Thursday, September 29, 2011
Friday, September 23, 2011
PHS teacher to be honored
Correspondent
PLYMOUTH — Plymouth High School business teacher and Business Professionals of America sponsor Jennifer Felke will be honored at the Oct. 13 conference of the Indiana Computer Educators in Indianapolis.
Felke was selected as the winner of the Digital Curriculum Lesson Plan contest.
Her lesson entitled “Back to the Future: a Renaissance Faire” was chosen for its innovative idea and the use of digital resources.
Felke has been asked to present her lesson during the conference as a part of the Success Showcase.
Felke created the project as a part of the New Tech High School at the Oregon-Davis Schools.
She said, “I was encouraged by the principal there, Greg Briles, to submit the lesson to the ICE.”
The lesson was used by students in an integrated technology curriculum that blends English, history and digital resources. Specifically, students were asked to research the Italian Renaissance period, chose an example of a philosopher, scientist or artist of the period, and then design what a website for that figure would look like in the present day.
Felke said, “It is a way to make history come alive.”
Although each student working on the three-week project had an individual website presentation, they did work in groups. Felke said a part of the project was utilizing “peer reviews” in which students were encouraged to share ideas and critiques with each other.
The culmination of the project was a “Renaissance Faire,” complete with period food and costumes, held for members of the community.
Felke said the students were excited to be able to show their work to those invited for the event.
She expressed her appreciation for the encouragement she received from Briles on the winning project and for the New Tech concept.
She said she is finding the same type of support from Plymouth Superintendent Dan Tyree as plans are being made for the upcoming school years. This is Felke’s first year teaching at PHS.
Felke also serves as the Staff Development Director of the School of Inquiry, a New Tech High School that will be opened within the PHS building starting with the 2011-12 school year.
The first year, only 100 students will be enrolled. Each year plans are to add 100 more students until the number reaches 400.
Thursday, September 22, 2011
Uceny will make Plymouth appearance
Uceny will speak on her recent professional running successes and experiences Wednesday, Sept. 28 at 7 p.m. in The LifePlex Conference Room. She will answer questions and sign autographs for her fans and local supporters.
Uceny crushed the competition in the Diamond League final in Brussels, Belgium, Friday to become the women’s 1,500-meter champion in a time of 4:00.06.
Just two weeks after she was knocked to the ground at the World Track & Field Championships in Korea, Uceny bounced back to win the Brussels race, clocking the fastest time in the world this year.
The Plymouth High School graduate also wrapped up first place in this year’s Diamond League standings, good for a prize of at least $50,000, on top of her other winnings this season.
Friday’s win virtually guarantees Uceny will be ranked No. 1 in the world when the year-end rankings come out. It also means she will be the early favorite to win next year’s London Olympics.
A graduate of Plymouth High School and former Cornell University track team member, Uceny earned her first spot on a U.S. team at the Pan AM Games in 2007.
For more information, visit the Fitness Forum Sports & Wellness web site at www.fitnessforum.biz or call 574-936-2333.
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
Pink Soccer game at PHS Thursday
Pilot News Staff Writer
PLYMOUTH — Fans at the Plymouth boy's soccer game against LaVille next Thursday might be surprised to see a change in the team's usual uniform.
They will be outfitted in pink jerseys, donated by Oliver Ford and Ounce of Prevention (OOP).
Operation Leadership, a student group at Plymouth High School of about 50 members, is joining in the effort by selling "pink" breast cancer items during lunch next week. Stacy Scheetz, faculty organizer, said that the members of Operation Leadership are full of ideas about how to raise money. Some of the items to be sold include "Go Big Red" t-shirts, pink tie-dye shirts, headbands, bracelets, and one sure to be popular item—pink hair feathers. Scheetz said that many students have already come into her office asking about the feathers and when they will be available.
Local hairdressers Tonda Ellis from Kay's Beauty Salon and Jennie Mikesell from Shear Designs will be installing the hair feathers during lunch next week at the school, as well as during the soccer game Thursday. Scheetz said that she expects the feathers will be about $6-7 each.
Operation Leadership will also be having a bake sale at the game, and buckets will be available at the gate for those wishing to donate. PHS staff will be wearing jeans and pink shirts on game day for a minimum $5 donation.
All proceeds from these fundraisers will go to the Nancy Jaynes memorial scholarship. Jaynes was a family and consumer science teacher for 30 years at PHS. She was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1998 and passed away in 2008.
President of Operation Leadership and captain of the soccer team Evan Glaub is Jayne's son. It was his idea to use the soccer game Thursday as a way to raise money and awareness for the scholarship fund. This is the third year that a PHS student will be a recipient of the scholarship.
With October being Breast Cancer Awareness Month, OOP has planned many "pink" events in addition to the soccer game.
OOP and Oliver Ford will be purchasing pink shoe covers for the PHS football team to wear during their own pink game Oct. 7. Varsity players and cheerleaders will also get specially designed t-shirts.
They will be selling pink items at the LifePlex Health Fair Sept. 21, and will hold a "Paint Your Pumpkin Pink" event at the LifePlex Oct. 19. From noon to 8 p.m., kids and adults alike can paint pumpkins donated by Hensler's Nursery. All different shades of pink paint will be available, and there will be prizes given for the best design in each age group. The finished pumpkins will be left at the LifePlex for visitors to enjoy.
"We're going to line the foyer of the LifePlex with pumpkins," said Jennifer Houin, co-founder of OOP.
The Plymouth Fire Department will be selling pink and black t-shirts the entire month of October, with 100 percent of the proceeds going to OOP.
"It will look just like a Plymouth Fire Department shirt, with the pink ribbon through it," said firefighter Jim Budd.
The firefighters will be wearing the shirts during the month, and pre-orders are being accepted now. Sizes are adult S-XXXL and they start at $15. Youth sizes are available by special request. To pre-order, contact Madeline Johns at the fire department, 574-936-2156.
Hensler's Nursery will hold a giant pumpkin drop to benefit OOP Oct. 29. They are located at 5715 N. 750 E. in Hamlet. More information can be found by calling them at 574-867-4192.
OOP's annual MargariTATAville fundraiser is Oct. 15 from 6 p.m. to midnight at Swan Lake Resort. Houin noted that in the past the funds from this night have gone to benefit Saint Joseph Regional Medical Center, but that this year OOP is considering starting a renewable four year scholarship in conjunction with the Marshall County Community Foundation. Houin also said that she is still in need of items for the silent auction on that night. Anyone interested in donating can contact her at jennifer.h@oliverford.com.
Plymouth Alum feeding the troops
By Lydia Beers
Pilot News Staff Writer
PLYMOUTH — Homemade to Go was closed for two weeks in August, with this notation on their outdoor sign: “Out feeding our troops. Be back August 23.”
Although their most recent trip was to Fort Smith, Ark., owner Mary Beth Listenberger said that in the past six years, the company has traveled “everywhere from California to Florida and back” catering meals for U.S. troops.
Mary Beth and her brother, Robert Listenberger, work together in the restaurant business, following in the footsteps of their parents, Bob and Rosemary. Mary Beth recalls her parent’s earlier restaurant, Balloon Wurks, based on Bob’s interest in hot air balloons.
“Food service runs thick in our blood, it really does,” said Mary Beth.
Now, she and Robert own several KFC franchises in Indiana in addition to Homemade to Go and Hoosier Catering.
Feeding the troops, said Mary Beth, all started 10 years ago when the company started catering for National Guard drill weekends throughout Indiana. After some time of doing that, Hoosier Catering became civilian contractors with the military—something that is not easy to do, according to Mary Beth.
After showing that they met certain strict criteria, Hoosier Catering could then bid on military catering jobs. Robert spends much of his time seeking out bids and working on the particulars of the trips, said Mary Beth.
“When you are awarded these bids it’s a very big deal,” noted Mary Beth. “The contracts are this thick!” she exclaimed, holding two fingers several inches apart.
When the company gathers their staff to go on a military catering trip, they don’t always know what kind of conditions they will be working in.
“Sometimes we have kitchens, sometimes we cook out of mess halls, sometimes we pull our mobile kitchen,” said Mary Beth.
The staff sometimes cooks meals in extremely high temperatures. In Fort Smith, they prepared 2,200 meals a day in a kitchen that was 160 degrees.
“Our flexibility had to be extreme,” said Mary Beth, recalling “brown-outs” where power on the fort was shut down for a certain amount of time each day to lower the temperature.
“We kept everyone very hydrated, a lot of Gatorade, a lot of water,” continued Mary Beth.
Despite these hardships, Mary Beth said that servicing the military is more than worth it.
“We experience so much with those soldiers—occasions they are missing from home,” said Mary Beth, describing being with troops as they hear news from family. “Part of our job is to be there and listen to them” said Mary Beth, continuing, “I think that our staff has gained a huge appreciation for the military and what they go through. They are being deployed, but we are going home.”
Mary Beth said that she has no plans to stop taking military jobs. Her staff has become like family through their experiences, and they even try to stay in touch with some soldiers they have met through the Internet. Hoosier Catering has been to more than 15 states on military jobs. They also have a five year contract with the Navy Seals—and a different type of challenge as they attempt to meet the Seals’ strict dietary guidelines.
“Their training is intense and their meal plan is unbelievable,” related Mary Beth. “(With) the amount of food, you’d think we were serving the Chicago Bears!”
Mary Beth said that she and her staff enjoy the trips as they get an inside look into military activities.
“I had no idea the impact of the military,” said Mary Beth, adding that she always looks for someone with her last name—she has a second cousin, Alstin Listenberger, who serves in the military. Mary Beth said that the troops usually give a presentation showing their appreciation before her staff leaves to go back home.
“It means the world to us,” said Mary Beth. “As they are standing there thanking us, we are thinking, oh my gosh, we should be thanking you.”
Reprinted by permission of The Pilot News
Pilot News Staff Writer
PLYMOUTH — Homemade to Go was closed for two weeks in August, with this notation on their outdoor sign: “Out feeding our troops. Be back August 23.”
Although their most recent trip was to Fort Smith, Ark., owner Mary Beth Listenberger said that in the past six years, the company has traveled “everywhere from California to Florida and back” catering meals for U.S. troops.
Mary Beth and her brother, Robert Listenberger, work together in the restaurant business, following in the footsteps of their parents, Bob and Rosemary. Mary Beth recalls her parent’s earlier restaurant, Balloon Wurks, based on Bob’s interest in hot air balloons.
“Food service runs thick in our blood, it really does,” said Mary Beth.
Now, she and Robert own several KFC franchises in Indiana in addition to Homemade to Go and Hoosier Catering.
Feeding the troops, said Mary Beth, all started 10 years ago when the company started catering for National Guard drill weekends throughout Indiana. After some time of doing that, Hoosier Catering became civilian contractors with the military—something that is not easy to do, according to Mary Beth.
After showing that they met certain strict criteria, Hoosier Catering could then bid on military catering jobs. Robert spends much of his time seeking out bids and working on the particulars of the trips, said Mary Beth.
“When you are awarded these bids it’s a very big deal,” noted Mary Beth. “The contracts are this thick!” she exclaimed, holding two fingers several inches apart.
When the company gathers their staff to go on a military catering trip, they don’t always know what kind of conditions they will be working in.
“Sometimes we have kitchens, sometimes we cook out of mess halls, sometimes we pull our mobile kitchen,” said Mary Beth.
The staff sometimes cooks meals in extremely high temperatures. In Fort Smith, they prepared 2,200 meals a day in a kitchen that was 160 degrees.
“Our flexibility had to be extreme,” said Mary Beth, recalling “brown-outs” where power on the fort was shut down for a certain amount of time each day to lower the temperature.
“We kept everyone very hydrated, a lot of Gatorade, a lot of water,” continued Mary Beth.
Despite these hardships, Mary Beth said that servicing the military is more than worth it.
“We experience so much with those soldiers—occasions they are missing from home,” said Mary Beth, describing being with troops as they hear news from family. “Part of our job is to be there and listen to them” said Mary Beth, continuing, “I think that our staff has gained a huge appreciation for the military and what they go through. They are being deployed, but we are going home.”
Mary Beth said that she has no plans to stop taking military jobs. Her staff has become like family through their experiences, and they even try to stay in touch with some soldiers they have met through the Internet. Hoosier Catering has been to more than 15 states on military jobs. They also have a five year contract with the Navy Seals—and a different type of challenge as they attempt to meet the Seals’ strict dietary guidelines.
“Their training is intense and their meal plan is unbelievable,” related Mary Beth. “(With) the amount of food, you’d think we were serving the Chicago Bears!”
Mary Beth said that she and her staff enjoy the trips as they get an inside look into military activities.
“I had no idea the impact of the military,” said Mary Beth, adding that she always looks for someone with her last name—she has a second cousin, Alstin Listenberger, who serves in the military. Mary Beth said that the troops usually give a presentation showing their appreciation before her staff leaves to go back home.
“It means the world to us,” said Mary Beth. “As they are standing there thanking us, we are thinking, oh my gosh, we should be thanking you.”
Reprinted by permission of The Pilot News
Friday, September 16, 2011
LJH Achieve 3000 winners
 |
| Natasha Craft, Courtney Bradley, Gualdina Pacheco, and winner Garrett Garver. |
Correspondent
Students at Lincoln Junior High have been learning how to navigate through material that is part of Achieve 3000 since August 25. On Monday night, the students were able to show their parents and others how the program works and showcase their progress.
Using Achieve 3000, the 270 or so students at LJH access an email that directs them to an appropriately leveled nonfiction current events article. The articles are geared towards real-world topics.
The topics are chosen to conform to the reading levels of each individual student after taking assessment tests. The assessments will be ongoing, so that as academic progress is made, the material can be generated at the new level.
After reading an article, the students complete a short, formative assessment in which each question is aligned to the state standards. The program also allows teachers to monitor comprehension and vocabulary mastery. To reinforce the learning, students build critical cognitive skills by writing responses to open-ended questions and writing responses.
Each student at LJH was given a laptop computer to use throughout the year both during school hours and at home.
To start, the program is being used in the science, language arts, and social studies classes two times each week. Not only is the program available during the regular five-day school week, but also any time seven days a week.
During the Achieve 3000 family night, four students received door prizes. According to Principal Dan Funston, the idea of winning prizes all throughout the year helps to keep students interested and motivated.
Reprinted by permission of The Pilot News
Thursday, September 15, 2011
Grads talk of how 9/11 changed their lives
Pilot News Staff Writer
PLYMOUTH — Three young boys, full of life, will always remind Katie Benedict Friedman of the events of 9/11.
Katie (Culver Community High School 1991 grad) and her husband, Seth, decided to start a family soon after the World Trade Centers toppled a few short miles from their place of work in downtown New York City.
"I really think that it had to do with the attacks," said Katie, observing the antics of her three sons, Nathan, 8, Isaac, 6, and Elijah, 4. "Life is short."
On the morning of September 11, 2001, Katie had just arrived to her job as an investment banker. Her building was on top of Grand Central Station, and Seth worked at a law firm about 13 blocks away.
Katie remembers being on the phone with a banker in the World Trade Center a few minutes before 9 a.m. When the plane hit the building, the phone "just went dead," said Katie.
Katie and her coworkers turned to the televisions in their office for answers, but at that time, no one really knew what was happening.
"We didn't know it was a terrorist attack yet," said Katie. "You just felt like a sitting duck. It was just surreal."
Seth walked over to Katie's building, and she said that they walked to their home on the Upper West Side along with many others who were leaving the downtown area.
"Everybody just walked very calmly and quietly," said Katie, adding that there was no mass hysteria.
Although reports on television had informed the public that the events were likely a terrorist attack, Katie said that she thinks most people at that time had probably never heard the name Osama bin Laden.
"The whole city was on fire," said Katie somberly. "You would look south and the whole thing was on fire."
Seth and Katie observed people trying to get rides out of the city, but Katie said that it was basically impossible to leave. The couple didn't even try—once home, they joined the rest of the nation in turning on their television and remaining glued to it for the next several days.
Katie described how just that morning, while getting ready for work, she and Seth had discussed their plans for that evening.
"That afternoon, all bets were off," said Katie. "Everything changed. It was like, wow. We are vulnerable. And I've never felt that way before."
Seth and Katie did return to work the next week, but nothing was the same. Katie said that numerous bomb threats and building evacuations in her building kept her on pins and needles, wondering what would happen next. She describes feeling depressed and struggling to go to work each day.
"It was hard to get out of bed," said Katie. "It was really, really hard."
Just about a year after the attacks, the Friedmans moved to Larchmont, about 15 miles north of the city, where they live today. Nathan, their first child, was born about a month later.
Katie said that many of her friends also had "9/11 babies." One of Nathan's friends was born on September 11, 2002.
"It wasn't just me feeling that way," said Katie. "Now it's like, well, okay, good things can happen on 9/11."
Katie said that she is not afraid to go to the city anymore, although she added that Seth got over his fear much quicker than she did as he still goes to the city every day for work.
"I love New York City—my husband and I both do," said Katie. Now, she brings her family to the city to visit their dad for lunch. The boys love the train, she added.
The Friedmans also enjoy "a lot of Yankee games," Chinatown, the zoo, and Central Park.
Katie said that she watches family members read the names of those that died at Ground Zero each year.
When the 9/11 memorial exhibit opens, Katie plans to go—but is not sure if she will bring her sons along.
"It's hard to understand evil like that, and I don't want them to," said Katie.
Katie did not know anyone personally who died on that day, but she feels their loss just the same.
"It's a heartbreak, and that will never change," said Katie seriously.
Bret Shockney
PLYMOUTH — Bret Shockney, (PHS grad of 1989) a Navy pilot, was in Washington state when he received a call from a friend on the East Coast to turn on the news.
Shockney watched coverage of the attacks with horror and wondered what his involvement as a pilot would be in the coming weeks.
His first concern, however, was for his sister, Heather Shockney.
"Immediately I was very concerned because my sister at the time worked at the Pentagon," said Shockney.
Heather contacted him only a few hours later, saying that she was fine. With his sister out of danger, Shockney's next thought was to report to his commanding officers.
"As soon as I got confirmation that Heather was okay, I went right in," said Shockney, adding that he lived only three miles from the base.
He said that everyone in his squadron was thinking about how soon they would be ordered to go overseas.
"I think we were all in agreement—we wanted to go take care of business," said Shockney, adding "We weren't really sure what we were up against—the enemy was undetermined."
Shockney said that because of his knowledge of the Middle East, he figured that the conflict between Middle Eastern countries and the U.S. would be going on for a while.
"I'm not at all surprised that it's still going on," said Shockney.
Shockney, now a Navy Reserve pilot, was deployed to Iraq or Afghanistan four times in the last four years, and will be going to Afghanistan again later this month.
"(The attacks) continue to be very present in our lives," said Shockney. "In some ways I can't believe it's been 10 years."
For Shockney and his Navy colleagues, some things will never be the same.
"It's a different normal for us," said Shockney.
He and his wife, Yvette, who were married in 2007, have a 1-year-old daughter named Ella.
"It makes you less self-centric," said Shockney of his family. "You realize you are defending more than just your country and yourself. You're defending your county's goals that will hopefully protect your family too. We are hopefully moving toward a safer existence for our families, children, and friends."
Shockney and his family now reside in Annapolis, Md.
Carin Benge Rojas
"It was a pretty momentous event for all of us because we were the last class to join the Navy not knowing—we joined in peacetime," said now Carin Rojas.
"I remember walking by one of the rooms (at the Academy) and there was a T.V. on, and seeing a plane hit one of the towers," continued Rojas. "I remember thinking, this is not happening."
Rojas said that people were concerned the Academy could be the terrorist's next target since it was full of officers in training. The students were all told to go to their dorms, where "we were pretty much on lockdown," said Rojas. They remained inside for the rest of the day, eating meals of course, but not attending classes.
One of the first things Rojas did was reassure her parents that she was okay.
"It was very scary," said Rojas of the days after the attacks. "After 9/11 no one felt as safe as they had before."
Rojas graduated from the Naval Academy in 2005, but was medically disqualified as a pilot because of air sickness. She took a job as a salesperson of medical products, which peaked her interest in a medical career. Rojas plans to apply to medical school next spring.
Rojas' husband, Joshua (who she met at the Naval Academy) is a lieutenant in the Navy. They live in Almeda, Cali. with their 9-month-old son, Lockwood Jack. The family plans to move to San Diego in October for Joshua's job. Joshua will not be deploying, said Rojas, and she is thankful for it.
However, 9/11 still affects Rojas' family every day. Joshua's brother is a Marine, and he was just deployed to Afghanistan last Monday.
Although she is currently visiting family in the area, Rojas will be flying back to California on a somewhat significant date—September 11.
She didn't realize the significance of the date at first, but has decided not to change her flight.
"I'm not worried (about flying), although it is kind of eerie," said Rojas.
Rojas said that right after the attacks happened, she was afraid to fly. Since then her fear has dissipated and she said that she is trusting that airport security will be extra-heavy that day.
"It's a time of remembrance and looking back," she said of the day. "So much has changed."
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
Plymouth's Nicole Rash in new film
Correspondent
PLYMOUTH — Due to be released on Sept. 9, the cast of the 2011 version of the movie Warrior includes former Plymouth resident Nicole Rash.
Rash plays the part of a ring girl in the action drama film about mixed martial arts featuring upcoming actors Tom Hardy and Joel Edgerton along with veteran actor Nick Nolte.
Rash, who was living in Los Angeles at the time of the filming in 2009, said she had actually auditioned for a smaller movie, but was contacted by the producers of Warrior after they saw her audition tape and asked her to consider being part of the Warrior cast.
Rash said, “I only had a one-day notice to get packed and fly to Pittsburgh where my part was filmed.”
The filming took four weeks in April and then, due to an injury of one of the fighters that delayed the filming, had to return for two weeks in July to finish.
Rash’s mother, Cindy, is hoping to have a number of people from the Plymouth area join the two for the opening at Showplace Chippewa Theater in South Bend. Cindy said she is making a run to the theatre Tuesday night to purchase advanced tickets and will gladly pick up tickets for anyone who interested. Rash can be contacted at cindy.rash@yahoo.com.
The plot of the movie revolves around a former boxer whose alcoholism broke the family apart. His youngest son returns from the Marine Corps and is then trained by his father to compete in a mixed martial arts tournament. The twist comes when the younger son is pitted against his older brother, a high school physics teacher and former mixed martial arts competitor.
Nicole said she would enjoy being in more movies, but for now is focused on completing her senior year at Ball State University. With Spanish as her major, Rash believes being bilingual will help her as she launches her own company specializing in public speaking coaching. Rash said, “This will give me two different target markets.”
She believes her experience in interviewing could prove valuable to those wanting to perfect their interview skills in sports or pageant related areas.
Her own experiences included winning the Miss Indiana Pageant in 2007 and going to place as the first-runner-up in the Miss America Pageant in January of 2008.
The 26-year-old has actually been combining all of her interests for many years.
Before enrolling in college after high school graduation, she spent a year as an exchange student in Bolivia. After beginning her studies at Ball State, she given an opportunity thorough the college to live in Santiago, Chili for a year.
She said, “I was able to perfect my Spanish language skills and learn abut the culture.”
Although she took a career detour to work in film and fashion worlds for a few years, she is now back at Ball State and will graduate in May of 2012.
“I have a full load this semester and then only have two classes to take to finish,” she said. “I will be able to take on assignments in other areas as they come my way.”
Rash said her love of fashion and fashion merchandising is a passion, but for now is more of a hobby.
“I would love to continue with helping others in dress designing, wardrobe styling, and make-up application,” she said.
She credits her family for encouraging her by teaching her good values and being ambitious: “My parents taught me to be confident, but also to stay humble.”
She added, “They invited exchange students into our home through ASS that literally brought the world into my house. Living in Los Angeles taught me to appreciate where I come from and appreciate the Midwest are for sure.”
She also praised the Plymouth Schools where she said she not only got an excellent education, but was offered broadcasting and theater classes where she could practice being on camera and on the stage.
Rash said, “For now, I’m focused on my career. We will just have to see what the future holds.”
Reprinted by permission of The Pilot News
Friday, September 2, 2011
Hammonds brothers plan to re-unite more often
Correspondent
PLYMOUTH - When triplets Keith, Kent and Kyle Hammonds graduated from Plymouth High School in 1976, their careers led them to different destinations. But the close bond that they had growing up is now stronger than ever.
It was only a few months after graduation before Keith joined the Navy and headed for boot camp. He then spent the next 20 years serving in the military before retiring. Now he calls Plymouth home. Keith is the building inspector for the city and also a realtor.
Kent tried three times to join the Navy, but an old sports knee injury kept him from being accepted. It was 1980 before he made it through the physical and then served in the military for two years. He returned to Plymouth and has stayed here ever since. He is employed by New Horizon Communications. He said, “We have always been real close even though we didn’t see each other often after growing up.”
Kyle enlisted within a couple of weeks after graduation and ultimately retired from the Navy as well, after serving for 24 years. He now lives in Washington D.C. and works for the Department of the Navy. Kyle said, “I don’t know where I’ll end up. My wife Vonn is still in the Navy and won’t retire until 2013.”
The last time all three brothers were together was four years ago when Kyle was leaving Tennessee on his way to Washington D.C. and made a short detour to Plymouth.
For the past nine years, Keith and Kent have gone to the Brickyard 400 NASCAR race in Indianapolis and loved every minute of their time together. However, both felt that it would be even better if they could share it with Kyle. After creative planning and maneuvering, that wish come true this year and arrangements were completed in time for Kyle to make the trip to the race and their traditional campout.
Kyle said, “We did nothing but crack jokes and talk about the things we used to do as kids.” They admit they might have given their father James, who passed in 1999, and mother Shirley (Patten) a little trouble now and then. Shirley said they were good boys, but remembers antics like dropping crayons down the heater vents in an older house they lived in.
Shirley said, “What one didn’t think of, the other two did.”
“They entertained each other and actually didn’t talk until they were over three because they had a language of their own to communicate with each other.” Shirley said,
The brothers’ voices sound exactly the same on the phone and they even used the very same words to describe their recent time together.
All three said, “It was a great experience and we are definitely doing it again.”
Plans have already been made for next year including arrangements for the tickets to the Brickyard.
Kyle said he has to leave for Washington before the 35th reunion of the 1976 class, but said he and his brothers held their “own little reunion”.
Reprinted by permission of The Pilot News
Thursday, September 1, 2011
LJH introduces "Achieve 3000"
Correspondent
PLYMOUTH — Lincoln Junior High officially kicked off a new program to some 270 7th graders on August 25 that is designed to help improve their reading, writing, comprehension, and vocabulary skills.
Using the Achieve 3000 materials, students will receive and reply to an email that will direct them to an appropriately leveled nonfiction current events article using real-world topics.
According to Assistant Principal Reid Gault, the program will be used in the science, language arts, and social studies classes two times per week for a total of 70 minutes. Since all students were given a laptop to use both at school and home for the entire school year, students can also use the Achieve 3000, TeenBiz program at home any time they wish.
Gault created some enthusiasm for the project by announcing that the top 10- 7th graders will be rewarded. The competition portion will run from August 26-September 12. According to Gault, teachers will post the names of the leaders each week and the “mystery” rewards will be announced on Family Night, September 12. During Family Night, students will be able to show parents and others how to use the program and their individual success levels.
Rewards are being made possible through the generosity of a community partner. TCU will be providing daily imitation “dollars” to those leading that can be redeemed in the Achieve 3000 store for prizes.
Gault said that on a monthly basis, there will also be rewards for the outstanding achievements. Gault said, “Teachers will choose the Achieve 3000 students of the month.”
Each quarter or every nine weeks, there will be a drawing from the “students of the month” in which two Kindles will be awarded.
One of the most unique parts of Achieve 3000 is the assessment tool that allows students to answer questions pertaining to the articles at their own reading level. As a part of the overall program, students will be assessed continuously to measure their progress and reading/comprehension levels.
After reading an article, the students complete a short, formative assessment in which each question is aligned to the state standards. The program also allows teachers to monitor comprehension and vocabulary mastery. To reinforce the learning, students build critical cognitive skills by writing responses to open-ended questions and writing responses.
Heading up the program for the Plymouth Schools is Carrie Cannon. Cannon is an intern for school corporation completing her PHD requirements. She said, “Teachers from 6th, 7th, and 8th grade levels have been trained and collaborated how they will incorporate this program within several subject areas. The Plymouth Community Schools are also participating in the research aspects of the program.” She added,” We are working with Achieve 3000 to track and monitor our students' academic progress as well as strengthen our instructional processes regarding usage of this educational tool. “
Reprinted by permission of The Pilot News
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