FRIDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2014
SPOTLIGHT ON
HERRIN
This resilient and productive community says ‘Welcome Home’ to progress
Energy: ‘A great neighbor’ to Herrin The Village of Energy’s residents are afforded a convenient location in the middle of Williamson County. Surrounding towns benefit from Energy’s friendly spirit and willingness to help in any way it can. “Energy is a great neighbor to have,” said Herrin Mayor Vic Ritter. “If there is anything I ever need, all I have to do is ask. I think they feel the same way.” A committed citizenry of a shade over 1,000 and a committed force of city workers makes Energy an ideal counterpart to Herrin. Frank Jeters was appointed mayor of Energy by the village board of trustees in October of 1996. He was elected to office less than a year later and has been a fixture in office ever since. Energy boasts a volunteer fire department and a police department. It also fields a family friendly park comprised of ball diamonds, playground equipment and half-mile paved walking trail. Some of the more recognized businesses within Energy include Herrin Bowl, Polar Whip Restaurant, Ace Hardware and
IN THESE PHOTOS: Above and left, Students from Unity Christian School in Energy play at Bruce Park in October 2013. Right, the Energy water tower overlooks Bruce Park. THE SOUTHERN FILE PHOTOS
Energy Bank of Herrin. “We have a good business base and are always looking to attract new business into town,” Jeters told The Southern. Leadership in both Energy and Herrin have built strong, sustainable
relationships. According to city records, Energy got its name in 1913 when the Taylor Coal Co. asked city officials to change the name from Fordville to Energy, a name that fit in well with the company’s
trademark of providing energy to its customers. The city celebrated its centennial, however, in 2007, or 100 years after Fordville became incorporated. For more information on Energy, visit www.village ofenergy.com.
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Herrin Hospital celebrates its centennial location at the corners of South 14th and East Harrison, the brick hospital is a growing medical complex in the heart of downtown Herrin. It employs 900 people and is part of the Southern Illinois Healthcare network. “Our community is fortunate to have such an outstanding medical facility right here at home,” said Herrin Mayor THE SOUTHERN FILE PHOTOS Vic Ritter. Herrin Hospital, part of the Southern Illinois Healthcare system, Herrin Hospital has 114 beds and operates numer- is an anchor of the Herrin community and a leader in rehabilitation services in the state. ous specialized services including the first accredcollaborative relationand coordinates the ited Chest Pain Unit in ships, the hospital has innovative Orthopedic Southern Illinois. It also earned a reputation for Joint Camp. houses a newly expanded its innovation on the Through many emergency department Southern Illinois healthcare landscape. The complex offers nationally acclaimed acute rehabilitation services through an affiliation between the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago and SIH, which was established in 1997 to provide quality rehabilitation services. The Herrin Hospital Auxiliary is one of the most successful in the region, founded more Three delicious home cooked • Local transportation than 30 years ago. It is meals served in • Social and recreational the volunteer arm of the the dining room hospital that plans and activities
One hundred years old, and it’s never looked better. Herrin Hospital has been celebrating its centennial throughout 2014, paying tribute to all of the physicians, nurses, staff and patients who have helped grow it into its current state. The hospital was built in 1914 and renamed Herrin Hospital in 1918 when Dr. J.T. Black purchased it. It has certainly changed with the times, serving patients through arduous public health circumstances and challenging healthcare industry changes. Standing in its original
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The memorial garden at Herrin Hospital offers a peaceful place for relaxation and meditation. It is also used as an outdoor location for physical therapy and rehabilitation.
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The Villas at Holly Brook and other senior care facilities make Herrin ideal for aging populations At full capacity as of late October, The Villas at Holly Brook has quickly become a premiere assisted-living apartment complex. Executive Director Howard Saver wants people to know that its waiting list is short and now may be the time to set up a future spot for a loved one. “You can still maintain a tremendous amount of independence while getting the assistance that you need,” he said. In addition to the generously sized apartments, The Villas also offers three prepared meals each day, laundry service, transportation and other amenities. Its staff of certified nursing assistants are on site to help with daily living, resident mobility and other special services. “We have an experienced and stable care team of CNAs,” Saver said. “We develop individual service plans for every resident tailored to their specific needs.” The facility is adjacent
Reflections in Herrin provides focused care to seniors suffering from Alzheimer’s, dementia or other memory issues.
to the Logan Professional Park, home to a number of physicians, specialists and medical offices. Groundbreaking on The Villas was in October 2011 and the doors opened a year later. Saver said the quality of the facilities has drawn
a lot of positive feedback, as has the food served up at The Villas. “Residents are just absolutely pleased with the food,” he said. “Our dietary is outstanding. We invite people who want to see the facility to come have a lunch or supper on
Proudly Serving the Citizens of Herrin Victor M. Ritter, Mayor Marlene Simpson, City Clerk Carl Goodwin, Treasurer
us. Our food service sets us apart.” Saver said The Villas have received outstanding responses from people, particularly in the Herrin, Carterville and Marion areas. As of February 2014, The Villas are now
managed by the nationwide company Meridian Senior Living, which also recently opened Reflections in Logan Park. Reflections specializes in care services for residents with Alzheimer’s, dementia and other memory issues.
ADAM TESTA, THE SOUTHERN
“I think that families have realized how outstanding our assisted living opportunities are here in Southern Illinois,” Saver said. “There are some very nice places to live and they have become very viable options for a lot of people.”
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Herrin Massacre Tour ‘a healing experience’ for some Amy Erickson always knew she’d put her tourism management degree to good use. It took only a moment of clarity for her to figure out how. “I found out that right outside of where I’ve lived for 17 years, there was a giant ambush during the Herrin Massacre,” she said, referencing the infamous 1922 fights between union and non-union miners that left more than 20 men dead. “Someone was shot and it made national publicity. I thought, ‘Where’s the marker? Where’s the map?’” Erickson partnered with local historians to plot out the key geographical markers of the massacre. Out of long hours of research, the now wildly popular Herrin Massacre Tour was born. The tour offers a unique way to spend an afternoon. It covers five stops over a five-hour period, and costs $45 for the tour and lunch. Erickson has put on shorter versions of the tour, as well. “We try to present everything in an organized way,” said Erickson, officially the tour’s organizer. “I’ve had people call me after they’ve done a tour after ours and they say ‘Please let me know if you’re going to do another one because I’ll be down there in a second.’” Finding out the details of what happened on those few fateful days in 1922 is what attracts people to the Herrin Massacre Tour. And with local historian and author Jon Musgrave serving as a guide, the tour is equal parts insightful and educational. “People like to have their questions answered,”
DETAILS What: Herrin Massacre Tour Cost: Five-hour tour: $45 Info: 618-751-2924; www.herrinmassacretour.com; amy@herrinmassacretour.com
IN THE PHOTO: Tours of sites related to the Herrin Massacre take participants around Southern Illinois to see where history happened. PROVIDED BY AMY ERICKSON
Erickson said. “There are lot of people who have personal connections to people involved in the massacre. A lot of people have actually called it a healing tour. The whole event has such significant meaning to people in the area.” Erickson credits a curious community, invested organizations and the City of Herrin for supporting the tour’s rapid growth. She would eventually love to expand into other tours. “We want to keep up the enthusiasm and excitement,” Erickson said. “I
really feel there are lot of different tours of Southern Illinois history that people would want to see.” Erickson and her team are presently planning the first annual Southern Illinois Heritage Festival at the Herrin Civic Center. The event will feature nationally acclaimed singer-songwriter Chris Vallillo. Contact Erickson at 618-751-2924 for more information on the festival or the Herrin Massacre Tour. Or sign up for a tour at www.herrinmassacre tour.com.
Page 12 Friday, October 31, 2014 THE SOUTHERN ILLINOISAN
A Memory Care Community for Those with Alzheimer’s and Dementia Care Needs initial stages right now and reaching out to our major donors.” The ground for the new school has been readied. Leaders hope to break it in the spring if they can come up with half of their $10 million goal. “Our priest is a visionary, optimistic man,” Myatt said of Father Ken Schaefer. “He is driving this whole thing and we believe in him.” The fact that the school is comprised of students from across the region — as far away as Anna this year — means a bigger pool for fundraising. Students routinely come from Herrin, Marion, Johnston City and Carterville. The new building would house all of the school’s pre-K through eighthgrade students, replacing the current three-building setup. “Our students are
innovative, as well. Rather than lining them up along a hallway, they will be What: Our Lady of Mount broken down into “collabCarmel Catholic School orative pods,” according Where: 300 W. Monroe to Myatt. St., Herrin “For instance, grades Contact: 618-942-4484; one and two will have www.olmcschool.net four classrooms,” Myatt explained. “Between them there are removable walls for traveling across the cooperative learning grounds to get to music class or to the gym for PE and collaboration for things like science and classes,” Myatt said. art projects.” “When the weather is Phase one would be bad, that obviously makes it an uncomfortable expe- construction of the pre-K rience in the cold or rain.” through eighth-grade areas. The new gym and One of the biggest cafeteria would be built changes to the proposed during phase two. Part of new building would be the building would also its accessibility for the function as a safe room handicapped — without for any storms or lockemploying the use of down situations. an elevator. Established in 1912, The entry atrium will give way to a comprehen- Our Lady of Mount Carsive ramp system that will mel School extends the Catholic traditions of its gradually incline to the parish in Herrin by serving second floor. Catholic families. Classrooms will be
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THE SOUTHERN FILE PHOTO
Father Ken Schaefer speaks to students during a morning mass in January 2012 at Our Lady of Mount Carmel School in Herrin.
www.reflectionsofherrin.com THE SOUTHERN ILLINOISAN Friday, October 31, 2014 Page 11
Capital campaign under way for new OLMC school Since launching in the summer, Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic School’s capital campaign for a new school has quickly raised $2 million
in funds. “We are very happy with how things have progressed,” said OLMC Principal Faye Myatt. “We are still in the
Chris Padgett performs for students at Our Lady of Mount Carmel School at an assembly celebrating the end of the 2012 National Catholic Schools Week. THE SOUTHERN FILE PHOTO
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Complete Family Eyecare is preparing to move into a new facility on Illinois 148. ADAM TESTA, THE SOUTHERN
Eyecare center moves into newer, bigger building Complete Family Eyecare of Herrin is benefitting from its new and larger building on Park Avenue. Its patients are, as well. South of its former Herrin location, the new center more than doubled the size of Dr. Chase Rudolph’s center, allowing for more available parking and expanded space for patient treatment. “We always wanted a bigger space,” Rudolph said. “The opportunity
arose, and we took it instead of waiting for a few years.” Complete Family Eyecare of Herrin has been open since 2010. Rudolph attended Our Lady of Mount Carmel School in Herrin. He has a dual degree in biology and chemistry from Illinois College in Jacksonville. Rudolph’s Doctor of Optometry degree was earned from the Indiana University School of
DETAILS What: Complete Family Eyecare of Herrin Where: 3121 S. Park Ave., Herrin Contact: 618-942-7042; www.drchaserudolph.com Optometry in Bloomington, Indiana. He is proud to have established a successful, patient-minded practice in his home region. “Every one of us grew up in the Herrin-Marion-Johnston
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In 2011, Justin Wiseman was hiding from the world. Unlike most 26 year olds, he was nearly 600 pounds and suffering from countless health issues. He dreamed of a life where he could go to the movies, enjoy the outdoors and be happy, but his weight always held him back. One day, Justin found the courage to make an appointment with Dr. Naresh Ahuja at New Life Weight Loss Center, the Only Bariatric Surgery Center of Excellence between Poplar Bluff and Louisville. In 2012, Dr. Ahuja performed gastric sleeve surgery on Justin. Today, Justin has lost over 400 pounds and he’s on top of the world!
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Another successful year for HerrinFesta Southern Illinoisans already knew it, but HerrinFesta Italiana received statewide recognition earlier this year for being the state’s best festival or event in the Illinois Governor’s Conference on Tourism. What began as a small community celebration in 1991, the event has exploded in popularity thanks to family-friendly entertainment, top-tier concerts, bocce tournaments and beauty pageants. The people behind the scenes deserve the credit for bringing it all together — and maintaining it over the course of more than two decades. “It’s literally humbling trying to think of everyone who has made this festival what it is today,” HerrinFesta President Cris Trapani told The Southern. Trapani, his HerrinFesta partners and hundreds of volunteers begin working on the May festival as early as September. The collaborative effort helps
THE SOUTHERN FILE PHOTOS
Shawn Essick takes Camden Massengill down the slide during 2014 HerrinFesta Italiana.
All 22 contestants take the stage during the 2014 Miss HerrinFesta Italiana Scholarship Pageant.
the festival not only put on a great show, but also plays a big role in stimulating the local economy. Trapani cites a study performed by a state tourism bureau that showed a $1.5 million impact on regional businesses for every HerrinFesta. “We’re not only generating revenue at the event, but also in the local hotels, restaurants and shops,” he said. The 2014 edition was a hit, with bands like Three Days Grace and Blue
August Camarato throws a bocce ball during the 19th annual Adult/Child Bocce Tournament at HerrinFesta earlier this year.
Oyster Cult bringing in big crowds. Families came to Herrin from across the region to experience what has grown into a Memorial Day staple of Southern Illinois. And next year will be here before Trapani knows it. He says a lot of people may be surprised at how much work goes into executing the Festa. “I think people within Herrin who have seen 20-plus years of HerrinFesta, they know,” he said. “It’s hard to be from Herrin and not be a part of some sub-committee or a volunteer involved in HerrinFesta. And without them and our sponsors, HerrinFesta would not be possible.” As per usual, the 2015 HerrinFesta lineup will not be announced until sometime after the holidays, but Southern Illinoisans can certainly expect to see more of the same from the festival that continues to grow in popularity.
THE SOUTHERN ILLINOISAN Friday, October 31, 2014 Page 7
See you at the Civic Center! River Band, Storm Crows and Old Friends and Stephanie Jo Newton. Tickets are $15 apiece What: Herrin Civic Center and available at Herrin Where: 101 S. 16th Street, Civic Center, online at Herrin siopry.com, at the door or Contact: 618-942-6115; at Herrin Pawn Mart. You http://herrincc.com can also call 618-988-1207 for tickets and informaevents at the civic center is tion. the monthly SI Opry. The music extravaganza began Quilt Show in August 2013 and has The annual Southern featured dynamic arrays of Illinois Quilt Show takes bands from Southern Illi- place in the spring at the nois and beyond, including civic center. Blend, Loose Gravel and Past events have been Ronie Stoneman. sponsored by the Herrin The next show is slated Area Historical Society, for Nov. 15 and will include and have attracted guests Cassie Andrews and Calico looking to view and buy SI Opry One of the most popular Creek, Encore, Big Muddy custom-designed quilts. Whether it be a wedding, business meeting or special event, there is always something scheduled at the Herrin Civic Center. Its auditorium seats nearly 350 people and its banquet rooms can accommodate groups of up to 400. Parking is convenient, with sufficient on-site space to host functions of any size. “The auditorium in the civic center is just a great venue,” said Herrin Mayor Vic Ritter. “A lot of people consider it a hidden gem. It’s just a great place to see a show.”
DETAILS
ADAM TESTA, THE SOUTHERN
The Herrin Civic Center has become a popular venue for events, from the HerrinFesta Italiana pageant to country music concerts under the Southern Illinois Opry banner.
Quilts with historical ties to the region have been on display during past events. Breakout
sessions featuring some of the finest local quilters have also been part of the show, which has free
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“It needs to be recognized that these folks from Crab Orchard Golf Club in the three short years have raised over $100,000 and for us that’s 20 scholarships and 20 families that have been impacted.” Tony Biata, PGA, vice president of Patriot Golf Day of the Folds of Honor Foundation.
the three short years have raised over $100,000 and for us that’s 20 scholarships and 20 families that have been impacted,” said Tony Biata, PGA, vice president of Patriot Golf Day of the Folds of Honor Foundation. Earlier this year, Patriot Golf Day handed out 2,052 scholarships worth $10 million for the fall. The Folds of Honor Foundation is dedicated to hope and enlightenment through education. The
funds raised during the event and others provide scholarships and assistance to the 87 percent of spouses and children of those killed or disabled in service and don’t qualify for federal scholarship assistance. The festivities at Crab Orchard Golf Club bring big crowds every year and end with a Challenge Coin ceremony and a march by the veterans in attendance from each branch of the military.
IN THE PHOTOS: Above left: Larry Hamilton of the Region 6 Patriot Guard passes out flags before the Folds of Honor fundraiser at Crab Orchard Golf Club in July 2013. The event is sponsored by RSP Heating and Cooling in Herrin. Above: Patriot Guard riders stand at attention.
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Coordinated each July 4th weekend for the past three years, the annual Folds of Honor Charity Classic has brought together families from across the region. RSP Heating and Cooling, located just west of Illinois 148, is a major reason why. The company sponsors the tournament at Crab Orchard Golf Club that raises money
IN THE PHOTO: National Guardsman, Specialist Ott, salutes during the Folds of Honor fundraiser at Crab Orchard Golf Club in July 2013. THE SOUTHERN FILE PHOTOS
for the national Folds of Honor Foundation. The group provides educational assistance to family
members of veterans wounded or killed in service to our country. In 2012, Crab Orchard Golf Course raised $44,000 for the scholarship foundation to put it in the top 25 of all golf courses in the country. This year, 144 couples signed up to participate. “It needs to be recognized that these folks from Crab Orchard Golf Club in
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Thanksgiving dinner: A 25-year tradition As it has for 25 years, one of the biggest Thanksgiving meals in Southern Illinois will be served up in Herrin. Last year’s event featured free breakfast, lunch and dinner at the Herrin Civic Center. Coordinator Bart Mann said he is looking for volunteers on Monday through Friday this year to help with the effort. “We usually have about 100 volunteers but can always use more,” Mann said. “Monday we season the turkeys, Tuesday we cook them, Wednesday we carve them, Thursday
is the big day and then Friday is clean up and taking inventory.” More than 1,000 people are expected to attend every year. Past events have featured live music, flat screen televisions to watch football and toys for children. The annual dinner began in 1988 under the leadership of then Mayor Ed Quaglia. “Mayor Quaglia started it and he invited the entire community to it,” Mann said. The event ran until it disbanded in 1999 and 2000 before being resurrected in 2001.
DETAILS What: Annual Thanksgiving Dinner When: Thursday, Nov. 27 Contact: Coordinator Bart Mann, 618-942-5080 More: Call for details on location and volunteering “It was important to people and something they looked forward to,” Mann said. “It continues to grow thanks to the many volunteers who help put it on.
“The camaraderie is also a big part of it. People come every year just to see each other and feel the community spirit.” The event is free and open to anyone. Last year’s leftover dinner was donated to the Herrin House of Hope. “We hear that it is a great Thanksgiving meal, just like one you would have at grandma’s house,” Mann said. “We’ve got all the traditional holiday food for people to enjoy.” THE SOUTHERN FILE PHOTO Those interested in volunteering can contact Mann Volunteers serve food to guests during a Thanksgiving meal at the Herrin Civic Center in November 2012. at 618-942-5080.
City of Herrin announces its new city motto he idea of opening the T selection of a new city motto to the public seemed like a natural one to Herrin Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Liz Lively. Even she was surprised by her community’s support. “Oh, definitely they exceeded our expectations,” she said. “We had several hundred people vote, and more than 250 people submitted their own slogan.” Herrin: Welcome Home
won out over three other competing slogans to earn the right to be utilized in tourism efforts, marketing campaigns and local signage. The other slogan candidates were Herrin: Eat. Shop. Play. Live.; Herrin: Where History Meets the Future; and Herrin: the Heart and Soul of Southern Illinois. “I think the interest was so big because it was an opportunity for them to show their pride in Herrin and take some ownership of how Herrin is
branded,” Lively said. Collaboration is at the root of all things Herrin, starting with its chamber. The group is busy executing its comprehensive strategic plan centered on business growth and longterm partnerships. And it is proactively looking to involve its citizens in all stages of the process. Another communityminded initiative set forth by the chamber involves local business experts offering free guidance. The
chamber’s employment and entrepreneurship team — made up of longtime business owners — is providing advice on all aspects of operations, from startup to financing. “We’re always looking for people who want to expand or start a business,” Lively said. “It’s absolutely free and a great way to get guidance from a group of very successful business owners.” Helping Herrin businesses thrive is the chamber’s main objective. It
offers special seminars, unique ideas and an annual themed dinner to keep business owners invested in the community. “We are always working on projects to offer more benefit to our members,” Lively said. “Business in Herrin is strong,” added Herrin Mayor Vic Ritter. “New business is opening, existing businesses are thriving. We are very happy with how things are going and the chamber does a great job.”
NAME GAME Several hundred Herrin residents placed their votes for the city’s new slogan, which has officially been announced. “Herrin: Welcome Home” beat out the other contenders below. zz Herrin: Eat. Shop. Play. Live. zz Herrin: Where History Meets the Future zz Herrin: The Heart and Soul of Southern Illinois
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Welcome Home This resilient and productive community welcomes progress Herrin wants all of its residents — past, present, departing and returning — to know that they are always welcome home. The city’s new slogan will soon be integrated in tourism and marketing materials aiming to drive traffic into Herrin’s improving downtown and evolving business landscape. It is also meant to form a bond to achieve togetherness and resiliency. “We had an amazing number of people interested in coming up with our new slogan,” said Liz Lively, executive director
the seemingly crippling shutdown of the Maytag plant in 2006 to the annual efforts required to pull off the large-scale HerrinFesta Italiana, Herrin is committed to finishing what it starts. That includes speHerrin Mayor Vic Ritter cial initiatives aimed at improving business, of the Herrin Chamber of Commerce. The city had a infrastructure, education, athletics, healthvote through Facebook to name the new rallying cry. care and everything else It’s no surprise that citi- in between. “I think business-wise zens came out in full force. we’re about as strong as Herrin and its commost of the towns around munity put full efforts Southern Illinois,” said into everything they are longtime Herrin Mayor involved in. Vic Ritter. From recovering from
“I think businesswise we’re about as strong as most of the towns around Southern Illinois.”
Ryan and Cassie Jeralds, owners
1420 S. Park P k Ave. A • Herrin, IL
Mon.-Sat. 7am-8pm • Sun. 7am-3pm Page 2 Friday, October 31, 2014 THE SOUTHERN ILLINOISAN
IN THE PHOTO: Downtown Herrin is home to many businesses and restaurants. The city prides itself on its Italian heritage and continues to explore new ways of growing and becoming a destination in Southern Illinois. ADAM TESTA, THE SOUTHERN
Gina’s hips had hurt for so long that she’d given up on one of her favorite activities–strolling along the Pinckneyville City Park’s walking trail. That’s when she decided to go to Joint Camp for her bilateral hip replacement. Southern Illinois Healthcare offers the ONLY Joint Commission accredited Joint Camp in southern Illinois, which combines surgical expertise, Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago affiliated therapy and valuable education to give you a better experience and faster recovery when facing joint replacement surgery. Gina had an anterior hip replacement, which often allows patients to regain their mobility at a faster pace. You have a choice in Orthopedics care–choose the “Certified” leaders in Knee and Hip Replacement.
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618-942-2171 ext 36200