Life & Style - Summer 2014

ALSO INSIDE SOCIAL SEEN Who will you recognize?

GETAWAYS Exploring the Gulf Coast VENUES St. Stephen’s on the Hill

like a pro

Food, drink, décor, music and a plan: Everything you need to make your gathering memorable

Vogler lincoln

1170 E MAIN ST CARBONDALE, IL 62901-3137 618-457-8135 www.vOgLERLINCOLN.COM

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Brad Arnold First Vice President-Investments

Wells Fargo Advisors, LLC

1401 Financial Park Carbondale, IL 62902 618.457.8145

Investment and Insurance Products: NOT FDIC Insured NO Bank Guarantee MAY Lose Value *ENVISION PLAN HOLDER RESULTS ARE BASED ON A SURVEY CONDUCTED ONLINE BY HARRIS INTERACTIVE FROM SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2012 AMONG 606 INVESTORS WITH FINANCIAL ADVISOR RELATIONSHIPS. **THE AFFLUENT AMERICANS RESULTS ARE BASED ON A NATIONAL (U.S.) TELEPHONE SURVEY CONDUCTED (THE WELLS FARGO RETIREMENT STUDY) BETWEEN JULY AND SEPTEMBER 4, 2012 AMONG 266 “AFFLUENT” AMERICANS, AGE 25-75 WITH HOUSEHOLD INVESTABLE ASSETS OF $250,000 OR MORE. NOT REPRESENTATIVE OF THE EXPERIENCE OF OTHER CLIENTS. ©2013 Wells Fargo Advisors, LLC. Member SIPC. All rights reserved. 0413-04946 [91423-v1] a1522 CAR-0414-02604

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Taking care of women and their babies in the heartland 1-877-ILOBGYN (456-2496)

www.ILOBGYN.com Facebook.com/HeartlandWomensHealthcare

Anna• • Belleville Belleville •• Benton Benton •• Centralia Centralia •• Fairfield Fairfield •• Flora Flora •• Harrisburg Harrisburg • Herrin • Marion Anna Nashville •• O’Fallon O’Fallon •• Pinckneyville • Salem • Sparta McLeansboro • • Metropolis Metropolis •• Mt. Mt.Vernon Vernon •• Nashville McLeansboro

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 John Pfeifer EXECUTIVE EDITOR Gary Metro EDITOR Cara Recine NICHE ADVERTISING MANAGER Lacey Thompson ART & DESIGN April Burford Rhonda May CONTRIBUTORS Shawn Connelly Chanda Green Rana Hodge Diana Lambdin Meyer Debbie Moore Cara Recine Joe Szynkowski Adam Testa Les Winkeler PHOTOGRAPHERS Rana Hodge Jennifer Fortune Steve Matzker Rhonda May Bruce N. Meyer Alexa Rogals Adam Testa Autumn Vinyard Les Winkeler COPY EDITING Tom English Mary Thomas Layton ONLINE Brandon Byars ADVERTISING SALES Kelly Caudill Nora Chambliss Brian Flath Stephanie Meyer Tina Moon Alisha Shipp Lacey Thompson ADVERTISING DESIGN Rose Baffi Andrew McBride Jay Stemm Leah Weil CIRCULATION Mark Romanowski

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. Š 2014 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 2014

WELCOME

LETTER from the Executive Editor Create some of your best memories this party season

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ummer is fast approaching and with it the busy, happy times of formal parties, lazy get-togethers and, perhaps, even a baseball tailgate mission to St. Louis.

You can’t beat hot fun in the summer, but nothing will ever top the surprise party my wife, Debbie, arranged for my 30th birthday. I’d like to say it was so recent it may as well have been yesterday. But the years are many since that wonderful summer afternoon in Oshkosh, Wis. Somehow she sneakily invited my best friends, by gosh. It didn’t matter if they were my boyhood pals and wives from Rockford, or my work colleagues and teammates on the legendary Duck Soup softball team in Oshkosh. She chartered a boat on Lake Winnebago and the entire crew hit the waves for an afternoon filled with food, drink, music and a lot of laughs.

It was a once-in-a-lifetime treat — something that in hindsight looks like a goodbye to the innocence and buoyant optimism of youth and a welcoming dance into the adult world of expanding careers, mortgages and family commitments. I most recall the laughter and smiling faces from the day, and wish I could return — if only for an afternoon.

With this summer, you have another season to generate such memories, or create new ones.

This issue of Life & Style will help you get started. Think of it as a passport to the summer party season, with special emphasis in this issue on graduation, backyard barbecue and pool parties, among others. That’s our cover story.

Elsewhere in the magazine, you’ll see your family, friends and neighbors (and maybe yourself, too!) in the popular Social Seen photo collection of Southern Illinoisans enjoying the finer things in life — and looking good while doing it, too.

We’ve also included a feature on getaways to the Mississippi Gulf Coast, showcasing the attractions of small towns drawing tourists who want something other than the big city fun of New Orleans. For fitness fans, we’ve got a feature on the increasing popularity of lap pools and a closer look at the scenic beauty of Campus Lake at SIU Carbondale — and the wonderful walking path surrounding the waters.

Of course, you can expect to see the latest from our region’s fine foods, great wines and craft beers, along with some of the hottest accessories for the season of sunshine and outdoor living.

Have a great summer!

GARY METRO LIFE & STYLE IN SOUTHERN ILLINOIS

Life & Style : Summer 2014 5

CONTENTS

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SUMMER 2014

36

GETAWAYS Beautiful beaches, captivating communities and culture on the Gulf Coast

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PARTY LIKE A PRO!

With good advice and advance planning, your gathering can be the best ever

ENTERTAINMENT New Arts Jazztet: A constant presence in a changing time

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WHERE WE LIVE Couple integrates Canadian and local touches into lakeside home

24 30

BUSINESS BUZZ Von Jakob Winery & Brewery adds to ever-expanding offerings

42 54 58

SELF More and more of us are turning to ancient Chinese techniques

Social Seen Don’t Miss This Our History Good Eats At Work Wine Country Apps

PROFILE Dr. Satyadeep Bhattacharya doubles as musician in his native Nepal

cover photo

ARTISTS Abdul-Musawwir paints, teaches and hopes for the generations to come

VENUES St. Stephen’s on the Hill is a unique wedding venue with a past

6 Life & Style : Summer 2014

this issue 9 27 28 34 50 52 61

Décor Trends Recreation In Our Backyard Cheers to Beer Scenic Beauty Parting Shot

62 64 78 80 82 86 88

Rob and Jill Cash of Marion are featured in our cover shot, which was photographed by Lori Baysinger of Photography by Lori in Marion.

Barb loved to cook for her church, but mysterious weight gain in her abdomen made it hard for her to even walk. Little did she know, it was cancer.

What to do? With help from an SIH cancer patient navigator, who just happened to be a fellow church member, Barb had guidance throughout the journey. She found out that not one, but a team of physicians and cancer specialists could personalize her treatment right here in southern Illinois. With that, she chose to stay here for her care.

Barb feels better than she has in years. This new burst of energy is putting her on the path to doing what she loves — cooking for her church members and especially the children. Barb has beaten the odds. She’s a cancer survivor with a strong team on her side.

See live pictures as we grow our new cancer center at sihcancerinstitute.net

Who could be such a partner? Only SIH. FIND OUT HOW BARB GOT BACK TO BAKING AGAIN:

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DENTAL IMPLANTS A New Beginning to 2014 SCHOOLED IN WINE: • Are you embarrassed to smile?

LETTER

We love• what do, but ...

Are you you missing teeth?

• Is your denture or partial denture loose?

• Do you have problems chewing?

I appreciate the Life & Style magazine hybrids, American and European varieties. and how it is continuously supporting the For 30 years, there has been extensive grape and wine industry. However, in the planning and research into building latest edition of the Life & Style magazine, a strong grape and wine industry in I read If “Old world, new wines.”

Southern Illinois.

It does and not mean you have these problems, Dr. Christopher Hughes his I became upsethelp whenyou I readfind a paragraph there is not room forright more for research team can out if Dental Implants are you.and stating, “... the typical hybrids grown in planning, but I don’t believe we should Southern thatto produce sweet and throwPersonal the baby outConsultation with the bath water.

CallIllinois Anne reserve your Free semi-sweet wines.” This statement continues I have been in the grape and wine to perpetuate myths that are damaging to the industry for more than 20 years. I grape and wine industry in Southern Illinois. encourage the publishers of this magazine Because the industry is rather young, to give equal attention to the great wines Dr. Christopher Hughes is certified readers will believe the through wineries inthe American that are being produced Board of Oral in this region.

Southern Illinois only produce sweet and The quote, “If I can’t Implantology/Implant Dentistry grow something semi-sweet wines. I can provide a list of good, I’m not going to grow anything,” excellent dry wines that have won national again implies that the grapes and wines awards from grapes and wine grown and that other vineyards and wineries are produced in Southern Illinois. growing and producing aren’t good.

504 Rushing Drive | Herrin, IL The article implies that French-hybrid Implant & Cosmetic Dentistry • I.V. Sedation grapes are inferior, another misconception.

KAREN HAND All grapes are basically hybrids. There are Winemaker at Blue Sky Vineyard many types of varieties of grapes grown Past chair of the Shawnee Hills in vineyards in Southern Illinois. We have American Viticultural Area

618-993-3100

Hughes Dental Arts

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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 Lacey Thompson niche advertising manager 618-351-5001 lacey.thompson @thesouthern.com

SUBSCRIPTIONS Kim Fowler circulation manager 618-351-5035 kim.fowler @thesouthern.com Subscription 8 issues for $17.95 rates: 4 issues for $9.95

Introducing a new product at Norman's

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a new future level of performance Dental implants may be in your if: and luxury to vacuum cleaners.

Riccar’s flagship upright offers • You are missing teeth the unsurpassed cleaning performance of the revolutionary • You have problems chewing Tandem Air System where two distinct cleaning motors • Your denture or partial denture doesn’t fitare used in series to provide exceptional cleaning, sealed HEPA • You are embarrassed tocarpet smile filtration and the convenience of

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618-993-3100 Dr. Christopher Hughes

• Diplomate American Board of Oral Implantology/Implant Dentistry • Fellow American Academy of Implant Dentistry

“Like”us on Facebook.

Attending or hosting an event?

Post your pictures on our page and your event could be included in an upcoming edition of Life and Style in Southern Illinois. www.facebook.com/LifeandStyleSI

2702 Merchant St., Marion, IL 62959 618-993-3034 8 Life & Style : Spring 2014

8 Life & Style : Summer 2014

Hughes Dental Arts Centre www.normancarpetonemarion.com 504 Rushing Drive | Herrin, IL Implant & Cosmetic Dentistry • I.V. Sedation • Botox

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Leading Southern Illinois Lawyers

Problem Solvers Douglas A. Antonik

Antonik Law Offices

Mount Vernon

618.244.5739

William L. Broom, III

Barrett Twomey Broom Hughes & Hoke LLP

Carbondale

618.457.0437

Patricia A. Hoke

Barrett Twomey Broom Hughes & Hoke LLP

Carbondale

618.457.0437

Kenneth R. Hughes

Barrett Twomey Broom Hughes & Hoke LLP

Carbondale

618.457.0437

Michael R. Twomey

Barrett Twomey Broom Hughes & Hoke LLP

Carbondale

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Mark J. Ballard

Black Hedin Ballard McDonald PC

Mount Vernon

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Terry R. Black

Black Hedin Ballard McDonald PC

Mount Vernon

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Aaron S. Carnine

Black Hedin Ballard McDonald PC

Mount Vernon

618.242.3310

Craig R. Hedin

Black Hedin Ballard McDonald PC

Mount Vernon

618.242.3310

Jerome E. McDonald

Black Hedin Ballard McDonald PC

Mount Vernon

618.242.3310

Kristine M. Tuttle

Black Hedin Ballard McDonald PC

Mount Vernon

618.242.3310

William Kent Brandon

Brandon Schmidt & Goffinet

Carbondale

618.549.0777

Jeffrey A. Goffinet

Brandon Schmidt & Goffinet

Carbondale

618.549.0777

Charles E. Schmidt

Brandon Schmidt & Goffinet

Carbondale

618.549.0777

Paul R. Lynch

Craig & Craig LLC

Mount Vernon

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Julie A. Webb

Craig & Craig LLC

Mount Vernon

618.244.7511

Kenneth F. Werts

Craig & Craig LLC

Mount Vernon

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Edward J. Kionka

Edward J Kionka Law Office

Carbondale

618.521.5555

Michael F. Dahlen

Feirich/Mager/Green/Ryan

Carbondale

618.529.3000

Thomas R. Frenkel

Feirich/Mager/Green/Ryan

Carbondale

618.529.3000

R. James Giacone, II

Feirich/Mager/Green/Ryan

Carbondale

618.529.3000

Richard A. Green

Feirich/Mager/Green/Ryan

Carbondale

618.529.3000

Cheryl Lynn Intravaia

Feirich/Mager/Green/Ryan

Carbondale

618.529.3000

Kevin L. Mechler

Feirich/Mager/Green/Ryan

Carbondale

618.529.3000

John S. Rendleman, III

Feirich/Mager/Green/Ryan

Carbondale

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John C. Ryan

Feirich/Mager/Green/Ryan

Carbondale

618.529.3000

Pieter N. Schmidt

Feirich/Mager/Green/Ryan

Carbondale

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Mark D. Hassakis

Hassakis & Hassakis PC

Mount Vernon

618.244.5335

Morris Lane Harvey

Law Offices of Morris Lane Harvey

Mount Vernon

618.244.9544

A. Ben Mitchell

Mitchell Law Office PC

Mount Vernon

618.242.0705

Mark D. Prince

Prince Law Firm

Marion

618.997.2111

John T. Hundley

The Sharp Law Firm PC

Mount Vernon

618.242.0246

Terry Sharp

The Sharp Law Firm PC

Mount Vernon

618.242.0246

John Womick

Womick Law Firm Chtd

Herrin/Carbondale

618.993.0911

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A lawyer CANNOT buy the distinction of being a Leading Lawyer. This distinction was earned by being among those lawyers who were most often recommended by their peers in statewide surveys. Respondents COULD NOT recommend themselves or lawyers at their law firm. For a complete list of all Leading Lawyers and to view profiles of the lawyers listed on this page, go to www.LeadingLawyers.com.

312.644.7000 | LeadingLawyers.com

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Life & Style : Summer 2014 9

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HERRIN CHAMBER DINNER

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errin Chamber of Commerce members stepped into a time machine as they ventured to ‘That ‘70s Dinner,’ a groovy spin on the annual affair, on Jan. 31. Clergies from the city were recognized with the distinguished Citizen of the Year Award, while Stephanie and Shane Bishop, operators of McDonald’s restaurant, received Business of the Year honors.

1. Brian and Kandi Chapman

11. Jennifer and Sean Wade

2. Business of the Year Award recipients Stephanie and Shane Bishop

12. Joe and Nina Helleny

4. Best Dressed Male contest winner Frank and Vicki Colombo 5. Bo and Carol Emery 6. David and Rachel Stacey 7. Beth and Tom Harness 8. Ben and Katie Calcaterra of Herrin

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13. Kevin and Linda Hatfield 14. Master of Ceremonies Scott Kinley 15. Jo and Dutch Doelitzsch 16. Donna and Mike Monchino of Herrin 17. Outgoing Herrin Chamber President Mark and Angie Kochan 18. Stephan Ackermann and Deborah Hogg

19. Linda Hatfield and 9. Best Dressed Woman Cheryl Endres contest winner Teresa and 20. Mary and Pete Keith Camarato Bondioli of Herrin 10. Carla and David Hays 21. Hila Leenerts and of Herrin Carla Hays of Herrin

glorious galas to cozy gatherings,

your event can come to life.

Whatever the occasion, we have the space you need.

Offering the latest in state-of-the-art services, allowing you to conduct successful and efficient meetings, along with eloquent and beautiful receptions.

AT THE HEART OF CARBONDALE

THE CARBONDALE CIVIC CENTER 618.457.3209 200 South Illinois Avenue, Carbondale www.explorecarbondale.com

10 Life & Style : Summer 2014

PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED BY VICKI COLOMBO‌

3. Evan and Tasha Youngblood

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Quality Service has led us to be the Reader’s Choice for Best Real Estate Agency.

Thank Thank you you for for voting voting us us #1 #1 HOUSE OF REALTY, INC.

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Carbondale 618.457.3344 • Carterville 618.985.3717 • Lake of Egypt 618.964.1447 Marion 618.997.6495 • Murphysboro 618.684.5563 Life & Style : Summer 2014 11

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HOSPICE OF SOUTHERN ILLINOIS GALA

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he Hospice of Southern Illinois Gala event was Jan. 25 at Marion Cultural and Civic Center. The night included a buffet and a bar for guests, as well as live performances by people throughout the community.

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5. Vic and Elizabeth Ritter of Herrin 6. Steve and Barb Mason of Marion

2. Allida and Mike Plumer 7. Rick and Vicky Scoggins and Deborah and Karol of Carterville Hunter, all of Stonefort 8. Yolanda Simon 3. Dorcy and Don Brosser and Karriem Shariati of Carbondale of Carbondale 4. Joni Barwick, Doug 9. Jeffrey and Janice and Shannon Johnson Waddell of Herrin and Anna Vordenave, all of Marion

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PHOTOGRAPHY BY ALEXA ROGALS, THE SOUTHERN‌

1. Barbara Throgmorton and Suzy Ward of Carterville and Brenda Hillard of Marion

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RED ROSE GALA FUNDRAISER

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upporters of Marion Cultural and Civic Center attended the Red Rose Gala at Kokopelli Clubhouse on Feb. 15 in Marion to raise money for the center.

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1. Jim and Toni Morris and 8. Joe Conley and Lori and John Power Abby Winters

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2. Bill and Gail Shanks

9. Linda and Gail White

3. Tom and Gloria Oates

10. Earl and Rita Sigley

4. Jim and Jane Bales, Donna Glodjo and Claudia Merrett

11. Michael and Ruth Bradford

5. Tim and Regina Austin

12. Amanda and Ashley Gott

6. Jim and Traci Robertson 13. Zack Pilot and Brandy Miller 7. Michelle and Vincent Elliott

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14. Spencer, Riley and Lynnette Sharp

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Life & Style : Summer 2014 13

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MAIN STREET ANNUAL NIGHT OUT

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ocal business owners joined together March 6 for a night out that included dinner and silent auction. The event, hosted at Downtown Design Center, served as a fundraiser for Carbondale Main Street, a community organization that hosts several events through the year.

1. Jerry Brooks and Patricia Guyon, both of Carbondale

8. Melanie Kurinez and Jordan Wren, both of Carbondale

2. Travis Taylor and Jessica Sergeev, both of Carbondale

9. Reema Prabhaka and Yogi Prabhaka, both of Carbondale

3. Elizabeth Berumen, Jan Dallape, Kim Cross, Patty Eaton, Melodie Doty and Darren Berger, all of the Bank of Carbondale

10. Acting Mayor Don Monty of Carbondale

4. Cinnamon Smith, Lea Stover and Scott Thorne, all of Carbondale

12. Jordan Wren, Melanie Kurinez, Meghan Cole and Les O’Dell, all of Carbondale

6. Christine Donovan and Jordan Wren, both of Carbondale 7. Laura and Craig Anz of Carbondale

11. Tip O. Cook, Barb Eidlin and Calvin Scott, all of Carbondale

13. Leah Lerner, Lezlie Terry and Carla Bird, all of Carbondale

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PHOTOGRAPHY BY RHONDA MAY

5. Tip O. Cook and Joe Lerner, both of Carbondale

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14. Tom Redmond, Mary Hana and Erin Dickson, all of Carbondale 15. Matt and Ashley Bullock of Carbondale

AT THE BEAUTIFUL

Rend Lake eR Resortt & C Conference Center • Enjoy the best fishing in the Midwest • Free boat slips including our own fleet of boat rentals • A nationally recognized hiking and biking trail including bike rentals • Swimming, tennis and much more

• Fine casual dining at Windows Restaurant including our outdoor deck along the water • Watch your favorite sports at the friendly Reilly’s Lounge • All boatels, cabins and hotel rooms have been newly remodeled

For more information, call 1-800-633-3341 Visit us online at www.rendlakeresort.com

Located along the water in Wayne Fitzgerrell State Park, 2 Miles West of I-57, Exit 77, Off 154 in Whittington, IL

14 Life & Style : Summer 2014

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Join Us On

FREE WIFI Life & Style : Summer 2014 15

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TASTE OF CHOCOLATE

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hocolate took center stage Feb. 7 as the annual Taste of Chocolate returned to the Carbondale Civic Center. Attendees had a chance to sample many unique culinary creations, each including chocolate among its ingredients, and take home special auction items, including a collector’s edition Beatles tie worn by the auctioneer.

1. Jennifer Finney and Wilma Rawson, both of Marion

13. Gina Evans of Goreville and Savannah Stroud of Marion

2. Lynn Penrod and Heather Lange, both of Carterville, and Christie Doerr of Du Quoin

14. Jolene and Steve Falat of Murphysboro 15. Diane and Bill Gasa of Makanda

3. Pat Brown and Carolyn 16. Steve and Barb Mason Cox, both of Carbondale, of Marion and Debby Davies 17. Tessie and Ore of Hurst Ojewuyi of Carbondale 4. Laura Alvarado of 18. Mike and Terri Henry Carbondale, Terri Bryant of Murphysboro and Mary of Carbondale Mounts of Carbondale 19. Savannah Ramsey and 5. Kristin and Chet Snyder Monica Tichenor, both of Carbondale of Carbondale 6. Don Ursini and Dick Smith, both or Carbondale

20. Cyndi Roberts of Murphysboro and Andrea Barclay of Carbondale

7. Rhonda Kelley, Kay McClatchey, Molly Gaffney and Karen Kline, all of Carbondale

21. Carl and Linda Flowers of Carbondale

9. Maggie Flanagan of Makanda and Susan Elgren of Goreville 10. Maureen Berkowitz and Jane Adams, both of Carbondale

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22. Megan Jones Williams and Abby Odor, both of Carbondale 23. Rich Whitney and Paula Bradshaw, both of Carbondale 24. Davis and Kristy Robinson of Carbondale 25. Rosslind Rice of Carterville and Rhonda May of Elkville

26. Mark Kennedy of 11. Emily Slone and Jacob Murphysboro and Barb Hutchison, both of Vienna Eidlin of Carbondale 12. Whitney Scoggins of Carterville and Leslie Stroud, Kayla Szczeblewski and Dana Banks, all of Carbondale

16 Life & Style : Summer 2014

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8. Tabatha Curry, Traci Nicholson (seated), Sue Maier and Kim Maier (standing)

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CARTERVILLE CHAMBER AWARDS DINNER

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embers and supporters of Carterville Chamber of Commerce joined together at Carterville Community Center on Feb. 13 to celebrate a year of successes.

Outgoing President Josh Combs handed the reins to Leigh Bedokis-Gusta, and awards were presented to new and improved businesses in town and residents worthy of special recognition.

1. Chamber Member of the Year Award recipient Shannon Johnson of Carterville

7. Patti and David England and Ron and Amy Simpson, all of Carterville

Chamber of Commerce President Josh Combs, Mindy Combs and Bethany Streuter, all of Carterville

10. John and Kay Dosier of Carbondale and Peggy and Ray Altmix of Marion

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8. Tammy Vaughn 2. Frank R. Samuel Jr. and Carol Schwartz Award recipients Rich and of Carbondale Janie Davis of Carterville 9. Jerry Crouse of 3. Emcee Ralph Brandon Marion, Dave Fombelle of of Carterville Anna and Sheri Crouse of Marion 4. Outgoing Carterville 9

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5. Erik and Clare Cornett of Marion

12. Raquel Shanks and Pat Haley, both of Carterville

6. Kelly Ansinelli, Jason Cook, Debra Tanner and Robin Moore, all of Carterville

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PHOTOGRAPHY BY RHONDA MAY

11. Melissa Lewis of Carterville and Matt Carnaugh of Marion

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13. Don Weyell of Carterville and Brinson Venable of Herrin

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CARBONDALE CHAMBER ANNUAL EVENT

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arbondale Chamber of Commerce members and friends turned out for the annual event at the SIU ballrooms in Carbondale.

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1. Amberly Tobin and Ali Larson

6. Bobbi Ward and Angela Povolisk

2. Tip O. Cook, Mel Goot and Andrea Barclay

7. Gary Kolb and Georgia Wessel

3. Chris Nolan and Darien Abadie

8. Estus and Diane Hood

5. Ben Jeffords, Karen Binder and Nora Inman

10. Tom and Beth Harness

9. Cheryl Graff, 4. Meghan Cole, Stephen Linda Flowers and Simpson and Ray Simpson Beverly Wilson

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11. Adam Longueville and Leah Stover

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Start the path to your future at JALC

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www.jalc.edu Life & Style : Summer 2014 19

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SIH FOUNDATION DINNER GALA

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ore than 600 community members attended the Southern Illinois Healthcare Foundation dinner gala at the SIU Ballrooms April 11 in support of SIH’s efforts to build a cancer center in Carterville.

1. Mel and Ellen Bower of Carbondale

16. Doug and Amy Owens of Carterville

2. Ashley Odum and Tara Hardwick of Marion

17. Robert and Alyssa Kupferer and Valerie and Thomas Kupferer of Murphysboro

4. Barry and Jo Ancil of Carbondale 5. Gary and Jan Austin of Alto Pass

18. Misty and Don Wright of Carbondale

20. Jeff Franklin, Ann Bivens and Darrell Bryant of Carbondale

7. Rick and Jean McNeil of Carterville

21. Lisa and Darren Pulley of Marion

8. Sam Goldman and Clare Chance of Carbondale

22. Bart and Angela Millstead of Makanda

10. Janie and Rich Davis of Carterville 11. Doug and Carrie Gill of Carterville 12. John and Lianne Watson of Makanda and Bob and Berniece Davenport of Carbondale

23. Carlos Mella-Picel and Muhammad Jawad Popalzai of Carbondale

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24. Woody Thorne of Makanda and Michelle Thorne of Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla. 25. Glenn and Jo Poshard of Carbondale 26. Herman and Jennifer Miller-Louw of Carbondale

13. Gabriela and Adrian Martin of Makanda and Cesar and Melissa Coello of Carbondale

27. Tom and Rita Cheng of Carbondale

14. Julie and Jim Giacone of Benton

29. Katey and Quincy Scott of Makanda

15. Greg Stettler, Kyle Harfst, Terri Stettler and John Massie

30. Rex Budde of Herrin and daughter Paula Beattie of Plainfield

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19. Jim and Marilyn Storch of Herrin

6. Marty and Deb McMorrow of Cobden

9. Barbara and Mort Levine of Carbondale

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PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED BY SIH

3. Howard and Donna Crawshaw of Murphysboro

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BIG SPRING IS BLOOMING

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he Big Spring is Blooming Celebration was April 4 at the Carbondale Civic Center and included dinner, music, dancing and an auction. Proceeds support students with learning disabilities at Brehm Preparatory School and OPTIONS Transitions to Independence in Carbondale and their affiliated programs around the world.

1. Mike and Carol Dreith of Carbondale, Walt and Diane Tomczak of Carbondale, Nancy and Frank Poremski of Frankfort

and Jaylee and Jimmy Higgins of Belle Rive

2. Mary and Tallon “Tal” Brown of Carbondale, Angie and Brian Brown of Carbondale, John Wilson of Waynesville, N.C.

5. Donna and Richard Collins of Carbondale

3. Harlan Sledge and Laura Bayer of Mount Vernon, Stacy Brehm Tate and Mark Tate of Belle Rive, Jordan Tate-Higgins

7. Russ and Rocio Williams of Marion

4. Shelby Pals of Carbondale, Pat Clough of Carbondale, Terri and Greg Douglas of Herrin

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6. Mike Murray and Peter Gregory of Carbondale

8. Jen Phillips and Erin Camfield of De Soto 5

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PHOTOGRAPHY BY CHANDA GREEN

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Life & Style : Summer 2014 23

BUSINESS BUZZ

Kristofer’s restaurant is a complete dining experience. With a four-course meal and relaxed environment, patrons are encouraged to take their time and enjoy their dinner.

MY, HOW THEY’VE

GROWN Von Jakob Winery & Brewery adds to ever-expanding offerings with Kristofer’s restaurant

story by Joe Szynkowski Josh Jacobs darts in and out of Kristofer’s like he’s putting out fires.

He shares laughs and smiles with customers inside the upscale restaurant, then heads out to the gift shop area to do the same. Then the deck. Then back to Kristofer’s.

Welcome to his role with the ever-expanding Von Jakob Winery & Brewery. “We have some pretty busy nights out here,” he says, laughing.

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 grape-growing efforts have ignited an expansion featuring more than 20 varieties 24 Life & Style : Summer 2014

of wine, a brewing company, two Southern Illinois winery locations, a bed and breakfast, and now the modernly designed Kristofer’s restaurant.

“Those extra years make us unique in that we’ve had a lot of experience in what people want,” Paul says.

“We’ve been able to develop loyal customers because we try to do our best in all aspects of the business,” says Josh, the owners’ son and marketing manager for the business. “We are family owned and operated, and we try to treat every customer like they are part of the family.”

Kristofer’s is the new prized jewel for the winery, offering a city-like dining atmosphere with dishes to match. Diners can enjoy a four-course meal

VON JAKOB WINERY & BREWERY German fare, steak, seafood, pork, fresh soups, vegetarian entrees, desserts 230 Illinois 127, Alto Pass 618-893-4600 Diners are urged to make phone or online reservations for Friday and Saturday night dinners at Kristofer’s.

Groups of 10 or more are kindly asked to select their entrees ahead of time.

including salad, soup, an entrée and dessert for a reasonable price.

“I think people are impressed by the great value,” Josh says. “People have told us we’re the best-kept secret in Southern Illinois.”

Succulent rib-eyes, unique appetizers and delectable cheesecake dot the menu, depending on the chef’s choice for that given night. Diners can also see how and where the business’ beer is brewed. The brew house is on the east side of the restaurant and offers a glimpse into the production process. Toward the center on the north side of the room, people can find the tanks that aid in the conditioning of the beer.

The subtle lighting, restored wood floors and quaint aura emit a classy dining experience within what was once a bustling fruit packing plant for Hartline Farms. Before the Jacobs’ purchased the location, the 100-year-old apple and peach orchard shipped its products to various businesses, including Gerber Baby Foods.

The Jacobs’ have worked hard at re-imagining and re-shaping the rustic charm of the old farm facility into what it is today — an entertainment hub.

The winery will host more than 20 weddings this year to complement its regular assortment of comedy nights, seafood boils and music festivals.

“It’s been amazing seeing everything take shape,” Josh says. “Our business incorporates so many different operations under one roof, which has at

times caused some growing pains, too.”

Josh’s main role over the past couple of years of accelerated growth has been instituting processes and procedures for all of the different operations.

He has worked hard to streamline operations across production, inventory and the supply chain to ensure a consistently elite customer experience.

Brewing its own beer came attached with a learning curve for the business, Josh says — one that required patience, testing and a bit more patience. It also called for continual training of staff members to ensure their expertise of the ins and outs of every type of beer offered.

“We do a lot of employee meetings, where we cover different topics and things that are happening,” Josh says. “And we try to do an educational portion devoted to beers, wines and food pairings. We try to prepare them to handle any customer question.”

Because a satisfied customer is a repeat customer in many cases for Von Jakob.

“The cool part about it is having SIU alums come back so many years later, wanting to show us off to relatives and family members,” Josh says. “Then they see how we’ve grown and are even more impressed.”

Clockwise from top: Kristofer’s restaurant, located at Von Jakob Winery & Brewery, offers four-course meals for as little as $14; vegetables saute on the stovetop at Kristofer’s restaurant; an entree at Kristofer’s restaurant ready to be served.

JOE SZYNKOWSKI is a professional freelance writer for Life & Style. Reach him at joeszynkowski@hotmail.com or follow him @JoeSzynkowski.

Life & Style : Summer 2014 25

26 Life & Style : Summer 2014

DON’T MISS THIS

LUAU AT BLUE SKY

When: Noon June 28 Where: Blue Sky Vineyard, 3150 S. Rocky Comfort Road, Makanda Phone: 618-995-9463 We can’t all take the time to cross the Pacific and head to a Hawaiian vacation. But, what if you needed only to travel south into the Shawnee Forest for a like experience?

The Luau at Blue Sky Vineyard will provide a one-day tropical getaway complete with fire dancers, contests for best-dressed and limbo and much more. Food and wine also will be available for purchase.

‌HERRINFESTA ITALIANA

When: May 19-26 Where: Herrin Civic Center and downtown Herrin Phone: 618-942-5055 This week-long festival celebrates the Italian heritage of Herrin. You’ll find golf and bocce tournaments, a carnival, arts and crafts exhibits, plenty of Italian-American food, a grape stomp, pasta sauce and pasta-eating contests, a parade, nightly entertainment and bands.

FORT DE CHARTRES SUMMER RENDEZVOUS

When: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. June 7-8 Where: Fort de Chartres, Prairie du Rocher Phone: 618-284-7230 For a real feel of Southern Illinois history, check out this fabulous summer event. The rendezvous focuses on life in Southern Illinois from 1750 to 1820, re-enacted by a gathering of traders and military attachments. There will be a food court, period music, fife and drum corps, mock battles, crafters and demonstrations.

HUNTERS OF THE NIGHT

When: 1 to 3 p.m. June 14 Where: Cache River Wetlands Center, 8885 Illinois 37 South, Cypress Phone: 618-657-2064 If you are looking for something a little closer to nature, this event is the perfect opportunity to get up close and personal with the owls of Illinois. Learn about these fascinating creatures as the center explores different species, their uniqueness in the bird world and many other interesting tidbits about these night predators.

PAT BENATAR AT WALKER’S BLUFF

When: July 13 Where: Walker’s Bluff, 326 Vermont Road, Carterville Phone: 618-956-9900 “Hit Me with Your Best Shot,” “Love Is a Battlefield,” We Belong” and “Invincible.” If any of these rock songs are in your music memory, you won’t want to miss Pat Benatar in concert at Walker’s Bluff. Benatar and her professional partner and husband, Neil Giraldo, will bring the sounds that made Benatar an MTV star in the 1980s. The VIP ticket package includes a pre-concert meet-and-greet with the couple. Prices have not yet been announced.

OUR HISTORY

VICTORIAN STYLE story by Chanda Green

Fun Victorian fact from SIU Museum: When a woman entered a room, it was considered rude for a man to offer his seat to her because the cushion might still be warm.

Now that you’re properly dressed for the occasion, let’s find a nice Victorian B&B where you’ll fit right in. There’s Riverview Mansion Hotel in Golconda (618-683-2196) with restaurant, bar, wine cave and all the modern amenities.

There’s Summers Riverview Mansion (618-524-5328) in Metropolis, an 1889 Victorian mansion that has been restored and decorated with period pieces, but still offers TV, Wi-Fi and DVD and CD players.

28 Life & Style : Summer 2014

Magnolia Manor is a post-Civil War home in the historic district of Cairo.

Fun Victorian fact from SIU Museum: A glance into a bedroom was considered improper if viewed by a visitor, so bedrooms were located on the second floor.

If you’re not up for an overnight stay, but would love a nice Victorian lunch, there are several beautiful Victorian restaurants within a relatively short drive.

Consider this: Lunch is served on the first Tuesday of the month in spring and fall at Magnolia Manor (618-734-0201), a postbellum home in the historic district of Cairo. You can call and arrange a tour of the museum at no charge or plan on attending the mansion’s annual Holiday House and admire the grand old dame in all of her Christmas finery.

Fun Victorian fact from SIU Museum: People thought food digested better in the dark, so a dining room located in the

basement was considered the best spot in which to eat.

Now, if you’re more of a do-it-yourself kind of Victorian lady, you just might want to hold your own tea party. A proper tea is a gathering of friends for light refreshments and conversation. Here are some authentic tips from “The Home Manual: Everybody’s Guide in Social, Domestic & Business Life,” published in 1889: “The day and hour of an afternoon tea may be written on a visiting card.

Only simple refreshments should be served: thin slices of bread and butter, sandwiches, fancy biscuit or cake and tea.

The hostess should receive her guests cordially and walk about the room, talking with her visitors.”

I hope you enjoyed your visit to days gone by and all of that delicious food and cup after cup of tea. But, before we leave, uh, can you tell me where to find the Victorian ladies room?

PHOTO BY THE SOUTHERN‌

‌Living the Victorian life seems to be a short-lived dream for most of us. Whether it’s tuning into a period movie, slipping into an antique gown, sipping our English tea from china cups or actually booking a night in a Victorian B&B, we love to stop by for a visit, but few of us want to live there, or should I say then.

After all, there are a lot of reasons that none of us should want to revert to the late 1800s, not the least of which would be the lack of modern health care or the oppression of women and other minorities. Still, it’s just like us humans to romanticize times gone by, and no era has had more dreamy-eyed visitors.

First, let’s get you dressed for the part, if you’re willing. For the Victorian man in your life, he’ll need a whole assortment of accessories, including cufflinks, shirt studs, removable collars, collar buttons, collar tabs, tie, tiepin, gloves, a watch with a fob, a bowler, a waistcoat and a frock coat. Still, we saved the best for last, ladies. Yes, we’re talking about a corset. I won’t go into the details of stays and the laces here. Just let me refer you to Sarah A. Chrisman, who wrote the book, “What a Corset Taught Me about the Past, the Present and Myself.” It’s the story of how she came to live as a Victorian lady.

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1015 E. Walnut Life & Style : Summer 2014 29

ARTISTS

Seeing

Najjar Abdul-Musawwir paints, teaches — and hopes — for generations to come

Najjar Abdul-Musawwir stands with a few pieces of art in his studio.

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STEVE MATZKER, THE SOUTHERN PHOTOS

possibilities

story by Chanda Green photography by Steve Matzker

“Carpe Futurum!”

Najjar Abdul-Musawwir — professor, artist and activist — is more than the sum of those nouns.

Listen to him for only a few minutes, and you’ll start to understand just how much you don’t understand about this complicated, thoughtful and talented individual.

H

e teaches so that he may learn from his students.

“They may understand what I’m teaching better than me; then, I become the student,” he says.

He creates art for future generations, “for those young people who will come long after me.”

And he works with what he calls “disengaged youth” and their families in an effort to add to the chorus of creative voices that he hears when he dreams of a better world.

Najjar’s world has expanded exponentially since he was a child in Harvey, a suburb of Chicago, where he battled racism and abuse at school.

He was a gymnast and budding artist when he was young, watching his father draw cowboys and raiding the school library for art books. Then art took a backseat in high school, when he decided to concentrate on his gymnastics, eventually earning Life & Style : Summer 2014 31

Najjar AbdulMusawwir sits with a few of his charcoal pieces at his studio. AbdulMusawwir combines water with charcoal to create a unique technique.

a gold medal in a sport that was almost exclusively reserved for white athletes.

Still, the racism and abuse escalated until Najjar became disillusioned and disconnected with his studies and his training.

In an effort to escape the physical and mental violence, he dropped out of school, started “getting into trouble” and was sent to prison.

Some would have given up at that point, but Najjar flourished.

That’s where he found his religion as a Muslim, and his calling as an artist. Najjar began to take many of the classes that were offered, learned how to learn, and earned several degrees. He found some mighty mentors behind those bars, ones who encouraged him and propelled him forward into

32 Life & Style : Summer 2014

a world he thought he would never be a part of — the world of academia.

“I committed myself to reading and studying art for 10 years,” he says. “I learned so much there, from so many great teachers, many from SIU, that when I was released, that’s where I wanted to go.”

Najjar threw himself into his classes at SIU, found even more mentors — including painters Robert Paulson and Michael Onken and printmaker Joel Feldman — earned his Master of Fine Arts degree, won many prestigious awards for his art, including the Rickert Ziebold Trust Award in 1992, eventually became an associate professor in SIU School of Art and Design and received the Judge William Holmes Cook

Professorship Endowment in 2009.

Today, he teaches several classes, serves on academic committees and boards and creates works of art that have been exhibited internationally and honored with a long list of awards, commissions and invitations to exhibit and lecture all over the world. The most recent exhibition of his work internationally was at the Biennale Arte 2013 in Venice, Italy.

“Art truly saved my life,” he says to his students, to the young artists he works with, to his fans and to anyone else who will listen.

Despite his dizzying schedule of classes and engagements, Najjar remains a prolific artist, driven to create works that illustrate his culture, faith and experience through abstract language and a variety of materials.

“I’ve always felt that abstract painting is the most profound because, in the real world, we live in the abstract. We don’t really know everything. We only know part of everything,” he says. “A woman can lie next to a man for 50 years and still not know him.

It’s all an abstract.”

Najjar’s work includes his Garment Series, African Stool Series, Breast Cancer Series, Detroit: Best Kept Secret Series, and his current work, his Banjo Series. He has written essays for books, online magazines and exhibition catalogs and was quoted in the text, “Rethinking Contemporary Art and Multicultural Education” by New Museum, 2011. He has also conducted several workshops on using charcoal as a wet/dry medium, and he is currently writing a book on that technique.

“I have been very fortunate,” he says. “But I also made sure that I was ready when opportunity presented itself.”

Najjar describes his art as a mixture of motion, passion and feeling, a reflection of his search for reason, resolution and possibilities, and his need to experiment.

“I start with an idea, then I let it simmer in the knowledge and memories that make me who I am.

I let that mixture of inspiration and direction do its thing and let the work happen. It’s that content,

fueled by creativity, that determines the outcome.”

Najjar teaches this creative process, as abstract as his artwork, to his students.

“I’m an educator. It’s my job to plant the right information within my students, like seeds that hopefully will blossom during the course of their life.

“Above all else, I teach them to keep it real, to find what excites them, what’s important to them, what gets them up in the morning and keeps them going, and then to let that passion guide them in all of their creative work.

“Anyone can teach technique, and imitation is nothing more than immaturity. I try to empower my students, to teach them how to find their inspiration and how to have the courage to do your own thing, to keep it real.”

Abdul-Musawwir stands with a few pieces of his new art inspired by the kora, an African instrument which was the precursor to the banjo. Abdul-Musawwir says he does not manipulate any of the wood he finds but rather finds the place that each piece belongs.

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Life & Style : Summer 2014 33

GOOD EATS

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Step one of making the perfect burger requires choosing the best quality meat and grilling it to the desired doneness.

Step two requires preparing the freshest toppings to add to the burger.

Summer =

BURGERS Make your barbecue sizzle with local organic beef and bison

On average, Americans eat three hamburgers a week, according to a recent PBS report. That’s a national total of nearly 50 billion burgers per year — a great majority of which are consumed during the peak summer grilling season.

story by Joe Szynkowski But what makes for the perfect one?

Is it the strategically seared grill marks or the perfectly cooked inside? Is it the beef or the buns?

Life & Style reached out to Lance Jack, owner of Fat Patties in Carbondale, for his thoughts. And Jack knows burgers.

When he moved to Carbondale in 1992, he struggled to find a good one.

“You had a few places, but none of them really matched up to what I was used to,” says Jack, who hails from the Twin Cities area.

That led Jack to opening Fat Patties in 2009 in an effort to bring a high-quality, local-focused burger option to Southern Illinois. The rest is history.

RESPECT YOUR PRODUCT “We will only use local, grass-fed or highquality commercial beef,” Jack says. “People notice the quality right away.”

A host of local companies offers such

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products, including Lick Creek Beef in Buncombe. Its meat is made from 100 percent grass-fed cattle with no antibiotics, growth hormones, chemical fertilizers, pesticides or herbicides.

“By raising our beef from start to finish, we have complete control over how the animal is raised and what the animal eats,” Lick Creek’s website states. “After we sell all of our animals in any given year, we will not buy animals from other farms in order to meet market demands.”

BE ADVENTUROUS Another local company producing highly sustainable meats is Bison Bluff Farms in Cobden. You will find its product on Jack’s menu, and he strongly urges you to give it a try.

“Some people really can’t tell the difference when they bite into the bison burger,” he says. “It’s a leaner, really light-flavored meat that just makes for a great burger.”

3

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Step three is to introduce the burger to the fries and serve.

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OTHER TIPS TO A GREAT BURGER Cook it: What’s the point of enjoying a burger if you’re going to make yourself sick? According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, ground meat must be cooked to at least 160 degrees for healthy ingestion.

Typically, this should take 10 to 15 minutes. Insert a meat thermometer in the thickest part of the patty to make sure it’s cooked to code.

Pre-grilling: Sea salt and coarsely ground black pepper are great options for readying your meat before grilling. You can also lightly brush your burgers with melted butter or olive oil for extra flavoring.

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The extras: “Different people like different things,” says Lance Jack. “I like experimenting with toppings.” Are you a mayo, lettuce and tomato fan, or are you willing to venture out into the world of roasted red peppers, artichoke hearts or fried egg? How you garnish your burger can make it really stand out.

Life & Style : Summer 2014

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GETAWAYS

charm Unexpected

Along with beautiful beaches, you can find captivating communities and culture on Mississippi’s Gulf Coast story by Diana Lambdin Meyer | photography by Bruce N. Meyer

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The Gulf Islands National Seashore offers many places to visit, but be sure to check out Ship Island, one of many barrier islands that make up the national park unit. Most people reach Ship Island via the Captain Pete, a family-operated excursion boat based in Gulfport, Miss. From the boat, guests can view bottle-nosed dolphins playing in the water around them. Once on the island, they can explore the island’s three-mile circumference, visit the remains of old Fort Massachusetts or just relax on the beach.

Life & Style : Summer 2014

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GETAWAYS

‌ warm ocean breeze A accompanied my husband and me on our afternoon walk, rustling the leaves in the trees that canopied the street. Something above our heads sparkled in the sunlight, clinking gently into the wrought-iron railing of a second story balcony. A closer look into the leaves and there it was, caught on a tree branch — a few strings of Mardi Gras beads left over from rowdier days on the otherwise quiet street on which we strolled.

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T

he setting could be New Orleans. The fleur-de-lis was prominent on street signs and buildings we encountered.

French names appeared on many businesses and a certain je ne sais quoi filled the air.

But it wasn’t New Orleans.

Instead, we were about 90 miles east in lovely Ocean Springs, Miss., a genteel community founded by the same French explorers who founded New Orleans about 20 years later.

Ocean Springs is one of several captivating little communities along the Mississippi Gulf Coast filled with as much culture and bon temps as New Orleans, but without the “been there/done that” stigma of travel to the Big Easy. Add to that the 72 miles of sandy beaches, small town charm and a destination somewhat off the beaten path, all at a price considerably less than NOLA, and you’ve got four good reasons to turn left when you reach the south end of I-55.

The Mississippi Gulf Coast took a beating every bit as bad — some

say worse — than New Orleans when Hurricane Katrina ravaged the region in August 2005. In some places, the vacant lots, concrete steps leading to nowhere and the absence of trees are painful reminders of the devastation. But the rebirth and renewed spirit of the Gulf Coast makes your visit here that much more invigorating.

Take time to explore the Katrina Sculpture Garden on Highway 90 in Biloxi. These were the remains of those massive live oak trees found throughout the south, destroyed by Katrina’s winds and the salty storm surge. But now they are chainsaw sculptures representing sea life that bring a new level of comfort and beauty to the region.

We fell in love with Ocean Springs, where much of the creative energy is found along Washington and Government streets. Despite their distinctive American names, these streets offer up multi-cultural experiences.

From art galleries featuring local and international artists to shops carrying handmade wares and restaurants serving everything from crepes to gelato to Costa Rican coffee, this is much more than your

Clockwise from opposite page left: Starfish Cafe is an outreach program of PNEUMA Winds of Hope, Inc., a non-profit incorporated in 1998. The organization serves those most in need of food, clothing and resources. It has been in the community since 2005’s Hurricane Katrina; Nearly destroyed in Hurricane Katrina, this building was purchased by a pair of professional musicians who visited Bay St. Louis on their way to Florida for vacation. They became enamored with the town and never made it to their final destination. It is one of the few remaining physical locations existing on the Mississippi Blues Trail; Biloxi is famous for its lighthouse found in the middle of Highway 90. Morning tours to the top are offered, and the 55-step venture isn’t overly intensive. The view, though, offers a spectacular look at the Gulf of Mexico and the surrounding area, changing a visitor’s perspective and outlook on the region; A server at Starfish Cafe.

stereotypical Mississippi town.

However, one of the most famous restaurants along the Mississippi Gulf Coast is indeed down-home southern eating. It’s called The Shed Barbecue & Blues Joint.

Fans of the Food Network may recognize it from its two-season run there.

When you first pull into The Shed’s gravel, rutted-out parking lot off of Highway 57, you think you might have stumbled upon the town trash dump. But that’s The Shed, a meandering collection of this and that held together with baling wire and duct tape on the banks of an alligator-filled bayou.

The floor is gravel, the seating is communal and the ribs alone are worth the journey south to Mississippi.

And speaking of alligator-filled bayous, an afternoon swamp boat tour will get you up close and personal with those ancient critters while teaching you the difference between swamps, bayous, marshes and other habitats. We picked up our tour at Pascagoula Audubon Center, which is just about to move into a brand new facility these many years after Hurricane Katrina dismantled the original building.

Birding is big business in this region with more than 325 species

found along the Pascagoula River, which, locals are proud to tell you, is the largest free-flowing river remaining in the lower 48 of the United States. Captain Benny McCoy, who operates the swamp boat tours, will tell you all about it and do his best to get you uncomfortably close to alligators.

In the meantime, he may offer you a bite of a duck potato pulled from the mud or let you play with a lubber grasshopper, surely one of God’s ugliest creatures. But it’s a fun, refreshing afternoon nonetheless.

Another town we fell in love with is Bay St. Louis. The vibe here is

Life & Style : Summer 2014 39

GETAWAYS not so much French, but a little more edgy, kind of like Key West, but certainly a place with a mojo all its own.

Kerrie and Jesse Loya felt it right away. They were in the midst of a move from Los Angeles to Destin, Fla., when a jazz musician in New Orleans turned them on to Bay St. Louis, a little town about 60 miles east of New Orleans. The musician told them he would live in Bay St. Louis if he could live anywhere in the world.

A few days later, just for kicks and grins, the Loyas stopped in Bay St. Louis to see what was so great.

They never made it to Destin.

One of the appealing attractions for the Loyas, both professional musicians, was a run-down ramshackle building on Union Street. It had an aura about it that both were drawn to. That was in 2004, prior to Hurricane Katrina ripping the roof off the building on Aug. 29, 2005.

Just before it was demolished, Jesse swooped in and bought it for pennies. It was not until he and Kerrie had begun to restore the building, with hopes of turning it into a special events venue, did they learn its historical significance.

Built in 1920, this was home to 100 Men DBA Hall, a social club/support network for AfricanAmericans of the community that began in the 1890s. It eventually became a music hall, hosting the biggest names of the Chitlin circuit of the 1940s and ‘50s. Fats Domino, Otis Redding, James Brown and Big Joe Turner all rocked the wooden floors here. This is one of the very few physical locations that exist on the Mississippi Blues Trail, documenting and preserving the birth and growth of a fabulous musical genre. And now, Kerrie and Jesse host regular blues jams, drawing musicians from N’Orleans, St. Louis, Memphis and beyond.

To ensure your visit coincides with one of those performances, plan to be in Bay St. Louis the second Saturday of any month.

That’s when the community hosts its monthly art walk, and the Key West vibe really shows in Bay St. Louis. Those are among the 40 Life & Style : Summer 2014

reasons that in April 2013, Budget Travel magazine named Bay St. Louis as one of the three “Coolest Small Towns in America.”

Many community celebrations and events include the historic train depot, which was featured in the 1966 film classic, “This Property is Condemned,” starring Robert Redford, Natalie Wood and Charles Bronson. A self-guided walking tour of Bay St. Louis sites featured in the movie begins at the train station.

The train depot features Mardi Gras costumes from the city’s many celebrations over the years and an art gallery devoted to the work of Alice Mosely, a sassy little octogenarian who made Bay St. Louis her home late in life. From a little blue cottage nearby — it is now available as a vacation rental — Alice created some delightful folk art that shows off her sense of humor looking back on life in Mississippi.

With Bay St. Louis as your base, plan a day trip to Gulf Islands National Seashore. Specifically,

you’ll be visiting Ship Island, one of many barrier islands that make up the national park unit here.

These barrier islands are why much of the oil from the BP Deepwater Horizon spill in 2010 never reached the Mississippi mainland.

Most people reach Ship Island via the Captain Pete, a familyoperated excursion boat that makes two trips a day in the summer months from its base in nearby Gulfport, Miss. Grab a seat near the back and watch the bottlenose dolphins play in the wake created by the boat. Mother Nature always provides the best entertainment.

Once on the island, most folks grab a beach chair and umbrella and just relax. At just $10 for two chairs and an umbrella, it’s quite the deal. The surf is ideal for splashing about and the beach wide open for tossing a Frisbee or flying a kite. Bring along a fishing pole, explore the remains of old Fort Massachusetts or just walk the island’s three mile circumference.

It’s a great, low-key day at the beach.

At left: Katrina Sculpture Garden on Highway 90 in Biloxi features artwork carved from the remains of massive live oak trees found throughout the South, destroyed by the savage winds and salty storm surge of Hurricane Katrina in 2005. The sculptures, representing sea life, bring a new level of comfort and beauty to the Gulf Coast. Above: The Shed Barbecue and Blues Joint off Highway 57 doesn’t appear to be much, but don’t be too quick to judge a book by its cover. The restaurant’s atmosphere is a meandering collection of this and that held together with baling wire and duct tape; the floor is gravel and the seating is communal. But, that’s not what attracted the attention of Food Network, which featured the restaurant in a two-season show; that would be the barbecue, which is almost worth a trip to the Gulf Coast itself.

Of course, beautiful white sand beaches line the entire 72 miles of Mississippi’s Gulf Coast. A day at the beach is as simple as parking your car, kicking off your shoes and enjoying the Gulf.

Just 30 miles east of Bay St. Louis is Biloxi, famous for its lighthouse standing in the middle of Highway 90 and the Frank Geary-designed art museum. Inspired by the works of Biloxi’s “mad potter,” George Ohr, the museum includes a gallery featuring African-American art of Mississippi. The ceramics studio on site provides a welcomed diversion on the occasion of rain on the Gulf Coast.

If you want to climb the easy 55 steps to the top of the Biloxi lighthouse on one of the morningonly tours, you’ll need to buy tickets ($5) at the nearby visitors center. The climb is easy, the view spectacular, and it works off some of The Shed’s barbecued calories.

But take time to explore this visitors center, a replica of a magnificent southern home that

stood on this spot before Lady Katrina’s visit. In addition to all of the brochures and people available to answer your questions, there’s a lovely gift shop and very well done museum documenting the cultural diversity of Mississippi’s Gulf Coast.

Yes, cultural diversity in Mississippi. This region’s cultural richness includes Greek, Vietnamese, Italian, Irish and Slavic families, in addition to Caucasian and African-American. This is why people like Kerrie Loya say the Mississippi Gulf Coast is so creative, so inviting and gentle.

Of course, many people come to the Gulf Coast for the nine casinos in Biloxi. The granddaddy of them all is the Beau Rivage, complete with delicious spa, pool, golf course, shopping and entertainment beyond the casino floor.

But the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino is always a lot of fun for a bit of rock ‘n roll nostalgia. For those who like to gamble, but despise the smoke-filled setting,

check out the Palace Casino — one of the nation’s only smokefree casinos.

Biloxi is also a destination for the parrot heads of the world.

Jimmy Buffet was born just a few miles away in Pascagoula, so his Margaritaville Casino, with its beach bar atmosphere and Land Shark Lager, has an air of authenticity. The barefoot man often sneaks in to surprise the staff.

But the surprise was really ours at every turn along our journey of Mississippi’s Gulf Coast. “Who knew?” we kept asking ourselves.

But now that you do, you have no excuse not to plan a visit to this vacation hot spot.

DIANA LAMBDIN MEYER is a freelance travel writer originally from Wolf Lake in Union County.

Diana and her husband Bruce specialize in travel journalism.

Some of George Ohr’s pottery and Alice Mosely’s folk art now adorn their home near Kansas City, Kan.

Life & Style : Summer 2014 41

SELF

Chinese MEDICINE More and more of us are turning to these ancient techniques story by Chanda Green In theory and in practice, Chinese medicine is very different from Western medicine. Chinese medicine practitioners advocate moderation in all things, living in harmony with nature and striving for balance in all things as a way of preventing and treating illness.

They treat each patient individually, according to their lifestyle and situation, and, as a result, two patients with the same symptoms or illness may receive very different treatments.

Chinese medicine uses include herbal remedies, tai chi and qi gong (combining specific movements or postures, coordinated breathing and mental focus), massage, cupping, dietary therapy, acupuncture and acupressure. The practice is based on the belief that harmony between two opposing, yet complimentary, forces — yin and yang — supports health and that

42

Life & Style : Summer 2014

disease results from an imbalance between these forces.

Chinese medicine practitioners also believe that Qi (pronounced chi), a vital energy, flows through the body performing multiple functions in maintaining health and that five basic elements — fire, earth, wood, metal and water — symbolically represent the stages of human life and explain the functioning of the body and how it changes during disease.

Dr. Ying Li has been practicing Chinese medicine in Southern Illinois for more than 12 years. Formerly a staff physician in a university teaching hospital in China, Dr. Li is a trained Chinese physician licensed and certified to practice oriental medicine and acupuncture.

She operates Southern Illinois Acupuncture with offices in Carbondale and Metropolis.

“I understand that both Western and traditional Chinese medical practices can work together,” she says. “I work closely with medical doctors to assure my

PHOTO (THIS PAGE) BY STEVE MATZKER; (OPPOSITE PAGE) COURTESY OF ART SERVICES

Dr. Ying Li, licensed acupuncturist at Southern Illinois Acupuncture.

DR. YING LI OF CARBONDALE OFFERS THIS SOUND ADVICE TO READERS WHO ARE CONSIDERING CHINESE MEDICINE AS A HEALTH-CARE CHOICE: Do not use Chinese medicine to replace conventional care or as a reason to delay seeing a health care provider about a medical problem.

Tell all of your health care providers about any treatments or remedies you are receiving from any source.

Do not try to treat yourself with any herbal remedies without consulting a health care provider or a professional trained in herbal medicine.

MORE INFO

Call Dr. Li’s office in Carbondale at 618-549-0750 or in Metropolis at 618-534-4512.

clients receive proper care. Many of my clients are referred to me by medical doctors, and many times I refer my clients to them.

“I primarily use acupuncture in my practice to stimulate the flow of one’s Qi or natural healing energy. I have used it to successfully treat chronic pain and disorders of the endocrine and neurological systems, but it can also help patients with headaches, insomnia, fatigue, anxiety, depression, arthritis,

menstrual irregularities, infertility, diarrhea, constipation, allergies, colds, asthma, sinus conditions and addictions to drugs, along with many other disorders.

“Occasionally I use herbs as a safe and natural alternative to pharmaceuticals to treat many ailments such as bronchitis, immune imbalances, incontinence, digestive difficulties, panic attacks, eating disorders, colds, flu and many other health problems.”

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Life & Style : Summer 2014 43

COVER

PARTY

PRO

44

Life & Style : Summer 2014

Successful parties are all about making connections. We connect with our friends, and we often connect with the foods and beverages served.

With a good advice and advance planning, your gathering can be the best you’ve ever hosted

P

story by Debbie Moore

arties are all about having fun while strengthening and creating friendships.

They should provide sustenance that satisfies your appetite, as well as your need for human connections.

Food and beverage, music, décor and ambiance are all the elements that turn a party plan into a success. Work ahead, stay organized and stick to your plan, and you will be able to party like a pro.

AN ELEGANT AND GRACEFUL EVENT Baby showers, wedding showers and birthday parties for great-grandmothers call for crisp tablecloths, folded napkins, pretty china, fresh flowers and printed menu cards. These are the things that make these events memorable and delightful, so don’t spare the details. It is important to send pretty invitations about a month ahead of the party. With the availability of paper crafting materials and computer software, it is easy to create unique invitations that fit the party theme. Use a similar design for the printed menu card that will be provided at each place at the dining table.

If your event isn’t sit-down style, present the menu cards with the first beverage offered guests. Banners and welcome signs can also match the theme of the invitation.

OUTDOOR PARTY Welcome summer with an outdoor party.

Around the pool or on the patio, on the front porch or on the back deck, in the grassy backyard under a tent or under blue skies, an outdoor party is always an easy-going way to entertain larger numbers of guests. Have an all-American barbecue with comfort food sides like potato salad, three-bean salad, coleslaw and baked beans.

Think about preparing foods that can be made easily in large quantities, perhaps the day before the party. This is a good opportunity to visit the deli at your favorite

Life & Style : Summer 2014

45

COVER your favorite supermarket and purchase some of its most popular cold salads.

Remember to ask to taste them before you buy them.

Always think about food safety if you are actually serving your buffet of foods in the outside temperatures. Set those bowls of cold salads in a container of crushed ice to keep them cold. A clear shallow tote box works perfectly as an at-home salad bar. Instead of garnishing each bowl, garnish the bigger container of ice. Fill in the gaps with pretty green kale leaves. Tuck in whole tomatoes, yellow squash and green peppers, or lemons, limes and oranges for color.

If you are concerned about keeping the salad bowls covered, invest in the mesh umbrellas that are designed specifically for that purpose.

Even though outdoor parties can easily be stand-up parties, it is always better to provide seating for your guests. If you don’t have enough outdoor furniture and don’t want to rent more, you can always invite your guests to bring their own lawn chairs. It is easy to provide a stack of blankets or mats for seating on the ground. If you have floor pillows, move them to the back deck. Benches, stools and bails of straw provide easy seating for this casual setting.

It is important to consider lighting for outdoor parties that will extend into the evening hours. Be prepared with candles or lanterns. It is easy to make suitable lanterns by pouring a couple inches of landscaping sand in the bottom of quart canning jars and placing votive candles in the sand. Always consider safety when using candles and lanterns with real flames.

Keep them in places where they can’t be easily knocked over by children or animals.

AN OPEN HOUSE, GRADUATION PARTY OR SPECIAL OCCASION When you’ve moved into a new house and have barely unpacked the boxes, or when you’ve finally finished that advanced degree and all the extended family has come from miles away to help you celebrate, make the party an easy one. Follow the trends and host a tapas party or set up a savory charcuterie board that covers the whole dining table. Open some wine, relax and enjoy your guests while they enjoy this easy fare.

Tapas originated in Spain, but, in the past few years, it has become a very popular theme for bars, restaurants and wineries in the United States. In the beginning, tapas was defined as a slice of bread used to cover a wine glass to keep insects from dropping in. As popularity grew, pieces of meat or cheese were added, and eventually an entire style of food and style of eating small portions evolved into this popular leisure-time food event. The make-ahead menu is easy and can include savories like roasted peppers, pickled onions 46 Life & Style : Summer 2014

and olives, a variety of cheeses, bite-size pieces of grilled meats, stuffed dates, salted nuts and grilled vegetables served at room temperature in flavored olive oils.

More importantly, hosting a tapas event is hostessfriendly. The beverage choice is typically sangria, and that is easily made and served from a large decanter.

Most of the food items can be pre-packaged and simply placed in serving dishes on an easy-to-reach buffet. The tapas buffet is a perfect time to show off collections of colorful pottery bowls, old cheese crocks or vintage canning jars. The hostess sets everything out and enjoys her guests as they nibble away, sipping their wine and enjoying their friends.

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Life & Style : Summer 2014 47

10

COVER

Successful parties are all about making connections.

We connect with our friends, and we often connect with the foods and beverages served. Another fairly new trend in entertaining, which lends itself to making those connections, is the charcuterie board. Charcuterie is the age-old craft of salting, smoking and curing meat. Bacon, sausages, hams, brined poultry and pâtés fit this category of food, and, since party-goers love bacon, the hostess cannot go wrong.

This is the time to pull out old wooden cutting boards, marble cheese boards and rustic trays. All the meats can be arranged on the boards and trays about 15 minutes before guests arrive. Overflowing baskets of crackers, bread sticks and toasted baguette slices should be offered with additional accompaniments and condiments like dilled cornichons, salty olives, smoked almonds, spicy mustards and marmalades spiked with horseradish or hot peppers. A variety of soft creamy cheeses and hard cheese adds flavor and texture. All of these wonderful foods are available in today’s supermarkets, and deli staff are usually willing to slice the hard sausages. Guests won’t have trouble making a meal on this hearty fare, and the hostess will just disappear into the crowd.

Showers are often filled with party games. Make sure the games you choose are tasteful and appropriate. Did you know that it is proper for the winners of these games to present their prizes to the guest of honor? Party favors, on the other hand, should be provided to each guest and should be something they can take home as a memory of a special time. The best place to find examples of party favors is at www.pinterest.com. All you have to do is enter a search and you’ll be amazed at what you’ll find.

These special occasions are the times to use your best china and glassware. If you have silver, polish it and use it.

If you need to borrow items from friends and family, don’t hesitate to ask. Every hostess has been in that situation.

This is also a time to create an elegantly served menu, and that is another time to ask for helping hands. The proper way to serve food to guests at a sit-down meal varies over cultures, but the standard etiquette is to remove empty plates from the right side of the guest, while serving filled plates from the left side of the guest. Always remember that the guest of honor should be served first.

48 Life & Style : Summer 2014

TO DO IT THE RIGHT WAY

‌1

Organize, using your iPad or old fashioned pen and paper, but make a list and create a plan of action. Make a budget a part of your plan and be sure you create a chronological countdown to party time, so you get everything done well in advance. Don’t forget to do things early like creating your music play list or collecting decorations.

2

If you are planning on cooking the food for your party, for every one menu item you prepare yourself, buy another menu item that is already prepared. Time is money, and while everybody loves homemade foods, there are fantastic deli, bakery and pre-packaged items that will ease the load on the hostess who is also the cook.

3

Create your party around a theme. If you are having a graduation party, consider focusing on the school’s colors.

Tableware, linens and floral centerpieces can easily depict a theme surrounding specific colors.

If your party is being held outdoors, consider a lively and colorful Fiesta theme or an easy red, white and blue Americana theme.

4

Make sure you have enough tableware, service ware and glassware for your party guests.

Last minute scrambling for more wine

glasses or dessert plates is uncomfortable, so don’t put yourself in that position.

You might want to plan your menu based upon the variety of party ware you actually have, so do your inventory early. Sometimes a set of pretty platters, perhaps shaped like sunflowers, can be the centerpiece for a thematic and colorful tablescape. Don’t be afraid to be an eclectic mix and match tablescaper.

If you are setting up a buffet service, set it up correctly. Flatware and napkins should be the last things guests pick up.

Otherwise, they have to juggle those items as they move through the buffet line carrying a plate and scooping food.

5

Develop your menu early and stick to it, so you can shop early and take advantage of sales and so you can prepare and freeze some foods in advance of the party. Plan on using as much seasonal locally grown produce as is possible. Buying locally grown produce is one of the hottest food trends in the United States, and buying produce in season is always economical. Cupcakes are another hot trend and they can be

decorated to match the theme of your party. Who doesn’t love a cupcake?

match the menu. Don’t serve dark Irish ale with Asian food.

6

7

Unless you have an in-house bartender, consider limiting the amount of beverages available for your guests. Punch is in, so don’t hesitate to create a fruit juice based beverage that can be spiked with a splash of flavored vodka or rum. Punch bowls are not fashionable, so serve your punch from pitchers or the large decanters, which are very fashionable. A couple varieties of cold beer can be served in the bottle.

Choose just a couple wines to serve.

Something red and dry with something white and sweet will satisfy most palates and the discount achieved by purchasing case lots of wine will satisfy your budget.

If your party space is large enough to have separate bars set up, keep the wine, beer and cocktails in separate places.

Always keep your beverage bar separated from the food service area. Always remember that not everybody consumes alcohol, so make sure you have plenty of other beverages like iced tea, water and soda. Make sure your beverage choices

Ambiance is important. Play music that is friendly, yet energetic.

Use low lighting, yet enough that people don’t feel like they are stumbling in the dark.

8

Seat guests in an effort to make them mingle. Put folks together who need to get to know each other.

9 10

Embrace friendly assistance. Don’t hesitate to say yes, when a friend offers to help serve or prepare food.

Most honored guests dislike surprise parties, but don’t let that keep you from having an element of surprise built into the format of a party. A slide show of wedding pictures at an anniversary party is usually well received.

— Debbie Moore

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618.549.6165 Life & Style : Summer 2014 49

AT WORK

Cake

BOSS

Ally McKinney turns an interest into a full-time career

story and photography by Adam Testa

Many teenagers spend their days waiting for school to end. After the bell rings and the day’s homework is filed away, learning is the last thing on their mind.

That wasn’t the case for 16-year-old Ally McKinney of Marion. While her expanded education began in front of the television set, her interests and passions drew her away from shows like “Cupcake Wars” and “Ace of Cakes” and led her into the kitchen.

Inspired by those shows, she started experimenting with baking and decorating, beginning with a client she knew well: her church.

“After that, I just started getting orders, and it went from there,” she said.

Now 20, McKinney has turned a hobby into a business, Cakes by Ally. She started working from home, but now, shortly more than two years after turning baking into a full-time venture, she has moved into her own location at 1507 Osage Drive in Marion.

The journey has been a pretty rapid one. In March, she started operating out of a downtown coffee shop, baking in the kitchen and selling her goods in the lobby. While appreciative of the offer and opportunity to gain public exposure, McKinney’s dream had always been to have a place of her own.

“This just came so quick and it seemed perfect,” she said.

But cakes aren’t the only love of McKinney’s life.

In addition to being a baker and decorator, she’s also a single mom raising an almost-2year-old daughter, Olivia.

Balancing motherhood with entrepreneurship can be challenging, but McKinney can’t imagine life any other way.

“It’s difficult,” she said. “You work long hours and don’t always get paid for them, but this is my passion.

It’s both my hobby and my job.”

50 Life & Style : Summer 2014

Ally McKinney of Marion developed an interest in baking and decorating by watching a variety of reality television shows focused on professionals in those industries. At age 16, she set out and taught herself, using online videos as a guide and baking in the family kitchen. Now, three years later, she has turned her hobby into a full-time business, first partnering with a downtown coffee shop and now moving into her own location.

Life & Style : Summer 2014

51

WINE COUNTRY

Alto Vineyards was the first winery to establish roots in Southern Illinois. Since then, many have followed.

more The region’s wineries are happy to set up tasting opportunities so brides and grooms can select favorite wines for their receptions. An advance call will always help make the process easier. Here are the three we mentioned, but you should feel free to contact your favorite local vintner.

Alto Vineyards Illinois 127, Alto Pass 618-893-4898

52 Life & Style : Summer 2014

Blue Sky Vineyard 3150 S. Rocky Comfort Road, Makanda 618-995-WINE

StarView Vineyards 5100 Wing Hill Road, Cobden 618-893-9463

At special celebrations,

LOVE IS IN THE AIR and in our wine glasses

story by Debbie Moore photo by Steve Matzker‌ Love is frequently in the air at Southern Illinois wineries. The casual festivals on vineyard grounds offer the perfect ambiance for first dates.

The pleasant hillsides, fragrant with growing grapes and dotted with picnic tables, provide a beautiful backdrop for marriage proposals. It’s no wonder brides want to serve their favorite local wines at wedding receptions.

Brides don’t have to hold their weddings or receptions at actual wineries to serve those local wines. Most wineries in the region work cooperatively with other venues, including banquet halls and restaurants, to make it easy to serve their wine. All it takes is a little paperwork and the exchange of liquor license documentation. That process can be facilitated by the winery.

Alto Vineyards has been doing this longer than other wineries, because it was the first to open its doors, selling the first 1,500 gallons of wine in 1988.

Corey Peters, tasting room manager in Alto’s new facility, said staff members are happy to provide planning assistance to local brides.

Often, staff will help the bride choose

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wines to go with reception menus.

Sometimes, the efforts are done in reverse, and staff will recommend food items to go with favorite wines. Alto’s Heartland Blush continues to be one of the region’s favorites; it lends itself to a variety of menus and pairs well with reception foods.

Another very popular service provided

by Alto Vineyards is the customized wine bottle labels. Brides can add sayings and pictures to labels to commemorate their special wedding occasion.

Brett and Regina Morrison have owned StarView Vineyards for less than a year, but they have already enjoyed working with brides.

Brett says that their Venus, a blush rose similar to a white zinfandel, is one of their most popular wines for receptions. StarView describes this wine as one that complements life’s beautiful moments. The Vignola, a semi-dry white, runs a close second. It has a little hint of tropical flavors like pineapple and pairs well with chicken and pork. Brett and Regina are both available to provide assistance to wedding planners as menus and wines are chosen.

They have new plans for StarView and will continue to work hard to make the same style and quality wines that

the previous owners made. They are also going to start “slowly but surely” expanding their venue.

Rebecca Newburn is the event coordinator at Blue Sky Vineyard, and she spends a lot of time working with brides. Her services are available to brides who use Blue Sky as their venue, but also to brides who choose Blue Sky wines to serve at other venues. She makes herself available to answer quick questions or spend longer periods of time in the planning process.

Rebecca indicated that since Blue Sky has such a wide variety of wines available, there is no single wine that stands out as a wedding reception favorite. She works with couples to pick varieties that they will enjoy — wines that pair well with their meal. Blue Sky also offers customized wine bottle labels for brides.

There is almost always a champagne toast at a wedding reception, and Southern Illinois wineries don’t typically make sparkling wines, so the champagne comes from another source. That will change in 2014. Blue Sky will begin offering something that sparkles and bubbles. It won’t be long until even that special toast can be made with local wine.

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1218 Walnut • Murphysboro • 618-527-0447 Life & Style : Summer 2014 53

PROFILE

Meet the

story by Adam Testa

ROCK DOC photos by Adam Testa, Satyadeep Bhattacharya

SIH’s Satyadeep Bhattacharya doubles as musician in his native Nepal I‌ f medicine is Satyadeep Bhattacharya’s first passion, music is a close second. Maybe it’s the other way around. Born the son of a surgeon and a professional singer in Nepal, Bhattacharya watched his parents help people on a daily basis. While his father saved lives, his mother helped change them by serving as a social advocate for handicapped children.

The family values were clearly passed down to another generation, as Satyadeep “Satya” Bhattacharya and his two older sisters all pursued careers in medicine.

“Both of my parents have focused their whole lives on helping people as much as they can, and that’s been a real influence for me,” said the 32-year-old doctor, now a colorectal surgeon with Southern Illinois Healthcare Medical Group.

As his father’s career influenced his own, Bhattacharya also followed his mother’s path in music. He played with various groups through medical school and recorded his own album in 2009.

Balancing the daytime schedule required of a surgical residency in Boston with a nighttime routine of planning, writing and recording music with a team on the other side of the globe, Bhattacharya lived a dream when the album was released.

“We launched it, and it actually did really well; people loved it,” he said. “We also donated 100 percent of the proceeds to handicapped children in Nepal for their education. It was extremely satisfying.”

The satisfaction wasn’t over. The album would earn Bhattacharya a bit of stardom, as he was nominated for four honors at the Hits FM Music Awards, the oldest and largest music awards ceremony in Nepal.

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people’s attention in the states. The seeds in his life planted by each of his parents were beginning to blossom, and, in August 2013, they took root in Southern Illinois.

Satyadeep Bhattacharya performs at a concert. He said he’s played a few times locally with the band We’ve Got It Covered, but he would like to become more active in the local music scene.

Nominated for Album of the Year, Song of the Year and Best Male Pop-Rock Vocal Performance, Bhattacharya took home the prize for Best New Artist, making his mark on the Nepalese music scene.

But while his music earned him accolades back home in Nepal, it was Bhattacharya’s medical prowess catching

What led to your decision to be a doctor? I grew up in Nepal in a very tight-knit family full of doctors. My dad, both my sisters, both my brothers-in-law and me, we’re all doctors.

I used to go to the hospital with my dad when I was a little kid; I used to go to the OR and the floors with him. I kind of always wanted to be a doctor, but, at the same time, my dad was very much into music as well, as were my older sisters.

I was the baby of the family being influenced by everyone else, and I kind of absorbed all of that and veered toward medicine and maintained my interest in music at the same time.

Is your family still in Nepal? My dad is still in Nepal. He doesn’t do as much clinical work as he used to; he’s going on 79, but he still goes and teaches at the medical college and sees patients. He just doesn’t operate as much as he used to.

My oldest sister and brother-in-law are in India; they’re in the Indian Army Medical Corps. My other sister and brother-in-law are in Boston; they’re in

biotech. They chose the better life than I did (laughs).

What led you to Southern Illinois and SIH? I went to medical school back in Nepal. Then, I worked at the National Academy in Kathmandu for about a year and a half as a house officer in surgery.

That was always a dream of mine to work there because that’s where my dad spent a bulk of his career.

It was great. I would do operations with

nurses who had actually done them with him back in the day. Some people would just treat me like a baby because they’d seen me as a little kid coming in with my dad.

In the meantime, I was preparing to take the U.S. medical licensing exams.

I came over here, started in Boston; that’s where I did my surgical residency.

I moved to Providence, R.I., for a colorectal fellowship at Brown University for a year. Then I was looking for openings for jobs.

Because I’m not from the U.S., I’m not really restricted as far as geography goes.

I was open to moving anywhere, given the particulars of the job.

I came down for an interview, and I loved the place, the people, the organization. I really liked the vision that SIH presented to me in terms of expanding health care out in the area and really making a difference by providing health care services that previously weren’t available and improving the health care status of the area.

A lot of the population here is very underserved, and that’s part of what we’ve been working on, really increasing the health care awareness in the area so they can help us help them.

What was the transition like coming from Nepal?

Nepal is still one of the poorest countries in the world — a lot of really good people there, but also scarcity of resources in health care and other areas. Moving to the U.S., in many ways, opened me up to a lot of availability of resources.

I can do a lot more for my patients. I can get the tests I want to, and I don’t have to think too much about it. Getting a CAT scan isn’t as big of a deal; people don’t even think about it, as opposed to back home where you don’t order a CAT scan

To his peers in Southern Illinois, Satya Bhattacharya is one of the newest acquisitions at Southern Illinois Healthcare, a colorectal surgeon who joined the staff in August. To his friends and family back home in Nepal, he’s not only a skilled doctor, but also a talented musician. In 2010, Bhattacharya won the Hits FM Best New Artist of the Year award for his debut pop-rock album, ‘Pulse.’

Satya Bhattacharya’s debut album, ‘Pulse,’ was recorded in 2009 and earned the singing doctor four nominations in the Hits FM awards, the most noted musical recognition in Nepal. ‘Pulse’ landed him bids for Album of the Year, Song of the Year and Best Male Pop-Rock Vocal Performance, as well as Best New Artist, which he won.

unless you really, really, really need it because it’s expensive for people.

Some of that has stayed with me, though, in the way I practice medicine.

I try not to waste money. We just do medicine very differently here. While I enjoy that I have a lot more resources at my disposal, I want to hold onto the economical way of practicing health care I learned back home because I think that’s important.

What other differences have you encountered in medicine between Nepal and the U.S.? For the most part, people in the U.S. seem to be more knowledgeable about health care, but it varies. I’ve seen a big difference between Southern Illinois and Boston; people here aren’t as aware about health care and what can be done and what options are available.

Back in Nepal, people still come to you from the villages, and a lot of them have had no exposure to this. There’s this significant chunk of the population in remote areas who don’t even have access to basic health care.

But in terms of principles of practicing health care, a lot of it is the same. You still want to help educate people. You still want to make a big push and focus on preventive health care and, for people who still have problems, help them out.

What’s the most rewarding part of your job? I think it’s the satisfaction you get, especially when you get someone who is really, really sick and you struggle with them and really try to help them.

When that patient walks out of the hospital, it’s a really tremendous feeling.

All the sleepless nights and all the long days and all the effort and the tiredness and the stress of it — it’s all worth it.

Life & Style : Summer 2014

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Left: Satya Bhattacharya plays several instruments in addition to singing. He started playing guitar and shifted to drums before giving that up to focus on vocal performance. Below: Satya Bhattacharya credits his family as his inspirations. His father was a surgeon in Nepal, while his mother was a professional singer.

Both of his sisters, as well as his brothers-in-law, also entered the medical field. While the family is separated geographically, they remain united through their commitments to medicine and passion for music.

Outside of medicine, can you elaborate on your roots in music?

Growing up, I had a lot of different musical influences. From my parents, it was a lot of the traditional Nepalese, Bengali and Indian music because that’s what they listened to.

At the same time, I had two older sisters who were a lot into Western music, and their tastes varied, as well, from sentimental, country music to hard rock and heavy metal.

I got the whole gamut of musical influences, and I think that’s something that stayed with me; that really shaped how I listened to music and how I appreciated it. To this day, I listen to pretty much every single kind of music.

That also played a part in what kind of music I participated in, as I have performed music and songs in a ton of different languages, different genres and different forums, from very quiet, formal gatherings to very raucous, rowdy audiences. It’s been a great passion of mine.

Do you play an instrument? I sing.

Growing up, I played the guitar for a little bit, but transitioned to playing the drums. I used to play the drums and sing at the same time, but it was tough. There are plenty of famous people who have done that in the past, but it’s still tough.

What you can do as a frontman is 56

Life & Style : Summer 2014

confined to what you can do in one space while playing the drums. Just singing gives you a little more freedom and artistic expression that you can display during performances, so I had to train someone else to do the drums so I could be the lead vocalist.

How do you describe your album?

It was all Nepalese pop rock. As a professional, that’s all I’ve done.

It also dove into my personal musical tastes, so it has everything from a traditional Nepalese influence to slow rock, a little faster rock, as well as some blues and bluegrass. There’s just a little bit of everything; it was my debut album, and I’m glad it did well.

I had a lot of fun doing this album. I worked with a music director back home, and I would have ideas I would tell to him. I can’t read or write my own music; I never got formal education, even though my musical influences were so strong.

I would work with him on what I wanted, and he would get it done. We got a group of talented musicians to do the music. It was a really enjoyable period in my life.

Are you still involved with music?

Do you ever perform around here?

I have performed a couple of times at private functions. I played at Copper Dragon with We Got It Covered; they’re a

good bunch of guys and do all the classic rock, rock and roll and country. I’ve performed a couple of times with them, and I’m sure we’ll do it again.

I would actually love to be more active on the musical scene in the area. I also realize it’s been more than four years since my last album, and I want to work on something new at the same time.

Who are your favorite bands or performers? Among them: Guns and Roses, Def Leppard, the Beatles, the Rolling Stones, Aerosmith, Eric Clapton, Bob Dylan. They’re all legends.

Did you ever get to see any of your favorite acts growing up? No, they did not ever come to Nepal, and I felt so deprived. That is something I’m really, really glad I’ve come to the U.S. for.

I’ve gotten a chance to see some of my gods in action. The first major concert I saw was in Boston; I saw Cheap Trick, Poison and Def Leppard, and that was like, “Yes!” Then I saw U2; I saw AC/DC, another one of my favorites. I saw Guns and Roses on my 30th birthday; that was one of the best birthday gifts I ever could have gotten. This was a newer lineup, but they were fantastic. I saw Bryan Adams, who I absolutely love.

I’ve performed songs by each one of these bands at some point in my life, and it’s just a blessing to be able to see them.

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Luke and Leah Griffin share a kiss under the archway at St. Stephen’s on the Hill during a styled wedding shoot. Pieces of the venue’s decor were built using local materials, such as stone from the old Eldorado High School.

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Quite a bit of local history is ingrained into St. Stephen’s, as well. The structure itself is designed as the ruins of a European church with stone from the old Eldorado High School, and the lamp posts were made at Banner Iron Works in St. Louis in 1870.

PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED BY J FORTUNE PHOTOGRAPHY‌

VENUES

Included in wedding packages at St. Stephen’s on the Hill is a brick engraved with the couple’s names and wedding date. The brick is then inlayed at the entrance to the chapel, commemorating the special occasion.

St. Stephen’s on the Hill is a unique wedding venue with a past story by Joe Szynkowski If you’re thinking about scheduling your wedding at St. Stephen’s on the Hill in Eldorado, you may want to reserve it now.

Booked for 2014 and already filling up the 2015 slate, St. Stephen’s is quickly becoming a must-marry destination in Southern Illinois. The venue opened in 2012 as a fairy-tale wedding location for owner David Bartok’s daughter, Jillian.

Bartok and Pam Harbison have since established a reputation for putting together magical weddings for brides and grooms across the region. From all of the groundwork and parking cars to coordinating meals and photography, Bartok and Harbison do it all.

Their efforts have paid off.

“Gorgeous isn’t an adequate enough

word to describe St. Stephen’s on the Hill,” says Hannah DeVous, who married her husband Jeffery there. “I knew that it was one of the best venues we would be able to find in Southern Illinois.”

Weddings at St. Stephen’s can comfortably accommodate 300 guests.

Bartok and Harbison, who are presently planning the addition of an indoor facility, can put wedding couples in touch with planners, musicians, photographers, caterers and even a horse-and-carriage service. Included in their wedding packages is a brick engraved with the couple’s names and wedding date. The brick is then inlayed at the entrance to the chapel.

The setting is named after Saint Stephen the Great, the Patron Saint of the Hungarians and of stone masons, who was born in 977 and died in

Luke and Leah Griffin pose on the benches at St. Stephen’s on the Hill during a styled wedding shoot.

Life & Style : Summer 2014

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VENUES

1038. Bartok’s grandparents, Joseph and Erzabet (Szmere) Bartok, were Hungarian immigrants who traveled on the USS Carpathia to Ellis Island, N.Y., in 1906 and eventually settled in Saline County, where they bought the very farm now home to St. Stephen’s.

“The namesake is a tribute to my grandparents and all of the immigrants who managed to make a future possible for those to come,” Bartok says.

Quite a bit of local history is ingrained into St. Stephen’s, as well.

The structure itself is designed as the ruins of a European church with stone from the old Eldorado High School, and the lamp posts were made at Banner Iron Works in St. Louis in 1870.

Also from St. Louis is the large light at the entrance of the church. The stainedglass window came from the Hungarian St. Ladislaus Catholic Church in Hazelton, Pa. More recent history is highlighted by the slate shingles on the entrance of the chapel. They originated from St. Joseph’s Church in Ridgway, which was mostly destroyed in the historic leap year tornado two years ago.

Local photographer Autumn Vinyard has shot four weddings at St. Stephen’s. From the tree-lined lane to the grove of oak trees that overflows with daffodils in the spring, the venue is the perfect place for a photographer, Vinyard says.

“It is such a unique place and only five minutes from town, but you feel like it’s set in the countryside of England or another magical place. You can tell that when people celebrate at St. Stephen’s, it gives them joy as well.”

contact

Luke and Leah Griffin participate in a styled wedding shoot at St. Stephen’s on the Hill. The venue offers expansive outdoor space with tree cover to create a special atmosphere for any ceremony.

DAVID BARTOK P.O. Box 29 Eldorado IL 62930 dbartok58@hotmail.com 618-525-5600

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APPS

to MOBILE APPS Bottle caps

Technology can help you find the perfect drink

story by Adam Testa ‌How many hours does the average person spend contemplating the recipe for success?

At a certain point, usually on the weekend, individuals learn to let those serious thoughts go for a while and focus instead on something a little more savory. The recipe for a perfect martini or margarita, perhaps?

Navigating the world of fine drinks, from wines to spirits and mixed drinks to specialty concoctions, can be challenging.

Everyone has his or her own tastes and must find the best fit.

And while the weekend may be a time to step away from the work computer and set the business phone to silent, there are ways technology can help make the weekend more enjoyable — and tasty.

Here are some apps widely available on smartphones, tablets and other devices that can help find the perfect drink for your personal passion.

BEER PAD/WINE PAD: These two apps are basically identical. They can be used as a journal to record thoughts on various wines or beers. You can take notes, rate the drinks you try and take a picture of the bottle or label to spark your memory.

The apps remember everything you enter and can be used as a reference guide in the future.

DRINKS: Not sure what you want to make this evening? Using this app can help make the decision for you. Users can search by drink name or by ingredients you already have on hand to receive a list of suggestions. You can even edit existing mixes to add your own personal touch and create your own drink library.

HELLO VINO: Ever wanted a personal sommelier? This app is almost as useful.

Tell the app what you’re eating, and it will give you a pairing suggestion. You can also save favorites and note those wines that weren’t with you, making future choices even easier.

SPEAKEASY COCKTAIL: Bring two awardwinning mixologists into your evening’s plans with this app, packed with more than 40 instructional videos and 200 interactive recipes. You can learn the best recipes, techniques and supplies — presented as photos, slideshows, pop-up definitions, pro tips and more.

THEBAR.COM: Hosting a party around a special theme or event? This app provides drink recipes for all occasions, from tailgating to horse racing and award-show night to board game get-togethers. Even events that don’t seem to go hand-in-hand with alcohol, such as book clubs and brunch, are included.

TOP MARTINI RECIPES: Essential for all martini lovers, whether they prefer their drink shaken or stirred, this app lists the many variations of the classic cocktail and offers photos, lists of ingredients and detailed instructions.

Shake your phone for a random recipe and try something new.

Life & Style : Summer 2014 61

DÉCOR

Hot topics for

DECORATING story by Chanda Green

‌Most of us can’t resist picking up those home decorating magazines or visiting the websites that offer the latest Quick & Easy Decorating ideas and Home & Décor trends to help us create Better Homes or a House Beautiful. Whether your style is Southern Living or Country Living, we just want some Real Simple tips and ideas to make our House & Home a Romantic Home, a Traditional Home, an Ideal Home, a Fresh Home, or at least something we can be proud of when friends and family stop by.

So, we flip through the pages, skimming the articles penned by the “experts” and scanning the before-andafter photos, trying to glean something that can be translated from haute décor to something we can afford, some ideas that we can realistically use to add a bit of panache or pizazz to our own home sweet — if a bit tired looking — home.

Enter Angela Rowe, a Decorating Den certified designer and owner of Decorating Den Interiors in Harrisburg, one of the most pleasant, knowledgeable and helpful decorators you’re likely to encounter. After collecting what the above-mentioned designers touted as the latest trends in home decorating, Angela graciously offered to help make sense of it all.

“So many of the trends you’ll read about in these magazines and on these websites are for someone living in a New York City apartment or a Los Angeles loft. They’re just not going to fly in Southern Illinois,” she says. “What I tell my clients is, ‘Don’t talk yourself into choices that you might regret, just because it’s something that’s new or trendy.’”

So, we threw some haute décor trends at Angela and here’s what she had to say.

Furniture is trending toward lighter woods such as walnut, oak and cherry. “The trend I see in furniture is

62 Life & Style : Summer 2014

PHOTOGRAPHY (THIS PAGE) BY ART SERVICES‌; [OPPOSITE PAGE, TOP) PROVIDED, ART SERVICES

Take the trends you like and leave the rest on the showroom floor

customization, choosing from several different finishes for the one that suits you, making these new pieces truly your own,” she says.

“I’m also seeing a continuing trend of what one of my co-workers calls the “Mad Men meets mid-America” look, based on the styles of the ‘60s, the time period of that popular television series. It’s mid-century modern with very sleek, straight lines, shiny surfaces and uncluttered looks.”

Outdoor fabrics are trending away from the practical and more toward indoor fabrics that are varied and luscious. “What I am seeing is outdoor fabrics such as Sunbrella coming indoors on sofas and chairs,” Angela says. “They’re beautiful, but they’re also practical. They don’t fade as quickly and they’re easier to clean, so they’re able to withstand the messiest kids and the worst spills.”

Trending in upholstery are hide rugs and fur. “I don’t see fur hides as being super popular for furniture coverings, but I do see animal prints and faux fur hides used for accent furniture pieces,” she says. “That can be really fun.”

‘I’m seeing a continuing trend of what one of my co-workers calls the ‘Mad Men meets mid-America’ look, based on the styles of the ‘60s, the time period of that popular television series. It’s mid-century modern with very sleek, straight lines, shiny surfaces and uncluttered looks,’ said Angela Rowe, owner of Decorating Den Interiors in Harrisburg.

This year white walls will be replaced with dark, moody walls, accented with mixing and matching metallic accessories. “Gray has been the neutral color and top choice for the last year and a half, and I’m still seeing shades of gray as the most popular color for walls,” Angela says. “Metallics have been popular for a while, but the whole accessory market is what is really booming in home décor. That’s another way to really make a room your own, a way to bring drama, glamor and your own personality into your home. Accessories can change the whole look of a room.”

Blues will be a big trend this year — more rich, saturated colors like navy and indigo to vibrant shades like peacock blue and cobalt. “All shades of blue are always popular, but the new color for 2014, according to the Color Marketing Group, is Radiant Orchid, a cross between fuchsia and orchid with pink undertones. Last year, it was emerald and before that tangerine,” she says. “Now that doesn’t mean you throw everything out each year for the new color, but it’s fun to look at what you have and decide if this year’s new color is something you can play with for accent pillows, for example.”

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TRENDS

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Glitter, sequins, metallics, it’s all golden! Your party will go from great to glamorous with shiny details.

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PERSONAL

party style ‌ igh temperatures are no reason to hide! Whether you like your H parties poolside, on the patio or around the dinner table, entertaining guests is a great way to show off your personal style.

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Cork Candles, Set of 4, $8 Etcetera Flowers and Gifts, Carbondale

Here in wine country, we can never put our bottles to enough use. These candles will set the mood and give you a reason to hang on to your prettiest wine possessions long after they’re empty.

64 Life & Style : Summer 2014

Peggy Juergens hand-painted wine glass, $30 Tickled Pink Boutique & Gifts, Carbondale These upcycled

wine glasses are handmade in Southern Illinois.

Peggy has created a variety of character personalities and seasonal styles. Plus, these also make a great hostess gift!

ENTERTAINMENT

Members of New Arts Jazztet perform during the 2014 SIU Jazz Festival in Carbondale.

New Arts

JAZZTET A constant presence in a changing time

T

story by Adam Testa | photography by Steve Matzker

wo musicians make a duo, three a trio, four a quartet and five a quintet. But what happens when the composition of the band often finds itself in a state of flux? In one Southern Illinois instance, creativity seemed to be the answer.

When Bob Allison, then a first-year faculty member at the SIU School of Music, talked with three colleagues about performing together, the New Arts

Quartet was born. But, as members came and went through the years and the band grew and shrunk, a renaming become necessary, and the Quartet became a Jazztet.

Today, nearly 20 years later, the New Arts Jazztet continues its tradition as one of the region’s noted acts, performing frequently at local wineries and featured annually as a signature performer at the Southern Illinois Music Festival.

The current lineup of the group features Allison, the only remaining charter member; fellow SIU faculty

members Phil Brown, Dick Kelley and Ron Coulter; and Mel Goot, the only “outsider.”

“Every music faculty desires some form of creative outlet,” Brown said. “For jazz artists, you have to have someone to play with, so it’s common to try and put something together and run with it.”

And run with it the Jazztet did. When Allison and his earliest colleagues first formed the band, they were booked for a plethora of casuals, as he refers to them, or smaller, less-formal affairs.

As generations shifted, though, those Life & Style : Summer 2014 65

Meet the Jazztet Bob Allison, trumpet/flugelhorn Originally from Memphis, Allison serves as an associate professor of trumpet and jazz studies at SIU. He has also taught at Millikin University and the Latvian National Conservatory in Riga, Latvia. His accolades include winning the International Trumpet Guild’s Jazz Improvisation Contest and performing alongside artists including James Williams, Cal Thomas, Willie Thomas and Stanley Clark.

Phil Brown, bass A native of Amarillo, Texas, Brown is associate professor of double bass and jazz studies, as well as coordinator of music business, at SIU. Joining the New Arts Jazztet in 1991, he has written much of the group’s original material, totaling nearly three dozen tunes.

Outside of the Jazztet, he has performed with artists including Pepper Adams, Lockjaw Davis, Herb Ellis, Steve Gadd, Red Garland, Dizzy Gillespie and more.

Ron Coulter, drums/percussion Coulter serves as a senior lecturer of percussion, improvisation and jazz studies at SIU and an educational endorser with the ProMark Corporation and Black Swamp Percussion. His touring has taken him to 43 states, Europe and most major cities in Canada and Japan.

His credits include performances with the Glenn Miller Orchestra, Harry James Orchestra, Four Aces, the Gaylords, Al Martino, Sonny Holland and many more.

Mel Goot, piano Goot was still a teen when the self-taught pianist played his first professional job and record date with the Teddy Picou Quartet.

He later expanded his skills by studying at San Diego State University, where, for four years, he was the top pianist with the award-winning SDSU Jazz Ensemble. He has since performed with big bands behind Solomon Burke, Jerry Lewis, Sammy Davis Jr. and Steve Allen.

Dick Kelley, saxophone An assistant professor of saxophone and director of jazz studies at SIU, Kelley has a resume performing across North America, France, Italy, the Dominican Republic and Mexico. He has performed with Jon Faddis, Dick Oatts, Stefon Harris and the Glenn Miller Orchestra, among others, as well as toured extensively with Patti Page, Marie Osmond and the Motown Soul Review.

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bookings dried up. The band found itself parting from its avant-garde roots toward the more traditional, playing everything from club concerts to formal performances. The advent of the disc jockey changed things even more.

“It was a different day and age, completely different” Allison said.

“Carbondale was a different town,” Brown chimed in.

Today’s generation is once again completely different. Digital beats and auto-tuned vocals dominate the airways. Young listeners turn more to Lady Gaga and Katy Perry than Miles Davis and Wynton Marsalis.

“They certainly don’t grow up with it,” Brown said. “They only hear it in the elevator or the department store. Young people certainly don’t seek it out.”

“The Great American Songbook isn’t appreciated as much anymore,” Allison added.

But as times change, so does the Jazztet.

The group has become accustomed to adjusting to shifts in music and society. And, despite the molding tastes of youth, The New Arts the band remains in Jazztet will be high demand. a featured act From wineries to during the 2014 Shryock Auditorium or Southern Illinois on tours of cities like Music Festival, Chicago, Louisville and which runs Cincinnati, the Jazztet from June 10-30. makes its presence felt For a complete schedule and in Southern Illinois and full list of surrounding areas. The performers, visit band plays a variety of www.sifest.com. tunes, ranging from classic material to its original material, which the members started penning in 1998.

The lineup for any given performance depends on that night’s gig, Brown said.

“We simply adjust,” he noted. “When it’s up to us artistically, we’re going to play our current repertoire. If it’s up to someone else, we’ll try our best to please whoever is writing the check.”

That repertoire is dependent on the current composition of the band and who is available for the concert. The group’s make-up hasn’t changed since 2008, when Kelley joined; but with five musicians with busy lives and other musical commitments, not everyone is always available.

“Rather than being painted into a corner, we have in the book everything from traditional to East Coast-West Coast, funk to Latin and everything in between.”

What determines who can join the Jazztet?

The answer is simple.

“It ends up being who is on faculty that we want to play with,” Allison said, laughing.

Kelley is notably younger than his colleagues,

‌DETAILS

Members of New Arts Jazztet take a bow after performing during the 2014 SIU Jazz Festival in Carbondale.

and no woman has ever been involved.

“We couldn’t say half the things we do if we had a woman in here,” Allison said, chuckling once again.

Brown quickly cuts in, explaining that jazz is a heavily male-dominated arena and that there have been few women specializing in the genre pass through the university.

“If you can play, I don’t think anyone really cares,” he said.

Goot is the exception to the standard rules. He discovered the Jazztet when he and his aunt saw a performance at Shryock Auditorium, and he knew instantly he wanted to be involved. A few short years later, he’d have his wish.

All of the band members bring their own experiences to the table, which can be both a positive and a negative.

“There are personality rubs that work both for and against performances,” Brown said. “Sometimes, there are artistic differences that have to be worked out.”

“We all pretty much get along and like each other, though,” Allison chimes in, laughing.

Allison added that playing with quality musicians pushes him to be better, and the other members of the Jazztet push quite hard.

For Kelley, it’s great to have an opportunity to play alongside and learn

from peers who have been in the music game for longer than him.

“Teaching all day has its own reward, but it’s taxing,” he said. “It’s nice to be able to just learn something every once in a while and be on the other side of the coin.”

When asked about the future of the Jazztet, no one seemed to know what to say, as Brown noted that he and Allison are nearing retirement. For now, though, the plan is to keep going and see where the road leads.

“There are some good things to look forward to,” Goot said. “I’m optimistic we’ll continue to do some really cool things.”

Carbondale, Marion, Harrisburg, Carmi, Mt. Carmel, DuQuoin Mt. Vernon, IN See us on Facebook @ Tequilas Mexican Restaurants Life & Style : Summer 2014

67

WHERE WE LIVE

Design.

DONE.

Benton couple integrates Canadian and local touches into lakeside home

Right: The exterior of the Moores’ house in Benton; Above: Henry and Linda Moore met while on vacation in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., in 1977. Both retired and with no children of their own, they set out to build their dream home in fall 2011. They finished and have been enjoying it ever since. Bottom: Linda said she loves formal spaces and wanted to have a formal living and dining room as part of the house. This room, complete with formal decor and artwork, welcomes guests to the house and sets the tone for the Moore abode.

story by Joe Szynkowski

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photography by Adam Testa

rowing up on Lake Ontario, Canada, Linda Moore dreamed of owning a yacht.

Now living on a private lake in Benton, she got her wish.

“We call our pontoon boat The Yacht,” says the jovial Linda Moore, laughing as she points to the water off her large back deck. Her husband, Henry, laughs right along with her. “The fishing is great out here.”

The Moores laugh often, and why shouldn’t they?

After completing work on their awe-inspiring dream home in 2012, it’s time to sit back and enjoy the final product. It’s also time to cut back on traveling, says Linda, something the Moores have enjoyed over the years.

They have been to 46 states, but they’re staying close to home lately with their 60-pound dog Crappy, a former drop-off who walks up to five miles a day and loves the family’s acre of land. “We’re still planning on going back to Canada a couple of times a year, but otherwise we are happy to stay around here,” Linda says.

The Moores met in 1977 while their families were vacationing in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. — Linda with her family from Belleville, Ontario, and Henry with his two sons. They soon after became engaged and married in 1979.

Linda still recalls her first few years in Southern

Life & Style : Summer 2014

69

The entertainment center in the Moores’ living room has much to offer. From a collection of books to a large-screen TV and a fireplace to a martini bar, there’s something for everyone who enters the room to admire. Hosting guests often, the Moores want everyone to feel at home when they visit. Below: This small bar area in the great room features a martini-shaped sink, detailed with an olive faucet, a martini light and drawer handles shaped like martini shakers and glasses. There’s also a nearby ice machine for convenience.

70 Life & Style : Summer 2014

Illinois, adding that “it was a bit of cultural shock.”

PARTY HOUSE More than 30 years later, that shock has worn off. Linda feels at home and welcomes all family and friends to enjoy the Southern Illinois lifestyle, sometimes for three months at a time. “We love entertaining and having people stay with us,” Linda says.

The Moores’ home sure has plenty of entertainment space. Sitting in the middle of the home is a wide-open great

room that branches off into the equally expansive kitchen and multiple side rooms. The great room comes equipped with plenty of seating, a gas fireplace and even a custom-made martini bar with a martini-inspired sink, light, drawer pulls and even an olive faucet.

“People love it,” Linda says. “It was just so unique, we had to do it.”

With the open floor plan spanning from the great room to the kitchen, the Moores can comfortably sit 20 guests.

The kitchen features a large island with a second sink, a wraparound peninsula

bar area, custom cabinetry and granite countertops.

And then come the appliances.

All high-end and integrated into the cabinetry, the kitchen contains two remote-controlled dish washers, freezer and refrigerator columns and a sixburner gas cooktop with a griddle. The touchscreen, double-culinary Jenn Air ovens also turn plenty of heads. “You can tell it what you want to cook, and it will give you recommendations for cook times, recipes and all of those kinds of things,” Linda says.

Life & Style : Summer 2014 71

WHERE WE LIVE

Flowing back toward the lake, the kitchen breaks off into a breakfast room with capacious windows that offer a picturesque view of the water.

“We really enjoy this area,” Henry says. “It’s all about the water.”

With formal and informal dining rooms, the Moores host all types of parties at their home, including a blowout Mardi Gras get-together of about 20 guests earlier this year.

People who stay with the Moores benefit from a unique section of the house devoted to Jack and Jill guest rooms. The welcoming bedrooms are separated by a suite of two bathrooms and a centered shower room, allowing for plenty of space and privacy for all guests.

There is one rule when visiting with the Moores.

“I do not allow TVs in the guest rooms,” Linda says. “If you’re visiting, you’re visiting. I’ve almost had to take away phones, too.”

STICKING LOCAL While building a home can sometimes be a headache, the Moores had nothing but great luck in their experience.

Well, Linda would call it preparation. Owning a yacht wasn’t her only dream as a child. She put together her first floor plan when she was in third grade. “I showed my little boyfriend at the time and he said, ‘I don’t like it,’” she recalls with a smile. “I’ve just kept at it.”

Henry, who recently retired from a construction and backhoe company, served as general contractor on the home build. He followed Linda’s vision by setting up with quality local contractors and helped save building money by completing many of the tasks himself.

“We had great builders,” Linda says. “No matter what we wanted, they did it. We had a great experience, and together we picked out finishes, cabinets and fixtures.

We both like the same things, so there were literally no arguments.”

Gibbs Construction out of McLeansboro handled the build, while Southern Illinois Cabinets in Marion built and stained all of the home’s beautiful cabinetry. “As much as we could, we supported 72 Life & Style : Summer 2014

Linda describes the kitchen as a ‘dream come true.’ The design features a large island with a second sink, a wrap-around peninsula bar area, custom cabinetry, granite counters, and high-end appliances including two integrated dish washer drawers, thermidor freezer and refrigerator columns, a sixburner gas cooktop with a griddle, double culinary center Jenn Air ovens and an under-the-counter microwave with automatictouch open and close drawer. The kitchen can easily hold 20 people, Linda said. The breakfast room features huge windows with a view of the lake. The room is accentuated with painting from Bernstein Decorative and features the banner ‘Linda’s Bella Cucina,’ Italian for ‘Linda’s Beautiful Kitchen.’

Life & Style : Summer 2014 73

WHERE WE LIVE The master suite feels like a different home entirely. The decor and silverand-white color scheme are a distinct contrast to the earth tones and vibrant colors found elsewhere in the home. In addition to a bedroom, the suite also offers sitting areas, where Henry and Linda can enjoy a relaxing evening reading a book or looking out over Lake Moses.

74 Life & Style : Summer 2014

Left: Having traveled extensively and stayed at top hotels, the Moores wanted their 900-square-foot bedroom suite to reflect that luxurious, elegant, five-star feeling. The suite includes a bedroom, sitting area overlooking the lake, laundry facility and large bathroom complete with a wheelchair-accessible shower. Below: The walk-in closet of the master suite offers his and her’s storage, as Henry and Linda split the room down the middle. Each half of the closet features ample space to hang clothes, as well as rows of drawers lining the center partition.

local businesses because we believe in that,” Linda says. A host of other local contractors, including FireMasters, Ken Hall Construction and Mount Vernon Winnelson Co., all played a part in perfectly piecing together the home.

“Local” artwork from Canadian artist Linda Paul is also on display. Linda purchased the artwork to integrate a little of her personal background into the home. The Glass Haunt also designed stained-glass pieces and a door that help add a little more local flavor.

THE LITTLE TOUCHES Among the little touches that help the Moore home stand apart are the rounded walls throughout every room.

“People in Canada have been doing that for years,” Linda says. “We are just light years ahead of you Americans.”

Life & Style : Summer 2014

75

WHERE WE LIVE

Above: Linda said she loves formal spaces and wanted to have a formal living and dining room as part of the house. This dining room, off the front living room, features elegant decor and collectibles from around the world, several of which were passed down from Linda’s mother. Top: The living room offers an abundance of space for company to gather. The room is designed to be open and includes a large entertainment center and a martini bar, in addition to the couch, loveseat and recliner where people can sit and enjoy themselves.

76 Life & Style : Summer 2014

The home’s windows feature integrated blinds to control the light and sun shining in, as well as roll-away screens that disappear when not in use. The ceilings are painted white with a light sheen, and then textured for a unique touch. Thinking of all of these additional features was the easy part for Linda.

“Oh, I was in my glory,” she says. “I had so much fun with that.”

Linda also had her hand in picking out what she calls, “the bling,” which can be found in about every room of the home in the form of crystal lights, faucets and shimmering countertops.

But it’s not all fashion over function for the Moores — far from it. The larger-than-life laundry room on the far end of the home serves as an organizational mecca full of shelves, cabinets and nooks devoted to storage. “I got a little carried away in here,” Linda says, laughing.

Nestled closely to the garage sits a safe room that Henry designed with eight-inch concrete walls, full

power, a vented ceiling, sink, toilet and fireproof door. The room is dedicated to Henry’s grandmother, who was terrified of storms. There are additional sentimental features throughout the home, including furniture and collectible items from Linda’s late mother. “They all hold special meaning,� Linda adds.

THE BIG TOUCH Bling, sentiment, storage and everything in between can be found behind the doors of the Moores’ 900-square-foot master suite. Straight out of a five-star hotel, the room leaves guests in awe as its color scheme and layout is dramatically different from any other room. “We have stayed at a lot of very nice hotels over the years, and we wanted to reflect that luxurious, elegant feel,�

Linda says. “I think we achieved it with the style and dĂŠcor.â€?

Shades of silver, black and white encapsulate the gigantic suite that features a second laundry room, a “blinged-out� bathroom and a quaint sitting nook overlooking the lake. “We have our Sunday morning coffee here

and just look out at all of the water and wildlife,� Henry says. “We spend a lot of time in here.�

It’s no wonder. The room catches attention at every turn.

A large stained-glass door gives way to the master bathroom, adorned in more blacks, silvers and whites. The bathroom counters contain specks that sparkle when hit by light. The massive walk-in black marble shower is tucked in the back corner of the room, leaving plenty of open space for getting ready in the mornings. And the heated floors mean you don’t have to wear slippers to do so.

And then there’s the bling. “When I found you could put crystal knobs in the fixtures, I about went crazy,� Linda says.

The 900 square feet of suite perfection usually close out the grand tour of the Moore home. Henry and Linda both have their favorite parts, and agree that the house in its entirety is exactly how they drew it up.

Linda smiles. “There is a lot of satisfaction knowing that it is your design and dream come to life.�

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IN OUR BACKYARD

LAP POOLS SWIM SPAS OFFER THE ULTIMATE AQUATIC WORKOUT EXPERIENCE

‘Swim spas are very good for those who want to swim for fitness, and you can order special equipment, such as a treadmill or a bicycle, that sits right down in the spa to use,’ said Karen Jackson of Jackson Pools & Spas in West Frankfort.

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Life & Style : Summer 2014

For many homeowners, the backyard isn’t complete without a pool, in ground or above ground.

Whether professionally installed or a simple plastic play pool for the kids, the pool quickly becomes the gathering spot for the family and the place where many happy summer memories are made.

But for those who don’t have little ones looking for summertime fun, or those interested in something more practical — something that can provide the kind of aquatic exercise that’s just what the doctor (or your trainer) ordered — there are alternatives.

There’s the lap pool, just like the backyard swimming pool, except that it’s long and narrow and only about 3 or 4 feet deep, made specifically for serious swimmers who want to swim laps. The cost for installing a lap pool varies, but the installation and labor alone starts at about $20,000.

The other alternative is the swim spa or spool, a combination of pool and spa.

An average swim spa is 10 to 16 feet long, 6 to 8 feet wide and 3 to 5 feet deep. It comes equipped with strong jets or propulsion systems that create a current that pushes against a swimmer to produce a kind of treadmill swimming, allowing him or her an aquatic workout in a relatively small amount of space. Some even come with a partition that allows one person to use the swim spa, while another turns up the heater and turns down the jets for a relaxing aquatic massage.

Karl Metzger of Paradise Pools and Spas in Carterville and Du Quoin says he has installed three swim spas and that without any “options,” each costs about $15,000.

“With a lap pool, you’re talking about a complete installation, just like putting in an in-ground pool.

That takes three to four weeks to

PHOTOGRAPHY (THIS PAGE, TOP) BY ART SERVICES, (BOTTOM) PROVIDED BY JACKSON POOL & SPAS; (OPPOSITE PAGE) ART SERVICES

story by Chanda Green

complete. With a swim spa, in seven or eight hours, you can be using it, so they’re a lot easier and quicker to install and less expensive. They just need a little more power than a regular spa.”

Karen Jackson of Jackson Pools & Spas in West Frankfort says she sells swim spas, but not very many or very often.

“I’ve sold five so far. They are so easy to install; they can go anywhere, in your backyard, on your deck or inside. And if you move, they can be moved, too,” she says. “Sure, it will take a crane or a forklift, but it can be moved, not like an in-ground pool.

“You need to check the construction. I wouldn’t recommend anything with a liner or one that comes in pieces. And you’ll want to check the current generating system. You want it strong enough for your needs, but not so strong that it’s going to throw you up against the wall.

“Swim spas are very good for those who want to swim for fitness, and you can order special equipment, such as a treadmill or a bicycle, that sits right down in the spa to use.”

Most swim spas generate current using spa jets, which can make you feel like you have fire hoses aimed at you, while lap pools use current generators, which provide a smoother, broader flow of water.

There are many variations of mechanisms used to generate the flow of water from dedicated pumps or propellers to nozzles or paddlewheels that churn the

water for a more even flow without turbulence.

The swim spa market is currently concentrated along both coasts, but growing steadily in the Heartland. Most company officials predict strong growth in the next decade as they market their products to those who swim, walk or jog in water for fitness — those who want or need therapeutic water therapy and those who just want to have fun while they exercise. And as space becomes more premium, the swim spas are expected to gain ground over the larger lap pools and traditional pools.

“It’s a very unique niche market,” Karen says. “They started coming on the market in 2008. I’ve only sold a few since then. In the larger cities and on the coasts, they’re very popular, but they haven’t taken off here just yet.”

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Life & Style : Summer 2014 79

IN OUR BACKYARD

‘BACKYARD WONDERLANDS’ Pergolas make the perfect addition to any outdoor entertaining landscape

Burkdell offers its pergolas in three different types of wood to match a variety of interests and Pergolas are popping up throughout the region, preferences.

Customers can purchase their pergola in as Southern Illinoisans seek a little extra shade and a kit or have Burkdell come professionally install it in seclusion in the summertime. their yard.

Serving as the perfect outdoor entertaining spot, a The versatility of a pergola is one of its main selling pergola forms a shaded walkway, passageway or sitting points, as customers can opt for high-quality wood, area and is comprised of vertical pillars that support unique stain or vinyl. cross-beams and a sturdy open lattice. It offers partial And the building material is just the tipping point of shade, cooling breeze and a unique addition to any the pergola appeal. Pergolas can help your patio come patio or backyard area. alive with hanging baskets, trained With some outdoor seating, vines, wind chimes and other lighting, fireplace and ceiling fans, decorative pieces. a pergola is a prime party space.

Burkholder has seen an increase Serving as the perfect outdoor “Pergolas are neat little entertaining spot, a pergola in pergola interest over the past structures,” says David Burkholder, forms a shaded walkway, five years. owner of Burkdell Mulch in passageway or sitting area and “We sell a great amount Carbondale. “People really like is comprised of vertical pillars and it kind of runs by spurts,” the aesthetics of them and the that support cross-beams and Burkholder says. “People have fun fact that they offer that extra a sturdy open lattice. It offers with decorating around them.” partial shade, cooling breeze dimension to a property.”

Burkholder says there are no and a unique addition to any patio or backyard area.

80 Life & Style : Summer 2014

PHOTGRAPHY COURTESY OF ART SERVICES‌

story by Joe Szynkowski

CREATE YOUR OWN BACKYARD WONDERLAND BY ADDING THESE PLANTS TO YOUR PERGOLA AREA IVY Ivy can climb your pergola and provide that extra bit of sun protection, depending on where you place it.

The National Park Service, however, warns that certain types of ivy can become invasive, so do your research and be prepared to remove some of it each year to keep it contained.

HONEYSUCKLE Hoping to attract butterflies or hummingbirds to your pergola? Go with honeysuckle and its vines that produce white, red, yellow and orange flowers. The National Gardening Association says honeysuckle is a convenient choice for partially shaded outdoor areas because it can bloom in varying amounts of light, ranging from shade to full sunlight. two pergolas alike in Southern Illinois because once the structure is built, his customers have complete creative control to add their own touches. When it comes to pergola builds, everything is custom.

“We’ve seen them with fireplaces and, of course, all sorts of plants,” he says. “We can also build a seating wall on the perimeter that adds a nice touch.”

Burkdell can also help the customers who may like the look of a pergola, but want more protection from the sun.

“We do offer the standard lattice roof, but also have the transparent poly roof that is completely closed

and lets in a lot less light,” he says. “You can still see through it, obviously, but it is slightly tinted and offers a bit more shade.”

Greenridge Landscaping in Carbondale can also help build and transform pergolas into entertainment hotspots. Owner Andy Robinson says home remodeling has extended outdoors over the past 20 years as more people have turned their attention to additions like pergolas.

“We’re doing water features, lighting, new plantings and everything in between,” Robinson says. “I like to tell people we make backyard wonderlands.”

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Life & Style : Summer 2014 81

CHEERS TO BEER

Perfecting

PUB Pinch Penny in Carbondale expands its menu to include specialty beers and a learning experience story by Shawn Connelly | photography by Steve Matzker

Any business that can survive and thrive for more than 40 years must be doing something right.

Throw in the fact that said business is a neighborhood pub — notorious, particularly in a college town, for its transience — and you’ve got quite a story to tell. Pinch Penny Pub on East Grand Avenue in Carbondale has been doing it right all these years by providing an atmosphere that is both comfortable and consistent, while remaining 82

Life & Style : Summer 2014

adaptive, and, when it’s called for, even new and innovative.

Patrons at “Pinch” are already familiar with the broad appeal the pub offers — from the expansive outdoor beer garden, where live music can be heard on weekends, to the rustic, old worldstyle bar inside, where the game can

CONTACT Pinch Penny Pub 700 E. Grand Ave., Carbondale 618-549-3348 www.pinchpennypub.com

be enjoyed on one of the many flatscreen TVs over an appetizer, sandwich or pizza and your favorite beer, wine or cocktail.

“We try very hard to appeal to a wide range of customers, ages and demographics, and provide a setting that is fun and familiar,” Pub President Jimmy Karayiannis says.

Combining the fun with the familiar is a recipe for success at Pinch Penny, but sometimes that recipe calls for a new ingredient or two. Although Pinch Penny already offers one of the largest and most diverse draft beer selections in Carbondale, including more than a few craft beers, the pub is taking a step in a new direction by offering nearly 100 craft and specialty beers by the bottle, prominently featured just inside the pub’s entrance in a large, threedoor glass cooler.

“The new beers are intentionally very visible,” Karayiannis says, “and the craft beer industry is constantly doing new things — new labels, new packages, new beer styles — and we want to offer more choices. The same ‘ol thing is a thing of the past.”

In the spirit of offering something new and innovative, Pinch Penny is also introducing a

Pinch Penny Pub is now offering a wide variety of micro beers available from the tap. Each type of beer, whether an ale or stout, is served in its appropriate glassware.

dedicated beer menu complete with style descriptions, beer origins and, in the case of many of the beers available, ratings. While some may be inclined to believe that consumer ratings are the sole jurisdiction of the wine world, beer ratings are just as important and provide a good indicator of a beer’s quality and popularity, pointing consumers toward the best of the best.

“Beer choices are like an extension of your personality, like the sneakers you wear or the way you dress, and everyone is different. We like to offer something unique to Carbondale — an impressive beer selection with something for everyone in a friendly, casual neighborhood pub setting,” Karayiannis explains.

And if that’s not enough to get you excited about Pinch Penny Pub’s new beer offerings, you will be glad to know that your bottled beer is also paired up with the appropriate glassware by beer style; and, plans are in the works to expand the beer offerings even further with even more beers, brewery and beer style nights, food pairings and even beer educational opportunities.

The more you know about something, the more you can appreciate it, and there is a lot to know about beer. The beauty of Pinch Penny Pub’s new beers

and beer menu is that you can learn at your own pace, try something new that you might not otherwise try and very possibly discover a new favorite beer and pub.

Cheers!

SHAWN CONNELLY writes for Beer Connoisseur magazine, is a craft and specialty beer retail consultant and an award-winning home brewer. Read his blog at beerphilosopher.com.

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SCENIC BEAUTY

AT CAMPUS LAKE story and photography

by Les Winkeler Sometimes the stress of the day gets to be too much.

Whether it’s pressure from a looming deadline, finals week, an insolent teenager, or just a bad day in general, taking in the fresh air, soaking in the sunshine, or just watching the ripples bounce across the surface of the water, nature can have a calming effect.

Unfortunately, given the busy lives most Americans lead, hopping in the car and driving 30 minutes to your favorite quiet place isn’t always an option.

However, if you happen to be in Carbondale, consider the problem solved.

Campus Lake is there for you.

Campus Lake is a 40-acre jewel located on the southern edge of Southern Illinois University’s Carbondale campus.

Despite its proximity to the hustle and bustle of a large university, there are coves, nooks and crannies that allow visitors to escape from the grind of daily life.

The north side of the lake tends to be busy as the path winds its way through the Thompson Point residence halls and the tech building. However, peace and quiet is awaiting on the opposite side of the lake.

Solitude might occasionally be interrupted by walkers and joggers, but a person intent on finding peace and quiet while communing with nature will be pleasantly surprised.

The south side of the lake has carved

Above: Southern Illinoisans don’t have to venture into the rural reaches of the region to discover nature’s beauty. SIU’s Campus Lake, right in the heart of Carbondale, offers a chance to take in luscious greenery and the sights of hundreds of different types of animals, birds and insects. Below: Campus Lake at SIU.

out fingers that are slightly off the beaten path.

Walking to the edge of the lake in these areas, it’s not unusual to see turtles basking on sun-baked logs, a green tree snake gracefully draped over a stump or a great blue heron doggedly pursuing sunfish in the shallows.

If you sit still and watch for just a few moments, you’ll be astounded by the amount of wildlife surrounding you.

Squirrels scurry about the ground in constant search of food. Bluebirds, robins, red-bellied woodpeckers, cardinals and chickadees flit from

tree to tree. Skinks bolt through the vegetation on the forest floor.

And, if you hang around long enough, you’re likely to see a deer shyly moving about the shadows. Deer have become accustomed to the presence of humans, so they don’t bolt at the first sign of someone using the running path.

If you pick your spot judiciously, take a couple of deep breaths and allow yourself a few moments, you’ll find it possible to disappear in the natural beauty of this small lake. Although it’s not far away, the restorative effects are palpable.

Walking to the edge of the lake in these areas, it’s not unusual to see turtles basking on sun-baked logs, a green tree snake

gracefully 86 Life & Style : Summer 2014 draped over a stump or a great blue heron doggedly pursuing sunfish in the shallows.

As Carla laid in a coma the doctors told her family to brace for the worst. Then something miraculous happened— Carla woke up. But that’s only the beginning of Carla’s amazing rehabilitation journey!

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88 Life & Style : Summer 2014

Cleo Robbins fires off a serve to his son, David, while the pair plays tennis in Carterville, where the family lives.

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Pictured left to right: Michael Barnett | Financial Consultant Laryssa Allen | Client Service Associate Kathy Gulledge | Client Service Associate Ben Bruce, CWA® | Senior Vice President | Financial Consultant 200 Tower Square | Marion, IL 62959 618-997-4608 | 800-997-4608 ©2014 Securities offered through J.J.B. Hilliard, W.L. Lyons, LLC. Member of NYSE, FINRA and SIPC.

Life & Style : Summer 2014 1

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Taking care of women and their babies in the heartland 1-877-ILOBGYN (456-2496)

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Anna• • Belleville Belleville •• Benton Benton •• Centralia Centralia •• Fairfield Fairfield •• Flora Flora •• Harrisburg Harrisburg • Herrin • Marion Anna Nashville •• O’Fallon O’Fallon •• Pinckneyville • Salem • Sparta McLeansboro • • Metropolis Metropolis •• Mt. Mt.Vernon Vernon •• Nashville McLeansboro

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 John Pfeifer EXECUTIVE EDITOR Gary Metro EDITOR Cara Recine NICHE ADVERTISING MANAGER Lacey Thompson ART & DESIGN April Burford Rhonda May CONTRIBUTORS Shawn Connelly Chanda Green Rana Hodge Diana Lambdin Meyer Debbie Moore Cara Recine Joe Szynkowski Adam Testa Les Winkeler PHOTOGRAPHERS Rana Hodge Jennifer Fortune Steve Matzker Rhonda May Bruce N. Meyer Alexa Rogals Adam Testa Autumn Vinyard Les Winkeler COPY EDITING Tom English Mary Thomas Layton ONLINE Brandon Byars ADVERTISING SALES Kelly Caudill Nora Chambliss Brian Flath Stephanie Meyer Tina Moon Alisha Shipp Lacey Thompson ADVERTISING DESIGN Rose Baffi Andrew McBride Jay Stemm Leah Weil CIRCULATION Mark Romanowski

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. Š 2014 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 2014

WELCOME

LETTER from the Executive Editor Create some of your best memories this party season

S

ummer is fast approaching and with it the busy, happy times of formal parties, lazy get-togethers and, perhaps, even a baseball tailgate mission to St. Louis.

You can’t beat hot fun in the summer, but nothing will ever top the surprise party my wife, Debbie, arranged for my 30th birthday. I’d like to say it was so recent it may as well have been yesterday. But the years are many since that wonderful summer afternoon in Oshkosh, Wis. Somehow she sneakily invited my best friends, by gosh. It didn’t matter if they were my boyhood pals and wives from Rockford, or my work colleagues and teammates on the legendary Duck Soup softball team in Oshkosh. She chartered a boat on Lake Winnebago and the entire crew hit the waves for an afternoon filled with food, drink, music and a lot of laughs.

It was a once-in-a-lifetime treat — something that in hindsight looks like a goodbye to the innocence and buoyant optimism of youth and a welcoming dance into the adult world of expanding careers, mortgages and family commitments. I most recall the laughter and smiling faces from the day, and wish I could return — if only for an afternoon.

With this summer, you have another season to generate such memories, or create new ones.

This issue of Life & Style will help you get started. Think of it as a passport to the summer party season, with special emphasis in this issue on graduation, backyard barbecue and pool parties, among others. That’s our cover story.

Elsewhere in the magazine, you’ll see your family, friends and neighbors (and maybe yourself, too!) in the popular Social Seen photo collection of Southern Illinoisans enjoying the finer things in life — and looking good while doing it, too.

We’ve also included a feature on getaways to the Mississippi Gulf Coast, showcasing the attractions of small towns drawing tourists who want something other than the big city fun of New Orleans. For fitness fans, we’ve got a feature on the increasing popularity of lap pools and a closer look at the scenic beauty of Campus Lake at SIU Carbondale — and the wonderful walking path surrounding the waters.

Of course, you can expect to see the latest from our region’s fine foods, great wines and craft beers, along with some of the hottest accessories for the season of sunshine and outdoor living.

Have a great summer!

GARY METRO LIFE & STYLE IN SOUTHERN ILLINOIS

Life & Style : Summer 2014

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CONTENTS

44

SUMMER 2014

36

GETAWAYS Beautiful beaches, captivating communities and culture on the Gulf Coast

65

PARTY LIKE A PRO!

With good advice and advance planning, your gathering can be the best ever

ENTERTAINMENT New Arts Jazztet: A constant presence in a changing time

68

WHERE WE LIVE Couple integrates Canadian and local touches into lakeside home

24 30

BUSINESS BUZZ Von Jakob Winery & Brewery adds to ever-expanding offerings

42 54 58

SELF More and more of us are turning to ancient Chinese techniques

Social Seen Don’t Miss This Our History Good Eats At Work Wine Country Apps

PROFILE Dr. Satyadeep Bhattacharya doubles as musician in his native Nepal

cover photo

ARTISTS Abdul-Musawwir paints, teaches and hopes for the generations to come

VENUES St. Stephen’s on the Hill is a unique wedding venue with a past

6 Life & Style : Summer 2014

this issue 9 27 28 34 50 52 61

Décor Trends Recreation In Our Backyard Cheers to Beer Scenic Beauty Parting Shot

62 64 78 80 82 86 88

Rob and Jill Cash of Marion are featured in our cover shot, which was photographed by Lori Baysinger of Photography by Lori in Marion.

Barb loved to cook for her church, but mysterious weight gain in her abdomen made it hard for her to even walk. Little did she know, it was cancer.

What to do? With help from an SIH cancer patient navigator, who just happened to be a fellow church member, Barb had guidance throughout the journey. She found out that not one, but a team of physicians and cancer specialists could personalize her treatment right here in southern Illinois. With that, she chose to stay here for her care.

Barb feels better than she has in years. This new burst of energy is putting her on the path to doing what she loves — cooking for her church members and especially the children. Barb has beaten the odds. She’s a cancer survivor with a strong team on her side.

See live pictures as we grow our new cancer center at sihcancerinstitute.net

Who could be such a partner? Only SIH. FIND OUT HOW BARB GOT BACK TO BAKING AGAIN:

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DENTAL IMPLANTS A New Beginning to 2014 SCHOOLED IN WINE: • Are you embarrassed to smile?

LETTER

We love• what do, but ...

Are you you missing teeth?

• Is your denture or partial denture loose?

• Do you have problems chewing?

I appreciate the Life & Style magazine hybrids, American and European varieties. and how it is continuously supporting the For 30 years, there has been extensive grape and wine industry. However, in the planning and research into building latest edition of the Life & Style magazine, a strong grape and wine industry in I read If “Old world, new wines.”

Southern Illinois.

It does and not mean you have these problems, Dr. Christopher Hughes his I became upsethelp whenyou I readfind a paragraph there is not room forright more for research team can out if Dental Implants are you.and stating, “... the typical hybrids grown in planning, but I don’t believe we should Southern thatto produce sweet and throwPersonal the baby outConsultation with the bath water.

CallIllinois Anne reserve your Free semi-sweet wines.” This statement continues I have been in the grape and wine to perpetuate myths that are damaging to the industry for more than 20 years. I grape and wine industry in Southern Illinois. encourage the publishers of this magazine Because the industry is rather young, to give equal attention to the great wines Dr. Christopher Hughes is certified readers will believe the through wineries inthe American that are being produced Board of Oral in this region.

Southern Illinois only produce sweet and The quote, “If I can’t Implantology/Implant Dentistry grow something semi-sweet wines. I can provide a list of good, I’m not going to grow anything,” excellent dry wines that have won national again implies that the grapes and wines awards from grapes and wine grown and that other vineyards and wineries are produced in Southern Illinois. growing and producing aren’t good.

504 Rushing Drive | Herrin, IL The article implies that French-hybrid Implant & Cosmetic Dentistry • I.V. Sedation grapes are inferior, another misconception.

KAREN HAND All grapes are basically hybrids. There are Winemaker at Blue Sky Vineyard many types of varieties of grapes grown Past chair of the Shawnee Hills in vineyards in Southern Illinois. We have American Viticultural Area

618-993-3100

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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 Lacey Thompson niche advertising manager 618-351-5001 lacey.thompson @thesouthern.com

SUBSCRIPTIONS Kim Fowler circulation manager 618-351-5035 kim.fowler @thesouthern.com Subscription 8 issues for $17.95 rates: 4 issues for $9.95

Introducing a new product at Norman's

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a new future level of performance Dental implants may be in your if: and luxury to vacuum cleaners.

Riccar’s flagship upright offers • You are missing teeth the unsurpassed cleaning performance of the revolutionary • You have problems chewing Tandem Air System where two distinct cleaning motors • Your denture or partial denture doesn’t fitare used in series to provide exceptional cleaning, sealed HEPA • You are embarrassed tocarpet smile filtration and the convenience of

powerful on-board tools Dr. Hughes will help you discover how Dental Implants canin machine. correct these problems and open up a whole new world.

one

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618-993-3100 Dr. Christopher Hughes

• Diplomate American Board of Oral Implantology/Implant Dentistry • Fellow American Academy of Implant Dentistry

“Like”us on Facebook.

Attending or hosting an event?

Post your pictures on our page and your event could be included in an upcoming edition of Life and Style in Southern Illinois. www.facebook.com/LifeandStyleSI

2702 Merchant St., Marion, IL 62959 618-993-3034 8 Life & Style : Spring 2014

8 Life & Style : Summer 2014

Hughes Dental Arts Centre www.normancarpetonemarion.com 504 Rushing Drive | Herrin, IL Implant & Cosmetic Dentistry • I.V. Sedation • Botox

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Leading Southern Illinois Lawyers

Problem Solvers Douglas A. Antonik

Antonik Law Offices

Mount Vernon

618.244.5739

William L. Broom, III

Barrett Twomey Broom Hughes & Hoke LLP

Carbondale

618.457.0437

Patricia A. Hoke

Barrett Twomey Broom Hughes & Hoke LLP

Carbondale

618.457.0437

Kenneth R. Hughes

Barrett Twomey Broom Hughes & Hoke LLP

Carbondale

618.457.0437

Michael R. Twomey

Barrett Twomey Broom Hughes & Hoke LLP

Carbondale

618.457.0437

Mark J. Ballard

Black Hedin Ballard McDonald PC

Mount Vernon

618.242.3310

Terry R. Black

Black Hedin Ballard McDonald PC

Mount Vernon

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Aaron S. Carnine

Black Hedin Ballard McDonald PC

Mount Vernon

618.242.3310

Craig R. Hedin

Black Hedin Ballard McDonald PC

Mount Vernon

618.242.3310

Jerome E. McDonald

Black Hedin Ballard McDonald PC

Mount Vernon

618.242.3310

Kristine M. Tuttle

Black Hedin Ballard McDonald PC

Mount Vernon

618.242.3310

William Kent Brandon

Brandon Schmidt & Goffinet

Carbondale

618.549.0777

Jeffrey A. Goffinet

Brandon Schmidt & Goffinet

Carbondale

618.549.0777

Charles E. Schmidt

Brandon Schmidt & Goffinet

Carbondale

618.549.0777

Paul R. Lynch

Craig & Craig LLC

Mount Vernon

618.244.7511

Julie A. Webb

Craig & Craig LLC

Mount Vernon

618.244.7511

Kenneth F. Werts

Craig & Craig LLC

Mount Vernon

618.244.7511

Edward J. Kionka

Edward J Kionka Law Office

Carbondale

618.521.5555

Michael F. Dahlen

Feirich/Mager/Green/Ryan

Carbondale

618.529.3000

Thomas R. Frenkel

Feirich/Mager/Green/Ryan

Carbondale

618.529.3000

R. James Giacone, II

Feirich/Mager/Green/Ryan

Carbondale

618.529.3000

Richard A. Green

Feirich/Mager/Green/Ryan

Carbondale

618.529.3000

Cheryl Lynn Intravaia

Feirich/Mager/Green/Ryan

Carbondale

618.529.3000

Kevin L. Mechler

Feirich/Mager/Green/Ryan

Carbondale

618.529.3000

John S. Rendleman, III

Feirich/Mager/Green/Ryan

Carbondale

618.529.3000

John C. Ryan

Feirich/Mager/Green/Ryan

Carbondale

618.529.3000

Pieter N. Schmidt

Feirich/Mager/Green/Ryan

Carbondale

618.529.3000

Mark D. Hassakis

Hassakis & Hassakis PC

Mount Vernon

618.244.5335

Morris Lane Harvey

Law Offices of Morris Lane Harvey

Mount Vernon

618.244.9544

A. Ben Mitchell

Mitchell Law Office PC

Mount Vernon

618.242.0705

Mark D. Prince

Prince Law Firm

Marion

618.997.2111

John T. Hundley

The Sharp Law Firm PC

Mount Vernon

618.242.0246

Terry Sharp

The Sharp Law Firm PC

Mount Vernon

618.242.0246

John Womick

Womick Law Firm Chtd

Herrin/Carbondale

618.993.0911

Bankruptcy: Individual; Bankruptcy & Workout: Commercial

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Banking; Gov't/ Municipal/Lobbying/Admin; Land Use, Zoning & Condemnation; Real Estate: Commercial Closely & Privately Held Business; Trust, Will & Estate Planning

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Closely & Privately Held Business; Employment: Management; Gov't/ Municipal/Lobbying/Admin; Real Estate: Commercial Commercial Litigation; Employment: Management; Gov't/ Municipal/Lobbying/Admin; Med-Mal Defense; PI Defense: General Personal Injury Defense: General; Workers' Compensation Defense Personal Injury: General; Workers' Compensation Family

Closely & Privately Held Business; Commercial Litigation; Mineral & Natural Resource; Trust, Will & Estate Planning Personal Injury: General; Workers' Compensation

Bankruptcy: Individual; Bankruptcy & Workout: Commercial; Creditor's Rights/Commercial Collections Bankruptcy: Individual; Bankruptcy & Workout: Commercial; Commercial Litigation Personal Injury: General; Personal Injury: Professional Malpractice; Workers' Compensation

A lawyer CANNOT buy the distinction of being a Leading Lawyer. This distinction was earned by being among those lawyers who were most often recommended by their peers in statewide surveys. Respondents COULD NOT recommend themselves or lawyers at their law firm. For a complete list of all Leading Lawyers and to view profiles of the lawyers listed on this page, go to www.LeadingLawyers.com.

312.644.7000 | LeadingLawyers.com

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Life & Style : Summer 2014

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HERRIN CHAMBER DINNER

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errin Chamber of Commerce members stepped into a time machine as they ventured to ‘That ‘70s Dinner,’ a groovy spin on the annual affair, on Jan. 31. Clergies from the city were recognized with the distinguished Citizen of the Year Award, while Stephanie and Shane Bishop, operators of McDonald’s restaurant, received Business of the Year honors.

1. Brian and Kandi Chapman

11. Jennifer and Sean Wade

2. Business of the Year Award recipients Stephanie and Shane Bishop

12. Joe and Nina Helleny

4. Best Dressed Male contest winner Frank and Vicki Colombo 5. Bo and Carol Emery 6. David and Rachel Stacey 7. Beth and Tom Harness 8. Ben and Katie Calcaterra of Herrin

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13. Kevin and Linda Hatfield 14. Master of Ceremonies Scott Kinley 15. Jo and Dutch Doelitzsch 16. Donna and Mike Monchino of Herrin 17. Outgoing Herrin Chamber President Mark and Angie Kochan 18. Stephan Ackermann and Deborah Hogg

19. Linda Hatfield and 9. Best Dressed Woman Cheryl Endres contest winner Teresa and 20. Mary and Pete Keith Camarato Bondioli of Herrin 10. Carla and David Hays 21. Hila Leenerts and of Herrin Carla Hays of Herrin

glorious galas to cozy gatherings,

your event can come to life.

Whatever the occasion, we have the space you need.

Offering the latest in state-of-the-art services, allowing you to conduct successful and efficient meetings, along with eloquent and beautiful receptions.

AT THE HEART OF CARBONDALE

THE CARBONDALE CIVIC CENTER 618.457.3209 200 South Illinois Avenue, Carbondale www.explorecarbondale.com

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Life & Style : Summer 2014

PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED BY VICKI COLOMBO

3. Evan and Tasha Youngblood

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Quality Service has led us to be the Reader’s Choice for Best Real Estate Agency.

Thank Thank you you for for voting voting us us #1 #1 HOUSE OF REALTY, INC.

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CENTURY 21 AGENTS.

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Carbondale 618.457.3344 • Carterville 618.985.3717 • Lake of Egypt 618.964.1447 Marion 618.997.6495 • Murphysboro 618.684.5563 Life & Style : Summer 2014

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SOCIAL SEEN 1

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HOSPICE OF SOUTHERN ILLINOIS GALA

T

he Hospice of Southern Illinois Gala event was Jan. 25 at Marion Cultural and Civic Center. The night included a buffet and a bar for guests, as well as live performances by people throughout the community.

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5. Vic and Elizabeth Ritter of Herrin 6. Steve and Barb Mason of Marion

2. Allida and Mike Plumer 7. Rick and Vicky Scoggins and Deborah and Karol of Carterville Hunter, all of Stonefort 8. Yolanda Simon 3. Dorcy and Don Brosser and Karriem Shariati of Carbondale of Carbondale 4. Joni Barwick, Doug 9. Jeffrey and Janice and Shannon Johnson Waddell of Herrin and Anna Vordenave, all of Marion

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PHOTOGRAPHY BY ALEXA ROGALS, THE SOUTHERN

1. Barbara Throgmorton and Suzy Ward of Carterville and Brenda Hillard of Marion

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RED ROSE GALA FUNDRAISER

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upporters of Marion Cultural and Civic Center attended the Red Rose Gala at Kokopelli Clubhouse on Feb. 15 in Marion to raise money for the center.

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1. Jim and Toni Morris and 8. Joe Conley and Lori and John Power Abby Winters

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2. Bill and Gail Shanks

9. Linda and Gail White

3. Tom and Gloria Oates

10. Earl and Rita Sigley

4. Jim and Jane Bales, Donna Glodjo and Claudia Merrett

11. Michael and Ruth Bradford

5. Tim and Regina Austin

12. Amanda and Ashley Gott

6. Jim and Traci Robertson 13. Zack Pilot and Brandy Miller 7. Michelle and Vincent Elliott

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14. Spencer, Riley and Lynnette Sharp

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MAIN STREET ANNUAL NIGHT OUT

L

ocal business owners joined together March 6 for a night out that included dinner and silent auction. The event, hosted at Downtown Design Center, served as a fundraiser for Carbondale Main Street, a community organization that hosts several events through the year.

1. Jerry Brooks and Patricia Guyon, both of Carbondale

8. Melanie Kurinez and Jordan Wren, both of Carbondale

2. Travis Taylor and Jessica Sergeev, both of Carbondale

9. Reema Prabhaka and Yogi Prabhaka, both of Carbondale

3. Elizabeth Berumen, Jan Dallape, Kim Cross, Patty Eaton, Melodie Doty and Darren Berger, all of the Bank of Carbondale

10. Acting Mayor Don Monty of Carbondale

4. Cinnamon Smith, Lea Stover and Scott Thorne, all of Carbondale

12. Jordan Wren, Melanie Kurinez, Meghan Cole and Les O’Dell, all of Carbondale

6. Christine Donovan and Jordan Wren, both of Carbondale 7. Laura and Craig Anz of Carbondale

11. Tip O. Cook, Barb Eidlin and Calvin Scott, all of Carbondale

13. Leah Lerner, Lezlie Terry and Carla Bird, all of Carbondale

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PHOTOGRAPHY BY RHONDA MAY

5. Tip O. Cook and Joe Lerner, both of Carbondale

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14. Tom Redmond, Mary Hana and Erin Dickson, all of Carbondale 15. Matt and Ashley Bullock of Carbondale

AT THE BEAUTIFUL

Rend Lake eR Resortt & C Conference Center • Enjoy the best fishing in the Midwest • Free boat slips including our own fleet of boat rentals • A nationally recognized hiking and biking trail including bike rentals • Swimming, tennis and much more

• Fine casual dining at Windows Restaurant including our outdoor deck along the water • Watch your favorite sports at the friendly Reilly’s Lounge • All boatels, cabins and hotel rooms have been newly remodeled

For more information, call 1-800-633-3341 Visit us online at www.rendlakeresort.com

Located along the water in Wayne Fitzgerrell State Park, 2 Miles West of I-57, Exit 77, Off 154 in Whittington, IL

14 Life & Style : Summer 2014

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STEAKS • SEAFOOD • CHOPS • PASTA • WINE OPEN TUES-THURS 11-9 • FRIDAY 11-10 • SAT 4-10 • SUN 11-2:30

NOW OFFERING CATERING SERVICES

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OPEN WED-SAT NIGHTS LIVE JAZZ ON THURSDAYS AVAILABLE FOR PRIVATE EVENTS

Join Us On

FREE WIFI Life & Style : Summer 2014

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TASTE OF CHOCOLATE

C

hocolate took center stage Feb. 7 as the annual Taste of Chocolate returned to the Carbondale Civic Center. Attendees had a chance to sample many unique culinary creations, each including chocolate among its ingredients, and take home special auction items, including a collector’s edition Beatles tie worn by the auctioneer.

1. Jennifer Finney and Wilma Rawson, both of Marion

13. Gina Evans of Goreville and Savannah Stroud of Marion

2. Lynn Penrod and Heather Lange, both of Carterville, and Christie Doerr of Du Quoin

14. Jolene and Steve Falat of Murphysboro 15. Diane and Bill Gasa of Makanda

3. Pat Brown and Carolyn 16. Steve and Barb Mason Cox, both of Carbondale, of Marion and Debby Davies 17. Tessie and Ore of Hurst Ojewuyi of Carbondale 4. Laura Alvarado of 18. Mike and Terri Henry Carbondale, Terri Bryant of Murphysboro and Mary of Carbondale Mounts of Carbondale 19. Savannah Ramsey and 5. Kristin and Chet Snyder Monica Tichenor, both of Carbondale of Carbondale 6. Don Ursini and Dick Smith, both or Carbondale

20. Cyndi Roberts of Murphysboro and Andrea Barclay of Carbondale

7. Rhonda Kelley, Kay McClatchey, Molly Gaffney and Karen Kline, all of Carbondale

21. Carl and Linda Flowers of Carbondale

9. Maggie Flanagan of Makanda and Susan Elgren of Goreville 10. Maureen Berkowitz and Jane Adams, both of Carbondale

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22. Megan Jones Williams and Abby Odor, both of Carbondale 23. Rich Whitney and Paula Bradshaw, both of Carbondale 24. Davis and Kristy Robinson of Carbondale 25. Rosslind Rice of Carterville and Rhonda May of Elkville

26. Mark Kennedy of 11. Emily Slone and Jacob Murphysboro and Barb Hutchison, both of Vienna Eidlin of Carbondale 12. Whitney Scoggins of Carterville and Leslie Stroud, Kayla Szczeblewski and Dana Banks, all of Carbondale

16 Life & Style : Summer 2014

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8. Tabatha Curry, Traci Nicholson (seated), Sue Maier and Kim Maier (standing)

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CARTERVILLE CHAMBER AWARDS DINNER

M

embers and supporters of Carterville Chamber of Commerce joined together at Carterville Community Center on Feb. 13 to celebrate a year of successes.

Outgoing President Josh Combs handed the reins to Leigh Bedokis-Gusta, and awards were presented to new and improved businesses in town and residents worthy of special recognition.

1. Chamber Member of the Year Award recipient Shannon Johnson of Carterville

7. Patti and David England and Ron and Amy Simpson, all of Carterville

Chamber of Commerce President Josh Combs, Mindy Combs and Bethany Streuter, all of Carterville

10. John and Kay Dosier of Carbondale and Peggy and Ray Altmix of Marion

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8. Tammy Vaughn 2. Frank R. Samuel Jr. and Carol Schwartz Award recipients Rich and of Carbondale Janie Davis of Carterville 9. Jerry Crouse of 3. Emcee Ralph Brandon Marion, Dave Fombelle of of Carterville Anna and Sheri Crouse of Marion 4. Outgoing Carterville 9

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5. Erik and Clare Cornett of Marion

12. Raquel Shanks and Pat Haley, both of Carterville

6. Kelly Ansinelli, Jason Cook, Debra Tanner and Robin Moore, all of Carterville

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PHOTOGRAPHY BY RHONDA MAY

11. Melissa Lewis of Carterville and Matt Carnaugh of Marion

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13. Don Weyell of Carterville and Brinson Venable of Herrin

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CARBONDALE CHAMBER ANNUAL EVENT

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arbondale Chamber of Commerce members and friends turned out for the annual event at the SIU ballrooms in Carbondale.

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1. Amberly Tobin and Ali Larson

6. Bobbi Ward and Angela Povolisk

2. Tip O. Cook, Mel Goot and Andrea Barclay

7. Gary Kolb and Georgia Wessel

3. Chris Nolan and Darien Abadie

8. Estus and Diane Hood

5. Ben Jeffords, Karen Binder and Nora Inman

10. Tom and Beth Harness

9. Cheryl Graff, 4. Meghan Cole, Stephen Linda Flowers and Simpson and Ray Simpson Beverly Wilson

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11. Adam Longueville and Leah Stover

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www.jalc.edu Life & Style : Summer 2014

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SIH FOUNDATION DINNER GALA

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ore than 600 community members attended the Southern Illinois Healthcare Foundation dinner gala at the SIU Ballrooms April 11 in support of SIH’s efforts to build a cancer center in Carterville.

1. Mel and Ellen Bower of Carbondale

16. Doug and Amy Owens of Carterville

2. Ashley Odum and Tara Hardwick of Marion

17. Robert and Alyssa Kupferer and Valerie and Thomas Kupferer of Murphysboro

4. Barry and Jo Ancil of Carbondale 5. Gary and Jan Austin of Alto Pass

18. Misty and Don Wright of Carbondale

20. Jeff Franklin, Ann Bivens and Darrell Bryant of Carbondale

7. Rick and Jean McNeil of Carterville

21. Lisa and Darren Pulley of Marion

8. Sam Goldman and Clare Chance of Carbondale

22. Bart and Angela Millstead of Makanda

10. Janie and Rich Davis of Carterville 11. Doug and Carrie Gill of Carterville 12. John and Lianne Watson of Makanda and Bob and Berniece Davenport of Carbondale

23. Carlos Mella-Picel and Muhammad Jawad Popalzai of Carbondale

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24. Woody Thorne of Makanda and Michelle Thorne of Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla. 25. Glenn and Jo Poshard of Carbondale 26. Herman and Jennifer Miller-Louw of Carbondale

13. Gabriela and Adrian Martin of Makanda and Cesar and Melissa Coello of Carbondale

27. Tom and Rita Cheng of Carbondale

14. Julie and Jim Giacone of Benton

29. Katey and Quincy Scott of Makanda

15. Greg Stettler, Kyle Harfst, Terri Stettler and John Massie

30. Rex Budde of Herrin and daughter Paula Beattie of Plainfield

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19. Jim and Marilyn Storch of Herrin

6. Marty and Deb McMorrow of Cobden

9. Barbara and Mort Levine of Carbondale

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PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED BY SIH

3. Howard and Donna Crawshaw of Murphysboro

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BIG SPRING IS BLOOMING

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he Big Spring is Blooming Celebration was April 4 at the Carbondale Civic Center and included dinner, music, dancing and an auction. Proceeds support students with learning disabilities at Brehm Preparatory School and OPTIONS Transitions to Independence in Carbondale and their affiliated programs around the world.

1. Mike and Carol Dreith of Carbondale, Walt and Diane Tomczak of Carbondale, Nancy and Frank Poremski of Frankfort

and Jaylee and Jimmy Higgins of Belle Rive

2. Mary and Tallon “Tal” Brown of Carbondale, Angie and Brian Brown of Carbondale, John Wilson of Waynesville, N.C.

5. Donna and Richard Collins of Carbondale

3. Harlan Sledge and Laura Bayer of Mount Vernon, Stacy Brehm Tate and Mark Tate of Belle Rive, Jordan Tate-Higgins

7. Russ and Rocio Williams of Marion

4. Shelby Pals of Carbondale, Pat Clough of Carbondale, Terri and Greg Douglas of Herrin

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6. Mike Murray and Peter Gregory of Carbondale

8. Jen Phillips and Erin Camfield of De Soto 5

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PHOTOGRAPHY BY CHANDA GREEN

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BUSINESS BUZZ

Kristofer’s restaurant is a complete dining experience. With a four-course meal and relaxed environment, patrons are encouraged to take their time and enjoy their dinner.

MY, HOW THEY’VE

GROWN Von Jakob Winery & Brewery adds to ever-expanding offerings with Kristofer’s restaurant

story by Joe Szynkowski Josh Jacobs darts in and out of Kristofer’s like he’s putting out fires.

He shares laughs and smiles with customers inside the upscale restaurant, then heads out to the gift shop area to do the same. Then the deck. Then back to Kristofer’s.

Welcome to his role with the ever-expanding Von Jakob Winery & Brewery. “We have some pretty busy nights out here,” he says, laughing.

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 grape-growing efforts have ignited an expansion featuring more than 20 varieties 24

Life & Style : Summer 2014

of wine, a brewing company, two Southern Illinois winery locations, a bed and breakfast, and now the modernly designed Kristofer’s restaurant.

“Those extra years make us unique in that we’ve had a lot of experience in what people want,” Paul says.

“We’ve been able to develop loyal customers because we try to do our best in all aspects of the business,” says Josh, the owners’ son and marketing manager for the business. “We are family owned and operated, and we try to treat every customer like they are part of the family.”

Kristofer’s is the new prized jewel for the winery, offering a city-like dining atmosphere with dishes to match. Diners can enjoy a four-course meal

VON JAKOB WINERY & BREWERY German fare, steak, seafood, pork, fresh soups, vegetarian entrees, desserts 230 Illinois 127, Alto Pass 618-893-4600 Diners are urged to make phone or online reservations for Friday and Saturday night dinners at Kristofer’s.

Groups of 10 or more are kindly asked to select their entrees ahead of time.

including salad, soup, an entrée and dessert for a reasonable price.

“I think people are impressed by the great value,” Josh says. “People have told us we’re the best-kept secret in Southern Illinois.”

Succulent rib-eyes, unique appetizers and delectable cheesecake dot the menu, depending on the chef’s choice for that given night. Diners can also see how and where the business’ beer is brewed. The brew house is on the east side of the restaurant and offers a glimpse into the production process. Toward the center on the north side of the room, people can find the tanks that aid in the conditioning of the beer.

The subtle lighting, restored wood floors and quaint aura emit a classy dining experience within what was once a bustling fruit packing plant for Hartline Farms. Before the Jacobs’ purchased the location, the 100-year-old apple and peach orchard shipped its products to various businesses, including Gerber Baby Foods.

The Jacobs’ have worked hard at re-imagining and re-shaping the rustic charm of the old farm facility into what it is today — an entertainment hub.

The winery will host more than 20 weddings this year to complement its regular assortment of comedy nights, seafood boils and music festivals.

“It’s been amazing seeing everything take shape,” Josh says. “Our business incorporates so many different operations under one roof, which has at

times caused some growing pains, too.”

Josh’s main role over the past couple of years of accelerated growth has been instituting processes and procedures for all of the different operations.

He has worked hard to streamline operations across production, inventory and the supply chain to ensure a consistently elite customer experience.

Brewing its own beer came attached with a learning curve for the business, Josh says — one that required patience, testing and a bit more patience. It also called for continual training of staff members to ensure their expertise of the ins and outs of every type of beer offered.

“We do a lot of employee meetings, where we cover different topics and things that are happening,” Josh says. “And we try to do an educational portion devoted to beers, wines and food pairings. We try to prepare them to handle any customer question.”

Because a satisfied customer is a repeat customer in many cases for Von Jakob.

“The cool part about it is having SIU alums come back so many years later, wanting to show us off to relatives and family members,” Josh says. “Then they see how we’ve grown and are even more impressed.”

Clockwise from top: Kristofer’s restaurant, located at Von Jakob Winery & Brewery, offers four-course meals for as little as $14; vegetables saute on the stovetop at Kristofer’s restaurant; an entree at Kristofer’s restaurant ready to be served.

JOE SZYNKOWSKI is a professional freelance writer for Life & Style. Reach him at joeszynkowski@hotmail.com or follow him @JoeSzynkowski.

Life & Style : Summer 2014

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DON’T MISS THIS

LUAU AT BLUE SKY

When: Noon June 28 Where: Blue Sky Vineyard, 3150 S. Rocky Comfort Road, Makanda Phone: 618-995-9463 We can’t all take the time to cross the Pacific and head to a Hawaiian vacation. But, what if you needed only to travel south into the Shawnee Forest for a like experience?

The Luau at Blue Sky Vineyard will provide a one-day tropical getaway complete with fire dancers, contests for best-dressed and limbo and much more. Food and wine also will be available for purchase.

HERRINFESTA ITALIANA

When: May 19-26 Where: Herrin Civic Center and downtown Herrin Phone: 618-942-5055 This week-long festival celebrates the Italian heritage of Herrin. You’ll find golf and bocce tournaments, a carnival, arts and crafts exhibits, plenty of Italian-American food, a grape stomp, pasta sauce and pasta-eating contests, a parade, nightly entertainment and bands.

FORT DE CHARTRES SUMMER RENDEZVOUS

When: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. June 7-8 Where: Fort de Chartres, Prairie du Rocher Phone: 618-284-7230 For a real feel of Southern Illinois history, check out this fabulous summer event. The rendezvous focuses on life in Southern Illinois from 1750 to 1820, re-enacted by a gathering of traders and military attachments. There will be a food court, period music, fife and drum corps, mock battles, crafters and demonstrations.

HUNTERS OF THE NIGHT

When: 1 to 3 p.m. June 14 Where: Cache River Wetlands Center, 8885 Illinois 37 South, Cypress Phone: 618-657-2064 If you are looking for something a little closer to nature, this event is the perfect opportunity to get up close and personal with the owls of Illinois. Learn about these fascinating creatures as the center explores different species, their uniqueness in the bird world and many other interesting tidbits about these night predators.

PAT BENATAR AT WALKER’S BLUFF

When: July 13 Where: Walker’s Bluff, 326 Vermont Road, Carterville Phone: 618-956-9900 “Hit Me with Your Best Shot,” “Love Is a Battlefield,” We Belong” and “Invincible.” If any of these rock songs are in your music memory, you won’t want to miss Pat Benatar in concert at Walker’s Bluff. Benatar and her professional partner and husband, Neil Giraldo, will bring the sounds that made Benatar an MTV star in the 1980s. The VIP ticket package includes a pre-concert meet-and-greet with the couple. Prices have not yet been announced.

OUR HISTORY

VICTORIAN STYLE story by Chanda Green

Fun Victorian fact from SIU Museum: When a woman entered a room, it was considered rude for a man to offer his seat to her because the cushion might still be warm.

Now that you’re properly dressed for the occasion, let’s find a nice Victorian B&B where you’ll fit right in. There’s Riverview Mansion Hotel in Golconda (618-683-2196) with restaurant, bar, wine cave and all the modern amenities.

There’s Summers Riverview Mansion (618-524-5328) in Metropolis, an 1889 Victorian mansion that has been restored and decorated with period pieces, but still offers TV, Wi-Fi and DVD and CD players.

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Magnolia Manor is a post-Civil War home in the historic district of Cairo.

Fun Victorian fact from SIU Museum: A glance into a bedroom was considered improper if viewed by a visitor, so bedrooms were located on the second floor.

If you’re not up for an overnight stay, but would love a nice Victorian lunch, there are several beautiful Victorian restaurants within a relatively short drive.

Consider this: Lunch is served on the first Tuesday of the month in spring and fall at Magnolia Manor (618-734-0201), a postbellum home in the historic district of Cairo. You can call and arrange a tour of the museum at no charge or plan on attending the mansion’s annual Holiday House and admire the grand old dame in all of her Christmas finery.

Fun Victorian fact from SIU Museum: People thought food digested better in the dark, so a dining room located in the

basement was considered the best spot in which to eat.

Now, if you’re more of a do-it-yourself kind of Victorian lady, you just might want to hold your own tea party. A proper tea is a gathering of friends for light refreshments and conversation. Here are some authentic tips from “The Home Manual: Everybody’s Guide in Social, Domestic & Business Life,” published in 1889: “The day and hour of an afternoon tea may be written on a visiting card.

Only simple refreshments should be served: thin slices of bread and butter, sandwiches, fancy biscuit or cake and tea.

The hostess should receive her guests cordially and walk about the room, talking with her visitors.”

I hope you enjoyed your visit to days gone by and all of that delicious food and cup after cup of tea. But, before we leave, uh, can you tell me where to find the Victorian ladies room?

PHOTO BY THE SOUTHERN

Living the Victorian life seems to be a short-lived dream for most of us. Whether it’s tuning into a period movie, slipping into an antique gown, sipping our English tea from china cups or actually booking a night in a Victorian B&B, we love to stop by for a visit, but few of us want to live there, or should I say then.

After all, there are a lot of reasons that none of us should want to revert to the late 1800s, not the least of which would be the lack of modern health care or the oppression of women and other minorities. Still, it’s just like us humans to romanticize times gone by, and no era has had more dreamy-eyed visitors.

First, let’s get you dressed for the part, if you’re willing. For the Victorian man in your life, he’ll need a whole assortment of accessories, including cufflinks, shirt studs, removable collars, collar buttons, collar tabs, tie, tiepin, gloves, a watch with a fob, a bowler, a waistcoat and a frock coat. Still, we saved the best for last, ladies. Yes, we’re talking about a corset. I won’t go into the details of stays and the laces here. Just let me refer you to Sarah A. Chrisman, who wrote the book, “What a Corset Taught Me about the Past, the Present and Myself.” It’s the story of how she came to live as a Victorian lady.

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1015 E. Walnut Life & Style : Summer 2014

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ARTISTS

Seeing

Najjar Abdul-Musawwir paints, teaches — and hopes — for generations to come

Najjar Abdul-Musawwir stands with a few pieces of art in his studio.

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STEVE MATZKER, THE SOUTHERN PHOTOS

possibilities

story by Chanda Green photography by Steve Matzker

“Carpe Futurum!”

Najjar Abdul-Musawwir — professor, artist and activist — is more than the sum of those nouns.

Listen to him for only a few minutes, and you’ll start to understand just how much you don’t understand about this complicated, thoughtful and talented individual.

H

e teaches so that he may learn from his students.

“They may understand what I’m teaching better than me; then, I become the student,” he says.

He creates art for future generations, “for those young people who will come long after me.”

And he works with what he calls “disengaged youth” and their families in an effort to add to the chorus of creative voices that he hears when he dreams of a better world.

Najjar’s world has expanded exponentially since he was a child in Harvey, a suburb of Chicago, where he battled racism and abuse at school.

He was a gymnast and budding artist when he was young, watching his father draw cowboys and raiding the school library for art books. Then art took a backseat in high school, when he decided to concentrate on his gymnastics, eventually earning

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Najjar AbdulMusawwir sits with a few of his charcoal pieces at his studio. AbdulMusawwir combines water with charcoal to create a unique technique.

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a gold medal in a sport that was almost exclusively reserved for white athletes.

Still, the racism and abuse escalated until Najjar became disillusioned and disconnected with his studies and his training.

In an effort to escape the physical and mental violence, he dropped out of school, started “getting into trouble” and was sent to prison.

Some would have given up at that point, but Najjar flourished.

That’s where he found his religion as a Muslim, and his calling as an artist. Najjar began to take many of the classes that were offered, learned how to learn, and earned several degrees. He found some mighty mentors behind those bars, ones who encouraged him and propelled him forward into

Life & Style : Summer 2014

a world he thought he would never be a part of — the world of academia.

“I committed myself to reading and studying art for 10 years,” he says. “I learned so much there, from so many great teachers, many from SIU, that when I was released, that’s where I wanted to go.”

Najjar threw himself into his classes at SIU, found even more mentors — including painters Robert Paulson and Michael Onken and printmaker Joel Feldman — earned his Master of Fine Arts degree, won many prestigious awards for his art, including the Rickert Ziebold Trust Award in 1992, eventually became an associate professor in SIU School of Art and Design and received the Judge William Holmes Cook

Professorship Endowment in 2009.

Today, he teaches several classes, serves on academic committees and boards and creates works of art that have been exhibited internationally and honored with a long list of awards, commissions and invitations to exhibit and lecture all over the world. The most recent exhibition of his work internationally was at the Biennale Arte 2013 in Venice, Italy.

“Art truly saved my life,” he says to his students, to the young artists he works with, to his fans and to anyone else who will listen.

Despite his dizzying schedule of classes and engagements, Najjar remains a prolific artist, driven to create works that illustrate his culture, faith and experience through abstract language and a variety of materials.

“I’ve always felt that abstract painting is the most profound because, in the real world, we live in the abstract. We don’t really know everything. We only know part of everything,” he says. “A woman can lie next to a man for 50 years and still not know him.

It’s all an abstract.”

Najjar’s work includes his Garment Series, African Stool Series, Breast Cancer Series, Detroit: Best Kept Secret Series, and his current work, his Banjo Series. He has written essays for books, online magazines and exhibition catalogs and was quoted in the text, “Rethinking Contemporary Art and Multicultural Education” by New Museum, 2011. He has also conducted several workshops on using charcoal as a wet/dry medium, and he is currently writing a book on that technique.

“I have been very fortunate,” he says. “But I also made sure that I was ready when opportunity presented itself.”

Najjar describes his art as a mixture of motion, passion and feeling, a reflection of his search for reason, resolution and possibilities, and his need to experiment.

“I start with an idea, then I let it simmer in the knowledge and memories that make me who I am.

I let that mixture of inspiration and direction do its thing and let the work happen. It’s that content,

fueled by creativity, that determines the outcome.”

Najjar teaches this creative process, as abstract as his artwork, to his students.

“I’m an educator. It’s my job to plant the right information within my students, like seeds that hopefully will blossom during the course of their life.

“Above all else, I teach them to keep it real, to find what excites them, what’s important to them, what gets them up in the morning and keeps them going, and then to let that passion guide them in all of their creative work.

“Anyone can teach technique, and imitation is nothing more than immaturity. I try to empower my students, to teach them how to find their inspiration and how to have the courage to do your own thing, to keep it real.”

Abdul-Musawwir stands with a few pieces of his new art inspired by the kora, an African instrument which was the precursor to the banjo. Abdul-Musawwir says he does not manipulate any of the wood he finds but rather finds the place that each piece belongs.

Best parties...planned in the kitchen

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Life & Style : Summer 2014

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GOOD EATS

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Step one of making the perfect burger requires choosing the best quality meat and grilling it to the desired doneness.

Step two requires preparing the freshest toppings to add to the burger.

Summer =

BURGERS Make your barbecue sizzle with local organic beef and bison

On average, Americans eat three hamburgers a week, according to a recent PBS report. That’s a national total of nearly 50 billion burgers per year — a great majority of which are consumed during the peak summer grilling season.

story by Joe Szynkowski But what makes for the perfect one?

Is it the strategically seared grill marks or the perfectly cooked inside? Is it the beef or the buns?

Life & Style reached out to Lance Jack, owner of Fat Patties in Carbondale, for his thoughts. And Jack knows burgers.

When he moved to Carbondale in 1992, he struggled to find a good one.

“You had a few places, but none of them really matched up to what I was used to,” says Jack, who hails from the Twin Cities area.

That led Jack to opening Fat Patties in 2009 in an effort to bring a high-quality, local-focused burger option to Southern Illinois. The rest is history.

RESPECT YOUR PRODUCT “We will only use local, grass-fed or highquality commercial beef,” Jack says. “People notice the quality right away.”

A host of local companies offers such

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products, including Lick Creek Beef in Buncombe. Its meat is made from 100 percent grass-fed cattle with no antibiotics, growth hormones, chemical fertilizers, pesticides or herbicides.

“By raising our beef from start to finish, we have complete control over how the animal is raised and what the animal eats,” Lick Creek’s website states. “After we sell all of our animals in any given year, we will not buy animals from other farms in order to meet market demands.”

BE ADVENTUROUS Another local company producing highly sustainable meats is Bison Bluff Farms in Cobden. You will find its product on Jack’s menu, and he strongly urges you to give it a try.

“Some people really can’t tell the difference when they bite into the bison burger,” he says. “It’s a leaner, really light-flavored meat that just makes for a great burger.”

3

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Step three is to introduce the burger to the fries and serve.

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4 Step four is to dig in.

OTHER TIPS TO A GREAT BURGER Cook it: What’s the point of enjoying a burger if you’re going to make yourself sick? According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, ground meat must be cooked to at least 160 degrees for healthy ingestion.

Typically, this should take 10 to 15 minutes. Insert a meat thermometer in the thickest part of the patty to make sure it’s cooked to code.

Pre-grilling: Sea salt and coarsely ground black pepper are great options for readying your meat before grilling. You can also lightly brush your burgers with melted butter or olive oil for extra flavoring.

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The extras: “Different people like different things,” says Lance Jack. “I like experimenting with toppings.” Are you a mayo, lettuce and tomato fan, or are you willing to venture out into the world of roasted red peppers, artichoke hearts or fried egg? How you garnish your burger can make it really stand out.

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GETAWAYS

charm Unexpected

Along with beautiful beaches, you can find captivating communities and culture on Mississippi’s Gulf Coast story by Diana Lambdin Meyer | photography by Bruce N. Meyer

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The Gulf Islands National Seashore offers many places to visit, but be sure to check out Ship Island, one of many barrier islands that make up the national park unit. Most people reach Ship Island via the Captain Pete, a family-operated excursion boat based in Gulfport, Miss. From the boat, guests can view bottle-nosed dolphins playing in the water around them. Once on the island, they can explore the island’s three-mile circumference, visit the remains of old Fort Massachusetts or just relax on the beach.

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GETAWAYS

A warm ocean breeze accompanied my husband and me on our afternoon walk, rustling the leaves in the trees that canopied the street. Something above our heads sparkled in the sunlight, clinking gently into the wrought-iron railing of a second story balcony. A closer look into the leaves and there it was, caught on a tree branch — a few strings of Mardi Gras beads left over from rowdier days on the otherwise quiet street on which we strolled.

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T

he setting could be New Orleans. The fleur-de-lis was prominent on street signs and buildings we encountered.

French names appeared on many businesses and a certain je ne sais quoi filled the air.

But it wasn’t New Orleans.

Instead, we were about 90 miles east in lovely Ocean Springs, Miss., a genteel community founded by the same French explorers who founded New Orleans about 20 years later.

Ocean Springs is one of several captivating little communities along the Mississippi Gulf Coast filled with as much culture and bon temps as New Orleans, but without the “been there/done that” stigma of travel to the Big Easy. Add to that the 72 miles of sandy beaches, small town charm and a destination somewhat off the beaten path, all at a price considerably less than NOLA, and you’ve got four good reasons to turn left when you reach the south end of I-55.

The Mississippi Gulf Coast took a beating every bit as bad — some

say worse — than New Orleans when Hurricane Katrina ravaged the region in August 2005. In some places, the vacant lots, concrete steps leading to nowhere and the absence of trees are painful reminders of the devastation. But the rebirth and renewed spirit of the Gulf Coast makes your visit here that much more invigorating.

Take time to explore the Katrina Sculpture Garden on Highway 90 in Biloxi. These were the remains of those massive live oak trees found throughout the south, destroyed by Katrina’s winds and the salty storm surge. But now they are chainsaw sculptures representing sea life that bring a new level of comfort and beauty to the region.

We fell in love with Ocean Springs, where much of the creative energy is found along Washington and Government streets. Despite their distinctive American names, these streets offer up multi-cultural experiences.

From art galleries featuring local and international artists to shops carrying handmade wares and restaurants serving everything from crepes to gelato to Costa Rican coffee, this is much more than your

Clockwise from opposite page left: Starfish Cafe is an outreach program of PNEUMA Winds of Hope, Inc., a non-profit incorporated in 1998. The organization serves those most in need of food, clothing and resources. It has been in the community since 2005’s Hurricane Katrina; Nearly destroyed in Hurricane Katrina, this building was purchased by a pair of professional musicians who visited Bay St. Louis on their way to Florida for vacation. They became enamored with the town and never made it to their final destination. It is one of the few remaining physical locations existing on the Mississippi Blues Trail; Biloxi is famous for its lighthouse found in the middle of Highway 90. Morning tours to the top are offered, and the 55-step venture isn’t overly intensive. The view, though, offers a spectacular look at the Gulf of Mexico and the surrounding area, changing a visitor’s perspective and outlook on the region; A server at Starfish Cafe.

stereotypical Mississippi town.

However, one of the most famous restaurants along the Mississippi Gulf Coast is indeed down-home southern eating. It’s called The Shed Barbecue & Blues Joint.

Fans of the Food Network may recognize it from its two-season run there.

When you first pull into The Shed’s gravel, rutted-out parking lot off of Highway 57, you think you might have stumbled upon the town trash dump. But that’s The Shed, a meandering collection of this and that held together with baling wire and duct tape on the banks of an alligator-filled bayou.

The floor is gravel, the seating is communal and the ribs alone are worth the journey south to Mississippi.

And speaking of alligator-filled bayous, an afternoon swamp boat tour will get you up close and personal with those ancient critters while teaching you the difference between swamps, bayous, marshes and other habitats. We picked up our tour at Pascagoula Audubon Center, which is just about to move into a brand new facility these many years after Hurricane Katrina dismantled the original building.

Birding is big business in this region with more than 325 species

found along the Pascagoula River, which, locals are proud to tell you, is the largest free-flowing river remaining in the lower 48 of the United States. Captain Benny McCoy, who operates the swamp boat tours, will tell you all about it and do his best to get you uncomfortably close to alligators.

In the meantime, he may offer you a bite of a duck potato pulled from the mud or let you play with a lubber grasshopper, surely one of God’s ugliest creatures. But it’s a fun, refreshing afternoon nonetheless.

Another town we fell in love with is Bay St. Louis. The vibe here is

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39

GETAWAYS not so much French, but a little more edgy, kind of like Key West, but certainly a place with a mojo all its own.

Kerrie and Jesse Loya felt it right away. They were in the midst of a move from Los Angeles to Destin, Fla., when a jazz musician in New Orleans turned them on to Bay St. Louis, a little town about 60 miles east of New Orleans. The musician told them he would live in Bay St. Louis if he could live anywhere in the world.

A few days later, just for kicks and grins, the Loyas stopped in Bay St. Louis to see what was so great.

They never made it to Destin.

One of the appealing attractions for the Loyas, both professional musicians, was a run-down ramshackle building on Union Street. It had an aura about it that both were drawn to. That was in 2004, prior to Hurricane Katrina ripping the roof off the building on Aug. 29, 2005.

Just before it was demolished, Jesse swooped in and bought it for pennies. It was not until he and Kerrie had begun to restore the building, with hopes of turning it into a special events venue, did they learn its historical significance.

Built in 1920, this was home to 100 Men DBA Hall, a social club/support network for AfricanAmericans of the community that began in the 1890s. It eventually became a music hall, hosting the biggest names of the Chitlin circuit of the 1940s and ‘50s. Fats Domino, Otis Redding, James Brown and Big Joe Turner all rocked the wooden floors here. This is one of the very few physical locations that exist on the Mississippi Blues Trail, documenting and preserving the birth and growth of a fabulous musical genre. And now, Kerrie and Jesse host regular blues jams, drawing musicians from N’Orleans, St. Louis, Memphis and beyond.

To ensure your visit coincides with one of those performances, plan to be in Bay St. Louis the second Saturday of any month.

That’s when the community hosts its monthly art walk, and the Key West vibe really shows in Bay St. Louis. Those are among the 40 Life & Style : Summer 2014

reasons that in April 2013, Budget Travel magazine named Bay St. Louis as one of the three “Coolest Small Towns in America.”

Many community celebrations and events include the historic train depot, which was featured in the 1966 film classic, “This Property is Condemned,” starring Robert Redford, Natalie Wood and Charles Bronson. A self-guided walking tour of Bay St. Louis sites featured in the movie begins at the train station.

The train depot features Mardi Gras costumes from the city’s many celebrations over the years and an art gallery devoted to the work of Alice Mosely, a sassy little octogenarian who made Bay St. Louis her home late in life. From a little blue cottage nearby — it is now available as a vacation rental — Alice created some delightful folk art that shows off her sense of humor looking back on life in Mississippi.

With Bay St. Louis as your base, plan a day trip to Gulf Islands National Seashore. Specifically,

you’ll be visiting Ship Island, one of many barrier islands that make up the national park unit here.

These barrier islands are why much of the oil from the BP Deepwater Horizon spill in 2010 never reached the Mississippi mainland.

Most people reach Ship Island via the Captain Pete, a familyoperated excursion boat that makes two trips a day in the summer months from its base in nearby Gulfport, Miss. Grab a seat near the back and watch the bottlenose dolphins play in the wake created by the boat. Mother Nature always provides the best entertainment.

Once on the island, most folks grab a beach chair and umbrella and just relax. At just $10 for two chairs and an umbrella, it’s quite the deal. The surf is ideal for splashing about and the beach wide open for tossing a Frisbee or flying a kite. Bring along a fishing pole, explore the remains of old Fort Massachusetts or just walk the island’s three mile circumference.

It’s a great, low-key day at the beach.

At left: Katrina Sculpture Garden on Highway 90 in Biloxi features artwork carved from the remains of massive live oak trees found throughout the South, destroyed by the savage winds and salty storm surge of Hurricane Katrina in 2005. The sculptures, representing sea life, bring a new level of comfort and beauty to the Gulf Coast. Above: The Shed Barbecue and Blues Joint off Highway 57 doesn’t appear to be much, but don’t be too quick to judge a book by its cover. The restaurant’s atmosphere is a meandering collection of this and that held together with baling wire and duct tape; the floor is gravel and the seating is communal. But, that’s not what attracted the attention of Food Network, which featured the restaurant in a two-season show; that would be the barbecue, which is almost worth a trip to the Gulf Coast itself.

Of course, beautiful white sand beaches line the entire 72 miles of Mississippi’s Gulf Coast. A day at the beach is as simple as parking your car, kicking off your shoes and enjoying the Gulf.

Just 30 miles east of Bay St. Louis is Biloxi, famous for its lighthouse standing in the middle of Highway 90 and the Frank Geary-designed art museum. Inspired by the works of Biloxi’s “mad potter,” George Ohr, the museum includes a gallery featuring African-American art of Mississippi. The ceramics studio on site provides a welcomed diversion on the occasion of rain on the Gulf Coast.

If you want to climb the easy 55 steps to the top of the Biloxi lighthouse on one of the morningonly tours, you’ll need to buy tickets ($5) at the nearby visitors center. The climb is easy, the view spectacular, and it works off some of The Shed’s barbecued calories.

But take time to explore this visitors center, a replica of a magnificent southern home that

stood on this spot before Lady Katrina’s visit. In addition to all of the brochures and people available to answer your questions, there’s a lovely gift shop and very well done museum documenting the cultural diversity of Mississippi’s Gulf Coast.

Yes, cultural diversity in Mississippi. This region’s cultural richness includes Greek, Vietnamese, Italian, Irish and Slavic families, in addition to Caucasian and African-American. This is why people like Kerrie Loya say the Mississippi Gulf Coast is so creative, so inviting and gentle.

Of course, many people come to the Gulf Coast for the nine casinos in Biloxi. The granddaddy of them all is the Beau Rivage, complete with delicious spa, pool, golf course, shopping and entertainment beyond the casino floor.

But the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino is always a lot of fun for a bit of rock ‘n roll nostalgia. For those who like to gamble, but despise the smoke-filled setting,

check out the Palace Casino — one of the nation’s only smokefree casinos.

Biloxi is also a destination for the parrot heads of the world.

Jimmy Buffet was born just a few miles away in Pascagoula, so his Margaritaville Casino, with its beach bar atmosphere and Land Shark Lager, has an air of authenticity. The barefoot man often sneaks in to surprise the staff.

But the surprise was really ours at every turn along our journey of Mississippi’s Gulf Coast. “Who knew?” we kept asking ourselves.

But now that you do, you have no excuse not to plan a visit to this vacation hot spot.

DIANA LAMBDIN MEYER is a freelance travel writer originally from Wolf Lake in Union County.

Diana and her husband Bruce specialize in travel journalism.

Some of George Ohr’s pottery and Alice Mosely’s folk art now adorn their home near Kansas City, Kan.

Life & Style : Summer 2014

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SELF

Chinese MEDICINE More and more of us are turning to these ancient techniques story by Chanda Green In theory and in practice, Chinese medicine is very different from Western medicine. Chinese medicine practitioners advocate moderation in all things, living in harmony with nature and striving for balance in all things as a way of preventing and treating illness.

They treat each patient individually, according to their lifestyle and situation, and, as a result, two patients with the same symptoms or illness may receive very different treatments.

Chinese medicine uses include herbal remedies, tai chi and qi gong (combining specific movements or postures, coordinated breathing and mental focus), massage, cupping, dietary therapy, acupuncture and acupressure. The practice is based on the belief that harmony between two opposing, yet complimentary, forces — yin and yang — supports health and that

42

Life & Style : Summer 2014

disease results from an imbalance between these forces.

Chinese medicine practitioners also believe that Qi (pronounced chi), a vital energy, flows through the body performing multiple functions in maintaining health and that five basic elements — fire, earth, wood, metal and water — symbolically represent the stages of human life and explain the functioning of the body and how it changes during disease.

Dr. Ying Li has been practicing Chinese medicine in Southern Illinois for more than 12 years. Formerly a staff physician in a university teaching hospital in China, Dr. Li is a trained Chinese physician licensed and certified to practice oriental medicine and acupuncture.

She operates Southern Illinois Acupuncture with offices in Carbondale and Metropolis.

“I understand that both Western and traditional Chinese medical practices can work together,” she says. “I work closely with medical doctors to assure my

PHOTO (THIS PAGE) BY STEVE MATZKER; (OPPOSITE PAGE) COURTESY OF ART SERVICES

Dr. Ying Li, licensed acupuncturist at Southern Illinois Acupuncture.

DR. YING LI OF CARBONDALE OFFERS THIS SOUND ADVICE TO READERS WHO ARE CONSIDERING CHINESE MEDICINE AS A HEALTH-CARE CHOICE: Do not use Chinese medicine to replace conventional care or as a reason to delay seeing a health care provider about a medical problem.

Tell all of your health care providers about any treatments or remedies you are receiving from any source.

Do not try to treat yourself with any herbal remedies without consulting a health care provider or a professional trained in herbal medicine.

MORE INFO

Call Dr. Li’s office in Carbondale at 618-549-0750 or in Metropolis at 618-534-4512.

clients receive proper care. Many of my clients are referred to me by medical doctors, and many times I refer my clients to them.

“I primarily use acupuncture in my practice to stimulate the flow of one’s Qi or natural healing energy. I have used it to successfully treat chronic pain and disorders of the endocrine and neurological systems, but it can also help patients with headaches, insomnia, fatigue, anxiety, depression, arthritis,

menstrual irregularities, infertility, diarrhea, constipation, allergies, colds, asthma, sinus conditions and addictions to drugs, along with many other disorders.

“Occasionally I use herbs as a safe and natural alternative to pharmaceuticals to treat many ailments such as bronchitis, immune imbalances, incontinence, digestive difficulties, panic attacks, eating disorders, colds, flu and many other health problems.”

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Life & Style : Summer 2014

43

COVER

PARTY

PRO

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Successful parties are all about making connections. We connect with our friends, and we often connect with the foods and beverages served.

With a good advice and advance planning, your gathering can be the best you’ve ever hosted

P

story by Debbie Moore

arties are all about having fun while strengthening and creating friendships.

They should provide sustenance that satisfies your appetite, as well as your need for human connections.

Food and beverage, music, décor and ambiance are all the elements that turn a party plan into a success. Work ahead, stay organized and stick to your plan, and you will be able to party like a pro.

AN ELEGANT AND GRACEFUL EVENT Baby showers, wedding showers and birthday parties for great-grandmothers call for crisp tablecloths, folded napkins, pretty china, fresh flowers and printed menu cards. These are the things that make these events memorable and delightful, so don’t spare the details. It is important to send pretty invitations about a month ahead of the party. With the availability of paper crafting materials and computer software, it is easy to create unique invitations that fit the party theme. Use a similar design for the printed menu card that will be provided at each place at the dining table.

If your event isn’t sit-down style, present the menu cards with the first beverage offered guests. Banners and welcome signs can also match the theme of the invitation.

OUTDOOR PARTY Welcome summer with an outdoor party.

Around the pool or on the patio, on the front porch or on the back deck, in the grassy backyard under a tent or under blue skies, an outdoor party is always an easy-going way to entertain larger numbers of guests. Have an all-American barbecue with comfort food sides like potato salad, three-bean salad, coleslaw and baked beans.

Think about preparing foods that can be made easily in large quantities, perhaps the day before the party. This is a good opportunity to visit the deli at your favorite

Life & Style : Summer 2014

45

COVER your favorite supermarket and purchase some of its most popular cold salads.

Remember to ask to taste them before you buy them.

Always think about food safety if you are actually serving your buffet of foods in the outside temperatures. Set those bowls of cold salads in a container of crushed ice to keep them cold. A clear shallow tote box works perfectly as an at-home salad bar. Instead of garnishing each bowl, garnish the bigger container of ice. Fill in the gaps with pretty green kale leaves. Tuck in whole tomatoes, yellow squash and green peppers, or lemons, limes and oranges for color.

If you are concerned about keeping the salad bowls covered, invest in the mesh umbrellas that are designed specifically for that purpose.

Even though outdoor parties can easily be stand-up parties, it is always better to provide seating for your guests. If you don’t have enough outdoor furniture and don’t want to rent more, you can always invite your guests to bring their own lawn chairs. It is easy to provide a stack of blankets or mats for seating on the ground. If you have floor pillows, move them to the back deck. Benches, stools and bails of straw provide easy seating for this casual setting.

It is important to consider lighting for outdoor parties that will extend into the evening hours. Be prepared with candles or lanterns. It is easy to make suitable lanterns by pouring a couple inches of landscaping sand in the bottom of quart canning jars and placing votive candles in the sand. Always consider safety when using candles and lanterns with real flames.

Keep them in places where they can’t be easily knocked over by children or animals.

AN OPEN HOUSE, GRADUATION PARTY OR SPECIAL OCCASION When you’ve moved into a new house and have barely unpacked the boxes, or when you’ve finally finished that advanced degree and all the extended family has come from miles away to help you celebrate, make the party an easy one. Follow the trends and host a tapas party or set up a savory charcuterie board that covers the whole dining table. Open some wine, relax and enjoy your guests while they enjoy this easy fare.

Tapas originated in Spain, but, in the past few years, it has become a very popular theme for bars, restaurants and wineries in the United States. In the beginning, tapas was defined as a slice of bread used to cover a wine glass to keep insects from dropping in. As popularity grew, pieces of meat or cheese were added, and eventually an entire style of food and style of eating small portions evolved into this popular leisure-time food event. The make-ahead menu is easy and can include savories like roasted peppers, pickled onions 46

Life & Style : Summer 2014

and olives, a variety of cheeses, bite-size pieces of grilled meats, stuffed dates, salted nuts and grilled vegetables served at room temperature in flavored olive oils.

More importantly, hosting a tapas event is hostessfriendly. The beverage choice is typically sangria, and that is easily made and served from a large decanter.

Most of the food items can be pre-packaged and simply placed in serving dishes on an easy-to-reach buffet. The tapas buffet is a perfect time to show off collections of colorful pottery bowls, old cheese crocks or vintage canning jars. The hostess sets everything out and enjoys her guests as they nibble away, sipping their wine and enjoying their friends.

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Life & Style : Summer 2014

47

10

COVER

Successful parties are all about making connections.

We connect with our friends, and we often connect with the foods and beverages served. Another fairly new trend in entertaining, which lends itself to making those connections, is the charcuterie board. Charcuterie is the age-old craft of salting, smoking and curing meat. Bacon, sausages, hams, brined poultry and pâtés fit this category of food, and, since party-goers love bacon, the hostess cannot go wrong.

This is the time to pull out old wooden cutting boards, marble cheese boards and rustic trays. All the meats can be arranged on the boards and trays about 15 minutes before guests arrive. Overflowing baskets of crackers, bread sticks and toasted baguette slices should be offered with additional accompaniments and condiments like dilled cornichons, salty olives, smoked almonds, spicy mustards and marmalades spiked with horseradish or hot peppers. A variety of soft creamy cheeses and hard cheese adds flavor and texture. All of these wonderful foods are available in today’s supermarkets, and deli staff are usually willing to slice the hard sausages. Guests won’t have trouble making a meal on this hearty fare, and the hostess will just disappear into the crowd.

Showers are often filled with party games. Make sure the games you choose are tasteful and appropriate. Did you know that it is proper for the winners of these games to present their prizes to the guest of honor? Party favors, on the other hand, should be provided to each guest and should be something they can take home as a memory of a special time. The best place to find examples of party favors is at www.pinterest.com. All you have to do is enter a search and you’ll be amazed at what you’ll find.

These special occasions are the times to use your best china and glassware. If you have silver, polish it and use it.

If you need to borrow items from friends and family, don’t hesitate to ask. Every hostess has been in that situation.

This is also a time to create an elegantly served menu, and that is another time to ask for helping hands. The proper way to serve food to guests at a sit-down meal varies over cultures, but the standard etiquette is to remove empty plates from the right side of the guest, while serving filled plates from the left side of the guest. Always remember that the guest of honor should be served first.

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TO DO IT THE RIGHT WAY

1

Organize, using your iPad or old fashioned pen and paper, but make a list and create a plan of action. Make a budget a part of your plan and be sure you create a chronological countdown to party time, so you get everything done well in advance. Don’t forget to do things early like creating your music play list or collecting decorations.

2

If you are planning on cooking the food for your party, for every one menu item you prepare yourself, buy another menu item that is already prepared. Time is money, and while everybody loves homemade foods, there are fantastic deli, bakery and pre-packaged items that will ease the load on the hostess who is also the cook.

3

Create your party around a theme. If you are having a graduation party, consider focusing on the school’s colors.

Tableware, linens and floral centerpieces can easily depict a theme surrounding specific colors.

If your party is being held outdoors, consider a lively and colorful Fiesta theme or an easy red, white and blue Americana theme.

4

Make sure you have enough tableware, service ware and glassware for your party guests.

Last minute scrambling for more wine

glasses or dessert plates is uncomfortable, so don’t put yourself in that position.

You might want to plan your menu based upon the variety of party ware you actually have, so do your inventory early. Sometimes a set of pretty platters, perhaps shaped like sunflowers, can be the centerpiece for a thematic and colorful tablescape. Don’t be afraid to be an eclectic mix and match tablescaper.

If you are setting up a buffet service, set it up correctly. Flatware and napkins should be the last things guests pick up.

Otherwise, they have to juggle those items as they move through the buffet line carrying a plate and scooping food.

5

Develop your menu early and stick to it, so you can shop early and take advantage of sales and so you can prepare and freeze some foods in advance of the party. Plan on using as much seasonal locally grown produce as is possible. Buying locally grown produce is one of the hottest food trends in the United States, and buying produce in season is always economical. Cupcakes are another hot trend and they can be

decorated to match the theme of your party. Who doesn’t love a cupcake?

match the menu. Don’t serve dark Irish ale with Asian food.

6

7

Unless you have an in-house bartender, consider limiting the amount of beverages available for your guests. Punch is in, so don’t hesitate to create a fruit juice based beverage that can be spiked with a splash of flavored vodka or rum. Punch bowls are not fashionable, so serve your punch from pitchers or the large decanters, which are very fashionable. A couple varieties of cold beer can be served in the bottle.

Choose just a couple wines to serve.

Something red and dry with something white and sweet will satisfy most palates and the discount achieved by purchasing case lots of wine will satisfy your budget.

If your party space is large enough to have separate bars set up, keep the wine, beer and cocktails in separate places.

Always keep your beverage bar separated from the food service area. Always remember that not everybody consumes alcohol, so make sure you have plenty of other beverages like iced tea, water and soda. Make sure your beverage choices

Ambiance is important. Play music that is friendly, yet energetic.

Use low lighting, yet enough that people don’t feel like they are stumbling in the dark.

8

Seat guests in an effort to make them mingle. Put folks together who need to get to know each other.

9 10

Embrace friendly assistance. Don’t hesitate to say yes, when a friend offers to help serve or prepare food.

Most honored guests dislike surprise parties, but don’t let that keep you from having an element of surprise built into the format of a party. A slide show of wedding pictures at an anniversary party is usually well received.

— Debbie Moore

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618.549.6165 Life & Style : Summer 2014

49

AT WORK

Cake

BOSS

Ally McKinney turns an interest into a full-time career

story and photography by Adam Testa

Many teenagers spend their days waiting for school to end. After the bell rings and the day’s homework is filed away, learning is the last thing on their mind.

That wasn’t the case for 16-year-old Ally McKinney of Marion. While her expanded education began in front of the television set, her interests and passions drew her away from shows like “Cupcake Wars” and “Ace of Cakes” and led her into the kitchen.

Inspired by those shows, she started experimenting with baking and decorating, beginning with a client she knew well: her church.

“After that, I just started getting orders, and it went from there,” she said.

Now 20, McKinney has turned a hobby into a business, Cakes by Ally. She started working from home, but now, shortly more than two years after turning baking into a full-time venture, she has moved into her own location at 1507 Osage Drive in Marion.

The journey has been a pretty rapid one. In March, she started operating out of a downtown coffee shop, baking in the kitchen and selling her goods in the lobby. While appreciative of the offer and opportunity to gain public exposure, McKinney’s dream had always been to have a place of her own.

“This just came so quick and it seemed perfect,” she said.

But cakes aren’t the only love of McKinney’s life.

In addition to being a baker and decorator, she’s also a single mom raising an almost-2year-old daughter, Olivia.

Balancing motherhood with entrepreneurship can be challenging, but McKinney can’t imagine life any other way.

“It’s difficult,” she said. “You work long hours and don’t always get paid for them, but this is my passion.

It’s both my hobby and my job.”

50 Life & Style : Summer 2014

Ally McKinney of Marion developed an interest in baking and decorating by watching a variety of reality television shows focused on professionals in those industries. At age 16, she set out and taught herself, using online videos as a guide and baking in the family kitchen. Now, three years later, she has turned her hobby into a full-time business, first partnering with a downtown coffee shop and now moving into her own location.

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51

WINE COUNTRY

Alto Vineyards was the first winery to establish roots in Southern Illinois. Since then, many have followed.

more The region’s wineries are happy to set up tasting opportunities so brides and grooms can select favorite wines for their receptions. An advance call will always help make the process easier. Here are the three we mentioned, but you should feel free to contact your favorite local vintner.

Alto Vineyards Illinois 127, Alto Pass 618-893-4898

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Life & Style : Summer 2014

Blue Sky Vineyard 3150 S. Rocky Comfort Road, Makanda 618-995-WINE

StarView Vineyards 5100 Wing Hill Road, Cobden 618-893-9463

At special celebrations,

LOVE IS IN THE AIR and in our wine glasses

story by Debbie Moore photo by Steve Matzker Love is frequently in the air at Southern Illinois wineries. The casual festivals on vineyard grounds offer the perfect ambiance for first dates.

The pleasant hillsides, fragrant with growing grapes and dotted with picnic tables, provide a beautiful backdrop for marriage proposals. It’s no wonder brides want to serve their favorite local wines at wedding receptions.

Brides don’t have to hold their weddings or receptions at actual wineries to serve those local wines. Most wineries in the region work cooperatively with other venues, including banquet halls and restaurants, to make it easy to serve their wine. All it takes is a little paperwork and the exchange of liquor license documentation. That process can be facilitated by the winery.

Alto Vineyards has been doing this longer than other wineries, because it was the first to open its doors, selling the first 1,500 gallons of wine in 1988.

Corey Peters, tasting room manager in Alto’s new facility, said staff members are happy to provide planning assistance to local brides.

Often, staff will help the bride choose

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wines to go with reception menus.

Sometimes, the efforts are done in reverse, and staff will recommend food items to go with favorite wines. Alto’s Heartland Blush continues to be one of the region’s favorites; it lends itself to a variety of menus and pairs well with reception foods.

Another very popular service provided

by Alto Vineyards is the customized wine bottle labels. Brides can add sayings and pictures to labels to commemorate their special wedding occasion.

Brett and Regina Morrison have owned StarView Vineyards for less than a year, but they have already enjoyed working with brides.

Brett says that their Venus, a blush rose similar to a white zinfandel, is one of their most popular wines for receptions. StarView describes this wine as one that complements life’s beautiful moments. The Vignola, a semi-dry white, runs a close second. It has a little hint of tropical flavors like pineapple and pairs well with chicken and pork. Brett and Regina are both available to provide assistance to wedding planners as menus and wines are chosen.

They have new plans for StarView and will continue to work hard to make the same style and quality wines that

the previous owners made. They are also going to start “slowly but surely” expanding their venue.

Rebecca Newburn is the event coordinator at Blue Sky Vineyard, and she spends a lot of time working with brides. Her services are available to brides who use Blue Sky as their venue, but also to brides who choose Blue Sky wines to serve at other venues. She makes herself available to answer quick questions or spend longer periods of time in the planning process.

Rebecca indicated that since Blue Sky has such a wide variety of wines available, there is no single wine that stands out as a wedding reception favorite. She works with couples to pick varieties that they will enjoy — wines that pair well with their meal. Blue Sky also offers customized wine bottle labels for brides.

There is almost always a champagne toast at a wedding reception, and Southern Illinois wineries don’t typically make sparkling wines, so the champagne comes from another source. That will change in 2014. Blue Sky will begin offering something that sparkles and bubbles. It won’t be long until even that special toast can be made with local wine.

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1218 Walnut • Murphysboro • 618-527-0447 Life & Style : Summer 2014

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PROFILE

Meet the

story by Adam Testa

ROCK DOC photos by Adam Testa, Satyadeep Bhattacharya

SIH’s Satyadeep Bhattacharya doubles as musician in his native Nepal If medicine is Satyadeep Bhattacharya’s first passion, music is a close second. Maybe it’s the other way around. Born the son of a surgeon and a professional singer in Nepal, Bhattacharya watched his parents help people on a daily basis. While his father saved lives, his mother helped change them by serving as a social advocate for handicapped children.

The family values were clearly passed down to another generation, as Satyadeep “Satya” Bhattacharya and his two older sisters all pursued careers in medicine.

“Both of my parents have focused their whole lives on helping people as much as they can, and that’s been a real influence for me,” said the 32-year-old doctor, now a colorectal surgeon with Southern Illinois Healthcare Medical Group.

As his father’s career influenced his own, Bhattacharya also followed his mother’s path in music. He played with various groups through medical school and recorded his own album in 2009.

Balancing the daytime schedule required of a surgical residency in Boston with a nighttime routine of planning, writing and recording music with a team on the other side of the globe, Bhattacharya lived a dream when the album was released.

“We launched it, and it actually did really well; people loved it,” he said. “We also donated 100 percent of the proceeds to handicapped children in Nepal for their education. It was extremely satisfying.”

The satisfaction wasn’t over. The album would earn Bhattacharya a bit of stardom, as he was nominated for four honors at the Hits FM Music Awards, the oldest and largest music awards ceremony in Nepal.

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people’s attention in the states. The seeds in his life planted by each of his parents were beginning to blossom, and, in August 2013, they took root in Southern Illinois.

Satyadeep Bhattacharya performs at a concert. He said he’s played a few times locally with the band We’ve Got It Covered, but he would like to become more active in the local music scene.

Nominated for Album of the Year, Song of the Year and Best Male Pop-Rock Vocal Performance, Bhattacharya took home the prize for Best New Artist, making his mark on the Nepalese music scene.

But while his music earned him accolades back home in Nepal, it was Bhattacharya’s medical prowess catching

What led to your decision to be a doctor? I grew up in Nepal in a very tight-knit family full of doctors. My dad, both my sisters, both my brothers-in-law and me, we’re all doctors.

I used to go to the hospital with my dad when I was a little kid; I used to go to the OR and the floors with him. I kind of always wanted to be a doctor, but, at the same time, my dad was very much into music as well, as were my older sisters.

I was the baby of the family being influenced by everyone else, and I kind of absorbed all of that and veered toward medicine and maintained my interest in music at the same time.

Is your family still in Nepal? My dad is still in Nepal. He doesn’t do as much clinical work as he used to; he’s going on 79, but he still goes and teaches at the medical college and sees patients. He just doesn’t operate as much as he used to.

My oldest sister and brother-in-law are in India; they’re in the Indian Army Medical Corps. My other sister and brother-in-law are in Boston; they’re in

biotech. They chose the better life than I did (laughs).

What led you to Southern Illinois and SIH? I went to medical school back in Nepal. Then, I worked at the National Academy in Kathmandu for about a year and a half as a house officer in surgery.

That was always a dream of mine to work there because that’s where my dad spent a bulk of his career.

It was great. I would do operations with

nurses who had actually done them with him back in the day. Some people would just treat me like a baby because they’d seen me as a little kid coming in with my dad.

In the meantime, I was preparing to take the U.S. medical licensing exams.

I came over here, started in Boston; that’s where I did my surgical residency.

I moved to Providence, R.I., for a colorectal fellowship at Brown University for a year. Then I was looking for openings for jobs.

Because I’m not from the U.S., I’m not really restricted as far as geography goes.

I was open to moving anywhere, given the particulars of the job.

I came down for an interview, and I loved the place, the people, the organization. I really liked the vision that SIH presented to me in terms of expanding health care out in the area and really making a difference by providing health care services that previously weren’t available and improving the health care status of the area.

A lot of the population here is very underserved, and that’s part of what we’ve been working on, really increasing the health care awareness in the area so they can help us help them.

What was the transition like coming from Nepal?

Nepal is still one of the poorest countries in the world — a lot of really good people there, but also scarcity of resources in health care and other areas. Moving to the U.S., in many ways, opened me up to a lot of availability of resources.

I can do a lot more for my patients. I can get the tests I want to, and I don’t have to think too much about it. Getting a CAT scan isn’t as big of a deal; people don’t even think about it, as opposed to back home where you don’t order a CAT scan

To his peers in Southern Illinois, Satya Bhattacharya is one of the newest acquisitions at Southern Illinois Healthcare, a colorectal surgeon who joined the staff in August. To his friends and family back home in Nepal, he’s not only a skilled doctor, but also a talented musician. In 2010, Bhattacharya won the Hits FM Best New Artist of the Year award for his debut pop-rock album, ‘Pulse.’

Satya Bhattacharya’s debut album, ‘Pulse,’ was recorded in 2009 and earned the singing doctor four nominations in the Hits FM awards, the most noted musical recognition in Nepal. ‘Pulse’ landed him bids for Album of the Year, Song of the Year and Best Male Pop-Rock Vocal Performance, as well as Best New Artist, which he won.

unless you really, really, really need it because it’s expensive for people.

Some of that has stayed with me, though, in the way I practice medicine.

I try not to waste money. We just do medicine very differently here. While I enjoy that I have a lot more resources at my disposal, I want to hold onto the economical way of practicing health care I learned back home because I think that’s important.

What other differences have you encountered in medicine between Nepal and the U.S.? For the most part, people in the U.S. seem to be more knowledgeable about health care, but it varies. I’ve seen a big difference between Southern Illinois and Boston; people here aren’t as aware about health care and what can be done and what options are available.

Back in Nepal, people still come to you from the villages, and a lot of them have had no exposure to this. There’s this significant chunk of the population in remote areas who don’t even have access to basic health care.

But in terms of principles of practicing health care, a lot of it is the same. You still want to help educate people. You still want to make a big push and focus on preventive health care and, for people who still have problems, help them out.

What’s the most rewarding part of your job? I think it’s the satisfaction you get, especially when you get someone who is really, really sick and you struggle with them and really try to help them.

When that patient walks out of the hospital, it’s a really tremendous feeling.

All the sleepless nights and all the long days and all the effort and the tiredness and the stress of it — it’s all worth it.

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Left: Satya Bhattacharya plays several instruments in addition to singing. He started playing guitar and shifted to drums before giving that up to focus on vocal performance. Below: Satya Bhattacharya credits his family as his inspirations. His father was a surgeon in Nepal, while his mother was a professional singer.

Both of his sisters, as well as his brothers-in-law, also entered the medical field. While the family is separated geographically, they remain united through their commitments to medicine and passion for music.

Outside of medicine, can you elaborate on your roots in music?

Growing up, I had a lot of different musical influences. From my parents, it was a lot of the traditional Nepalese, Bengali and Indian music because that’s what they listened to.

At the same time, I had two older sisters who were a lot into Western music, and their tastes varied, as well, from sentimental, country music to hard rock and heavy metal.

I got the whole gamut of musical influences, and I think that’s something that stayed with me; that really shaped how I listened to music and how I appreciated it. To this day, I listen to pretty much every single kind of music.

That also played a part in what kind of music I participated in, as I have performed music and songs in a ton of different languages, different genres and different forums, from very quiet, formal gatherings to very raucous, rowdy audiences. It’s been a great passion of mine.

Do you play an instrument? I sing.

Growing up, I played the guitar for a little bit, but transitioned to playing the drums. I used to play the drums and sing at the same time, but it was tough. There are plenty of famous people who have done that in the past, but it’s still tough.

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Life & Style : Summer 2014

confined to what you can do in one space while playing the drums. Just singing gives you a little more freedom and artistic expression that you can display during performances, so I had to train someone else to do the drums so I could be the lead vocalist.

How do you describe your album?

It was all Nepalese pop rock. As a professional, that’s all I’ve done.

It also dove into my personal musical tastes, so it has everything from a traditional Nepalese influence to slow rock, a little faster rock, as well as some blues and bluegrass. There’s just a little bit of everything; it was my debut album, and I’m glad it did well.

I had a lot of fun doing this album. I worked with a music director back home, and I would have ideas I would tell to him. I can’t read or write my own music; I never got formal education, even though my musical influences were so strong.

I would work with him on what I wanted, and he would get it done. We got a group of talented musicians to do the music. It was a really enjoyable period in my life.

Are you still involved with music?

Do you ever perform around here?

I have performed a couple of times at private functions. I played at Copper Dragon with We Got It Covered; they’re a

good bunch of guys and do all the classic rock, rock and roll and country. I’ve performed a couple of times with them, and I’m sure we’ll do it again.

I would actually love to be more active on the musical scene in the area. I also realize it’s been more than four years since my last album, and I want to work on something new at the same time.

Who are your favorite bands or performers? Among them: Guns and Roses, Def Leppard, the Beatles, the Rolling Stones, Aerosmith, Eric Clapton, Bob Dylan. They’re all legends.

Did you ever get to see any of your favorite acts growing up? No, they did not ever come to Nepal, and I felt so deprived. That is something I’m really, really glad I’ve come to the U.S. for.

I’ve gotten a chance to see some of my gods in action. The first major concert I saw was in Boston; I saw Cheap Trick, Poison and Def Leppard, and that was like, “Yes!” Then I saw U2; I saw AC/DC, another one of my favorites. I saw Guns and Roses on my 30th birthday; that was one of the best birthday gifts I ever could have gotten. This was a newer lineup, but they were fantastic. I saw Bryan Adams, who I absolutely love.

I’ve performed songs by each one of these bands at some point in my life, and it’s just a blessing to be able to see them.

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Luke and Leah Griffin share a kiss under the archway at St. Stephen’s on the Hill during a styled wedding shoot. Pieces of the venue’s decor were built using local materials, such as stone from the old Eldorado High School.

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Quite a bit of local history is ingrained into St. Stephen’s, as well. The structure itself is designed as the ruins of a European church with stone from the old Eldorado High School, and the lamp posts were made at Banner Iron Works in St. Louis in 1870.

PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED BY J FORTUNE PHOTOGRAPHY

VENUES

Included in wedding packages at St. Stephen’s on the Hill is a brick engraved with the couple’s names and wedding date. The brick is then inlayed at the entrance to the chapel, commemorating the special occasion.

St. Stephen’s on the Hill is a unique wedding venue with a past story by Joe Szynkowski If you’re thinking about scheduling your wedding at St. Stephen’s on the Hill in Eldorado, you may want to reserve it now.

Booked for 2014 and already filling up the 2015 slate, St. Stephen’s is quickly becoming a must-marry destination in Southern Illinois. The venue opened in 2012 as a fairy-tale wedding location for owner David Bartok’s daughter, Jillian.

Bartok and Pam Harbison have since established a reputation for putting together magical weddings for brides and grooms across the region. From all of the groundwork and parking cars to coordinating meals and photography, Bartok and Harbison do it all.

Their efforts have paid off.

“Gorgeous isn’t an adequate enough

word to describe St. Stephen’s on the Hill,” says Hannah DeVous, who married her husband Jeffery there. “I knew that it was one of the best venues we would be able to find in Southern Illinois.”

Weddings at St. Stephen’s can comfortably accommodate 300 guests.

Bartok and Harbison, who are presently planning the addition of an indoor facility, can put wedding couples in touch with planners, musicians, photographers, caterers and even a horse-and-carriage service. Included in their wedding packages is a brick engraved with the couple’s names and wedding date. The brick is then inlayed at the entrance to the chapel.

The setting is named after Saint Stephen the Great, the Patron Saint of the Hungarians and of stone masons, who was born in 977 and died in

Luke and Leah Griffin pose on the benches at St. Stephen’s on the Hill during a styled wedding shoot.

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VENUES

1038. Bartok’s grandparents, Joseph and Erzabet (Szmere) Bartok, were Hungarian immigrants who traveled on the USS Carpathia to Ellis Island, N.Y., in 1906 and eventually settled in Saline County, where they bought the very farm now home to St. Stephen’s.

“The namesake is a tribute to my grandparents and all of the immigrants who managed to make a future possible for those to come,” Bartok says.

Quite a bit of local history is ingrained into St. Stephen’s, as well.

The structure itself is designed as the ruins of a European church with stone from the old Eldorado High School, and the lamp posts were made at Banner Iron Works in St. Louis in 1870.

Also from St. Louis is the large light at the entrance of the church. The stainedglass window came from the Hungarian St. Ladislaus Catholic Church in Hazelton, Pa. More recent history is highlighted by the slate shingles on the entrance of the chapel. They originated from St. Joseph’s Church in Ridgway, which was mostly destroyed in the historic leap year tornado two years ago.

Local photographer Autumn Vinyard has shot four weddings at St. Stephen’s. From the tree-lined lane to the grove of oak trees that overflows with daffodils in the spring, the venue is the perfect place for a photographer, Vinyard says.

“It is such a unique place and only five minutes from town, but you feel like it’s set in the countryside of England or another magical place. You can tell that when people celebrate at St. Stephen’s, it gives them joy as well.”

contact

Luke and Leah Griffin participate in a styled wedding shoot at St. Stephen’s on the Hill. The venue offers expansive outdoor space with tree cover to create a special atmosphere for any ceremony.

DAVID BARTOK P.O. Box 29 Eldorado IL 62930 dbartok58@hotmail.com 618-525-5600

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APPS

to MOBILE APPS Bottle caps

Technology can help you find the perfect drink

story by Adam Testa How many hours does the average person spend contemplating the recipe for success?

At a certain point, usually on the weekend, individuals learn to let those serious thoughts go for a while and focus instead on something a little more savory. The recipe for a perfect martini or margarita, perhaps?

Navigating the world of fine drinks, from wines to spirits and mixed drinks to specialty concoctions, can be challenging.

Everyone has his or her own tastes and must find the best fit.

And while the weekend may be a time to step away from the work computer and set the business phone to silent, there are ways technology can help make the weekend more enjoyable — and tasty.

Here are some apps widely available on smartphones, tablets and other devices that can help find the perfect drink for your personal passion.

BEER PAD/WINE PAD: These two apps are basically identical. They can be used as a journal to record thoughts on various wines or beers. You can take notes, rate the drinks you try and take a picture of the bottle or label to spark your memory.

The apps remember everything you enter and can be used as a reference guide in the future.

DRINKS: Not sure what you want to make this evening? Using this app can help make the decision for you. Users can search by drink name or by ingredients you already have on hand to receive a list of suggestions. You can even edit existing mixes to add your own personal touch and create your own drink library.

HELLO VINO: Ever wanted a personal sommelier? This app is almost as useful.

Tell the app what you’re eating, and it will give you a pairing suggestion. You can also save favorites and note those wines that weren’t with you, making future choices even easier.

SPEAKEASY COCKTAIL: Bring two awardwinning mixologists into your evening’s plans with this app, packed with more than 40 instructional videos and 200 interactive recipes. You can learn the best recipes, techniques and supplies — presented as photos, slideshows, pop-up definitions, pro tips and more.

THEBAR.COM: Hosting a party around a special theme or event? This app provides drink recipes for all occasions, from tailgating to horse racing and award-show night to board game get-togethers. Even events that don’t seem to go hand-in-hand with alcohol, such as book clubs and brunch, are included.

TOP MARTINI RECIPES: Essential for all martini lovers, whether they prefer their drink shaken or stirred, this app lists the many variations of the classic cocktail and offers photos, lists of ingredients and detailed instructions.

Shake your phone for a random recipe and try something new.

Life & Style : Summer 2014

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DÉCOR

Hot topics for

DECORATING story by Chanda Green

Most of us can’t resist picking up those home decorating magazines or visiting the websites that offer the latest Quick & Easy Decorating ideas and Home & Décor trends to help us create Better Homes or a House Beautiful. Whether your style is Southern Living or Country Living, we just want some Real Simple tips and ideas to make our House & Home a Romantic Home, a Traditional Home, an Ideal Home, a Fresh Home, or at least something we can be proud of when friends and family stop by.

So, we flip through the pages, skimming the articles penned by the “experts” and scanning the before-andafter photos, trying to glean something that can be translated from haute décor to something we can afford, some ideas that we can realistically use to add a bit of panache or pizazz to our own home sweet — if a bit tired looking — home.

Enter Angela Rowe, a Decorating Den certified designer and owner of Decorating Den Interiors in Harrisburg, one of the most pleasant, knowledgeable and helpful decorators you’re likely to encounter. After collecting what the above-mentioned designers touted as the latest trends in home decorating, Angela graciously offered to help make sense of it all.

“So many of the trends you’ll read about in these magazines and on these websites are for someone living in a New York City apartment or a Los Angeles loft. They’re just not going to fly in Southern Illinois,” she says. “What I tell my clients is, ‘Don’t talk yourself into choices that you might regret, just because it’s something that’s new or trendy.’”

So, we threw some haute décor trends at Angela and here’s what she had to say.

Furniture is trending toward lighter woods such as walnut, oak and cherry. “The trend I see in furniture is

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PHOTOGRAPHY (THIS PAGE) BY ART SERVICES; [OPPOSITE PAGE, TOP) PROVIDED, ART SERVICES

Take the trends you like and leave the rest on the showroom floor

customization, choosing from several different finishes for the one that suits you, making these new pieces truly your own,” she says.

“I’m also seeing a continuing trend of what one of my co-workers calls the “Mad Men meets mid-America” look, based on the styles of the ‘60s, the time period of that popular television series. It’s mid-century modern with very sleek, straight lines, shiny surfaces and uncluttered looks.”

Outdoor fabrics are trending away from the practical and more toward indoor fabrics that are varied and luscious. “What I am seeing is outdoor fabrics such as Sunbrella coming indoors on sofas and chairs,” Angela says. “They’re beautiful, but they’re also practical. They don’t fade as quickly and they’re easier to clean, so they’re able to withstand the messiest kids and the worst spills.”

Trending in upholstery are hide rugs and fur. “I don’t see fur hides as being super popular for furniture coverings, but I do see animal prints and faux fur hides used for accent furniture pieces,” she says. “That can be really fun.”

‘I’m seeing a continuing trend of what one of my co-workers calls the ‘Mad Men meets mid-America’ look, based on the styles of the ‘60s, the time period of that popular television series. It’s mid-century modern with very sleek, straight lines, shiny surfaces and uncluttered looks,’ said Angela Rowe, owner of Decorating Den Interiors in Harrisburg.

This year white walls will be replaced with dark, moody walls, accented with mixing and matching metallic accessories. “Gray has been the neutral color and top choice for the last year and a half, and I’m still seeing shades of gray as the most popular color for walls,” Angela says. “Metallics have been popular for a while, but the whole accessory market is what is really booming in home décor. That’s another way to really make a room your own, a way to bring drama, glamor and your own personality into your home. Accessories can change the whole look of a room.”

Blues will be a big trend this year — more rich, saturated colors like navy and indigo to vibrant shades like peacock blue and cobalt. “All shades of blue are always popular, but the new color for 2014, according to the Color Marketing Group, is Radiant Orchid, a cross between fuchsia and orchid with pink undertones. Last year, it was emerald and before that tangerine,” she says. “Now that doesn’t mean you throw everything out each year for the new color, but it’s fun to look at what you have and decide if this year’s new color is something you can play with for accent pillows, for example.”

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63

TRENDS

Kate Spade Coasters, $20, and Place Cards, $11

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Glitter, sequins, metallics, it’s all golden! Your party will go from great to glamorous with shiny details.

Brighten your table with bold colors and floral prints.

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PERSONAL

party style High temperatures are no reason to hide! Whether you like your parties poolside, on the patio or around the dinner table, entertaining guests is a great way to show off your personal style.

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Cork Candles, Set of 4, $8 Etcetera Flowers and Gifts, Carbondale

Here in wine country, we can never put our bottles to enough use. These candles will set the mood and give you a reason to hang on to your prettiest wine possessions long after they’re empty.

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Life & Style : Summer 2014

Peggy Juergens hand-painted wine glass, $30 Tickled Pink Boutique & Gifts, Carbondale These upcycled

wine glasses are handmade in Southern Illinois.

Peggy has created a variety of character personalities and seasonal styles. Plus, these also make a great hostess gift!

ENTERTAINMENT

Members of New Arts Jazztet perform during the 2014 SIU Jazz Festival in Carbondale.

New Arts

JAZZTET A constant presence in a changing time

T

story by Adam Testa | photography by Steve Matzker

wo musicians make a duo, three a trio, four a quartet and five a quintet. But what happens when the composition of the band often finds itself in a state of flux? In one Southern Illinois instance, creativity seemed to be the answer.

When Bob Allison, then a first-year faculty member at the SIU School of Music, talked with three colleagues about performing together, the New Arts

Quartet was born. But, as members came and went through the years and the band grew and shrunk, a renaming become necessary, and the Quartet became a Jazztet.

Today, nearly 20 years later, the New Arts Jazztet continues its tradition as one of the region’s noted acts, performing frequently at local wineries and featured annually as a signature performer at the Southern Illinois Music Festival.

The current lineup of the group features Allison, the only remaining charter member; fellow SIU faculty

members Phil Brown, Dick Kelley and Ron Coulter; and Mel Goot, the only “outsider.”

“Every music faculty desires some form of creative outlet,” Brown said. “For jazz artists, you have to have someone to play with, so it’s common to try and put something together and run with it.”

And run with it the Jazztet did. When Allison and his earliest colleagues first formed the band, they were booked for a plethora of casuals, as he refers to them, or smaller, less-formal affairs.

As generations shifted, though, those Life & Style : Summer 2014

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Meet the Jazztet Bob Allison, trumpet/flugelhorn Originally from Memphis, Allison serves as an associate professor of trumpet and jazz studies at SIU. He has also taught at Millikin University and the Latvian National Conservatory in Riga, Latvia. His accolades include winning the International Trumpet Guild’s Jazz Improvisation Contest and performing alongside artists including James Williams, Cal Thomas, Willie Thomas and Stanley Clark.

Phil Brown, bass A native of Amarillo, Texas, Brown is associate professor of double bass and jazz studies, as well as coordinator of music business, at SIU. Joining the New Arts Jazztet in 1991, he has written much of the group’s original material, totaling nearly three dozen tunes.

Outside of the Jazztet, he has performed with artists including Pepper Adams, Lockjaw Davis, Herb Ellis, Steve Gadd, Red Garland, Dizzy Gillespie and more.

Ron Coulter, drums/percussion Coulter serves as a senior lecturer of percussion, improvisation and jazz studies at SIU and an educational endorser with the ProMark Corporation and Black Swamp Percussion. His touring has taken him to 43 states, Europe and most major cities in Canada and Japan.

His credits include performances with the Glenn Miller Orchestra, Harry James Orchestra, Four Aces, the Gaylords, Al Martino, Sonny Holland and many more.

Mel Goot, piano Goot was still a teen when the self-taught pianist played his first professional job and record date with the Teddy Picou Quartet.

He later expanded his skills by studying at San Diego State University, where, for four years, he was the top pianist with the award-winning SDSU Jazz Ensemble. He has since performed with big bands behind Solomon Burke, Jerry Lewis, Sammy Davis Jr. and Steve Allen.

Dick Kelley, saxophone An assistant professor of saxophone and director of jazz studies at SIU, Kelley has a resume performing across North America, France, Italy, the Dominican Republic and Mexico. He has performed with Jon Faddis, Dick Oatts, Stefon Harris and the Glenn Miller Orchestra, among others, as well as toured extensively with Patti Page, Marie Osmond and the Motown Soul Review.

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bookings dried up. The band found itself parting from its avant-garde roots toward the more traditional, playing everything from club concerts to formal performances. The advent of the disc jockey changed things even more.

“It was a different day and age, completely different” Allison said.

“Carbondale was a different town,” Brown chimed in.

Today’s generation is once again completely different. Digital beats and auto-tuned vocals dominate the airways. Young listeners turn more to Lady Gaga and Katy Perry than Miles Davis and Wynton Marsalis.

“They certainly don’t grow up with it,” Brown said. “They only hear it in the elevator or the department store. Young people certainly don’t seek it out.”

“The Great American Songbook isn’t appreciated as much anymore,” Allison added.

But as times change, so does the Jazztet.

The group has become accustomed to adjusting to shifts in music and society. And, despite the molding tastes of youth, The New Arts the band remains in Jazztet will be high demand. a featured act From wineries to during the 2014 Shryock Auditorium or Southern Illinois on tours of cities like Music Festival, Chicago, Louisville and which runs Cincinnati, the Jazztet from June 10-30. makes its presence felt For a complete schedule and in Southern Illinois and full list of surrounding areas. The performers, visit band plays a variety of www.sifest.com. tunes, ranging from classic material to its original material, which the members started penning in 1998.

The lineup for any given performance depends on that night’s gig, Brown said.

“We simply adjust,” he noted. “When it’s up to us artistically, we’re going to play our current repertoire. If it’s up to someone else, we’ll try our best to please whoever is writing the check.”

That repertoire is dependent on the current composition of the band and who is available for the concert. The group’s make-up hasn’t changed since 2008, when Kelley joined; but with five musicians with busy lives and other musical commitments, not everyone is always available.

“Rather than being painted into a corner, we have in the book everything from traditional to East Coast-West Coast, funk to Latin and everything in between.”

What determines who can join the Jazztet?

The answer is simple.

“It ends up being who is on faculty that we want to play with,” Allison said, laughing.

Kelley is notably younger than his colleagues,

DETAILS

Members of New Arts Jazztet take a bow after performing during the 2014 SIU Jazz Festival in Carbondale.

and no woman has ever been involved.

“We couldn’t say half the things we do if we had a woman in here,” Allison said, chuckling once again.

Brown quickly cuts in, explaining that jazz is a heavily male-dominated arena and that there have been few women specializing in the genre pass through the university.

“If you can play, I don’t think anyone really cares,” he said.

Goot is the exception to the standard rules. He discovered the Jazztet when he and his aunt saw a performance at Shryock Auditorium, and he knew instantly he wanted to be involved. A few short years later, he’d have his wish.

All of the band members bring their own experiences to the table, which can be both a positive and a negative.

“There are personality rubs that work both for and against performances,” Brown said. “Sometimes, there are artistic differences that have to be worked out.”

“We all pretty much get along and like each other, though,” Allison chimes in, laughing.

Allison added that playing with quality musicians pushes him to be better, and the other members of the Jazztet push quite hard.

For Kelley, it’s great to have an opportunity to play alongside and learn

from peers who have been in the music game for longer than him.

“Teaching all day has its own reward, but it’s taxing,” he said. “It’s nice to be able to just learn something every once in a while and be on the other side of the coin.”

When asked about the future of the Jazztet, no one seemed to know what to say, as Brown noted that he and Allison are nearing retirement. For now, though, the plan is to keep going and see where the road leads.

“There are some good things to look forward to,” Goot said. “I’m optimistic we’ll continue to do some really cool things.”

Carbondale, Marion, Harrisburg, Carmi, Mt. Carmel, DuQuoin Mt. Vernon, IN See us on Facebook @ Tequilas Mexican Restaurants Life & Style : Summer 2014

67

WHERE WE LIVE

Design.

DONE.

Benton couple integrates Canadian and local touches into lakeside home

Right: The exterior of the Moores’ house in Benton; Above: Henry and Linda Moore met while on vacation in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., in 1977. Both retired and with no children of their own, they set out to build their dream home in fall 2011. They finished and have been enjoying it ever since. Bottom: Linda said she loves formal spaces and wanted to have a formal living and dining room as part of the house. This room, complete with formal decor and artwork, welcomes guests to the house and sets the tone for the Moore abode.

story by Joe Szynkowski

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photography by Adam Testa

rowing up on Lake Ontario, Canada, Linda Moore dreamed of owning a yacht.

Now living on a private lake in Benton, she got her wish.

“We call our pontoon boat The Yacht,” says the jovial Linda Moore, laughing as she points to the water off her large back deck. Her husband, Henry, laughs right along with her. “The fishing is great out here.”

The Moores laugh often, and why shouldn’t they?

After completing work on their awe-inspiring dream home in 2012, it’s time to sit back and enjoy the final product. It’s also time to cut back on traveling, says Linda, something the Moores have enjoyed over the years.

They have been to 46 states, but they’re staying close to home lately with their 60-pound dog Crappy, a former drop-off who walks up to five miles a day and loves the family’s acre of land. “We’re still planning on going back to Canada a couple of times a year, but otherwise we are happy to stay around here,” Linda says.

The Moores met in 1977 while their families were vacationing in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. — Linda with her family from Belleville, Ontario, and Henry with his two sons. They soon after became engaged and married in 1979.

Linda still recalls her first few years in Southern

Life & Style : Summer 2014

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The entertainment center in the Moores’ living room has much to offer. From a collection of books to a large-screen TV and a fireplace to a martini bar, there’s something for everyone who enters the room to admire. Hosting guests often, the Moores want everyone to feel at home when they visit. Below: This small bar area in the great room features a martini-shaped sink, detailed with an olive faucet, a martini light and drawer handles shaped like martini shakers and glasses. There’s also a nearby ice machine for convenience.

70 Life & Style : Summer 2014

Illinois, adding that “it was a bit of cultural shock.”

PARTY HOUSE More than 30 years later, that shock has worn off. Linda feels at home and welcomes all family and friends to enjoy the Southern Illinois lifestyle, sometimes for three months at a time. “We love entertaining and having people stay with us,” Linda says.

The Moores’ home sure has plenty of entertainment space. Sitting in the middle of the home is a wide-open great

room that branches off into the equally expansive kitchen and multiple side rooms. The great room comes equipped with plenty of seating, a gas fireplace and even a custom-made martini bar with a martini-inspired sink, light, drawer pulls and even an olive faucet.

“People love it,” Linda says. “It was just so unique, we had to do it.”

With the open floor plan spanning from the great room to the kitchen, the Moores can comfortably sit 20 guests.

The kitchen features a large island with a second sink, a wraparound peninsula

bar area, custom cabinetry and granite countertops.

And then come the appliances.

All high-end and integrated into the cabinetry, the kitchen contains two remote-controlled dish washers, freezer and refrigerator columns and a sixburner gas cooktop with a griddle. The touchscreen, double-culinary Jenn Air ovens also turn plenty of heads. “You can tell it what you want to cook, and it will give you recommendations for cook times, recipes and all of those kinds of things,” Linda says.

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WHERE WE LIVE

Flowing back toward the lake, the kitchen breaks off into a breakfast room with capacious windows that offer a picturesque view of the water.

“We really enjoy this area,” Henry says. “It’s all about the water.”

With formal and informal dining rooms, the Moores host all types of parties at their home, including a blowout Mardi Gras get-together of about 20 guests earlier this year.

People who stay with the Moores benefit from a unique section of the house devoted to Jack and Jill guest rooms. The welcoming bedrooms are separated by a suite of two bathrooms and a centered shower room, allowing for plenty of space and privacy for all guests.

There is one rule when visiting with the Moores.

“I do not allow TVs in the guest rooms,” Linda says. “If you’re visiting, you’re visiting. I’ve almost had to take away phones, too.”

STICKING LOCAL While building a home can sometimes be a headache, the Moores had nothing but great luck in their experience.

Well, Linda would call it preparation. Owning a yacht wasn’t her only dream as a child. She put together her first floor plan when she was in third grade. “I showed my little boyfriend at the time and he said, ‘I don’t like it,’” she recalls with a smile. “I’ve just kept at it.”

Henry, who recently retired from a construction and backhoe company, served as general contractor on the home build. He followed Linda’s vision by setting up with quality local contractors and helped save building money by completing many of the tasks himself.

“We had great builders,” Linda says. “No matter what we wanted, they did it. We had a great experience, and together we picked out finishes, cabinets and fixtures.

We both like the same things, so there were literally no arguments.”

Gibbs Construction out of McLeansboro handled the build, while Southern Illinois Cabinets in Marion built and stained all of the home’s beautiful cabinetry. “As much as we could, we supported 72 Life & Style : Summer 2014

Linda describes the kitchen as a ‘dream come true.’ The design features a large island with a second sink, a wrap-around peninsula bar area, custom cabinetry, granite counters, and high-end appliances including two integrated dish washer drawers, thermidor freezer and refrigerator columns, a sixburner gas cooktop with a griddle, double culinary center Jenn Air ovens and an under-the-counter microwave with automatictouch open and close drawer. The kitchen can easily hold 20 people, Linda said. The breakfast room features huge windows with a view of the lake. The room is accentuated with painting from Bernstein Decorative and features the banner ‘Linda’s Bella Cucina,’ Italian for ‘Linda’s Beautiful Kitchen.’

Life & Style : Summer 2014

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WHERE WE LIVE The master suite feels like a different home entirely. The decor and silverand-white color scheme are a distinct contrast to the earth tones and vibrant colors found elsewhere in the home. In addition to a bedroom, the suite also offers sitting areas, where Henry and Linda can enjoy a relaxing evening reading a book or looking out over Lake Moses.

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Left: Having traveled extensively and stayed at top hotels, the Moores wanted their 900-square-foot bedroom suite to reflect that luxurious, elegant, five-star feeling. The suite includes a bedroom, sitting area overlooking the lake, laundry facility and large bathroom complete with a wheelchair-accessible shower. Below: The walk-in closet of the master suite offers his and her’s storage, as Henry and Linda split the room down the middle. Each half of the closet features ample space to hang clothes, as well as rows of drawers lining the center partition.

local businesses because we believe in that,” Linda says. A host of other local contractors, including FireMasters, Ken Hall Construction and Mount Vernon Winnelson Co., all played a part in perfectly piecing together the home.

“Local” artwork from Canadian artist Linda Paul is also on display. Linda purchased the artwork to integrate a little of her personal background into the home. The Glass Haunt also designed stained-glass pieces and a door that help add a little more local flavor.

THE LITTLE TOUCHES Among the little touches that help the Moore home stand apart are the rounded walls throughout every room.

“People in Canada have been doing that for years,” Linda says. “We are just light years ahead of you Americans.”

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WHERE WE LIVE

Above: Linda said she loves formal spaces and wanted to have a formal living and dining room as part of the house. This dining room, off the front living room, features elegant decor and collectibles from around the world, several of which were passed down from Linda’s mother. Top: The living room offers an abundance of space for company to gather. The room is designed to be open and includes a large entertainment center and a martini bar, in addition to the couch, loveseat and recliner where people can sit and enjoy themselves.

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The home’s windows feature integrated blinds to control the light and sun shining in, as well as roll-away screens that disappear when not in use. The ceilings are painted white with a light sheen, and then textured for a unique touch. Thinking of all of these additional features was the easy part for Linda.

“Oh, I was in my glory,” she says. “I had so much fun with that.”

Linda also had her hand in picking out what she calls, “the bling,” which can be found in about every room of the home in the form of crystal lights, faucets and shimmering countertops.

But it’s not all fashion over function for the Moores — far from it. The larger-than-life laundry room on the far end of the home serves as an organizational mecca full of shelves, cabinets and nooks devoted to storage. “I got a little carried away in here,” Linda says, laughing.

Nestled closely to the garage sits a safe room that Henry designed with eight-inch concrete walls, full

power, a vented ceiling, sink, toilet and fireproof door. The room is dedicated to Henry’s grandmother, who was terrified of storms. There are additional sentimental features throughout the home, including furniture and collectible items from Linda’s late mother. “They all hold special meaning,� Linda adds.

THE BIG TOUCH Bling, sentiment, storage and everything in between can be found behind the doors of the Moores’ 900-square-foot master suite. Straight out of a five-star hotel, the room leaves guests in awe as its color scheme and layout is dramatically different from any other room. “We have stayed at a lot of very nice hotels over the years, and we wanted to reflect that luxurious, elegant feel,�

Linda says. “I think we achieved it with the style and dĂŠcor.â€?

Shades of silver, black and white encapsulate the gigantic suite that features a second laundry room, a “blinged-out� bathroom and a quaint sitting nook overlooking the lake. “We have our Sunday morning coffee here

and just look out at all of the water and wildlife,� Henry says. “We spend a lot of time in here.�

It’s no wonder. The room catches attention at every turn.

A large stained-glass door gives way to the master bathroom, adorned in more blacks, silvers and whites. The bathroom counters contain specks that sparkle when hit by light. The massive walk-in black marble shower is tucked in the back corner of the room, leaving plenty of open space for getting ready in the mornings. And the heated floors mean you don’t have to wear slippers to do so.

And then there’s the bling. “When I found you could put crystal knobs in the fixtures, I about went crazy,� Linda says.

The 900 square feet of suite perfection usually close out the grand tour of the Moore home. Henry and Linda both have their favorite parts, and agree that the house in its entirety is exactly how they drew it up.

Linda smiles. “There is a lot of satisfaction knowing that it is your design and dream come to life.�

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IN OUR BACKYARD

LAP POOLS SWIM SPAS OFFER THE ULTIMATE AQUATIC WORKOUT EXPERIENCE

‘Swim spas are very good for those who want to swim for fitness, and you can order special equipment, such as a treadmill or a bicycle, that sits right down in the spa to use,’ said Karen Jackson of Jackson Pools & Spas in West Frankfort.

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Life & Style : Summer 2014

For many homeowners, the backyard isn’t complete without a pool, in ground or above ground.

Whether professionally installed or a simple plastic play pool for the kids, the pool quickly becomes the gathering spot for the family and the place where many happy summer memories are made.

But for those who don’t have little ones looking for summertime fun, or those interested in something more practical — something that can provide the kind of aquatic exercise that’s just what the doctor (or your trainer) ordered — there are alternatives.

There’s the lap pool, just like the backyard swimming pool, except that it’s long and narrow and only about 3 or 4 feet deep, made specifically for serious swimmers who want to swim laps. The cost for installing a lap pool varies, but the installation and labor alone starts at about $20,000.

The other alternative is the swim spa or spool, a combination of pool and spa.

An average swim spa is 10 to 16 feet long, 6 to 8 feet wide and 3 to 5 feet deep. It comes equipped with strong jets or propulsion systems that create a current that pushes against a swimmer to produce a kind of treadmill swimming, allowing him or her an aquatic workout in a relatively small amount of space. Some even come with a partition that allows one person to use the swim spa, while another turns up the heater and turns down the jets for a relaxing aquatic massage.

Karl Metzger of Paradise Pools and Spas in Carterville and Du Quoin says he has installed three swim spas and that without any “options,” each costs about $15,000.

“With a lap pool, you’re talking about a complete installation, just like putting in an in-ground pool.

That takes three to four weeks to

PHOTOGRAPHY (THIS PAGE, TOP) BY ART SERVICES, (BOTTOM) PROVIDED BY JACKSON POOL & SPAS; (OPPOSITE PAGE) ART SERVICES

story by Chanda Green

complete. With a swim spa, in seven or eight hours, you can be using it, so they’re a lot easier and quicker to install and less expensive. They just need a little more power than a regular spa.”

Karen Jackson of Jackson Pools & Spas in West Frankfort says she sells swim spas, but not very many or very often.

“I’ve sold five so far. They are so easy to install; they can go anywhere, in your backyard, on your deck or inside. And if you move, they can be moved, too,” she says. “Sure, it will take a crane or a forklift, but it can be moved, not like an in-ground pool.

“You need to check the construction. I wouldn’t recommend anything with a liner or one that comes in pieces. And you’ll want to check the current generating system. You want it strong enough for your needs, but not so strong that it’s going to throw you up against the wall.

“Swim spas are very good for those who want to swim for fitness, and you can order special equipment, such as a treadmill or a bicycle, that sits right down in the spa to use.”

Most swim spas generate current using spa jets, which can make you feel like you have fire hoses aimed at you, while lap pools use current generators, which provide a smoother, broader flow of water.

There are many variations of mechanisms used to generate the flow of water from dedicated pumps or propellers to nozzles or paddlewheels that churn the

water for a more even flow without turbulence.

The swim spa market is currently concentrated along both coasts, but growing steadily in the Heartland. Most company officials predict strong growth in the next decade as they market their products to those who swim, walk or jog in water for fitness — those who want or need therapeutic water therapy and those who just want to have fun while they exercise. And as space becomes more premium, the swim spas are expected to gain ground over the larger lap pools and traditional pools.

“It’s a very unique niche market,” Karen says. “They started coming on the market in 2008. I’ve only sold a few since then. In the larger cities and on the coasts, they’re very popular, but they haven’t taken off here just yet.”

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IN OUR BACKYARD

‘BACKYARD WONDERLANDS’ Pergolas make the perfect addition to any outdoor entertaining landscape

Burkdell offers its pergolas in three different types of wood to match a variety of interests and Pergolas are popping up throughout the region, preferences.

Customers can purchase their pergola in as Southern Illinoisans seek a little extra shade and a kit or have Burkdell come professionally install it in seclusion in the summertime. their yard.

Serving as the perfect outdoor entertaining spot, a The versatility of a pergola is one of its main selling pergola forms a shaded walkway, passageway or sitting points, as customers can opt for high-quality wood, area and is comprised of vertical pillars that support unique stain or vinyl. cross-beams and a sturdy open lattice. It offers partial And the building material is just the tipping point of shade, cooling breeze and a unique addition to any the pergola appeal. Pergolas can help your patio come patio or backyard area. alive with hanging baskets, trained With some outdoor seating, vines, wind chimes and other lighting, fireplace and ceiling fans, decorative pieces. a pergola is a prime party space.

Burkholder has seen an increase Serving as the perfect outdoor “Pergolas are neat little entertaining spot, a pergola in pergola interest over the past structures,” says David Burkholder, forms a shaded walkway, five years. owner of Burkdell Mulch in passageway or sitting area and “We sell a great amount Carbondale. “People really like is comprised of vertical pillars and it kind of runs by spurts,” the aesthetics of them and the that support cross-beams and Burkholder says. “People have fun fact that they offer that extra a sturdy open lattice. It offers with decorating around them.” partial shade, cooling breeze dimension to a property.”

Burkholder says there are no and a unique addition to any patio or backyard area.

80 Life & Style : Summer 2014

PHOTGRAPHY COURTESY OF ART SERVICES

story by Joe Szynkowski

CREATE YOUR OWN BACKYARD WONDERLAND BY ADDING THESE PLANTS TO YOUR PERGOLA AREA IVY Ivy can climb your pergola and provide that extra bit of sun protection, depending on where you place it.

The National Park Service, however, warns that certain types of ivy can become invasive, so do your research and be prepared to remove some of it each year to keep it contained.

HONEYSUCKLE Hoping to attract butterflies or hummingbirds to your pergola? Go with honeysuckle and its vines that produce white, red, yellow and orange flowers. The National Gardening Association says honeysuckle is a convenient choice for partially shaded outdoor areas because it can bloom in varying amounts of light, ranging from shade to full sunlight. two pergolas alike in Southern Illinois because once the structure is built, his customers have complete creative control to add their own touches. When it comes to pergola builds, everything is custom.

“We’ve seen them with fireplaces and, of course, all sorts of plants,” he says. “We can also build a seating wall on the perimeter that adds a nice touch.”

Burkdell can also help the customers who may like the look of a pergola, but want more protection from the sun.

“We do offer the standard lattice roof, but also have the transparent poly roof that is completely closed

and lets in a lot less light,” he says. “You can still see through it, obviously, but it is slightly tinted and offers a bit more shade.”

Greenridge Landscaping in Carbondale can also help build and transform pergolas into entertainment hotspots. Owner Andy Robinson says home remodeling has extended outdoors over the past 20 years as more people have turned their attention to additions like pergolas.

“We’re doing water features, lighting, new plantings and everything in between,” Robinson says. “I like to tell people we make backyard wonderlands.”

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CHEERS TO BEER

Perfecting

PUB Pinch Penny in Carbondale expands its menu to include specialty beers and a learning experience story by Shawn Connelly | photography by Steve Matzker

Any business that can survive and thrive for more than 40 years must be doing something right.

Throw in the fact that said business is a neighborhood pub — notorious, particularly in a college town, for its transience — and you’ve got quite a story to tell. Pinch Penny Pub on East Grand Avenue in Carbondale has been doing it right all these years by providing an atmosphere that is both comfortable and consistent, while remaining 82

Life & Style : Summer 2014

adaptive, and, when it’s called for, even new and innovative.

Patrons at “Pinch” are already familiar with the broad appeal the pub offers — from the expansive outdoor beer garden, where live music can be heard on weekends, to the rustic, old worldstyle bar inside, where the game can

CONTACT Pinch Penny Pub 700 E. Grand Ave., Carbondale 618-549-3348 www.pinchpennypub.com

be enjoyed on one of the many flatscreen TVs over an appetizer, sandwich or pizza and your favorite beer, wine or cocktail.

“We try very hard to appeal to a wide range of customers, ages and demographics, and provide a setting that is fun and familiar,” Pub President Jimmy Karayiannis says.

Combining the fun with the familiar is a recipe for success at Pinch Penny, but sometimes that recipe calls for a new ingredient or two. Although Pinch Penny already offers one of the largest and most diverse draft beer selections in Carbondale, including more than a few craft beers, the pub is taking a step in a new direction by offering nearly 100 craft and specialty beers by the bottle, prominently featured just inside the pub’s entrance in a large, threedoor glass cooler.

“The new beers are intentionally very visible,” Karayiannis says, “and the craft beer industry is constantly doing new things — new labels, new packages, new beer styles — and we want to offer more choices. The same ‘ol thing is a thing of the past.”

In the spirit of offering something new and innovative, Pinch Penny is also introducing a

Pinch Penny Pub is now offering a wide variety of micro beers available from the tap. Each type of beer, whether an ale or stout, is served in its appropriate glassware.

dedicated beer menu complete with style descriptions, beer origins and, in the case of many of the beers available, ratings. While some may be inclined to believe that consumer ratings are the sole jurisdiction of the wine world, beer ratings are just as important and provide a good indicator of a beer’s quality and popularity, pointing consumers toward the best of the best.

“Beer choices are like an extension of your personality, like the sneakers you wear or the way you dress, and everyone is different. We like to offer something unique to Carbondale — an impressive beer selection with something for everyone in a friendly, casual neighborhood pub setting,” Karayiannis explains.

And if that’s not enough to get you excited about Pinch Penny Pub’s new beer offerings, you will be glad to know that your bottled beer is also paired up with the appropriate glassware by beer style; and, plans are in the works to expand the beer offerings even further with even more beers, brewery and beer style nights, food pairings and even beer educational opportunities.

The more you know about something, the more you can appreciate it, and there is a lot to know about beer. The beauty of Pinch Penny Pub’s new beers

and beer menu is that you can learn at your own pace, try something new that you might not otherwise try and very possibly discover a new favorite beer and pub.

Cheers!

SHAWN CONNELLY writes for Beer Connoisseur magazine, is a craft and specialty beer retail consultant and an award-winning home brewer. Read his blog at beerphilosopher.com.

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SCENIC BEAUTY

AT CAMPUS LAKE story and photography

by Les Winkeler Sometimes the stress of the day gets to be too much.

Whether it’s pressure from a looming deadline, finals week, an insolent teenager, or just a bad day in general, taking in the fresh air, soaking in the sunshine, or just watching the ripples bounce across the surface of the water, nature can have a calming effect.

Unfortunately, given the busy lives most Americans lead, hopping in the car and driving 30 minutes to your favorite quiet place isn’t always an option.

However, if you happen to be in Carbondale, consider the problem solved.

Campus Lake is there for you.

Campus Lake is a 40-acre jewel located on the southern edge of Southern Illinois University’s Carbondale campus.

Despite its proximity to the hustle and bustle of a large university, there are coves, nooks and crannies that allow visitors to escape from the grind of daily life.

The north side of the lake tends to be busy as the path winds its way through the Thompson Point residence halls and the tech building. However, peace and quiet is awaiting on the opposite side of the lake.

Solitude might occasionally be interrupted by walkers and joggers, but a person intent on finding peace and quiet while communing with nature will be pleasantly surprised.

The south side of the lake has carved

Above: Southern Illinoisans don’t have to venture into the rural reaches of the region to discover nature’s beauty. SIU’s Campus Lake, right in the heart of Carbondale, offers a chance to take in luscious greenery and the sights of hundreds of different types of animals, birds and insects. Below: Campus Lake at SIU.

out fingers that are slightly off the beaten path.

Walking to the edge of the lake in these areas, it’s not unusual to see turtles basking on sun-baked logs, a green tree snake gracefully draped over a stump or a great blue heron doggedly pursuing sunfish in the shallows.

If you sit still and watch for just a few moments, you’ll be astounded by the amount of wildlife surrounding you.

Squirrels scurry about the ground in constant search of food. Bluebirds, robins, red-bellied woodpeckers, cardinals and chickadees flit from

tree to tree. Skinks bolt through the vegetation on the forest floor.

And, if you hang around long enough, you’re likely to see a deer shyly moving about the shadows. Deer have become accustomed to the presence of humans, so they don’t bolt at the first sign of someone using the running path.

If you pick your spot judiciously, take a couple of deep breaths and allow yourself a few moments, you’ll find it possible to disappear in the natural beauty of this small lake. Although it’s not far away, the restorative effects are palpable.

Walking to the edge of the lake in these areas, it’s not unusual to see turtles basking on sun-baked logs, a green tree snake

gracefully 86 Life & Style : Summer 2014 draped over a stump or a great blue heron doggedly pursuing sunfish in the shallows.

As Carla laid in a coma the doctors told her family to brace for the worst. Then something miraculous happened— Carla woke up. But that’s only the beginning of Carla’s amazing rehabilitation journey!

Only Southern Illinois Healthcare has a long-standing alliance with the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago (RIC) giving you access to expert care. RIC has earned the ranking of “Best Rehabilitation Hospital in America” by US. News & World Report for 23 consecutive years.

Who could be such a partner? Only SIH. LEARN MORE AT:

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PARTING SHOT

p.s.

The Southern File Photo

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Life & Style : Summer 2014

Cleo Robbins fires off a serve to his son, David, while the pair plays tennis in Carterville, where the family lives.

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A firm that’s been around 160 years is probably pretty good at longterm relationships Hilliard Lyons is an independently-owned, full-service wealth management group offering products and services competitive with national investment firms.

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Pictured left to right: Michael Barnett | Financial Consultant Laryssa Allen | Client Service Associate Kathy Gulledge | Client Service Associate Ben Bruce, CWA® | Senior Vice President | Financial Consultant 200 Tower Square | Marion, IL 62959 618-997-4608 | 800-997-4608 ©2014 Securities offered through J.J.B. Hilliard, W.L. Lyons, LLC. Member of NYSE, FINRA and SIPC.

Life & Style : Summer 2014

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