On June 18, 2009,
I developed a new feature called the "Shot of the day". I
began capturing one image per day here in Havana for that spot on the
front page which will give you a feel for what is going on around town
on that particular day. This page will contain a record of those images,
published here on a smaller scale. The original large images will be
placed on the website homepage and will change
daily so be sure to check it out, you never know, tomorrow may just be
"your" day.
Will Roper...was
chosen Havana's Teacher of the Year for 2009 for many obvious reasons but
the main focus of the numerous comments and compliments were of his
abilities and love of teaching. "Mr. Roper always placed the kids first not
only at school but also in the community", stated Victoria Kuntzmann, one of
the many nominating him for the honor. Others noted him as an outstanding
educator, motivator to his students, his actions and standards set high
standards for his students as a teacher, parent, leader, and highly
respected neighbor. Bob Kuntzmann, who worked with Will from 1958 to 1990,
noted that he always respected his dedication to his students. "Not only was
he a master teacher but was one who showed up early at school and stayed
late, always willing to provide extra help to struggling students."
Personally, I
remember Mr. Roper when I was a student at Balyki where I had been
interested in photography since an early age. Mr. Roper was not only a
teacher at HHS but he also sponsored the camera club. So many times, I would
look him up and we would talk about photography at length but it always
seemed like only a few minutes. Mr. Roper is a great person who I have
always had great respect for and always will. Thank you Sir for being the
person we should all strive to become.
The photo on
the screen shows Chamber President, Mark Friedrich presenting the Citizen of
the Year Award to the family of the late Cindy Wolin.
March 2, 2010
The Havana Jr.
High...has 83 students in the 8th Grade. The response
and interest in the new iDuck Network program has been amazing among the
school and district teachers, administrators, board, parents, and the
students. Currently 40 of those 83 students are involved as members of the
iDuck Network Team. Mrs. Trimpe has raised the bar on student eligibility
for the program and requires that every iDuck Team Member must carry at
least a C average. These kids have really impressed me a great deal and I am
very proud of each and every one of them. Just a few moments ago Show #4 was
uploaded to the WWW, a show that was produced by Team #1, shown above. There
have been three teams created who rotate duties by the week with other
students working on special projects, advertising, and production projects.
These kids are not just doing what teachers and adults tell them to do, they
are creating their own new segments, writing their own scripts, directing,
photographing, and all the other tasks involved in creating their weekly
newscast. Students are also learning business skills by selling advertising,
creating ads, and writing/producing/creating commercials, so call them to
become part of this remarkable and instant hit show, bring on the Emmy's
these kids deserve one.
Tracy Trimpe
commented, "The iDuck Network, which includes over 40 eighth-grade
students, have created four newscasts and several special features since
starting the project almost two months ago. From writing their own scripts
for the weekly newscasts to producing special segments, they have taken the
lead in this project and have developed it into a great communication tool
for our school. I have enjoyed working with them and am very proud of what
they have accomplished so far. I look forward to bigger and better things
from this group of extremely talented kids in the future!"
The
Post Prom Talent Show...is always a huge hit, it is
probably my favorite local event throughout the year. Some years it is a
showcase of many things but it is always a showcase of how to have a great
time both on stage and in the audience. The acts can be as funny as they are
beautiful, one huge draw of this event is that you never know what you are
going to see. The Post Prom Committee always shines at this event for the
benefit of the Post Prom Party. Come to this event you will be very glad you
did.
The Post Prom Variety Show will be held Saturday March 13th at 7 pm at the
Havana High School Gymnasium. Rehearsal will be the 12th at the gym. Entry
forms are available at any of the 3 schools in Havana or by calling 309 338
7198. There is a $10 entry fee, and prizes will be rewarded. Refreshments
will be sold and all profits go directly to the 2010 Post Prom Party.
March 4, 2010
The
Pratt Race Party...is always lots of fun. This
photo from last year's party shows their special guests for the evening,
Cory Miller of Havana and Racin Rachel,
race Queen and website hostess. The green flag will drop on this year's
party Saturday at the Paddlewheel at 6:00. The evening is filled with as
much action as a Saturday night at the track. Phat Kitti will be there, a
great and fun auction, 50/50, free beer, free food, only one thing remains,
you...be there for a great time.
March 5, 2010
Havana Park
District Sports...Our Park District has many
programs for adults and of course the kids. There are many sports programs
for both boys and girls. Tim Oest finds his way to many of these games and
also takes his camera along. So instantly we have a new feature with photo
coverage of Park District sporting events. There is a new link in the
contents area to the left of this page, just click this link and you will
arrive at the PDS homepage. You can use the link below.
Aha, the big day...does take
a lot of planning to say the least, but County Market is having their
Wedding Showcase Event on Saturday, March 6th. You can shop for your wedding
and your refrigerator at the same time. The event will run from 10-2 with
the main location in the Bakery Dept but many other locations will be placed
throughout the store.
March 7, 2010
Everyone likes this weather...it'snotonlyusbutmothernatureisreallyenjoyingourrecentwarm-up.Youcanseeiteverywhereanddefinitelywiththisyounggull.He was having a great time
in the early morning sun; his step, his look, as he strutted back and forth,
he was just like us...loving every moment of it.
March 8, 2010
New seasons dawn...as
a new one is
approaching quickly, it is only one week until Daylight Savings Time
arrives, spring training has begun, the mopeds and motorcycles are out,
tractors will soon be in the fields along with the tillers in the gardens.
For you sports fans the attention is shifting from the indoor confines of
the likes of gymnasiums and auditoriums to fields, diamonds, and tracks. In
these parts at least Spring is probably the most awaited season, so enjoy it
all of you...every single moment.
March 9&10, 2010
iDuck Show #5...Once
again The iDuck Network has totally outdone themselves. First of all the
home domain is now up and running at
www.iducknetwork.com . That alone would be a huge
accomplishment for most folks but not the iDuck Team. The new show, which
will actually upload first thing in the morning, is really first rate;
packed
full of information, it's also fast moving, fun, imaginative, creative,
cute, and very entertaining. Are you folks out there hooked yet? The photos
above are from the studio taping on Friday but there is much more to the
show. These kids continue to come up with new innovative segments to add to
the current segments. This week is no different as they welcomed a very
special guest to the studio, Dr. Mark Twomey. As a new iDuck Team Member he
was presented with his official team credentials, coffee mug, and key chain
off camera prior to the shooting of his first segment on the show. He will
become a regular which I think you will love. This segment is officially
announced in Show #5 and I do not want to ruin that special introduction so
enough said for now, except for a huge CONGRATULATIONS to the iDucks and a
special welcome to the newest team member, Dr. Mark Twomey. Break a leg Doc!
Don't forget, the show will air on Tuesday morning
and available by clicking the link below...
Kimi Oest is one of the sweetest young
ladies you will ever meet, even if she is my cousin and please don't hold
that against her. :-)
On Thursday, March 11th Kimi will become 11 years old. We wanted to surprise
her and thought this would be a great way to do it, so her big Sister, Anna
borrowed dad's camera and told Kimi that she needed to practice taking
photos for her 4-H project so Kimi did not hesitate to model for her. The
girls did a really great job on the photo above, it is a great portrait of a
beautiful Birthday Girl. I hope you have a great day with lots of people
telling you...
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
March
12, 2010
This photo...
was obviously not taken today but if you look around town you will see
people everywhere cleaning out their flower beds, clearing off their garden
areas, and yes even in some cases planting seeds. The first step to creating
a beautiful setting like the one above is underway all over so just be a
little bit more patient and I will not have to go back in my files to get a
photo like the one above. Ahh, yes, Spring is a great season.
March
13, 2010
Shooting
recently to...test a new lens, the image above was
included on the memory card in my camera when I returned home. Along with
the beautiful reflections of the barges on the water, I really liked the
composure of the shot with the darkness of the water reflections of the sky
caused by the lightness
of the barges
and their reflections. Hope you like it too.
March
14, 2010
"Logan
and His Ladies"...really
rocked the house on Saturday, March 13th for the benefit of the 2010 Post
Prom at their annual Talent Show. This was definitely one of the highlights
of the evening with some moves for the record books. This was one of the 19
total acts for the evening which displayed some fantastic local talent that
unfortunately only comes forth once a year. I wish someone would make a
local show
like this happen once a month here in Havana. It was great fun, a fantastic
show by EVERYONE including the three MC's who I have seen somewhere before.
The photos
have all been processed and the final act with the Post Prom Parents called
"Crazy Dancers" is on video and can be seen now by clicking the link
below...
The
Annual HHS Jazz Concert...is always one of the
highlights of the year. Our kids shine so brightly under the direction of
Director George Caton and Choral Director Mrs. Shirley McCandless. Every
year I leave the gym after the performance in awe of just how amazing these
kids can be. The musical choices were perfect just like the execution.
Pictured above is this years guest artist, Andy Baker, a great Jazz Trombone
Soloist from Chicago. Together, our Jazz Group
and Mr. Baker rocked the house.
The photos are processed and posted, more
about the concert later today...for now, click the link below:
"Dear
Cody"...Havana,
Illinois, is home to a great young man who just happens to also be a great
Marine currently serving in-country in a place they simply call "The Box".
Havana is also home to a group of wonderful 6th Grade Students and their
teacher Mrs. Patti Downs. Recently Mrs. Downs and her students studied and
discussed a novel based on the German invasion of Denmark. In one of their
class discussions one of the class members shared his personal feelings
about becoming a Marine. The class decided to write and send letters to one
of our local soldiers and share their thoughts and a little bit of home with
him. I stopped by the class today as their letters were collected and are
now on their way to Cody Armstrong.
Cody's mother and
family are very proud of Cody but of course they think constantly about his
safety and being so far away. Here are her thoughts about the day she
learned her son had become a United States Marine, "I
can remember the day I got home from work and he told me he had signed up
for the Marine Corps. All I could think of was why. When there is trouble
they are sent in before they send any other units. His answer to me was
"they are the best mom, if I'm going to do this I want the best training, I
want to be the best."..He is very proud of what he does and his family is
too."
Many of you
reading this know Cody, I can only say that he is one of the best possible
representatives of the United States of America that I can think of. Cody,
we are all extremely proud of you. I know you will say, you are only doing
your job, but it is quite a job you are doing. It is an honor to know you
and this entire town is extremely proud to say you are our neighbor.
March
18, 2010
"Outside
the Box"...a
simple email to one of our most creative District 126 Teachers has exploded
into something remarkable. The iDuck Network is a result of some creative
"Outside the Box" thinking by 46 Havana Jr. High students and their teacher
Mrs. Tracy Trimpe. The project immediately gained the support of Principal,
Jerry Wilson and District Superintendent, Dr. Mark Twomey. Their very first
program in February made their weekly
show an instant hit. The educational benefits of this program have been very
exciting and beneficial.
On Wednesday,
March 17th the iDuck Team received a visitor named Jeff Desnoyers, who is a
member of WMBD TV's Live Weather Team and also works on their popular
feature named "Cool Schools". Jeff was in town to do a segment on The iDuck
Network. Outside the box? YES! I salute these students. When leaders strive
to make communities what they are not, when businesses follow others with
their own gain in mind,
and when the dust has cleared no one will consider looking to, have
confidence in, or seek the wisdom of our greatest resource, our young
people. Our school district has done this with great results. This program
will expand into the Havana High School next year and continue in the Jr.
High. Network members...GREAT JOB!!! you are amazing, keep up the good work.
If you have not seen one of the iDuck Shows, you really should.
www.iducknetwork.com
The WMBD Cool
School Schools segment will first air next Tuesday morning at 6:45 AM and
again during their 5:00 PM News broadcast.
March
19, 2010
Busy Thursdays...means
two Shots of the Day on Friday.
Baseball is HERE...On
a gorgeous March afternoon on Thursday, March 18th the Varsity Ducks took to
the diamond against PORTA. The curve ball above of Travis Davenport was
working well as he pitched the entire game. He had great defense behind him
along with plenty of solid offensive strength to capture their first win of
the season against an always tough PORTA by the score of 8 -6. Great first
outing of the year guys. This is a very solid team with a good deal of
talent, so take thee out to the ballpark and give these guys a look.
Photos from
both events are being processed and will be posted ASAP
Ducks Basketball Awards
Night...is always a favorite of mine. The teams
gather with family and friends when Head Coach Nathan Brady along with JV
Coach Bill Blessman and the rest of the coaching staff honor the team and
players. This year was no different but yet it was, because the season was
different. Havana has a solid basketball program and the departing seniors
below will be missed, but as you know the program does have a lot of depth.
I had the good fortune to photograph the season in depth this year and I
really enjoyed capturing it. Congratulations to everyone and thank you for
your great efforts and all the memories I was able capture through my lens,
you are a great bunch of young men that I am proud to know and call my
friends. I look forward to the 2011 season already.
March
22, 2010
Extreme Makeover, Lawford
Edition...Chris McCarthy contacted me a couple
of days ago with an interesting dilemma. They are preparing to make MAJOR
changes in the Lawford Theater but their dilemma is do we go with a totally
modern new look or preserve the theater's historic look? That decision is
going to be made by you, our readers and visitors right here on 62644.com.
The McCarthy's want your input in order to make this important decision.
They are not just asking a couple of self-proclaimed experts, they want the
entire community to decide which is the best and most popular choice, so
they came to me to create a forum for your comments and/or discussions.
Either way the Lawford will also get a total makeover of the audio and
visual systems which will include total digital surround sound. Which ever
look you choose this will be a great addition to Havana. This is an
important issue, so please do not be bashful and please cast your vote, ask
questions, and be a very important of this extreme remodeling project in
downtown Havana. Click the link below to reach the 62644.com Facebook
Discussion Topic created for this purpose. Chris will be reading and
answering any questions you might have. I would like to thank the McCarthy
family for their consideration of giving the community a voice in this
important decision. In a community where everyone feels they have no say in
anything that happens, this shows a great deal of forward thinking and
thoughtful consideration by the McCarthy Family. Again, please get involved,
this is your decision to make something good happen in Havana.
Joe's Pizza...has
re-opened in the old Radio Shack building with their signature pizza and
pasta. They are currently having a two topping pizza special and all you can
eat pasta. Their address is 615 South Water Street where you can pick up
your order or dine in...best of all is that they also deliver. They are open
Tuesday thru Thursday from 11am till 9pm. Friday and Saturday from 11am till
10pm and Sunday 11am till 9pm. They do close the doors on Mondays for a
little break. They have done a nice job revamping the place, stop by for a
visit and a bite and keep an eye on their ad here on the website for
interesting updates from time to time.Don' forget for delivery right to your home call 309-543-9161.
March
24, 2010
Up the river...it seemed as
the Canadians were enjoying the nice day also.
March
25, 2010
One year ago today...Havana
citizens awoke to the smell of the smoldering
remains where a long standing landmark had stood a mere 12 hours before.
This loss was a shock to the community as The Town House Plaza had a
long history and many memories of decades of events inside
the walls of The Town House Restaurant. One year later the Town House has
risen once again and will soon re-open. Once again the owners have worked
hard on this re-build and not having seen the interior, I am sure it will
again be beautifully done.
March
26, 2010
Donnie Green...is not
just talking trash anymore. Most everyone knows Donnie as the nice guy who
takes your trash away for you every week. Recently Donnie became Reverend
Donnie Green Sr. when he followed his passion to be Ordained into a
non-denominational ministry. The statement below from him will give you more
information. BTW, don't worry, Donnie will still be there for you every week
as usual.
"Hi my name is Pastor Donnie
Green Sr. I wanted to let the community know about a new ministry in Havana.
I and my wife Valerie and family have been residents of this community for a
long time. We attended a local church for over twenty years. But that
ministry is not here any more. So now God has called us to start our own
ministry which is called "FRESH START MINISTRY"
"I am a ordained Pastor by a non-Denominational ministry and are
able to do weddings, funerals, and Baptism's plus we are here to help
you with all your spiritual needs. We are available for preaching
engagements also. I have a wonderful board of Director's, they are Dave
Byrd, Paul Homan, Phil Lewis above. We can be reached at #309-657-0710."
GOD BLESS YOU. PASTOR DONNIE GREEN SR.
March
27, 2010
"Let's Brighten up Downtown"...someone
once said. Well, here 'ya go. The old ChuckWagon location has been sold and
the new owners are moving in a new authentic Mexican Restaurant named El
Jaripeo.
I would say...Mission Accomplished on the "Bright".
:-)
March
28, 2010
The Easter Bunny...a park
full of wide-eyed youngsters, and thousands of eggs definitely equals a lot
of fun for about 2 minutes. Below you will find two links; the first will
take you to a video of The Easter Bunny arriving on a HFD fire truck, and
the second will take you to the photos of the event...Have a great time.
Sam Kachanuk...competed
at the Indoor Prep Top times meeting in Bloomington on Friday, these are the
best throwers in the state. Sam went in with a ranking of 10/17 hoping to
medal. His first throw was 49"10" not good enough to make the finals, his
second throw was 44' and his third he broke the school record with a throw
of 51'10. He was tied for second place going into the finals, his first
throws weren't up to standard but on his third and final throw Sam once
again broke the school record with a throw of 53'03"... good enough to win
the meet.
CONGRATULATIONS SAM!!!
March
30, 2010
Sam Ellsworth...slides
hard into second base in a Monday afternoon game against Athens. The game
was scheduled to be played in Athens but a last minute change had to be made
when their field was not dry enough to host the game. The photos of the game
are processed and available by clicking the link below, and as you will see
in the photos...Sammy's hard slide put her into second base safely as the
girls went on to defeat Athens.
Judge's Night...is
interesting as it is a great look at how bands are actually judged at
competitive events. The HHS Musical Department will be involved in such an
event in the near future and Tuesday nights event will help them take a look
in the mirror and fine tune their great talents. Mr. Matt Johnson was on
hand as Guest Adjudicator to help the band prepare for the upcoming judging
with some helpful observations. This band group is very talented and a joy
to listen to under the proud supervision of Director, George Caton. The
photos from the evening can be viewed and/or purchased by clicking the link
below...
full of information, it's also fast moving, fun, imaginative, creative,
cute, and very entertaining. Are you folks out there hooked yet? The photos
above are from the studio taping on Friday but there is much more to the
show. These kids continue to come up with new innovative segments to add to
the current segments. This week is no different as they welcomed a very
special guest to the studio, Dr. Mark Twomey. As a new iDuck Team Member he
was presented with his official team credentials, coffee mug, and key chain
off camera prior to the shooting of his first segment on the show. He will
become a regular which I think you will love. This segment is officially
announced in Show #5 and I do not want to ruin that special introduction so
enough said for now, except for a huge CONGRATULATIONS to the iDucks and a
special welcome to the newest team member, Dr. Mark Twomey. Break a leg Doc!
