Samantha Reif, professor of geology, helped Brownie Troop #6153 of the Athens/Cantrall area this week to earn their Brownie “Space Science Adventurer” Badge. She taught the girls how create a constellation viewer, introduced them to planet squishies Jupiter and Pluto, taught the girls about moon phases using Oreo cookies and set up her telescope at Cantrall Elementary School so the girls could see the moon up close. The troop is led by Amy Chernowsky, instructional designer.

Jessie Blackburn, director, LLCC-Litchfield, represented LLCC as part of the iDream program created by University of Illinois Extension. The iDream program is in response to children in our society being under stress and not always having the tools they need to create and pursue their dreams in life. The program encourages students to have dreams for themselves and teaches them how to take action towards those dreams, while also making sure they know they are supported in their journey by their community. Litchfield School District is the first in Montgomery County to participate in this curriculum. Jessie visited LHS on Feb. 5 as a community leader to share with 12^th graders a lesson on taking their dreams and creating a vision board to outline specific priorities and goals for themselves as they begin their post-secondary journey.

Patrick Moore, director, concurrent enrollment, and Kyla Kruse, assistant director, public relations, graduated from Leadership Springfield at a ceremony held Feb. 7. Leadership Springfield is a 14-week series of half-day programs, sponsored by the Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce, during which participants gain leadership skills and in-depth exposure to critical issues affecting the Springfield area. Outside of the regular program sessions, participants were challenged to exercise creativity and problem-solving skills as they worked in teams on projects for the benefit of area not-for-profit organizations. Patrick’s team created a marketing video for Senior Services of Central Illinois to increase awareness of its mission and services, and Kyla’s team conducted research, a survey and outreach to local businesses to develop recommendations for increasing volunteerism at Habitat for Humanity of Sangamon County.

Tony Rothering, professor of biology, will present the “Scientific Value of Bird Banding” at Adams Wildlife Sanctuary on Dec. 19 at 6 p.m. He will be discussing the scientific value of bird banding and providing an update on bird banding projects in the Springfield area. The event is free and open to the public.

Rihab Sawah, assistant professor of physics, will discuss “Stamps of Hope,” the Syrian refugee artists traveling exhibit, at a presentation on Sunday, Dec. 29, 10:30 a.m. at Abraham Lincoln Unitarian Universalist Congregation (ALUUC). The exhibit opened and was hosted on campus in October and November. Some of the remaining artwork will be on display at ALUUC. More than half of the artwork sold while on display at LLCC.

Dee Krueger, director LLCC-Taylorville, recently provided information on LLCC-Taylorville to the local Kiwanis, Optimist and Sertoma clubs.

Sheridan Lane, interim director, culinary program and operations, provided a cooking demonstration of roasted pumpkin bruschetta with goat cheese at the Old Capitol Farmers Market on Saturday, Sept. 14.

Dr. Chris McDonald, professor of political science, talked to a group of 20 students at Springfield High School where they are starting a Model United Nations club.