On this edition of the Forgottonia podcast we’re sharing a conversation about mental health in rural America with our friend Lyndsey Larson, the manager of a local yoga studio in Canton, IL called “The Breathing Tree.” Lyndsey is also a native and recent returnee to Canton, IL where she lives with her husband and their surprise triplets!
Season 3, Episode 2 – Understanding the Rural Opioid Epidemic – Interview with Sue Tisdale, Harm Reduction Outreach Coordinator
On this edition of the Forgottonia Project, we try to deepen our understanding about the rural opioid epidemic that has plagued many of our communities in Forgottonia. To help us do this, we talked to local activist Sue Tisdale.
S3 – Blog 01: Sociology and Self Care
by WIU Sociology Instructor and Guest Contributor Allyssa (Hall) Anderson The definition of self- care is “the practice of taking action to preserve or improve one's own health” (Oxford languages). We’ve probably all heard this term enough over 2020. As an Instructor of Sociology, my Sociological Imagination influences everything I see, read, and hear. It …
Season 3, Episode 1 – How the IL Humanities is helping to Bridge the Rural-Urban Divide – with Matt Meacham, Program Manager, Statewide Engagement IL Humanities
On this edition of the Forgottonia Project, we had the privilege of speaking with Mr. Matt Meacham, program manager and director of statewide engagement at the IL Humanities. We asked Matt what the humanities are and how they can help bridge our rural-urban divide. We hope you enjoy our conversation
S2 – Episode 09: The Incredible Story of Camp Ellis: Part 2 – What is the Legacy of Camp Ellis?
On this episode of the Forgottonia Project, we conclude our conversation with Marion Cornelius about the incredible history of Camp Ellis, a massive WW2 Army camp that was located right here in rural Forgottonia.
S2 – Episode 08: The Incredible Story of Camp Ellis: Part 1 – What are the Misconceptions about Camp Ellis?
On this episode of the Forgottonia Project, we are pleased to share our conversation with Marion Cornelius about the incredible history of Camp Ellis; a massive WW2 Army camp located in rural Forgottonia.
S2 – Episode 07: What the Salvation Army is Doing to Help the Most Vulnerable Rural Americans
According to a study at Columbia University funded by the National Institute of Health, 4.5% of all deaths in the U.S. can be attributed to poverty (Link to research). And this was before the covid-19 outbreak! What is the cause of poverty? What does poverty look like in rural, western Illinois? What can we do to combat poverty? To help respond to these questions, we turned to Lt. Sarah B. Eddy of the Canton, IL Salvation Army.
S2 – Episode 06: The Rural Youth Assembly Summit with Kaylann Beekman
Cuba High School senior Kaylann Beekman was recently selected to represent Illinois at the Rural Youth Assembly Summit in McAllen, Texas (*Note: The Summit was originally scheduled for April 2-5, but will be postponed for a later date). She is one of just 50 young adults, ages 16-24, selected across the nation to serve as a delegate. The Summit brings young people together to explore unique challenges facing rural youth, and identify creative solutions to address them.
S2 – Episode 05: Roads, Higher Ed, & Racism – Students ask the IIRA
On this episode, Chris Merrett from the Illinois Institute of Rural Affairs responds to questions formed from students at Cuba High School in Cuba, IL. These questions reflect a range of challenges facing small towns, not only in Cuba, but throughout Forgottonia. The essential questions our students asked Chris include the following:
S2 – Blog 07: What are the Challenges to Running a Successful Business in Rural America? Takeaways from Our Interview with Chris Merrett, Director of the IL Institute for Rural Affairs
What are the challenges to running a successful business in rural America? There's a thousand different ways you can answer this question, and the answer really depends on the community you live in. But when it comes to who you should ask, I don't think there is any one better than Chris Merrett, the Director of the Illinois Institute of Rural Affairs.