Continuance

Fall 1995 Volume 10 Number 1

Continuance is a quarterly newsletter funded by the Illinois Board of Higher Education. It is a collaborative project of the 23 Higher Education Cooperation Act partners in Illinois

In this Issue:
Intergenerational Web Site

Contents

Students raise money for seniors

Intergenerational Week produces essays, a celebration of ages, and book fairs

Intergenerational Week at P.A. Peterson Home

LIFELONG Honors George Floyd

The Big Picture-Evanston Conference

Together in service

Intergenerational Page-beginning

"How can I access internet?"

Welcome to the Illinois Intergenerational Initiative

Intergenerational Page-ending

1-Click Newsletter

2-Click Manuals

Coming topics for the Intergenerational page

Schedule the Class--They Will Come

Dispelling a Myth: Older Adults and Technology

Senior Scholars First Intergenerational Program

Intergenerational Computers

Intergenerational Week in Springfield, continued from page 1

A book for every home

Generations Connect Kick-Off

What's Happening?, continued from page 2

Coming

Coming-Nationally

Internship Available

Reaching Religious Congregations

Are you interested in bringing a few older and younger people together?

Are you interested in bringing older adults to you school or college?

Page One

Students raise money for seniors

If you were a member of a senior citizens group and needed $500 to start a club, where would you find the money? A bank? Individual contributions?

Senior citizens in East Moline didn't have to look far, according to Chester Zalewski. The student council at United Township High School in East Moline had a fund-raiser and presented the senior citizens club with $500 to help them get started. Superintendent Craig Whitlock gave them space at the high school for pot lucks, and a walking program in the halls three nights a week.

It won't be long until teachers tap this wonderful resource and involve "United Township Seniors" as mentors, tutors, and in many creative ways.

When we hear negative reports about young people, remember that there are many more examples of older adults and young people helping each other than there are of conflict.

Intergenerational Week at P.A. Peterson Home

Five generations found much in common during the Celebration of Ages at P.A. Peterson Home in Rockford. A marvelous display of old photos and artifacts from the early 1900's provided an interesting history lesson. Teams of older adults and youth from the community helped children learn about woodworking, hat making and more. The food court gave young and old a chance to sit and talk about all the music, crafts, dancers, singers, and events of the day. Josie Peebles organizer of the event said "Young people learn about history from the residents, especially when they talk about their youth. The also find good listeners and many great stories." Contact Josie Peebles, 815-399-8823.

Intergenerational Week produces essays,
a celebration of ages, and book fairs

Intergenerational Week was set by Governor Jim Edgar as a time for strengthening families and communities by encouraging dialogue between generations. Children, teens, and adults of all ages seized the opportunity to learn more about their roots and the views of young or older friends. Essays, poems, and humorous anecdotes, based on intergenerational week interviews, have been submitted to the Illinois State Library. The finalists in each of 9 categories will be announced in December and an anthology of the interviews will be produced.

Intergenerational Week was a collaborative project of the Aging-Education Coalition including the: IL Assoc. of School Boards, IL Retired Teachers Assoc., IL PTA, Amer. Assoc. of Retired Persons, IL State Bd. of Education, IL Dept. on Aging, IL Corp. for Nat'l and Comm. Service, the IL Coalition in Aging, and coordinated by the III/SIU.

Others around the state planned celebrations in their communities. Beginning with a book fair in Springfield and ending with a Celebration in Rockford, the first intergenerational week was off to a good start. Continued on pg. 6.

Page Two

LIFELONG Honors George Floyd

The October 3rd meeting of the community college coalition, LIFELONG, was held at Lincoln Land CC. President Norman Stephens and Lila Christensen welcomed the group. George Floyd from Shawnee Community College, and Chair of the coalition since 1992, was recognized for his leadership. The purpose of LIFELONG is sharing information between community colleges about programming and service for older adults. A goal for 1995-6 is to create a greater awareness of the contributions of older adults to community colleges.

Succeeding Floyd as chair is Gene Verdu, Belleville Area College. Lila Christensen, Lincoln Land Community College, and Bea Cornelissen, Oakton Community College, are Vice Presidents; Jane Angelis, Illinois Intergenerational Initiative/SIU is recorder, will continue as liaison to the Community College Trustees Association. Geraldine Evans, Executive Director ICCB, is Honorary Chair.

Next Meeting: The next networking meeting and executive committee meeting will be hosted by President Margaret Lee and Bea Cornelissen, Oakton Community College on December 4th from 10 a.m. to 12. The next statewide meeting will be held on February 20, 1996 in Bloomington at the East Central Area Agency on Aging. For further, contact Gene Verdu, 618-234-4410.

The Big Picture--Evanston Conference

The White House Conference on Aging recommendations were featured in an Evanston workshop called the Intergenerational Movement: The Big Picture. Sally Mackert, chair of the Evanston Commission on Aging Intergenerational Committee, led the event by saying, "We must realize what is happening with the national scene so we can react locally to the changes that may be coming to older adults and young people too." She introduced the panel including delegates to the White House Conference on Aging, Phyllis Mitzen, Council for Jewish Elderly, and Michael Marcus, Chicago Community Trust, who gave an overview of the White House Conference on Aging and what it means to individuals at the local level. Jane Angelis, Illinois Intergenerational Initiative, provided information about Illinois coalitions and activities throughout the state. Maureen Statland, Arlington Heights District 214 Schools described some of the intergenerational programs in the Chicago area. Last, individuals from the audience gave stirring descriptions of their programs that emphasized the cooperation between older adults and schools. Sally Mackert, 708-866-8754.

Together in service

Students at Stagg High School, Palos Hills, gather around their leader, Don Martin, a retired citizen of Worth, who has volunteered to manage the Neighbor-to-Neighbor program. Students help needy people in the community with lawn care, chores, and shoveling snow in the winter.

The students and Don receive praise from the people they serve, "Stagg High School students are polite and show up on time." Students at Stagg High School are required to complete 24 hours of community service for graduation, according to Mary Maxwell, Coordinator of Community Service. "Having someone like Don Martin who pitches in and organizes as well as identifies very strongly with the students is a priceless contribution." Mary Maxwell 708-874-3300 ext. 414.

Page Three

Intergenerational Page

"How can I access the internet?"

There are many possibilities to access the internet. The first is your home or office computer connected with a modem and a commercial company. If that isn't possible, try your public library. The can give you hints on where you may find the service in your community. Try local universities, community colleges, or high schools that may have networked computers through computer labs or in their libraries. For further information contact your local public library or commercial companies such as America Online (800-262-6600), Prodigy (800-prodigy ext. 690), Microsoft Network (800-386-5550), or Compuserve 800-487-483.

Web Browser: Once you have access to internet you are ready for a Webb browser. Many are available such as Mosaic, Archie, Gopher, but one of the most friendly is Netscape,

Accessing the Intergenerational Page: The URL (Uniform Resource Locator) or simply address of the intergenerational web site is: http://www.siu.edu/offices/iii Notice the address on the Netscape image below. Once that address has been entered on your browser, you will see the home page for the Illinois Intergenerational Initiative...

Constructing the web site

It takes many people to construct a Web Site, with a variety of talents. Several departments at SIU helped with the Intergenerational Page. First, Maxine Miller prepared the text in a special language called html (hypertext machine language). Next, the files need photos, graphics, design, and special touches to make them interesting. Steve Miller, Information Technology, and Susan Logue, Alex Falkenburg, and Mark Brandau, and Jim McKinney, Library Affairs Instructional Support Services, provided their creative flair. Last, the files needed to be entered into the university server. Venkat Gurusamy and Steve Miller negotiated this complicated technology and voila The Intergenerational Site is on the World Wide Web.

Page Four

The Intergenerational Page

Intergenerational Page

The intergenerational page, shown below, begins with an index that gives one a view of what information is available. Notice the construction figure on the right hand side of the page, symbolizing the ongoing work and sections that have not been completed.

The index on the home page gives you an idea of what is available at this time. You can click any of the bold words or phrases and they will give you additional information on another page. For example, you are thinking about starting a program; Click "Getting Started." The Getting Started Page gives you access to topics such as recruiting, model programs, resource inventory, recognition, evaluation, and so forth. You might like to look at a newsletter either recent or from a few years ago, Click "Newsletter," and you will see another list of choices.

Coming topics for the intergenerational page

Each month, new topics will be added.

By December 1:

*Directory of Who's Who in Illinois Intergenerational activities.

*Preliminary results of the Deans survey on Helping roles for older adults in post secondary education.

By January 1:

*Directory of Intergenerational programs reported by superintendents and principals.

If you have suggestions for topics, send them to U64176@uicvm.uic.edu

Page Five

Schedule the Class--They Will Come

"Are older adults afraid of computers? Community colleges around the state report that you can't offer enough classes to satisfy the demand. If you expect 20 or 25 older folks to attend a new class, 100-150 will come, according to members of the community college coalition, LIFELONG.

Dispelling a Myth: Older Adults and Technology

The myth is that older adults are not progressive, are not open to new technologies. In fact, until the day that teleportation and time travel are invented, there will probably not be another group of people who have participated in such a rapid change in technological capacity in their lifetime as today's oldest citizens. (From the Senior Scholars newsletter, University of Illinois at UC.)

Senior Scholars First Intergenerational Program

Grandparents have an opportunity to bring grandchildren to the public library, in Champaign and Urbana and, together, learn about astronomy. Sidney and Dorothy Rosen take participants on a light and humorous tour of science through the ages. The program meets in four sessions. Contact Cheryl Barbar, Senior Scholars, 217-333-1444.

Intergenerational Computers by Kay Woelfel,
Principal, Marion Jordon Elementary School

Eight or eighty....age does not matter when you are boarding the technology bus. The Computer Friends workshops sponsored by CCSD #15 Generations' Exchange in Palatine help all ages get a view of today's technology and what is coming tomorrow.

On September 27, a technology workshop for staff was open to parents, students, community members and senior citizens. The participants learned how to use the QuickTake camera and a scanner. Marianne Schultz, a sixth grade teacher, used the electronic camera to take the picture above and then printed it.

Fourth and fifth-grade students learned side by side with older adults and assumed the teaching role during the "How-do-I-log-in" step to the "Let's-insert-this-photo-into-your-document" step. QuickTake is a software program that allows a picture to be taken with a camera and then the computer develops it and prepares it to be placed in the text.

Page Six

Intergenerational Week in Springfield
(continued from Pg. 1)

A fund-raiser to purchase books for Illinois READs and Project Success was held at Barnes and Noble in Springfield and Decatur to celebrate Intergenerational Week. The event was sponsored by the Illinois Department on Aging and featured storytelling, and reading by Superintendent Bob Hill, and Bob Murray, WANDS TV.

The Illinois Department on Aging also sponsored a series of workshops by Sally Newman of Generations Together, Pittsburgh. The workshops, Designing, Implementing and Maintaining Intergenerational Programs were held at Triton Community College, in suburban Chicago, Lincoln Land CC Springfield, and in Mt. Vernon. Mary Selinski 217-785-3355.

A book for every home

The Six National Education Goals formulated during the Bush administration, engaged Beverly Sanders in a personal commitment to the goals for readiness and literacy. Since then she has sought volunteer activities in literacy wherever she has lived.

When she arrived in Carbondale, as the new first lady of SIU, Mrs. Sanders discussed literacy with Head Start administrators at SIU in Carbondale and at the Edwardsville East St. Louis Center. Willie Epps, SIUE, and Seymour Bryson, SUIC, mentioned the great need for books. Beverly Sanders took this challenge to 11,000 SIU employees on 5 campuses. Her request was simple, "Please donate books for Head Start students."

Wednesday, November 1, was the kick-off for SIU employees and students to donate a book. The campaign will conclude after Thanksgiving. Several collection points are found on each of the campuses. Call 618-453-6448 at SIUC, or 618-482-6913 at SIUE.

Generations Connect Kick-Off

Dialogue between young people and older adults proves to be instructive, interesting, and fun, according to Christina Zordan and Pearl Krause, in the opening session of Generations Connect. The Kick-Off was held at the Covenant Village Retirement Center in Northbrook. The meeting brought together a diverse group with many ideas and opinions on how young and old could contribute to good health practices in Northbrook. "The event was a wonderful success because it made people think about the resources we have and how we should be tapping them," said Cathy DeMetrio, coordinator of the event. Cathy DeMetrio, 708-480-6350.

Page Seven

What's Happening (continued from Pg. 2)

Award Winner

Joan Wood, Public Services Librarian at the Pekin Public Library, received the Bessie Boehm Moore Award for outstanding service to older adults both healthy and frail. In ongoing programs such as the Generation-to-Generation programs, children and seniors share skills, stories, and hobbies with seniors often serving as program presenters. The American Library Association award includes a $1,000 grant to the library to continue its work with older adults.

Bridget Lamont, Director of the Illinois State Library said, "The Pekin Public Library has done and outstanding job of encouraging its senior citizens to participate in community services and contribute to innovative programs." Joan Wood, 309-347-7771.

Internship Available

College students interested in 5-10 hours a week working with older adults should contact Christine Bertrand, Little Brothers Friends of the Elderly, 312-477-7702.

Page Eight

Reaching Religious Congregations (A report from the Aging-Education Coalition)

Kate Lamberston, Associate Pastor of the United Church of Christ, spoke to the Aging Education Coalition of their interest to be more involved with intergenerational efforts. She also provided recommendations on sharing information with other parts of their statewide congregation. One of the goals of the Aging Education Coalition is to reach religious congregations with information on intergenerational development.

The October 12 Aging Education Coalition meeting was hosted by Ed Ludwig, Board Member, IL. Retired Teachers Assoc. The purpose of the Coalition is to share information about the priorities of education and aging organizations.

Chuck Warner, a new member representing the Illinois Coalition on Aging, described his organization as an organization of organizations. Their mission is to advocate for older adults and the services they require as they experience the aging process.

The next meeting on December 7 will be hosted by Gretchen McDowell, Board Member of the Illinois State Board of Education. For further information contact Mary Walsh, Chair and Board member of the Illinois Association of School Boards, 708-825-4725.

Are you interested in bringing a few older and younger people together?

Intergenerational group discussions are a good way to start.

Are you interested in bringing older adults to your school or college?

Generations Connect group discussions welcome older adults to school buildings and give them a satisfying experience with students. If you would like to plan a Generations Connect group discussion, contact Jane Angelis at Illinois Intergenerational Initiative, MailCode 4341, Southern Illinois University at Carbondale, Carbondale, Illinois 62901.