•November 14, 2018•

Sullivan Community School Dist 300 school board accepted the high school football coaches’ resignations, and received school report card results from administrators at the Nov,. 12 meeting.
First year Sullivan Okaw Valley high school football coach Jeff Myers and assistant coach Brody Myers submitted resignations effective Oct. 21 and Nov. 8 respectively.
High school principal Erik Young noted the state report card format had changed, with the school’s state rating as “commendable”. SAT scores placed Sullivan students above the state average in English, Language and Arts and matched the state average in math scores. Young noted 91% of freshmen were on track for core classes. High school has a 95% attendance rate and 96% graduation rate.
Middle School principal Nathan Ogle noted enrollment was at 350 with the addition of the fifth grade and that although math scores were below average, the programs implemented at the elementary school are beginning to show improvement.
Elementary principal Dan Allen pointed out even with class size averages of 27 students above the state average, elementary students outperformed area schools in math and ELA. With a 3% chronic absentee rate compared to 17% state average, Allen said reflected the quality of the teachers and their commitment to the students.
Supt. Ted Walk emphasized that Sullivan Schools are accomplishing state goals with larger classroom sizes while spending $4713 per capita (state avg is $8024). He also noted that the tax levy is below state recommended levels with Sullivan schools taxing at 85% of the local state recommendation.
Spanish Club president Brody Goss reported on the high school club activities, which included hosting the school board members to dinner earlier in the evening.
Goss reported the club had hosted an appreciation luncheon for the Moultrie County Habitat for Humanity and Care-A-Vanners at the end of the first six weeks of the Sullivan build.
The club had also translated letters from Honduras and was presently collecting food for distribution through the food bank. He went on to point out the Spanish Club is raising funds for the annual trip to Chicago.
The board adjourned with President Jeff White, Tyson Grooms, Ann Wheeler, Norm Wood, Erick Stollard and Zak Horn attending.

•November 7, 2018•

Boy Scout Troop 39 and Cub Scout Pack 39 will be holding their annual “Scouting for Food” food drive Saturday, November 10 to benefit the Moultrie County Food Pantry.
Sullivan residents are asked to place nonperishable food items or paper products in grocery bags at their front door or porch by 9 a.m. November 10 for pick up.
Please make sure the items are visible from the road.

•October 31, 2018•

Carriage Crossing Senior Living located at the Green Mill Village development in Arcola is hosting a free dinner 6-7:30 p.m. Thursday, November 15 at the Best Western Plus Hotel at 917 Green Mill Road in Arcola.
The free dinner is one of the Caring Conversations Luncheon Series where leading experts in the senior living industry discuss purposeful and thoughtful topics that interest seniors, their loved ones and their caregivers.
Speaker will be Elizabeth Hagemann, the Manager of Education and Outreach for Alzehimer’s Association Illinois Chapter. Hagemann is a highly trained professional in the senior living industry serving the Eastern 14 counties in central Illinois.
Her topic will be “Forget Me Not: Conversations about the Stages of Dementia & Alzheimer’s.”
She graduated with a bachelor’s in psychology from Eureka College and earned her master’s in human services concentrating in gerontology from the University of Illinois at Springfield. Hagemann enjoys blending the knowledge she learned during her studies with the experiences she gained while caring for her grandmother who had Alzheimer’s disease.
Her hope is to spread awareness of Alzheimer’s and link families to helpful resources. Sponsoring the speaking series is Carriage Crossing Senior Living of Arcola, a leading choice for assisted living and memory care communities. Carriage Crossing has successfully implemented a focus on lifestyle, family and trust, with maintenance free living, exceptional farm to table meals, life-enriching opportunities and 24-hour personal care assistance.
Memory care at Carriage Crossing Senior Living is designed to support families caring for loved ones with dementia through a partnership built on trust between the well-trained and caring staff, the resident, the family and the physician.
Hagemann will address the caregivers about their importance in providing professional care for loved ones challenged with Alzheimer’s and dementia.
As seniors age and require personal care services, Carriage Crossing Senior Living is designed to grow with them, enabling them and their loved ones to know they have chosen a community that can meet their needs for today and tomorrow. An RSVP is needed to secure space for the dinner. Call 217-268-3516 to reserve a spot. The Best Western Plus Hotel is located at the 1-57 exit for Arcola.

•October 31, 2018•

The Sparrow’s Unlimited Christmas auction is Dec. 1, and the Lovington-based non-for profit is asking local businesses help provide Christmas for the less fortunate.
Last year the auction’s success due to the generosity of businesses and individuals enabled Sparrow’s to provide Christmas to 170 children (coats, hats, gloves, boots, clothing and toys) as well as 20 mentally challenged people. Sparrow’s also delivered 125 fruit baskets to the elderly for Thanksgiving.
Sparrow’s Unlimited is a non for profit with 501C3 exemption status. A receipt is available upon request with the a Tax Exempt ID.
Sparrow’s primary mission to benefit families in need at Christmas is their primary focus; however, the group has evolved into a resource and support system for organizations such as Christ’s Pantry, Lovington American Legion Post #429, COLA, Boy Scouts and school organizations.
For more information on how to donate call Barry Morgan 217-433-6123 or Pam Anklam 217-201-0662. Items may be dropped off at Jerry’s East End Tavern in Lovington or mailed to Sparrow’s Unlimited, P.O. Box 742, Lovington, IL 61937.

•October 31, 2018•

Everyone is invited to the Vineyard Church in Sullivan Saturday, November 3 for the American Cancer Society North Central Region Awards Banquet.
Dinner served by Terry Warren Catering begins at 5 p.m. with the Awards Ceremony scheduled for 6 p.m.
Roast beef or chicken, au gratin potatoes, green bean, tossed salad, dessert, iced tea, water, lemonade and coffee will be served.
RSVP to Adam McReynolds at adamm@agri-fab.com or 217/433-8655.