spring
HOME style MAGAZINE
PUBLISHER Jim Shrader (618)463-2580 Jim_Shrader@thetelegraph.com
EDITOR IN CHIEF Dan Brannan (618)463-2560 Dan_Brannan@thetelegraph.com
Editor’s note
4
Primavera possibilities
An artistic touch
6
Cover story: Loft blends function with design
EDITOR Kathie Bassett (618)463-2562 kathie_bassett@thetelegraph.com
CREATIVE DIRECTOR Georgia Mills (618)463-2554 Georgia_Mills@thetelegraph.com
GRAPHIC SUPERVISOR Joe Wilson (618)463-2599 Joe_Wilson@thetelegraph.com
ADVERTISING DIRECTOR Johnny Aguirre (618)463-2543 Johnny_Aguirre@thetelegraph.com
SALES COORDINATOR Sue Ellen Boschert (618)463-2532 Sue Ellen_Boschert@thetelegraph.com
CONTRIBUTORS Fred Pollard
Ask a Professional
8
Murphy’s Complete Landscaping
Man Cave
10
Bob Abbott’s love of cars
Charm and whimsy
14
Victorian design emphasizes more than ‘sense and sensibility’
Off the shelf
16
Book club members share stories
Porch appeal
18
Couple merges indoor and outdoor spaces
Taking care of the roots 20 Columnist Doug Conley
Natural design
22
Floral designer Michael Stevens
Margie M. Barnes (Photography) Danette M. Watt Laura Griffith Crystal Moore-Stevens Doug Conley
Fresh Ideas Gardener and master herbalist
Forever home Couple adopts abused dogs
THE
TELEGRAPH
www.thetelegraph.com 2
Spring 2011
24 26
ON THE COVER Penny Schmidt's loft in the 1912 Mississippi Landing building mixes original elements with contemporary design.
Plantation Shutters... the Perfect Window Treatment
3125 Washington Ave. Alton
618-466-5847 or 656-2441
Home Style
3
editor’s note
kathie BASSETT
Primavera possibilities ne of the keys to enjoying entertaining is having everything prepared in advance - whether that is arranging flowers, chilling wine or preparing the food you plan to serve. The primavera afternoon brunch, created by Jennifer White of Oz Artisan Bakery, does exactly this for Penny Schmidt of Alton, who hosted an intimate event for a few close friends at her downtown loft. Jennifer prepared everything one day in advance and simply took the flank steak and grape leaves out of the refrigerator a few hours earlier to bring to room temperature. Only the chicken salad, anchovy mayo and crab legs need to remain refrigerated until guests arrive. "This menu works really well because it's not necessary to sit down," she said. "People like to move around, talk and nibble." The grape leaves are among their most popular offerings, combining sweetness, crunchiness and just a tad bit of spiciness. Jennifer and her husband, Mark, are codirectors of The Dare to Dream Institute, located in Calhoun County. The Oz program offers apprenticeships that aim to teach prep chef, artisan bread making and wood-fired baking techniques to individuals ages 16 through 24 to help them build confidence and acquire skills to move forward with their lives. "We're trying to grow our own vegetables, along with everything else that goes into our sauces," she said. "We want to showcase how fresh produce tastes and how this approach helps the local economy." They plan to sell their wood-fired breads at both the Alton Market and the Jerseyville market this season, along with accepting orders for "moveable feasts" of smoked chicken, meat from Pluesters and eggs from Hillen Family Farms in Batchtown. For more information, visit www.nd2d.com or Oz Artisan Bakery on Facebook. Enjoy! Kathie
O
Oz Stuffed Grape Leaves FILLING 1/2 C plus 3 T olive oil 1 med. onion minced 1 1/2 C converted rice
4
Spring 2011
4 C chicken stock, preferably homemade 1/2 C dry white wine 2/3 c currants 2 T ground cinnamon 1 t-grated nutmeg 1/2 c pine nuts 1 C minced fresh parsley 1/2 C crumbled feta cheese 1 Jar (16 oz) grape leaves packed in brine 1/2 C fresh lemon juice 1/2 C water Heat 3 T oil in a large skillet over mediumhigh heat. Add the onion and cook for 4 minutes. Stir in rice and cook 2 minutes longer, stirring to coat the rice well with the oil. Reduce the heat to medium and pour in 2 C of the chicken stock and the wine. Add the currants and simmer uncovered, stirring occasionally, for 10 minutes. Add 1 1/2 C more chicken stock and simmer 5 minutes longer. Add the remaining 1/2 C chicken stock and cook another 5 minutes, watching the rice carefully throughout and stirring occasionally to prevent burning. Reduce the heat to low, stir in the cinnamon and nutmeg and cook 1 minute. Let cool, stirring occasionally to fluff the rice. Add the pine nuts, parsley and cheese, and toss to combine. Season with pepper to taste (with the combination of feta and brined leaves, taste and salt very cautiously if at all). Rinse grape leaves under cold water and pat dry with paper towels. Place 1 leaf vein side up, on a dry working surface. Place about 1 T of filling at the center stem end of the leaf. Shape the filling into a compact log, about 1 inch long, and roll up the leaf as tightly as possible,
- Stuffed vege tarian grape leaves - Crudites with anchovy mayo - Fresh fruit - Steamed crab le - Tarragon chic gs ken salad on artichoke leav es - Grilled flank steak - Wood-fired ar tichoke and cheese bread - Lemon cream cake
folding in the sides as you roll to make a compact bundle. Repeat with the remaining grape leaves and filling. Line the bottom of a 4-quart pot with any torn grape leaves to prevent the stuffed leaves from burning and sticking to the pot. Pack the stuffed leaves in concentric circles in the pot, making as many layers as necessary. Pour the lemon juice, 1/2 C olive oil and water over the grape leaves. Place a heatproof plate on top of the grape leaves and a heavy can (such as tomatoes) on top of the plate. Simmer the grape leaves over medium heat for 40 minutes. Let cool completely with the plate and can still on top. Serve at room temperature or slightly chilled. Store remainder in refrigerator. Makes about 60
ELITE HOME SERVICES Kitchenland Complete Kitchen and Bath Design
“ONE CALL... DOES IT ALL!” • Residential • Propane • Bulk & Cylinders • Commercial • Industrial • Farm
• Recreational • Heating • Air Conditioning • Plumbing 24 HOUR EMERGENCY SERVICE
s ’ e k i d
618-656-5024
201 WEST HIGH • EDWARDSVILLE HOURS: Mon-Fri 8:00 AM-5:00 PM Sat 9:00 AM-1:00 PM www.kitchen-land.com
p U
Jerseyville Gas Service
COMPLETE HEATING, COOLING & PLUMBING SALES & SERVICE
498-2193
613 Maple Ave • Jerseyville, IL
WATER HEATERS SPACE HEATERS GAS LOG FIREPLACES GAS GRILLS, PARTS & ACCESSORIES
Plumbing License #058152745
Everything you need for a gorgeous garden, all under one roof! Flowers • Shrubs • Seedlings • Seeds • Bulbs • Fertilizer Ornamental Concrete • Garden Vegetables • Bulk Garden Seed Bird Seed • Mulch Rock • Garden Tools • Garden Accessories
TRI COUNTY TRACTOR
COMMUNITY SEED & FEED and Ornamental Concrete Garden Center
1619 Sunderland Rd. Jerseyville, IL (618) 498-7703
Several Selections Grass Seed, Garden Vegetables & Bulk Garden Seed
special adver tising section
300 N. Shamrock East Alton (618) 259-8270
An artistic touch
Story and Photos by Kathie Bassett atural light infuses Penny Schmidt's Downtown Alton loft at Mississippi Landing with a visual excitement. On a sunny day, the light reflecting off the Mississippi River sparkles and bounces, serving as a dynamic backdrop for her interior space. Sunlight streams through the cupola above her seating area, and rose-colored light reflects off the neighboring red brick building through frosted glass, suffusing the space with a soft, translucent glow. "I love being on the river," Penny said. "I started as a child living on the Mississippi River in Elsah, so it felt instinctive to come back here." After graduating from Principia College, where her father, James Schmidt, was head of the art department, Penny moved to New York
N
City to work in the art world. She began as an intern at Findlay Galleries and eventually opened her own gallery, Schmidt Bingham. After Sept. 11, 2001, Penny decided to return to the area, bringing with her not only pieces that she had collected over the years but also works by artists she represented. She specifically chose her loft because of the magnificent view she has of the Clark Bridge, noting how beautiful the riverscape is at night. With that decision made, Penny shifted her focus to the interior space. "When putting together the loft, the starting point was the art," she said. Particular prominence is given to two works by her father: a pastel, "Steps to the Beach," and “Bridges Over the Seine� that he painted as a student in Paris.
Loft blends function with design
COVER
STORY
6
Spring 2011
continued on next page
Penny has created intimate spaces within her spacious loft through her placement of furnishings and her eclectic art collection. Sculptor Todd Carroll made the fireplace, door pulls and ottoman for Penny.
FROM PREVIOUS PAGE Because of the open floor plan, Penny opted to accentuate the juxtaposition of the building's industrial origins with her penchant for clean, modern lines embodied by a midcentury modern aesthetic. Textures are layered: The 1912 building's original bones of brick and hewn beams are exposed, and the wall's flat color planes serve as a foil for her eclectic paintings, which include both abstract and representational pieces. One of the first projects Penny undertook was to commission sculptor Carroll Todd, a Memphis artist who she had represented, to fashion site-specific designs for her kitchen hood, fireplace and door pulls. "I was particularly conscious that I wanted the kitchen to be something that I liked to look at," she explained. "The idea for the hood was to interpret a sense of the movement of the river and smoke." Penny salvaged her sleek 1950s island from the old St. Patrick School's industrial kitchen and had the sturdy piece wrapped in a maple veneer to complement her cabinets. Her father helped her choose the palette for her walls, drawing inspiration from the vintage Oriental carpet in her seating area. By creating smaller spaces within the loft through her arrangement of furnishings, the space exudes warmth and comfort. "I'm very happy here," she said. "I love being part of a smaller community and being near my father and brother. I see Alton as a place of great natural beauty and enormous potential."
The open floor plan highlights the buildings industrial past by showcasing wooden beams and steel supports. Penny's father, artist James Schmidt, helped her choose the color palette. Two of his paintings can be seen in the photo on the left.
CREATE THE LIVING SPACE YOU HAVE ALWAYS DESIRED! Whether it’s a new deck, enclosing your patio, a sunroom or updating your home!
$500 OFF! *Not valid on previous jobs or bids. $3,500 minimum. Mention ad at appt. Expires 5/1/11.
Let the Butler Take Care of Your Home! Locally owned
FREE ESTIMATES! 618-539-9800 Decks • Windows • Sunrooms • Patio Enclosures Gables • Siding • Basements www.ButlerHomeImprovement.com Home Style
7
Ask a Professional
By Fred Pollard
What kind of services does your company offer? We offer compete landscaping services, including retaining walls, dirt work around foundation of house, adding rock to driveways, and overall landscape "cleanups" (remulch, re-rock, etc.). Driveway rock has been a big hit, especially with the muddy mess of a winter season we have had. We also have small trucks, so they will not leaves ruts in your yard, and big trucks available for hauling when you need them.
When is the best time of year to get landscaping done? That depends on what particular service you are looking for. As a rule, spring and fall are ideal, when temperatures are not too extreme and plants are not in danger of burning up.
What kind of information do you need from a customer before you begin a project for them?
Jim Murphy of Murphy's Complete Landscaping
:H¡UH \RXU ORFDO PRUWJDJH SURYLGHU
VW
$W 0LG$PHULFD &UHGLW 8QLRQ ZH VHUYLFH PRUWJDJH ORDQV IURP WKH WLPH RI DSSOLFDWLRQ XQWLO WKH À QDO SD\PHQW /LVD 6PLWK ‡ *DU\ +RJJDWW -U ‡ /HVOLH 6FKREHUQG ‡
Credit Union ZZZ VW0LG$PHULFD RUJ 7HUPV IURP \HDUV WR \HDUV ‡ 9DULDEOH DQG À [HG UDWH RSWLRQV )LUVW WLPH KRPH EX\HU SURJUDPV ‡ /RZ UDWHV DQG ORZ IHHV Spring 2011
Are leaves good to use on your lawn? When you chop up leaves, you are leaving behind a lot of nutrients to make your yard nice and green. You just have to be careful and make sure they are nice and shredded, and not so thick that the root system is smothered.
How short should you cut your grass?
&RQWDFW RQH RI RXU H[SHULHQFHG WHDP PHPEHUV
8
What I try to do is get their contact information and go out that day or the next day to see what we can do for them. I do not like to give quotes over the phone. The way I look at it, if they believe in me enough to call, then I need to provide good service to show I care. I owe them a fast response.
You need to be careful when you cut your grass. You should make sure it is 2.5 to 3 inches; that keeps the grass from burning up when the weather gets too hot. Follow that 2.5- to 3-inch rule and keep your lawn watered, and you will maintain a very nice yard. For more information or to schedule an estimate, call (618) 977-6970.
Saturday, April 23rd • 11 am to 3 pm Come Visit Us At Our New Location–1/4 Mile North On Hwy 111/267
FREE FOOD
PRIZES
LIVE MUSIC
Home Style
9
man cave
Collection is a classic
Bob Abbott, left, and his brother Rick talk about their car collections. In front, Bob's 1941 60 Special Cadillac, his 1935 Ford Touring car and his daughter Andrea's red 1968 Mustang convertible.
10
Spring 2011
Story and Photos by Kathie Bassett ven with an oustanding collection of classic cars, Bob Abbott has a sentimental favorite - his 1935 Ford Touring car. "It's not my most valuable, but I met my wife, Sonia, in that car," said Bob, who coowns Abbott Machine Co. in Alton. "And I drove it to Alton High School every day back when it was red-and-white." Whether it was the speed with which Bob drove or the fact that his nickname rhymed with his last name, Bob was affectionately called the "Rapid Rabbitt," which was inscribed on the spare tire cover that hung on the back of his car. The wheel cover now hangs on a wall in his garage, along with a wide array of memorabilia. With a black-and-white tile floor, Bob's garage has the ambiance of the 1950s, celebrating America's love affair with fast cars and the open road. During high school, Bob would drive his friends to Block's on Milton Road, a popular drive-in, at lunchtime. "I still have people ask me today if I still have the car," he laughed. "They remember it from high school." When Bob re-restored the car in 1972, he brought the paint back to an original color, choosing an Easter color - Tacoma Cream with Poppy Red stripes and wheels. The car is in pristine condition and truly is a
E
The original wheel cover from Bob's 1935 Ford Touring Car, which he drove to Alton High School. The photo shows Bob driving Colonel Sanders, of KFC fame, in a parade. The vintage hood ornaments identified not only a car's make but frequently its model year. work of art. "I drive this car, as well as everything else I own," Bob said. "Otherwise, there's no point in owning it." Bob has shown the car numerous times and often drives it in parades. In 1973, the car won first place in its division at the Antique continued on page 12
Home Style
11
Bob in front of the 1928 Ford Model A that he restored, winning second place in an auto show, with his father Bill and his stepmother Francis. From Page 11 Auto Club of America's annual show. When KFC's Colonel Sanders came to town, Bob drove him around in the car. "He was very gracious," Bob said. "A hell of a nice guy." Reflecting his passion for cars and boats, Bob's garage has a scenic mural painted on the walls that playfully takes Bob and his family on a jaunt along Route 66 from its starting point in Grant Park, Ill., to Santa Monica, Calif. Also, depicted is the first car Bob ever restored when he was just 14 years old. The car was a 1928 Ford Model A. He showed the car at Greenfield Village in Dearborn, Mich., and took second place in his division. "The governor's brother took first place," he wryly noted. One of Bob's fondest memories is working
A Route 66 mural covers the walls of Bob's garage. Among the many photos Bob has on display are one of his father taken with Jay Leno and one of him taken with Leno 18 years later. on cars alongside his father, Bill Abbott. "We made a lot of trips together to buy cars for his museum, and we met a lot of people at auctions and sales," he recalled. "One of my favorite shows was in Claremore, Oklahoma, and at that time Dad was bidding against Bill Harrah of Harrah's Casinos, who could buy whatever he wanted."
How to $ave Money with ReďŹ nancing Your Mortgage Contact Us!
Visit www.bankliberty.com for our Current Fixed Rates and Terms Check out a shorter term loan. With current low rates you may be able to shorten your loan and maintain a comfortable monthly payment. Saving you big $$$ over the course of your loan. Use our Online Financial Calculators to determine Your Estimated Payment. Complete Your Mortgage Application Online at
www.bankliberty.com
462-7000 Alton * Godfrey * Bethalto All loan requests subject to credit approval. Rates are subject to change daily. Member FDIC.
12
Spring 2011
In May 1958, Bob's father opened the Abbott Antique Auto Museum in Grafton, which featured 35 of his finest restored vehicles. The museum only stayed open for a few years, but the Abbotts' passion endured. Home Style featured Bob's younger brother Rick's collection, along with a few cars the brothers own together, in the 2011 winter issue. Back in 1956, car collecting in those early days was entirely different than it is now. Bill explained that there were only two auctions held every year and that they weren't nearly as fancy. "The auction was more like a farm auction, with everybody standing around trailers with cars on them. There were no showrooms," he said. "We had a really good time." While the Internet has changed how cars are bought and sold, there still remains a brotherhood among fellow collectors. Both Bob and his father have meet arguably today's most prominent car collector, Jay Leno. Bill Abbott met Leno some 18 years ago, and Bob has a photo on his wall of the two of them together. When Bob was out in California three years ago and had the chance to meet Leno, he wanted to have his picture taken in approximately the same pose. "What's ironic is that even though there's a 15-year difference between the photos, Jay is still wearing the same type of shirt with a cheap blue pen in his pocket," Bob smiled. "I just heard about a month ago that Jay needed a particular part from a mutual friend, so I gave it to him." Following up on their father's original vision of a car museum, the Abbott brothers have donated numerous cars to the Museum of Transportation, located at 2967 Barrett Station Road in St. Louis.
ELITE HOME SERVICES Spring is here, now’s the time to think about lawn care!
AMISH HANDCRAFTED FURNITURE
Don’t forget about our complete line of retail products and free delivery to most of our service areas. Get your FREE ESTIMATES now for this season’s lawn care. Call for details for your custom lawn program.
Our line of services ces iincludes: ncludes: H Hydroseeding ydroseeding • Sod Installation • Lawn Renovation • Weed Control • Fertilizer • Insecticide Treatments • and more
Just North of the Old Amish Shoppe
Just 30 minutes North of Alton
Swings,, Gliderscor Yard Doere &M
Large Assortment of Lawn Furniture arriving daily.
217-685-9417 17 685 9417/217-942-5527 Mon & Tues 10-4 • Sat 9-4 or by appt at 217-685-9417
FS LAWN CARE
KUBOTA, POLARIS CUB CADET Lawnmowers &Tractors
300 East County Road East, Jerseyville
(618) 498-5534
Making dreams a reality one backyard at a time! Retail Service Construction
Picture Perfect by
DUNHAM WINDOWS & EXTERIORS • Windows • Insulation • Siding • Decks FREE ESTIMATES
Starting at
199
$
Installed
618-467-2026 NEW LOCATION
5501 Godfrey Rd, Godfrey (with Roloff Decorating)
618.467.6447
Visit our online store: www.backyarddreamspools.com
special adver tising section
is recommended byy
Charm and whimsy Victorian design emphasizes more than ‘sense and sensibility’ Story and Photos by Kathie Bassett
T
he elaborate spindles, the ornate wraparound porch, the multi-tiered gables and balconies drew David and Mary Anderson to their Victorian home, built in the 1890s by J. Wesley and Elizabeth Beall. "When we knew we were moving back to the area 15 years ago, I remembered this house from driving around," Mary recalled. "And it had a 'For Sale' sign on it, so we bought it." As her Victorian predecessors did, Mary likes to layer styles in a way that reflects two facets that she believes were very important during the Victorian era: warmth and humor. "This is not a museum," she emphasized. "I use everything." With their penchant for sayings, Mary has hung a framed, needlepoint motto over most doors, ranging from the familiar, "There is no place like home," to the colonial, "East or west, home is best." "The Victorians believed that people would subliminally acquire moral values as they read the mottos and passed under them," she laughed. Taking pleasure in assembling each room, Mary has arranged small vignettes throughout the house for the amusement of her guests. In the parlor, she has placed a sterioptic viewer that provid-
ed a very popular form of entertainment in the 19th century. Her viewer is an unusual one in that it has a stand; behind it, she has a carousel packed with at least 100 stereoview cards. "The Victorians loved travel photographs; it was a way of expanding their view of the world," she said. "I enjoy looking at interiors for the details
Everything I own has a story about where it came from and a meaning. MARY ANDERSON
and people in all kinds of situations." One of the features that Mary has added is hanging gold beadiers between the home's two parlors. The gilded wooden beads create a whimsical arch by being draped at various heights in almost a lattice-like pattern. Rather than being heavy and static like the more commonly used velvet portieres, the beadiers not only enhance an overall sense of eclectic elegance but also add a sense of lightness and movement to the spaces.
Only the fourth owners of the century-old house, Mary said she likes hearing stories about its past occupants, especially the Bealls, who lived there until the 1950s. Mary has placed a lustrous, wooden sewing box that was given to Elizabeth Beall as a wedding present by her family in England. Her first name is intricately inlaid on the top of the box. Renowned architect George F. Barber, a forerunner of American Queen Anne style and catalog architecture, designed the house. Barber sold construction plans by mail, frequently modifying them to suit his clients, which Mary suspects was the case with this particular house. "Everything I own has a story about where it came from and a meaning," she explained. "I try to have things that are unusual, and I want the house to be comfortable; there are no fussy settees here." Among her unique items are a miniature silver dressing table that doubles as a brush that a woman would have used to apply a beauty mark to her face; a harp that a young Altonian played at the Interlochen Music Festival in continued on next page
The 1890s Beall mansion epitomizes American Queen Anne architecture. Mary has retained many original features, including chandeliers, and collected Beall family pieces such as Elizabeth Beall's sewing box.
14
Spring 2011
Michigan; and a vintage wooden washing tub that she has converted into a bed for her beloved cats, Nelson and Fred. With a bust of Queen Victoria presiding over the dining room, Mary finds amusement in mixing new items with antiques in a way that Victoria herself would have approved. "The Victorians had fun in private," she said. "This is often overlooked."
“The Safe Effective Cure For Landscape Envy”
innovative landscapes inc
Curt Paul - B.S. Ornamental Horticulture / Landscape Design • Design Installation • Limited Maintenance • Brick/Paver Patios, Sidewalks & Edging • Retaining Walls • Water Features • Lighting • Topiary & Espalier Maintenance • Tree & Shrub Installation • Transplanting & Pruning
Est. 1997
466-1042 530-3874
Finding the cash to improve your home has never been easier. Enjoy our HOME EQUITY LOAN with a great low rate.
ALTONIZED COMMUNITY Federal Credit Union
Call us at 618-466-3884 for a rate quote, or visit us at www.alontizedfeu.org 4435 North Alby Street • Alton, IL 62002 Home Style
15
he lights go out. A woman screams. The lights come on, revealing a body in front of the fireplace.
T
In place of Sherlock Holmes or Jane Marple, there is a group of about 15 voracious readers on hand to solve the mystery. "Several of us had been talking about how we would like to start a book club," Sonjia Peacock of Dorsey said. "It is very informal and does not really have any kind of structure." The area group, meeting once every month to critique its literary selection, consists of a wide variety of women, including professors, counselors, librarians and dentists. "We do have some Lewis and Clark
The Telegraph/FRED POLLARD
Book club members settle in the living room after dinner for a discussion on the book, "In the Woods." From left, Vicki Hinkle, Marlene Barach, Jennifer Hooker, Lainee Frizzo, Sandy Blackford and Kathy Haberer. (Community College) faculty here, but anyone is welcome," Linda Chapman of Alton said. "We have a real mix of readers, and this is not a female-only club. It's about the books, so if a man wanted to join, we would say, 'Sure.'
“It feels like United Methodist Village was made just for us.
Enjoy our view of personalized service. At United Methodist Village, that’s easy living. Jim & Bunny Jim im m &Wingert Bun Bunny unny nnyy ResidentsResidents 2000Sin ReSince side side i nts Sin
We’ve got everything we want right outside our door — lifelong friends, interesting programs and social gatherings, and a beautiful lake view to enjoy from our balcony. We don’t have to worry about housekeeping or transportation — and with such a wonderful dining room, we don’t even have to cook unless we want to! Now, you can’t make life any easier than that.” One visit to United Methodist Village, and you’ll see what easy living really means. At our maintenancefree senior living community, we deliver the kind of personalized service that will make you wonder why you didn’t move here sooner. And you’ll enjoy life even more, knowing that on-site assistance is right here if ever needed. Experience what easy living is really like — join us for lunch at United Methodist Village by calling 618.466.8662 today.
5201 Asbury Avenue 5201 Asbury Avenue Godfrey, Godfrey,IL IL62035 62035 (618) (618)466-8662 466-8662 UniUnitedMethodistVillage.com tedMethodistVil age.com
16
Spring 2011
"We just started with a group of people who we knew loved to read as we did." The group meets at a different member's house each month to socialize, have dinner and delve into the current selection. "We love to get together," Jill Lane of Godfrey said. "If you have not read the book, come and socialize, anyway. The big question is what do we like better, the book or the food?" Make no mistake, these are serious readers. Most even eschew the Kindle and books on tape, preferring to stick with the "old school" pages. The club is not without suspense and intrigue, including a power outage at Val Harris' dwelling and a bird flying into Lainee Frizzo's Alton home. One member even had to have the floor of her house reinforced because of the weight of the books.
Jennifer Hooker raised a timid hand and admitted she was the member with the winch in her basement, solving "the mystery of the sagging floor." "Now, the books are filling up my bedroom, so I may have to do it again," she said, laughing. "I will not be a traitor and get a Kindle, though. To me, books are sacred." "Kindles and books on tape technically are allowed, though" Linda Chapman admitted with a laugh. For 2011, the group decided to try something different and read mysteries all year long. Tana French's "In the Woods," March's selection about a
Air Conditioning & Heating Sales & Service
It’s Spring Clean & Check Time A maintenance check for your central air conditioner will make sure your system is working at the best possible efficiency for it’s age and condition.
The great thing about being in a book club is reading things I never would have picked, and I love that. TERRI HILGENDORF BOOK CLUB MEMBER detective with a hidden past and selected by Emily Corby of Godfrey, received an enthusiastic thumbs-up from the group. Past favorites also include "The All of It" by Jeanette Haien, "Aloft" by Chang-rae Lee, and "Saturday" and "Atonement," both by Ian McEwan. They also try to shake things up a bit, such as reading a book by an author, followed by that author's biography. "The great thing about being in a book club is reading things I never would have picked, and I love that," Terri Hilgendorf said. "You read an author for the book club, and you find you enjoy them so much you wind up reading everything else they have written. "It is great to have a group to talk to about the book you just read. It really gives you a new perspective."
For Home Style/FRED POLLARD
Book club members - from left, Jill Lane, Emily Corby and Vicki Hinkle - discuss this month's mystery selection.
For Home Style/FRED POLLARD
From left, Val Harris, Sonjia Peacock and
Layawalye Availab 24 Foot Round Pool Package Liner, Filter, Motor, Ladder, Chemicals, and Vacuum Kit
$2,499 In-Ground Pool Sale 17x31 Call for Details
Whatever it takes!
Call 466-7574 or 498-7574
To schedule your A/C clean & check *Refrigerant Extra
$12,995 Call to Schedule Your Pool Opening!
OPEN SUNDAY 11 am - 3 pm
Alton 465-6490 or 465-6494 Springfield 217-793-3136 Fairview Heights 632-2001
Hours: M-F 10-6; Sat 9-4; Sun. 11-3 Home Style
17
Porch appeal
Couple merges indoor and outdoor spaces Story by Danette M. Watt Photos by Kathie Bassett f the sun is shining just right, Suzanne Lagomarcino can see the Mississippi River peeking through the trees from her sunroom. A built-in window seat there affords her a comfortable spot for watching the sunset. Large windows and houseplants merge the indoors and outdoors in the light and airy room. But it wasn't always bright and spacious. Thirteen years ago, Suzanne and her husband, Paul, lived in Rosewood Heights. One evening, the couple attended a party given by a friend, Joanne Harmon. "I fell in love with the house that day," says Suzanne. "Eight months later, I happened to be driving by and saw it was for sale. We ended up buying it." Although the sunroom was original to the house, it looked nothing like it does today. The 40-foot long room running along the back of the home was 3 feet narrower until Joanne Harmon bumped out the back wall and added window seating. Jalousie windows lined the
I
18
Spring 2011
back "wall" and there was just one door leading from the sunroom to the living room. When Suzanne moved in, she transformed the room from very long, narrow and dim to one that invites guests to relax and enjoy the view. She replaced the jalousies with windows that reached from the top of the sunroom to the window seats. Illusion blinds covering them can be dropped down and opened to allow light to in while still providing shade from a strong afternoon sun. The wide windowsills in the sunroom hold photographs of the Lagomarcinos' children and grandchildren. The couple has two daughters, Debbie and Natalie, who live in California and a son, Brian, who lives in Arkansas. "We had Natalie's wedding rehearsal dinner here. This is a wonderful house for parties," Suzanne says. "We just opened the doors and people were able to move between the sunroom and the rest of the house." continued on next page
The Lagomarcinos sun porch can be used year round to view sunsets and watch the creatures that habit their sloping wooded yard.
Customizing one dream after another
The porch, located next to their living room, takes a cue from the large screen that hangs on the wall, inspiring both in color and design.
Most importantly, Suzanne opened the house to the sunroom by replacing the back wall of her home with French doors. "I wanted to be able to stand at the front door and look outside. I can do that now," Suzanne says. From the house's entrance, Suzanne can look through the living room to the left or through the dining room to the right. The latest update has been a new coat of paint on its walls. Donna Lovett of St. Louis sponged a combination of several different shades of green to create a sense of depth. The mixture picks up the sage, brown and cream found in a screen of a Chinese teahouse and garden, the same colors used throughout the house. The six-panel painting hangs over the Lagomarcino's fireplace and is a reflection of their cultures. Last fall, the couple signed up as lifelong learners in a Semester at Sea program, spending 109 days visiting 12 countries, including India, Vietnam and Japan. As Suzanne moves through the house, she points out treasures picked up on their travels: saris used as tableclothes, silk material from Vietnam draped across a bed, a rug from India. Now retired, Paul was a psychotherapist with a practice in Alton. Suzanne worked for many years in St. Louis and is currently on the board of directors for the St. Louis Chamber Chorus and the YWMC in Alton.
Moving back to the sunroom Suzanne says she and Paul sometimes will roll up the rug and "we just dance."
Celebrating 25 Years in Business
618-463-8818 3518 E. Homer Adams Pkwy, Alton, IL Hrs: Mon-Tues, Thurs 10-5, Wed & Fri 10-8, Sat 10-4
Home Equity Loans GREAT LOW RATES No Hidden Fees! No Extra Costs! L^^ EZ\e^]^ _hk Zee ma^ ]^mZbel
We also offer auto loans, recreational vehicle loans, quick loans and more! 3401 E. Broadway, ALTON
2421 State Street, ALTON
211 Madison Ave., WOOD RIVER
300 Commerce Blvd., JERSEYVILLE
465-2504
254-2823
www.lacledecu.com
467-2750
639-8989
301 Mechanical Dr., BETHALTO
259-1628
Home Style
19
Doug
CONLEY DIRECTOR OF THE GARDENS AT SIUE
Mark Birmingham 402 State • Alton (618)462-8752
Huge Selection Of The Best Brands! UÊ- ÕÌÌiÀÃÊ UÊ iÞV LÉ i Õ >ÀÊ - >`ià UÊ- >ÀÊ- >`ià UÊ À>«iÀ iÃ
FREE
In Home Consultation And Estimate Professional Installation
Taking care of the roots he sign in the photo hangs in the store of a local merchant. As a gardener, I know how true "The Story is in the Soil" is. A career in horticulture has taught me that if I "take care of the roots; the roots will take care of the shoots." Since roots are found in the soil, it is logical step to care for the soil in order to reap the rewards of the crops we sow.
T
The ecologist Aldo Leopold wrote:
We abuse the land because we see it as a commodity belonging to us. When we see land as a community to which we belong, we may begin to use it with love and respect.
618-288-9920 618-288-9 www.budgetblinds.com/metroeast www.budgetblinds.com
With this statement in mind, it disturbs me to see so many brown bags lined up along curbsides throughout town. They contain materials called "yard waste," an undesirable commodity to the homeowner. This is an inappropriate and false label. Actually, these
Generac Generators
Commercial & Residential Electrical Supplies • Stand - By Generators • Indoor & Outdoor Lighting • Whole House Discount • Special Pricing Quotes • Over 100,000 Items in Stock • Service With A Smile ~ Money Saving Tip ~
Are you putting in a new service or upgrading existing service? Be sure to contact your area's power company and speak with an engineer for approved switchgear! THIS WILL SAVE YOU TIME AND MONEY!
2615 E. Broadway • Alton, IL
462-3112
20
Spring 2011
Quorum Lighting and Ceiling Fans Hours: M-F 7am -4:30pm
continued on next page
47 things you didn't think to compost
Garden compost can be a garden's best friend. Compost promotes soil health and enables plants grow to their best ability. Many home gardeners prefer to make their own compost. It is easily achieved with items that normally would be discarded, including many items that ardent gardeners may be unaware of.
Common compost materials Items like eggshells, banana peels, apple cores, paper, leaves, and coffee grounds are often included in a home compost pile. These items break down by natural bacteria and produce a rich fertilizer for plants.
Lesser-known compost materials There are many things that can be turned into compost. Here's a list of common items that can be turned into compost and avoid the landfill.
Taking care of the roots bags are filled with organic matter, the product of a season (leaves) or years (branches and twigs) worth of effort by the plant to convert energy to food. In a forest, these materials break down and are naturally returned to the soil to nurture and grow the next community. We should follow the example of the forest and consider organic matter a valuable resource, one which can amend our soils. In fact, this is the best investment you can make in your garden. Add an appropriate amount of mulch, preferably natural and not dyed, to ornamental beds. This builds
organic matter, cools the soil, reduces weeds, and retains moisture. Turning compost or leaf mold into your vegetable garden "loosens" the soil, provides nutrients, and increases water holding capacity. And finally, stop bagging lawn clippings. They do not contribute to thatch build up and actually return nutrients to the lawn. An excellent resource for these practices is Landscape for Life (http://landscapeforlife.org/). The story is in the soil and we are all part of the community. Let's invest our efforts into amending it. The reward will be evident in the harvest!
REAL ESTATE LOAN RATES ARE AT AN ALL TIME LOW REFINANCE NOW! Call Martha Smith, Shannon Scheffel or Melissa Tarrant for more information at 377-9146 s 34!5.4/. s ,)6).'34/. s "%4(!,4/ s (/,)$!9 3(/2%3 618-656-5015 s 42/9
Bethalto Banking Center 704 Texas Blvd.
s 7/2$%. s "%.,$ s (!-%, s -!296),,% s -4 /,)6%
WWW FNBSTAUNTON COM
Look like a hero, without all the heroic effort. 1. pet hair 2. paper napkins 3. lint 4. pine needles 5. matches 6. chicken manure 7. old herbs 8. sawdust 9. weeds 10. hair clippings 11. tea bags 12. paper towels 13. bird cage cleanings 14. stale bread 15. leather 16. old pasta 17. pea vines 18. grapefruit rinds 19. newspaper 20. tissues 21. cotton swabs with paper sticks 22. dried out bouquets 23. potato chips
24. yogurt 25. shrimp shells 26. toenail clippings 27. pie crust 28. toothpicks (wood) 29. tossed salad 30. old beer 31. feathers 32. fish bones 33. envelopes 34. cardboard 35. pencil shavings 36. grocery receipts 37. dead insects 38. wool socks 39. pickles 40. dust bunnies 41. toast 42. chocolate cookies 43. oatmeal 44. tofu 45. spoiled wine 46. straw 47. nut shells
Now you can offer your customers more choices. Including nineteen different colors of jobsite-tough clad at standard pricing. More casing and subsill options that Now you can offer your customers more choices. can replicate historic details or enhance curb appeal. Including nineteen different colors of jobsite-tough clad Plus time-saving, factory-applied casings and jamb at standard pricing. More casing and subsill options that extensions — all to make you look good. Call us or visit can replicate historic details or enhance curb appeal. www.marvin.com for more details. Plus time-saving, factory-applied casings and jamb extensions — all to make you look good. Call us or visit www.marvin.com for more details.
210 N. Shamrock, East Alton, IL 618-259-7434 1590 E. State Rt. 15, Belleville, IL 618-233-7846
www.ďŹ scherlumber.com
Š2007 Marvin Windows and Doors. All rights reserved. ŽRegistered trademark of Marvin Windows and Doors.
Home Style
21
By Laura Griffith loral designer Michael Stevens is passionate about his job and his art; he spends his days beautifying venues for weddings and other events, and his personal space reflects his impeccable taste. In his own home, Michael, who is formally trained in interior design, often incorporates informal elements from his back yard, such as branches, to complement the collection of blue-and-white Chinese vases he has in his living room. The height of these elements establishes a focal point for the room, he said. Favoring lush textures and a layering of colors, Michael frequently mixes various kinds
F
Michael and his partner Amy favor mixing flowers with fruit, creating lush arrangements that accentuate a layering of colors and textures. Top, the team has created three small pots as centerpieces. Michael brings in large, decorative branches to add interest in his living room. For St. Mary's annual wine tasting party, they create a Tuscan landscape by lavishly incorporating sunflowers. For more information, call (618) 406-3423.
22
Spring 2011
of fruit and vegetables with flowers for added interest. One of his most unique projects was to embellish a mirror with costume jewelry that belonged to his late mother and an assortment of shells, creating a dramatic piece with a personal touch. "It's something fun," he said. "It was a nice way to use her favorite jewelry - and she loved sea shells." Originally from Farmington, Mo., Michael has a fine arts degree in interior design from Ringling School of Design in Sarasota, Fla., but started cultivating his green thumb working in a nursery while still in high school. continued on next page
After graduation, he spent 13 years in California working in both interiors and florals before moving back to the St. Louis area, where he concentrated on floral design for 20 years. He is ardent about the possibilities that flowers allow for creative expression, and concentrates his current efforts on floral design for weddings and other events. Michael founded M.S. Designs three years ago, only recently partnering with Amy Goodman, another floral designer who serves as a sounding board for ideas and offers a different aesthetic viewpoint.
Above, Michael used his mother's jewelry and seashells to embellish a mirror. Top left, a bridal bouquet created from white flowers. Right, Michael arranges ivy tendrils to add height to a table's centerpiece.
"Brides (and other clients) want you to work around their ideas at what they can afford to spend, but a lot of it's left up to me. I know what flowers go together. There's a design to it that's mostly colors and shapes," Stevens said. "We can work through the whole (event), or we can do just the flowers. It just depends on what (the client) wants. I think it's a great thing to please someone with flowers." Michael and Amy work with their clients through the planning stages of an event, then buy all the fresh flowers needed for the design and put a team together to execute the actual design. They'll work with any budget, no matter how big or small, they said. "We work very well together," Amy
Walk-In Shower
Acrylic Liner System
ENCORE BATH & REMODELING, INC. “Since 1991”
618-466-1100 Godfrey, IL
explained. "It's funny, because we're both kind of passive, but when we're together, we're strong and receptive to each other's ideas." Amy said she admires Michael’s creativity and their shared ability to think outside of the box - part of what makes them such a good team. "Really, what I like the most is taking an empty space and making it into something beautiful with flowers," she said. "After it's all said and done, it's like a totally new space."
Walk-in Therapy Bathtubs
• Custom Tub & Showers “built to suit” • Tub-to-Shower Conversion • Walk-In Tubs • Tub & Shower Liner Systems • Walk-Thru Bathtub Portal • ADA Safety Products • Tub, Shower & Tile Resurfacing Home Style
23
Fresh Ideas
Crystal MooreStevens, Gardener and master herbalist. Community Supported Garden at La Vista www.lavistacsa.org
What better way to spend your spring than planting your own vegetable garden? You could be providing fresh, organically grown produce for your friends and family all summer long. The benefits of organic gardening are amazing: ● Know exactly how your food is being grown. ● Don't worry about unsafe pesticides. ● Provide an excellent source of vitamins, minerals and nutrients to your diet. ● Cut costs at the supermarket. Below you will find a practical beginners
Growing your own food
guide to organic vegetable gardening: 1) The winter is a great time to start planning your garden and ordering organic seeds. 2) Organize your seeds according to planting dates. In this region, the following fruits and vegetables are well-suited to be planted in early spring: broccoli, cabbage, spinach, carrots, peas, chard, salad mix, lettuce, radishes, potatoes, onions, scallions, strawberries, beets and turnips. continued on next page
Crystal Moore-Stevens tends to seedlings at the Community Supported Garden at La Vista.
24
Spring 2011
In late spring, tomatoes, summer squash, cucumbers, melons, peppers, beans, okra, raspberries, blackberries and herbs such as basil and dill can be planted to enjoy in the summer. In the summer, plant the same crops you planted in early spring, as well as sweet potatoes, winter squash and cauliflower to enjoy in the fall. 3) Start the following seeds indoors under grow lights from mid-February through midApril: broccoli, cabbage, onions, eggplant, early tomatoes and greens. 4) You may also purchase established vegetable plants and transplant them into your garden. 5) Plan the layout of your garden. There are a number of books available at your local library on vegetable gardening which offer garden plans ranging from raised beds to acre plantings. 6) If you have a large garden space that gets plenty of sun, till your space as soon as the ground is ready. Your goal should be a fine tilth soil. Be sure to add plenty of compost, bags of leaves, grass clippings and cow or horse manure before you till. These amendments will feed your plants throughout the year. Raised beds can be created easily with straw bales, cinderblocks or untreated scrap wood. In a raised bed, the bottom layer should be leaves, followed by straw, grass clippings and then more leaves. Your top layer should be well-decomposed compost mixed with topsoil. You want your top layer to have a fine tilth so that it is easy to sow seeds. 7) By the time your beds are ready, starting in early March, the following seeds can be sown in the ground: carrots, beets, spinach, peas, parsley and cilantro. April is a great time to transplant the cool-weather seedlings you have started indoors. Be sure to mulch your transplants in with straw to beat the weeds. 8) Weed regularly and use soaker hoses on your beds. Keep your seed beds wellwatered until they sprout. By following these steps, you will acquire a green thumb in no time and will be enjoying a lovely garden and a bountiful harvest of fresh, homegrown, seasonal, organic produce this summer and fall. Avid vegetable gardeners are able to enjoy the fruits of their labor from April until November. Happy planting!
Making Dreams a Reality! Call us today, (618)254-0605!
Wood River t Maryville t www.ShellCU.org
Our Spacious Apartments May Be Just What You’re Looking For
Offering security, affordability, and style Our rental program includes: • Accepting those 55+ • 24-hr. emergency response system • Light housekeeping weekly • Scheduled duled d activities act c iv i ities & transportation
• Three meals daily • TV services with 60 channels • Internet service • Flat linens once per week
((618)) 377-3239
www.villaroseslc.com illll l
Home Style
25
FOREVER HOME Couple adopts abused dogs Karen with her rescued dogs Sissie Sue, a maltipoo, and Gertie Sue, a chow chow. Gertie Sue received the most votes for The Telegraph's Pet Calendar in 2009 and 2010.
Story and Photos by Laura Griffith
G
ertie Sue Curry is The Telegraph's Pet Calendar cover dog for two years running - but her life hasn't always been so smooth. Under the care of previous owners, the chow chow was left tied outside during storms with nothing but a bag of food at her side. A later owner passed away, and her children couldn't keep the loving dog. So, through Pick of the Litter in Godfrey, where Karen and John Curry take their dogs to be groomed, she finally found her forever home. The Godfrey couple and their dog, Gizmo, accepted Gertie as one of their own years ago. The Currys even credit Gertie with giving Gizmo his last good year of life. "He was out in the winter to go to the bathroom one day, and he fell on the ice when he was outside," Karen said. "Gertie came to the door (to get help)." Although Gizmo is no longer around, Gertie still gets along great with other dogs, including the couple's new 18-month-old maltipoo, Sissie Sue, another rescue dog. Although she's very protective of her family, she gets along well with people, too. "Everybody that comes into the groomers' wants Gertie. When she's up on that table, she looks like a little teddy bear," Karen said. "She has got the most beautiful face on a dog I've ever seen." Karen says Gertie is a quiet dog that doesn't bother anyone, and is mostly laid-back, but does get nervous around high-pitched noises. Even though she's very photogenic, Gertie doesn't like having her photo taken. Nevertheless, Telegraph readers voted 11,224 times for Gertie in 2009 and 4,024 times in 2010 at 25 cents per vote to benefit Newspapers in Education. NIE provides newspapers to classrooms free of charge for teachers who request them - a cause that Karen, who worked in the East Alton school system from 1999 to 2006, feels strongly about. "It helps children find out what's going on in the world," she said. After big wins in 2009 and 2010 (for the 2010 and 2011 calendars), the Currys said Gertie, who is almost 9 years old, is retiring from calendar modeling, and is giving Sissie Sue, another dog with a rough past, her turn. The little maltipoo was abused under her previous owners - left out in the garage with continued on next page
26
Spring 2011
I just will not let anybody abuse an animal of any kind if I can do anything about it. KAREN CURRY DOG OWNER
only a piece of cloth on the floor to lie on and food she had to fight with another dog to eat. She had two little pups and almost bled to death in the process. When the Currys got her, she looked like her owners took scissors to her fur and gave her a crewcut that took four months to grow out. "She's a baby doll," Karen said. "She's a little bit more hyper, but she loves Gertie. They're almost inseparable." The Currys have had Sissie Sue since November. She's still afraid of a lot, but she, too, is very loving. "She's like a spark plug; she never wears down," Karen said. "Sissie Sue is full of pep, and you wouldn't have a more loving dog than Gertie." The Currys say they've always been animal people but especially love dogs, and they have a soft spot for the formerly abused. "Why go to the pet shop when you can get one just as good (that needs a home)?" John asked. Along with running Karen's Beauty Shop in Cottage Hills for the past 39 years, selling real estate and getting involved in her neighborhood home association, Karen is involved with humane societies on the local (including the 5A's in Alton), state and national levels. Now retired, John helps keep things going around the house. "I just will not let anybody abuse an animal of any kind if I can do anything about it," Karen said. The Currys praise Pam Myers of Pick of the Litter and Dr. Robert Formea in Alton for helping the dogs, the loves of their lives, get to where they are today.
Sissie Sue, 18months old, had been abused by her previous owners. The Currys adopted her last November.
Bring Beauty to every corner of your home • Carpet • Tile • Laminate
• Hardwood • Carpet Cleaning Services
When experience & quality matters...
Call Us. spring is
green
sale
TK
CARP E T
GALLERY
SINCE 1982 1100 W. Homer Adams Pkwy • Godfrey, IL 62035
618-466-0630 Home Style
27
ENDURING QUALITY. TIMELESS DESIGN.
MORE STYLES. MORE CHOICES. Rothman can help you create the perfect home environment. Choose from beautiful Broyhill living room collections, available in over 600 designer covers that let you express your own unique sense of style.
ALTON, ILLINOIS 3001 WASHINGTON 618-462-9770 rothmanfurniture.com