News Greek lunch: Tilford 3rd graders share lessons of ancient civilization

A Polish volunteer reading teacher, a German chef and a British web site helped Vinton-Shellsburg third grade students learn about Ancient Greek Civilization this year.

Several third graders in Julie Clingman's reading class enjoyed chicken and rice in mastiha sauce, hummus, tsoureki, kashkaval, Greek salad, papadopoulos, baklava and Greek sugar cookies during the luncheon on Friday at Tilford.

Clingman, who has volunteered her services for several years at the school, provided the materials for the luncheon herself. Her friend, Donna Lunstrum, cooked the meal and helped serve the students and their guests.

The luncheon, said Clingman, was the reward for the hard work the students put into their projects. Each was assigned on aspect of Ancient Greece, including government, the Olympics, philosophers, games, clothing and others.

The students also learned manners, and how to properly set a table.  Clingman said she taught them to not say "Yuck!" when they saw something they did not think they would like (beets) and to at least try everything on their plates.

Clingman, who said she was Polish, asked Lunstrum, who is of German descent, to help cook.

"I offered to do it because I love to cook and I love Julie," said Lunstrum, who has spent her life in studying food service. Clingman said she found most of the recipes via the Internet. Part of the class study was also based on information on a British Broadcasting Company history web site.

The textbooks, however, were old books which were once used at Lincoln Elementary.

"The books may be hold, but history never changes," said Clingman.

After eating, the students took turns sharing their presentations with their classmates and their guests. Each had made a poster with photos and information about their specific study area.