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(04/02/14 4:12am)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>Ten local individuals and organizations received honors at the annual Be More Awards Tuesday night at the Buskirk-Chumley Theater. The awards were given for local volunteerism and involvement.IU graduate students Erikka Vaughn and Carl Darnell received the Be More Engaged Award for creating Free Homework Help Bethel at the African Methodist Episcopal Church. The organization provides weekly tutoring services in various subjects. The award was presented by retired circuit-court judge Viola Taliaferro. “I’m just thankful to the Lord to be a part of this volunteer opportunity,” Vaughn said. “I’m just always overwhelmed at how everyone comes together to make this work. I’m thankful for that.”“Thank you so much,” Darnell said while accepting the award. “We want to give the glory and honor to God.”After the event Vaughn said she felt humbled, inspired and grateful to attend the ceremony and receive an award. IU Best Buddies received the Be More Involved award, given to a college student or organization. IU Dean of Students Harold “Pete” Goldsmith presented the award. “This group provides amazing friendship and leadership opportunities for those with learning disabilities,” Goldsmith said. “Over the years, this group has impacted over 1,000 community members.”The organization partners members with adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. More than 100 students are involved in Best Buddies.Other winners included Susan Welsand from Volunteers in Tutoring Adult Learners, Patty Andrews of the First United Methodist Church Outreach Committee, Centerstone Recovery Engagement Center volunteers, Janice Clevenger with the Monroe County Civic Theater, Stone Belt meal delivery volunteers, Area 10 Agency on Aging, Yasmin Martinez of Key Club of Bloomington, Monroe County Circles Initiative Allies in the South Central Community Action Program and Helen Freeman with Meals on Wheels.Awards were distributed by Mayor Mark Kruzan. Each of the award recipient’s volunteer organizations received $500.The 77 nominees were nominated by other citizens or organizations through an application. A horse from the People and Animal Learning Services network was also nominated.The event was sponsored by the City of Bloomington Volunteer Network, the Community Foundation of Bloomington and Monroe County, the IU Credit Union, the United Way of Monroe County, the Bloomington Entertainment Arts District and WTIU Public Television.
(03/07/14 3:14am)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>A local meat cutter showed off his skills in a national competition for the seventh year in a row last week.Prospero Sotelo, a meat cutter at the Bloomington Texas Roadhouse, attended semi-final rounds of the National Meat Cutting Challenge in Kissimmee, Fla. “The National Meat Cutters Challenge is the only competition of its kind and includes meat cutters from across the nation,” Brent Huntington, Texas Roadhouse product coach manager, said in a press release.This was Sotelo’s seventh time in a row competing, but he did not make it past the semi-finals this year. “I am the No. 1 meat cutter in my restaurant,” Sotelo said in an email. “Every meat cutter in each store gets a chance to participate if they are considered full-time employees.”Sotelo has worked at Texas Roadhouse for 13 years.The event is a competition for Texas Roadhouse meat cutters to be judged on the quality and quickness of their cutting. Competitors slice two sirloin, one filet and one ribeye steak. “They give us a certain amount of time to steak all of the different muscles,” Sotelo said about his strategies for the competition. “I always use all of the time they give me to make sure my cuts meet the specifications.”The winner — whoever cuts the most steaks with the best quality cut in the least amount of time — receives $20,000 and the title of Meat Cutter of the Year. Sotelo won the grand prize in 2006. He said he spent some of his winnings on his family and saved the rest.The 35-year-old Bloomington resident hand cuts every steak served at Bloomington’s Texas Roadhouse. “I learned everything at Texas Roadhouse,” he said. “I started cutting meat soon after I was hired, and it is something I enjoy as a job and as a hobby.”Nick Workman, managing partner of the Bloomington Texas Roadhouse, said Sotelo is a dedicated worker.“It’s awesome,” Workman said. “He is here every morning in our 30-degree cooler cutting steak.” To prepare, Sotelo said he practiced at work each day, even on his days off. Workman said Sotelo is the only employee from the Bloomington Texas Roadhouse to compete in the national competition.A series of regional competitions took place prior to the national events. Semi-finals took place in Kissimmee, Fla., narrowing the competition down to 24 meat cutters. The top eight will compete April 27 in Amelia Island, Fla.Sotelo said his favorite part of the competition is meeting other meat cutters. “It is nice to talk about my job with people who do the same thing,” he said. The National Meat Cutting Challenge is part of the Meat Hero program, created to recognize daily efforts of Texas Roadhouse meat cutters, a release for the event said.This year’s competition is in partnership with A1. Texas Roadhouse donates meat used in the competition to people experiencing homelessness.
(02/24/14 3:27am)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>“Nachtmusik,” a German word for serenade, was music to the ears of a Martinsville East middle schooler during the weekend.Alexandria Wilt won the 11th annual IU Bee, a regional competition for the Scripps Annual Spelling Bee, on Saturday. Wilt, an eighth-grader at Martinsville East Middle School, outspelled 26 other contestants in 15 rounds and confirmed her victory in a championship round by spelling “nachtmusik.”“I just wanted to scream,” Wilt said about how she felt upon winning the bee.Wilt will travel to Washington, D.C., in May to compete in the national competition. Twenty-seven students from five area counties competed in front of a completely full auditorium in the Monroe County Public Library. Contestants ranged from grades four to eight. Some donned their Sunday best, and others wore everyday jeans and fleeces. Some were eliminated on their first words, parting the stage after the proctors’ routine, “I’m sorry.” Some stayed to hear the bell’s ding affirm a correct spelling many times over.Pronouncer Allan Murphy gave words of encouragement at the beginning of the competition.“This is a room full of champions,” Murphy said. To enter the regional competition, spellers had to win their school or local bees. Wilt said she won her school’s bee a few weeks ago.Wilt said going to the national championship has always been a dream of hers. “There was a girl from my town who went to D.C. twice in a row, and I looked up to her,” she said. As the winner, Wilt’s trip to D.C. is paid for, as well as for one of her parents. Wilt and her parents, Chris and Cindy, are not sure which one will go yet.“That’s where the fight begins,” Chris said, jokingly.Wilt also won a year-long subscription to the Britannica Encyclopedia, a Merriam-Webster Third New International Dictionary and a 2014 United States mint proof set.Runner-up Jacob Lacanienta, a fifth-grader at Summit Elementary School, also won a Merriam-Webster Third New International Dictionary.Teresa White, director of the IU High School Journalism Institute, handed out the awards, telling Wilt she could use the dictionary to study for the national bee. Wilt said she practiced orally spelling words from a practice packet, which featured her winning word. Her parents said she used an online program from Scripps to help prepare.Cindy said this was Wilt’s fourth time competing in the regional bee.“We knew she could do it,” Cindy said.Follow reporter Emily Ernsberger on Twitter @emilyernsberger.
(02/17/14 3:06am)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>The St. Charles Catholic Church organized its second-annual fundraiser event Sunday for the Crisis Pregnancy Center of Bloomington and Hannah House Maternity Home. Money raised will pay for supplies given to mothers and families by the center, child birth educator Brandy Krebbs said.The center provides various types of parenting classes, counseling and tests for mothers and fathers, as well as services for children while parents receive assistance.St. Charles member Rose Thomas came up with the idea for last year’s fundraiser, which raised approximately $1,300, said Ann Collins, director of development of the Crisis Pregnancy Center and Hannah House.“St. Charles is one of our biggest contributors,” Collins said. \At the fundraiser, attendees donated money and gifts for children and parents assisted by the pregnancy center. Students of St. Charles school and accordion-piano duo Lou and Lenny Newman performed musical pieces for guests.Food and flowers for the event were donated by Kroger, and church members made desserts. Krebbs said some supplies are free to parents, but others must be purchased or earned by attending classes. For example, parents who attend the center’s class on safe sleeping, which teaches parents how to have their child rest to avoid sudden infant death syndrome, earn a free pack-and-play pin and bassinet. After taking other classes, parents can earn baby bucks to purchase other supplies from the center, Krebbs said. “It means more to people when they work for it,” Krebbs said. The Crisis Pregnancy Center and the Hannah House plan fundraisers throughout the year, Collins said. These include a radio telethon in April, walks, runs and a gala.Some of the supplies the center gives out include bottles, high chairs, formula and diapers. Thomas, a member of St. Charles Catholic Church for 15 years, said she came up with the idea after she visited the church her daughter attends in Maryland, which had a similar event. She said she expected about 50 people to attend last year. Instead, about 100 people turned out. “It’s a terrific thing,” Thomas said. “We have the best location in town.”Thomas said she was glad to help save lives by helping the organization.Collins expressed her thanks during an address to attendees.“We appreciate you coming out and celebrating life with you today,” Collins said. Follow reporter Emily Ernsberger on Twitter @emilyernsberger.
(02/11/14 4:48am)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>A local woodlands project is growing much like the plants volunteers are restoring. The Fruits of the Forest initiative is a new addition to the Bloomington Urban Woodlands Project, a partnership between IU, Monroe County Identify and Reduce Invasive Species, the Sassafras Audubon Society and City of Bloomington Parks and Recreation, to educate and involve the public in plant restoration and invasive species removal. The initiative involves school children in the restoration of Dunn’s Woods and Harmony School’s campus. The Urban Woodlands Project has also partnered with the Monroe County Identify and Remove Invasive Species organization and local nursery retailers to provide information about native and exotic plants to customers, IU Biology professor Heather Reynolds said, in order to shift consumer preferences. “Our long-term goal is to expand our network of urban woodlands throughout Bloomington,” Reynolds said.Students involved in Fruits of the Forest will plant trees native to Indiana in Dunn’s Woods and Harmony School’s campus. Christian said species include American hazelnut, American plum and red mulberry trees. The plants are edible and will be used in activities geared toward the younger students, Christian said, such as making snacks and tie-dying shirts. She said they also hope to send students home with persimmon trees to plant.The planting process will include emphasis on organic cultivation techniques, Reynolds said. Instead of using pesticides to stop weeds from growing, twigs, leaves and mulch can be placed around plants. She said this method also helps hold moisture and add nutrients to the soil.Christian is currently working with 13 students between 7th and 12th grade who mentor elementary students during the planting process as well as one elementary school class twice a month during the school day.Christian said the older students will incorporate educational benefits while teaching younger students. “Teaching is the best way to solidify ideas,” Christian said.Reynolds and graduate student Natalie Christian came up with the idea last year and applied for a grant from the George E. Archer foundation in the fall. They received a $2,100 grant in December, Christian said.The Urban Woodlands Project also received funding from the Toyota TogetherGreen foundation, a partnership between Toyota and the National Audubon Society, prior to Reynolds’ and Christian’s coming up with the idea for Fruits of the Forest, Christian said. “Fruits of the Forest supports our educational initiative,” Reynolds said.The Urban Woodlands Project is currently working on restoration of Dunn’s and Latimer woods, Reynolds said. Volunteers can join the project on restoration days to remove the invasive species and plant native ones. Winter sessions are held in area greenhouses. Reynolds said a new initiative has started restoration in two Bloomington neighborhoods. Somax and Arder Place were chosen by the Urban Woodlands Project to teach residents about invasive species and restoring native plants in the neighborhoods. All Bloomington residents may help with the project. However, there was only enough funding for two neighborhoods, Reynolds said.Christian said working with the children on this project is a great motivator. “I’ve never worked with children before,” she said. “They have a lot of energy, and it gets me excited to get up and share my knowledge with them, and they are so enthusiastic to share knowledge.”Reynolds said she is glad to have the project reach out to children as well.“It’s wonderful,” she said. “It’s an opportunity to share the value and special qualities of our urban nature that touches our lives in so many ways with the next generation.”Follow reporter Emily Ernsberger on Twitter @emilyernsberger.
(02/10/14 10:22pm)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>A local woodlands project is growing much like the plants volunteers are restoring. The Fruits of the Forest initiative is a new addition to the Bloomington Urban Woodlands Project, a partnership between IU, Monroe County Identify and Reduce Invasive Species, the Sassafras Audubon Society and City of Bloomington Parks and Recreation to educate and involve the public in plant restoration and invasive species removal. The initiative involves school children in the restoration of Dunn’s Woods and Harmony School’s campus. The Urban Woodlands Project has also partnered with the Monroe County Identify and Remove Invasive Species organization and local nursery retailers to provide information about native and exotic plants to customers, IU Biology professor Heather Reynolds said, in order to shift consumer preferences. “Our long-term goal is to expand our network of urban woodlands throughout Bloomington,” Reynolds said.Students involved in Fruits of the Forest will plant trees native to Indiana in Dunn’s Woods and Harmony School’s campus. Christian said species include American hazelnut, American plum and red mulberry trees. All of the plants are edible and will be used in activities geared toward the younger students, such as making snacks and tie-dying shirts, Christian said. She said they also hope to send students home with persimmon trees to plant.The planting process will include emphasis on organic cultivation techniques, Reynolds said. Instead of using pesticides to stop weeds from growing, twigs, leaves and mulch can be placed around plants. She also said this method helps hold moisture and add nutrients to the soil.Christian is currently working with 13 students between 7th and 12th grade who mentor elementary students during the planting process as well as one elementary school class twice a month during the school day.Christian said the older students will incorporate educational benefits while teaching the younger students. “Teaching is the best way to solidify ideas,” Christian said.Reynolds and graduate student Natalie Christian came up with the idea last year and applied for a grant from the George E. Archer foundation in the fall. They received a $2,100 grant in December, Christian said.The Urban Woodlands Project also received funding from the Toyota TogetherGreen foundation, a partnership between Toyota and the National Audubon Society, prior to Reynolds’ and Christian’s coming up with the idea for Fruits of the Forest, Christian said. “Fruits of the Forest supports our educational initiative,” Reynolds said.The Urban Woodlands Project is currently working on restoration of Dunn’s and Latimer woods, Reynolds said. Volunteers can join the project on restoration days to remove the invasive species and plant native ones. Winter sessions are held in area greenhouses. Reynolds said a new initiative has started restoration in two Bloomington neighborhoods. Somax and Arder Place were chosen by the Urban Woodlands Project to teach residents about invasive species and restoring native plants in the neighborhoods. All Bloomington residents may help with the project. However, there was only enough funding for two neighborhoods, Reynolds said.Christian said working with the children on this project is a great motivator. “I’ve never worked with children before,” she said. “They have a lot of energy, and it gets me excited to get up and share my knowledge with them, and they are so enthusiastic to share knowledge.”Reynolds said she is glad to have the project reach out to children as well.“It’s wonderful,” she said. “It’s an opportunity to share the value and special qualities of our urban nature that touches our lives in so many ways with the next generation.”Follow reporter Emily Ernsberger on Twitter @emilyernsberger.
(02/04/14 4:01am)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>Folk singer Anais Mitchell will play a few well-known stories to contemporary folk music at 8 tonight at the Buskirk-Chumley Theater.Mitchell will open for singer-songwriter Patty Griffin. General tickets are $20 and student tickets are available for $15 with a valid student ID. Mitchell’s latest album, “Child Ballads,” was named one of the best folk albums of 2013 by NPR and nominated for best folk album and best traditional song by the BBC Radio 2. Mitchell said being recognized by NPR was a surprise. “I didn’t expect a (traditional) record to get that kind of recognition, the songs coming as they do from another time and another place,” she said. “Proof that these weird, beautiful, ancient stories still have the power to move people.”The album features seven covers of 19th century scholar Francis James Child’s English and Scottish Popular Ballads. Mitchell collaborated with singer-songwriter Jefferson Hamer to create the album. Many folk singers have covered the “Child Ballads” in the past, which Mitchell said influenced which songs they chose to record. For instance, Mitchell said the first songs they arranged were previously-covered pieces that they admired, such as Martin Carthy’s version of “Willie’s Lady” and Nic Jones’s “Penguin Eggs.”Mitchell said she and Hamer did not initially intend to cover only Child’s works on this album, but the more they looked at the stories, the more they wanted to arrange his works.“A lot of these stories are love stories, stories about lovers who have to overcome great odds to be together,” Mitchell said. “Sometimes they win, sometimes they lose, but there’s always that passion. It’s fun to sing that kind of passion.”In order to feel that passion, Mitchell said she and Hamer recorded the album without wearing headphones in the recording studio. “It was such a lovely way to record,” she said. “Just two guitars, two voices in a room as close to each other as we could get without too much microphone bleed.”She said while the process seemed simple, it took the two artists a long time to be able to sit down and record that way.Hamer will not be performing or touring with her, Mitchell said. Her performance tonight will be followed by a performance from Grammy-winning folk artist Patty Griffin.Griffin’s album “American Kid” was also one of NPR’s best folk albums of 2013. “She is an angel and her music is so consistent and so inspiring,” Mitchell said. “There’s no one like her.”Mitchell last performed in Bloomington in April 2012 with the Young Man Band.Mitchell said she has also been spending time with her daughter and husband, who are accompanying her on the tour.“It’s a family tour,” she said. “Child Ballads” is Mitchell’s fifth studio album. The Vermont-native started her own recording label called Wilderland Records in 2012. This is her second album with her own label. Mitchell said she is currently working on new music for an extended release version of her 2010 folk opera-based album “Hadestown,” which she said will likely be released in August.