can have as much as they like of fresh fruits and vegetables.
Eastern School Corporation hired Sodexo, Inc. to help them meet the new standards. This followed several months of study and visitation to schools by a committee chaired by Assistant Principal, Lindsey Brown, school board members, and the cafeteria managers, Cheryl Cain at the high school, and Linda Hamilton at the elementary school. Sodexo can get better prices because of their large purchasing power but the cafeteria managers still order the food from the same suppliers they have been using. Sodexo employs a part time director, Beverly Goza-Holmes, who helps keep track of inventory, plans the menus, and does training including new food safety and personnel safety procedures. (One obvious safety measure is the wearing of a bright orange glove on the opposite hand when using a knife.) Sodexo is paid by the school on a fee- per-tray basis and the company guarantees a profit for the school. Mrs. Brown emphasized that the cafeteria is not a money making source. Any profit, however, might be used to increase salaries and benefits or might be transferred to the General Fund to offset utilities assumed used by the cafeteria.
Visitors to the cafeterias will immediately notice the brighter colors of the walls, the graphics of healthy food items, and some new equipment. One particularly popular piece of equipment is the pizza warmer at the high school. Visitors will also notice the uniforms of the cafeteria workers. They all now wear black slacks, white polo shirts with the school logo, and green aprons.
Mrs. Brown emphasized that the change is not a reflection of the Eastern cafeteria workers. She said they were experts in what they did but now have a partner to help them be even more safe and efficient. The school corporation has also guaranteed that Eastern cafeteria employees are secure in their jobs as long as they wish.
Feedback from the students has been positive. Danielle Reed, Sophomore, says, "I like (the new lunches) because I eat healthy anyways. My favorite part is the deli bar because you have more options. Certain options are there everyday!" Sarah Sharp, Sophomore, comments, "I like the school lunch this year because it's food I eat at home, but a lot healthier." She gave an example of the school pizza being tasty but having a whole grain crust unlike typical takeout pizza. Stephanie Millspaugh, 8th grader, stated, "We have so many more choices now!" Ricky Sample-Ward, a 5th Grader, reports his reaction to the changes in the Elementary lunch service “It's better now because we can choose the food we want instead of having something on our tray that we won't eat. I always like my lunch this year because it's fun and there's good food.”
When former students gather at reunions, the topic of conversations about memories might include teachers, sports, clothing, cars, and pranks. But seldom do they reminisce about the food in the cafeteria. This may be because they took it for granted or because they had other things on their minds while in line and eating. We asked some alumni to share information about their school lunch experiences:
Kent McQuiston, EHS class of 1961, ate in the cafeteria 4 days a week for 25 cents a day. One day a week his dad would give him an extra dime and he would go uptown to the Hamburger Inn, where he could get a hamburger and fries for 35 cents. A couple years he washed dishes at school for an hour and got his lunch free. He didn’t like spinach or harvard beets. Mrs. Doty, who was in charge of the cafeteria in grade school decided one day he was going to eat his spinach. He said he didn’t eat spinach at home and wasn’t going to eat it at school. He finally won and she let him leave.
Neal Wilson, class of 1956, ate at the cafeteria most of the time for 25 cents. He remembers it was really good and seemed home cooked. He says, “There was a "hot open beef" sandwich dish that I have never been able to duplicate and it was the tops. The ladies (cooks) were friendly, kind and nurturing. I have been convinced over the years that good food depends on the artist at the stove - those ladies in my elementary years were quite good. In high school, I, as did many classmates, relished flying out the door, running hard through the gravel parking lot, up town to the Comet Grill for a Hot Dog, French Fries and Soda all for 20 cents with a nickel left over for a candy bar. I know that nutritionists everywhere will cringe at that meal. However, it was that release of pent up energy and challenge of racing Merrill Shock to the grill that made it more than worthwhile. It wasn't just lunch, it was an adventure.” When he carried his lunch from home it was wrapped in newspaper, tied with a string. Sandwiches were wrapped in wax paper.
Sally Duke, class of 1982, remembers that in elementary the lunch lady would give you an extra bread & butter or peanut butter sandwich if you ate everything on your plate. “If there was something I did not like, I would stuff it inside my empty chocolate milk carton so I could still get the extra sandwich.” She liked the pizza burgers, the chicken & noodles, and the creamed rice. She also liked the fish sticks they served every Friday. By the 1980's a grade A lunch cost 55 cents and came with white or chocolate milk.
Sally Nicholson, student at Jackson, Union, and Eastern, and then teacher at Eastern, especially liked chicken and noodles and mashed potatoes as a child. As a teacher, she appreciated the salad bar with the variety of fresh vegetables and fruits.
It will be interesting to hear what memories today’s students have of their cafeteria experiences when they meet at reunions 20-30 years from now.
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