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Spring 1997 Volume 11 Number 3Continuance 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 Contents
Front PageGenerations Working Together--A Prelude to the Presidents' SummitThe Annual Meeting of the Illinois Intergenerational Initiative held on March 6 featured a discussion of the goals of the Presidents' Summit. Ten students from 5th grade to college added their comments and ideas to the 33 representatives of the Higher Education Cooperation Act Partners representing education, aging, and community organizations. Jeanne Bradner, Illinois Commission for Community Service, chaired the meeting which was hosted by the Illinois Department of Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities. Each participant chose one of the five goals of the Presidents' summit , discussed the goal in an intergenerational group, provided suggestions regarding what individuals and communities can do, and recommended organizational strategies to make things happen. Illinois Delegation to the Presidents' SummitRepresented six communities and the Governor's Delegation. See the report, List of those who attended, and the future for the Presidents' Summit in Illinois. B.A.B.E.S.--Beginning Alcohol and Addictions Basic Education StudiesUsing beautiful, believable hand puppets as teaching aids, older volunteers in Rockford teach children how to develop positive living skills, such as dealing with peer pressure, decision-making, coping, getting help, and non-judgmental drug and alcohol information. Marj Price, a retired elementary school principal, gave an example about the puppet called Recovering Reggie, and orange dog. The children understood that Reggie is addicted to many drugs and he is recovering taking it one day at a time. The children like the puppets and interact with them after the presentation. this is a 7-week program that RSVP volunteers present to area preschool children. From Cornerstone News, contact Elaine Pfluger, 815-962-6000. Page TwoPost Secondary Stories From Around the StateFamilyCare and Governors State Partner to Address Media Stereotypesby Susan Merry, FamilyCare Services, Chicago"What was it like growing up in your day? How much did food cost? What did you do for fun? Were you afraid of going out at night?" Those were just a few questions asked of the 5 foster Grandparents by 6 eighth graders from Forest Trail Junior High in Park Forest and the begging of a budding relationship. The 11 member intergenerational support group will investigate stereotypes delivered by the media and how that affects their own feelings about one another and themselves. From the first meeting with the Foster Grandparents and students you could see the relationships blooming. The students shared how difficult it is to grow up in the 1990's and the foster Grandparents demonstrated their willingness to listen and help support the students. Throughout the next 7 sessions, which will be held at the Park Forest Police Station's Community Room, the students and seniors will be given the opportunity to participate in various activities to broaden their understanding of each other and themselves. When one generation has an opportunity to experience the other's life, true understanding can be reached. Susan Merry and Cheryl Formas are students at Governors State University and are counselors in training with Dr. Petigo. 312-427-8790. Senior Professionals by Ernie Hoffman, President, Senior ProfessionsAs a mentor, I appreciate the opportunity to serve as a sounding board for my mentee, Patty Berndt, and develop a real friendship. I enjoy being a cheerleader and hope I can assist Patty, in some small way, in preparing herself for a meaningful career. I am a retired human resources executive from State Farm Insurance, and Patty is a junior majoring in social work. The Mentoring Program with honor students at Illinois State University is a proven success story in intergenerational relationships. Individual honor students are matched with a Senior Professional member in a mentor-mentee relationship. Senior Professionals are retirees who are recognized for their distinguished career achievement and community service. At the recent annual meeting of the Intergenerational Initiative, Patty and I represented Illinois State University. She was impressed with her experience at the annual meeting and inspired by the important coalitions and intergenerational activities in our communities. "We are all interdependent upon each other in our community activity," said Patty. Patty feels that the mentoring program has given her broad exposure to people who have had successful careers and exemplify the value of setting goals through life. Patty recently won the prestigious Bone Scholarship and also a scholarship from the Senior Professionals. Making New Friendsby Tara Besenhard, Gerontology Graduate Assistant, Northern Illinois UniversityAs part of the Masters of Public Health Program, I am required to complete an internship before graduation. This spring, I was offered a position at the DeKalb County Nursing Home as a Social Service Intern. I have several responsibilities, including developing a resident discharge survey and aiding in resident admissions and discharges. It takes a special individual to work in an environment such as a long-term care facility and I have noticed the great number of caring individuals working there. The staff truly enjoy their work and spending time with the residents. Many people, unfortunately, have negative stereotypes and attitudes about nursing homes. But I believe that nursing homes can be a great place to build and expand the bridge between generations. Since I have been working there, I have made several friends among the residents. They have much to share and offer younger individuals. So if you are ever visiting in a nursing home, take and extra minute to say "Hi" to a resident. It will bring a smile. From Aging Exchange, NIU Gerontology Dept. 815-753-0031. Page ThreeIntergenerational Stories From Around the StatePerspectives of a Dedicated Volunteer in Quincyby Derv Garrison, RSVP Program, John Wood CC, QuincyThe life of a volunteer is busy and full. Last week I presented material on light and rainbows to 1st grade at Irving Elementary School and also gave a presentation on electricity and electrical circuits to three third grade classes. Yesterday I was at Camp Point working with first graders studying about simple machines. Every Thursday I spend an hour at Irving as a mentor for two boys and help them with their reading and math. Last week I downloaded some pictures of the comet and printed those out along with info about the comet for them to enjoy. One of the boys took the information back to his class and talked about the comet. Today I took some seeds, radish and Mimosa (sensitivity plant), to see if the students can get them to grow. I also took a CD on the Space Shuttle to the same class to run on their computer. Another activity that I believe is important is the CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) Program. A case is assigned involving a youngster who is a ward of the court because of abuse or neglect and the responsibility is to meet with all parties involved and be a voice for the youngster in court. (Derv Garrison has been a committed volunteer for years. He has always maintained that he gets so much out of volunteering. His theme is "Be selfish, volunteer!"--Editor) From a Vice-Principal in Chicagoby Lawrence Wyrobek, Beacon TherapeuticWe are a private day school located on the southwest side of Chicago. We serve children identified as emotionally-disturbed/behavior disordered. They do, however, demonstrate a variety of disabilities which include learning disabilities, speech/language disorders, autism, and fine/gross motor deficiencies as well. We have four foster-grandparents working in our agency. I cannot express fully how valuable they are to our program. They function as constant role models for our students, as well as performing the role of a much needed "nurturing parent." This latter role is of great need and importance for our students. Our grandparents additionally function as "tutor" for our students, often reading to them and assisting them with class work duties. It is extremely important for us to provide a nurturing, supportive environment for out students. Our foster-grandparents are a vital part of that model. 773-881-1005 (The Foster Grandparent Program serving Beacon Therapeutic is housed at the Chicago Department on Aging--Editor) An Intergenerational Partnership at Its Bestby Spirios Pissios, Northside Leaning CenterThe Northside Learning Center, a Chicago Public Special Education Vocational Community-Based High School for cognitively disabled young adults ages 15-21, has expanded its community-based program by starting an Intergenerational Partnership with its neighbor, the North Park Village Apartments. Among the activities of the twelve students and seven volunteers from North Park have been: tour of the apartment complex, tour of North Park Forest Preserves, playing table games, tour and lunch at Northside Learning Center, the NLC Choir singing during holidays, and line dancing. The students and volunteers enjoy each other's company and look forward to spending time together doing a variety of different activities. Northside Learning Center 773-534-5180. Page FourIntergenerational Stories From Around the StateServing and Learning with Childrenby Nicole Sayegh, AmeriCorps Leader, Illinois ChildCorpsStefie Rodriguez, a grandmother, and a ChildCorps Member exclaims: "Children are like a vitamin I take everyday. When I am with children, my face lights up!" Twenty-seven members are dedicating a year of their lives serving their communities through the Illinois ChildCorps Program. Members serve within Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies to improve the quality, quantity, accessibility, and cost of child care. ChildCorps Members are also sharing their service experiences with children. For the Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service, members visited Child Care Centers. They read stories about Dr. King to the children and engaged them in art activities and discussions that focused on diversity, as well as Dr. King's call to service. Members also planned a similar curriculum for National Volunteer Week, which is also the Week of the Young Child. Illinois ChildCorps, and AmeriCorps program, is getting things done in communities across the state. Nicole Sayegh, Illinois ChildCorps, 618-244-2210 x105. EXCEL/READS Partners and Buford Elementary in Mt. Vernonby Stacey Robish, Illinois Department on AgingJ.L. Buford Elementary in Mt. Vernon is one of four schools involved in Project Excel initiated by the First Presbyterian Church. The project is a tutoring program for children. Teachers identify which children need extra help and would benefit from the program. Tina Mitchell, EXCEL coordinator, said, "I try to recruit retired teachers and those who worked with children in the past, but the program is such a success I always need more volunteers. By partnering with Illinois READS, I receive additional resources, program ideas, and recruiting." Marge Hostick, a retiree who volunteers believes education is a critical foundation for children. "Many children need individual attention, someone who cares about their education, and if they do their homework. I can offer this to them. I am particularly proud when a child makes a breakthrough. There is nothing more rewarding than seeing the child smile and experience the feelings of success," said Hostick., who says she learns as much from the program as the children. From the Illinois READS Newsletter. Page FiveIllinois Commission on Community Service: "Transforming Communities through Service"The Illinois Commission on Community Service is responsible for promoting and encouraging community service and volunteerism throughout the state. Replacing Governor's Office of Voluntary Action (created in 1979) which later became the Lt. Governor's Office of Volunteer and Senior Action, the Commission was housed for its first two years in the Office of the Lt. Governor, and in July of 1995 it became part of the Department of Commerce and Community Affairs. The mission of the Commission is "to improve Illinois communities by supporting and improving voluntary community service." A bipartisan, 25-member Commission on Community Service represents a cross-section of the elements of the service and nonprofit community throughout the state--youth, senior, intergenerational, school and college based, as well as business and community organizations. this commission assists in supporting volunteerism, developing a state plan for service and overseeing the proposal review process for two Federal programs AmeriCorps and Learn and Serve. 1) AMERICORPS, program funded by the federal government through the Corporation for National Service, places people from age 17 and up in national service projects. In exchange for a living allowance of $7,945, they participate in full-time service and, at the end of a year of service, receive an educational voucher of $4,725. The Commission currently funds AmeriCorps projects with the following agencies: MidAmerica Chapter America Red Cross, Public Allies, Illinois ChildCorps, City of Decatur, Belleville Area College, Latino Youth, Chicago Commons, Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville, Uptown Habitat for Humanity, Illinois Riverwatch, Rend Lake College, United Way of Champaign, Travelers and Immigrants Aid and the Illinois Department of Corrections. AmeriCorps members mentor young people, teach literacy, serve as interns in social service agencies, teach CPR, water safety and HIV prevention, educate consumers in daycare, renovate housing, test Illinois streams and rivers, work to overcome racial and cultural barriers, coordinate services for people who are homeless and mentor juvenile offenders. 2) LEARN AND SERVE COMMUNITY BASED is a very modest program that involves young people in community service projects. Small grants are given to community organizations who then provide service experiences for young people that gives them an opportunity to reflect on the experience in a learning environment. In addition, the Corporation funds Learn and Serve programs through the State Board of Education. They also continue to fund the long-time programs VISTA, Retired and Senior Volunteer, Foster Grandparent and Senior Companion program. From LIVE, Campus Compact Newsletter by Jeanne Bradner, Illinois Commission, 312-814-5225. Illinois PTA 100th Anniversaryby Anna Weselak, ChairmanOn Monday, February 17, The Illinois PTA celebrated the 100th Anniversary of the National PTA. A capacity crowd of PTA members, educators, administrators, and students heard a motivational message by Merri Dee of WGN-TV in Rosemont. Following the lunch, four workshops were held to offer new ideas for PTA members to take back to their units to begin the next 1200 years as advocates for children. To take us into the future, PTA members had the opportunity to visit the National PTA web site. A great time was had by all--inspiring renewed motivation to go forth and continue doing PTA work with even more enthusiasm. Congratulations to PTA on their 100th Anniversary! Page SixGenerations Working Together--A Prelude to the Presidents' SummitEach of the five goals of the Presidents' Summit are listed below with the facilitator who lead the discussion, the suggestions regarding what individuals and communities can do, and recommended organizational strategies to make things happen. 1. An Ongoing Relationship with a Caring AdultFacilitator: KayT Norris, Student, Baldwin Elementary, and Chair, Helping Hands Club, Quincy. The goal is to create the additional tutoring and mentoring relationship necessary for a positive impact on the lives of these young people. Suggestions: Activities in neighborhoods and communities such as community history, family history, gardening, healthy cooking and eating, computer classes taught by students; older adults and older students reading to children in school, after school, in libraries, at activity centers, at malls, and everywhere; community forums on timely or controversial topics; support groups for parents and grandparents to help them deal with raising children; students involved with Meals on Wheels. Organizational Strategies: Start small; survey parents and community residents asking "What do you want? How would you like to be involved?" Organize through existing organizations such as religious congregations, park districts, libraries, schools, or service learning/volunteer programs; establish a back up buddy system for parents who can't always come to school. 2. Safe Places to Learn and GrowFacilitator: Shawn Sweeney, Director, Campus Compact, Illinois State University, Normal. The goal is to increase safe places and structured activities during non-school hours so that young people can study, play and receive the necessary guidance to reach their full potential. Suggestions: Promote communication to help create safe places, create safe passage by seniors and students walking together; keep schools open after school hours; transform the school into an intergenerational center; break down stereotypes both of young people and older adults; involve college students and high school students developing projects such as a science fair; recognize the life cycle and its completion by involving students in writing or giving a eulogy and communicating their feelings to the family. Organizational Strategies Build on existing networks and community groups such as religious congregations, community colleges, RSVP, Project Success, sports programs, law enforcement, or whatever works in your community; involve young people and older adults in the management so they take ownership; provide community policing by generations to organize safe passages. 3. Marketable Skills through Effective EducationFacilitator: Yvonne Singley, Illinois Community College Board, Springfield. The goal is to forge new partnerships among businesses, schools, and citizen volunteers to provide more young people with mentors, summer jobs, internships, and the essential skills of reading and math. Suggestions: Develop Reality Fairs--put students in a mock situation to test their coping skills, i.e. marriage, jobs, children in a role turnaround; let children see how it is to be an older adult to develop a greater sensitivity to others; try mentoring/tutoring programs and internships at high school level or lower, tap the skills of children to teach computers; promote job shadowing and company sponsored scholarships and internships. Organizational Dynamics: Identify advocates from each of the major community components to establish a coalition; develop intergenerational elderhostels at the local level to enhance job skills; build relationships in non-threatening environments to eliminate fears of working with other generations; tap education-to-career programs, (con't on page 8) Page SevenPresidents' SummitNever before has service and volunteerism received so much attention from so many powerful people and from the media. Colin Powell, as chair of the Presidents' Summit, led a non-partisan effort organized by the Corporation for National Service and The Points of Light Foundation that included enthusiastic Presidents and First Ladies. The Philadelphia Summit brought together an estimated 1500 delegates from 140 cities April 27-29. Their task was to set in motion new strategies to help children. Communities were invited to send a delegation of 10 individuals selected by community conveners. The Summit emphasized the critical needs faced by children in our communities and issued a call to action for all Americans. Helen Schumate, Chair, Illinois Commission for Community Service described the spirit of the Summit. "It was inspiring to see the hundreds of organizations united together to achieve a common goal, that of helping children." Illinois was represented by delegates from six communities, Champaign/Urbana, Rockford, Chicago, Peoria, Springfield, and DeKalb, a delegation appointed by the governor including Governor and First Lady Brenda Edgar, and other celebrities and leaders such as Mayor Richard Daley, Oprah Winfrey, Bill Braden, Dave Paeth (Belleville), and Michael Alter. Several themes developed from interviews with each of the delegations. Thom More from Champaign reflected; "As a delegation, we did not feel that we can make decisions about how Champaign/Urbana should fulfill the goals outlined at the Summit," he said, "What we have committed to do is, to keep the process moving forward, to highlight and promote volunteer activities and opportunities that are already underway, and perhaps see ways to fill the gaps." Other similar ideas mentioned by the delegations include: First, the need for unity and caring which was well articulated during the Summit. Second, the potential crisis in volunteer management. If people want to get involved, communities must be ready to welcome them, train them, and hope to ensure a good experience. Most communities are not ready for a huge onslaught of volunteers. Third, the political agendas and interest in controlling the ongoing activities will be challenging for some communities. Collaboration between organizations used to taking charge may be difficult, so team-building will be important. Last, the involvement of youth as a group of individuals with a stake in this whole effort must be embraced by communities and youth themselves. The delegation approached the Summit from a variety of perspectives depending on the history among those selected and the opportunity for dialogue before the encounter. Governor's DelegationGovernor Jim Edgar led the Illinois delegation to Philadelphia and made a commitment to give an hour a week to help children in Illinois. "I invite all Illinoisans to give time each week to the children of our State." Jeanne Bradner, Illinois Commission for Community Service congratulated the Governor, "There has been a deep commitment on the part of many individuals and corporations as a result of the Summit. Individuals want to do something, but don't know au how to go about it. Through Governor Edgar's commitment, he is leading the way." During a reception for the Illinois delegation, governor Jim Edgar announced that he was appointing First Lady Brenda Edgar to lead the statewide process of support for the national goals, which will begin with a meeting at the Governor's Mansion on June 12th. The meeting will bring together delegates, members of the Illinois Commission for Community Service, and others involved in volunteerism to discuss resources, the gaps, and how to move forward in Illinois. Champaign/UrbanaThe Champaign/Urbana delegation is moving quickly. They have tapped Project 18, a program that brought the two communities together to look at mutual needs. Summit convener for Champaign/Urbana, Stan Levy said: "We have essentially finished the needs assessment for the community and have already involved many residents." Rob Sheehan from Leadershape, speaks to the importance of youth involvement in the delegation, "We have involved people of all ages and we are especially proud of the fact that young people are involved in meaningful ways." Erica Dupuis, a University of Illinois student, "I have committed to being involved in planning our local activities, but I plan to work on my own projects as well." Short term goals include a youth conference to discuss how young people can improve their quality of life and how they want to be involved in making those improvements and a community-wide conference of all local volunteer and service organizations. The hope is that they can prepare a "community promise book." ChicagoChicago may have the greatest challenge of all to tap the resources of an extremely diverse group of the famous, the powerful, those working on the front lines, and the average Chicago citizen. John Borling, United Way, is enthusiastic. "Progress will come if we work together but will also happen at an individual level. I believe that no one is truly whole until they have committed outside of self." Student representative, Vanessa Fraction said, "We must ask young people, 'What is on your mind?' and more effectively through the local we may reach the D. J." The media will be very important in making something lasting happen. Short term goals are for delegates to attend the Tutoring/Mentoring Connections Conference and on May 15 attend a meeting to involve individuals beyond the delegation. A citywide summit will be held within 6 months. United Way has accepted the role of convening authority and will attempt to pull together many organizations. RockfordThe Rockford delegation has what they call "a grass roots delegation, that is, a group of people who are donors and will make an effort to involve the entire community," according to Becky Cook from the United Way. Elaine Pfluger, RSVP Director, gave her impressions of the Summit. "The highlight of the Summit was the caring and the emphasis on unity. We heard so many great stories about how lives were turned around because of one person." Audon Riveria, a student at Rock Valley College and member of Youth Build Rockford had an exceptional experience while painting a wall. He looked up and there was Colin Powell painting right next to him. What's next in Rockford? "We need to include other organizations--we already have a list of 300." We will include them in a summit to be held within the next 6 months and then aim for ongoing media attention. Some concerns were expressed regarding the influx of volunteers. "We must look at who will coordinate, how the volunteers will be trained, and we must be conscious of tapping existing systems." SpringfieldThe highlight of the Summit for John Kelker from Springfield was the bi-partisan collaboration. "The presentations by powerful people changed the idea of some that this was a 3-day party and nothing will get done." On the contrary, the Springfield delegation worked diligently to discuss other groups who need to be involved and how they can bring resources to young people. Short term goals include convening a youth summit to identify the needs of young people. A subgroup will work with resource development and grant writing and the delegation will add members from the community to develop local pledge groups. United Way will continue as the convener of the delegation and also draw others, such as the Volunteer Center into the leadership. They will also work with University of Illinois and the Mayors office to gather statistics on how many children have access to the five resources. DeKalbTracey Bond-Facen said the most meaningful experience at the Summit was the dedication of people who devote their careers to working with people. "That was inspiring and we need to see more compassion on the part of community members." Mike Berg was impressed with the camaraderie of the DeKalb delegation, "We left our titles behind and got to know each other, and worked well together." Short term goals include an Action Plan that calls for a Youth Workshop during the next 90 days and a community-wide Summit in the fall. "We went through the book of national commitments and will contact businesses locally. We will conduct a needs assessment in cooperation with the Northern Illinois University to discover how many children don't have services and develop a data base of local resources." "The Summit was especially meaningful because Barbara Bush emphasized the importance of literacy. We must be able to read, write, and comprehend to solve even the most basic problems of Children," said Tracey Bond-Facen. Page EightGenerations Working Together. . . . cont. from pg. 64. A Healthy StartFacilitator: Anthony Traxler, Director, Gerontology, SIUE, Edwardsville. The goal is to find new ways, in cooperation with government, health care providers and business, to assure that a healthy start is achieved. Suggestions: Emphasize wellness of mind, body, spirit as important; emphasize a healthy lifestyle with the following: healthy snacks and getting kids out to play rather than sitting in front of the TV; determine community health needs and communicate those needs; children and older adults mentor parents and others regarding nutrition, fitness, etc.; housing and fixit projects; retired faculty help students set health goals, (HIP Program); older adults work with kids in pediatrics reading and games; "Love bugs"--K-5 children adopt a home-bound elder, visit them, write to them, make things for them; veterans home visits, dances, celebrations; high school students rake leaves and shovel snow. Organizational Strategies: Tap the foster grandparent and RSVP programs as models that work, define a unified vision at the local level, develop a plan of action utilizing all resources and generations, communicate the need to business organizations that health programs are mutually beneficial, find common ground, break down stereotypes, well baby clinic, getting immunizations and medical care; facilities for health education that are accessible; and barrier free. 5. An Opportunity to Give BackFacilitators: Dan Schulte and Ann Jeanette Camille, Students, Springfield High School The goal is to provide young people with the opportunity to serve, so that they become part of the solution and experience first-hand the benefit of being active citizens. Suggestions: Get involved with a service learning class; mentoring through programs like HIP, Buddies, etc., helping in the nursing home; when you see that someone needs something be a good neighbor or friend and help them; begin at an early age with parental involvement, "volunteering starts at home." Look at peer pressure both positive and negative, secure projects allow them to gain practical experience. Organizational Strategies: Communicate by using existing and new channels such as a volunteer hot line, listserv, or web site; tap into existing programs (emphasize media, involvement, advertisement), develop a plan for volunteers opportunities. ParticipantsParticipants in addition to the facilitators listed above and meeting chair, Jeanne Bradner include: Group 1: Joan Wood, Pekin Public Library; Kay Conant, FamilyCare Services, Chicago; Jennette Spicer, Foster Grandparent Program, Peoria; Nicole Sayegh, Illinois Child Corps, Mt. Vernon; Joe Dunn, Illinois Coalition for Community Services; Martha Mennenger, Department of Children and Family Services; Sandy Norris and Bill Norris, Retired, Bloomington; Christine Merrifield, Eastern Illinois University; Group 2: Gary Wood, Limestone Community High School, Pekin; Cheryl Barber, Continuing Education, University of Illinois, Urbana; Mary Walsh, Illinois Association of School Boards, Rosemont; Ernie Hoffman, Senior Professionals, Illinois State University; Patty Berndt, Student, ISU, Normal; Nancy Bragg, Professor, Millikin University, Decatur; PTara Besenhard, Student, Northern Illinois University; Bob Rogers, Superintendent, Bluffs; Christie Sikora, Student, SIUE; Frank Sorenson, State President, AARP and Emeritus, Western Illinois University. Group 3: Susan Merry, Family Care Services, Chicago; Jan Perone, Department of Rehabilitation Services; Naomi Fowler, Elderhostel, Springfield; Andrew Vogt, Student, Quincy High School; Mary Simon, Emerita, SIUC; Rachael Zimmerman, Student, Quincy High School; Terri Bailey, Professor, Chicago State University; Elizabeth Landerholm, Northeastern Illinois University, Chicago; George Dirks, Department of Alcohol and Substance Abuse, Sally Petrone, Third Age, Springfield; Katherine Liefield, Student, Millikin University, Decatur. Group 4: C.J. Sizemore, Department of Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities; Clifton Charles and John Black, Community Volunteers, Chicago State University; Sandy Wands, Teacher, Springfield District; Pat Pickat, Illinois PTA; Kathleen Votava, Illinois Department on Aging; Barbara Payne, Illinois Department of Public Aid; Jeff Chesky, Gerontology, UIS; Suzanne Kutterer-Siburt, SIUE; Christin Truffa, Aunt Martha's Youth Service, Park Forest. Page NineMembers of the Illinois DelegationChampaignErica DuPuis; Bobbi Fein, Children's Home & Aid Society; Mildred Griggs, University of Illinois, College of Education; Rick Kubetz, Greater Champaign-Urbana Economic Partnership; Danel McCollum, Mayor, City of Champaign; Thom Moore, Psychological Services Center; Tracy Parsons, Urban League of Champaign County tie; Tod Satterthwaite, Mayor, City of Urbana; Robin Sheehan, Leadershape Inc.; Selin Song; Barb Wysocki. ChicagoRev. Daniel Alvarez, Sr., Commissioner, Department of Human Services; Daniel F. Bassill, President & Chief Executive Officer, Cabrini Connections/Tutor/Mentor Connections; John L. Borling, President & CEO, United Way/Crusade of Mercy; Dolores E. Cross, President, Chicago State University; Vanessa P. Fraction, Student Representative; Rev. Jesse Jackson, President, Rainbow PUSH Coalition; Susan Norris, Manager, Volunteer Center, United Way/Crusade of Mercy; Elaine M. Schuster, Superintendent of Schools, Office of Catholic Education; Nancy A. Stevenson, Managing Director, Voices for Illinois Children; Brooke M. Wiseman, Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer, Girl Scouts of Chicago. DeKalbRandy Bourdages, Vice-President, LNB Bank; Brett S. Brown, Burns and Brown Attornies at Law; Micki Chulick, Executive Director, Community Coordinated Child Care; Kevin Knight, Student-Life Advisor, Northern Illinois University, Student Association; Bertrand J. Simpson, Program Coordinator, Programming and Activity Office, Northern Illinois University; Jerry Smith, President, Castle Prin-Tech; Greg Sparrow, Mayor, City of DeKalb; Dawn M. Sturma, Executive Director, DeKalb United Way. PeoriaJohn Alms; Jennie Armstrong, Heartland Community Health Clinic; Ian M. Bogus, Mayor, City of Peoria; McFarland Bragg, Community Action Agency; Laraine Bryson, President, Tri-County Urban League; Sara Dill, Children's Home-McKinley Center; Ken Hinton, Valeska Hinton Early Childhood Education Center; Bruce F. Snyder, Riverfront Development Corporation; Vicky Stewart, Principal, Northmoor Primary School; Craig S. Young. RockfordRev. Denver Bitner, Pastor, Zion Lutheran Church; Rebecca A. Cook, Director, United Way of Rock River Valley; Jonathan L. Ferguson; Karol Hammond, Resident, Take It Back Watch Group; Elaine Pfluger, Director, RSVP of Winnebago County; Molly Phalen, President, Rockford Education Association; Audon Riveria, Youth Build Rockford; Thomas Sanders, Ellis Community Academy; Saul Serna, Realtor, Century 21 Country North; Ray Wood, President, Rockford Product. SpringfieldDoris Chambers, Springfield Urban League; Lila G. Christensen, Lincoln Land Community College; Kara Marie Fitzgerald, Heritage Manor Nursing Home; Karen Hasara, Mayor, City of Springfield; Michael R. Heap, Captain, Illinois National Guard/Operation First Choice; John P. Kelker, President, United Way of Central Illinois; Brisbane Rouzan, University of Illinois at Springfield; Leroy Smith, Jr., Springfield Housing Authority; Sandra Wands, Southeast High School, District 186; Carol Zerkle, President, Springfield Children's Museum. Governor's DelegationGovernor and First Lady, Helen Schumate, Chris Zorich, Robert Morisson, sharon Christopher Brown, and Linda Kolbusz. Page TenCoalitions and NetworksChicago Intergenerational NetworkThe Chicago Intergenerational Network met on March 13 and was hosted by Willean Leslie at Healy Alternative School. The meeting was convened by Robert Stuart,, Emeritus, National Can Co. He welcomed the group and asked everyone to introduce themselves and share some humor or an inspirational thought. The topic for the meeting was "Successful Intergenerational Programs in Long Term Care: Looking through the Eyes of Residents and Children." The speakers were Marla Levie and Patty Corran from the Ambassador Residence; Judi Blakemore, LaRabida and Gerri Fiterman from Norwood Park. The next meeting of the Chicago Intergenerational Network will be held June 13 at the new RSVP office 550 West Jackson, Suite 430, and will be hosted by Jeff Nelson. Planning for the next meeting was convened by Jennifer Kunde, Working in the Schools, and brought together Willean Leslie, Healy School, Jeff Nelson, RSVP, and Jane Angelis, Illinois Intergenerational Initiative. The group set in motion a tentative schedule of meeting topics for 1997-8. For further information on the June 13th meeting, contact Jeff Nelson, 312-669-1600. Meeting Community Needs: From Leaves to GrandparentsThe Pekin Intergenerational Network, (PIN), established by the Pekin Public Library in 1995, has grown from its initial eight members to 16 local service providing organizations. Membership itself is intergenerational, ranging from the elementary school and park districts to AARP and the senior center. PIN annually holds Hearts and Hands Day (students volunteer to rake leaves for seniors who then share refreshments and conversation with the students) and a community-wide educational workshop. Additionally, members meet monthly to share upcoming intergenerational plans and to seek needed support from member agencies. PIN workshops have: 1) helped local service providers discover collaborative ways to bring generations together; 2) encouraged elementary and high school teachers to add intergenerational components to their current curriculum. The next workshop will bring service providers and grandparents raising grandchildren together to enhance awareness of services and understanding of caregiver needs. By Joan Wood, Pekin Public Library, 309-347-7111. Kelley Presents during LIFELONG MeetingNeil Kelley, Illinois State Library presented a session on "Disabilities: What Older Adults Need to Know" during the February 18 meeting of the LIFELONG coalition. He gave an overview of the Americans with Disabilities Act. You are covered by Title II (public entities). "As you are setting up your classes, you might want to be alert to parking, ramps, signage, and so forth." A good resource is "A Guide to Services for Persons with Disabilities" 217-782-8893 or 1-800-252-2904. "The Illinois State Library is a resource for you, just contact us." Gene Verdu chaired the meeting and led the information sharing section involving Community Colleges from around the state. The theme that seems to run through all the colleges is the great interest by older adults in computers. The group also discussed outreach to seniors and getting them involved on campus. Verdu appointed Bea Cornelesen to chair a nominating committee to prepare a slate of officers for election during the October meeting. The next meeting will be held in Bloomington on October 7. The topic is the new technology and consortia. We will discuss a meeting via telecommunications. Page ElevenCoalitions and NetworksNew Initiatives from Bloomington/Normal Intergenerational Task Force by Tarry Plattner, YWCA of McLean CountyMembers of the Bloomington/Normal Intergenerational Task Force represented schools, senior programming, and housing an senior civic groups. Our initial development has centered on (1) learning about the successful intergenerational programs, (2) initiating new programs through partnerships within the Tack Force. The following programs have resulted in many intergenerational successes: Staff from Normal Township Senior Center and Normal Unit 5 Cares (a school outreach program) linked their Senior Line Dance group to Glenn Elementary School. Golden Kiwanis senior civic club members were guests of the Parkside Elementary 4th graders for a coffee social hour. Social skills were practiced in advance and writing skills learned through invitations and thank you's. Seniors were invited to help with a one time event for 3 hours at selected Bloomington/Normal elementary schools. This offered a "look-see" for seniors in a non-committal way to experience the rewards of intergenerational volunteering. Sugar Creek Elementary students are using their writing skills to correspond with residents at Blair House. Honor students from ISU put on a Casino Nite Party for the Phoenix Tower senior housing residents. Four classes from Sheridan Elementary School brought the residents of Hpoenix Towers entertainment for a Valentines Party. RSVP volunteers are involved in intergenerational activities through 10 schools, Head Start, the YWCA and more. RSVP volunteers are pen pals with Glenn Grade Schools 4th and 5th Graders and to several elementary groups with the YWCA. RSVP and Sheridan school coordinate a senior "Grandfriends" tutoring project. The school coordinator surveys the teachers for their willingness to utilize a senior volunteer weekly and to detail in what ways they would like help with their students, 309-454-1451. The Chicago Metropolitan Intergenerational Committee (CMIC)Established in 1982, CMIC is one of the oldest intergenerational network in Illinois. Its diverse membership includes representatives from schools, colleges, elder service agencies, community organizations, government agencies, volunteer programs and many others from across the Chicagoland area. Through regular meetings and conferences, CMIC offers an opportunity for professionals interested in intergenerational activities to share their ideas with one another and to support the development of new projects. CMIC members are actively involved in collaborative efforts with others in the educational, youth service and aging networks, and encourage cross-network participation. 1997 has been a busy year for CMIC. Projects include the Generations United/NCOA Conference held in Chicago in March; co-sponsoring an intergenerational screening of the Silver Images Film Festival in May; and preparation for the biennial CMIC conference scheduled for November 7, 1997. For more information about CMIC, contact Maureen Statland, CMIC Chairperson, at 847-718-7717. Chicago Southland RecognitionAn Intergenerational group representing Foster Grandparents, Senior Companions, RSVP Programs, and young people from Pace High School, Palos High School District 118, and Fairmont Service Learners gathered to share their perspectives on the meaning of their programs. Old and young agreed that it is a privilege to work together and that they are impressed with their mutual accomplishments. They also agreed that it wouldn't happen without their talented leaders. Contact Kay Conant 312-427-8790. Back PageNew Resources"A Memory for Tino," a classroom-use video from GPN, designed for grades 1-6, and exceptional value at only $15, (for the videocassette, teacher's guide, shipping and handling), to mail your order: GPN, P.O. Box 80669, Lincoln, Nebraska 68501-0669, to order by phone, call toll free 1-800-228-4630, FAX 1-800-306-2330 or E-Mail your order to gpn@unlinfo.unl.edu Across the Generations: Selecting an Using Intergenerational Resources by Helen Foster James. Contents include: 1) Age and Isolation, 2) Selecting Intergenerational Resources to Read Aloud, 3) Activities the Bridge the Generations, 4) Classroom Instructional Strategies, 5) Getting Seniors Involved, 6) Separation and Loss, and 7) Selected Resources. Contact Heidi J. Green, Highsmith Press LLC, W5527 Highway 106, P.O. Box 800, Fort Atkinson, WI 53538-0800, or call 414-563-9571, FAX 414-563-4801, E-Mail hpress@highsmith.com Coming!May 29, June 3, & June 12, A Course in Understanding "Death, Dying, and Grieving," Illinois Department on Aging, May 29 in Mt. Vernon, June 3 in Springfield, June 12 in Chicago, Contact Marjorie Bernett at 217-785-5291. June 3-5, June 10-12, June 24-26, Conflict Resolution Training Offered, Illinois Institute for Dispute Resolution, June 3-5 in Marion, June 10-12 in Springfield, June 24-26, Contact Donna Crawford at 217-384-4118. June 4 (Springfield), 5th (Collinsville), 10th (Chicago), Team Building, presented by Karen Evenson and sponsored by the Illinois Department on Aging, fee $10, 217-785-3377. June 15-18, Gateway to Aging in the New Millennium, St. Louis University Summer Geriatric Institute & Mid-America Congress on Aging, featured topics include: Managed Care, Spirituality and Aging, Volunteering, Telecommunications, Aging Policy in the States, The Sexy Sixties and Beyond, Those Crumbling Bones, and The Thoroughly Modern Nurse Practitioner, St. Louis University Health Sciences Center, for more information call St. Louis University, Division of Geriatric Medicine, 1-800-268-5880. June 13, Chicago Intergenerational Network, "In a Successful Intergenerational Program: What do Older Adults Need to Know About Children?" Contact Jeff Nelson, RSVP, 312-669-1600. June 15th, Deadline for next Continuance. June 26-27, Illinois Storytelling Festival, Spring Grove Park, in McHenry County, call 815-678-4773. October 7, LIFELONG meeting, a coalition of community colleges, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., "Tapping the Resources of Technology," election of officers, Bloomington, Gene Verdu, 618-234-4410. Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Task Force, Chicago, contact Mary Selinski, 1-800-252-8966. October 13, National Retired Educators Day, A Celebration of Community Service, NRTA 50th Anniversary. October 23, Intergenerational Programs and Technology, Palatine, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. |