Leading the Way

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2 � JG-TC - September 2013 Leading the Way jg-tc.com

This year's Leading The Way section is amixture of some of the past annual supple-ments. The section started in 2003 totally devoted

to area industry. The focus was on what goeson inside manufacturing facilities, and the widegeographical scope and impact of items pro-duced in East Central Illinois.Over time the section took on more of a

community approach, looking at some of thehighlights from our region. In recent years, thesection's featured "letters home," a collectionof letters from individuals who grew up in ourarea and then moved on to successful careerselsewhere.The letters included highlights of "growing

up" years in East Central Illinois, as wellas highlighting some of the talents first devel-oped by people who grew up here on theprairie.The 2013 edition of Leading The

Way has elements of industry, of communityand a couple of new "letters home."One of the letters, from David Watson,

stemmed from a letter written last year by oneof his classmates at Neoga High School. Theother, from Roger Van Dyke, follows up on aletter he wrote last year on the value of men-toring. Van Dyke is formerly of Casey.From a community standpoint, we pulled a

recent article veteran reporter Rob Stroudwrote recently about Oakland, featuring amongother things the community's Noodle factory.The Oakland piece is one of an occasional se-ries that explores the history of some of ourarea communities.The first part of this year's section has

some industry highlights. The article by Bill Lairon the Choices program describes a collabora-tive effort between the Coles Together eco-nomic development organization, theMattoon Area Family YMCA and Mattoonschools. The Choices program, presentedto the sophomore class at MHS, is designed tohelp students understand that life choices they

make can and do impact future opportunities,including employment options.The program, which may be expanded to

other schools, was offered in part becauseof feedback from some area employers ofshortcomings among prospective employees.Another article highlights some of the good

news stories in the past year from firms thatare hiring. Some of those firms use programs

like one at Lake Land College to help preparepeople for the workplace. The section also hasa piece explaining the BESI (Business Ethicsand Social Responsibility Awards), whichbegan in our area in 1992.I hope you enjoy all or part of the section.

Carl WalworthPublisher

jg-tc.com Leading the Way JG-TC - September 2013 � 32 � JG-TC - September 2013 Leading the Way jg-tc.com

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Cover Photos1. Central Illinois People line the Coles County Courthouse Square inCharleston, Ill., for the Christmas in the Heart of Charleston parade on Saturday,Dec. 1, 2012.(Journal Gazette/ Times-Courier, Kevin Kilhoffer)2. Work Force GECommunications Specialist Greg Petsche, left, and Justin Butcher, right, shopoperations manager, talk with the media at the GE lamp factory in Mattoon, Ill., onThursday, Aug. 22, 2013. (Journal Gazette/ Times-Courier, Kevin Kilhoffer)

3. Industry Yellow leaves drape the Coles County Courthouse in Charleston,Ill., on October 12, 2010. (Journal Gazette/ Times-Courier, Kevin Kilhoffer)

4. Youth Charleston High School graduate Sasha Edwards catches a lift from afellow classmate as they enter Lantz Arena Friday night (May 17, 2013) during theCHS commencement ceremony procession at Eastern Illinois University inCharleston. (Photo by Ken Trevarthan/Journal Gazette & Times-Courier).

5. Background Photo Halogen capsules (bulbs) are prepared for thesealing process using heat on the assembly line at the GE lamp factory in Mattoon,Ill., on Thursday, Aug. 22, 2013. (Journal Gazette/ Times-Courier, Kevin Kilhoffer)

By BILL LAIRFOR THE JG-TC

Sophomores at Mattoon HighSchool understand that the decisionsthey make in the next couple years canaffect the remainder of their lives.Through Coles Together, the

Mattoon Area Family YMCA andmembers of the Mattoon business andprofessional community, sophomoresat MHS recently completed theCHOICES Education Program aboutdecisions and their consequences.In two hour-long sessions, students

participated in "real-world" exercises

on self-discipline, time management,goal-setting and about making choicesand the consequences of thosechoices. "The sky's the limit if you can apply

yourself," said Brody Miller, one of thesophomore students who completedthe CHOICES sessions. "Stay inschool so you can be productive inlife.""It makes me want to focus on

schoolwork and grades that muchmore," said Gracie Forrest, anothersophomore exposed to CHOICES. "Myeyes were really opened. There are avariety of things I want, and I want tosucceed but (CHOICES) makes mefeel how important school is to me forthe next 65 years of my life."Angela Griffin, president of the

Coles Together economic developmentorganization, said offering CHOICESwas designed to begin preparingcurrent high school students who willbe entering the workforce in the nexttwo to six years.By offering the program to

sophomores, organizers believe thisclass has the time to develop the

habits that will help them in school andas adults.Some local industry representatives,

Griffin said, feel that job applicants lacksome basic skills such as being ontime, lookingpresentable forwork, appropriatebody languageand making acommitment totheir assignedjobs.CHOICES

was started inSeattle in theearly 1980s by aSeattle fathertrying to reachhis troubledteenage son.According to theCHOICES website, the program hasbeen used across the country. Forexample, every public school eighthgrade student in the state of Delawareparticipates in CHOICES.Kyle Gill, city administrator for the

City of Mattoon, told the young people

it is important to acquire skillsnecessary for the jobs of their adultlives."You will be running things in a few

years," Gill told students. "I want aqualified workforce, a goodwork force,providingservices that weare going toneed in thefuture."Presenters

compared theskills of jobapplicants tocell phonefeatures.Some cell

phones are forcalls and texting.

Other phones desired, apparently, by alarge number of high schoolsophomores are "smart phones." Asmart phone is for calling and texting,too, but also can take photos andvideos, handle e-mail and has Internetcapability with several "apps" that

provide additional features."When you apply for a job, it's

kind of the same thing as shoppingfor a cell phone," said LauraWharton, human resourcesmanager at the R.R. Donnelleyplant in Mattoon. "I make choicesabout people when I hire, just asyou make choices when you shopfor a cell phone. I could hire anapplicant with basic skills or I canhire the applicant with additionalfeatures and qualifications."Jenna Bradley, exercise director

for the Mattoon Area Family YMCA,put it this way to students: "Likewith the smart phone where youwill pay more for all the features,employers will pay collegegraduates more."Presenters pointed out that a

high school dropout can expect toearn about $1.14 million over 50years of employment, or about$23,000 a year. The high schoolgraduate, they said, will earn abouta half-million more, $1.64 million, inthose same 50 years, which wouldbe about $33,000 a year. A college graduate, however,

earns almost double that --$63,000 a year on average or


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almost $3 million - in 50 years.Students were shown that someone

making $10 an hour - about $21,000 ayear - has little disposable income forfun after paying rent, utilities, state andfederal taxes and food.Another surprise for some students

was the length of time spent in schoolcompared to a person's lifetime.The CHOICES participants are 15

or 16 years old with two more years ofhigh school and then, perhaps, severalyears of college ahead for many.But students went through a life

timeline that showed their 13 to 17years of school and then the lifeexpectancy the average American has,which stretched almost 80 years."It may seem like you are in school

forever," Gill said, "but there is a lot oflife left."That left an impression on some

students."Seeing how short high school is

compared to the rest of your life," TreySkocy, one of the CHOICESparticipants said when asked aboutimpressions of the program. "What youdo in high school can affect the rest ofyour life."And that is the message for teens,

who may not always be thinkingbeyond the next football game, freeweekend or social activity with friends.While there are factors students

cannot control, such as gender, height,race, heredity and city where they live,young people actually can controlmany aspects of their lives and, thus,

their future.Those items, CHOICES instructors

pointed out, include health, attitude,appearance, friends, reputation, rolemodels, activities and motivation."There is more about us we can

influence and change through ourchoices," Donnelley's Wharton toldstudents."The most powerful skill available to

you is the power of choice," Gill said toone of his CHOICES sessions.Instructors challenged students to

set goals for what they want to bedoing at age 25 - 10 years in the futurefor most of those in these classes."Decide what you want to do and

start tailoring your choices to getthere," Wharton said.The 10-year goal - called SMART -

is an acronym for a goal that asksstudents to set a specific goal, one thatis measurable so they can track theirprogress. The third letter of SMARTGoal is to set a goal that is achievable,even if it is a reach for the student. The"R" in SMART stands for relevant, tomake a goal that fits a purpose andmatches the student's values andpersonality. Finally, make the goaltimely by setting a goal that is doablewithin the time frame."Anybody can do anything no matter

where they are from," Forrest, one ofthe sophomores, said of one ofCHOICES' messages."It makes no difference if you are

from Mattoon, Illinois, or you're a kidfrom New York City, the opportunitiesare the same for all of us," Skocy said."You get out of it whatever you put in.""It takes hard work and dedication,"

added Emily Watson, another of thesophomore students.Other instructors for the sessions

included Blake Fairchild of the YMCA,Derek Meinhart of Innovative StaffSolutions, Barb Love of Howell PavingInc., Scott Lensink, recently retiredpresident of Lake Land College as wellas Griffin and Anthony Pleasant, bothof Coles Together.Officials with CHOICES, based in

Seattle, believe the businesscommunity has a vested interest in thequality of students graduating from theschools, and a responsibility to sharein the effort to prepare those studentsfor the future.

"The first goal was to present thematerial in ways the students couldrelate," Griffin said. "And we wantedpeople from industry, those who aredoing the hiring. We want their inputalso."Skocy said he was aware that those

teaching the classes are people whohave achieved some success, withseveral also being Mattoon HighSchool graduates."They are leaders in our

community," he said of the presenters."The former president of Lake Land,the chief financial officer of HowellPaving, and people like that. They arededicating two days of their lives to talkto high school sophomores."Participants signed a certificate that

says they plan to graduate high schooland received the SMART goal form.They also received a "dog tag"inscribed: "I am who I choose tobecome," and a key to success,signifying self-discipline and makingthe right choices for their future.


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MATTOON — Traditional manufacturingcontinues to be a significant part of the jobbase in East Central Illinois.From companies with more than 60-year

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quartered in Mattoon, continue to open newstores and expand into new areas.The most recent announcement came in

late August when GE said it would add 30jobs at its Mattoon Lamp Plant to staff twonew lines producing components of energy-efficient soft white light bulbs.Overall, the company plans to invest $30

million in three different plants — the one inMattoon and two in Ohio, GE spokesmanGreg Petsche said.Recruitment for the new positions will

begin in April 2014, Petsche said.Locally, three machines will be retooled

and two additional machines will beshipped in from Hungary to create two newlines for the energy-efficient bulbs, floormanager Justin Butcher said. The othermanufacturing roles in the plant will con-tinue as is.“The footprint of the facility will remain

the same; we’re taking existing floor spaceand existing equipment and retooling it, ex-cept for the two brand new pieces that willcome in late next year,” Butcher said.Multi-site Plant Manager Joel Fay and

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Thirty new jobs are expected to cometo town with the $50 million expansion ofa pet food facility — Mars Petcare U.S. inMattoon, the company announced inFebruary.The 65,000-square-foot addition is to

expand manufacturing for one of thecompany’s most popular dog treats,Pedigree® Dentastix. Constructionrecently started and is expected to takea year to complete.“An investment of this size

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AMERICAN SELECT TUBING

A relatively new player in the localmanufacturing scene is American SelectTubing.Mark Maninfior, manager of

American Select Tubing plant thatrecently opened in Mattoon along IllinoisRoute 121, said the metal handlemanufacturer had 23 employees in theearly summer but could have as manyas 50 by the end of the year.American Select Tubing is a division

of AF Holdings in Sullivan and received“overwhelming response from theindustry” after an Arcola handlemanufacturer closed, Mannifor said.“We do not have the capacity to meet

the demand but that doesn’t mean wewon’t get there,” Maninfior told theannual meeting of the Coles Togetherorganization.

MARS EXPANDS

Insulation spray and metal sheeting converge to form insulated metal panel at the new MBCI manufacturing facility Thursday afternoon(June 28, 2012) on Route 316 in Mattoon. (Photo by Ken Trevarthan/Journal Gazette & Times-Courier).

LOCAL FIRMS ONTHE GROW

He said LED lighting is in its infancy, butthe soft white is still the ideal standard.“It works like everyone’s used to: It turns

on like everyone’s used to, it dims likeeveryone is used to,” Fay said. “It’s a verynatural next step.”Butcher said the components produced

in Mattoon’s plant create a bulb that is 28percent more energy efficient than the stan-dard household bulb used to be.The Mattoon plant, which has been in

operation for more than 60 years, has man-ufactured the capsules which produce thelight for the bulb since 2012.The actual capsule design was created

by a technology team in Cleveland; how-ever, the manufacturing design to produce itstarted in Mattoon, Smith said.“We make the beginning, the part that

lights up when they turn on the lamp,”Butcher explained. “We marry that with aglass tube which starts the process for thehalogen burner.”That halogen burner makes the product

energy efficient over the incandescentlamp, he explained.With the expansion, the finished tube will

be sent to the Ohio plants — in Bycyrusand Circleville — where they will bemounted inside a tradition soft white bulb.GE’s investment coincides with an

agreement with Wal-Mart, whose execu-tives two weeks ago announced an initiativeto increase its domestic product sales by$50 billion over the next 10 years.“That’s what piqued our interest, be-

cause they are a key customer of ours, andwe knew we were going to make this prod-uct, and we’ve already been taking steps tohave this make good business sense toproduce in the U.S.,” Fay said. “After a lot ofdown times it’s exciting to get some growthin the U.S.”Smith displayed a box of the bulbs,

which currently has a “Made in Mexico” fineprint notation, as Mexico was finishing thebulb — work that will now be moved to theOhio plants.“That will say ‘Made in the U.S.’ now,” he

said.Fay said the expansion is can be cred-

ited to the current 205 local GE employees,including Ethan Smith.Ethan Smith, of Windsor, has worked for

the Mattoon plant for 1½ years, and hecame in as the new line of bulbs was start-ing in production.“It’s exciting working with GE and the fu-

ture of the bulb, and today’s announcementmade it really exciting to see that you havemajor corporations putting a push for do-mestic products,” he said Thursday. “‘Madein the USA’ means more today than it has inthe past.”Ethan Smith said hints of the expansion

were heard around the plant, but no onesaw the big picture until Thursday.Butcher added that the employees had a

positive reaction to the the news, which wasannounced over lunchtime.“They were excited to see the CEO of

our company talk and refer to our facilityand bring jobs back to the U.S.,” Butchersaid.“The folks who have been here for quite

a while are realizing that it’s their hard workand sacrifice that makes this work,” JoshuaSmith said. “They gave up some wage in-creases a couple years ago, and that’s a lotof sacrifice from the folks on the floor be-cause they believe in what we’re doinghere.“It’s a huge testament to this community.”An industrial maintenance certificate

from Lake Land College is a minimal re-quirement for the new positions.-


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The Lumpkin College of Businessat Eastern Illinois Universityhonored several business firms andindividuals in 1992 who over recentyears had made very significant anddistinctive contributions to the morepressing social needs facing ourstate, region or local area.

The Business Ethics and SocialInvolvement (BESI) Awardsrecognized business firms andmanagers who pioneered enlightenedbusiness practices and displayedmoral courageand principledleadership in the face of challenges.

Our intent was to publicizecreative, long term oriented, andmorally-thoughtful efforts bybusiness managers/owners thatmight serve as models or examplesfor our business students and forothers in business practice.

The Business Ethics and SocialInvolvement (BESI) awards werealso created to locate possibly strongcandidates for a well-publicizednational competition known as theBusiness Enterprise Trust Awards.

A screening committee of areacivic and business leaders reviewednominations and selected the 1992

BESI award recipients. These BESIawards were presented at abanquet at Eastern IllinoisUniversity on Feb. 19, 1992 at theconclusion of a business ethicsconference.

The four individuals or firmsselected for the 1992 awards wereWilliam Hopper from Taylorville,Roger Roberson from Farmer City,Karl Koerner from Effingham andthe Victor Division of the Dana Corp.in Robinson.

Award criteria and eligibility: Thecriteria for the selection of firms andindividuals to receive the BESIawards in 1992 were similar criteriaas used in the nationwide BusinessEnterprise Trust Awards:

• “Courage in upholdingimportant business principles andserving the common good,particularly in the face of adversityor risk.

• Vision in forging new, moreenlightened standards of businessbehavior.

• Substantial, enduringcommitment to solving difficultproblems, particularly when theeffort may be unpopular or may

receive little public attention.• Innovation in addressing

important business and social issues,particularly in ways that exhibitexceptional creativity, defy theconventional wisdom or exceed therequirements of the law.

• Effectiveness over time intranslating a business innovation orsocial vision into reality.

Individuals as well as companieswere considered. An individual ororganization nominated had to beengaged in for-profit businessactivity.

The Future of the BESI awards:Dean Ivarie and faculty members ofthe Ethics and Social ResponsibilityCommittee in the EIU LumpkinCollege of Business would like tocontinue recognizing exemplarybusiness leaders and firms in theEast Central Illinois region throughthese BESI awards. However, wewould like to explore broadersponsorship and participation in thisaward nomination/selection process

as well as promote greater publicityor publica awareness of deservingaward recipients.

For these reasons, we arerequesting that both the EastCentral Illinois Development Corp.and Lake Land College join us as co-sponsors in the nomination andselection process for the 1993 BESIawards.

The inspiration of the BESIawards was the creation of theBusiness Enterprise Trust during the1980s and the presentation by thetrust of national awards to recognizeand publicize outstanding ethicalconduct and social involvement bybusiness.

Dr. Ted Ivarie, former dean of theLumpkin College of Business &Applied Sciences at Eastern IllinoisUniversity, recognized that theconcept of these national awards wasapplicable to the local East CentralIllinois area. With the permission ofthe Business Enterprise Trust, thecollege initiated the Business Ethicsand Social Involvement, or BESI,awards. and they were firstpresented in 1991.

Funding in support of theseawards comes from the Bertrand P.Holley Distinguished Professorshipand Business Ethics and SocialResponsibility Fund. Bert Holley wasa professor of Business for over 40years at Eastern (1946-1987) , and inhis teaching he espoused the ethicalconduct of business and commitmentto community service that the BESIaward celebrates.

In 1993, Lake Land College andECIDC joined EIU in what has beena great partnership to jointly sponsorthese BESI awards to areaindividuals and businesses.


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EDITOR’S NOTE

The following is a history of the beginning of theBusiness Ethics and Social Involvement Awards, firstgranted in our area in 1992. Please check out the list

of recipients over many years which recognize some of thehigh achievers in East Central Illinois.

CARL WALTORTH, [email protected]

BESI AWARDSHAVE LONG HISTORY

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Distributors, Inc. (CarlKoerner is deceased)• Leach-Wilson Chevrolet-Buick• Lenders Bagels andEmployees • Mike Lindenmeyer • Melvin C. Lockard• Joyce A. Madigan• Marathon Pipe LineCompany• Newlin Martin, Martin’sIGA• Jim McDaniel, EffinghamTruck Sales• Dr. George Mitchell• The Monahan Family, TheMonahan Company/FirstNational Bank in Arcola• Jerry Moon • Mooney Motors, Inc• Delbert D. Mundt• Old School Esshaus• Petro/Iron SkilletRestaurant• Don Portugal, S & K • Jerry J. Ray, SchrockCabinet Co.• R.R. Donnelley and Sons• Roger Roberson,Roberson Corporation• Rowe Foundry andMachine Co. andEmployees• Ryan, Bennett, andRadloff• Jim Ryan • John M. (Jack) Schultz • Jim Short • Siemer Milling Company

• Simonton Windows • State Bank of Arthur • U.S. Soy • Times Courier-JournalGazette• Victor Products (DanaCorporation)• Ken Vogt• Dr. Robert D. Webb• Bob Willenborg• Dr. Rick Workman• Wright’s Furniture• James “Jim” Yoder• Don Yost

Past Lifetime AchievementAward Recipients

• Robert M. Berty• Pat Ehrhart • Dale Fitzpatrick• Louis V. Henchen • Gary Kuhns• Robert K. Luther• Thomas Niebrugge• Henry “Hank” Stephens • Pam Crisman

Past Outstanding Leader inCommunity & Economic Development Award

• Ken Larimore• Paris EconomicDevelopment Corporation(PEDCO)• Tom Wright• Dieterich CommunityDevelopment Corp.(DCDC)

Dr. Ruben Boyajian, M.D. BESI Award Winner

East Central Illinois has become a pioneer in developing andimplementing entrepreneurship education for young adults.In Coles County, 2013-14 is the second year for a high

school curriculum called ClassE. The dual credit classpatterned after a highly-successful program in EffinghamCounty includes all three of the high schools in the county --Mattoon, Charleston and Oakland.The curriculum features entrepreneurial development that

educates juniors and seniors on the opportunities andchallenges on starting and running new business ventures.Students are selected through an application process.The experiential learning includes touring and interacting


�e Odd Fellow-Rebekah Home is open to both members andnon-members and is certiLed to accept Medicare, Medicaid andprivate insurances. In addition to oRering rooms for residents whoneed long-term placement, we also oRer fully furnished privaterooms for patients who need physical, occupational or speechtherapy for a short-termstay.�ese private Rehab To Home roomshave private washrooms, electric beds, and private dining available.Our Rehab To Home unit has a large therapy room and separateroom for patients to work on their activities of daily living.

�e Odd Fellow-Rebekah Home also oRers outpatient therapyfor patients who are returning back home, or for individuals alreadyliving in the community. Like our inpatient therapy, our outpatienttherapy can provide physical, occupational or speech therapy.

ODDFELLOW-REBEKAHHOMEHARMONYCENTER

217-235-5449217-235-5449217-235-5449201 Lafayette Ave. East •Mattoon, Illinois

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ClassEMAKES ITS MARK

with more than 50 ColesCounty business ownersduring the year. The classcompletes a group businessproject. ClassE students planand start their own businesses.Students also developleadership and professional

skills that are important forsuccess in any field.The program is designed to

create intergenerationalbusiness success networkingthat encourages students toremember their roots, resultingin potential job creation.

The ClassE program is apublic-private partnershipthat is financially supportedby many area businesses. Tolearn more about theapplication process, studentsshould see their high schoolcounselor.Summer entrepreneur

camps and entrepreneurclubs are among the other

activities designed to promotebusiness develop sense inyoung people. And someschool utilize the highly-successfuly JuniorAchievement program.Through these efforts,

dozens of young adults areexposed to ways thatencourage future businessdevelopment.


CUSTOMIZEDWORKFORCE TRAINING!CUSTOMIZED

WORKFORCE TRAINING!NAL Fast Track Tech Program and Lake Land Collegeare partnering to offer the region manufacturingtraining and employment opportunities!

To form a partnership unique to your company’s needs,contact Lake Land College at 217-234-5220.

Lake Land training programleading to guaranteed careerat NAL. New classes beginevery 8 weeks.

With the growing manufacturing industry throughout centralIllinois, it’s a perfect time to earn an industrial maintenance

certificate from Lake Land College.The industrial maintenance certificate is a year-long program

that introduces students to a variety of topics such asmachining procedures, industrial safety, motors and

generators, troubleshooting and much more. According to Tim VanDyke, technology division chair, thisprogram prepares students to either continue with their

education or enter the workforce directly.“We’ve been working with area industry leaders and theycontinue to tell us that the skills we teach through the

Industrial Maintenance Program are ideal for the positionsthey have open within their facilities,” said VanDyke.Lake Land has also partnered with industry leaders like

General Electric in Mattoon to offer this training certificate toits current employees.

“We’ve worked with GE to tailor the program to fit the needsof their current employee pool,” said VanDyke. “The GE

students come to campus twice a week for class and maintainfull-time employment at the lamp plant.”

To learn more about the Industrial Maintenance Program atLake Land College, contact VanDyke at (217) 234-5313 or

[email protected].

LAKE LAND HAS HISTORY IN TRAINING

ClassE participants Michael Strader, Colton Anderson and Jacob Wagner talk with Becky Hart-ney of Charleston about their business, Right Path Landscaping and Lawn Care, Tuesdayevening (May 7, 2013) during the ClassE expo at the LifeSpan Center in Loxa. (Photo by KenTrevarthan/Journal Gazette & Times-Courier).


Sav-Mor Pharmacy596 S Oak StNeoga, IL

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Route 36, Tuscola, IL217-253-2309

[email protected]


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Coles Together is the economic developmentorganization for Coles County, serving to meet thesite location needs of new industry and to promotethe continued expansion, growth and health ofexisting industrial facilities and the community atlarge. A private, not-for-profit corporation, Coles

Together was founded in 1988 between the publicand private sectors to provide full-time economicdevelopment support in site selection, businessrelocation, business retention, development ofindustrial sites, and expansions of local industrialbusinesses.The Coles Together team assists industrial clients

with marketing, financing, project packaging andtechnical assistance.Since the organization was formed in partnership

with county and local governments, staff is able toprovide excellent coordination with localcommunities and agencies across Coles County.The Coles Together board is comprised of

business leaders, local elected officials, economicdevelopers, and educators to ensure the work andpolicies of the organization meet the needs of theentire local economy.

Americans are livingin uncertain times. Global economic

instability, increasing commodity prices andsteadily rising gas prices have all taken their toll on

the American public, yet The Salvation Army has risen tothe occasion.

Since 1895 The Salvation Army Mattoon Corps has been meetingthe needs of families in Coles and Cumberland Counties.

In the last year 4,662 persons were served through our social servicesprogram in Coles and Cumberland Counties. Individuals and families

are coming to us in record numbers. We have ²lled 2,175 grocery ordersto provide over 24,000 meals; served 441 families with housing, utility, andlodging assistance; and 743 people have received vouchers for clothing and

furniture and medications. On top of that our “Food On The Move Program”Served 6,480 meals to children in their local neighborhoods over the summer,and 160 kids were given the supplies they needed to be successful at school this

year. .We are grateful to everyone in the community who helps support The Salvation

Army, and invite you to join our faithful volunteers and supporters as westrive to make our community a better place! For more info call 234-3915,visit www.tsamattoon.org or log onto www.ringbells.org for opportunities

to get involved!

xe SalvationArmyMatt�n1300 Richmond AveMattoon IL 61938

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Shane DavisManager

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PumpkinWorks,Paris, IL

Okaw Valley Orchard, 2009

COLES TOGETHER FOCUSESON INDUSTRIAL HEALTH

R.R. Donnelley & Sons Co. Mattoon 1,600 Printing/Publishing

General Electric Mattoon 205 Lighting Products

Pinnacle Foods Mattoon 200 Lenders Bagel Bakery

Justrite Manufacturing Co., Inc. Mattoon 189 Safety Containers

Vesuvius U.S.A. Charleston 175 Ceramic Fittings

Mars Pet Care Mattoon 173 Pet Foods

Mattoon Precision Mfg Co., Inc. Mattoon 140 Automotive Parts

Blue Cross/Blue Shield Mattoon 135 Regional Office / Headquarters

Anamet, Inc. Mattoon 120 Metal & Plastic Flexible Conduit

United Graphics, Inc. Mattoon 116 Printing

Walker Construction Mattoon 100 Redi-Mix Concrete

Ameren Services Mattoon 100 Utility

J.J. Collins Sons, Inc. Charleston 70 Business Forms

Hi-Cone Division, Illinois Tool Works Charleston 65 Plastic Ring Carrier Systems

Electric Labratories & Sales Mattoon 64 Electrical Supply Sales

Lester Building Systems, LLC Charleston 45 Post-Frame Buildings

Lee Enterprises Newspapers Mattoon/Charleston 35 Publishing

Publishing Safety Storage, Inc. Charleston 35 Hazardous Storage Buildings

Employer Location Employees Product/ServiceColes County Local Industry / Major Employers (colestogether.com)

Shop operations managerJustin Butcher shows thetubulation and mount structure for a halogen capsule (bulb) at the GElamp factory in Mattoon, Ill.,on Thursday, Aug. 22, 2013.(Journal Gazette/ Times-Courier, Kevin Kilhoffer)

Sept 15 - Oct 31 | The Great American Pumpkin Patch, 9 am -- 6 pm, Arthur3 | Mattoon Chamber Expo, Cross County Mall, Mattoon5 | Dalton City Fall Festival5 | Gettin’ Out the Door, 5k Run/Walk, 9 am - 12 pm, Effingham Medical Cen-

ter, 900 West Temple Ave, Effingham 5 | Scarecrow Daze, Forest Park, Shelbyville.5 | Greenup Fall Festival Car Show, Greenup11-12 | EIU Homecoming Weekend, Charleston11-12 | Chocolate Fall Fantasy, Pontiac; Join the downtown merchants as they

celebrate all things chocolate! Great sales, great sweets and great fun!11-14 | Columbus Day Weekend Sidewalk Sale, 7:30 pm, Tuscola12 | Douglas Hart Nature Center Fall Festival. Charleston12| Harvest Festival, Rockome Gardens, Arcola12| Fall Frolic, Tuscan Hills Winery, Effingham13| Bluegrass in the Gardens, Rockome Gardens, Arcola13| 5 Mile House Fall Festival, 1 - 4 pm, South Rt 130, Charleston12-14 | Touchstone Energy Balloon Fest, Columbus Day Weekend, Lake Shel-

byville12-14 | Scarecrow Daze Festival, Columbus Day Weekend, Forest Park &

Downtown18-27 | Nunsense, Little Theatre, Sullivan25-27 | Fall Flea Market, Cross County Mall, Mattoon25 | Haunted Hike Douglas-Hart Nature Center, Charleston26 | Tuscola Fall Flea Market, 8:30 am - 5:30 pm, Tuscola Community Building, Free Admission, Lunch will be served26| Halloween Party, Legacy Harley Davidson, Effingham27| Halloween Parade, 2 pm, Effingham30| Yuletide Tunes & Treats, 5 - 8 pm, Charleston31 | Trick or Treat 6 – 8 pm, Cross County Mall, Mattoon31 | Trick or Treat at Tanger Outlet Center, 5 - 7 pm

1-3 | Sport Card Show, Cross County Mall, Mattoon1-10 | Historic Arcola’s Downtown Holiday Open House7-12 | Jolly Trolley Open Houses, Pontiac; An annual event

highlighted by fantastic deals offered by downtown merchants. A great wayto start the holiday season. The Pontiac Jolly Trolley gives free tours of his-toric Pontiac.

7 | Gateway Annual Wine Tasting Event, Gateway Liquors, Charleston8 | Country Spirit Antique Show & Sale, Arcola Community Center, 5 - 8 pm8-9 | Country Spirit Antique & Primitive Show, Arcola Center, Arcola8-9 | Rural Life Antique Show and Sale at the Douglas County Museum and the

Tuscola Community Building, Tuscola8-10 | Christmas Craft Show, Cross County Mall, Mattoon9 | Charleston Challenge 40 Mile Relay, Charleston Parks and

Recreation, Charleston11 | Veterans Days Parade, Charleston19 | Fall Harvest Festival, Rock Springs Conversation Area, 3939 Nearing Lane.

Children are invited to celebrate the season with a custome contest, trick-or-treating and a scavenger hunt. (217)423-7708.

21 | Festival of Trees; Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Foundation, Charleston21- Dec 25| Wonderland in Lights, Effingham22-23 | Festival of Trees, Sarah Bush Lincoln Health System Health Education

Center, Coles County, Christmas trees, wreaths and centerpieces decoratethe Lumpkin Family Center of Health Education. Call (217) 238-4765 orwww.sarahbush.org.

23| Junie B in Jingle Bells, Batman Smells, EPC, First set: 11 am until Noon,Second set: 2:30 - 3:30 pm, Effingham

22-24 | Deer Widows Weekend, Tanger Outlet Center, Tuscola22-24 | You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown, Little Theatre, Sullivan23| Thanksgiving at the Lincoln Farm, Lincoln Log Cabin State Historic Site,

Charleston28-Dec 1 | Moonlight Madness, Tanger Outlet Center, Tuscola

1-31 | Festival of Lights, Shelbyville Forest Park1| Coles County Barbershop Chrous Christmas Benefit Concert, First Presbyterian

Church, Mattoon, 7 pm6-7 | Christmastown, Downtown Tuscola7| Christmas in the Heart of Charleston, Courthouse Square, 5 - 7 pm7 | Christmas in the Heart of Charleston, Courthouse Square. Hours: 5 to 7 pm

Holiday parade, carriage rides, refreshments, window displays and entertain-ment are planned. (217) 348-0430.

7 | Big Brothers/Big Sisters Auction, Cross County Mall, Mattoon7| An 1860s Christmas on the Prairie, Lincoln Log Cabin State Historic Site,

217-345-1845, Charleston14 | Farm Collectables, Advertising & Memorabilia Auction, 650 E County Road

200 N, Arcola14 | Mid-IL Big Brothers Big Sisters Holiday Auction, Charleston

Jan 31-Feb 2 | Central Illinois Jazz Festival, Decatur Conference Center andHotel, U.S. Highway 36 West. 454-2709 or www.juvaejazz.com

OCTOBER 2013

NOVEMBER 2013

DECEMBER 2013


JAN – FEB 2014

TIF Area DistrictsColes County

District TIF Incremental EAV Total TIF Extensions

Charleston 1 1.826 million $167,243

Mattoon 1 (2003) 3.220 millinion $283,425

Mattoon 2 (2006) 655,200 $58,336

Mattoon 3 (Rt. 45) 627,521 $55,937

Mattoon 4 (Bway East) 368,700 $32,779

Cumberland County

Neoga 1 20,789 $15,440

Douglas County

Arcola 1 12.3 million $1,129,401

Arcola 2 6,847 $632

Arcola 3 34,045 $3,143

Arcola 4 1.7 million $164,249

Arcola 6 1.7 million $163,723

Tuscola 1 16.67 million $1,290,035

Tuscola 2 1.122 million $86,836

Moultrie

Sullivan 1 13.8 million $1,245,200

Sullivan 2 2.43 million $219,325

Sullivan 3 59,306 $53,186

Shelby County

Strasburg 236,066 $16,646

CENTRAL ILLINOIS CALENDAR OF EVENTS

People line the street to watch the Greenup Fall Festival parade in Greenup, Ill., on Saturday, Oct. 6, 2012. (JournalGazette/ Times-Courier, Kevin Kilhoffer)

Tim Lewis, left, sings during Christmas in the Heart ofCharleston on the Coles County Courthouse Square inCharleston, Ill., on Saturday, Dec. 1, 2012.(Journal Gazette/ Times-Courier, Kevin Kilhoffer)

BUXTON GARDEN FARMLocated 3 miles west ofSullivan or 3½ miles east ofBethany on Illinois Route121. Open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.Monday through Saturdayand 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday.Roadside market spring,summer and fall with seeds,plants, flowers andvegetables, along with freshproduce. Corn mazes andhayrides on weekends. 200varieties from 80 acrespumpkins — some mayweigh 150 poundsand colors includeall shades oforange, yellow,red, white andblue, with shapesfrom flat to roundand big to small.Also available:squash, gourds,Indian corn,apples, cider, 125varieties of mumsand variety of fallitems. Nighttimecorn maze offered from 6-11p.m. all Fridays andSaturdays during October;$8 adults/$6 children/free forthose 5 and under; bring aflashlight. 10-acre daytimemaze open Fri., Sat. andSun. beginning Sept. 24. Call728-7993 or visit the Website atwww.buxtonsgardenfarm.com for information.

GREAT PUMPKIN PATCHLocated 2 miles south, one-half mile west of Arthur, offthe Cadwell Road; 400varieties of pumpkins,winter squash and gourds.Among the featured sights tosee are Noah’s Ark, Leagueof Concurbits Nations, WallO’ Squash, A-Z of Squash,Old MacDonald’s barnyard,South Crib, mazes, one-roomschool house, barnyard offarm animals, you-pickpatches, rack wagon ridesand “Exploring the Patch”museum exhibit. Availableare 5,000 gardenchrysanthemums, asters,flowering kale, other fallplants. Bridle Gift Shop hasgift items. 2-Mile Sweet Shopoffers pumpkin ice creamand more. HomesteadBakery has made-from-

scratch breads, cakes,cookies, pumpkin cinnamonrolls, jams, jellies and more.Indian corn, corn stalks andstraw bales for falldecorating are available.Now in its 23rd year, ownedby Bruce and Mary BethCondill, the patch is openfrom 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. sevendays a week through Oct. 31.Call 543-2394 or visit theWeb site atwww.the200acres.com forinformation.

GRISSOM LOST CREEK ORCHARDLocated 18 miles south ofCharleston on Illinois Route130. More than 100 varietiesof apples on 70 acres. OpenMonday through Saturday 9a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday 10a.m. to 6 p.m. from July 1 toJan. 1. Gala, golden delicious,Jonathan apples, amongothers. Fuji available later.They also have pumpkins;squash; honey; plums;various types of butters;fresh cider; fall decorativeitems, such as bales of straw;petting zoo; hiking trails;wagon rides on theweekends; and two mazes.Call 923-3736 forinformation.

MORAN ORCHARDLocated 10½ miles south ofMattoon on Illinois Route121; hours 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.Monday through Saturday,11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. 22varieties of apples in season,also jams, butters, cider,honey, sorghum, pumpkins,fall decorations. Call 895-3408.

OKAW VALLEY ORCHARDFrom Sullivan go north onIllinois Route 32, 3½ miles,watch for sign, then go lefttwo miles. 15 apple varietiesavailable at different timesthroughout season,pasteurized apple cider andcider slush, apple butter,applesauce, jellies and jams,caramel apples, fresh appledoughnuts, frozen appledumplings, fresh fruit piesavailable. Large playgroundand picnic area. Applefest onOct. 8 with music by BattleCreek Band. Jim and LindaBailey, owners, 728-8269.

PUMPKIN WORKSLocated on lower TerreHaute Road, 11 milessoutheast of Paris. Hours:Monday through Thursday inSeptember: 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; inOctober: 10 a.m.-7 p.m.Weekend hours through Oct.31: 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Fridays,10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturdays,noon to 6 p.m. Sundays. Freeadmission. 12 mazes, threeunique hay rides, hikingtrail, private weiner roastfires, pumpkin sling shot,lots of free activities foryoung children. OldFarmhouse Shop has unique,one-of-a-kind items.Saturdays and Sundays:horse and buggy rides, andPete’s Cafe open with grilledporkburgers, hamburgers,hot dogs. Fall strawberriesand raspberries; alsopumpkins, squash andgourds, you pick or we pick;Indian corn; straw. No petsplease. 19th year. Visitwww.pumpkinworks.comof check it out onFacebook for information,or call Paul and SherryStaley at 275-3327.

SHADY CREST ORCHARDAn Amish-owned orchardone-half mile south ofArthur. New enclosedstore building with deliwith quality meat andcheese at competitiveprices, hand-dipped icecream cones. Horse-drawn wagon rides onthe farm by appointmentonly. Lots of home-grown

vegetables and squash alsoare available. Golden and reddelicious, Jonathan applesand other varieties available.Also, apple butter, jams andjellies, honey, sorghum,maple syrup, popcorn, cider,gourmet barbecue sauce,hardy mums in bloom, andother fall ornamentals andpumpkins, fruit salsa, plusmore new products addedcontinuously. Open 7:30 a.m.to 5:30 p.m. Monday throughFriday; 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.Saturday; closed Sunday.Take Vine Street south onthe county line road to theorchard sign. Call 543-3099for information.

SUN ELITE PUMPKIN PATCH Call Carol Lawson atCharleston High SchoolSun Elite Pumpkin PatchLocated in the NorthwestBusiness Park, West StateStreet in Charleston. Openfrom 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Mondaythrough Saturday, noon-5p.m. Sunday from Oct. 4-31.Items for sale includepumpkins, gourds, mums,hair feathers, snacks anddrinks; straw maze; FamilyFun Day on Oct. 15, ponyrides from noon to 3 p.m.,kiddie tractor pull at 1 p.m.for kids less than 100pounds; all proceeds frompatch support Sun EliteTumbling/Gymnastics/CheerBooster Club.


LOCAL PUMPKIN PATCHES

Buxton’sFarm, 2011

Submitted PhotoGreat American PumpkinPatch, 2012, Arthur

Pumpkin Works, Paris, IL

By Rob StroudJG-TC Staff Writer

OAKLAND — The northeastern Coles County community of Oakland is knownfor its ties to Abraham Lincoln’s legal career and its location near Walnut PointState Park.However, entrepreneur Clarence “Happy” Ethington has noted while traveling

that when he tells folks he is from Oakland, they often respond, “Oh, that is wherethey make noodles.”Those are gratifying words to hear for Ethington, whose family founded, owns

and operates the Oakland Noodle Co.Happy Ethington said they produced 95 tons of noodles last year in their facil-

ity at 10 W. Main St., on the south side of the town square. He said these noodlesare shipped throughout Illinois and to other states in the region by six wholesaledistributors, including Rural King.

He added that the company also directly delivers noodles to approximately 90stores and restaurants in a 120-mile radius, and sends noodles via UPS.“We have shipped noodles to all 50 states at one point or another,” said his

son, Todd Ethington, who heads delivery and production.The beginnings of the Oakland Noodle Co. can be traced back to Happy

Ethington working for 25 years at Vanzetti’s Bakery in Decatur. Happy said he gotto know the Oakland Bakery at 10 W. Main through his work at Vanzetti’s and de-cided to purchase this Oakland business in fall 1979.Happy said he ordered 450 pounds of noodles that fall for his customers, but

only received a 100-pound shipment that arrived two days before Thanksgiving.The entrepreneur subsequently decided to start making his own noodles in

1980. He closed the bakery and switched to just producing noodles in 1994.After a 1997 fire at the Main Street facility, he rebuilt this space specifically for

noodle production.Powdered milk, eggs, salt and baking powder are key ingredients in the noo-

dles, which are sold in 7-ounce and 2-pound bags and in bulk boxes.“I wanted something with a little bit of a

body to it, so I added baking powder tothe recipe and that took care of it,” Happysaid.The entrepreneur said these ingredi-

ents are blended for 10 minutes in anelectric mixer and then the resultingdough is run through an electric roller fourtimes, until it becomes almost paper thin.Happy said the shaping and cutting of

the dough is all done by hand to ensure


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NOODLE CO. HELPS PUT OAKLAND ON THE MAPOakland Noodle Co. employee Kim Ethington slides a tray of cut noodles onto a drying cart Tuesday (August 27, 2013) at the business on the square in Oakland. (Photo by Ken Trevarthan/JournalGazette & Times-Courier).

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that the noodles have their dis-tinctive homemade texture andtaste and are not uniform inappearance.Todd Ethington and his

wife, Kim, were hard at workon a recent Tuesday alongsideco-workers Melvin andStephanie Norris as theymade batches of noodles andset them on wire carts to dryovernight. Todd Ethington saidthe busiest time of year for theNoodle Co. is October throughDecember, when their cus-tomers start cooking more in-doors and prepare for theholidays. He said they typicallywork seven days a week then.“Come Oct. 1, don’t look for

a day off,” Todd Ethington said,noting that he has baggednoodles on many a Thanksgiv-ing Day.Happy said they were glad

to increase their workload afew years ago after his wife,Mary, answered the phoneand ended up speaking to aRural King representativeabout getting the noodles intheir stores.He said Rural King now

picks up 150 to 200 cases ofnoodles at a time for deliveryto more than 50 stores in Illi-nois and neighboring states.Father and son also take

their noodles on the road each

year to the Illinois ProductsExpo events in March at theIllinois State Fair and latesummer at the Du Quoin StateFair. There, they serve sam-ples of hot chickenand noodles, madewith a soup basefrom Spice of Life ofDecatur, to the gen-eral public and po-tential commercialbuyers.Happy said those

who sample thenoodles often re-mark, “they tastejust like grandma’snoodles.” He saidthis inspired theNoodle Co. to add a“Just LikeGrandma’s” logo toits clear bags, whichshowcase thehomemade look ofthe noodles.The two men

said taking part inthe Illinois ProductsExpo has helpedthe Noodle Co. andits wholesale dis-tributors build theircustomer base.While traveling,Todd and KimEthington have beenpleasantly surprised

on many occasion to findwhere the distributors havetaken their handiwork.“We will stop in somewhere,

a grocery store, and we will

end up seeing our noodlesthere,” Todd said.More information is avail-

able online at www.oakland-noodle.com.

Contact Stroud [email protected] or 217-238-6861.

Expires: 8/31/2014

Country Crossroads (soon to be the Oakland Independent) owner Janice Hunt prepares the latest issue for mailing Wednesday (Au-gust 28, 2013) at the paper's office on the square in Oakland. (Photo by Ken Trevarthan/Journal Gazette & Times-Courier).

I recently received in the mail a nicesurprise when my mother sent anenvelope which contained the specialfeature for the Journal Gazette “LettersHome.”I was further thrilled to see that was

written by my childhood friend ScottSwengel, a fine Ornithologist and goodfriend for these many years. My motherand Scott's mom (Sandy Swengel)suggest I write a letter too.I also had a successful career as

scientist (as Chief Scientist withNational Space Biomedical ResearchInstitute for NASA and a Professor atMedical Schools), although not relatedto birds (germs; i.e. Microbiology);Scott and I attended Neoga Schoolsfor grades K-12. Now I find that had abit of time (more about this a moment).I think agree with Scott our success ithad to do with how we were raised. Iwill elaborate. First let me say this about Scott’s

mom; she knows the value a "pull-out"program for Gift and Talent studentssome 30 years before anyone everheard of it. I remember fondly readingChaucer "Canterbury Tales" thanks toSandy; she opened my eyes to a worldof literature; I was truly lucky to haveher in my schools.Ironically, when Scott talks about

getting experts to take him and his wifeAnn serious for the research whit noacademic address. I chose to go theother way, I got a Ph.D., that is wentthrough the training to become ascientist; I don't why Scott didn't do itthis way, he's inscrutable but absolutebrilliant (Note: Scott has a way of doingcalculation in his head, like a savant; Ionly wish he would write down toexplain for benefit of society)We graduated, Scott and I, together

the Neoga High School class of 1978(Scott, John, Wes, Larry, Bob, Tom,Mary, Andrea, Ginger, Betty, all ourfriends-74 in total in our class). Wetook many (small) science and mathclasses together. I know I speak for myclassmates; I was truly inspired by myteachers; Ms. Virginia Parrett ( 8thgrade Science) and Mr. HowardLouthan (Chemistry), Phil Zimmer(advanced math). I took Biologyclasses at Lake Land College from Mr.Dennis Gathman (simultaneous withHigh School classes, also before itstime, thanks to Lake Land College). Iremember all those teachers names,not because they great instructors(they were!) but they invested theirvaluable time to encourage me, theyconvinced me that I really could be ascientist or a doctor. Me-a farm kid

from NeogaI'm not proud of the fact that I was

barely in the top quarter of my HighSchool class; hence I don't thinkanybody would have predicted that Iwould go on to do what I did.So my friends went on our separate

ways and I after High School. I chose a college at a excellent

Institution (Millikin University inDecatur., IL). I was determined to be a

medical doctor, Dr. Bob (Swengel). Hewas big in my imaginations (indeed, hewas big physically and he was big inour community as well) I wanted be aphysician (like him), and I want to bePresident of the School Board-well; Ididn't become a doctor, but I didbecome a Professor (an a researchdoctor), and President a School Board(like Dr. Bob--and I did at Pearland,Texas but I afraid that another story;alas politics!).All went well until the winter quarter

of 1978-79 (sort of "gap-term") when Iexperience an Internship (really a"shadowing") of Dr. Beck a warmgentle Family Practice physician fromGreenup. That winter was so cold andsnowy; we visited very sick individuals,patients with pneumonia and cancer,and honestly, (I admit) depressing. I could see that there was very little I

could do for folks for any of them. I diddiscover that I was kind of fondhanging out in the lab, so I went backand changed my major to Biology anddecide to focus going to graduateschool. I wanted to do scientificresearch and decide to go someplacethat was warm; I finally settled onsunny island (beautiful Galveston) andI chose to study Marine Biology but Istudied plankton.So I moved to Houston, with my

folks (another story!). I earned aMaster's degree in Marine Biologyidentifying biochemical systematics ofphytoplankton. Alas, there were no jobsfor Marine Biochemist who studied tinyalgae; oh, I had big dreams about wegoing to extract hydrocarbon fuel fromplanktonic algae (and indeed, we are,as seen by recent research).


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So I found a position in a research lab at theHouston Veterans Hospital. There I met a brilliantphysician and medical scientist, Dr. Daniel Musher. He was interested in the human bacterial

pathogen Streptococuccus pneumonia the mostimportant cause microbial causing pneumonia in theelderly and ear infections in small children. Thus thesubject very much attracted me! The field of Molecular Biology was up and coming

so naturally I was itching to work on it. Dr. Musherinvited to attack measurement of human immunesystem to the covering of the bacterium (thecapsule), a problem for many years.Together we solved this conundrum by genetic-

engineering mutant strains that didn't produce thecapsule; this mutant allows us to pull antibodies outof human serum measured, but which would notprotect humans from disease (a real problem in thedevelopment of vaccine against this germ).Hence, it was now possible to evaluate

"pneumovax" for mass vaccination programs. Sincethen a "4th generation-conugate" vaccine has beendeveloped for children.Thanks to the Bill & Melida Gates Foundation

millions of children have been protected in Sub-Saharan Africa. It very gratifying to know myresearch helpd accomplish this!! For this Dr. Musher;was award the very prestigious Michael DeBakeyResearch Award from Baylor College of Medicine, Dr.Musher was kind enough to share this honor with me;we were very honored and humbled.Later on, I was lucky enough to secure a research

grant from NASA to send these mutants up onboardthe Space Shuttle (STS-118 and STS-123) with mypartner Dr. David Niesel of University MedicalBranch-Galveston where I was (and am) a Professorof Microbiology &Immunology teaching Medical andGraduate Students.I worked on my Ph.D. in joint a program called the

Institute for Molecular Biology joint held by Universityof Houston, Baylor College of Medicine; and RiceUniversity. When completed my degree; I wasfortunate to obtain a grant for postdoctoral trainingfrom the Dutch government to visiting faculty atUtrecht University for 1 year. So we put belongings in storage, the university

found us a house (acharming farm housecomplete with thatchroof).We enrolled our

daughter Emily ingrade 2 (in Dutchscheme: amazing howquickly a child of 5can learn languagewhen it's necessary toplay with friends!)When I look back

on my career and askmyself what accountsfor my successes, it'sclear that is itnecessary to haveteacher take aninterest in you; atevery step I wasfortunate enough tohave this.Also, parents and

other adults leaders(scout; 4-H) that arewilling to trust kids toexplore what intereststhem. I was lucky Ihad such adults comeinto my life.Also, as kids you need adults who will role model;

demonstrating curiosity; a desire for learning (like mygrandfather reading the newspaper with fine-toothcomb; like my uncle, who uneducated, reading aBotany book for information on grafting fruit trees).That is why Sandy Swengel was so important for

me; she passed on her love of reading to me, and Inever lost it. My parents allowed me and my friendScott also trusted us topursue our curiosity; e. g.dig for rocks, hunting forfossils, hunting forarrowheads. One wordcomes to mind"freedom"-I know it as

important to love of learning for our kids.Note: I promised I would tell why I have time to

write this now. A year and half ago I had a stroke(due to unfortunate medication error). Indeed anotherstory you can read it here:http://www.yourhoustonnews.com/bay_area/news/guest-columnist-what-is-a-stroke/article_bdc8019d-8b1a-58a4-9f8a-4410295391fa.html Alas I haveretired from my career.


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Don Fairfield followed success as ajunior golfer, served our country in theAir Force all prior to taking the headgolf professional position at CaseyCountry Club in 1954.Don earned more than $150,000

playing full time on the PGA tour from1955 to 1964 and served on the PGATour policy board. Don won three tourevents; the first was the 1956Pensacola Open where he collected$1,800 for first place. “Guys get thatmuch now just for picking up theirshoes,” Fairfield mused about today’sgolfers.“Back then, they only paid (prize

money) for the first 20 or 25 spots. Thelast spot paid about $100, but I have alot of good memories over the years.”The golf memories remain sharp for

Faifield, who lives in Indiana Wells,Calif., with his wife, Iris, formerly ofCasey. He served over 30 years (1964-1997) as the head golf professional atEldorado Country Club before retiring.For many years, Eldorado CountryClub was one of the golf courseshosting the Bob Hope Desert Classic.Don is a member of the PGA ofAmerica, PGA Tour and PGAChampions Tour.


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Roger Van DykeEast Central Illinois Junior (1954)

Editor's Note: The following was submitted by Roger VanDyke as a follow up to his letter last year on mentoring.

It all started 70 years ago, longbefore Faifield turned pro, when as afill-in for another golfer who didn’t showup, the kid from Jacksonville played inthe Illinois State Journal’s CentralIllinois Junior Golf Tournament for thefirst time. The event is now known asthe Bob Drysdale Junior GolfTournament at Bunn Park Golf Coursein Springfield. Of the 59 boys who havewon the tournament, Don was one ofonly three to win the event threeconsecutive times.Don was instrumental in the early

success of the Casey Open golftournament held annually at the CaseyCountry Club the last weekend in July.Still today, many players in CentralIllinois and Indiana look forward to theannual tournament. Roger VanDyke started the game at

age 13 thanks to his good friend PhilPartlow. Both were influenced by theirmentor and friend Don Fairfield offeringguidance along the way, includingintroducing them to the same juniortournament in Springfield he played in10 years earlier. Roger played in otherjunior golf tournaments throughoutcentral Illinois and Indiana, played onthe Casey High School and EasternIllinois University golf teams.With the continued influence of Don

Fairfield, Roger turned professional in1962 with a career including Flint GolfClub, Flint, Mich., the Landings Club,Savannah, Ga., and Hawk’s Nest GolfClub, Vero Beach, Fla., where he and

his wife Linda (formerly of Casey)reside since his retirement in 2007.During his professional career,

Roger played several Michigan sectionPGA tournaments, National ClubProfessional championships and 8Buick Open golf tournaments, winninga new Buick for his hole-in-one in 1968.Roger served as president of theMichigan Section PGA, nationalrecipient of the Bill Stausbaugh Awardfor contributions in employment andclub relations and served as a directoron the PGA board of directors. Rogeris currently a PGA Life Masterprofessional.In 2008, Roger founded the Indian

River Golf Foundation, Vero Beach,Fla., with the purpose of bringing new

players to the game, encouraging highlevels of player development, honoringthe traditions of the game whileteaching life skills and good citizenship.As a result, he is recipient of the PGAPresident’s Plaque Award and JuniorGolfer Promoter of the Year award forthe South Florida PGA.“I have the unique opportunity to be

a positive influence to junior golfers asDon Fairfield was for me when I gotstarted,” Van Dyke said.

Don Fairfield and Roger Van Dykemade the best of an opportunity tomatch up once again at the SamSnead Clambake (Super Senior PGAchampions tour) in 2000 with Don as aparticipant by invitation and Roger as

his unofficial caddie. Don is currentowner of Palm Springs Putting Greenswith son Jeff.Junior golf throughout America is

greatly influenced by the many storiesof mentors and their influence in youngimpressionable lives. The dedication ofthose working with junior golfers is ofgreat value to any community. Don andRoger are happy the community ofCasey and Casey Country Clubcontinues to support these ideals.


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Roger Van Dyke and Don Fairfield at Sam Snead Clambake Meadowood Country Club, 2000,Fort Pierce, FL.


The Gateway to Arcola & Illinois’ Amish Country

Green Mill Village is a 65-acre development just off the heavily traveled I-57 interstate. Green Mill Village provides an established daily retail base for the surrounding industrial park employees, Arcola residents and the residents of the Carriage Crossing, a new assisted living center. Plus, Green Mill Village and the Best Western Plus Hotel and Suites will be a tourist destination for those visiting Amish country in Arcola, Illinois and nearby Champaign attractions and events.

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Technology-many factory ±oors and machines are managed using today’s latestdevices including iPads and other mobile devices.

Trend-the shortage of employees to ²ll positions in manufacturing will rise asbaby boomers continue to leave the workplace.

Bene²ts-most manufacturing positions provide competitive bene²ts raising theoverall compensation package beyond $77,060.*

Openings-opportunities are abundant as employers report openings at all skill levelsare going un²lled due to critical shortages of quali²ed workers.

College-manufacturers lead other industries in paying their employees to completeAssociate and Bachelor degrees.

$77,060-average U.S. manufacturing worker’s earnings in 2011.*

78%-of manufacturing workers receive retirement contributions fromemployers.

90%-of manufacturing workers have medical bene²ts.* Bureau of Economic Analysis (2011)

• ADAMS MEMORIALS

• ADVANCED DISPOSAL SERVICES

• AGRACEL, INC

• A.J. WALKER CONSTRUCTION

• AKRA BUILDERS

• ALTON TRUCKING

• AMEREN ILLINOIS

• AMERICAN SELECT TUBING

• ANAMET ELECTRICAL

• ANDERSON ELECTRIC

• ARENDS BROTHERS

• BIRKEY’S

• CCAR INDUSTRIES

• CLARKSON GRAIN

• COCA COLA

• COLES-MOULTRIE ELECTRIC COOP

• COMMERCIAL ELECTRIC

• COMMERCIAL REFRIGERATION

• CONTRACTORS CONCRETE

• COUNTY MATERIALS

• CROP MAX

• CURRY CONSTRUCTION, INC.

• EIU BUSINESS SOLUTIONS CENTER

• ELECTRIC LABORATORIES & SALES

• FARM PRIDE

• FRED BIGGS ELECTIC SUPPLY

• FURRY AND SONS

• GENERAL ELECTRIC

• HD SUPPLY

• HELENA

• HOME CONSTRUCTION

• HOWELL ASPHALT & PAVING

• HUTCHINSON MAYRATH

• INDUSTRIAL SERVICES OF ILLINOIS

• INSULATED PANEL SYSTEMS

• INTERSTATE COMMODITIES

• ITW HI-CONE

• J.J. COLLINS

• JUSTRITE MANUFACTURING

• LAKE LAND CENTER FOR BUSINESS

AND INDUSTRY

• LANMAN OIL COMPANY

• LESTER BUILDING SYSTEMS

• LORENZ SUPPLY

• MACHINERY MANAGEMENT SERVICE

• MARS PET CARE US

• MATTOON AREA FAMILY YMCA

• MATTOON PRECISION

• MC READY MIX

• MID-ILLINOIS CONCRETE

• MORTON BUILDINGS

• MT MACHINING

• NE-CO ASPHALT

• OX PAPERBOARD

• PINNACLE FOODS

• PRECISION PAPER

• QUALITY ELECTRICAL CONTRACTORS

• R.R. DONNELLEY

• RED ROCK TILE

• REX DON

• RONCHETTI DISTRIBUTING

• RURAL KING SUPPLY

• S & K / AIR POWER

• SAFETY STORAGE

• SCHILLING BROTHERS

• SCHOLES TRUCKING

• SPENCE MONUMENT COMPANY

• SPRINGFIELD ELECTRIC

• SOUTH CENTRAL FS

• STURDI BUILT

• UNITED GRAPHICS

• UPS

• VESUVIUS USA

• WAVE GRAPHICS

• WILLAREDT STORAGE

Thanks to our Coles County manufacturers,industrial employers, and industrial partners.

Manufacturing Works

Manufacturers hire individuals with high school diplomas, one-yearcerti²cates, two-year degrees, four-year degrees, and advanceddegrees. Those individuals end up making 25% more money than

their peers do in other jobs.

SKILLED WORKERS NEEDED!A 2011 SKILLS GAP REPORT FROM THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF MANUFACTURERS SHOWS...

ANTICIPATE THE SHORTAGE TO GROWWORSE IN THE NEXT THREE TO FIVE YEARS56%

REPORTED A MODERATE TO SEVERESHORTAGE OF AVAILABLE, QUALIFIED WORKERS67%

Lake Land College is partnering with area manufacturers to providecustomized workforce training. These partnerships allow national

companies such as General Electric and North American Lighting, Inc.to expand their facilities and positively in±uence the local economy.

“We look forward to working with Coles Together and area businessesto identify solutions to their workforce training needs. Lake Land

College can be a key partner in local expansion efforts,” Lake LandCollege President Josh Bullock said. “We are ready to develop

customized, ±exible course work that provides relevant,outcomes-based training programs for current or future employees.”

COLES TOGETHERContact: Angela Grif²n

400 Airport Road Mattoon, IL 61938 • 217-258-5627 • [email protected]

Leading the Way

Documents

way section

way jgtc

choices program

collectionof letters

highlights of growingup

devotedto area industry

edition of leading theway

comthis years