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2 Life & Style : Summer 2012
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710 North Illinois Avenue P.O. Box 2108 Carbondale, Illinois 62902 618-529-5454 • 800-228-0429 fax 618-529-3774 www.LifeandStyleSI.com cara.recine@thesouthern.com Publisher Bob Williams Executive Editor Gary Metro Editor Cara Recine Advertising Jason Woodside Director Graphic Rhonda M. Ethridge Designer Circulation Mark Romanowski Online Lauren Siegert J.C. Dart Photographers Shawn Connelly Steve Jahnke Paul Newton Alan Rogers Adam Testa Contributors Shawn Connelly Debbie Moore Les O’Dell Cara Recine Joe Szynkowski Adam Testa Les Winkeler Copy Editing Rob Crow Mark Fitton Ashley Kendera Mary Thomas Layton Advertising Stacy Cramm Design Sharon Haege Kelly McGuire Anita Palmisano Ken Rowe Jay Stemm Advertising Kelly Caudill Sales Brian Flath Alicia Lorenz Tina Moon Meagan Murray Lacey Thompson David Zoeller
Life & Style in Southern Illinois is a publication of The Southern Illinoisan. Contact us at 710 N. Illinois Ave., Carbondale, IL 62901, or at P.O. Box 2108, Carbondale, IL 62902. Reach us on the Internet at www.LifeandStyleSI.com. Life & Style in Southern Illinois is published four times per year and is distributed free of cost to a variety of businesses and hotels in Southern Illinois. © 2011 by The Southern Illinoisan. All rights reserved. For more information call 618-529-5454 or 618-997-3356. Visit us online at www.thesouthern.com.
4 Life & Style : Summer 2012
welcome
Letter from the executive editor Riding the rails makes the trip extra special This time of year makes me want to hit the road. I especially scratch the travel-bug itch whenever railroad tracks and passenger trains are near. That’s often because the route for Amtrak’s City of New Orleans and other north-south trains is a chip shot from my office. However, our summer vacation plans are probably similar to those of most people. We’ll stay at home to save money, but there are parts of Southern Illinois that are perfect for minimaltravel “staycations.” There will be time and money for a rail adventure further in the future — I hope. Our greatest train trek was in the summer of 1999. We hopped on the Empire Builder in Milwaukee on a Saturday afternoon and didn’t leave our Amtrak companions until half-past midnight the next Monday. We got off the train in Whitefish, Mont., nestled among the Rocky Mountains and close to Glacier National Park. It is an area of fantastic natural beauty, whether seen from the shore of Flathead Lake or the chilly vistas of Logan Pass and the Continental Divide. Debbie says it’s the most beautiful place we’ve ever seen, and I can’t argue with my wife — not successfully, that is. Train travel made the trip special. It’s slower than flying, but stresses are left at the station, and hours disappear as the scenery slides past the windows. Accommodations? The Empire Builder offers roomettes, which are perfect for couples. Amenities? A full dining car serves excellent steaks and fish. It’s also possible to have a cocktail while sitting in the Sightseer Lounge car. Train travel isn’t for everybody — spare me your horror stories, please — but it makes the journey a vacation highlight. We won’t be taking the train anywhere more distant than Chicago this summer, perhaps no farther than Centralia for a dinner-time adventure. The rest of the time, we’ll limit our trips and gasoline expense to the world-class sights of Southern Illinois. Want a taste of Italy, France, Sweden, Germany, Poland or India without leaving the region? Take a closer look at what’s available and within an easy driving distance — if not in your backyard — in our cover story by freelance writer Joe Szynkowski, who often contributes to this magazine and The Southern Illinoisan. Speaking of backyards and train travel,
regular contributor Les O’Dell offers a closer look at people who successfully combine two of my passions — railroads and landscaping. It’s known as G Scale model railroading (G stands for garden) and there are a growing number of rail fans who can watch trains clattering past perennials and petunias. But wait, there’s still more in this issue. Take a closer look at the fantastic new Wine Cave at Walker’s Bluff; it’s unlike anything you’ve ever seen. Or learn how to appreciate the special joys of opera — highlighted this summer by the presentation of “La Bohème” at the Southern Illinois Music Festival. Enjoy the magazine and the summer, even if you rarely leave the comforts of your home and backyard. — Gary Metro
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contents
No Passport Required 44 Travel the world without leaving Southern Illinois
Summer 2012
58 Profile
Richard Cox takes his talent on the road — around the world and here at home
62 Wine
New wine cave is yet another step in the giant stride of Walker’s Bluff
10 Social Seen
See who you recognize in our photo collection
25 Cultural
66 Where We Live
Joe and Mary Jo McCurdy were destined to share this magnificent Lake of Egypt home
cover photo Lori Sweitzer of Photography by Lori shot our cover photo at the Marion train station. The model is Melissa Frank of Johnston City.
Don’t hesitate! See and hear ‘La Bohème’
38 Good Eats
Fruit from our orchards and a favorite summer treat
56 Trends
There’s lots of interest in Pinterest; see why — and how
76 Getaways
Even if you think you know St. Louis, it’s time to explore it again
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this issue Scenic Beauty Work Spaces Apps My Favorite Things Entertainment Artist Profile Style Cheers to Beer
18 28 30 32 34 36 40 42
Out & About Recreation Gear Self In Our Backyard Business Buzz Heritage Parting Shot
60 72 86 88 90 92 94 96
Life & Style : Summer 2012 7
Sedation Dentistry
taking the fear out of your dental visit
As the most experienced general dentist in Southern Illinois trained in I.V. Conscious Sedation, Dr. Christopher Hughes can put you in a relaxed “dozeâ€? while your dental treatment is done. • Do you avoid dental treatment due to fear or anxiety? • Would you like to have a beautiful healthy smile, but are afraid of the dentist? If you answer yes to these questions, Dr. Hughes and his team can help you find out if Sedation Dentistry is right for you.
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contact us Life and Style in Southern Illinois 710 N. Illinois Ave., Carbondale, IL 62901 618-529-5454
EDITORIAL Cara Recine editor 618-351-5075 cara.recine @thesouthern.com
ADVERTISING Jason Woodside advertising director 618-351-5015 jason.woodside @thesouthern.com
SUBSCRIPTIONS Trisha Woodside circulation and promotions manager 618-351-5035 trisha.woodside @thesouthern.com Subscription 8 issues for $17.95 rates: 4 issues for $9.95
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8 Life & Style : Summer 2012
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(618) 549-2211
Rt. 51N • Carbondale 618-549-2211 12051 Cyril James Rd. • Benton 618-435-3069
Mon-Fri 8:30-5 • Sat 9-3 • Closed Sunday
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social seen
CCA’s 25th
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Carbondale Community Arts celebrated 25 years of work and progress Feb. 7 at Hickory Lodge in Carbondale, which the group calls its home. 1. Debbie Meador, Jan Payne, Ronda Gaertner, Karen Powell, all with Payne, Gaertner, and Associates 2. Mindy Beyke and Katie Storm of Carterville 3. Mary Mechler, Carbondale Community Arts board member; and Tammy Cavarretta, director of development for the Varsity Center for the Arts 4. Lt. Gov. Sheila Simon and her husband, Perry Knop 5. Judy Travelstead, Bonnie Heidinger and Kathy Benedict, all of Carbondale
Steve Jahnke
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Carbondale Chamber
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Carbondale Chamber of Commerce members and guests attended the annual dinner Feb. 10. 1. Gail White and Edith Spees 3
2. Keeping the Arts in Business Award winner Gail White of White and Borgognoni Architects
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3. SIU Chancellor Rita Cheng and Tom Cheng 4. Jarred and Melissa Lewis
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Steve Jahnke and the Carbondale Chambe of Commerce
5. The President’s Service Award winner Randy Johnson of 710 Bookstore 6. Chamber Board of Directors President Chan San and Business Leader of the Year Gayla Borgognoni
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social seen
Du Quoin Chamber
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The Chamber of Commerce awards banquet was Jan. 25. 1. President’s Award winner Stacy Hirsch and Fred Huff 2. Sam Macaluso and Bill Huff 3. Outstanding Citizen Award winners Doris Rottschalk and Sam Macaluso
Steve Jahnke
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Herrin Chamber
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Herrin Chamber of Commerce’s annual dinner was Jan. 27 at Herrin Civic Center. 1. Bob Simpson, Mark Kochan, Frank Colombo, Kevin Frost and Cris Trapani 2. President’s Award winner Joe Leenerts and Hila Leenerts
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3. Past President Marilyn Storch, current President Kelly Green and Past President Marlene Simpson 4. Paul Murphy, John Brewster and Mark Kochan 5. 13Pro Members Ryan Lynn, Amanda Thalhammer, Heather Chambers, Elizabeth Hileman, Sherry Ratcliffe, Logan Johnson, Nancy Skovgaard and Nic Skovgaard 6. Richard Pisoni and Carol King
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7. Pete Bondioli, Brenda Brewster, Mary Bondioli and John Brewster 8. Katie Calcaterra, Ryan Lynn, Liz Lynn and Ben Calcaterra 9. Tara Hamlin, Clyde McMillan, Cassie Henshaw, Megan Bennett, Terri Thompson, Allan Thompson and Evan Youngblood 10. Citizen of the Year William Hays and wife, Pam 8
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11. Angela Baxter and Ben Calcaterra 12. Marilyn Storch, Bruce Steh, Janice and Chuck Shahadey, Vicki Colombo, Jim Storch, Hila Leenerts and Joe Leenerts
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Provided by the Herrin Chamber of Commerce
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At the Game
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Herrinites gathered for a reception in the Stadium Club at Saluki Stadium before the Feb. 8 SIU/MSU game. 1. Nicole Monchino, Randy Campbell, Jesse Campbell, Mike Monchino, John Boyles, Matt Monchino and Madison Monchino 2. Ryan Lynn and Cristina Trapani 3. Kathy Lively and Liz Lynn 4. Teresa Camarato, Kathy Boston, Dave Boston and Keith Camarato 5. Judy and Randy Lynn
Provided by the Herrin Chamber of Commerce
6. Glenda Swalls and Lisa Lukens
be seen Have you been to a great event lately? Did you take photos?
If you would like to have the photos considered for publication in our magazine, call for details and image specifications: Cara Recine • 618-351-5075
FOR ALL YOUR BACKYARD NEEDS FREE Pergolas, In-Home Outdoor Kitchens, Consultation Big Green Eggs, Design & Traeger Pellet Grills Installations and Much More! Available 14 Life & Style : Summer 2012
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SIH Gala
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The Southern Illinois Healthcare Gala on April 13 drew guests to the SIU Student Center. 1. Diane Baine of Carbondale, Herman Louw of Murphysboro, Misty Wright of Murphysboro and Mel Bower of Carbondale 2. Sam Goldman of Carbondale and Jennifer Badiu of Marion
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3. Marsha Ryan of Carbondale 4. Wayne and Michelle Sirles of Cobden and Dr. Terrence and Denise Glennon of Carbondale 5. Jennifer Badiu, Phil and Mary Rosenow Greer of Goreville and Sam Goldman 6. Dr. Deepu Sudhakaran and his wife, Javitta 7. Carey Gill of Carterville, co-chair of the SIH Foundation Dinner committee, and Darrell Bryant of Makanda
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8. Ivy and Sebastien Chou of Carbondale and Arnold Wyrick and Beth Etienne of Anna
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Steve Jahnke
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social seen
Remember Titanic
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Mary’s restaurant in Herrin served a seven-course meal April 14, which replicated the last meal served on Titanic before it sank. Guests were encouraged to attend in the fashion style of the early 1900s. 1. David Boston, Malcolm Zwick, Frank Colombo and John Brewster 2. Jeff Rivers and Amber Short 3. Carla and David Hays 4. Carol and Malcolm Zwick 5. John Brewster, David Hays and Brenda Brewster 6. Clara Avery 7. Cynde Bunch, David Boston, Kathy Boston and David Bunch 8. Michaelann Stanley and Debbie Payne 9. Dr. Tom Davis and his wife, Lana
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be seen Steve Jahnke
Have you been to a great event lately? Did you take photos?
If you would like to have the photos considered for publication in our magazine, call for details and image specifications: Cara Recine 618-351-5075
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Life & Style : Summer 2012 17
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18 Life & Style : Summer 2012
scenic beauty
Sahara Woods Give this diamond in the rough a good look, and you’ll find a gem
story and photography by Les Winkeler At first glance, Sahara Woods State Park west of Harrisburg isn’t much to look at. There are no breathtaking vistas. To be honest, there aren’t really any hills. There are no lush valleys, no raging rivers. The most prominent feature is the phragmites that line the various lakes and ponds dotting the former mine property. The 4,000-plus acres were given to the state nearly a decade ago, but the site was just opened to the public this summer. After several visits to Sahara Woods, it has become evident that site is a diamond in the rough. It takes some polish, or some serious searching, to truly understand the wonders hidden beneath the surface. Those wonders won’t be apparent if you zip through the park roads at 20 to 30 miles per hour. It is only when you take the time to peer between the phragmites or search the wooded spoils, that Sahara Woods comes to life. Wildlife abounds in what appears to be a barren old mine. Park in one of the several hunters’ parking lots. Turn off your car and wait just a few minutes. Patience will be rewarded. If you visit in the summer, watch the edge of the grass and brush lines for signs of the electric-blue indigo buntings. Scan the horizon for grazing deer or feeding turkey. And, train your eyes on the sky. The chance of seeing a red-tailed hawk, red-shouldered hawk or northern harrier scanning the field for mice and other small critters is excellent. If you visit during the fall, drive the park roads at a snail’s pace. (The roads are one-way and fairly wide; impatient visitors can pass easily.) Although well camouflaged
against the leaf-strewn forest floor, your efforts will be rewarded with numerous deer sightings. Deer watching is most productive in the early morning or late afternoon. Make sure to occasionally scan the many dead trees for woodpeckers. The magnificent pileated woodpecker, redbellied woodpeckers, flickers and downy woodpeckers all call the park home. Of course, if you want to step out of your car and take the time to watch and listen, you’ll see and hear a wide array of cardinals, blue jays, sparrows, titmice, chickadees and others, depending on the season. Sometimes, you can get really lucky and spot a barred owl. Finally, no visit to the park is complete without a visit to Sahara Lake, a 100-acre impoundment and the park’s centerpiece. During the winter months, scan the surface for piedbilled grebes, ruddy ducks and other waterfowl. And, scan the tree line carefully; the chances of spotting a bald eagle are great. During the summer, you’re apt to spot great blue herons, egrets and other wading birds. Don’t let the lack of natural features fool you. Sahara Woods is a paradise if you look closely.
more Sahara Woods is west of Harrisburg on Illinois 13. For more information, call 618-276-4405.
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don’t miss this HerrinFesta Italiana When: May 21-28 Where: Downtown Herrin Info: 618-942-5055 or www.herrinfesta.com Celebrating Herrin’s Italian heritage, this hugely popular event features food, family fun and ‘primo’ entertainment. This year’s lineup is Black Stone Cherry on Thursday, Tesla on Friday, Hot Chelle Rae on Saturday, Jake Owen on Sunday and Hunter Hays on Monday. You’ll also find a carnival, vendor booths, an art show, pageants, a grape stomp and pasta-cooking contest. One of the most popular events is the annual bocce tournament. Look for the Piazza Wine Garden and the Via Trattoria Bella Bella, the all-new food court and dining area.
Murphysboro Art & Wine Festival When: May 26-27 Where: Riverside Park, 2610 W. Riverside Park Road, Murphysboro Info: 618-684-6421 or www.murphysborochamber.com You’ll get two days of music, fine art and some of the region’s best food and fine wines. Enjoy baseball as it was at the beginning by cheering on the vintage baseball home team, the Murphysboro Clarkes. They will host a tournament each day.
Memorial Day Celebration at Historical Thebes Courthouse
May 2012 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15
When: May 26-27 Where: Thebes Info: www.thebescourthouse.com Thebes was the Alexander County seat from 1845 to 1860, and the Thebes Courthouse was built in 1848 by Heinrich Arnholdt Barkhausen. This celebration helps people get to know the history of the courthouse while partaking of food and music. The courthouse will be open for tours during the celebration. Re-enactors, traders and craftspeople will be on the grounds Saturday.
Superman Celebration When: June 7-10 Where: Metropolis Info: 800-248-4373 or www.supermancelebration. net Fans of The Man of Steel can’t get enough of this event. People come from all over the country to visit the hometown of Superman during this festival. You’ll find comic art gallery, fan films, celebrity appearances, a super car show, various entertainment that includes the “Colgate Country Showdown Talent Show,” contests and a carnival. Don’t miss the numerous cafés on wheels. Check out the famous 15-foot-tall bronze statue of Superman and tour the SuperMuseum, which holds the largest collection of Superman memorabilia in the world.
For more information on these events and activities across Southern Illinois, go to www.LifeandStyleSI.com 22 Life & Style : Summer 2012
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McLeod Summer Playhouse Where: McLeod Theater, Communications Building, SIU Carbondale Cost: $75 for all shows or $25 for individual shows; student prices discounted Info: 618-453-6000 for tickets; www.playhouse.siuc.edu for show info It wouldn’t be summer without great theater and music at McLeod Theater on the campus of SIU Carbondale. The university’s Theater Department and the School of Music team up to bring fabulous shows to Southern Illinois each year. Here is this year’s lineup:
Steel Magnolias When: June 14-June 24 Truvy’s beauty parlor is gossip central as six women from a small town in Lousianna find themselves forging bonds of friendship that keep them strong in difficult times.
You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown When: June 15-23 Follow Charlie Brown and the gang from the Peanuts comic strip as they wind their way through the trials and successes of a young person’s world. It’s a fast-paced and fun-filled family musical.
Chicago When: July 6-15 Sleek and sexy, scintillating and satirical, Chicago is a musical, set in prohibition-era Chicago, which tells the story of a would-be starlet who is catapulted to fame when she is accused of shooting her boyfriend. The score includes such songs as “When You’re Good to Mama,” “All I Think About Is Love,” “The Cellblock Tango,” and the amazing “All That Jazz.”
Cinderella When: July 26-30 This is Carbondale Community Art’s All Southern High School Theater Project show. The classic fairy tale, with music by Richard Rogers and book and lyrics by Oscar Hammerstien II, was originally written for television. It is based on the tale by Charles Perrault of a young girl, forced into a life of servitude by her cruel stepmother, whose wish to go to the Prince’s ball is magically granted by her fairy Godmother.
Coming in August Trail of Tears Hummingbird Festival When: 9 a.m.-noon Aug. 4 Where: Trail of Tears State Forest, 3240 State Forest Road, Jonesboro Info: 618-683-2222, 618-564-2079, www.shawneeaudubon.org Did you know a hummingbird’s heart beats more than 250 times a minute? Yours will probably race a little, too, when you get a chance to see these beautiful birds up close. The event will feature master bird-bander Vernon Kleen, who will capture, band and release ruby-throated hummingbirds. Other activities include presentations on hummingbird gardening at 10 a.m. and tips for feeding hummingbirds at 11:30 a.m. Children’s activities and face painting will be ongoing.
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cultural
The timeless story will lure you in; the gorgeous music will make you stay A good story is a good story; it’s an even better one if it’s got passion, love, suffering, joy, art and death. It doesn’t matter if the story was written yesterday or 116 years ago, or if it’s told in a book, a movie or an opera. “La Bohème” is that story. Written by Giacomo Puccini and first performed in Italy in 1896, “La Bohème” — pronounced “lah bo-em” and meaning “The Bohemians” — is one of the most famous and most performed operas in the world. It has inspired generations of love stories. The movie “Moulin Rouge” was loosely based on the opera, and the music was a central part of the film “Moonstruck,” starring Cher and Nicolas Cage. Based on Henri Muger’s autobiographical novelette about the lives of a group of impoverished artists in mid-19th-century Paris, the plot revolves around lovers Rodolfo, a poet, and Mimi, a seamstress. They are madly, truly, deeply, seriously in love; they are poor, unable to afford healthcare for Mimi, who is very ill. They can barely afford to keep a roof over their heads in the poorest part of Paris. Throw in Puccini’s gorgeous music, and you have the makings of a performance that is sure to satisfy opera fans and novices alike. It climbs and dips as it carries us through heart-stopping romance to heart-breaking loss, as the story moves toward its dramatic conclusion. “The music is beautiful, and everyone can identify with this story,” says Gina Galati, who will perform the role of Mimi in the presentation of the opera during the Southern Illinois Music Festival in June. Galati, artistic director of Winter Opera St. Louis, has performed the role in her home city. “It’s universal and so easy to understand,” Galati says. “Being in love, not having any money, or not being able to afford the medical care you or a loved one needs; those are all things most of us can identify with. But there is humor, too.” Enter Marcello, an artist, and his lover, Musetta, a light and lively pair, living together and selling their art to scrape by. Count on them for a little comic relief.
PHOTO BY Ron Lindsey / Provided by Winter Opera St. Louis
story by Cara Recine
Winter Opera Saint Louis’ production of ‘La Bohème,’ starring Gina Galati as Mimi and Gary Seydell as Rodolfo. Gina is a soprano and artistic director of Winter Opera St. Louis and will perform the role as part of the Southern Illinois Music Festival.
‘La Bohème’ What: Southern Illinois Music Festival presents Giacomo Puccini’s opera, which will be fully staged When: 7:30 p.m. Friday, June 22, and 2 p.m. Sunday, June 24 Where: Carterville High School Performing Arts Center Tickets: $25, $15, $8 for all students; in person or by phone at the Marion Cultural and Civic Center box office, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday; or call 618-997-4030; online at www.MarionCCC.org. More on the festival: Go to www.SIFest.com.
Life & Style : Summer 2012 25
cultural
Kyrstan Langer interacts with members of the children’s chorus in the St. Louis production of ‘La Bohème.’
PHOTO BY Ron Lindsey / Provided by Winter Opera St. Louis
Open wide and say opera
Don’t be afraid of opera. Yes, traditionally it’s in a foreign language — in this case, Italian. But think of it this way: It’s a drama, with a little comedy, with the added benefit of some great music. The fully-staged festival performance of “La Bohème” will be subtitled, which is convenient. But if you are willing to put it a little effort, you will be richly rewarded without having to depend on a word-by-word translation. After all, most of the time you will want to keep your eyes on the performers. “If you are familiar with what’s happening, you will understand the music,” Galati says. “You can hear the joy, pain and sorrow in the music.” You don’t even need to understand every word or even many of the words being sung. You do know the story; now let it reveal itself to you in the music.
Ashley Yvonne Wheat as Musetta and Trevor Scheunemann as Marcello at Winter Opera St. Louis.
‘Bohemians’ Dan Cole as Colline, John-Andrew Fernandez as Schaunard, Trevor Scheunemann as Marcello and Gary Seydell as Rodolfo. Many of the company will reprise their roles in the festival production.
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‘Puccini’s “La Bohème” is a “musica dei sentimenti,” the music of feelings, of passion, of tears. I love very much Puccini’s music, because it tears the feelings from us.’ — Andrea Bocelli, Italian tenor
Gina Galati as Mimi.
How to listen There are a few, simple things you can do to enhance your opera experience. It doesn’t require much, but it will be worth it. Listen to the opera before attending the performance. Put it on while you’re doing something else – straightening the house, doing yard work, traveling to pick up the kids. Pick out the songs that appeal to you, for whatever reason, and look forward to hearing them performed. Know a tiny bit about what to expect. Opera is made up of arias, and certain types of singing – tenor, baritone, soprano – are usually associated with particular roles. The male lead is almost always a tenor – think Pavarotti – and the female lead is almost always a soprano. Don’t worry if you get lost during the performance. Relax; let the action, the acting and the singing carry you along. Lose yourself in the artistic performances. They will always come back to a place you’ll recognize. Take a few minutes to read about Giacomo Puccini, his influences and the history period in which this opera is set, 1840s Paris. Don’t drink a lot of coffee, water or other beverages before the performance! You won’t want to miss any of it, and the lines for the bathroom are usually long at intermissions. You’re not going to the Metropolitan Opera, so you don’t have to dress up. Even avid opera fans in New York City don’t feel compelled to dress up. Wear jeans, if that’s what you’re comfortable in. Make it dressy, if you want to. Just don’t let worrying about clothing keep you from going or make you uncomfortable.
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work spaces Up to nine passengers can fly on any given Cape Air flight. While the Midwest has become a new hub for the company, the airline was built around its roots in New England. Last year, Cape Air carried more than 650,000 passengers, making it the largest independent regional airline in the U.S.
WORK SPACES Ja meson Hilliard Jameson Hilliard remembers his first time on an airplane, when the pilot invited him and his brother to look at the cockpit. What began as a childhood fascination has become a career for Hilliard, now a pilot with Cape Air. But his journey took him many routes before landing with the airline. He has also managed a flight training program and delivered new planes to customers. No matter the job of the time, Hilliard was just happy to be living his childhood dream, soaring the open skies. For the Iowa native, earning a spot with Cape Air last September was the best possible scenario. While flying small planes might not seem as impressive as commandeering a massive jetliner, Hilliard is happy with the opportunities offered by the airline. His flights are all round-trip, meaning he starts and ends each day at home; he has more direct contact with passengers; and, there are plenty of chances to move around the country and up the corporate ladder. What one sees most with a smaller airline, such as Cape Air, is a sense of family and teamwork. Everyone from pilots to baggage handlers to ticket counter employees work together to ensure things run as smoothly as possible. “To me, it’s really satisfying,” Hilliard said. “That’s one of the coolest things about working for an airline — that teamwork and being a part of it. I just wish the passengers could see it.” — Adam Testa
photography by Alan Rogers While many associate a pilot’s headset communication with air traffic controllers, it also allows the pilot to remain in contact with airline officials. Pilots are able to make special arrangements for passengers, such as having a wheelchair available at the terminal or arranging for a shuttle to be on site to help a passenger make a connecting flight. ‘A lot of customer service requests go through the radio,’ Hilliard said.
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These engine controls are known to pilots as the ‘throttle quadrant.’ The two knobs on the left are the throttle, which acts similarly to an accelerator in an automobile. The middle levers, the smaller ones with black handles, are the propeller control knobs. These change the pitch of the propeller blades to gain efficiency in flight. The red knobs on the right are the mixture controls, which affect the ratio of fuel and air mixture.
This book contains maps and instrument-only approach guidelines for all public airports in Illinois and Wisconsin. If the weather is bad and visibility is low, pilots can use these maps to plan their landings. The book is open to the page showing Williamson County Regional Airport in Marion.
Large airlines use average weights for passengers and luggage when boarding, but with smaller planes, such as a Cessna 402, precision is more of a necessity. Each passenger is asked for his or her weight upon check-in, and then a computer program creates a weight ratio chart like this one used by pilots.
Cape Air uses exclusively Cessna 402 aircraft, which are now out of production. The 10-passenger vessels cruise at 170 mph at altitudes between 4,000 and 5,000 feet. A typical flight from Marion to St. Louis takes 45 minutes. The airline operates a fleet of more than 60 aircraft with up to 850 flights a day in high-traffic season, earning it the title of world’s largest Cessna 402 operator.
A. Commonly referred to as a ‘six-pack,’ these flight instruments provide basic flight information. These meters monitor things like speed, altitude, navigation and attitude, the angle of the aircraft to the horizon. These tools enable pilots to safely navigate the open skies.
B. These devices are called ‘avionics,’ used primarily for navigation and communication. The left stack features an audio control panel, a Garmin 430 GPS equipped with a two-way radio, and a back-up communications radio. In the middle is a weather radio, allowing pilots to navigate around rough spots of weather. On the right are two transponders, which send out information to air traffic controllers.
A B
Most Cape Air flights are single-pilot operated, and the front seat is usually filled by a passenger. There are exceptions, though. All pilots starting with the company, no matter their experience, must have a co-pilot for their first 100 hours of flight time.
Life & Style : Summer 2012 29
apps
world in your hands Digital applications put the
story by Adam Testa Modern technology has brought the world into the hands of everyday people. Whether traveling the world or sitting at home dreaming of a global excursion, there are a number of simple, easy-to-use applications for smart phones, iPads and other mobile devices that can serve as helpful tools in an unfamiliar land or open the imagination to the endless possibilities and opportunities offered by cultures and locales worldwide. Some are practical, while others are fun. But with these tools and a suitcase at your side, you’re ready to embark on that journey, anywhere dreams can take you. Here are some ideas of digital apps for travelers and those who wish they were: Packing This app allows you to create your packing list before you even begin. Then, when the last-minute packing rush begins, you’ll have an easy checklist and ensure you don’t leave anything behind. It will also offer suggestions for different travelers, such as the typical male and typical female. Next Flight Sometimes travel comes with extenuating circumstances. Maybe you missed your flight, or your responsibilities ended sooner than anticipated and you’re looking to get home early. This app tracks and allows you to search scheduled flights from more than 1,200 airlines at more than 4,200 airports worldwide.
30 Life & Style : Summer 2012
HotelPal This app is handy if you decide to wait until arrival to find a hotel. Using your device’s GPS, the app will show all of the hotels around you. It will also provide information such as rates, a complete list of amenities and even pictures of the rooms and facility.
Lonely Planet Phrasebook Lonely Planet offers a series of travelbased apps, but among the most useful are its language translators. Different versions are offered for different languages, but the app will also read your translated phrase aloud, ensuring proper pronunciation.
XE Currency This app uses an electronic devices’ Internet connectivity to track the most up-to-date exchange rates for countries across the globe, allowing you to have an idea of how much cash you should expect to receive when completing an exchange.
Hear Planet Described as an “audio guide to the world,” this app allows you to learn about your surroundings without looking at your screen, handy if driving or touring. The app will identify sites nearby and then read aloud descriptions of the attractions from various online sources, including Wikipedia.
World Customs and Cultures The app puts easy-to-navigate lists of customs and tradition from 165 countries in the palm of your hand. Topics include greetings, communication, personal space and touching, eye contact, views of time, gender issues, gestures, taboos and laws, all helping ensure you show proper respect to natives during your visit.
Wi-Fi Finder Using your smart phone or mobile device overseas can become quite expensive if paying international calling and data rates. You can save money by using Wi-Fi connectivity, enabled in most devices. This free app tracks more than 200,000 Wi-Fi hotspots in 135 countries.
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my favorite things
Brandon Bullard
My favorite things about
Baseball. Although golf is my passion, my first love is baseball, so I never pass up an opportunity to see the Miners or the Cards crack some bats. The work of art that is the 6-4-3 double play, while holding a cold brew and a hot dog, is the stuff that dreams are made of.
Brandon Bullard is a hometown Mount Vernon boy, born and raised in King City. He graduated from Mount Vernon Township High School in 1997, followed by Rend Lake College and SIU Carbondale, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in marketing and public relations. He vaguely remembers classes between golf trips, where he captained the Warriors and Salukis. Today, he can be found behind his desk as the executive director of Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce. He also serves on the school board at St. Mary’s Catholic School, and he is an active member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church. He is chairman for Mount Vernon’s Fall Fest and a member of Mount Vernon Rotary Club and YMCA Board of Directors. As we embark upon summer and, no doubt, very hot Southern Illinois temperatures, we delve deep into what makes the Saluki grad and chamber guy tick. Giving the air conditioning a rest and rolling the windows down. Always a good idea to test out the hold on my hair gel, feeling the warm air and wind on my face is way better than caffeine.
Shedding the tie. I feel great all suited up, but some days in the summer, a golf shirt and khakis seems to be the uniform of choice. You never know when an outdoor activity will break out!
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Getting the competitive juices flowing. As the Southern Illinois Golf Association kicks off its annual schedule, one of my favorite things is to decide what events to play and compete in. My favorite is the oldest amateur event in the state, the SIGA Championship, which I was lucky enough to win in 2001. I’m wound up just thinking about it!
Alan Rogers
Family and friends. From sipping our local wine on the deck at GenKota, to attending a museum art opening at Cedarhurst, this community is jam packed with things to do with people you love. I enjoy taking my son, Liam, and daughter, Reagan, to one of several parks in Mount Vernon, getting dirty and chasing them into a coma while sharing laughter and fun. That’s my idea of a great summer day.
Life & Style : Summer 2012 33
entertainment Various kinds of drums provide all the voices for SIWADE – the Southern Illinois West African Drum Ensemble. Larry Millard (far left) is a member of the group and was performing recently at Gaia House in Carbondale.
beyond
words
Drum ensemble steeped in traditions and techniques of West Africa
For more information, see SIWADE’s Facebook page. story by Blackwell Thomas SIWADE. The word bears a foreign appearance and has the pronunciation to match. For the record, it’s pronounced Sih-wahday. And, while the name and its airy alliteration rings with deep historical significance, the reality is less organic. SIWADE, is an acronym for Southern Illinois West African Drum Ensemble. While their roots are firmly planted in Southern Illinois, it’s apparent after hearing the percussion ensemble for mere seconds that their sound is steeped in traditions and techniques forged in a distant land. On a balmy night in April, the group gathered for its weekly rehearsal. This particular get-together carried a bit more gravity as the group prepared for an April 26 show with world-renowned Master Drummer Bolokada Conde.
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The group was formed in 1997. Since then, members have come and gone, but SIWADE endured. On this night, the six current members arrive early and set up their instruments. There are five drums, and each possesses a name for which the correct spelling is a mystery. Some sit nestled on stands. Some sit on the ground. Of the three drums that sit in stands, there is the dundunba, the largest drum, which provides the punch and the bass. Slightly smaller is the sangban, which members say gives the music its heartbeat. The kenkeni is the smallest and serves as the time keeper. Out front, providing tempo and drive, are the two djembe (pronounced jem-bay) drums. A shaker rounds out the chorus of percussion. Together, the instruments are helmed by a team of passionate personalities, each as diverse as the music they play.
There is Larry Millard of Makanda and Josh Buchheit of Lick Creek manning the djembes. While Brian Stanfield and Tom Hensold of Carbondale and Sue Spears of Carterville play the largest three drums, Billy Parrants of Carbondale mans the shaker. As they prepare to play, there is some quibbling between members about how there’s no set spelling for the instruments they play. Millard notes how spelling the names of the drums essentially amounts to trying to write words for a version of the Maninka language for which there are no written elements. That version of Maninka, Millard explains, “is just not written.” The debate slows. And, without warning, someone loudly utters two words quickly, “Jogba and Lolo!” These are the names of the two numbers the group will play — the first two songs in the set, as it were. And, as quickly as the
words “Jogba and Lolo” are uttered, the group is pounding. They are immediately the picture of synchronicity. Hensold, Stanfield and Spears use sticks, pounding on their drums, serving as the backbone and melody. At the fore, Millard and Buchheit trade off soloing duties, the higher pitch of their hands smacking their drums, demanding to be heard. Throughout it all, Parrants’ shaker moves with the timing of a metronome. The songs are part of an oral tradition that dates back for hundreds upon hundreds of years, Buchheit says later. There are songs that commemorate rites of passage and transitional phases of life, while others are celebratory or associated with agriculture. “This is not,” Buchheit notes, “a jam session.” As they pound away, the members shift attention between their instruments and one another’s eyes. They prompt one another, raise eyebrows to denote shifts and move with their music. Occasionally, grimaces give way and broad smiles creep across their faces, only to be replaced by closed eyes and stares of concentration. Through it all, the thudding, pinging, floor rattling, pounding continues. Outside the rehearsal space, passersby pause and peer in the open door to see the source of this percussive onslaught. Near Hensold’s drum, the legs of an easel bearing a large, dry-erase board are vibrating closed. Slowly, the rhythm shakes the easel off its feet, sending it tumbling to the ground. Unfazed, the group plays on. Then, as quickly as it began, the music stops. Someone’s timing was off. But, mistake or not, the pause is a welcome one. Beads of sweat are adorning foreheads, and breaths are deeper as the members recap the performance and identify where improvement is needed and what was done well. As they discuss their work, there are a few admissions of mistakes and a couple of compliments for work well done. Watching the discussion, Millard offers his take that “this isn’t written in stone.” It’s a good thing, too, because the words to describe all this don’t exist in written form yet. Until they do, the sounds SIWADE makes will have to suffice.
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artist
Bur hilde World travels, multicultural experiences are expressed in artwork story by Adam Testa photography by Paul Newton
Burghilde Gruber’s art is heavily influenced by her global experiences. She was born in Czechoslovakia, moved to Austria and has lived and worked in many foreign lands.
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World travel has been a part of Burghilde Gruber’s life from the very start, and as she aged and set out across lands both familiar and unknown, each stop along the way influenced both her life and her art. Born in Czechoslovakia, Gruber’s family moved to Vienna, Austria, when she was a child. By the time she reached her teenage years, Gruber had adopted a self-taught hobby and form of expression in drawing. At that point, her art was never anything too serious, just something she had fun doing. As she aged, art remained a passion, and after meeting and marrying her husband, Bruno, a physicist, she began her whirlwind journey across the globe. In 1963, the couple moved to Dublin, Ireland, and Gruber again took to self-discovery and started dabbling in watercolor art. Leaving Ireland, the Grubers headed to Naples, Italy, for two years before arriving in the U.S. in 1966. By 1972, they had found their way to Carbondale, and Gruber enrolled at SIU, working toward a bachelor’s degree in art. A number of factors, including a two-year move to Wuerzburg, Germany, would make her educational journey a slow one, but she would earn her degree in 1979. While in school, Gruber’s artwork changed from watercolors to acrylic designs of primarily architecture. As time passed, she continued her education, both in the classroom and the art studio. She received a Master of Fine Arts from SIU in 1987 and explored even more avenues for her art, combining elements of her early watercolors with her interest in architecture. Her travels and desire to learn led her to other
exotic locales, including La Esmeralda Academy of Arts in Mexico City and the Academy of Fine Arts at the University of Baghdad. She also led a lecture series at universities in China and spent four years working at SIU’s sister campus in Niigata, Japan. “When I traveled, it influenced me, especially with the architecture,” Gruber said. “There’s something you can feel. They have a different philosophy in life, and, somehow, it settled in me, and I reflect that in my art.” But, Gruber’s world travels have influenced more than the content of her designs; they’ve also influenced her media, as well. She has dabbled in
ceramics, which she learned in Japan, and her recent work has turned to created art in the shape of a mandala, a symbol of great significance to those of the Buddhist faith. Another recent venture has been silk painting, creating scarves, no two of which are identical. And, in a way, all of her work is that way. She never quite has a complete plan in mind when starting on a piece.
“I just start, and often the flow of the watercolor determines where I’m going,” Gruber said.
see her work Burghilde Gruber’s artwork can be seen regularly at three Southern Illinois art galleries: Dayshift, 101 W. Monroe St., Carbondale; Visions, 530 Makanda Road, Makanda; and anthill gallery and vintage curiosities, 102 N. Front St., Cobden.
Gruber began her work as an artist creating watercolors.
Life & Style : Summer 2012 37
good eats
Churning desire Fruit fresh from the orchards adds to our favorite summer treat: Ice cream
story by Debbie Moore
Paul Newton
It won’t be long before summertime reaches Southern Illinois and ice cream freezers come out of storage. The summer season provides numerous opportunities to gather for family reunions, church suppers and neighborhood picnics. The most popular person at those events is always the person who carries in an old crank freezer filled with sweet vanilla ice cream. The only things that could add to that popularity would be Southern Illinois strawberries, blueberries or sliced peaches folded in during those final churns of preparation. The history of ice cream in the U.S. is a complicated tale. There are many accounts
of supposed inventors of ice cream, ice cream sundaes and ice cream cones. The list of those who might have discovered ice cream is a long one. Food historians believe the earliest recipes for making frozen cream came to our country with the Quaker colonists. Confectionary shops in colonial cities sold ice cream along with their sweets, and the first true ice cream shop opened in New York City in 1774. The social records of First Lady Dolly Madison reveal that ice cream was served at her husband’s inaugural ball in 1813. In 1832, Augustus Jackson, an AfricanAmerican confectioner in Philadelphia, commercialized ice cream. Jackson had a career in the 1820s as a White House chef, and he took his knowledge back to his home town and set up a business as a caterer and confectioner. He developed several recipes for ice cream, made and sold it in his own shop, but he also sold it to other confectioners to sell in their shops. Jackson did not invent ice cream; what he did do was perfect a way to turn the popular chilled egg custard of the day into frozen ice cream by placing the mixture into tin buckets and setting them in enclosed containers on blocks of ice to freeze. That method had been used for centuries by European
cooks, but Jackson’s timing was right; producing a large enough quantity of his product to sell to other vendors ended up making him a wealthy man. The hand-cranked ice cream freezer many people use today was first patented by Philadelphia’s Nancy Johnson in 1843. Some have been designed with electric motors, but the hand-turned variety has changed very little since 1843. Admittedly, there is something soothing about packing layers of ice chips and rock salt around the worn tin canister in an old wooden bucket of an ice cream maker. It is undoubtedly nostalgic to sit under a big shade tree on a hot Southern Illinois Sunday afternoon turning an old ice cream freezer. But, there are easier ways to get to the end product. Consumerresearch.com reports that buyers favor the Cuisinart electric ice cream maker. You freeze the actual canister on this maker, eliminating the need of packing ice with salt, and set it up on your counter top. If your ingredients are also very cold, you can have ice cream in only 15 minutes. The gel-filled attachment bowl for Kitchen Aid electric mixer is another favorite. Because you can adjust the speed of the rotation of the paddle, you can adjust the creamy consistency of your ice cream with the Kitchen Aid. Hamilton Beach still makes one of the most popular electric old-style ice cream makers. Its plastic bucket holds the metal container, which rotates in the salt-packed ice, and ice cream is usually ready in 30 to 40 minutes. For ice cream lovers who just can’t wait that long, Hamilton Beach also makes a half-pint ice cream freezer that produces a small portion in six minutes.
Vanilla Ice Cream 2 cups sugar 1/2 teaspoon salt 2 tablespoons flour 8 beaten egg yolks 4 cups whole milk 3 tablespoons vanilla extract 2 cups whipping cream 2 cups half and half
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Blend the sugar, salt and flour. This will keep the flour from clumping. Whip in the egg yolks and whole milk and cook it over a low heat. Stir it constantly until the mixture begins to thicken. It should coat a metal spoon. Completely cool this mixture. It really should be made the day before you plan to make ice cream and refrigerated. Mix in all the other ingredients and freeze according to the directions provided with your ice cream maker. Makes almost 4 quarts.
Most ice cream freezers come with customized recipes, but here are some Southern Illinois favorites.
Peach Ice Cream
Fruit Ingredients 1 pint of fresh strawberries 3 Tablespoons lemon juice 1/3 cup sugar
Fruit Ingredients 4 ripe peaches 1/2 cup lemon juice 1/2 cup sugar
Ice Cream Ingredients 1 cup milk 2/3 cups sugar 2 cups heavy whipping cream 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Ice Cream Ingredients 1 cup milk 3/4 cup sugar 2 cups heavy whipping cream 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Clean and slice the strawberries and combine them with the lemon juice and 1/3 cup sugar. Let these steep in the refrigerator. Drain the juice from the berries and combine it with the 1 cup milk and 2/3 cup of sugar. Stir until the sugar dissolves. Add the vanilla and blend in the heavy whipping cream. Place ingredients in the ice cream freezer and freeze according to the directions supplied with the maker. Fold the strawberries in during the last 5 minutes.
Peel and chop the peaches. Combine them with the lemon juice and 1/2 cup of sugar. Refrigerate the peaches for 2 hours. Drain the juices off the fruit and combine it with the milk and 3/4 cups sugar. Stir until the sugar dissolves, then blend in the whipping cream and vanilla extract. Pour into the 1 1/2-quart ice cream maker and freeze according to the directions with the freezer. Fold the peaches into the ice cream in the last 5 minutes. Paul Newton
Strawberry Ice Cream
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style Woven straw hat, ‘April,’ by Kate Landry; $28 Swim top by Antonio Melani; $59 Swim bottoms, Lauren by Ralph Lauren; $75 Wrap in blue ombre, Lauren by Ralph Lauren; $64 Blue lapis and brushed goldtone bracelet from Natasha; $38
Reversible man’s hat, Polo by Ralph Lauren; $59.50
Swim top, ‘Reaction,’ by Reaction by Kenneth Cole; $52
Polo shirt, Polo by Ralph Lauren; $125
Swim bottoms, Lauren by Ralph Lauren; $75
Genuine India Madras shorts, Ralph Lauren; $89.50
Jessica Simpson Eyewear; $35
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Make fun of your Color blocking gives you so much to play with Summer’s here, which means we will be looking for fun. This season’s fashions fit that bill because there’s so much color to play with. Color blocking — mixing and matching bright, bold colors — is still a big trend for 2012, and it allows the stylish man or woman an opportunity to literally mix it up. “Color blocking is the big thing this spring and summer,” says Stephanie Black, a merchandising manager at Dillard’s in Marion. “Also hot this year are floral and tropical prints.” Spring runways were full of the bold, solid-color pieces, from cardis to skirts to wrap dresses and swimsuits. Glamour magazine’s tip? Stick to three colors max to avoid a “Rainbow Brite” look. “It’s so much fun,” Black says, “and there are endless choices to make more of your wardrobe.” — Concept by Cara Recine; styled by Cara Recine, Rhonda Ethridge and Lacey Thompson; clothing from Dillard’s
Baseball cap, Polo by Ralph Lauren; $35 Beach Shop T-shirt, Polo by Ralph Lauren; $45 Polo by Ralph Lauren Swimwear; $59.50
‘Lucia’ sundress in marigold, Gianni Bini; $148 Jessica Simpson Eyewear; $35
Life & Style : Summer 2012 41
cheers to beer
shandy I’ll have a
Begin with beer for the perfect summer cocktail
story and photography by Shawn Connelly As I’m fond of pointing out to my readers and people who attend our brewery tours, there are more than 120 recognized beer styles in the world, and those are only the ones that have been formally classified and categorized. The fact is, creative brewers, both professional and amateur, are reinventing beer styles all the time. The lines quickly blur, and you end up with myriad adaptations on classic styles and, in some cases, new styles altogether. I think this is good for beer. It demonstrates the diversity and inventive spirit that has made the world of small batch, artisan beer — commonly known as craft beer — a fascinating and rewarding journey. A trend that has seen a lot of growth, particularly in recent years, is the mixing of beer with other beers, spirits, liqueurs, juices and sodas to create various “beer cocktails.” As I wrote in an article titled “Adulterated Beer” on my blog back in June of 2009: “The idea of mixing beers with other beers or flavor additives isn’t novel, by any stretch. The famous French-speaking brewers of Wallonia have been doing this sort of thing for centuries to produce their immensely complex, dry and funky
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One of the most well-known beer blends is the shandy. In 2007, the Wisconsin-based Leinenkugel brand introduced the ubiquitous Summer Shandy.
lambic blends called gueuze, for example. In this case, the blending of young and old lambic beer, along with years of aging in oak, yields a pleasingly dry, tart champagnelike beer that is like none other in the world. Across the border in Berlin, a low-alcohol, sour wheat beer is produced; it is known, fittingly enough, as Berliner Weisse. This top-fermented wheat beer has a lactobacillus culture added during fermentation that lends the characteristic sour bite to the beer. Since the German brewers held tightly to the old beer purity law, called the Reinheitsgebot, nothing would have been added to this beer style during the brewing process to temper the startling sharpness of this unique style. So, Berliners would often add sweet flavored syrups, like woodruff or raspberry, to the beer when served.” Perhaps one of the most wellknown beer blends is the shandy. The term itself can generically refer to any alcoholic beverage in its native Britain, but the shandy has come to specifically describe a
beer — typically a pale lager or wheat ale — blended in about equal proportions with a carbonated lemonade-like drink or ginger ale. In 2007, the Wisconsinbased Leinenkugel brand (owned by beer giant SABMiller), introduced the ubiquitous Summer Shandy, a 4.2% ABV summer thirst-quencher that has been exceedingly successful in the specialty beer niche market. Just recently, Anheuser-Busch InBev followed suit with the release of its own Shock Top Lemon Shandy, also at a moderate 4.2% ABV. Traditionally, the shandy is mixed at the time of serving, and the beer is diluted to about half its original strength, making it a very drinkable 2-2.5% ABV, on average. In Germany, a very similar beer-meets-lemon drink, known as a radler (Bavarian for “cyclist”), became popular during the early 20th century and remains so today throughout the region. Although traditionally-made shandies and radlers are, of course, hard to come by in the U.S., and de facto in Southern Illinois, the thirsty beer mixologist is not
Make your own shandy at home by mixing a good quality lager or wheat beer in a 50/50 ratio with a carbonated lemon soda, like Fanta, or a bottle of San Pellegrino Limonata, flavored sparkling water from Italy. without recourse. I’d suggest making your own shandy at home by mixing a good quality lager or wheat beer in a 50/50 ratio with a carbonated lemon soda, like Fanta, or perhaps a bottle of San Pellegrino Limonata — a flavored sparkling water from Italy. This is going to be the closest you’ll come to experiencing the popular drink of Britain and Germany. In addition to the aforementioned Leinenkugel and Shock Top brands of shandy, which are widely distributed throughout the U.S., you can occasionally find imported versions of this refreshing beverage at your local craft beer retailer, as well. Look for Stiegl Gaudi Radler Shandy (lemon), Stiegl Radler (grapefruit), both from Austria, or the occasional American craft brewers take on the drink, like Ohio’s Hoppin’ Frog Brewery Turbo Shandy. So, while you may not be able to enjoy a shandy in a British pub or a radler on a Bavarian bike trail, you can still bring something of this flavor to your own table or backyard. The shandy just might be the ultimate lawn-mowing beer — or, poolside beer, if the lawn can wait. Cheers!
+
Connelly
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story by Joe Szynkowski
iverse as the people who made lives here hundreds of years ago, Southern Illinois’ tourism opportunities cannot be pigeonholed. There are many historical sites to visit, restaurants to dine in and spectacular sights to see. But, the thing that makes the marriage between Southern Illinois and tourism so strong is the international flavor that spices it up. On every corner, during every event season, our region shows its true colors — a mix-match of Irish green, Swedish blue and Italian red that produces an eclectic hue all its own. And, Southern Illinoisans have taken notice. “Overall, inbound travel has fared well for our area during the past few years in which our nation’s economy has suffered,” said Cindy Benefield-Cain, executive director of Southernmost Illinois Convention and Tourism Bureau. “Research indicates that much of this reason is due to the fact that our area is within a day’s drive of one-third of the country; so, while travelers may be forfeiting longer trips, a majority are converting to destinations that are closer to home.”
Travel the world without leaving Southern Illinois
This is especially true for travelers who simply cannot muster the gumption to travel overseas. Whether it be the long airport lines or drawn-out process of securing a passport that makes them leery of leaving, Southern Illinoisans need not fret. No matter their heritage, they can find a place that will take them back home — all without the hassle of airport checkpoints. “Overall, our area is less expensive in terms of lodging, entertainment and other expenditures that make us an affordable destination,” BenefieldCain said. “Our area fits perfectly within these boundaries; and, we have such a diverse offering of outdoor
recreation or relaxation, unique lodging, wonderful historic treasures.” So, put your passport away and flip the page to learn about the international events and places right here in your own backyard. Joe Szynkowski is a freelance writer for Life & Style. Find out more about him and his work at www.joeszynkowski.com.
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France
The Rendezvous
Members of La Guiannée Society entertain every New Year’s Eve in Prairie du Rocher; they also travel door to door, singing traditional French carols and songs. That has happened since the town was founded in 1722.
Movie
For more than 40 years, the annual Rendezvous at Fort de Chartres State Historic Site in Southern Illinois has been the Midwest’s largest gathering of 1700s-era soldiers, settlers, traders and campers. The June event takes place near the town of Prairie du Rocher. Historic Fort de Chartres is a mid-18th century French fort that sits along the Mississippi River in Randolph County. The fort served as the seat of the French government in the Illinois Country. Managed by the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency, the fort hosts several events throughout the year. The Rendezvous features 1700s military units, craft demos, period music and dancing, black powder shooting events, cannon firings and more. Period artisan and craft demonstrations include pottery, blacksmithing, silversmithing, coopering, pewter casting, felt making, silk ribbon embroidery, weaving, woodworking, basketry, treenware making, silhouette cutting and cordwaining, with many items for sale. There is also a Winter Rendezvous in November that offers a scaled-back opportunity for the public to visit the camps and interact with traders.
“Amelie,” directed by Jean-Pierre Jeunet, 2001 Nominated for five Academy Awards including Best Original Screenplay, this magical comedy met over-whelming acclaim nationwide. A painfully shy waitress working at a tiny Paris café, Amelie makes a surprising discovery and sees her life drastically changed for the better. Starring Audrey Tautou and Matthieu Kassovitz.
Fort de Chartres was rebuilt three times between 1720 and 1756. The final French-built structure consisted of 15 foot tall wall constructed of locally quarried limestone.
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Stephen Rickerl
The annual New Year’s celebration, which started in 1722 by some of the state’s earliest settlers, takes place at Fort de Chartres and nearby Prairie du Rocher. The event features refreshments and the singing of traditional French holiday carols. In a tradition dating back to the early 1700s, La Guiannée singers visit homes and sing for the residents. As part of the tradition, residents provide refreshments for the singers at each stop. The New Year’s celebration is free and open to the public. Participants generally gather about 7:30 p.m. on New Year’s Eve. About a week later, the traditional celebrations continue in Prairie du Rocher with the annual Twelfth Night Ball. The event marks the celebration of the Feast of Epiphany, a Roman Catholic day of recognition for the end of the Christmas season.
ALAN ROGERS
La Guiannée
Music
“Je Fais de Toi Mon Essentiel” by Emmanuel Moire Moire belted out this love song from the French musical “Le Roi Soleil” while portraying the story’s lead character, King Louis XIV. Louis sings this song to his love, Marie, who has prayed by his bedside for months while he’s been unconscious and bedridden. The song offers just a sample of Moire’s talent, as he has more than 100 songs to his credit as a vocalist and pianist. He released his first solo album, “(Là) où je pars”in 2006 and followed it up with “L’Équilibre” in 2009.
Book
“Love a la Francaise” by Polly Platt, 2007 Polly Platt delves into the intimate lives of Anglo-Saxons who actually lived the dream and moved to Paris — for good, for better or worse — as wives of French men. Why? To live in the city that celebrates women, where they could discover the meaning of being women and being completely themselves, whoever they might turn out to be.
Favorite Phrase
“Ca te coute les yeux de la tete” Literally: That costs you the eyes of your head; figuratively: It costs an arm and a leg. — Michaelann Stanley, French teacher, Herrin High School
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Germany Von Jakob – Little Germany
Sliced grapevine-smoked brisket, served on a baguette — it doesn’t get much more German than that. Von Jakob Vineyard is known as “Little Germany,” and not just because of its expansive German-infused menu. Established in 1996, the business sprouted when owners Paul and Rhoda Jacobs made the decision to plant grapes outside their countryside home. Almost two decades later, their grapegrowing efforts have expanded into a thriving business with more than 20 varieties of wine, a brewing company and two Southern Illinois winery locations. The Jacobs, along with their children, continue to operate the wineries today. Von Jakob Vineyard has two locations, the original vineyard in Pomona, and an orchard location in Alto Pass. The older vineyard location is smaller and more secluded, offering visitors a quiet, relaxed atmosphere amid the vines and pastures. The newer tasting room constructed along Illinois 127 in Alto Pass is a larger venue that hosts events, free music and a full lunch menu on the weekends. Visitors are encouraged to take in the gorgeous views from the region’s highest vineyard off the deck of the Alto Pass establishment. At the vineyard in Pomona, the tasting room resembles a German cottage, surrounded by green pastures and rows of grapevines.
Book
Music
“Every Man Dies Alone” by Hans Fallada (2009) Inspired by the true story of Otto and Elise Hampel, who distributed postcards advocating civil disobedience throughout war-time Nazi-controlled Berlin, “Every Man Dies Alone” tells of their fictitious counterparts, Otto and Anna Quangel, who advocate the same. Fallada captures the imagery and emotion and fear that ravaged Germany during the time. The couple, motivated by the death of their son on the front lines of combat, takes a stand against Nazi forces. While the book’s plot reads like a thriller and a romance, it’s true portrayal is that of two people standing up for what’s right and for each other. The 2009 English-language translation is the first time the 1947 work book has been translated from its German origin.
“Immortal Beloved” London Symphony Orchestra (1994) All the tracks on this movie soundtrack were conducted by Sir Georg Solti. “Immortal Beloved” is a film about the turbulent life and times of a great German composer, Ludwig Von Beethoven. Throughout the film, highlights from his vast canon are featured, and those pieces of music were collected for the soundtrack recording. In essence, the soundtrack is “The Best of Beethoven” — it features all of the melodies that have worked their way into popular consciousness. This CD isn’t the place to find definitive readings of Beethoven’s works; it is perfect, though, to whet the appetite of a neophyte Beethoven fan.
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Movie
“The Lives of Others” Directed by Florian Henckel von Donnersmarck (2006) The film involves the monitoring of the cultural scene of East Berlin by agents of the Stasi, the GDR’s secret police. The primary agent on the case finds himself becoming more and more absorbed by the couple’s lives. The movie won the 2006 Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film. The film had earlier won seven Deutscher Filmpreis awards – including those for best film, best director, best screenplay, best actor and best supporting actor – after setting a new record with 11 nominations.
Favorite Phrase
Wer fremde Sprache nicht kennt, weiss nichts von seiner eigenen! The great German genius Johann Wolfgang von Goethe once stated, “Wer fremde Sprache nicht kennt, weiss nichts von seiner eigenen!” It means “He who does not know a foreign language, knows nothing of his own.” — David Mendriski, German and Italian teacher, Carbondale; and L&S Staff
India
Festival of Lights draws hundreds of celebrants
Diwali
Hundreds of people gather every October in Carbondale to celebrate Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights, with members of the India Association of Southern Illinois. The crowd is usually comprised of Southern Illinois University students who hail from India, as well as the many Indian families who live in the region and their non-Indian friends. Participants share appetizers, a program of music and dance, and a dinner of traditional food from India. The dancers, as young as 3 and 4, dress in jewel-toned saris with dazzling embroidery, and dozens of bracelets lining their arms. In India, Diwali is celebrated with an abundance of lights. For some, it’s a new year celebration of sorts. Some Indian households leave file cabinets and other cabinets open at Diwali in an effort to invite good luck and wealth into their households. Others gamble on one day of Diwali, because according to the Hindu religion, the goddess Parvati played dice with her husband on this day and whoever gambles then will ensure a prosperous year. And for the Indian families of Southern Illinois, it’s a perfect time to share their food, traditions and culture with their friends and family, as well as with international students who appreciate the tribute to their homeland.
Music
“The Best of A.R. Rahman” — 25 Classic Hits from the Composer of “Slumdog Millionaire” 2009 If you are in the market for foottapping Bollywood music, you will love this best-of collection of prolific Indian music whiz A.R. Rahman. Integrating eastern classical music with electronic music sounds, world music genres and traditional orchestral arrangements, Rahman gives you 25 of his most famous film songs.
Book
“Interpreter of Maladies” by Jhumpa Lahiri (Harper Collins 1999) India looms large in the background as universal themes of marital discord, loneliness, emotional isolation, love and identity among immigrants and cultural transplants are explored in this Pulitzer Prize-winning debut collection of nine short stories. Lahiri provides a great introduction to the concept of “Indianness” and the rituals of traditional Indian domesticity.
Favorite Phrase
“I’m running on Indian Standard Time!” On social occasions, it is an accepted norm to be laid back and arrive a whole hour or two later than the time stated in the invite! For example, if there is a dinner invitation at 7:30 p.m., guests may start showing up around 8:30 or 9 p.m. This is not considered rude or offensive and is just accepted as a way of life in the subcontinent. It’s jokingly referred to as Indian Standard Time. However, this is not the case for business meetings, where punctuality is key.
Movie
“Salaam Bombay!” Directed by Mira Nair (1988) Nominated for the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film, “Salaam Bombay” chronicles the day-to-day life of children living on the streets of Bombay. A haunting portrait of a ten-year-old and his struggle for survival amidst Bombay’s red-light district and its accompanying world of beggars, prostitutes, drug pushers and vicious rip-off artists, this film paints an unforgettable portrait of India’s urban street children. — Poornima Jayaraman, Carbondale
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“Michael Collins” It has been said Ireland is an old nation, but a young country. After all, the Irish Free State (a predecessor to the Republic of Ireland) wasn’t established until 1922. Although its history as an independent state is relatively recent, it is a complicated history. The film “Michael Collins” starring Liam Neeson depicts the Irish struggle for independence from the failed Easter Rising in 1916 to the Irish Civil War in 1922.
Book
Ireland
Southern Illinois Irish Festival
You know it’s a good Irish party when the kilts and bagpipes come out. Southern Illinois Irish Festival is slated for Oct. 5 to 7 in Carbondale. The event features indoor concerts and Celtic festivities, including children’s activities, a Scottish bagpiper, merchandise vendors and more. A popular January fundraiser supports the festival. The annual “Taste of the Grain” event gives patrons an occasion to enjoy Scottish single malt whisky and traditional Irish music.
St. Patrick’s Day
Murphysboro sure knows how to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. The community wrapped up its 25th annual event in March with activities, music and food that represented the shamrock. The event seems to gain more popularity every year and includes a 5k walk/run, St. Patrick’s Day parade, bocce ball tournament, fire truck display, an Irish Kids Festival and Irish Stew Cook-Off.
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The Southern File Photo
Movie
Sharon Folsom of Carmel Valley, Calif., plays the harp while her husband plays the Irish pipes during the Southern Illinois Irish Festival in 2009 at Turley Park in Carbondale.
Read Roddy Doyle Ireland’s sense of nationalism isn’t confined to film, or the 20th century for that matter. The island has no doubt produced its fair share of literary icons: James Joyce, George Bernard Shaw and Samuel Beckett. But contemporary authors, such as Roddy Doyle (“A Star Called Henry” and “Paddy Clark Ha Ha Ha”) have mastered the Irish literary tradition of blending tragedy and humor, while providing insight into the Irish experience.
Irish Inns
Music
The Chieftans The Irish have long been regarded as master storytellers, and if the story isn’t written, it’s likely sung, strummed or drummed. Music in Ireland varies from traditional folk music to modern rock, punk and blues. But the Grammy Award winning band The Chieftans, who began in the 1960s, are perhaps one of the first Irish bands to help popularize traditional Irish music around the world.
Favorite Phrase
craic agus ceol (KRAHK AH-gus ky-OHL) For their part, The Chieftans keep alive the Irish traditional saying of craic agus ceol (KRAHK AH-gus ky-OHL) or fun and music. — Stephen Rickerl and Amy Nejezchleb, adjunct professor of English at Shawnee Community College, Carbondale
For the second year in a row, The Irish Inn in Ozark was chosen as the “Most International” bed and breakfast in a vote conducted for readers of Pamela Lanier’s Bed and Breakfast Directory. Lanier, founder of the comprehensive guide, describes the inn as “warm, welcoming and full of character and charm,” and praises innkeepers Brian and Lynn McCreery for their “excellent attention to detail” that creates a memorable experience for travelers. Patrons hoping to experience The Irish Inn might want to book a room before the McCreerys retire in November.
Italy
Eateries carry on the Italian traditions
DiMaggio’s
DiMaggio’s owners Sebastian and Angie DiMaggio certainly put their special touches on what was formerly the building that housed Godfather’s Pizza in Carbondale. The couple renovated the building’s entrance and dining room to give customers a vintage dining experience straight from the Old Country. “I hope that when people come in here they feel a little bit of Italy,” Angie said. Sebastian emigrated from Sicily with his family in 1973. He is the restaurant’s chef and main proponent of using fresh ingredients. “He has very high standards,” Angie said of her husband. “Even things like using olive oil instead of butter, he is very particular about everything that goes into the food.”
The Hill in Herrin
Herrin invites Southern Illinoisans to visit its group of restaurants and experiences that make up The Hill, a true taste of what Italy has to offer. The city has launched a marketing campaign meant to drive trade for local businesses and retail outlets, with a portion of profits going back to the city. That is good news for fans of Italian dining who visit downtown Herrin. Lombard’s authentic Italian cuisine and Girolamo’s pizza are just a couple of the offerings that complement Herrin’s long-lasting Italian heritage. Diners can also enjoy Italy-inspired fare at Mary’s Restaurant, Villa Rosa Italian Dining and the popular Louie’s P&R.
Book
“Il Barone Rampante” (The Baron in the Trees), Italo Calvino, 1957 This is the first of a trilogy of books that all teenagers should read. It is about not wanting to grow up, and it is written with terrific grace. Calvino was one of the great Italian writers of the 20th century; he collected fairy tales from all regions of Italy and published them all in Italian. (They are available in English.)
Favorite Phrase
“Volere la botte piena e la moglie ubriaca” The meaning is “to want the barrel full and the wife drunk,” which is another way to say wanting your cake and eating it, too.
Music
“Le Nuvole” (The Clouds) Fabrizio De André, 1990 De André was the Italian equivalent of Bob Dylan, and he lived in Sardinia (where I am from) for many years, until his death. A band of Sardinians kidnapped him and his wife, but even after that he did not leave the island. In his later music (of which “The Clouds” is a great example) he became interested in dialects and disappearing languages. — Silvia Secchi, professor in Agribusiness Economics at SIU
Alongi’s
Alongi’s has come a long way since being founded in 1933 by Guy Alongi, an Italian immigrant from Cinisi, Sicily, who came to the United States in 1902. The business eventually became the first to introduce pizza to Southern Illinois. Now it’s the founder’s grandsons who are carrying on the proud tradition. Guy Alongi III and John Alongi II are proud to continue to offer the great Italian food and hospitality that has made Alongi’s a Southern Illinois hotspot. “It’s what we talked about growing up around the kitchen table,” John Alongi said. After working in the mines, Guy Alongi opened a dry goods store with his brother Frank and later a beer and soft drink distributorship. In the years after prohibition, “Guy’s Place,” as Alongi’s was first known, was a saloon. In 1953, the business was passed on to sons Jerome “Mimi” and John. The brothers turned the small restaurant into a pillar of downtown Du Quoin. “We’re very proud of the family tradition here,” Guy Alongi III said. “It’s something you grow up knowing you are going to do.”
Movie
“Ladri di Biciclette” (Bicycle Thieves) 1948 Directed by Vittorio by De Sica. This is the saddest movie I have ever seen, but it is extraordinarily moving. It tells the story of a poor man searching the streets of Rome for his stolen bicycle, which he needs to be able to work. (It was given an Honorary Academy Award in 1950 and was named of the best 50 films of all time.) As a good counterpoint/alternative, another movie is “Il Buono, Il Brutto, Il Cattivo” (The Good, the Bad and the Ugly), the 1966 great “Spaghetti Western” by director Sergio Leone and starring Clint Eastwood, Lee Van Cleef and Eli Wallach. My dad loves spaghetti westerns and my mom loves Clint Eastwood, so this was a classic at our house. The plot revolves around three gunslingers competing to find a fortune in buried Confederate gold amid the violent chaos of American Civil War battles and prison camps.
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Poland
Festivals celebrate the pride of being Polish DuBois has a population of about 250 people, many of them being of Polish decent. And they are a prideful bunch. What started as a few peoples’ nod to Casimir Pulaski — a Polish war hero and cavalry commander in the American Revolution — nearly two decades ago has now turned into a full-out Polish Fest. A town parade takes place on the Sunday before Casimir Pulaski Day — the first Monday in March. The parade has grown to more than 100 entries, and 2,000 to 3,000 people in attendance. Polish food is prepared and served at the parish center. And what would a Polish celebration be without a little polka? Participants can dance into the night after the parade. The Friday before the big celebration, a group of the town’s best Polish cooks prepare homemade noodles and polish duck soup, pierogi, golabki, and of course Polish sausage, plus other traditional polish food. People come from all over to celebrate Polishfest, including Missouri, Indiana, Kentucky and northern Illinois. One of the most unique aspects of the festival is cow patty bingo, during which contestants buy numbers, place them in a field and wait for a cow to decide the winner by, well, you get the picture.
Pierogi Fest
DuBois isn’t the only Southern Illinois town looking to celebrate Polish pride. The craft shop at Southern Illinois University Carbondale’s Student Center has been transformed into a makeshift Polish kitchen in recent years to prepare for Pierogi Fest. At SIUC, Pierogi Fest is a two-day event celebrating Pulaski. The pierogi-making workshop in the craft shop and a Polish-inspired buffet have become popular events. Pierogis are semi-circular dumplings made of unleavened dough and stuffed with different combinations of potatoes, cheese, meats and vegetables. Participants come out in droves to make — and eat — this Polish delicacy.
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Stephen Rickerl
Polishfest
Ron Dunkel, SIU Student Center craft shop coordinator, places pierogis in a pan after boiling them. Dunkel led the pierogi workshop that was part of Pierogi Fest.
Movie
In Darkness Directed by Agnieszka Holland, 2011 Based on a true story in German Nazi-occupied Poland, the film tells of Leopold Socha, a sewer worker in the former Polish city of Lwów who uses his knowledge of the city’s sewers system to shelter a group of Jews from the Nazi Germans. It was nominated for the Best Foreign Language Film at the 84th Academy Awards. The film is also an extraordinary story of survival as these men, women and children all try to outwit certain death during 14 months of ever increasing and intense danger.
Music “Opisanie Swiata” by Piotr Rubik (2011) Rubik is a Polish composer of symphonic pop music for orchestra, films and theater. This project has been described as a rock opera, as it included drums and guitars, unlike any other of Rubik’s other compositions. It’s central theme is love.
Book
“God’s Playground” by Norman Davies (1979) Davies was inspired to the title by Jan Kochanowski’s 1580s Bože Igrzysko (Mankind: Bauble of the Gods). The book (or two, as many editions are split into two volumes) has received good reviews in international press and is considered by many historians and other scholars to be one of the best English-language books on the subject of history of Poland. The author received several Polish honors.
Favorite Phrase
Jak siE masz? Pronounced like “Yahk shay mahsh,” it means “Hello, how are you?” — Tomasz Wiltowski, professor of mechanical engineering and energy processes, SIU
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Sweden
Hedman Vineyards exudes Swedish style
Anders Hedman, a native of Sweden, owns Hedman Winery in Alto Pass with his wife, Gerd. The winery also features a specialty restaurant, called the Peach Barn Café, that serves Scandinavian food and serves as the main attraction at the venue.
Movie
“As It Is In Heaven” Directed by Kay Pollak (2004) Nominated for an Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film in 2005, “As It Is In Heaven” tells the story of a successful international conductor who suddenly abandons his career to return alone to his childhood home in the far north reaches of Sweden. Asked to come listen to the local children’s choir and provide advice, he’s unable to say no. That sparks change in the village, as the fragmented choir develops and grows and the man makes both friends and enemies and finds true love.
Music
ADAM TESTA
Did you know Sweden is only 16 miles south of Carbondale? Located within the sweeping hills of Alto Pass, Hedman Vineyards exudes a Swedish-infused style and menu. Owners Anders and Gerd Hedman invite you to browse through their Scandinavian Gift shop while tasting their Estate wines, from grapes grown in their own vineyard. The couple, who relocated to Southern Illinois from their native Sweden in 1994, also urge you to divulge in some succulent Swedish cuisine at their trademark specialty restaurant, the Peach Barn Café. All of the items on the menu are authentically Scandinavian, including the signature Swedish meatballs. Most meals are made completely from scratch. Visitors to Hedman can also buy Swedish gourmet cheese — Vasterbotten and Greve’ Cheese are the newest additions — by the pound. A trip to Hedman Winery allows guests the opportunity to enjoy a broad array of nearby activities, including antiquing, walking the trails in the Shawnee National Forest, eating sun-ripened peaches from Hedman’s orchard and soaking in the expansive view from their deck. Guests can also experience new food and a variety of wines, while learning the ins and outs of pairing them together. The winery contains 10 acres of grapes and two acres of peaches. The Hedmans produce mostly dry wines inspired by a European style. Nothing is wholesaled at Hedman’s, it is all sold on site. The winery and restaurant have a limited number of inside seating, and restaurant reservations are often required on the weekends. Keep your eyes peeled for special events or activities at the wineries. Events earlier this year included a four-course seafood dinner and art exhibits from a local wood and metal artist. Visit www.peachbarn.com to keep up with new and exciting Swedish happenings at Hedman’s.
Book
“Of Swedish Ways” by Lily Lorenzen (Harper Perennial 1992) The sights and sounds of a people steeped in a background of fine old traditions take center stage in Lorenzen’s exploration of the Swedish way of life. She presents the heart and soul of the culture in a charming account of customs that goes beyond the nation’s democratic monarchy, progressive social-welfare programs, avantgarde films and excellence of design. For those of Swedish descent, the books has special meaning: the joy of reminiscing about traditions — some long forgotten — that enriched and shaped the lives of their forefathers. As an outsider, it affords a unique behind-thescenes look not found in travel guides and serves to enhance any visit to the Scandinavian realm.
“Swedish Rhapsody No. 1” (Midsommarvaka, Midsummer Vigil) by Hugo Alfvén Though this symphonic rhapsody was the first of three similarly named works, it is often called “the Swedish Rhapsody.” Written in 1903, it remains one of the best-known pieces of music in Sweden. The tune has also been used repeatedly in popular culture, including in “The Simpsons” episode titled “Little Orphan Millie,” the children’s series “The Wiggles” and the 2003 film “Matchstick Men” starring Nicholas Cage.
Favorite Phrase
How are you? Fint som snus och stark som brännvin. Fine as snuff and strong as vodka. — Gerd Hedman of Hedman Vineyards and L&S Staff
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trends
story by Cara Recine In these days of being more Earthfriendly and simplifying, our piles of paper beckon us to clean up, clear out and divest ourselves of the manila folders and boxes of torn-out magazine articles, newspaper clippings and print-outs from the Internet. But no one really wants to give up recipe collections, stacks of ideas for home décor, even if that home is only a dream. Who wants to sift through the hundreds of pieces of paper pinned to a bulletin board, anyway? Pinterest, a social “bookmarking” site is making it easier. Now you can “pin” your favorite things onto your very own board online. Think of it as an online scrapbook that helps you collect and organize your favorite images and ideas from around the world or your own town. Because it is so visually oriented, it paints a clear picture of the color you would like to have on your bedroom walls. It’s a place to curate inspiration for home design, entertaining, food, wine and gardening — or dreams of the future. Kara Stark, a 22-year-old student in elementary education at SIU Carbondale, uses her Pinterest page to plan her dream wedding, even though she isn’t engaged, yet. “I’ve got photos of dresses, hairstyles, venues and décor,” says Stark, who is from Christopher. “I also use it a lot for teaching, too. I use it like a bulletin board with activities and timesavers.” That was the only thing Stark, who is student teaching at Murphysboro Middle School, was going to use the board for — in the beginning. “It’s kind of addicting,” she says. “I purposefully didn’t really start pinning until after my finals in December. I knew it would be hard to resist.” Other Pinterest users like the site for its abundance of practical ideas. Did you know you can use an empty egg carton to organize
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your junk drawer? Or use wine corks to create garden markers. And you wouldn’t believe the garden lights you can create from Mason jars. The virtual cascade of images shared on any given day ranges from quirky nail art to ephemeral nature scenes. Clicking on an image usually takes users to the original source of the image, so a recipe for chicken curry should take you to the website or blog that provides the recipe. Not only can you collect things you like from the Internet, you can follow other users on Pinterest, and they can follow you. You can “like” anything that catches your fancy, re-pin to your page or comment on the image. You can browse categories ranging from architecture to pets, fitness to design.
Provided
Interest in
Virtual pinboard keeps your life organized without all the paper Kara Stark of Christopher created this baby shower gift after she saw it on Pinterest. The little shirts and towels are rolled up to look like flowers. She presented it in a flower basket, naturally.
Stark recently used an idea she found on Pinterest. “I made a baby gift for the teacher I’m student teaching for,” Stark says. “It was a basket with small items like towels and clothing rolled up to look like flowers. It was beautiful.” Stark’s enthusiasm isn’t unusual. Pinterest, which has been around since March 2010, is growing faster than Facebook and already has more than 12 million users collecting and sharing digital images. One of the reasons that might be so, is that using Pinterest is easy. There’s nothing to download and no complex technology to master. You simply log in and start pinning. — The Associated Press contributed to this article.
Getting to know Pinterest Getting an account
Ask someone who is already on Pinterest to invite you; the response is usually quicker. Or request an invite at www.pinterest.com; a response can take more than a week.
Terminology
Pin: A pin is an image added to Pinterest. You can link to an image from a Web site or upload an image from your computer. Pins can include captions, like “A great way to reuse a coffee creamer bottle.” Re-pin: Once something is pinned, it can then be repinned by other Pinterest users. This is how content spreads virally. If you see something you like on Pinterest. com, repin it to share it with your friends. Board: This is where your pins live. You can have separate boards for subjects such as a wedding, rooms in your house or favorite recipes.
How to follow
Just like on other social networks, you build a list of people to follow on Pinterest. This will impact what appears on your homepage. Users can follow all of a user’s boards or just a single board. Linking Pinterest to Facebook lets a user see quickly which of his or her Facebook friends are on the social network. But keep an eye out for stylemakers here, too, though. Some of the best people to follow on Pinterest are people you won’t know at all.
Browser bookmark
By adding a bookmark to your Web browser, you can also pin images from other sites, such as a table at Pottery Barn. When you’re on the retailer’s website, you
can click the bookmark to create a pin of that image. This will automatically link that photo to the website, so someone can find out more if they want.
Use the search bar
This is the best way to find specific ideas. Searching something like “mason jars” pulls up nearly limitless craft ideas if you’ve got a basement shelf full. You can also search event themes, such as “first birthday party” for a whole array of ideas.
Go one step deeper
If you’ve stumbled upon a pin that you like, head one page deeper and look at the board it originally comes from. Chances are, there will be even more ideas there that you also like. This is also a good way to find new people to follow.
Words of caution
Each page of pins on Pinterest is designed to be seemingly never-ending. As a user scrolls down, more images are loaded so that they can just keep going and going. And the act of finding such great ideas can be addicting. So plan accordingly. Give yourself a specific time period to keep you from falling down the rabbit hole. And don’t drive your Pinterest follows insane by posting hundreds of pins in a short space of time; it clogs up their boards and restricts what else they can look at. Check your settings; Pinterest is linked to Facebook, and unless you change your settings in Pinterest, everything thing you do will post on your Facebook wall. Your ‘Friends’ might tire of hearing the news of every, single item you pin. — Cara Recine, The Associated Press, McClatchy-Tribune News
Find our Pinterest page at www.Pinterest.com; search for LifeandStyleSI
‘A “pin” is a digital representation of an object that means something to you. When you open the site, you should see things that you love — and be able to connect to the people who found them.’ — Ben Silbermann, Pinterest CEO
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profile
Styling a career Steve Jahnke
Richard Cox takes his talent on the road — around the world and here at home
story by Adam Testa To say Richard Cox of Murphysboro underwent a career transition would be a major understatement. When he began his career, he worked in a male-driven environment, employed as a welder in the coal mines of Southern Illinois. Emerging from the depths, he turned to a different path — still not the one of his original vision — that would turn some heads at that point in time. His new career as a hairstylist took him places he’d never imagined he could go, to all corners of the globe. But not only does he ply his own craft; he educates and prepares another generation to follow in his footsteps. Locally, he can be found at Green Door Spa in Mount Vernon, where he works as director of education, or at Golden Scissors Hair Studio in Carbondale, which he owns. Just how did Cox transition from the mine shaft to the beauty salon? Let him tell you himself:
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How did you get started with this and what does your work entail? I started doing shows in the St. Louis market. I started out in the back room actually doing hair color and cutting and styling for the guest artists. Probably about 1981, I started doing platform work for Matrix International. In the St. Louis market at that time, there were probably 8,000 people who would come, and you would have classrooms to educate them on the latest hair fashion. Today, it’s grown. At the Midwest show, which is in Chicago — and I do that quite often — the show entails fashion hair and make-up and there will be more than 100,000 people there.
beauty industry, was totally opposite. For 10 years of my career, I worked in the coal mines as a certified pipe welder, and I opened a salon in Murphysboro in 1977. I had valet parking, wore a tuxedo every day. That’s kind of how my career evolved. I was unique in our industry.
How has your career evolved and how has doing these shows changed through the years? The shows have very much changed. At some point in time, when we first started, it was unique to be a male hairdresser. When I started out, I was a coal miner, so going into the hair industry, into the
Your career has taken you all over the world. Can you talk about some of the places you’ve been? I was global ambassador for Joico, and I traveled around the world teaching people how to do hair. Then I got a master’s degree in St. Louis for fashion design and visual merchandising, and I started doing shows for them, as well
What got you into the beauty industry? I never really wanted to be a hairdresser. I wanted to be a pharmacist. But I found out that if you can really be good at something, really good, you could be a leader in it. I found out I have an eye for fashion more than hair, for looks; I had more of an artistic side. I could look at something, and I could decide really quickly how to get there.
Richard Cox of Murphysboro is a stylist and fashion and beauty expert. He has traveled the world, working at fashion shows and educating young stylists, and his home reflects that. On the wall behind him is a zebra skin; on the table next to him is a solid bronze ape statue that he and his wife, Jacquie, purchased when they were in Johannesburg, South Africa, in 1994. Steve Jahnke
Right: A terra cotta statue of the First Emperor of China rests in the backyard of the couple’s home, reminiscent of his trip to China. Opposite page: Photographs of the First Emperor of Thailand remind Cox of their trip to Bangkok in 1996.
as getting into the USA division and doing shows for that. I did shows in Pakistan, Afghanistan, Egypt, England, Paris, all across North America, Tokyo, everywhere. Have you had any issues with world travel? The language is definitely a barrier, so you have to have interpreters. One example: In England, when I was doing a show, the women liked their bangs long. They call bangs fringe; to them, “bangs” is a sexual connotation. The one time I was in Pakistan, we couldn’t take the capes off. I had to have a woman on stage take the capes off because of them being considered undressed. For each culture, you have to understand where they are coming from, and what it means to them. What are some of your favorite places you’ve been? My top three favorite places would be Egypt for the pyramids, the city of Ephesus in Turkey and the Terracotta soldiers in China.
When you see the pyramids built out in the middle of the desert, what stands out is this was before modern technology and before we had something that could cut stones. To think that man could build that back in 3000 BC was pretty incredible. And then when you go back into the Terracotta soldiers, there are about 40,000 soldiers that are underground where a canal guards this. In the city of Ephesus, that’s where Mary went after Jesus was crucified, and you walk those streets and you could drop a pin and with the acoustics of it, that’s pretty incredible. What’s the most unique place you’ve been? I was in Peshawar in Pakistan in 1993, before the current war in the Middle East. When you would walk down the street, there were streetlights but no one obeyed them; they would walk straight on through. There were no laws to enforce them. Also, as a hairdresser, I noticed that the men had their hair colored. They all
looked like they had purple hair because they did it themselves. You’ve also done some reality television work. Can you talk about that? I had someone call me and say a judge hadn’t shown up, and they wanted to know if I’d be interested in judging for “Toddlers and Tiaras.” We got a van to go down into Missouri for the first event. My wife was actually doing the accounting for them. I was a judge with all these women, and they all had children involved in this; so, they were making sure I understood the rules. It’s a totally different world. What are your visions and goals for the future? I think your visions change at least yearly, maybe more often. But, the thing is, I try to help other people who are in my field or are going into business to be better at what they do. I find that helping other people grow in their field helps you grow.
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out & about
Where in the world … Southern Illinoisans have favorite destinations story by Adam Testa Everyone has a dream vacation, that one place they long to escape. Whether it’s the sandy beaches of a Caribbean island or the frozen tundra of Alaska, the world offers an adventure suited for every person’s desire. But when Southern Illinoisans take to the sky — as well as the water and the land — several locations stand out from the rest as the ultimate getaway. “There are destinations we tend to do day in and day out,” said David Koracy of B&A Travel in Carbondale. “Then there are other years that certain destinations are more popular than others.” Florida A perennial destination for many, the state offers a number of opportunities, especially for families. Orlando is especially appealing because of attractions like Disneyworld and Universal Studios, making it a popular locale for a summer vacation getaway. Many families choose to fly, while others make it into a family road trip.
The Caribbean From cruises through the area to stays on the island, this ocean-lined region offers a number of popular locales. Jamaica tops the list, but other sites like the Dominican Republic and St. Croix are growing in popularity. The U.S. Virgin Islands also offer an alternative, as no passport is needed for entry. ‘They’re beautiful islands,’ said Nancy Beachum, owner of Wagonlit Travel in Marion.
Alaska Not all people looking to escape are looking for an ocean and a beach. Some take to the great north, where they can cruise the frozen oceans and see the Alaskan wilderness. A new and popular trend is trips that incorporate both the cruise and an in-land journey, Koracy said. Excursions to Alaska have increased in popularity through the past 12 to 18 months.
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Mexico Mexico has been in the news lately — and not for good reasons. But Cyndi Snyder, owner of Thunderbird Travel in Murphysboro, said areas like the Riviera Maya and the southern tip of the Baja California peninsula remain popular destinations. Cities like Cancun and Cabo San Lucas remain among the top getaway destinations.
Hawaii The popularity of these Pacific Ocean islands comes and goes in cycles, Koracy said, noting it’s come back into swing recently. While all of the islands have something to offer, many visitors choose to spend their time in Maui. ‘It’s a good beach resort destination,’ Koracy said.
get out there Several other trips and locales are becoming increasingly popular with travelers, Koracy said. These locales include river cruises in Europe, journeys to Australia and New Zealand and excursions to Cuba. The opening of access to the latter island nation has increased, but some people still have reservations. But as the relationship between the United States and Cuba continues to improve, he expects more and more travelers to visit the beaches and cigar stands there.
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wine
A taste of the
New wine cave is yet another step in the giant stride of Walker’s Bluff
story by Joe Szynkowski
As many Southern Illinoisans have found out by now, Walker’s Bluff owners David and Cynde Bunch have outdone themselves once again. But before the first glass was raised in the expansive tasting room and before the first wedding vows were delivered in the mammoth wine cave, Life & Style was given behindthe-scenes access to the final hurried stages of production, as staff ensured that the newest addition to Walker’s Bluff would be complete in time for April’s public grand opening.
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The marketer
Austin Goins-McCree walks briskly out of the new tasting room and down the sidewalk to Legends. Her pace is quick for a reason — she has a lot to do. As marketing manager — and the first-ever employer at Walker’s Bluff — GoinsMcCree is charged with balancing a bevy of tasks. She coordinates top-quality entertainment acts and publicizes all of the goings-on at Walker’s Bluff, of which there are many. And with the new opportunity to coordinate weddings, concerts and other events in the tasting room and wine cave, her job just got busier.
“It’s definitely an exciting time here,” Goins-McCree said. “I remember sitting in Cynde’s living room before there was anything here. We have come a long way.” This summer promises to be the biggest yet for entertainment at Walker’s Bluff. “We get a lot of feedback from the bigger artists who say they like playing this venue because they can really connect with their fans on a more intimate basis,” Goins-McCree said. “And for those larger acts, we try to have local bands open for them. That gives local talent the chance to show off on a big stage.”
Walker’s Bluff The new Wine Cave & Tasting Room can accommodate 200 guests Tasting Room: 2,400 square feet Cave: 4,000 square feet Where it is: 14400 N. County Line Road, Carterville; access off Reed Station Road in Carbondale; 618-956-9900
Entering the new wine cave and tasting room at Walker’s Bluff is, indeed, like entering another world.
Provided by Walker’s Bluff
Processing Room: 7,380 square feet
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wine The wine expert
Jake Summers, manager of the Wine Cave, talks as fast as Goins-McCree walks when explaining his passion. “We carry worldly wines from pretty much every region and six of the seven continents,” said Summers, looking over the production room from the quaint observation area above it. “We pride ourselves on our wine selection.” Summers said the key to the success of Walker’s Bluff is all in the grapes. “For us to be able to grow the types of grapes that we do is quite an accomplishment,” he said. “Our variety is what has made us unique.” Summers also describes the large glass entry doors of the tasting room as “very classic of about 95 percent of the tasting rooms you will find.” “Ours are obviously unique because of the Walker’s Bluff etching in the glass,” he said. “We all have put a lot of work into this, and we tried to think of everything.”
Provided by Walker’s Bluff
The designers
Make it spectacular and make it happen is the mantra of Walker’s Bluff owner Cynde Bunch. Her designers — Sam Myers and Edward Avripas — adhere to that philosophy. ‘The Bunches have definitely brought the outside world into this region,’ says Myers.
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Former owners of a Herrin interior design company, Sam Myers and Edward Avripas are now exclusively designers for Walker’s Bluff. After completing largescale projects in Chicago, Florida, Texas and beyond, the pair landed the Walker’s Bluff job. Their first project was the finedining restaurant, Legends. The General Store was next, followed by the cave and tasting room. Myers and Avripas follow the mantra of Cynde Bunch: Make it spectacular and make it happen. “It’s nice to be able to do something of this magnitude at home,” said Myers, who describes the overall style of the cave and tasting room as European. “It’s been
The CEO
M.C. Olson was named chief executive officer at Walker’s Bluff’s in October and has been immersed in the ever-changing atmosphere ever since.
“We are trying to bring the people of Southern Illinois a venue where they can come relax and be entertained,” Olson said. “We are providing a place where locals can come instead of leaving. This will be an all-encompassing destination for anyone, internally and externally.” Old-world charm lives in the new wine cave at Walker’s Bluff. Olson, who previously worked for the Bunches in Florida, said she Olson credits the Bunches for having joined the Walker’s the vision to accomplish their grand goals, Bluff team at a very exciting time. and the hundreds of talented workers who Watching the wine cave and tasting room have helped them along the way. be complete in less than a years time has “We’re all on the same page here,” she been an amazing experience, she said. said. “It’s about excellence and making “We are blown away by it every day,” this dream come to life.” she said. “And we get to see it every day.”
Provided by Walker’s Bluff
wonderful. We are given such a license to create and they have a lot of faith and confidence in us. She encourages us to shine. Who wouldn’t appreciate that?” And with plans in development to produce an events center, lodge and spa, Walker’s Bluff is nearing its original goal of becoming a tri-state destination. “What else is there like this?” Myers asked. “People would have to travel to California for an experience like this. Now, they can come here for a weekend and enjoy that kind of lifestyle. It’s a really big thing for Southern Illinoisans and I don’t know if you can measure it.” Myers says stay tuned. “The Bunches have definitely brought the outside world into this region,” he said. “We’re going to see in the next 10 years the result of one lady’s dream.”
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where we live
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Peninsula story by Joe Szynkowski photography by Steve Jahnke oe and Mary Jo McCurdy grew up around the water. It is only fitting that they ended up here. Their sprawling, custombuilt home on one of Lake of Egypt’s peninsula points is a life dream come true. Water surrounds them — literally — as their home boasts a nearly panoramic view of calming blue perfection. Pick a room in the home, stand just right and look out the window. All you will see is water. “Looking out most of the windows, you can’t see any grass,” Mary Jo said. “It really feels like you’re constantly looking out from a boat.” The McCurdys met at Crab Orchard Campground when Mary Jo was 16 years old. Joe’s family ran the concessions. They both grew up on the lake, fishing, skiing and swimming.
Provided by Photography by Lori
Joe and Mary Jo McCurdy were destined to share this magnificent Lake of Egypt home
Joe and Mary Jo McCurdy along with their daughter, Macy and son, Cameron. Left: A view of the back of the McCurdy home on Lake of Egypt.
Life & Style : Summer 2012 67
where we live “We both feel like we have the same love affair with water,” Mary Jo said. They have passed their love for water down to their children, Cameron, 21, and Macy, 18. “We’re on the water all of the time,” Mary Jo said. “Especially during the week, when it’s not crowded, and it feels like it’s our lake. The kids have grown up on Sea-Doo’s and jet skis. I kind of feel like the lake patrol guy has been our babysitter.”
The Great Outdoors
The McCurdys lived next door to their current home for 23 years. Through a bit of luck, Mary Jo pursued the point at the same time the owner decided to sell it. “I called him, and he said, ‘It’s so weird you called. We’re going to look at a motor home in Florida tomorrow. If my wife likes it, we’re going to buy it and sell the lots.’” The McCurdys made an offer, got the land and sat on it for about five years while they decided what their dream home would look like. During that transitional time, Mary Jo looked at some spec houses in Chicago and came across a design called “The Great Outdoors.”
You can’t ask for a better view of Lake of Egypt than that from the main outdoor patio of the McCurdy home. Left: The main downstairs living room is flooded with sunlight, thanks to the large windows. There’s a view of the water from almost every window in the house.
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The entryway of the home is open to the second floor.
“They called it that because there were so many windows,” she said. “I fell in love with it.” Mary Jo describes the building and decorating process as “a blur” — but a good blur. “It was a lot of fun,” she said. “I had great contractors. Everything just went so smoothly. I felt like I had the best of the best for everybody involved in the build.” Tim Anderson and his construction team based in Pittsburg won over the McCurdys and assembled a solid team of contractors. Fowler Heating and Cooling installed the home’s geothermal system. Keith Fehrenbacher in Evansville
handled all of the woodwork, and Etcetera in Marion played a major role in the interior design. “The hardest part was keeping Joe happy on the budget,” Mary Jo, said laughing. “The whole thing was honestly a blessing from God. Everything just kind of fell into place, even selling our house for sale by owner. We sold it in 60 days, and that was right in the middle of the crash.” Mary Jo enjoyed the process of choosing all of the home’s finer touches. “Those little keystones on the crown molding are initialed after me,” she said. “We actually designed those with Keith
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where we live Fehrenbacher. Little things like that were really fun.â&#x20AC;?
Country French
The majority of the McCurdysâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; twostory peninsula palace is comprised of wide-open space with spectacular views. It has four bedrooms, five bathrooms, a full basement and expansive downstairs storage area. The homeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s large windows and exterior French doors are undressed, so the view of the water is unimpeded. Their woodburning fireplace comes equipped with a gas starter. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We had a fireplace at the old house, and we were constantly getting the newspapers out or buying more firesticks,â&#x20AC;? Mary Jo said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The gas starter is awesome.â&#x20AC;? The McCurdysâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; kitchen is a beautiful mix of neutral colors, large floor tiles and shiny granite countertops. The family spends most of its time in the conjoining den area that offers yet another striking peek at the lake. The vanity in the master bathroom features a pull-out drawer that warms
The home is decorated mostly in a Country French style; the McCurdysâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; canopy bed frame was purchased at the annual international furniture market in High Point, N.C.
towels and pajamas for those cold winter nights. The master also contains an enormous shower with multiple jets â&#x20AC;&#x201D; â&#x20AC;&#x153;We call it the car wash,â&#x20AC;? Mary Jo said. Some of the homeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s furnishings â&#x20AC;&#x201D; including the McCurdysâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; French canopy bed frame â&#x20AC;&#x201D; came from the annual international furniture market in High Point, N.C. Rooms are separated by marble thresholds and arched doorways.
$SSURYDO 5DWLQJ
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&$5( ZZZ %X\6,KRPHV FRP 70 Life & Style : Summer 2012
The homeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s laid back French Country style is complemented by some stateof-the-art technology, thanks to son Cameron, a computer-engineering student at Southern Illinois University. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We have our own server, and Cameron has the whole house wired for sound and media,â&#x20AC;? Mary Jo said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve got all the alarms and you can go online at anytime to check out whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s going on outside of the house.â&#x20AC;?
The family often spends time together in the home’s kitchen and adjoining living room.
Open to All
The McCurdys spent their spring break in the Dominican Republic trying to outmaneuver other tourists for the best spot on the beach. “That’s usually about the time we ask ourselves why we ever leave here,” Mary Jo said. And speaking of tourists, the McCurdys’ home is quite the hotspot, especially for a few very special guests. “We have bald eagles that fly in and land in the trees,” Mary Jo said. “Every day at 6 a.m., I can count on seeing a bald eagle in that tree. They are huge.”
Bald eagles aren’t the only ones dropping by the McCurdys’ home. The family opens its doors to friends and family for Thanksgiving, Christmas and the Fourth of July, when there is a stunning scene of fireworks over the lake. “We entertain all of the time,” Mary Jo said. “We love to have lots of friends and family over. We’ll have fires on the dock. During the summer, we’re pretty much open.” Who wouldn’t want to spend their holidays on the lake? “It’s just gorgeous, every season, every type of lighting, every part of the day” Mary Jo said. “It’s just awesome. I can’t imagine living anywhere else.”
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recreation
Taking it to
new heights
Paul Newton
Rock climbers seek thrills far above the madding crowd
story by Les O’Dell Southern Illinois is known for outdoor activities. Runners, hunters, campers, hikers, horse enthusiasts and cyclists all look to the area as a Mecca of sorts for their activities. One other sports group also takes advantage of the region’s natural beauty and formations: rock climbers.
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The Millard family of Peoria took climbing lessons at Vertical Heartland. Here, Mike climbs up the face of the rock with the help of an instructor. At left, son Tom, 11, gives it a go.
“There is very high quality climbing in Southern Illinois,” says Eric Ulner of Lick Creek. A longtime climber, Ulner is owner of Vertical Heartland, a rock climbing school and guide service. He also is the author of a field guide to climbing in the area. “The stone here is very high quality sandstone, and there is climbing that can be done on
both state and federal lands that are open to the public.” Ulner says the Jackson Falls area of Shawnee National Forest, located near Ozark, is one of the most popular areas. “There’s about a two-mile stretch of bluffs for climbing,” he says. “The type of rock and the quality of the climbs make it the most popular area, and the fact that
Provided
Keith Adams of Bonnie is an avid climber, both here and across the country. A recent trip to Estes Park, Colo., provided the challenge of scaling the Rocky Mountains.
there are some fixed anchors really attracts people, as well.” He adds that Giant City State Park, near Makanda, and Cedar Bluff, an extension of Ferne Clyffe State Park, near Goreville, offer climbing areas, too. Cedar Bluff is a statedesignated climbing area. Climber Keith Adams of Bonnie, who has scaled faces all around the country for nearly 30 years, says climbing in Southern Illinois is on par with that in other areas, including those better known for rock climbing. “Even though we’re somewhat vertically challenged in Southern Illinois, and you can’t get the wide panoramic views that you get in the mountains, there is still some great climbs and some great views in the area,” Adams says. “There are lots of things Southern Illinois offers for climbers, especially with the beauty we have right here. We’re blessed to have what we have here, and I love to climb in Southern Illinois.” Ulner says the region is a popular destination for climbers from all around the world. “The climbing, plus the fact that in the Shawnee you can camp out of your car, makes this a very climber-friendly area,” he explains. “On any given nice weekend, there will be 80 to 100 cars from a dozen states parked near Jackson Falls. I’d say there are thousands of climber days per year there. I even know of people from Europe who have come here to climb. It draws people to Southern Illinois.” Ulner says the region offers bluffs for all climbers — from beginners to seasoned veterans. “You have a wide variety of difficulty levels in all of the areas,” he says. “Someone who is a seasoned climber and who has done hard climbs can still get a good challenge, while there are still places for beginners to learn, as well.”
Life & Style : Summer 2012 73
recreation
Adams says anyone who wants to acquire the skill may enroll in rock climbing schools, such as Ulner’s, at indoor climbing gyms in metropolitan areas or just by making friends at climbing sites. “Many people go to the ropes and establish a relationship with the people who are there, or learn at a gym
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Paul Newton
All eyes were on Riley Millard, 8, as she started her ascent, with the help of Eric Ulner. Ulner, shown at right preparing for a climb, stresses safety first.
or a climbing school,” he says. “It’s important, though, to learn the basic skills to climb safely.” “The traditional old-school method of learning to climb is to latch on to someone who is already a climber, and they’ll ‘show you the ropes,’ so to speak,” Ulner says. He stresses that safety should be the central focus of any climb.
Adams adds that the sport, especially the adventure of climbing and the beauty of the natural areas in Southern Illinois, brings climbers back over and over again. “Learn how to do it, and you’ll be hooked,” he says. “Once you become a climber, I think you become a climber for life.”
Life & Style : Summer 2012 75
getaways
story and photography by Adam Testa
PROVIDED BY St. Louis Convention and visitors commission
St. Louis
Even if you think you know this fabulous city, it’s time to explore it again
There’s no mistaking this skyline for any other city; the Arch stands as a proud symbol of the city, the Gateway to the West.
uropeans enjoy a luxury a vast majority of Americans cannot even fathom. The size disparity between the United States and the continent of Europe is such that most American citizens never travel abroad in their lifetimes, while Europeans often cross international boundaries for a weekend getaway. But the world is within reach. While the 630-foot tall Arch that welcomes guests to St. Louis originally symbolized the entryway to the West, it could just as easily now be recognized as a gateway to a global excursion. Escape from the clutches of the urbanized downtown and discover a plethora of international pockets spread throughout the city. “It’s not all downtown,” said Donna Andrews, director of public relations for the St. Louis Convention and Visitors Commission. “St. Louis is really known for its diverse neighborhoods. Each neighborhood has its own distinct style.”
76 Life & Style : Summer 2012
From the French influences of Soulard to the Italian institutions of The Hill, European tradition, culture and architecture can be discovered throughout St. Louis’ streets and cityscapes. Neighborhoods separated by mere miles are distinctly distinguishable in terms of style. This plays to the benefit of guests and visitors, who can float between the different sections of town and turn even a simple overnight getaway into an authentic global escape. “If you picked up St. Louis and dropped it in Europe, it wouldn’t be out of place,” Andrews said.
In the neighborhood
One of St. Louis’ most popular destination locales is The Hill, St. Louis’ own version of Little Italy and the birth place of toasted ravioli. A number of dining establishments and restaurants offer a taste of Tuscany, with a diverse range of options for casual guests or those looking for a special evening on the town. But there’s more to the area than authentic Italian cuisine. Visitors can
stop in other shops and markets and find a variety of goods, from sausage and baked goods to collectibles and memorabilia. There are also sites to see, such as a statue honoring the city’s Italian immigrant ancestors and decorative fire hydrants, painted to look like the Italian flag. The Hill is home to a number of annual events, including a procession on the Feast of Corpus Christi (June 7, this year), a Columbus Day parade and Giro della Montagna bike race during Labor Day weekend. Much like in Europe, travel a comparatively short distance and Italian culture will fade into other influences. South of downtown St. Louis, one will find Soulard, one of the city’s oldest neighborhoods and one that radiates the feel of France. From its name, derived from pioneer Antoine Pierre Soulard, to the signature architecture of its buildings, the neighborhood captures the essence of the French spirit. The picturesque section of town is filled with a blend of ornate houses, as well as restaurants, bars and pubs, and an array
PROVIDED
The Missouri Botanical Garden offers guests a chance to experience flowers and flora from around the globe, as well as a place to take a relaxing stroll through nature.
PROVIDED B
PROVIDED
St. Louis’ neighborhoods offer a variety of cultural flair and flavor. On The Hill, Favazzas (left) and Dominic’s (right) serve authentic Italian meals.
of other businesses. Music flows from the pubs, and Soulard has a reputation as St. Louis’ premier locale for blues and jazz aficionados. Each year, the Soulard neighborhood hosts a variety of events, but none come close to the magnitude of Mardi Gras, the largest celebration of the occasion in the Midwest. Other annual highlights include a tounge-in-cheek Bastille Day festival in July and Oktoberfest, Oct. 12-14. Another prominent location for those looking for an injection of international flair in St. Louis is the South Grand neighborhood. Guests to South Grand can shop for ethnic foods, dine on Vietnamese specialties, visit a Chinese bakery and find a wide variety of global gourmet meals for lunch or dinner. Each June, visitors can also experience the International Dine Around event. These are just three of St. Louis’ distinct neighborhoods, each with its own personality. The cultural offerings of St. Louis are nearly endless, and part of the fun is in the journey. The streets of
Les Winkeler
The Soulard neighborhood hosts the nation’s largest Mardi Gras festival outside of New Orleans, celebrating French influences.
the city are filled with hidden gems just waiting to be discovered.
Growing global
St. Louis’ international influence extends beyond the walls of the concrete jungle. For those looking to escape the hustle of traffic and the noises of city life, the Missouri Botanical Gardens offers a serene getaway. More than 45 botanists and 70 researchers sponsored by the facility are spread across the globe in 39 countries. Their work has helped preserve and maintain plant life throughout the world. In a way, they bring St. Louis to the world, and the collection of flowers, trees and other plants in the garden bring the world into St. Louis. A journey through the flora-filled landscape, spread out across 79 acres, takes guests on a whirlwind, worldwide experience. The pathways are accessible both on foot and by trams running throughout the day. Guests can stick to the main path or venture off
The Chinese garden at the Missouri Botanical Garden offers a peaceful site for relaxation and meditation amongst native plants and symbols.
into the various sections of the Garden. While any of the plants and flowers on display are indigenous to the Midwest and the United States, the Gardens also feature areas dedicated to foreign flora. Guests will take in the sights and sounds of gardens representing England, Japan and others. Through it all, there are informational displays and signs to help educate visitors, as well as interactive exhibits. But sometimes, people are looking for a more hands-off experience. “We do a lot of educating here, but sometimes you just need to reflect,” said Holly Berthold, public information officer for the Botanical Garden. The Grigg Nanjing Friendship Garden offers guests an opportunity to explore Chinese culture and plant life. The garden features symbolic elements, such as the Moon Gate entrance and an authentic Oriental pavilion, as well as a number of different species of plants. While the garden is built in the style of southern China, the climate of St. Louis is more in line with that of the country’s northern reaches, which creates an
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getaways extras
Lantern Festival Elaborate, illuminated works of Chinese art will be the focus of a special exhibit making its way to the United States for the first time this summer at the Missouri Botanical Gardens. “Lantern Festival: Art by Day, Magic by Night” showcases Chinese culture, traditions and symbolism through larger-than-life detailed scenes crafted from colorful silks and molded steel. These “lanterns” vary in size, up to three stories tall, and are an amazing visual. This summer exhibition, running from May 26 through Aug. 19, highlights the Garden’s “Year of China,” celebrating the nearing end of a 25-year partnership between the institution and the country based around research. Among the lanterns, which each feature a design symbolic to Chinese culture, are a giant dragon, an imposing group of Terracotta warriors and a massive temple. The lanterns will be on display during the day and lit at night Thursdays through Sundays. Evenings will also feature other acts, such as acrobats, artists and more.
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The St. Louis Art Museum houses permanent and rotating displays. Admission is free, so guests can discover something new on every visit to the city.
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Festival of Nations The International May Festival of 1920 in St. Louis was one of the earliest multicultural celebrations in the United States. Today, in the spirit of that event, the city hosts the Festival of Nations, a weekend-long celebration of the region’s ethnic diversity. Last year, more than 140,000 visitors attended the event, dining and shopping at booths representing more than 50 ethnicities and enjoying arts and performances celebrating more than 60 different cultures. This year’s festival, scheduled for Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 25-26, in Tower Grove Park, features COBU, a nationally renowned all-female performance troupe fusing traditional Japanese Taiko drumming with tap dance. The group will perform daily and also host a workshop so festival attendees can have a hands-on experience.
The annual Festival of Nations brings together the people of St. Louis to celebrate the city’s cultural and ethnic diversity.
interesting dynamic. The various elements of the garden come together to create a multi-sensory experience. A day can easily be spent wandering the paths, gazing over the scenic views, listening to the natural wildlife and the running water of streams and waterfalls throughout the expanse of the park and learning firsthand different techniques of gardening. Some guests to St. Louis may never set foot on Asia or European soil, but the Botanical Gardens offers the opportunity to see the fruits of that soil firsthand.
Art around the world
With food, flora and festivals out of the way, guests can now turn their attention to the art and culture of the world. Situated in Forest Park, another of St. Louis’ neighborhoods also including several golf courses and the zoo, is the St. Louis Art Museum, home to thousands of pieces from countries and populations across the globe. Each item in the collection tells its own story. From the ever-popular mummy, displayed with complete sarcophagus, to the ancient medieval armor and weaponry, the museum’s collection
Artwork like this will be on display at the Missouri Botanical Garden this summer as part of the Lantern Festival, a Chinese exhibit debuting in the United States.
contains something for visitors of all ages. And what would a museum be without a good story and believed cultural curse? Down on the bottom floor of the museum rests the Oceanic art collection, and one piece in particular that has become the talk of the museum. This statue is believed to be the source of much consternation for staff and guests, as it has allegedly caused scratches on the glass case, the shattering of glass from the inside and blood poisoning in an art handler. The museum building itself is a part of history, as it is the only original building from the 1904 World’s Fair still in use today. While the facility retains its early 20th century charm, an ongoing expansion will enable to museum staff to showcase more of its collection at once. “We only exhibit about 25 percent of what we have and constantly rotate, so we don’t really get a chance to show off our depth,” said Jennifer Stoffel, director of external affairs. With the expansion, scheduled to be completed by mid-2013, guests may find themselves exploring the museum in smaller sections, possibly taking in the ancient artifact displays or the modern contemporary galleries.
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The Soulard Farmers Market is one of the largest and oldest of its kind west of the Mississippi River. It started in 1779 as St. Louis’ original market.
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Union Station is one of the highlights of the Market Square neighborhood in St. Louis. The venue houses a number of shops, restaurants and lodging options.
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The World Bird Sanctuary covers more than 300 acres and is home to more than 200 animals, including the patriotic bald eagle.
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This statue at the Missouri Botanical Garden was a gift from Africa after Sept. 11, 2001.
Constantly evolving
The attractions listed above are only a fraction of the culturally and internationally oriented places and activities in St. Louis. The city’s reaches encompass a mass of opportunity to explore the world relatively close to home. Venture outside of the city limits into St. Louis County and find other outlets, such as the Laumeier Sculpture Park and the World Bird Sanctuary. The region is filled with such a diverse array of things to do and see that it’s almost impossible to do it all in one visit. On top of that, new sites are opening or expanding all the time, changing the landscape of St. Louis on at least an annual basis. “There’s something new to do every time you come to St. Louis,” Andrews said. “That’s the great thing.”
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Life & Style : Summer 2012 79
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getaways
Bob Cassilly used what one might define as junk to create a unique world of exploration and discovery for children at the City Museum.
St. Louis
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The fun at City Museum extends all the way to the roof, complete with its own activities and a school bus hanging over the side of the building.
A trip to the St. Louis zoo can be Three stories of the 10-story entertaining and educational; kids have first- converted warehouse that is hand opportunities to learn from Zoo staff. the City Museum have been renovated with slides, climbing areas and more.
family story by Adam Testa
New exhibits, hands-on activities add to the fun for all ages Bob Cassilly saw a purpose in everything. When an individual or a business saw outdated materials or rubbish, Cassilly saw potential. One could say he lived the old adage that one man’s trash is another man’s treasure. But the St. Louis artist wasn’t one to horde his riches for himself. No, he wanted to share them with the world, and he did so in a unique and unconventional manner. In 1995, Cassilly and his then-wife Gail began renovation efforts on an
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old 10-story shoe factory warehouse in downtown St. Louis they had owned since the early 1980s. His vision was to create a place for children, both in age and of the heart, to explore, discover and learn. Two years later, in October 1997, the City Museum officially opened its doors and welcomed children and their parents to a new world, unlike anything the city had seen before. “City Museum makes you want to know,” Cassilly, who died last year in an accident, is immortalized as saying.
“The point is not to learn every fact, but to say, ‘Wow, that’s wonderful.’ And if it’s wonderful, it’s worth preserving.” Since the museum opened, Cassilly and his successors have continued expanding and adding to the collection. Three stories of the massive warehouse and the roof are now filled with various exhibits, pathways and tunnels for guests to explore, if they’re adventurous enough to dare. Climbing structures, including a “slinky” made of outdated refrigeration coil from the nearby Anhueser-Busch
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Les Winkeler
Sea Lion Sound at the St. Louis Zoo will open this summer and allow guests unprecedented access to these marine creatures.
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Big cats remain one of the most popular attractions at the zoo.
During the summer, children are At The Magic House, kids of all ages can touch, feel and climb their way through activities, all with educational lessons invited to play and splash in the pools at City Garden. hidden beneath the fun.
brewery, allow children the chance to wander off and make discoveries of their own, high above their parents’ heads. A series of caves and tunnels take visitors out of the downtown city setting and transport them to an entirely different world. “We have to take care of all ages,” said J.W. Scott, a longtime friend of Cassilly and head of guest relations for the museum. “Parents want to see things; teenagers want to do different things.” Additionally, the museum offers daily circus shows, as well as arts and crafts lessons and areas designated for pre-school children. But what truly separates City Museum from other venues of its kind is MonstroCity, an outside climbing structure featuring two Saber 40 aircraft fuselages suspended in the air, a fire engine, a castle turret, a 25-foot dome and more — all accessible by a series of four-foot wide climbing grates.
Primates are one of the zoo’s favorite attractions for visitors.
Whether parents venture through the metal monolith or watch from the ground, they’re bound to be mesmerized by the climbing complex before them. And just like Cassilly wanted, they’ll be able to take in the wonderful treasures that could have easily gone to waste. “I’ve traveled the United States with my kids and grandkids, and there is no more fun place for kids than this,” Scott said.
Discovering ‘Magic’
The aesthetic contrasts between the City Museum and the Magic House are plentiful. Cassilly’s creation has revitalized an abandoned industrial facility, a relic of a commercial past. The Magic House, which many have joked should be renamed the Magic Mansion, has brought new life into an early 20th century estate. The chaotic twists of metal and memorabilia of MonstroCity are much different from the outside gardens, hopscotch patterns and lawn mazes of the city’s other children’s museum. But at the core, both aim for the same goal. Through
hands-on exploration and adventure, they aim to educate children. Situated inside the 1901 home once belonging to the Jones family, the Magic House allows people of all ages, from 1 to 101, to learn science, geography, history, math, problem solving and more, all disguised in hands-on, interactive activities. Young guests can shoot foam balls through air-compressed tubes, encapsulated themselves inside of a giant bubble and capture the movements of their shadows on the wall of a dark room. They can also step into someone else’s shoes, working in a hospital nursery, serving food in a restaurant or searching for clues as a detective, even unlocking a hidden passageway and discovering a crime lab on the other side. “Everything we have here is a learned experience; it’s just buried under something,” said Paula Burdge, director of visitors service. Guests can travel up and down through the three floors of the house, as well as special exhibits like the Sunshine Classroom, where kids can learn about
Life & Style : Summer 2012 81
getaways gardening and other outdoor activities. The Expericenter, open on weekends and throughout the summer, also offers handson classes on topics like art, science, cooking and industrial arts. Visiting artists come in once a month to work with the children and share firsthand knowledge. With about 600,000 visitors per year, the Magic House has earned a spot as the third most visited children’s museum in the world. Each of those guests, including both the children and their parents, will find something that stands out, said Burdge, who recommends at least three hours to see all the exhibits. “It’s for all ages, the entire family,” she said. “It has an appeal for everybody, inside, outside, any age. There’s something here you’ll enjoy and probably surprise you. I think the parents enjoy themselves as much as the kids.”
Walk with the animals
Another of St. Louis’ family entertainment staples will soon have a new addition. The St. Louis Zoo will open Sea Lion Sound, a 1.5-acre sea lion habitat and
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arena, this summer. The area, not far from the south entrance to the zoo, will feature salt water pools, underwater viewing, an underwater walk-through tunnel and a new arena for sea lion shows. Each aspect of the new exhibit is designed to bring guests nose-to-nose with the animals. The exhibit will open with 11 sea lions and will later include harbor seals, as well. Some of the animals are already on site, acclimating themselves to their new home, but aren’t visible to the public. They will all make their grand debuts later this year. “The ability to see our sea lions so closely, interact with them and learn about them gives visitors the opportunity to form a connection and a new understanding of marine mammals and the need for their conservation,” said Jeffrey Bonner, president and CEO of the zoo. This new venue replaces the former sea lion arena, which for 57 years was home to various animal shows. The new venue features an 830-seat amphitheater for seasonal shows, a large stage, a rock bridge extending into the audience and a high diving platform and slide.
Sea Lion Sound will be a highlight for the zoo in 2012, but another part of the facility is a source of personal pride for zoo officials. The venue’s Insectarium is one of very few zoo facilities dedicated to invertebrate displays, curator Edward Spevak said. From spiders and snakes to a garden full of butterflies, a number of Earth’s smallest creatures call the Insectarium home. Spevak and the zoo have also led a preservation effort for pollinating bees, creating a walk-through garden guests can enjoy without the worry of being stung. Not only is it an aesthetic venture, it’s also designed to lessen people’s fears about bees and show how they can live in harmony with humans and aren’t always a threat. While the Insectarium may not have the appeal of the primate house or big cat territory, the creatures held in its confines are of no lesser value. “I always hear people come through and say, ‘I want to see animals, not butteflies,’” Spevak said. “All of these animals are important. Humans couldn’t survive without invertebrates.”
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Raven Wolf, a Healing Sound recording artist, plays on the Delmar Loop. He plays multiple instruments and focuses on a jazz sound.
The Gateway Arch is St. Louis’ most iconic image. The structure stands 630 feet tall.
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‘The Loop’ is a popular destination at night and on the weekends. Blueberry Hill, owned by musician Chuck Berry, is an ecclectic dining choice.
Plaques line the sidewalks of the Delmar Loop recognizing St. Louisans and Missourians who have contributed to their fields, primarily entertainment. Chuck Berry’s star is under the Blueberry Hill banner, and rap star Nelly’s is next to it.
nightlife
St. Louis
story by Adam Testa
Washington Avenue, The Delmar Loop come to life after hours The fun doesn’t stop once the sun goes down in St. Louis. While the city is bustling with activity during the day, as visitors and guests flow from one attraction to the next, certain areas and neighborhoods come alive later in the evening. “We don’t shut down at 5 o’clock,” said Donna Andrews, director of public relations for the St. Louis Convention and Visitors Commission. “We kick it.”
Bridging the border between St. Louis and University City, the Delmar Loop offers a number of nightlife opportunities for visitors and residents of all ages. More than 140 specialty shops and venues line the easily walkable stretch of Delmar Boulevard, including nearly 50 restaurants, 14 entertainment venues, 20 clothing boutiques and 10 art galleries. Two of the most renowned establishments on the Delmar Loop are
The Pageant, known for providing a highclass, yet intimate setting for concerts of all genres, and Moonrise Hotel, contemporary lodging providing easy access to all Delmar Loop sights and sounds. Don’t forget about Blueberry Hill, though. This restaurant, named after the iconic Chuck Berry tune, not only serves up the most reputable burgers in St. Louis, but Berry himself still performs there once a month.
Life & Style : Summer 2012 83
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getaways
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The Delmar loop offers a number of nightlife options, including a martini bar and bowling alley combination, the Moonrise Hotel and the Pageant, a popular concert venue.
The old warehouses lining Washington Avenue are now being renovated, bringing new life to that part of the city.
Outside of the restaurant is Berry’s star on the St. Louis Walk of Fame. More than 125 brass stars dot the Delmar Loop landscape, honoring St. Louis natives and Missourians who have left their mark on the world. From Bob Costas to John Goodman and Nelly to T.S. Elliot, several names stand out as icons of their genre. While much of the Delmar Loop represents modern development, another section of St. Louis’ nightlife scene celebrates the past. The Washington Avenue area, once packed with commercial industry and warehouses, has been revamped and revitalized.
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More than $100 million has gone into renovating the once-desolate street to create a locale blending classic architecture with modern activity. Last year, Washington Avenue was named one of the “10 Best Streets in America” by the American Planning Association. “It’s really a great thing St. Louis did by not tearing down the buildings. It preserves our character,” Andrews said. “At night, there’s a sense of community. It just brings a real positive energy to this part of town.” From piano bars to bowling alleys and Korean barbecue restaurants to
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Washington Avenue is becoming a popular after-dark destination, and new restaurants, clubs and more are opening at a rapid pace.
City Garden offers a respite for people to play, stroll and take in a variety of large-scale artwork and sculptures.
coffeehouses, the flavors of Washington Avenue are seemingly endless. And, with plans to continue developing the area, including a movie theater and more ground-level restaurants, the streetscape is becoming a hot locale for creatures of the night of all ages and backgrounds. No matter where guests choose to spend their evenings in St. Louis, there will be plenty of entertainment and dining opportunities awaiting them. And, something new is always on the horizon. “We’re coming back,” Andrews said.
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gear
No worries
Travel accessories make for hassle-free adventures Preparing to travel brings with it a sense of anxiety and worry. With so many things to pack, it’s easy to overlook something small but essential. There are a number of gadgets, accessories and tools, however, which can make the organization process — as well as the traveling itself — much easier. Here are some handy travel tools to have at the ready: — Adam Testa
Hipzbag Passport Bag Description: This faux-leather bag clips to belt loops to a provided waist strap fitting 24-45 inches around, offering a smaller, stylish alternative to a traditional fanny pack. Keys, phone, MP3 player, cash, cards and, yes, a passport fit perfectly zipped inside the main compartment or in the back sleeve. The larger of two small zippered compartments in front also makes a handy cash stash. Though it’s attractive enough to display, a blazer would cover it. Hipzbag markets heavily to women, but the brown and black passport bags are no compromise to masculinity. Cost: $28 at hipzbag.com
Aircraft Toiletry Kit Description: This two-part kit eliminates the need for those quart re-sealable plastic bags. A pouch made from superlight, 100-percent recycled fabric makes a perfect place for stuffing non-liquid items, while a second detachable clear plastic pouch has a large zippered opening and is good for all those 3-ounce-or-less bottles of shampoo and other liquids. The clear pouch measures 8 by 7 inches, roughly the same size as a TSA-accepted quart plastic bag, and attaches to the fabric portion of the kit with a zipper and gripper snap fastener. A hook allows you to hang the kit in the bathroom. Cost: $30 at kivadesign.com
F1 Go Clean Set Description: Flight 001 offers an exclusive Go Clean line of products, designed to keep dirty and worn clothes and laundry away from the clean items in your suitcase. The set contains a laundry bag, two shoe bags and a stuff bag for all the other odds and ends. The bags are made from heavyweight nylon material that hold dirt, grime and odor inside, helping suitcases stay clean and organized. These items can also be purchased individually. Other items in the product line include bags for wetsuits, lingerie and gym clothes.
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Shelves to Go
VinniBag
Description: This device saves the hassle of unpacking your suitcase at the hotel. Organize your clothes on the shelves, place it in your suitcase and flatten it to fit. When you arrive at your destination, all you have to do is pull out the rack and hang it in the closet. The contained design of the shelving unit decreases the effects of shifting and creasing while in transit. The shelves are equipped with adjustable straps to adjust the height and mesh siding, which offers ventilation and easy cleaning. They are made from polyester with wire frames and can hold up to 35 pounds.
Description: This heavy plastic bag protects a wine bottle or other fragile vessel in transit. The process is simple: Insert the bottle, inflate the bag partially by blowing into the stem, roll up the bottom to form a spillproof barrier in case a bottle does break, fasten the strap to protect the seal and inflate the bag the rest of the way. Wines the world over can be found in large cities, but occasionally you do find a specific little souvenir that you may not find at home, and this handy accessory can ensure the prize survives the journey. Cost: $28 at vinnibag.com
Cost: $34 at travelsmith.com
V1 ProPac Backpack Cooler Description: This backpack is perfect for the traveler with many needs. Designed by a pilot, it has the functionality of a flight bag, a laptop case, an insulated lunch box and a backpack, all in one package. A large main compartment can be used as a traditional backpack, while an easily accessible organizer on the front allows quick access to smaller items and an insulated cooler section keeps your lunch or snacks fresh, whether they’re hot or cold. Zippered side pockets can also hold small items, while a Velcro-adjustable padded compartment keeps your laptop safe. The backpack is also equipped with a strap to easily connect it to wheeled luggage, and padded backpack straps can be removed and stored in a zippered compartment when not needed. Cost: $80 at protravelgear.com
The Zami Description: This multi-cell inflatable pillow has a two-tiered center cell that forms the heart of the pillow, with smaller cells on either side. Each cell has a blow-up valve, so all can be inflated or just one or two. The end cells have a velvety finish that is comfortable enough for the face, sparing the user a skin-on-vinyl feel. Fully inflated, the pillow is slightly more than 13 inches tall, meaning it’s possible to place it on the lap and lean onto it for a comfortable snooze, especially on long flights. Deflated, the encased pillow is no thicker than a couple major magazines, so it’s no space hog in the carry-on. Cost: $20 at thezami.com
Mele Remy Jewelry Box Description: Packing jewelry in luggage can be a difficult task, as the risk of losing small items is high. This two-layered case helps solve that problem, offering 48 compartments to not only store, but also separate, jewelry. The interior lid features a mirror and a shirred catch pocket, while a lift-out tray offers two levels of 24 storage compartments. For bigger items, simply remove the tray and use a single layer. The case is 10.5 inches by 7.5 inches by 4 inches and is made of ivory faux leather, giving it a classy look, while not compromising its usefulness. The inside is hand-lined with an ivory suede fabric. Cost: $37 at jewelryboxes.com
— McClatchy-Tribune News contributed to this article.
Life & Style : Summer 2012 87
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Guten tag Continuing education classes at John A. Logan College get you speaking the language â&#x20AC;&#x201D; whatever it is story by Adam Testa
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Sometimes the best thing to do is to put reservations to rest and jump into the proverbial deep end of the pool. For those looking to learn a new language, there may come a natural hesitancy or fear of being in over oneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s head. But ask any of the language instructors teaching community education courses at John A. Logan College in Carterville and theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll put worry to rest. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not like itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a traditional classroom where thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s testing,â&#x20AC;? said Michaelann Stanley, who teaches French at Herrin High School and Italian at Logan College. â&#x20AC;&#x153;You come because itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fun and you want to learn.â&#x20AC;? The college offers different courses throughout the year, some regularly and others based on demand. From Italian to French and Spanish to German, a number of different languages can be learned on campus. Barry Hancock, assistant dean for
community education, said at least 300 people of all ages come through the classes each year. The classes usually meet once for week for about 10 weeks, and most students go through the courses multiple times. But the education, as well as the entertainment, isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t limited to the classroom. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Our Italian class actually culminated with a trip to Italy, so thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s pretty neat,â&#x20AC;? Hancock said. And thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s what Stanley tries to do with her class â&#x20AC;&#x201D; make it more than a weekly meeting in a classroom. She takes her students on field trips to St. Louis, where Italian heritage is on full display in The Hill, and organizes bocce games on Sundays. Students in these classes are more than classmates. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Our Italian class is definitely a family,â&#x20AC;? she said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a lot of culture and fellowship that goes along with it, too.â&#x20AC;?
That social element and interaction is what differentiates taking a language class from self-learning techniques and software like Rosetta Stone. While the instructors praise that particular program for its benefits in helping learn vocabulary, they said it doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t give the practical experience one needs to master another language. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a machine, you listen to the machine,â&#x20AC;? said Gloria Estrada, who teaches Loganâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Spanish course. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It repeats one word. You donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have a conversation.â&#x20AC;? Many students come to the language classes when theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re preparing to travel abroad, but others just want to stay at the forefront of society. As time advances and more cultures become prominent players in the global scene and here in the United States, people of all professions, from law enforcement to educators, will be better prepared to serve others if the can relate through language. â&#x20AC;&#x153;People can benefit and make a better society,â&#x20AC;? Estrada said.
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Life & Style : Summer 2012 89
Sarah O’Dell
in our backyard
All aboard story by Les O’Dell There’s a huge tradition and legacy of trains in Southern Illinois. Many communities and industries in the region came to be, in part, because of railroads. And, while the impact of the rails may not be as great as in years past, a growing number of enthusiasts are keeping railroading alive in their own homes, yard and gardens. Like the trains themselves, largescale model railroading is picking up steam in the region; and, like the legacy of railroads, these hobby trains are large. “It’s a growing hobby and is becoming extremely popular,” Jim Kirk, owner of LGB Train Shop in
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Carterville, says of G-scale model railroading. Officially, G-scale trains, also known as garden trains, run on tracks that are 45 millimeters (about 1 ¾ inches) wide. That makes the trains themselves about 1/29th the size of actual rail cars and engines. As such, G-scale locomotives are up to 18 inches long, stand 5 or 6 inches tall and weigh up to 8 pounds. The sheer size of the models mean that model railroads — once confined to part of the basement or den — have taken over yards, as well, such as the entire front yard of John Bible’s home near Jonesboro. The models lend themselves well to the outdoors, thanks to rugged construction and an ability to handle all types of weather.
Sarah O’Dell
Large-scale model railroading picks up steam
John Bible of Jonesboro is an organizer for the G-scale Model Railroad Hobby and Club.
The costs of model railroading as a hobby can be as little or as much as a person wants to put into it, says SITC President Scott Fowler. Ranging in size and style, model trains can be bought in small sets for less than $100; single pieces can cost hundreds.
Sarah O’Dell
Below: Bible shows off some of the model train equipment he has.
Bible’s layout includes several hundred feet of track, as well as grade crossings, bridges, tunnels, and even a trestle curving gently around and up to the rim of a swimming pool. He says it allows drinks and snacks to be delivered to swimmers by train. Bible works on the model railroad every day, usually with his 7-year-old son, Noah. “It’s a family hobby,” Bible explains. “It’s not just trains. This hobby gets you outside and even involves gardening.” Benton resident Scott Fowler’s G-scale trains do not run outside. He has a 14-by-45 foot building on his property just for his trains. “Trains are why I built it. The walls are decorated with trains; trains are on display in it. The building is all about trains,” Fowler says. He says his layout includes model trains of all types, including diesel locomotives,
steam engines and European-style trains. More than designing a layout, Fowler says he focuses on the trains, adding that he has 30 engines and probably 150 cars in his collection. “I don’t claim to be a modeler,” he says. “I’m just one of those train nuts that loves watching trains go around.” Fowler is president of both Southern Illinois Train Club and a worldwide organization called Big Train Operators Club. Bible is a member of Gateway Garden Railroad Club, a St. Louisbased organization for outdoor railroad hobbyists. Like those who pursue any hobby, both Bible and Fowler say their layouts and collections are never really complete. “You’re constantly changing things, making improvements and coming up with other ideas,” Bible says. “Working
on the railroad really takes my mind off of everything else. I’m outside with my family; I can have music playing and it’s fun.” Both recommend the hobby to others as a way to relax and make new friends, but caution that model railroading can be addictive and expensive. Kirk, however, says the initial investment can be small. “A basic starter set will be about $200, but then the sky is definitely the limit,” he says. “It can be a very expensive hobby.” Unlike the small sets of old, G-scale trains use lithium ion batteries inside the engines for power. They are operated through a handheld electronic remote device, which also can control on-board lights and sound systems, as well as switches on the tracks. Inside or out, model railroaders in Southern Illinois say G-scale trains give them joy. “One of our club mottos is very simple,” Fowler says. “It’s ‘Having Fun Running Trains.’ That’s what it’s all about.”
Life & Style : Summer 2012 91
business buzz
Piano Man
Piano technician uses part science, part art
Paul Newton
story by Les O’Dell
Dan Mattingly of Mattingly Piano Service works on tuning a piano.
Dan Mattingly is part scientist and part artist. He’s part technician and part musician. And, he’s making his mark as an in-demand certified piano technician at the age of 26. The Herrin native, who now lives in Cambria, not only brings out the best in pianos through careful tuning, he also repairs and refurbishes the instruments. A chance encounter with Dean and Loma Brown at Herrin’s Baldwin Piano and Organ Center set the stage for Mattingly’s venture. Having played piano since the age of 4, he was delivering instruments when the Browns suggested that he learn the craft — one that Dean Brown had first learned years before. “I can thank Loma for the inspiration and encouragement,” Mattingly recalls.
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Paul Newton
Mattingly places muting felt inside a piano while tuning it.
During 15 months of training, Mattingly apprenticed with Dean Brown. The student says he learned a great deal from his mentor. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I was able to work alongside Dean and really soak in from him,â&#x20AC;? he says. Two years later, Mattingly Piano Service has a fast-growing list of clients, including schools, churches and, of course, those with pianos in their homes. Clients range from river to river and from Mount Vernon south, as well as some in parts of Kentucky and Missouri. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I enjoy the traveling and I enjoy the work,â&#x20AC;? he says. â&#x20AC;&#x153;No matter where I go, people are glad to see me, and I get to work in a very relaxed environment.â&#x20AC;?
contacts Dan Mattingly Mattingly Piano Service 618-534-0289
Mattingly says he cannot imagine doing anything else, adding that he feels â&#x20AC;&#x153;wiredâ&#x20AC;? to work with pianos. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I think you do need a gift to do this,â&#x20AC;? he explains. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Sometimes I can feel â&#x20AC;&#x201D; or at least I think I can feel â&#x20AC;&#x201D; the little hairs in my ears going back and forth as I try to listen so carefully to a note.â&#x20AC;? He says each standard tuning takes just under two hours. Once heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s completed his work, he always finishes by playing the instrument. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Dean calls it â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;rocking the baby.â&#x20AC;&#x2122; You have to play it when youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re done,â&#x20AC;? says Mattingly, who gains clues from the piano ownerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s conversations and dĂŠcor as to what to play. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Sometimes Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll play gospel, sometimes jazz or sometimes bluegrass. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s whatever I feel at the time.â&#x20AC;? Then, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s on to the next piano. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I really enjoy what I do,â&#x20AC;? he says. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I love spreading the culture of music throughout Southern Illinois and beyond.â&#x20AC;?
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Life & Style : Summer 2012 93
heritage
Branching Discovering the ancestors on your family tree is easier than ever
story by Les O’Dell Michael Brush of Murphysboro was an amateur genealogist years before he even knew of the word genealogy. “When I was a kid, I spent lots of time with my grandpas,” he remembers. “They would tell these stories that I found fascinating, and I locked them in the back of my mind, not knowing what I would ever do with them. Then, there were always relatives coming around the house, and I wanted to try to get some organization in my own mind how they all fit together.” Using family photographs, the young Brush mapped out his family’s connections on the basement floor so that he could put relationships together with relatives and faces with his grandfathers’ tales. Years later, after 20 years of service in the U.S. Navy, Brush began to trace his family tree, going deeper than photos on the floor.
94 Life & Style : Summer 2012
“I brought the project back to the forefront,” he says. “I’ve been working on it now for the last 20 years or so, trying to fill in some blank spots.” Brush began doing research with historical societies and eventually became a member of Genealogical Society of Southern Illinois. Now the group’s president, he says genealogical research is more than just names and dates. “Genealogy is an expanding area of mystery solving,” he explains. “And those ‘mystery’ people had their own lives. It’s learning about them, it is problem solving and it’s the thrill of the hunt. It’s really the search for your own personal history.” For genealogist Ruth Montgomery of Benton, her search began with a simple school assignment: a charge from a high school teacher to Montgomery’s son to learn about his heritage. “We starting by calling grandmas and grandpas to figure it out, and soon I was hooked on the research,” she says. “I got busy on it, got the family involved and have really had a great time.” Montgomery, who works today as an assistant in the genealogy department of Benton Public Library, was able to trace her family back to several important milestones in American history. “We found ancestors that fought in the Civil War, and then we found one that fought in the Revolution,” she says. “We even were able to find a copy of his will. Those discoveries are among the most exciting things I’ve found.” Montgomery says that she has been able to learn that her father’s family came
to North America from Scotland, and her husband’s family has been traced back to Germany in the 1700s. “It means a lot to me to know why and how my family came to America and Illinois,” she adds. Brush says there are a number of ways Southern Illinoisans can begin to research their own families. “People should start by talking to family members and getting as much information as they can. Then, they can use this as a kind of basis to start looking at records that relate to births, deaths and marriages.” He says that other records, such as census data, cemetery records, probate files and other public documents, may also provide information. “If there wasn’t a big paper trail left by relatives, you have to become creative in looking for sources of information.” He adds that area organizations can be helpful, as well. “Most of the counties have either a genealogical society or a historical society,” Brush says. “They can provide
learn more
things like city directories, local court or census Genealogy Society of Southern Illinois meets the second records or things like Sunday of every month in the GSSI section in the college obituary files.” library at Gen. John A. Logan College in Carterville. Another advantage Call 618-985-2828, ext. 8338, for more information. of organizations, he says, is that those new Many libraries, including public libraries in Benton, Cairo and Mount Vernon, have significant genealogical holdings. John to genealogical research A. Logan College has a genealogical library, and the Illinois can learn from more Regional Archive Depository on Southern Illinois University experienced members. campus houses older records from local counties. Online “I think the big benefit services Ancestry.com and FamilySearch.org are good is that sense of a club or sources, too, and can be accessed for free at JALC library. fellowship, where you can go and hang out and learn from each other how other people go about finding information or records or Brush says many of the national data on their ancestors.” genealogy websites, such as Ancestry.com He adds that many libraries, including and Familysearch.org, are good resources, public libraries in Benton, Cairo as well. In fact, they can be accessed for and Mount Vernon, have significant free from JALC library. genealogical holdings. Gen. John Often, the discoveries give insight to A. Logan College has a genealogical our families, Montgomery says. library, and the Illinois Regional “You’ll never know what you’ll uncover Archive Depository on Southern Illinois when you research your family,” she says. University campus houses older records “It’s very exciting and a great hobby for from local counties. people.”
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Life & Style : Summer 2012 95
parting shot
p.s. photo by Steve Jahnke
96 Life & Style : Summer 2012
No one does summer like a kid; Miskiki Mosley of Carbondale does his best handstand during the annual Chill Out in the Park in Carbondaleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Attucks Park.
Life & Style : Summer 2012 3
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