Living

Saturday, November 7, 2009

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

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

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

Charleston to mark 'Sesame Street' birthday

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

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

Friday, November 6, 2009

'Pumpkin Fun' event set

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

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

Wednesday, November 4, 2009

State budget crisis endangers A Woman's Place

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

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

Justice of peace resigns after flap over interracial wedding

BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) – At least four times in the last 2 1/2 years, Keith Bardwell says he refused to marry interracial couples while serving as a Louisiana justice of the peace.

He said from his experience and discussions, he had concluded that blacks and whites do not readily accept offspring of such relationships, so the children end up suffering.

Tuesday, November 3, 2009

CRIS Senior Services begins implementing changes

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

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

Powerblitz set for Thursday, Friday in Danville

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

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

Entrants sought for two holiday parades

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

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

Monday, November 2, 2009

Pumpkins flung far in fundraiser for schools foundation

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

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

Sunday, November 1, 2009

Urbana library offers home history online

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

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

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

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

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

UI prof has unique perspective on genome

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

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

Couple hits the Oregon trail – the two-wheeled way

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

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

Time to start making plans for holiday activities

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

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

Saturday, October 31, 2009

Rain falls shy of monthly record

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

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

CUPunkin'Chuckin' a different type of fall fling

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

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

1871 home reflects world of art, tastes of owner

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

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

Thursday, October 29, 2009

Danville museum volunteer honored for service

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

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

Wednesday, October 28, 2009

Award-winner stopped at nothing to earn college degree

It takes a lot to impress Marlo Britton.

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

Tuesday, October 27, 2009

Trick-or-treat hours in area communities

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

Monday, October 26, 2009

Trick-or-treat hours for area communities

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

'Extreme Makeover' episode evokes cheers, tears

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

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

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

Family of girl found in landfill once called Paxton home

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

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

Sunday, October 25, 2009

Vermilion County men taking charge with vehicles

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

He's not worried.

His truck has no engine.

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

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

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

Getting Personal: Lawn Rangers founder Pat Monahan

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

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

Local women share uncommon thread in silk harvesting

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

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

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

Girl Scouts seek nominations for Women of Distinction

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

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

Events to showcase women's organization's offerings

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

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

Wine event proceeds to benefit UI hospitality program

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

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

Thursday, October 22, 2009

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

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

Monday, October 19, 2009

Opportunities abound to see 'Extreme Makeover' house

The hottest tickets in East Central Illinois this week will allow holders through the front door of a house in Philo.

People who just can't wait until the 7 p.m. Sunday television show to see the interior of the "Extreme Makeover" home can bid for an in-person preview showing.

Meanwhile, viewing parties at hotels in Champaign and Bloomington are scheduled for $10 per person, with proceeds going to charity.

Sunday, October 18, 2009

Nominations sought for local 2010 King awards

CHAMPAIGN – Nominations are now being accepted for the local 2010 Martin Luther King Jr. humanitarian awards.

Citizens are urged to nominate people or organizations in Champaign County who have demonstrated a deep commitment to eradicating discrimination, bigotry and prejudice and deserve recognition for outstanding achievements in improving human relations.

Danville church holding winter clothing collection

DANVILLE – The Vermilion Heights Christian Church is collecting winter coats, hats, gloves, mittens and scarves for a free giveaway set for 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 28 at the church, 725 Oakwood Ave.

The items are being collected through Oct. 25. Children's coats are especially needed.

Neckwear's revival has consumers scarfing up colors

Want to change the look of a sweater, blouse or suit? Add a scarf. Then keep changing the look by the way you tie it.

Judy Myers is known for wearing a scarf accent nearly every day, to the point that when she doesn't wear one, people ask where her scarf is before saying hello.

Spurlock Museum Guild sets auction for Oct. 30

URBANA – The Spurlock Museum Guild will have its annual fundraising auction on Oct. 30 at the I Hotel and Conference Center, 1900 S. First St., C.

With the theme "Platinum Guilded Auction" to observe the 20th anniversary of the founding of the guild, the event will include live and silent auctions and a buffet dinner.

Getting Personal: MTD Managing Director Bill Volk

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

I primarily work on financial, legislative and planning issues relating to the MTD.

Saturday, October 17, 2009

Area Realtor uses 'green' ideas in house renovation

CHAMPAIGN – When first placed on the market, the mid-20th century house at 71 Greencroft Drive was advertised as a tear down.

When Realtor Debbie Auble walked in, though, she decided the home with its "wonderful lines" was worth preserving. She purchased it in September 2007 with the goal of rehabbing it according to green and her own design guidelines and then selling it.

Pond upkeep now for happy fish in spring

If you have a pond in your backyard, now's the time to get it cleaned out and ready for winter.

Get the leaves out and put out a net to make sure more aren't falling in. Get rid of tropical plants and trim back hardy plants. And autumn is a good time to do plenty of other pond maintenance as well, said Jackie Sturdyvin, a co-owner of Chris' Lawn Service & Water Gardens, which is located north of Homer.

Thursday, October 15, 2009

Survey: Homeless population's increase continues

The county's homeless population continues to rise, according to two recent surveys, a trend authorities blame at least in part on the economic recession.

The latest survey, in August, counted 594 homeless people in Champaign County, including 358 children, according to the Urbana-Champaign Continuum of Care, a group that oversees homeless services.

Wednesday, October 14, 2009

Disability expo to combine promotion, education

URBANA – If you'd like to check out the latest in accessible showers, watch a service-dog demonstration or experience how it feels to have a disability, head to Lincoln Square on Saturday.

The third annual "Reaching Out for Answers" Disability Resource Expo is scheduled for 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Lincoln Square Village, 300 S. Broadway Ave., U.

Tuesday, October 13, 2009

Visitors bureau to hire new director by week's end

CHAMPAIGN – A new executive director for the Champaign County Convention & Visitors Bureau could be hired later this week, the chairman of the bureau's board of directors said Monday.

The three finalists included:

Three people to be honored with humanitarian awards

CHAMPAIGN – Three individuals and two groups will be honored Thursday as recipients of the 2009 Champaign-Urbana International Humanitarian Awards.

Robert Nelson, Jeanette Weider and Jonathan Woods have been named winners of individual awards, while the University of Illinois chapter of Engineers Without Borders and Caring for Kenya will receive organization awards.

Sunday, October 11, 2009

Plenty of options for fresh apples among area farms

Maybe you're looking for crisp, freshly picked apples that practically snap when you bite into them.

Or maybe you want a weekend away to relax and enjoy the colors and smells of fall. Or you're ready for your fill of apple doughnuts and freshly pressed cider to go with a side of games, face painting and, of course, apple picking.

Students compete to register organ, tissue donors

URBANA – University of Illinois students are participating in a six-week competition intended to encourage students, faculty and alumni to become organ and tissue donors.

As a part of the challenge, student organizations such as the Students for Organ Donation, Student Nurses' Association and Student National Medical Association will get together to get the word out about donating. Students from 17 colleges and universities from around the state are competing.

Fundraiser to aid Schlarman dancer's trip

DANVILLE – Family and friends are hosting a fundraising event for Schlarman Toppette dance squad member Alexandra Wolfe to participate in the All Americans Dance Team, which will travel to Rome at the end of the year.

Wolfe attended the Illinois State University Dance Camp this summer, winning Best in Class and Speed Drill Downs in the drills competition as well as being presented a leadership award. Wolfe tried out for and was selected for the All Americans team.

Thursday, October 8, 2009

Baby-sitting may become an option at UI's ARC

CHAMPAIGN – We all know the impediments to exercise – you don't have time, you hate yourself in workout clothes, there's no one to watch the kids, etc.