The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
Dear Editor,
ATTENTION RAIDER FANS
During the month of February, the Junior High Volleyball team wants all Raider fans to go to some of the games we have this month.
Our next game will be at home with Industry on the 16th. Our second game will be at Dallas City at 6:00 p.m. on the 17th. Our third game will on the 22nd be at home with La Harpe at 4:15 p.m..
On the 23rd our game is at home with Macomb at 4:30 p.m.. Our final game of February is at Bushnell at 6:00 p.m. on the 24th.
We hope to see all you Raiders fans at our games. We hope that you cheer on the Raiders. GO RAIDERS!!!!
Desrah Charbonneaux
Southern Jr. High Student
Dear Editor,
Open letter to the past and present TEACHERS in Hancock County
I am retiring, leaving a rewarding teaching career. This retirement and the death of my brother have ignited the reflection of teachers on my life.
I say to my teachers at Mt. Pleasant, Independence and Carthage Community High; "All that I am I owe to you."
You made me work harder than I ever thought I could. When I made a C+ from Miss Allison I felt like I had just been awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor and at times an A- from Miss Phillips was like a slap in the face knowing I had failed to do my best.
Mr. Wilson taught me to criticize and evaluate government action in studies of Cuba.
Miss Mayberry and Mrs. Hedgecock encouraged me to dig for the understanding of a poem or short story when all I was interested in was the guy sitting next to me.
While standing beside me, Mrs. Bavery was the encouraging force as I explained the purpose of Edison's life in a writing contest.
Even though I passed out in Miss Davidson's geometry semester test, due to my lack of preparation, she set the basis for understanding the logic necessary for the computer age.
Questioning was a skill given to me by Mr. Humke and Mr. Kern, each pushing towards the "why."
Mrs. Ketchum left me with needed skills to participate and enjoy the game even though I was not a born athlete. Many individuals, full of kindness and culture, taught me to take pride in my accomplishments as they elevated me to experience music and the joy in performance as Mrs. Bean, Prudence and a Brigadoon extra. I can still sing the "Hallelujah Chorus."
Last but not least, the extra special teachers doubling as bus drivers, Mr. Brown and Mr. Oberlies, taught me "if you have the brains, follow your heart" during the hour conversations to and from school.
At that point I would turn to Miss Phillips and she made a believer of me.
Today in Illinois teachers are being asked, "What do you make?" I'm telling you, my TEACHERS MADE THE DIFFERENCE.
Clarene Brewer
Arnold
Dear Editor,
Henderson County is very fortunate to have a Health Department that has the quality of professionalism and care shown to the clients.
This is due to the planning and work of the administrator, the quality of care exhibited by the staff, and the support of a unified board. There are also the volunteers who give of their time and energy to provide services.
The Health Department without a doubt is above average. I recently had contact with a Health Department in a metropolitan area where business is impersonal and politics may play a role.
The administrator is often not available and the staff sometimes seem unsure about the purpose of their job. Mandates are vague and the message is not clearly stated.
Henderson County Health Department is different. The difference might be in a populated area versus a small town. But I don't think so. I feel it is the difference in people.
The difference in the warmth and caring of the people really serving the health needs of the community. There are health departments who serve the needs of the people and then there are those who serve themselves.
Henderson County Health Department is funded primarily by grants. Many health departments across the state are funded by referendums which means a county tax burden.
I've heard it said that we don't know about the services of the Health Department until we have a need to use those services. Did you know that volunteer drivers for the Health Department take patients to Iowa City?
The volunteers are paid nothing, yet they may spend a full day. On my trip we left at 7:30 a.m. and arrived back home at 5:30 pm. It was a long day.
In the year 2004, there were 93 trips to Iowa City, Peoria, and the Quad Cities. This is an average of 7 or 8 trips a month. There are seven people who volunteer for long trips. There were 1,375 stops for local trips to doctors, grocery shopping and other needs.
Another service I find very helpful is the private pay chore housekeeping program which provides laundry, meal preparation, personal shopping and errands.
I have this service often. It is $12.00 an hour, but there is insurance that if she falls or is hurt, I am protected. I would have to pay $10 or $11 an hour for help from other sources and not have liability coverage.
This is only a part of the services offered. Meals are prepared in the home and nurses visit to care for the ill. Nursing visits are made on weekends and holidays as needed.
The Henderson County Health Department has a summary of the different programs. You can obtain a copy of this summary by calling 309-627-2812.
Sincerely,
Betty J. Stevenson
Gladstone