Alpha Sigma Tau: Sorority at Western Illinois University
Walking on the hilly sidewalks behind the football stadium at Western Illinois University, one might notice large signs saying ‘Go Greek.’ For a girl considering rushing into a sorority this year, the girls in the sorority would probably like to know what their sorority stands for.
Alpha Sigma Tau (AST) is one of nine sororities at WIU. Junior, Sarah Kee, who rushed her freshman year in Fall of 2007 says, “Our sorority prides ourselves on being such a diverse group of girls. We are really hoping that we can recruit a lot of girls that have a lot of different interests.”
“Joining a sorority in college is an excellent way to become involved with the school and community. It is also a great way to meet new people who end up becoming very good friends,” Kee said.
“This year we are hoping to become closer as a chapter by doing more activities together as a whole to minimize clicks within our house,” says Junior Maggie Toraason, who has been a member of AST since Spring 2008.
Grade point average is a very crucial aspect of joining a sorority. Each house competes with the others in hopes of having the highest GPA on campus.
“This year we are going to strive to increase our GPA as a whole so we wont be third place in grades anymore,” Maggie says.
Some people may think that the sororities are separated and seclude themselves from the others but that is not the case at all. Many girls that are in different sororities at Western are good friends with each other. In fact, the Greek communities, including the fraternities come together for events and activities.
“We are hoping to get closer with some of the other sororities and possibly have exchanges with them so we are closer as a Greek community,” junior Jade Forsythe said.
Rushing into a sorority is certainly not for everybody, but it is something that one should consider. Alpha Sigma Tau has a group of diverse girls who are fun and welcoming. They have set strong goals for this upcoming year and are very anxious to meet their new members.
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Top 5 Places Story
Named the second best place to live in America by Money Magazine in 2006 and pulling in the No. 3 spot in 2008, Naperville, IL has become one of the most well known cities in America. Naperville has skyrocketed from about 35,000 in 1980 to 140,000 people. The community’s excellent school districts are a major reason why so many families are relocating to this booming town.
Whether you live in Naperville or just want to spend some time there, you might want to know some of Naperville’s hot spots or fun things to do around the town. In reverse order, here are the top 5 places to enjoy in Naperville:
5. The Riverwalk: Located in the heart of downtown Naperville, the Riverwalk parallels the DuPage River, passing the many shops and resturants that Naperville has to offer. It is a great way to experience the beauty of downtown Naperville. The walk winds through several parks for children and this is also a great place to put on some running shoes and take a jog around the town.
4. DuPage Children’s Museum: This kid-friendly museum is divided into neighborhoods where kids are free to be able to play and learn. There are also workshops and programs offered regularly. Some highlights include a toddler play area, a huge Lite Brite, giant Tinker Toys, and an arts and crafts studio.
3. Centennial Beach: Believe it or not, there is an actual sanded beach in downtown Naperville. The beach is an old cory which they filled up and created an enormous pool with a highdive, low dive, swings, sand, and volleyball courts. Centennial Beach is a perfect place to go with family or friends to have a fun day in the sun.
2. Ribfest: If you want to come when Naperville is really booming, come July 1-July 5th for Naperville’s yearly Ribfest. It is a four day food and entertainment fest in Knoch Park. It features usually 15 to 20 different rib vendors from around the country along with several other food choices, rides, and games. This year musical guests will include Heart on the opening night and Huey Lewis and the News on the last night.
1. Downtown Naperville: If you want to experience the variety of bars and restaurants Naperville has to offer, all you have to do is walk the streets of downtown Naperville. There are several different bars to choose from including; Features, Rizzos, Bar Louie, and Jimmy’s Bar and Grill. Popular restaurants that you can find in the same area would be Sullivan’s Steakhouse and Potter’s Place, which offer the best Mexican food and margaritas in town. BD’s Mongolian BBQ is also one of Naperville’s hot spots for a delicious meal. By going out to Downtown Naperville for drinks and dinner you will be able to hit some of the other spots on the list such as the Riverwalk which outlines downtown.
Naperville, Illinois has been called one of the best places in the country. It’s great to not only to raise a family but also to start a new life. With the variety of events and places this town has to offer, there is never a dull moment in Naperville. Come and see what Naperville has to offer. Once you get here you probably won’t want to leave.
Whether you live in Naperville or just want to spend some time there, you might want to know some of Naperville’s hot spots or fun things to do around the town. In reverse order, here are the top 5 places to enjoy in Naperville:
5. The Riverwalk: Located in the heart of downtown Naperville, the Riverwalk parallels the DuPage River, passing the many shops and resturants that Naperville has to offer. It is a great way to experience the beauty of downtown Naperville. The walk winds through several parks for children and this is also a great place to put on some running shoes and take a jog around the town.
4. DuPage Children’s Museum: This kid-friendly museum is divided into neighborhoods where kids are free to be able to play and learn. There are also workshops and programs offered regularly. Some highlights include a toddler play area, a huge Lite Brite, giant Tinker Toys, and an arts and crafts studio.
3. Centennial Beach: Believe it or not, there is an actual sanded beach in downtown Naperville. The beach is an old cory which they filled up and created an enormous pool with a highdive, low dive, swings, sand, and volleyball courts. Centennial Beach is a perfect place to go with family or friends to have a fun day in the sun.
2. Ribfest: If you want to come when Naperville is really booming, come July 1-July 5th for Naperville’s yearly Ribfest. It is a four day food and entertainment fest in Knoch Park. It features usually 15 to 20 different rib vendors from around the country along with several other food choices, rides, and games. This year musical guests will include Heart on the opening night and Huey Lewis and the News on the last night.
1. Downtown Naperville: If you want to experience the variety of bars and restaurants Naperville has to offer, all you have to do is walk the streets of downtown Naperville. There are several different bars to choose from including; Features, Rizzos, Bar Louie, and Jimmy’s Bar and Grill. Popular restaurants that you can find in the same area would be Sullivan’s Steakhouse and Potter’s Place, which offer the best Mexican food and margaritas in town. BD’s Mongolian BBQ is also one of Naperville’s hot spots for a delicious meal. By going out to Downtown Naperville for drinks and dinner you will be able to hit some of the other spots on the list such as the Riverwalk which outlines downtown.
Naperville, Illinois has been called one of the best places in the country. It’s great to not only to raise a family but also to start a new life. With the variety of events and places this town has to offer, there is never a dull moment in Naperville. Come and see what Naperville has to offer. Once you get here you probably won’t want to leave.
Interview with Demi Romano
Demi Romano, from Naperville, Illinois is a 21-year-old junior at Spoon River College, has been a musician since she was seven years old. It was then that she learned how to play the guitar and how to write her own music. I am sitting in her bedroom where I see three acoustic guitars hanging on the walls. She informs me that the one hanging in the middle is a Taylor guitar, which to musicians is a pretty big deal in the guitar world.
Christine: Demi, that is quite a collection of guitars you have hanging there, which one means the most to you?
Demi: Although my Taylor guitar is my most prized possession, the guitar that I have on the left is the one I play on most of the time. It was my first guitar, and for some reason I feel comfortable with it.
Christine: When you were seven and started to play, what inspired you to do so?
Demi: My dad grew up playing the guitar. If you think my collection is nice you should see his. By learning to play the guitar it gave my dad and I a connection, and we were able to spend more time together.
Christine: What is the most difficult part of writing your own music?
Demi: My best songs seem to just spill out of me. When I am just sitting there determined to think of something I get writers block. My songs are based off of experiences I have been through, or love in general.
Christine: Taylor Swift writes most of her songs based off of love. Would you say that your songs are similar to hers?
Demi: Yes and No. I do have love songs, but I don’t limit myself to just writing about it. Everybody can relate to love songs, that’s why they are so easy to listen to but I like to write about life as a whole.
Christine: What do you hope to accomplish as a musician? Where would you like to see yourself in a few years from now?
Demi: When I was younger I aspired to be a famous singer and songwriter. But now, I am not sure if I could handle the fame aspect of it. I enjoy doing this in my free time, but I am a psychology major and that is my priority now as a college student.
Christine: An education is the most important thing in life. If you are not going to pursue music, what do you hope to do with it in the future?
Demi: When I have children I would love for music to be a part of their life growing up like it was for me. I would also love to teach music lessons after I am finished with college.
Christine: I have really enjoyed discussing your musical talent with you. Thank you for your time with me today.
Demi: You are very welcome. Anytime I have the opportunity to discuss my music I take it!
Christine: Demi, that is quite a collection of guitars you have hanging there, which one means the most to you?
Demi: Although my Taylor guitar is my most prized possession, the guitar that I have on the left is the one I play on most of the time. It was my first guitar, and for some reason I feel comfortable with it.
Christine: When you were seven and started to play, what inspired you to do so?
Demi: My dad grew up playing the guitar. If you think my collection is nice you should see his. By learning to play the guitar it gave my dad and I a connection, and we were able to spend more time together.
Christine: What is the most difficult part of writing your own music?
Demi: My best songs seem to just spill out of me. When I am just sitting there determined to think of something I get writers block. My songs are based off of experiences I have been through, or love in general.
Christine: Taylor Swift writes most of her songs based off of love. Would you say that your songs are similar to hers?
Demi: Yes and No. I do have love songs, but I don’t limit myself to just writing about it. Everybody can relate to love songs, that’s why they are so easy to listen to but I like to write about life as a whole.
Christine: What do you hope to accomplish as a musician? Where would you like to see yourself in a few years from now?
Demi: When I was younger I aspired to be a famous singer and songwriter. But now, I am not sure if I could handle the fame aspect of it. I enjoy doing this in my free time, but I am a psychology major and that is my priority now as a college student.
Christine: An education is the most important thing in life. If you are not going to pursue music, what do you hope to do with it in the future?
Demi: When I have children I would love for music to be a part of their life growing up like it was for me. I would also love to teach music lessons after I am finished with college.
Christine: I have really enjoyed discussing your musical talent with you. Thank you for your time with me today.
Demi: You are very welcome. Anytime I have the opportunity to discuss my music I take it!
Naperville Bars
My hometown of Naperville, Illinois is a booming suburb of Chicago with nearly 150,000 people. With numerous businesses and a variety of restaurants to choose from, sometimes it may be difficult to know where to look. I have selected three popular bars in Downtown Naperville and compared them to make it a little easier for the consumers.
Features Bar and Grill is one of the local hot spots where Naperville residents and travelers like to stop. “I have been working as a bartender here for two years now and I love it. During the week and weekends we have great deals on drinks. We have $2.50 draft specials on Monday nights. There is always a good crowd while I’m working,” 23-year-old Adam Johnson says. During the day, Features is a great place for friends and family to come hang out, have a burger and watch sports on several televisions. By nighttime, Features becomes a fun hang out bar, especially for college students.
“I love coming here when I am home from school. It is almost like a high-school reunion when all of my friends from other colleges are home on breaks,” 22-year-old Senior at Illinios State Univeristy, Kim Paral says.
Jimmy’s Bar and Grill, which is located right across the street from Features is another popular tavern in Naperville. Jimmy’s is a family-friendly restaurant during the day. “After I take my kids to Centennial Beach during the summer, they always want to eat at Jimmy’s afterwards,” Naperville resident Jeanine Dale says. “They have an affordable menu with a lot of good variety.”
If you are a broke college student and are looking for with great food and drink specials on the weekends this is a great place to go. “During the fall season we have certain specials. On Friday and Saturday we have ½ priced bottles of wine. We also have $2.00 beer specials every night of the week,” server Megan McDonald says.
The last place on the list is Rizzo’s. Rizzo’s is another hotspot amongst the college students. “Monday night is our Pint Night. It’s $1.00 draft beers and half priced wings. Wednesday is our Blues and Wine night. It’s $1.99 soup or salad and half priced bottles of wine with a live blues band. On Friday and Saturday nights we have $6.00 bomb drinks of any flavor,” bartender Jamie Krug says. Rizzo’s is a two story bar filled with music and dancing on the weekends.
The next time you are in Naperville be sure to check out these three places. Now you know a little more about what each has to offer. Delicious bar food, good drink specials, and a lively crowd will make for a fun night out on the town.
Features Bar and Grill is one of the local hot spots where Naperville residents and travelers like to stop. “I have been working as a bartender here for two years now and I love it. During the week and weekends we have great deals on drinks. We have $2.50 draft specials on Monday nights. There is always a good crowd while I’m working,” 23-year-old Adam Johnson says. During the day, Features is a great place for friends and family to come hang out, have a burger and watch sports on several televisions. By nighttime, Features becomes a fun hang out bar, especially for college students.
“I love coming here when I am home from school. It is almost like a high-school reunion when all of my friends from other colleges are home on breaks,” 22-year-old Senior at Illinios State Univeristy, Kim Paral says.
Jimmy’s Bar and Grill, which is located right across the street from Features is another popular tavern in Naperville. Jimmy’s is a family-friendly restaurant during the day. “After I take my kids to Centennial Beach during the summer, they always want to eat at Jimmy’s afterwards,” Naperville resident Jeanine Dale says. “They have an affordable menu with a lot of good variety.”
If you are a broke college student and are looking for with great food and drink specials on the weekends this is a great place to go. “During the fall season we have certain specials. On Friday and Saturday we have ½ priced bottles of wine. We also have $2.00 beer specials every night of the week,” server Megan McDonald says.
The last place on the list is Rizzo’s. Rizzo’s is another hotspot amongst the college students. “Monday night is our Pint Night. It’s $1.00 draft beers and half priced wings. Wednesday is our Blues and Wine night. It’s $1.99 soup or salad and half priced bottles of wine with a live blues band. On Friday and Saturday nights we have $6.00 bomb drinks of any flavor,” bartender Jamie Krug says. Rizzo’s is a two story bar filled with music and dancing on the weekends.
The next time you are in Naperville be sure to check out these three places. Now you know a little more about what each has to offer. Delicious bar food, good drink specials, and a lively crowd will make for a fun night out on the town.
Several Moves
For those of us who have lived in the same town and grew up with the same people all the way until we graduated from high school, it is difficult imagining moving and having to meet new people. Bree Taylor, unfortunately she had to endure this ritual six times while growing up.
Taylor was born in Memphis, Tennessee on September 29, 1988. She grew up there with her older twin brothers, Brian and Brad, along with and her mom and dad until she was three years old. It was then that her life began to move at a fast pace.
“My dad kept getting transferred around the country for work,” she says. “We moved twice before I was 8 years old. I don’t remember those moves very much. It wasn’t until we moved to Charlotte, North Carolina when I was in 7th grade, which was a difficult adjustment.”
Teenage years are painful enough for the average person who hasn’t moved in their life. It is during the duration of your teenage years that you learn who you are and what you want to be. Moving to a new place on a yearly basis can be complicated for a teenage girl. Bree decided to make the best out of starting over in new places and to be optimistic about moving so frequently.
“Surprisingly, I still keep in contact with a lot of my old friends. Even though I have moved so many times it is nice to still have those different groups. I lived in Naperville, Illinois, when I was five and my dad was actually transferred back there when I was going to be a freshman in high school. This would have been a tough adjustment if I hadn’t already had some friends there,” she says.
She has experienced a lifestyle in which few people can relate to. Growing up scattered around the country is not the ordinary life most are accustomed to.
“When I mention to people all of the times I have moved they are in shock. I’m not going to lie, adjusting to this lifestyle was hard at first but it made me who I am today. I am a very outgoing person that loves to meet new people and go to new places. I wouldn’t change my upbringing for anything,” Taylor said.
Taylor was born in Memphis, Tennessee on September 29, 1988. She grew up there with her older twin brothers, Brian and Brad, along with and her mom and dad until she was three years old. It was then that her life began to move at a fast pace.
“My dad kept getting transferred around the country for work,” she says. “We moved twice before I was 8 years old. I don’t remember those moves very much. It wasn’t until we moved to Charlotte, North Carolina when I was in 7th grade, which was a difficult adjustment.”
Teenage years are painful enough for the average person who hasn’t moved in their life. It is during the duration of your teenage years that you learn who you are and what you want to be. Moving to a new place on a yearly basis can be complicated for a teenage girl. Bree decided to make the best out of starting over in new places and to be optimistic about moving so frequently.
“Surprisingly, I still keep in contact with a lot of my old friends. Even though I have moved so many times it is nice to still have those different groups. I lived in Naperville, Illinois, when I was five and my dad was actually transferred back there when I was going to be a freshman in high school. This would have been a tough adjustment if I hadn’t already had some friends there,” she says.
She has experienced a lifestyle in which few people can relate to. Growing up scattered around the country is not the ordinary life most are accustomed to.
“When I mention to people all of the times I have moved they are in shock. I’m not going to lie, adjusting to this lifestyle was hard at first but it made me who I am today. I am a very outgoing person that loves to meet new people and go to new places. I wouldn’t change my upbringing for anything,” Taylor said.
Friday, December 4, 2009
Humor Feature
It was just an ordinary day after school during our senior year in high school. My friends and I would always go to my friend, Cammy's to hangout after a long day in classes. Our usual routine consisted of watching some television, taking a little nap, waking up and getting dinner at Subway or one of our other favorite fast-food places.
I can recall this specific day as if it was yesterday. Cammy, Bree, Maureen and I were eating our sandwiches on Cammy's bed. Lying around and talking was one of our favorite things to do. We were sharing some funny stories when all of a sudden my friend Bree said, "Um, guys, I think you have to get off the bed. I just peed in my pants!"
I can guarantee that you have never seen four girls move so fast. Maureen, Cammy and I were rolling on the floor because we were laughing so hard.
"Come on guys, it isn't that funny!" Bree yelled to us.
When Bree laughs really hard she tends to wet her pants, but this was the first time I experienced it fist hand. I believe laughter helps keep people sane. When I am down or upset about something, I try to remember an instance where I was really happy and this memory always does the job of cheering me up.
I can't remember the last time I laughed so hard. Everyone has at least one memory where they uncontrollably laughed so hard that their stomach hurt. This was one of mine. I wish I could remember what it was that made her laugh so hard that she peed in her pants, but all that I can remember is how funny the aftermath of it was.
This is something that she will never live down. Bree is still one of my best friends, and when I feel like giving her a hard time I love to bring this up. Now take into account this has happened quite a few times since then, but the first time will always be one of my funniest life memories.
I can recall this specific day as if it was yesterday. Cammy, Bree, Maureen and I were eating our sandwiches on Cammy's bed. Lying around and talking was one of our favorite things to do. We were sharing some funny stories when all of a sudden my friend Bree said, "Um, guys, I think you have to get off the bed. I just peed in my pants!"
I can guarantee that you have never seen four girls move so fast. Maureen, Cammy and I were rolling on the floor because we were laughing so hard.
"Come on guys, it isn't that funny!" Bree yelled to us.
When Bree laughs really hard she tends to wet her pants, but this was the first time I experienced it fist hand. I believe laughter helps keep people sane. When I am down or upset about something, I try to remember an instance where I was really happy and this memory always does the job of cheering me up.
I can't remember the last time I laughed so hard. Everyone has at least one memory where they uncontrollably laughed so hard that their stomach hurt. This was one of mine. I wish I could remember what it was that made her laugh so hard that she peed in her pants, but all that I can remember is how funny the aftermath of it was.
This is something that she will never live down. Bree is still one of my best friends, and when I feel like giving her a hard time I love to bring this up. Now take into account this has happened quite a few times since then, but the first time will always be one of my funniest life memories.
Odd Job
Ideally people grow up and would like to have a job they are passionate about. A Naperville woman, Jane Dale, takes this to a whole new level. Dale is a 35-year-old married woman and a mother of two girls. Unfortunately, her husband Mike is allergic to dogs so she found another way to combine her love for dogs with working. She opened a dog-walking service.
It is difficult having animals and being away at work all day. In many Naperville neighborhoods, the majority of husbands and wives have jobs.
“Since I am at home during the day anyways, I have made my own dog walking business for our neighborhood. I enjoy walking with them and playing with them so that they aren’t kept inside and in a cage all day,” Dale says. “I have been an animal lover my entire life. I’m sad that my family isn’t able to have a dog of our own, but I make the most out of it by providing my services to the families that have dogs and need attention during the day.”
Dale doesn’t even charge her customers for her help. She believes that it is payment enough to be able to play with dogs that her family can never have.
“Although Jane refuses to accept any money, I treat her with a nice bottle of wine or take her out to dinner to show my appreciation,” one of her customers, Deb Wysocki says.
Her favorite part about her walking dog business is that she becomes so close to the owners, she feels like the dogs are partly hers as well. She is able to get the happiness and joy out of the dogs without actually owning one.
“My friends all thought I was a little crazy when I first mentioned this idea to them. They all know how desperately I wish that I were able to have a dog so they approved of the idea immediately,” she says. “ I think they let me at first to be nice, but now I think they really appreciate it. Their dogs are able to get to go outside and have interaction during the day instead of being cooped up inside.”
Although it is not a very common job, Dale receives much pleasure out walking the dogs each day. Being a stay at home mom can get very boring sometimes, but she has found a great way to stay busy.
“Some people get caught up in their jobs, I get tangled up,” she laughs.
It is difficult having animals and being away at work all day. In many Naperville neighborhoods, the majority of husbands and wives have jobs.
“Since I am at home during the day anyways, I have made my own dog walking business for our neighborhood. I enjoy walking with them and playing with them so that they aren’t kept inside and in a cage all day,” Dale says. “I have been an animal lover my entire life. I’m sad that my family isn’t able to have a dog of our own, but I make the most out of it by providing my services to the families that have dogs and need attention during the day.”
Dale doesn’t even charge her customers for her help. She believes that it is payment enough to be able to play with dogs that her family can never have.
“Although Jane refuses to accept any money, I treat her with a nice bottle of wine or take her out to dinner to show my appreciation,” one of her customers, Deb Wysocki says.
Her favorite part about her walking dog business is that she becomes so close to the owners, she feels like the dogs are partly hers as well. She is able to get the happiness and joy out of the dogs without actually owning one.
“My friends all thought I was a little crazy when I first mentioned this idea to them. They all know how desperately I wish that I were able to have a dog so they approved of the idea immediately,” she says. “ I think they let me at first to be nice, but now I think they really appreciate it. Their dogs are able to get to go outside and have interaction during the day instead of being cooped up inside.”
Although it is not a very common job, Dale receives much pleasure out walking the dogs each day. Being a stay at home mom can get very boring sometimes, but she has found a great way to stay busy.
“Some people get caught up in their jobs, I get tangled up,” she laughs.
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