Mirror, mirror on the Wall, who’s The Greatest of Them All?

For years the mirror told us, “Why of course America, you’re the greatest!” Now the mirror has a different answer -- not you.

The cost of higher education seems to rise every year and it can be difficult to understand how to pursue financial aid. Jennifer Smith is the engagement director with the Community Foundation of Northern Illinois. She said there is a virtual community scholarship fair especially for graduating high school seniors who live in the region.

"It's a great opportunity to meet directly with local scholarship providers," she said, "and talk about the scholarships they offer."

Like many of you, I grew up with the mantra the United States is the greatest democracy in the world. But what I never realized is how precariously fragile our democracy is. We've taken this for granted, as we have always comfortably assumed that no one would willfully poison our democratic waters, least of all the president.

This first day of December is Giving Tuesday and one northern Illinois organization is asking for help -- so they can help others.

Major Mark Martsolf is the Winnebago County coordinator for the Salvation Army. He said the organization served way more families this year than last.  

“I've been a Salvation Army officer for 40 years. I've just not seen the need so pronounced,” he said. “First time recipients, people who have to rely on support services that never had to before, perhaps they're laid off from their jobs.”

December 5th is World Soil Day. Why does something as ordinary as soil deserve a day of celebration?

Soil grows our food and is a source for medicines and vaccines. Soil filters water, removing pollutants and excess nutrients. Soil recycles air and locks up greenhouse gasses that contribute to climate change.

If you are trying to avoid extra stress and pounds this holiday season, the University of Illinois Extension is offering “Health at Home Holiday Edition” webinars. 

Diane Reinhold is a nutrition and wellness educator with the Extension. She said the webinars are an opportunity to help people deal with seasonal challenges.

"Often we feel overwhelmed with the holidays," she said. "So taking 30 minutes out of your day to gain some skills and maybe laugh and have a little fun is our goal."

The Northern Almanac is adapted for broadcast by Clint Cargile and presented in collaboration with the NIU 125th Anniversary Oral History Project.

Find the original story at NIU’s 125 Key Moments website:

• Center for Burma Studies established (1986)

As it turns out, this is a sequel to my previous perspective. Before Bluella, my VW Golf, delivered me back home, I was already contemplating Road Trip part two to spend more time with my family before the holidays and the onset of winter road conditions.

My soundtrack this time was a collection of essays by a favorite writer, Tim Winton. In one he describes how we begin a journey -- setting our GPS and expecting to arrive intact and on time, and when we don’t, it’s like a blow to the head. Well, that was my experience, literally.

It's not too late to sign up for the 3rd Annual Dasher Dash 5K. You have until one minute before midnight on Friday, Nov. 27, to register.

Because of the pandemic, spokesperson Melissa Pratt said there isn't a designated course this year, so anyone can participate.

"First and foremost, we want people to be really safe," she said, "and being able to run in their small group that they're used to being around or, you know, running on their own, is definitely safer."

Pratt added that she hopes people who don't necessarily live in Rockford know they are welcome.