Posted by Sally Shields on | Comments Off on SRC Community Chorus Begins Rehearsals for 2023 Winter Concert
Rehearsals begin for The Wonder, Full World of Winter, the Spoon River College Community Chorus Winter Concert, on Thursday, September 14, at 6:30 p.m. at the First Christian Church, 215 W. Elm in Canton, Illinois. Anyone with a love for singing and philanthropy may join the choir. No auditions are required.
Rehearsals generally occur every Thursday from 6:30 – 9:00 p.m. Performances are December 2 at 7:00 p.m. and December 3 at 3:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.
This year’s concert features an international theme focusing on the musical diversity in our world – past and present. Director John L. Davis has selected a wide variety of songs representative of all genres and styles from around the globe. Songs such as El Hambo (sung in Swedish), the Hebrew song Chanukah Prayer for Children, and Russia’s The Sleigh will be featured along with The Place Where the Lost Things Go and Walking in the Air from Britain and so much more.
“In a divided world, music provides unity,” artistic director Carol Davis said. “Together we sing in unison, in harmony, and in languages beyond our own. As Spoon River College supports diversity in education, the Chorus, a funding arm of the SRC Foundation, seeks to assist and sustain those from all backgrounds with our annual concerts and productions.”
This year’s concert also offers a bit of nostalgia from times gone by. Recalling the days when families sat around the radio listening to Little Orphan Annie, Dimension X, Suspense, and The Lone Ranger, the Chorus offers a fun-filled re-creation of a 1940-50s style Radio program, complete with audience participation, commercials, and unusual sound effects.
“I was inspired by Radio Classics on Sirius XM to create our own radio show this year,” says Carol Davis. “I listen to Radio Classics (Channel 148) every day and the station has a Spoon River College connection. For over 20 years, Greg Bell has served as host and program director of Radio Classics. I had the pleasure of spending time with Greg when he came to visit his mother, Phyllis Hedden, who lives in Havana. Radio Classics could be considered a precursor to today’s podcasts.”
Ticket pre-sales begin October 1 and may be purchased through Chorus members only. General public and online sales will begin October 15. Information about tickets will be posted on the Chorus webpage www.src.edu/chorus and on Facebook.
As always, proceeds from the concert fund the SRC Community Chorus Scholarship program. After the success of our 2023 summer shows, An Evening with Patsy Cline and 48 Hours, the Chorus fully funded its eighth named endowed scholarship in memory of past chorus member Craig M. Zilly.
Posted by Sally Shields on | Comments Off on Volunteer Tutors Needed for English as a Second Language Classes
With the start of the new semester at Spoon River College comes the search for volunteer tutors in the college’s Adult Education office, specifically for the students in the English as a Second Language (ESL) classes.
“Volunteers are a vital part of student success, and the time commitment is minimal, less than two hours per week,” said Cyndi Johnston, program coordinator for Adult Education. “Most of our students can already read and write English at varying levels, but often struggle with actually speaking it. That impacts their ability to communicate in social and business situations.”
There are two classes most in need. The Rushville ESL meets on Tuesday and Thursday mornings from 9 a.m. until noon in a face-to-face class, and an evening online class using Google Meets is divided into three different levels that meet at three different times between 5-9:30 p.m. on Monday and Wednesday nights.
“For the online class, all one would have to do is click on an email link that will be provided, using either a computer or a smartphone,” Johnston said, adding that no special degree is required and that training would be provided to all tutors.
The English as a Second Language class is designed for adults 16 years or older whose native language is not English. The goal is to help students improve their reading, writing, and speaking skills to a higher level to ensure their success in the workplace and their communities, as well as for future course work.
“We also help students learn about the American culture, which can be confusing in itself for those from other countries,” Johnston said. “I’m always so grateful for our volunteers, and they make a world of difference in our students’ lives.”
For more information about being a volunteer tutor, contact Johnston at (309) 833-6038 or email cyndi.johnston@src.edu. For more information about the Adult Education programs offered at Spoon River College locations, visit www.src.edu or call 309-647-4645.
Posted by Sally Shields on | Comments Off on Lu Fest Raises $53,000 for Lukas R. Goforth Memorial Scholarship at SRC
The Lu Fest Committee is excited to announce that the first Lu Fest event, held at White Oak’s Sports Bar on May 27, 2023, raised over $53,000 for the Lukas R. Goforth Memorial Scholarship at Spoon River College.
At the event, attendees had the opportunity to partake in a bags/cornhole tournament, bid on many silent and live auction items donated by local businesses and organizations, hear live music from Sushi Roll, and much more.
“We couldn’t be more thrilled with the turnout,” said Sarah Gray, one of the organizers of the event and Fiscal Officer for the SRC Foundation. “The success of this event is a testament to how generous this community is, especially when one of its own is in need,”
A 2021 graduate of Canton High School and a standout student-athlete in multiple sports, Lukas Goforth had just completed his freshman year at SRC when he tragically passed away in a UTV accident. He competed as part of the Snappers’ baseball team and appeared in 13 games during his freshman year, ranking fifth on the team in innings pitched.
Upon his passing, his friends and family established the Lukas R. Goforth Memorial Scholarship with the SRC Foundation. Preference for this permanent, endowed scholarship is given to applicants who were student-athletes during their time at Canton High School.
“Lukas was so proud to be from Canton,” said Chantel Goforth, Lukas’ mother. “Once we knew we were going to establish this scholarship in his name, having it be awarded to students from CHS who displayed many of his qualities made sense.”
Lu Fest also relied heavily on generous sponsors, who helped to underwrite expenses of the event, led by Billy’s Tap, Graham Medical Group, Ipava State Bank, Jones Surveying & Engineering Corporation, Mid-Illinois Companies, and Tyson Smith American Family Insurance. With many volunteers stepping up to make the event successful, the event committee consisted of Andra Chamberlin, Tracy Delost Goforth, Gray, Angie Miller, Billy Oaks, Sophie Oaks, Tori Oaks, Ellyn Petty, Courtney Putman, Amy Smith, Renee Stockov, and Georgia Strantz-Oaks.
“For events like this to be successful, it really takes a lot of work and a lot of people pulling the same direction, but this is incredible,” said Colin Davis, Executive Director of the SRC Foundation. “We are so grateful to everyone who loved Lukas for their time, effort, and generosity, and we are honored to preserve his legacy for decades to come.”
Lu Fest II is tentatively scheduled for May 25, 2024, and more information about the event will be forthcoming.
Members of the Goforth Family present a check to the Spoon River College Foundation for the proceeds from Lu Fest, held May 27, 2023 at White Oak’s Sports Bar in Canton. The event raised over $53,000 for the Lukas R. Goforth Memorial Scholarship at SRC. Pictured, L to R: Ella Goforth, Chantel Goforth, Trent Goforth, Jena Goforth, and Colin Davis (Executive Director, SRC Foundation).
Posted by Sally Shields on | Comments Off on New Flexible Pathway to Bachelor Degree Completion for SRC Students with the Saluki Step Ahead Program
Qualified students who earn an associate degree at Spoon River College now have a new transfer pathway to completion of a bachelor’s degree in select programs that is offered completely online and also comes with a cost savings. In a virtual meeting held August 2, SRC President Curt Oldfield and Southern Illinois University Chancellor Austin A. Lane signed an agreement for the Saluki Step Ahead program.
“The Saluki Step Ahead program with Southern Illinois University Carbondale will help Spoon River College students achieve their academic goals,” Oldfield said. “This flexible pathway to a bachelor’s degree will be life changing for those students who participate.”
Established in 2021, the program enables students who graduate with an associate degree from partnering community colleges to complete their SIU bachelor’s degrees online in accounting, business administration, criminology and criminal justice, early childhood, elementary education, health care management, history, industrial management and applied engineering, information technology, nursing (RN to BSN), psychology and radiologic sciences.
Students in the Saluki Step Ahead program pay the community college rate for their first two years. In the third and fourth years, they receive an annual $4,000 scholarship. Besides the cost savings, the program also eliminates the need and expense of students relocating while continuing their education.
“We are pleased to collaborate with Spoon River College to provide another option for place-bound students in this region,” Lane said. “If these students cannot come to Carbondale to complete their education, we will bring the experience and resources of a doctoral research university to them.”
With the signing, Spoon River College became one of more than 40 community colleges in Illinois, Missouri, and Texas to be part of the Saluki Step Ahead program.
“This brings an accessible and affordable bachelor’s degree to the SRC students and SRC alumni who are able to keep living and working in this area while achieving their dream,” said Oldfield.
Spoon River College is a two-year, public community college in west central Illinois, with campuses and Community Outreach Centers in Canton and Macomb, and Learning Centers in Havana and Rushville. If offers career and technical education and more than 25 transfer programs, and serves students in a 1,566 square mile area that includes portions of Fulton, McDonough, Mason, Schuyler, and Knox counties, For more information about Spoon River College, visit www.src.edu.
Southern Illinois University Carbondale officials (from left) Wendell Williams, associate chancellor of enrollment management; Josi Rawls, associate director for transfer relations, and Sarah Jiter, undergraduate admissions director, celebrate the signing of a Saluki Step Ahead agreement with Spoon River College President Curt Oldfield and Holly Norton, vice president of educational and student services. (SIU photo by Russell Bailey)
Posted by Sally Shields on | Comments Off on Spoon River College Receives $25,000 Grant from Compeer Financial for Agriculture Program
Canton, Ill., (August 1, 2023) – Spoon River College is one of five community colleges to be chosen as a recipient of a $25,000 educational grant for career and technical education from the Agriculture and Rural Initiative, Compeer Financial’s donor advised fund, which has granted $175,000 to community and technical colleges across the cooperative’s 144-county territory.
In 2021, Compeer committed $1.9 million in grants and scholarships at select colleges over the next five years with the goal of further developing agriculture’s workforce. This announcement represents the third of three rounds of grants being presented.
“Our clients continue to list workforce development among their highest concerns, and these grants and scholarships are the first step to improving this challenge for the industry,” said Stephanie Wise, a Compeer Financial Director. “The future of agriculture and our client’s farms rely on a strong, vibrant and robust agricultural workforce, and our partners in higher education provide opportunities for young adults to explore and gain hands-on experience in these careers.”
The grant will go towards a new greenhouse, and Allyson Smith, Agriculture faculty member at the college, said it will allow her the opportunity to provide students with more hands-on learning in horticulture and crop science by incorporating plant ID, research, and plant sales into the curriculum. “On behalf of the Spoon River College Agriculture Department, I would like to thank Compeer Financial for their generous donation.” Smith, who began teaching at Spoon River College in 2022, earned her Master of Science Crop and Soil degree with a focus on Agronomy and Weed Science from Michigan State University. Prior to teaching, she was a research specialist at the University of Missouri.
In addition to the grant, as one of thirty partner colleges, Spoon River College will also receive two annual $1,250 scholarships to award students enrolled in the college’s agriculture program or pathway over the next four years. Partner colleges were selected based on their agricultural education offerings, agriculture workforce development, and geographic impact.
“I would like to thank Compeer Financial for their continued commitment to education and sustainable agriculture,” said Brad O’Brien, dean of career and workforce education at the college. “We are very excited about the hands-on opportunities that their contribution towards this greenhouse will give our students.”
The agriculture program at Spoon River College is one of the college’s longest running programs and prepares students for a variety of agriculture careers in areas of production, management, business, precision technology, natural resources and conservation, and much more. The Agricultural Business Management program culminates in an Associate in Applied Science degree that can be adapted for students planning to transfer to a four-year university. Stand-alone certificates that can be completed in a shorter amount of time than a degree are also offered.
Spoon River College is a two-year, public community college in West Central Illinois with campuses and Community Outreach Offices in Canton and Macomb and new Learning Centers in Havana and Rushville, and covering a 1,566 square mile area including portions of Fulton, McDonough, Mason, Schuyler, and Knox counties.
The Agriculture and Rural Initiative was created by the Compeer Financial Board of Directors in 2019 to make signature investments in programs and projects that directly address the needs of farmers and others who work in agriculture. To date, $10 million has been invested in the Initiative. To date, the Initiative has awarded $1.8 million to support communities during the pandemic and agriculture workforce development.
“These grants represent Compeer’s commitment to champion rural, by supporting our clients and communities, creating sustainable and long-term success in the industry.” said Wise, of Joliet, Il. “As we wrap our final round of this support to community and technical colleges, we are seeing positive impacts on the students studying agriculture by providing one-of-a-kind educational opportunities.”
Compeer Financial is a member-owned Farm Credit cooperative serving and supporting agriculture and rural communities. The $30 billion organization provides loans, leases, risk management and other financial services throughout 144 counties in Illinois, Minnesota and Wisconsin. Based in the Upper Midwest, Compeer Financial exists to champion the hopes and dreams of rural America, while providing personalized service and expertise to clients and the agriculture industry.
Compeer Financial is the third largest cooperative of the Farm Credit System, a nationwide network of lending institutions supporting agriculture and rural communities with reliable, consistent credit and financial services. Learn more about Compeer Financial.
Pictured (l-r) are Julie Hampton, executive assistant to the President/Board of Trustees and Grants Coordinator, President Curt Oldfield, Karen Schieler, senior corporate giving specialist at Compeer Financial, Allyson Smith, Agriculture faculty, Brad O’Brien, dean of career and workforce education, Katey Davis, business office director, and Colin Davis, SRC Foundation director.
Posted by Sally Shields on | Comments Off on Destination Learning Experiences Include Wine About Spoon River Country and Lincoln’s New Salem Tour
If you enjoy road trips, learning, shopping, and having the chance to taste good wine, the Spoon River College Office of Community Outreach invites you to climb aboard the Snapper bus for a destination learning experience.
Two such trips have already been offered and were met with enthusiasm. In the Wine About Spoon River Country Tour, attendees traveled to Spoon River Junction Winery, where owner Bradley Beam talked about making his long-held dream of opening a winery come true and the path from fruit to bottle he uses in the production of his wines.
From there, the group traveled to Native Hills Winery and Big Horse Vineyards in rural Lewistown. At each location they learned more about the wine-making process, the care of vineyards, and the public and private events hosted by each. They also enjoyed tastings of select wines as well as the opportunity to make purchases to take home.
“This tour was a way of trying something new for our department, and it went over really well! Attendees enjoyed the relaxed learning environment… and the wine!” said Andrea Barbknecht, Director of the Canton Office of Community Outreach. “We’re always looking for new classes to add to our schedule, and new ways to connect with our communities.”
Next up will be Lincoln’s New Salem Tour, with Rick Klinedinst joining as the tour guide and sharing his knowledge of all things Abraham Lincoln. It will take place September 15, and the bus will depart from the SRC Canton Campus at 10 a.m., and return at approximately 4:30 p.m.
The tour will start at Rockwell Mounds, the site of a Lincoln debate, then continue to The Yellow Door Boutique in Oakford for some shopping. Following that, attendees will enjoy a box lunch and a self-guided tour at New Salem before the final stop at Hill Prairie Winery near Oakford for wine tastings.
Comfortable shoes are encouraged, as there will be some walking and stair climbing. Attendees much be 21 or older, and drinking is not allowed on the bus.
Posted by Sally Shields on | Comments Off on Fast Track Registration with Extended Hours Begins August 7
Fast Track Registration for the Fall 2023 semester at Spoon River College will begin the week of August 7 and run through the week of August 21. During that time, the college will offer extended hours of operation from 8 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays at both the Canton and Macomb campuses. On Thursdays and Fridays, the college will be open regular hours of 8 a.m. 3:30 p.m.
Regular 16-week classes and the first session of 8-week classes start August 21, and a 12-week session of classes starts September 18.
Prospective students will be able to apply, test, and register in one day. It is not necessary to make an appointment, but a valid picture ID is required. Financial Aid staff will be available during the extended hours to answer questions and assist in the aid process.
The deadline for tuition payment is August 1, and students must have it paid in full by then or be enrolled in the automatic payment plan. For more information about financial aid options and deadlines, call 309-649-7030 or visit www.src.edu.
The Canton Campus is located at 23235 North County 22 and the Macomb Campus is located at 208 South Johnson.
A course schedule can be viewed on the College’s website at www.src.edu. For more information about the registration process or to make an appointment with an advisor, call (309) 647-6400 in Canton, (309) 543-4413 in Havana, (309) 837-6069 in Macomb, and (217) 322-6060 in Rushville.
Posted by Sally Shields on | Comments Off on New Student Orientations Scheduled at Spoon River College
Orientations for new students starting the fall semester at Spoon River College will be held on Tuesday, August 15 at the Macomb Campus and on Wednesday, August 16 at the Canton Campus. The Canton Campus is located at 23235 N County 22, and the Macomb Campus is located at 2085 S Johnson Street.
“This is an excellent way for new students to learn the lay-out of the college, where classrooms, faculty offices, and the Learning Resource Centers are located, and to receive overviews of financial aid options, student clubs, the support services available to them, and more,” said Janet Munson, director of enrollment services.
The welcome address and opening sessions will be held in the Learning Resource Center in Macomb and in the Multi-Purpose Building in Canton, followed by break-out sessions and walking tours. Lunch will be provided, during which students will have the chance to win door prizes, including a $100 Visa gift card. Attendees will also receive a welcome bag that includes a free t-shirt.
“We encourage all new students to attend. It’s a fun way to meet other students while also getting important information, and can help alleviate any nervousness before the first day of classes,” Munson said.
Regardless of attendance at the Canton and Macomb orientations, new students are required to complete a one-time online orientation in Canvas, the learning management system utilized by the college, in order to gain access their courses.
The fall session begins Monday, August 21, and there is still time to register for classes.
For more information about classes and programs of study available at Spoon River College, visit www.src.edu or call (309)649-6400 in Canton, (309)543-4413 in Havana, (309)833-6069 in Macomb, and (217)322-6060 in Rushville.
Posted by Sally Shields on | Comments Off on Registration Information for Fall 2023 Classes
Registration is open for fall classes at Spoon River College that begin August 21, as well as registration for an interim class that runs from July 31 to August 16. The interim class is English Composition 101, and will have both in-class and online components.
“Students wanting to get a head start could complete the English 101 interim class, and then be ready to take English 102 class during the regular fall semester, getting both of those required classes done in just one semester instead of two,” said Holly Norton, vice president of educational and student services.
Interim classes are worth the same number of credit hours as regular 16-week classes, and are also offered during the spring and summer semesters.
The first steps in registering for classes are completing an admission form and taking the COMPASS assessment test (or have official ACT scores). Both the admission application and testing are free. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) should also be completed in order to receive federal financial aid if eligible. The final step is making an advising appointment to register for classes.
Additional information about the admission process can be found at www.src.edu under the Admissions Tab. Advisors can be contacted by emailing advisor@src.edu or by calling call (309)647-6400 in Canton, (309)543-4413 in Havana, (309)837-6069 in Macomb, and (217)322-6060 in Rushville.
The payment deadline for the fall semester is August 1. Students must have their tuition paid in full by that date or be enrolled in the automatic installment payment plan. For more information about financial aid options and deadlines, visit www.src.edu and click on the Financial Aid link under the Admissions tab.
Posted by Sally Shields on | Comments Off on SRC Community Chorus Presents 48 Hours: A Musical Revue
Seasoned veterans and emerging young performing artists meet their ultimate challenge when the SRC Community Chorus presents 48 HOURS: A MUSICAL REVUE on Sunday, July 23 at 7:00 p.m. in the SRC Theatre. The theatre is located on the second floor of Taylor Hall on the SRC Canton Campus.
Tickets may be purchased online at www.src.edu/chorus or by calling (309) 649-6260 Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
“I don’t know of any other theatre troupe that has attempted this,” says Carol Davis, artistic director. “On Friday evening, performers will audition with the memorized songs they hope to have included in the production. Following the auditions, Tony Roberts, Denise Adams, and I will decide which songs make the show and determine the order. Then we put the entire show together, including production tech, on Saturday. It’s a wild, fun, and exciting concept, but I know our people are up to the task.”
The show includes three full ensemble Broadway numbers chosen in advance. Performers will appear in a minimum of four musical numbers and maybe more. All songs, which come from a variety of Broadway musicals, will be a surprise to the audience.
Performers include John L. Davis, Corrinna Markland Pickel, Chad Murphy, Sara Mathis, Mike Varnes, Aja Lawson, Trygve Meade, Katie McLuckie, Haiden Lee, Lauren Avery, Lee Wenger, Carla Bobell, Bob Juraco, Lindsey Larson, Bruce Beal, Carol Davis, Clay Klinedinst, and Christopher Adams-Wenger. Tony Roberts, Denise Adams, Christopher Adams-Wenger, and Pam Willison make up the 48 Hours Band.
The production team consists of Hannah Zimmerman, Sydney Munson, Carol Kohler, Denise Kirgan, Robin Henry, Greg Pollitt, Drake Depperman, Katey Davis, Janet Munson, and Cecily Burnham Pearson.
“Our Sunday matinee sold out quickly, but tickets do remain for the 7:00 p.m. show,” says Davis. “We encourage everyone to purchase their tickets online as soon as possible.”
The SRC Community Chorus, founded in 2005, is a fundraising arm of the SRC Foundation. It’s mission is to provide quality entertainment using local talent and to raise funds for SRC Scholarships. For more information about the chorus, visit www.src.edu/chorus.
Photo: A previous musical revue production; credit Dave Barbknecht/Stilled Moments Photography
