Life & Style - Fall 2014

Life & Style I N

S O U T H E R N

I L L I N O I S

Fall 2014

Celebrating nature’s imperfections in his perfectly beautiful and unique furniture

It’s never too late, too silly or too selfish to discover ways to express yourself

 Social Seen: Who will you recognize?  Getaways: We’re going to Kansas City  Good Eats: Dishing on pumpkins Life & Style : Xxxxxxxx 2014 1

Life & Style I N

S O U T H E R N

I L L I N O I S

Fall 2014

Celebrating nature’s imperfections in his perfectly beautiful and unique furniture

It’s never too late, too silly or too selfish to discover ways to express yourself

 Social Seen: Who will you recognize?  Getaways: We’re going to Kansas City  Good Eats: Dishing on pumpkins Life & Style : Xxxxxxxx 2014 1

Life & Style I N

S O U T H E R N

I L L I N O I S

Fall 2014

Celebrating nature’s imperfections in his perfectly beautiful and unique furniture

It’s never too late, too silly or too selfish to discover ways to express yourself

 Social Seen: Who will you recognize?  Getaways: We’re going to Kansas City  Good Eats: Dishing on pumpkins Life & Style : Xxxxxxxx 2014 1

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Investment and Insurance Products: NOT FDIC Insured NO Bank Guarantee MAY Lose Value Wells Fargo aDVIsors, llC, sIPC, a regIstereD broker-Dealer anD seParate non-bank aFFIlIate oF Wells Fargo & ComPany © 2013 Wells Fargo aDVIsors, llC. all rIghts reserVeD Car - 0714-02822 Life & Style : Fall 2014 1

Connie will not be defeated. Constant leg pain due to Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) aimed to keep her from walking. Even the everyday trip to the grocery store was a challenge. A mere four minutes on her legs was all she could handle. Connie had battle cancer three times and won...now this. She was not going to take this sitting down.

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Life & Style : Fall 2014 3

Fall 2014

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 June 14–september 15, 2014 Unit 50 REBATE PeR

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Publisher .................................John Pfeifer Executive Editor ..................... Gary Metro Editor ...................................... Cara Recine Niche Advertising Manager ...................

Lacey Thompson Art & Design ..................... Ashley Kendera Rhonda M. May Contributors..................... Shawn Connelly Chanda Green Rana Hodge Diana Lambdin Meyer Debbie Moore Cara Recine Joe Szynkowski Adam Testa Les Winkeler Photographers .......................Rana Hodge Steve Matzker Rhonda M. May Bruce N. Meyer Alexa Rogals Adam Testa Les Winkeler Copy Editing .......................... Tom English Mary Thomas Layton Online ..................................Lauren Siegert Advertising Sales ..................Kelly Caudill Nora Chambliss Brian Flath Tina Moon Alisha Shipp Lacey Thompson Levi Wampler Advertising Design......... 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. © 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.

welcome

Letter

from the executive editor

Find inspiration in all things, big and small ‌Creativity surrounds us.

We see it in the colorful splashes of a carefully knotted necktie. Or it glistens from the bracelet, necklace and earrings chosen for a special night.

It is everyday evidence of our creativity, the choices we deliberately make to present ourselves to the world. But some of the choices become more routine than artistic expression. I favor certain colors and wear the same wristwatch daily. You may prefer other hues and shun metal jewelry.

We get bogged down by the familiar and comfortable. The results may be visible in our work and the affect we present to others.

We lose sight of possibilities. Think of it this way. You can’t paint a masterpiece with house paint. It takes a palette awash with the spectrum of colors and the myriad tints to make an artistic statement.

It’s time to connect with our own creativity, a process as unique as the individual. For me, great ideas often surface while engaged in tedious repetitive chores — mowing the lawn is a good one — or while walking or swimming laps in a pool. Other times, I wake up with a fresh idea, a new approach or the answer to a vexing problem. My subconscious takes care of me. I

don’t know why, but it works.

This issue of Life & Style is devoted to creativity, a commodity that abounds in this green and graceful land we call Southern Illinois.

This month’s cover story by frequent contributor Chanda Green offers insight into unleashing your creativity — including how to discover it or, perhaps, rediscover it.

A change of scenery sometimes leads to a time of inspiration.

This issue’s look at Getaways takes readers on a trek to Kansas City, which is a whole lot more than the other big city in Missouri. It’s written

by Diana Lambdin Meyer, a native of Wolf Lake who has resided in that city for 28 years. Also in the issue is a profile of the extremely creative Ben Falcone, the Carbondale native who is making a name for himself in Hollywood.

You’ll also find the latest in great food, drinks and special places to see in Southern Illinois. Enjoy the magazine. And find creativity in the late summer days that give way to the beauties of early autumn.

GARY METRO LIFE & STYLE IN SOUTHERN ILLINOIS‌ Life & Style : Fall 2014 5

50 CREATE!

CONTENTS SUMMER 2014

36

artists Kyle Kinser celebrates nature’s imperfections in a perfect way

24 15 questions 30 wine country 66 out & about getaways 71 good eats 82

It’s never too late, too silly or too selfish to discover ways to express yourself

44

Get to know Southern Illinoisan publisher John Pfeifer

Sometimes, you can judge a wine by its label Cedarhurst creates a haven for the artist in all of us

Southern Illinois native shares her love of Kansas City

It’s the perfect time of year to dish on pumpkins

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profile Carbondale native Ben Falcone makes his feature film directorial debut

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cheers to beer Local craft brewers taking new artisan approaches to an old science

cover photo

Furniture craftsman and artist Kyle Kinser of Makanda was photographed in his studio space

by Lori Baysinger of Photography by Lori in Marion.

this issue

Social Seen Pursuits Scenic Beauty Apps Self Business Buzz

10 27 28 34 42 46

Entrepreneur At Work My Home Trends Style Parting Shot

49 64 78 84 86 88

Create excitement in the kitchen

Explore our new Stone Gallery 7am - 4pm Monday - Friday Saturdays by appointment

800-323-2378 • 1015 E. Walnut w w w.auffenbergcarbondale.com

Life & Style : Fall 2014 7

DENTAL IMPLANTS A New Beginning to 2014

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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

Hughes Dental Arts 504 Rushing Drive | Herrin, IL Implant & Cosmetic Dentistry • I.V. Sedation

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

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“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 Life & Style : Spring 2014 8 Life8& Style : Fall 2014

www.normancarpetonemarion.com

Dr. Jonathan W. Burton, D.M.D. Diplomate-American Board of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery Wisdom Teeth Removal • Surgical Extractions Dental Implants • Bone Grafting Corrective Jaw Surgery • Oral Pathology

Mystery Dinner Friday, October 10, 2014

“Bullets in the Bathtub” Presented by: Jest Murder Mysteries The Links of Kokopelli 1527 Champions Drive, - Marion, IL

Tickets: $40 per person, $300.00 For Table of 8 (Includes Show & Dinner Buffet) 20’s Speakeasy Theme Doors open 5:30 p.m.

Cash Bar 6:00 p.m. Dinner Buffet 7:00 p.m. Show LIVE AUCTION FOLLOWING SHOW To reserve your table or purchase tickets, Contact Hospice of Southern Illinois Jennifer Vinyard (618) 997-3030 • jvinyard@hospice.org Please rsvp by October 3, 2014

618.519.9363

2250 Reed Station Pkwy.

Office Place, Suite 201 Carbondale, IL www.shawneehillsoms.com

Light up the Night

Glow 5k R u n / Wa l k Save TheDate 10 . 2 4 . 2 01 4

Date

October 24, 2014

Entry Fee

$25.00 $10.00 (age 12 and under)

Registration Time 7:00 p.m. • Dusk

Where

Mr. Koolz, Marion, IL

Proceeds Benefit Hospice of Southern Illinois Your Community • Prizes for Best Glow Costume • • Best Team Costumes •Food • Music •

Your Community Not-For-Profit Hospice 618-997-3030 • www.hospice.org

All Proceeds to Benefit Hospice of Southern Illinois

Questions Call Jennifer 618-997-3030 www.hospice.org

Life & Style : Fall 2014 9

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100 MEN WHO COOK ‌ ocal men flexed their culinary muscles June 7, when they L participated in the annual 100 Men Who Cook fundraiser at SIU Arena. The event raised money for Southern Illinois Healthcare Foundation, which supports health-care initiatives in the region, including the ongoing construction of a cancer institute in Carterville.

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1. Dr. Muhamad Popalzai of Carbondale 2. Rex Budde of Herrin, Bart Millstead of Makanda, Woody Thorne of Makanda and Mel Bower of Carbondale 3. Robert and Dr. Nova Foster of Carterville 4. Steve Falat of Murphysboro 5. Darrell Bryant and Jeff Franklin of Carbondale 6. Ellen Bower and Jennifer Miller Louw, both

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of Carbondale 7. Jeff Speith of Carterville 8. San Chen of Carbondale and Sebastian Chou of Herrin 9. Herman Louw of Carbondale 10. TJ Martin of Carbondale 11. Dr. Mike Durr 12. Steve Sowers of Carbondale

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13. Lance Jack of Carbondale 14. Peter Gregory of Carbondale 15. Tom Stewart of Carbondale 16. Lesley Cranick and Dr. Sam Stokes of Carbondale 17. Ralph and Amy Behrens of Carterville 18. Karen Binder of Carbondale 19. Martine and Dr. Michaelis Jackson of Carbondale

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Photos provided by SIH

glorious galas to cozy gatherings,

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Life & Style : Fall 2014 11

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SINGING WITH THE STARS ‌ ttendees of the Singing with the Stars event at McLeod A Theater at SIU gathered for appetizers and drinks before watching the performances. The performances were put together by McLeod Theater Summer Playhouse, and each one was given votes by the audience.

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1. Cheryl Bryant, Mona Ward and Cherryl Daugherty 2. Bonnie and Roy Heidinger 3. Sharon and Larry Meyer 4. Lynn Wolff and Connie Shanahan

Let us help you have the

home of your dreams

5. Wil Travelstead and Neil Dillard 6. Mary Mantovani and Ione Russel 7. Karen and Gary Hartlieb 8. Marilyn and John Annable 9. Helen and Steve Jack

Photos by Alexa Rogals

Since 1995, I’ve been bringing beautiful windows and rooms to residential and commercial clients all over Southern Illinois. I work with you to create your Dream Room with custom furniture, gorgeous window treatments, thousands of area rugs, and hand selected accessories, lighting and artwork. Call me to set up a complimentary consultation and we’ll design a window, room, or whole home of your dreams.

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KITE HILL WINERY FUNDRAISER

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‌ ite Hill Winery in Carbondale hosted a K Drink & Draw event presented June 19

by John A. Logan Museum. Participants were given supplies, a glass of wine and hors d’oeuvres, and were able to take their completed artwork when they were finished.

1. Kim and Brian Self of Carbondale 2. Jessica Davis and Denise Brown of Murphysboro 3. Makayla and Kenny Reynolds of Benton 4. Alexa Miller of Carbondale and Megan Moloney of Murphysboro

5. Emily Popejoy of Carbondale and Stephanie Meyer of Murphysboro 6. Nancy Kucerna and Carol Wingate of Murphysboro 7. Saundra Heaslett and Jen Goode of Murphysboro 8. Sharon and Dennis Johnson of Murphysboro

Photos by Alexa Rogals

It is a GREAT time to be a home buyer!

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Give us a call and let us help you with your HOMEwork!!

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Preferred

100 W. Plaza Drive Carterville www.coldwellbankercarterville.com Life & Style : Fall 2014 13

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ART OPENING AT THE VARSITY

Photos by Gregory Kupiec

‌ his exhibit, in association with The Stage Company, featured the work of Eldon Benz. The exhibit of prints is called Southern Illinois T Natural Areas. The opening reception was July 3 and took place at Varsity Center for the Arts in Carbondale.

1. Jo Kirch Benz, a photographer and the artist’s wife, and Jeanne Ferraro, recently installed president of The Stage Company, both of Carbondale 2. Artist Eldon Benz and wife, Jo, with Richard and Anne Strawn, all of Carbondale

8. Jan and Craig Hinde of Carbondale

3. Kevin Purcell of Cobden and Mike Hanes of Carbondale

5. Lisa, Melissa and Alvie Easton of Murphysboro

4. James Ferraro and Dan Owen of Carbondale and Eric Easton of Murphysboro; Easton provided music on a handcrafted didgeridoo.

6. Mary Jane Karg and Nevlyn Reiman of Murphysboro

9. Darcy Kriegsman of Carbondale, Howard Saver of Makanda and Brendan Finnegan of Carbondale

7. Blanche Sloan of Carbondale and Nancy Taylor of Murphysboro

10. Greg Kupiec of Murphysboro and Jack Langowski of Carbondale

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Huck’s Run for the Fund ‌About 500 motorcyclists and supporters joined the Huck’s Run for the Fund, with stops at Riverside Park in Murphysboro, John A. Logan College in Carterville, West Frankfort City Park and the Harbor Oaks picnic area of Rend Lake on July 12 to raise funds for the Coach Kill Cancer Fund. To date, the Fund, founded by former Saluki football coach Jerry Kill after a personal battle with cancer, has raised more than half a million dollars and helped more than 1,000 patients with cancer and their families in Southern Illinois. Southern Illinois Healthcare and the SIH Foundation administer the CKCF on behalf of coach Jerry Kill and his wife, Rebecca.

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Photos provided by SIH‌

1. Jim and Helen Rusher of Sesser 2. Amy Kissing of Marion, Tom Kissing of Marion, Ryan Wachter of Goreville, Melissa Roberston of Goreville, Curtis Boester of Salem, Chris Duty of Crab Orchard 3. Rebecca Kill, Coach Jerry Kill and members of the SIU Cheer Squad 4. Tanna Morgan, Paula Frisch

5. Greg Mcvey of Carmi, Dirk and Sharon Valerius of Elkville 6. Barbara McKinney of Lincoln, Darnell Harvey of Carmi 7. Coach Jerry Kill, Woody Thorne 8. J.T. and Johna Bandy, Jan Grant of Johnston City 9. Coach Jerry Kill, Mark McKinney 10. Bob Davenport of Carbondale, Fred Alstat of De Soto

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Carterville’s Got Talent ‌ he Carterville Variety Show was June 5 at Carterville T High School. Attendees were provided with dinner before watching the performers in the auditorium.

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1. Lois Rains and Linda JanesThompson 2. Mickey Edwards and Linda Janes-Thompson 3. Taylan McCamish and Xian Couch 4. Pam and Allan Kimball 5. Mike and Rhonda Robinson

6. Charles and Joyce Stevens 7. Hailey Barber and Megan Hampton 8. Jim and Joan Shasten 9. Karri Forby, Lindon Forby and Kali Bonner 10. Britain and Toby Hollister

11. Marvin and Sherly Oetjen and Doug and Evelyn Fuqua 12. Eric, Stephanie and Elanah Fourez 13. Don and Marilyn Gentry and Dorthy and Bill Bleyer 14. Gary and Joan Cooper 15. Chris and Kurt Oetjen

16. Amy and Ron Simpson 17. Winter and James Campanella 18. Dunklin and Kim Rangitsch 19. Bob Browning, Christy and Kieth Baggett and Clay Goodwin 20. John and Karla McCamish

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

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Photos by Alexa Rogals

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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 : Fall 2014 17

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Murphysboro Chamber Dinner ‌ hamber members and invited guests were treated to the annual event May 2 at 17th Street C Warehouse. Awards were presented that night, including Business/Organization of the Year, Friends of Murphysboro; Student Citizen of the Year, Sara Fluegel; Hall of Fame, Bob Hall; and Citizen of the Year, Patty Bateman.

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1. Matt Bishop and Harold Gibbs, both of Murphysboro 2. Jeff Strueter, Martin Schaldemose, Mike Dreith and David Marks, all of Murphysboro 3. Citizen of the Year Award recipient Patty Bateman and Randy Bateman of Murphysboro 4. Jeff Doherty of Carbondale and Dan Bost of Murphysboro 5. Murphysboro Mayor Will Stephens and April Blessing of Murphysboro 6. Lyndsay Kamminga and Julie Schaldemose, both of Murphysboro 7. Cynthia Mill and Bob Chambers of Vergennes and Matt Bishop of

Murphysboro 8. Terri Bryant and Gloria Campos of Murphysboro 9. Mike Jones and Dan Bost, both of Murphysboro 10. Stephanie Donahue and Hall of Fame Award recipient Bob Hall, both of Murphysboro 11. Michael Schmidt and Martin Schaldemose, both of Murphysboro 12. Judy Bost of Murphysboro 13. Bob Chambers and Cynthia Mill of Vergennes 14. John Medwedeff of Murphysboro and Gary Niebrugge of Effingham

15. Scott Fluegel and Kathy Baumann, both of Murphysboro 16. Harold Gibbs and Marlene McGregor Gibbs of Murphysboro 17. Candice Knight of Pinckneyville 18. Bruce Wallace of Murphysboro and Chris Egelston of Carterville 19. Amanda Atchley of Elkville 20. Marlene McGregor Gibbs, Bruce Wallace and Harold Gibbs, all of Murphysboro 21. Brad Fager, Patty Bateman, Brandi Bradley, Sarah Junk and Kathy Baumann of the 2014 Organization of the Year, Friends of Murphysboro

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Photos by Rob Burke‌

More Than n A Jewelry J y Store S

Merchants Walk, Carterville

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Hours: Mon.-Fri. 9-6, Sat. 9-5 • yjeweler.com 18 Life & Style : Fall 2014

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Readers’ Choice for Best Bank in Southern Illinois oldnational.com

Thank you for voting us #1!

Call 618-457-3700 or visit any Old National location.

Life & Style : Fall 2014 19

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SECOND ACT IN NYC ‌ orty-nine members of the SIH Second Act Program traveled to New York City F in June. Members explored “The City That Never Sleeps” for three days. The tour included a visit to Times Square, Central Park, Rockefeller Center, the 911 Memorial, the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island.

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1. Mary Evilsizer of Scheller, Marie Samuel of Carterville, Barbara Lamcyzk of Scheller 2. Judith Smith of De Soto, Janice Pulcher of Murphysboro, Linda Rains of Marion, Sandra Bullar of Murphysboro 3. Joanne, the New York tour guide 4. Mary and Floyd Smith of Herrin 5. Mike and Pat Jennings of Ava, Mary Falaster of

Murphysboro, Fredia Doody of Murphysboro, Jennifer and Dianna Freeburn of Murphysboro 6. Paula Reeves of Carrier Mills, Jerry and Yvonne Norris of Marion, Lora Hurt of De Soto, Janet Schuyler of Carterville, Janice McConnaughy of Carterville 7. George and Marlene Stavroulakis of Zeigler, Joey and Gina Cushman of Du Quoin, Mary and Ted James of Carbondale 8. Nate Bernstein of Marion

Photos provided by SIH‌

9. Mike Jennings of Ava and Joe Taylor of Marion 10. Dale Hastings of Marion, Ted James of Carbondale 11. Nate and Tina Bernstein of Marion 12. Shirlene Carnaghi of Herrin, Marie Samuel of Carterville, Mike Jennings of Ava and Frank Aldridge of Murphysboro 13. Mike and Pat Jennings of Ava

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Life & Style : Fall 2014 21

Elegant Outdoor Living!

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WOUL YOU G D O ANYW HE E L SE ? R E

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22 Life & Style : Fall 2014

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15 QUESTIONS

Getting to know

John Pfeifer Our Life & Style editor offered to take my bio info from our corporate website, but I fear that wouldn’t tell you very much. And it would be pretty boring. So here goes.

As publisher of The Southern Illinoisan, I have a job that allows me to do what I love to do — and what I do well — every day. I love to write, to sell, and to interact with people inside and outside of the office, and that’s what I get to do. I enjoy leading almost as much as I detest following, so that works out pretty nicely, as well.

And since I and the “status quo” have never really gotten on the same page, it’s good to work somewhere that everyone is involved in creating a new product daily in print and hourly on your desktop, tablet and mobile phone. Change is fun!

I’m also glad to be working at our Carbondale office in Jackson County, while living in our beautiful home in Marion right next door in Williamson County. We’re a regional news and sales organization, so it’s helpful to have a couple of different perspectives on what we’re doing and how well we’re doing it.

I hope you enjoy this and every edition of Life & Style.

24

Life & Style : Fall 2014

John Pfeifer, shown in the pressroom (above) and using his iPad to find the Southern Business Journal’s LinkedIn page (left), is the publisher of The Southern Illinoisan.

At the end of the 19th century, French writer Marcel Proust believed that people must know and understand themselves before they could know or understand others. So, he developed a list of subjective questions he felt would help with that. We, along with other publications, like Vanity Fair, believe it’s still one of the best ways to get to know someone quickly.

What is your current state of mind?

Determined.

What is your favorite avocation or hobby? Music. Tinkering with playlists and trying to create a playlist for any and all moods. My daughter; a self-proclaimed NeedtoBreathe groupie, also recently got me hooked on Ed Sheeran (I’m listening to his “Multiplied” CD while answering these questions). I love live classical music, as well. And soundtracks, great big breaking themes that ebb and flow.

What is your greatest extravagance?

Travel – and buying artwork while traveling.

My wife and I just visited Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island, and, because we won’t be moving next summer, plan to visit Budapest, Prague and return to Vienna.

Can’t wait! And there really is another wall in our new house that needs a nice painting to hang on.

What is your motto or words you live by?

“I learned this, at least, by my experiment: That if one advances confidently in the direction of his dreams, and endeavors to live the life which he has imagined, he will meet with a success unexpected in common hours.” ― Henry David Thoreau What is your most treasured possession?

BubbaZeke, our family’s stuffed bear elder.

My wife and three kids each have a “Bubba” bear, as well, but mine was the first. And I don’t think he really looks like he’s stoned.

When and where were you happiest?

Thanksgiving week with the family at our oldest son Tim’s place in Columbia, Maryland. Our daughter Carolyn lives with him, and Joe flies in from Denver. Lot’s of eating, game playing, football watching and relaxing. There may also be a wee bit of sarcasm.

What are your most obvious characteristics? A sense of humor. At least, I hope so. I’m very serious about accomplishing things, but hope I never take myself seriously.

What is your favorite journey? A long hike in a brand new place. Walking off the first tee with my son, knowing we have the next couple of hours together. Getting unlost.

Who is your favorite fictional hero? Since we’re talking fiction here, my hero is a composite of the sarcastic pragmatism of Josh Lyman from the “West Wing” TV series and the status-quo challenging John Keating from the movie “Dead Poet’s Society.”

If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be? A dangerous question to answer because I can actually change it. I would like to develop the discipline necessary to write consistently.

I’ve started writing both fiction and nonfiction, but (quickly) lost steam.

Lowering expectations to creating a short story or short book on media sales would be a great first step. OK, actually writing a few paragraphs each day would be a better first step.

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Where would you like to live? In close proximity to grandkids. Right now, we don’t yet have grandkids, so there’s no rush to be anywhere other than right here. But when they start arriving, I want to be right there to spoil them.

What is the quality you most admire in a man? See the next question.

What is the quality you most admire in a woman? I’ll answer both of the above questions by saying that I’m mystified about why I would possibly admire different qualities in a person based solely on their gender difference. What’s with that? I admire people who care. I guess “passionate” is the word we now use to describe this quality. You can hear it in the words they speak or write, and you can always see it in their eyes. I love listening to people — both women and men — argue points they feel strongly about.

What do you value most in your friends?

Their ability to laugh at many of the silly and/or idiotic things that come out of my mouth, while making it appear as though they find them genuinely humorous.

Which words or phrases do you most over-use? It’s a near certainty that I overuse the word “like,” since it has, like, replaced “you know” as the placeholder word that comes out of our mouths as we struggle to communicate. I’m, like, not even sure where this all started but, like, that’s all we seem to say. Like has to be the most commonly used word in the country, and I really don’t like it at all.

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pursuits

The of the LEAA adds group for current and aspiring writers to its ranks

BY ADAM TESTA

‌hrough the years, Little Egypt Arts Association has become a haven for all types of creative individuals, from painters to quilters and photographers to sculptors.

Earlier this year, though, the tree of LEAA opportunities grew another branch as the organization started Little Egypt Writers Society. The group brings together all types of writers or those who wish to explore and improve their writing talents.

“We have songwriters, scriptwriters, authors,” said Kaye Howell of Marion, who helped organize the club and lead it through its infancy. “We’re just trying to feel our way about, so we’re really open to anything.”

Early meetings have included about 15 members and featured programs from author Jon Musgrave, who spoke on his journey to bring scripts to Los Angeles, and poet Joy King, who shared her experiences of visiting the United Nations.

LEWS plans to host events like book signings and exhibitions in the future, allowing writers of all types to share their works with the community at large. A bookshelf display will be set up at LEAA headquarters on the Marion square with artistic book designs, framed poetry and more.

Howell said she hopes the group will integrate with other artist groups, too. The idea for the writing club actually came from a meeting for

painters. Poet Cheryl Ranchino shared some of her work with the group, and ideas started flowing immediately.

“As she was reading them, we were getting these beautiful painting ideas in our minds,” Howell said.

LEWS meets from 6 to 8 p.m. on the second Tuesday of each month at the LEAA office. To be a member of the club, writers must join LEAA, which costs $50 per year. The organization also takes a 20 percent commission on all sales at its office.

Howell, a retired art teacher, said she hopes the group continues to grow and succeed, as it offers an outlet for those who create art with their words and a place where they can connect with others who share their passion.

“It’s a place where authors can have a home along with the painters, the photographers and the other artists,” she said.

Life & Style : Fall 2014 27

SCENIC BEAUTY

Photos by Les Winkeler

Be inspired at Inspiration Point from view as the visitor turns east off that highway. The road to Inspiration As unexpected as it is impressive, Point provides a commanding view of Inspiration Point is the centerpiece of the Big Muddy. When the Big Muddy Pine Hills, a five-mile spills over its banks, great length of limestone blue herons, great egrets, This is probably the formations jutting from egrets and other only place in Southern snow the Mississippi River wading and shore birds floodplain south and west Illinois where a person can be seen feeding in of Murphysboro. can stand and see the flood waters.

The summit of The bottomland forest eagles soaring below.

Inspiration Point towers — and the attendant 150 feet above LaRue wildlife — can be Swamp and Big Muddy River, as it winds mesmerizing. Roll down the windows, its way toward the nearby Mississippi. turn off the stereo and air-conditioning The journey to Inspiration Point is an and listen to the sounds of the river adventure in itself. bottom, the melodies of songbirds Although Inspiration Point is clearly and jungle-like screams of the pileated woodpecker. visible from Illinois 3, it disappears

BY LES WINKELER

AT TOP: Inspiration Point is the centerpiece of Pine Hills, a five-mile limestone facade stretching along the floodplain of the Mississippi River near Murphysboro. While the natural formation is easily viewable from Illinois 3, the trek to visit the summit itself is much more of an adventure.

ABOVE: The summit of Inspiration Point towers 150 feet above LaRue Swamp and the Big Muddy River, as it winds its way toward the nearby Mississippi. From the summit, travelers have a unique view of the region’s vast landscape

28

Life & Style : Fall 2014

The bottomland forest provides great scenery for a drive to Inspiration Point. The sounds of flowing water and the attending wildlife create a natural soundtrack for the mesmerizing journey. But the view from the top can be even more impressive.

One almost forgets about the looming limestone bluffs that were formed 400 million years ago.

However, when the road takes one final curve, Inspiration Point comes into view. Although the gravel road discourages speed, the initial reaction upon catching a glimpse of Inspiration Point is to lift the foot off the accelerator. The sight is stunning at any time of day, but even more spectacular in late afternoon and evening when the bluffs catch the sun.

The temptation is to keep your eyes glued to the gleaming bluffs, but visitors owe it to themselves to scan the surrounding swampland. The area abounds with songbirds and wildflowers in the summer, waterfowl in the winter.

Upon reaching the base of the summit, you face still another dilemma.

A right turn leads to a large pond that

makes up part of LaRue Swamp. The road carrying visitors to the pond is the famous “Snake Road.” The road is closed for brief periods in the spring and fall, as snakes migrate to and from their winter dens.

A left turn takes travelers to the summit of Inspiration Point. The drive is short, but it eloquently displays the remote wildness of Pine Hills. The road leads to the entrance of Clear Springs Wilderness Area.

The view from the summit — the Big Muddy winding below and floodplain extending to the Mississippi — is as inspiring, as advertised.

This is probably the only place in Southern Illinois where a person can stand and see eagles soaring below.

And, even when it is time to leave the summit, take solace in the fact that the drive back to Illinois 3 is a journey unto itself.

Life & Style : Fall 2014 29

WINE

Photos by Adam Testa

Tony Philipe, senior graphic designer at Silkworm, designs wine labels for wineries including Owl Creek and Alto Vineyards. Several of his designs have placed or won in the Illinois State Fair Wine Competition.

Judging a wine by its

LABEL 30 Life & Style : Fall 2014

Rese rve Gold —

In the long list of creative ventures and artistic media, label design might not be one that immediately comes to mind. But if you’re in the business of marketing wine and cider, it’s almost as important as the quality of the product.

A bright or unique label is essential in attracting that all-important customer.

Dustin Rochkes, manager of Warehouse Liquor Mart in Carbondale, said labels most definitely play a role in moving a product.

“For customers who have decided to try something new, a creative, eyecatching label works,” he said. “Blue Sky does a good job with theirs, and Owl Creek’s labels are uniform, but creative and attractive.”

Alto Vine yard

BY CHANDA GREEN

Jim Ewers, general manager of Blue Sky Vineyard in Makanda, said a lot of thought and creativity go into its labels and for good reason.

“One of our most popular wines is our Misterioso,” he said.

It’s a rosé that smells and tastes of ripe berries, but Jim credits at least some of popularity to the “creepy” label design.

“When we were trying to come up with new label designs, I went out to Westroads Liquor in Carbondale and talked to Jim Reed, the owner,” Jim said. “He told me to look at his display of wines and pointed out how the standard labels — mostly black with gold or silver lettering and trim — blended together. ‘Make the label pop,’ he told me. We’ve lived by that and had great success.”

Blue Sky uses local photographer Keith Cotton as one of its primary label designers.

“Our Chamborcin Reserve wine label is a collage of some of the architectural features of the winery. So when you buy a bottle, it’s like you’re taking home a little piece of Blue Sky,” he said. “And our Rosé label is a reproduction of a portrait that hangs in the winery, very distinctive.”

Brad Genung, owner, chief wine-maker and cider master at Owl Creek Vineyard in Cobden, said the label is almost as important as what’s inside the bottle. That’s why he turned to a professional graphic artist, Ruby Barnes, when he decided to redesign his wine labels in 2005. And when Owl Creek wanted something creative for its new line of hard ciders, Brad called Silkworm in Murphysboro and worked with one of its senior graphic artists, Tony Phillippe.

“He’s our graphics guy now, and he’s awesome,” Brad said.

Tony has been working with Brad since about 2005 and began designing his cider labels about a year ago.

“The sky’s the limit on these labels,” Blue Sky’s Mysterioso he said. “You’re free to use your imagination. You’re not limited to five or six colors like you are on a T-shirt design. As long as you know what the client wants and stay within that direction, you really get to spread your wings as a designer. It’s some of my favorite work here at Silkworm.”

He especially enjoyed designing the labels for Owl Creek’s new line of Apple Knockers Hard Cider: Hard Knocks, Bad Apple and Sweet Knockers.

“For his Bad Apple Cider, I played off of the apple boy character on the Hard Knocks label and had him spray-painting graffiti; and for the Sweet Knockers label, well, I drew a very voluptuous apple tree.”

Tony also designs labels for Alto Vineyards in Alto Pass, which has used artists at Silkworm for its label designs since before Tony started there 16 years ago.

Alto’s event coordinator Corey Peters agreed that it’s “very important to have an eye-catching label, one that does justice to the product.”

He cites Alto’s Rocco Red wine, named after the vineyard’s founding family’s first dog; Wiener Dog White, named after the family’s late winery dog, Lucy; and Reserve Gold, a dessert wine, as having some of the winery’s most creative and attractive labels.

Reserve Gold was one of the local winners at this year’s annual Illinois State Fair Wine Label and Packaging Competition, along with Owl Creek’s Bad Apple Cider and Whoo’s Blush Rosé wine.

Owl Creek Wines

‘I was immediately drawn to the winner in the dessert wine category, Alto Vineyards’ Reserve Gold. The combination of the blue bottle, their logo stacked for easy readability and the use of a gold foil really set this wine label apart.’

Rebecca Ritz, one of the judges at this year’s annual state fair wine label and packaging competition in Springfield

And the winners are …

More than 420 local wines were presented to the judges at the Illinois State Fair Wine Competition in June at Lincoln Land Community College in Springfield. The event was sponsored by the Illinois Grape Growers & Vintners Association.

One of the categories judged concerns labels and packaging. Local winners are: Cider: Owl Creek Vineyard, Cobden, for Bad Apple Rosé: Owl Creek Vineyard for Whoo’s Blush Dessert Wine: Alto Vineyards in Alto Pass, for Reserve Gold

Owl Creek Hard Ciders

Life & Style : Fall 2014

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apps

creativity Tap into your

with these apps for writers, musicians and moviemakers

BY ADAM TESTA

‌The ultimate source of creativity exists inside the individual, but that doesn’t mean others can’t help bring out the best.

In the golden era of literature, contemporary authors and poets were often friends, part of the same social cliques. Today, individuals seeking to explore their own creativity have a much wider social network from which to seek guidance, advice and inspiration.

The digital age has brought creativity to the forefront and given everyone the chance and opportunity to explore outlets previously out of reach.

Here are some digital apps that can help writers, musicians and moviemakers, as well as those aspiring to hold such titles, pave their own creative paths.

FOR WRITERS

A Novel Idea: One of the hardest parts of creative writing, especially for beginners, is organization. This app allows writers to think about various aspects of their work with a single focus — character descriptions, settings, plot points, etc. — at a time. Once all the information is input, the app will link it together, making it easily accessible as the author moves forward with the project.

Spice Mobile: A Phrase Thesaurus and History of the English Language: Most writers find themselves turning to a thesaurus, seeking synonyms for a single word, but this app takes the research one step further. Searching a phrase will bring up similar or commonly used passages from classic literature and writing to help inspire a new way of thinking about what you’re trying to say.

Write or Die: The name of this app sounds a little harsh, but it’s the perfect motivator for those who are prone to procrastination (like yours truly can be, at times, when it comes to creative writing). Users set a word count or time goal for the session, and if they stop writing before meeting it, the app responds in various severities — from a simple reminder to erasing what you’ve already written — until you start again.

FOR MUSICIANS

GarageBand: This digital sound and recording app serves both trained musicians and those looking to break into the industry. The app can be connected to a number of different virtual instruments and also includes its own array of “smart instruments” for those seeking to try their hand at audio engineering without a bevy of hefty expenses.

34 Life & Style : Fall 2014

Songster Tabs and Chords: The days of buying tab books may be over.

Apps such as this one allow musicians to discover tablature for many popular songs, and most of them feature tabs for instruments beyond guitar. Users can search by artist or song title, and an offline mode allows them to access previously viewed tabs without Internet access. The participating artists are legally included and paid for their work, which is an added bonus.

ThumbJam: Designed specifically for Apple products, this app turns your handheld device into an instrument. Users pick out a key and scale and use their thumb to move up and down the notes and wave the device to create effects such as pitch bend.

It’s not overly complex and might not be too useful in actually creating sounds for recording, but it helps people learn different aspects of musical sound, and they can be manipulated.

FOR MOVIEMAKERS

iMovie: This app is the mobile version of Apple’s standard movie editing software, and, like its full version, it’s geared toward beginners and those looking to learn.

You can do basic cuts and edits of videos shot with your iPod or iPad with ease, or you can get more intricate with themes, transitions and other fine touches. You won’t see many Hollywood blockbusters edited in iMovie, but it’s a nice option for your home videos. iStopMotion: Why settle for watching “The Lego Movie” when you can make your own? This iPad app — Android users can find similar programs for their systems — lets the user learn to make quick, easy stopmotion videos. Use Lego or other toys and then move them a little on each frame before snapping a picture. Put them all together in motion and watch your story unfold before your eyes.

CollabraCam: Every filmmaker desires to use multiple camera angles to be sure to capture the best shots. With this app, the user can network a number of iPhones to create a studio-style setup. One phone works as the “director” with up to four phones filming and streaming video to it.

The director then chooses what camera should be active, switching between them to ensure the best angle is being captured.

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artists

‘I don’t like shiny things; I’d rather concern myself with substance.’

— Kyle Kinser

Kinser polishes a table top with a special mix he creates.

Photos by Adam Testa and Lori Baysinger

36 Life & Style : Fall 2014

Kyle Kinser

Celebrating nature’s imperfections in his perfectly beautiful and unique furniture

Kinser is all about reclamation of beautiful wood, which is evident in the door panels of a cabinet he created. They almost look like fabric but are actually slices of ‘dead’ wood he was able to bring to life in a creative way.

BY CHANDA GREEN

K

yle Kinser is an artist, a craftsman and a woodworker, but that doesn’t really come close to describing what he does. Kinser makes one-of-a-kind, high-end, hand-made furniture that is so unique and beautiful it will take your breath away. And, it’s made so well that each one is an heirloom piece, something you would be proud to pass down to the next generation.

He uses wood from the forest around his home in Makanda, sometimes keeping an eye on a tree for years until it falls and then dragging it back to his studio to slice and stack until the pieces dry and age naturally for years before pulling one out and letting it speak to him.

“I prefer to have a piece of wood tell me what to do rather than a client,” he said. “I like to build something and then find a good home for it.”

The imperfections in the wood he collects and uses — the cracks and knots, or a winding tunnel made by a beetle

chewing its way through the tree — are what attract Kinser.

“One-hundred years from now, people will love all of those imperfections,” he said.

Kinser’s workshop looks like an old shack from the outside. But, inside, it’s filled with the machines he uses to slice the wood he finds, and the hand tools he uses to shape the wood into art.

“Every machine in this shop has a story,” he said. “But the real work begins when the machines are turned off.”

Kinser loves the experience of cutting a piece of wood with a sharp tool, celebrates the smooth surfaces that his hand plane leaves behind and finds real joy in the spiritual quality of a well-made object, one of the “real things in life.”

Along one side of Kinser’s shop are large windows, the better to drink in the inspiration of the surroundings, and in almost every corner are stacks of wood waiting for their turn under the master’s hand. He built the shop himself and has been working there — and living at the other end of his property — for more than two decades.

Life & Style : Fall 2014 37

Kinser uses a variety of hand tools to create the perfect designs for his work. While he does use machinery, a lot of the work is done by hand using traditional techniques and skills.

LEFT: Wood shavings cover many of the work tables in Kinser’s studio, a symbol of his hard work. He apologizes to visitors for the mess, but most simply view it as a sign of his efforts and labor.

Kyle Kinser’s work can be seen at his studio in Makanda. He also sells commissioned work, and his pieces can be seen in numerous galleries in large metropolitan areas such as Chicago.

38 Life & Style : Fall 2014

“I’m absorbed with the spiritual aspect of my life and work,” he said. “I’m a recovering Catholic, but very spiritual. I find my religion in art and in nature.”

Kinser’s journey as an artist is as interesting and circuitous as that of the unclaimed wood that becomes beautiful furniture. When he started working with wood, he had no formal connect training. He learned what he could To connect with from the local library, old high school Kyle Kinser and shop manuals and “a lot of trial and to watch a video error,” he said. of him working, He really wasn’t sure what he wanted go to www. to do with his life, so there were a few lifeandstylesi.com. years at a seminary, a few years studying 618-549-4540 kylekinser8@gmail. French and English in college and com taking on menial jobs such as picking apples. Then, after his soul-searching, fate stepped in and introduced Kinser to his mentor, James Krenov.

“I was on a hitchhiking trip in the mid-’70s from Makanda to British Columbia when I stopped at a friend’s house. My friend made guitars, and in one of his

Kinser’s artistic style is rooted in tradition, but while many think his pieces are entirely hand-crafted, they’re mistaken, as he uses machinery to help with cuts and shavings. His studio is divided into two rooms, one for machinery and the other for more hands-on work.

BELOW: Kinser’s studio is divided into two rooms, one filled with machinery and the other with open work benches and space.

The building is very basic, both inside and out, but the work created there is anything but. Kinser creates elaborate, high-end furniture, which he mostly markets through Chicago art galleries.

magazines there was a little photo of Jim’s book, ‘The Cabinetmaker’s Notebook,’ with an even tinier photo of one of Jim’s dovetail joints. As soon as I got home, I ordered that book.

“I had been groping for direction, looking for a cottage industry, some way of making my living. But, after I got that book, I was a full-time woodworker.”

In the meantime, Krenov had moved from Stockholm to the West Coast and started a fine woodworking program called the College of the Redwoods. In ’82 or ’83, Kinser and his wife, Jeri, loaded everything they had in an old, oil-burning Volvo and headed west.

Kinser enrolled in the second year of the program in a class of 22 students.

“That was my first and only structured training,” he said.

“It was non-stop stimulation, an incredible learning experience.

It really reshuffled my deck and showed me what high standards of design and construction were all about. Jim influenced a whole generation of craftsmen woodworkers. Hardly a day goes by that I don’t reminisce about my experience there.

“Jim was my mentor, my biggest, most pivotal influence.

So, my compass was set at this early stage by my experience with this wonderful teacher. I came back here and set up shop and concentrated completely on my work.”

Kinser’s work, his incredibly elegant and unique, but functional, pieces, elevated his status from simple woodworker to artist. His work is

now sought after, celebrated by the Illinois State Museum, sold in several galleries in Chicago and set to be displayed in a retrospective show next fall at SIU’s University Museum in Carbondale.

Kinser is busy preparing for that show, working with University Museum Director Donna Bachman, collecting pieces that span 40 years of his work and some of his most recent pieces.

“I’m really excited about my new Painted Tabernacle Series,” he said, which includes at least four cabinets augmented by panels painted by local visual artists Fran Jaffe, Michael Onken, Eieleen Doman and Michael Gould.

“I’m really enjoying the collaboration with other artists,” Kinser said. “I’m talking with several other artists, too. Their enthusiasm is contagious. I love the partnership involved in these collaborations. My art is a very solitary craft, and collaborations get me outside of my little cloister.”

Kinser is also collaborating with metal sculptor Alden Addington on a series of tables, using his own wood pieces as the top and what he describes as “Alden’s amazing work” as the base.

“They’re some very exciting pieces,” he said.

Another artist Kinser is even more excited about developing a working relationship with is his granddaughter, Audrey Rose. She’s in third grade now and, according to Kinser, showing a lot of artistic talent.

“I’m trying to persuade her to do a painted cabinet with me that I hope will be in my upcoming SIU show,” he said. “I’m sure it will be my favorite piece.”

Life & Style : Fall 2014 39

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Beginning in September, Dr. Daniel Griffin will be scheduling consultations at the Green Door Spa in Mt. Vernon.

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Life & Style : Fall 2014 41

SELF

KEEPING IT REAL

Innovative self-defense approach helps trainees stay mentally and physically prepared for anything

BY JOE SZYNKOWSKI

You’re standing in the corner of Levi Wampler’s Carbondale MMA & Fitness facility. Next to the boxing bag. A few feet from the yellow floor fan keeping you cool in what is quickly becoming a

high-intensity training.

The next phase of your workout is walking to the other side of the room. Sounds simple enough, until you’re told that your fellow students are going to attack you. Randomly. And vigorously, depending on your skill level.

Welcome to the art of realistic self-defense, a level of mental and physical preparedness designed to keep you safe in the most austere of environments.

Wampler, a former self-defense and mixed martial arts instructor at Southern Illinois University, doesn’t stop with self-defense. He combines it with martial arts influences he has picked up over years of training in disciplines like Wing Chun Kung Fu, Jeet Kune Do, Brazilian JuiJitsu, Filipino Martial Arts and Krav Maga.

He also draws on his military background. Wampler was in the Illinois Army National Guard for eight years and deployed to Iraq from 2003 to 2004.

“After I got home from Iraq, I had trouble adjusting to not having a Kevlar, flak vest and weapon with me everywhere I went,” he said. “There was a feeling of being open or vulnerable.

After learning realistic selfdefense, it helped Levi Wampler teaches student Jeffery Cripps of Carterville how to defend against an armed mugger.

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Life & Style : Fall 2014

Carbondale MMA & Fitness

Levi Wampler Military Background

 608 S. Illinois Ave., Carbondale

 Illinois Army National Guard 8 years,

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 Deployed 2003 to 2004 to Iraq.  (E-5) Sgt.

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me to cope with that feeling.”

Wampler cultivates that same feeling of confidence in his students, while also delivering a targeted conditioning program in an innovative way. Students pound on massive tractor tires with sledgehammers, lift heavy black bags filled with bricks over their shoulders and navigate through various cardio-focused drills.

They learn how to disarm guns and fend off knife attacks. They also work through challenging, real-life scenarios within the facility’s main area and side rooms, one of which simulates a city alleyway, complete with tight quarters and graffiti-splashed walls.

It’s all in an effort to remain ahead of the workout curve and hold court on a competitive street — one that fields a Cross-Fit facility and karate studio across Illinois Avenue.

“It’s all about building people’s situational awareness, whether you’re here in Carbondale or traveling in New York,” Wampler said. “You can also get a great workout in the process.”

Jason Henry has been training with Wampler a few days per week for six years and actually helped clean up the new Carbondale facility when he first purchased it.

“I remember he wasn’t talking about being excited for himself,” Henry recalled. “He said, ‘I’m proud that I can finally train you like you deserve to be trained.’”

Henry said the training has kicked up a notch since moving operations from Murphysboro.

“No matter what your skill set or personality, Levi will make you feel comfortable,” Henry said.

“I know a lot of people are nervous or shy about starting new things, but Levi makes it an inviting environment.”

Wampler demonstrates what not to do when threatened by someone holding a gun. ‘We teach people to bring their hands close to the gun, so you can quickly grab it,’ Wampler says.

Photos by Steve Matzker

Life & Style : Fall 2014 43

PROFILE

Behind the

Camera Carbondale native makes directorial debut

BY MARILYN HALSTEAD

The movie “Tammy,” which opened in theaters July 2, has more of a connection to Southern Illinois than just the opening scene being set in Murphysboro.

The movie, starring Melissa McCarthy and Susan Sarandon, was directed by Ben Falcone, who grew up in Carbondale.

Falcone was born in Carbondale and his parents, Steve and Peg Falcone, still live here. He graduated from Carbondale Community High School and then went to University of Illinois. Wanting to work in the entertainment business, he traveled to Los Angeles and joined The Groundlings Theatre and School. The school has a pretty impressive list of alumni, which includes Falcone, his wife Melissa McCarthy, Will Ferrell, Lisa Kudrow and many other great comedians.

“It’s where I met most of my closest friends and Melissa, where we started working together,” Falcone said. “I’m very grateful and thankful for the opportunities we’ve had.”

Photos by AP

LEFT: Melissa McCarthy and Ben Falcone share a look at a ceremony immortalizing McCarthy with a hand and footprint at TCL Chinese Theatre in July.

ABOVE: Ben Falcone signs autographs at the ceremony.

44 Life & Style : Fall 2014

After McCarthy gained notoriety, someone asked if there were any Falcone gave the details meeting his wife on the Late Show with projects they would like to do. They pitched the idea to Universal, David Letterman. The two were in class at The Groundlings, and and company executives like it. At that point, Falcone said they had the class was doing introductions in a circle. McCarthy, who was to get serious and finish the script. Six years after the concept was about six people ahead of Falcone, said she went to school “in a born, the movie is a reality. place you’ve never heard of, Carbondale, Illinois.” When it was The movie opens in Murphysboro, Illinois, with Tammy Falcone’s turn to speak, he introduced himself and said, “Thanks.

(McCarthy) driving to work at fictional I’m from Carbondale, Illinois.” fast food restaurant Topper Jacks. Once They have been friends since. They at work, her boss, Keith (Falcone), fires married in 2005 and have two daughters, her for being late. Her car dies on Illinois ages 7 and 4.

13. When she finally makes it home, her Breaking into the film industry is not husband Greg (Nat Faxon) is having a easy, and that has been true for Falcone. romantic dinner with a neighbor (Toni “It was a long process, you know. I’ve had Collette). She leaves and walks two doors to keep at it, keep moving forward and try down to her parents’ home. The result to get better,” Falcone said. “I just try to is a road trip with her grandma Pearl turn out great things that people will like.”

(Sarandon). The plot includes a robbery Falcone is known as a character actor of a Topper Jacks in Louisville, Kentucky; and writer. He has had roles in “What to alcoholic Pearl humiliating Tammy at a Expect When You’re Expecting,” “Enough Fourth of July party, a divorce, a retirement Said” and “Bad Words,” and several home, and a trip to Niagara Falls. The cast movies that star McCarthy, including includes Allison Janney and Dan Aykroyd “Bridesmaids,” “Identity Thief” and “The Ben Falcone and Melissa McCarthy as Tammy’s parents, Gary Cole, Kathy Heat.” He had a recurring role in television walk the street at the New Line Cinema premiere of ‘Tammy’ held at Hollywood’s Bates, Sandra Oh, Mark Duplass, Sarah series “Joey,” a “Friends” spin-off starring TCL Chinese Theatre in June.

Baker, Rich Williams and Rob Springer.

Matt LeBlanc. He makes his directorial Directing a film that stars your wife debut with “Tammy” and plays the boss “I wish I could get might be a challenge for some, but who fires Tammy early in the movie. back there more “Tammy” was not a challenge for Falcone.

If you still think you don’t know who often. It’s a great He and McCarthy have written and Ben Falcone is as an actor, think Target performed together since their days at commercials. He was the music teacher place and I miss it.”

The Groundlings. who tells parents that children have to look — Ben Falcone “It was a delight every day. We both cool and sings about denim and school work a lot, and being able to spend a lot supplies in a popular Target back-to-school of time together was delightful. Melissa is commercial. a super funny person and a great actress,” “I really like all aspects of the business. he said. “When you work with great I enjoy writing, acting, and I really enjoy people, like Susan (Sarandon), Kathy (Bates) and Gary (Cole), it is directing. I’m lucky enough that I like it all,” he said. “When you a pleasure.” are able to do this with your wife, it’s a bonus.”

The disadvantage is that time with their daughters is in short McCarthy shares that sentiment and often refers to her supply when they are working. husband as “the love of her life” and “the dreamiest man “When we are both working long hours, we don’t get to see the on the planet.” At home, Ben is the comedian, making kids as much as we would like,” Falcone added. everyone laugh.

“I probably laugh to the point where I literally think I The Falcone-McCarthy family travels together as a group. When one films, they all go, which puts their young daughters on the can’t get air in probably four times a day … No, I can’t set of “Tammy.” Ben said the girls would come on the set for 30 imagine having a husband, or a partner or whoever minutes to an hour, until they got bored. you’re with all the time, that doesn’t make you laugh “You’d think they would be interested in the cameras and like that,” McCarthy told Mo Rocca in a CBS Sunday equipment, but they just wanted to go back to the trailer and Morning interview.

The idea for the movie “Tammy” was born before any of color,” he said, laughing.

Falcone has simple goals, “just to keep working and doing the roles McCarthy is known for today, like “Bridesmaids” projects people want to see.” or “Mike and Molly.”

The couple has another project in the works for Universal.

Falcone got up one morning with an idea for a movie, “We are writing a movie for Universal that should be fun for maybe from a dream.

Melissa,” Falcone said. “We plan to shoot next year.”

“I came downstairs and said to Melissa, ‘We need to His dad, Steve Falcone, told Adam Testa of The Southern make a movie where you go on a road trip with your Illinoisan that the hard work his son and daughter-in-law have done grandma.’ Melissa and I were both very close to our is already paying dividends. The couple’s second film, also directed grandmas,” Falcone said.

by Falcone and starring McCarthy, will be “Michelle Darnell,” based McCarthy told several interviewers that she thought he on a character McCarthy created at The Groundlings. wasn’t fully awake and offered him coffee.

Falcone still loves Southern Illinois.

“I knew she was a good actress and there was a lot of stuff she “I wish I could get back there more often,” he said. “It’s a great could do. I wanted to show her talent,” Falcone added. place and I miss it.”

As ideas for the movie came to them, they wrote them down.

Life & Style : Fall 2014 45

business buzz

Pushing the

Design Envelope Trish Francis, a designer at Wright’s Do-It Center in Murphysboro, uses the store’s online design center to explore options for a potential customer. The site shows off before and after pictures of various projects, allowing interested people to see what others have done with their homes.

BELOW: Many people think of Wright’s Do-It Center as a lumberyard and home center, but the store’s staff can also share their creativity and experience with home design.

They offer services in person and online to help customers formulate ideas and explore possibilities for their kitchens, bathrooms and more.

Photos by Adam Testa

Wright’s Do-it Center’s design services are top-notch and rising in popularity

BY JOE SZYNKOWSKI

Quaintly tucked away into the back section of Wright’s Do-It Center in Murphysboro is the business’ best-kept secret.

Within the elegantly decorated, showcase-filled area is an atmosphere of creative energy and smiling faces ready to help you put together your dream kitchen or bathroom.

The longtime, locally owned business celebrating its 50th anniversary this year may be known primarily as a lumber yard and home center, but its design capability is what really sets it apart from the competition.

“I can’t tell you how often we hear, ‘Oh, wow, I didn’t know you did this kind of work,’” sales manager Jami Lee Wright said. “Our designers really are top notch and have been putting out quality work throughout Southern Illinois for a very long time.”

46 Life & Style : Fall 2014

Wright’s Do-It Center designed this bathroom remodel for a customer.

The store not only sells home and construction supplies, its employees can also help bring people’s creativity home design ideas to life.

Designer Kim Koehler meets with customer Leslie Williams to discuss design options. The store has many setups showcased, including kitchen counters and bathroom showers, and more options can be viewed on its website.

Evidence of the innovative work that Wright’s Do-It Center’s designers have produced is on the company’s website, www.wrightdoit.com. The site’s before-and-after photo section offers a stunning peak into some of the transformations the staff has executed.

The business began photographing its projects about five years ago, starting out by printing portfolio books for curious customers to peruse.

It quickly took its photo collection online, to the delight of potential design clients looking for creative examples of past work.

“We wanted our customers to see what we’re capable of,” Wright said. “The photos have been fundamental in showcasing the depth of our product, design and installation capability.”

The business’ custom design portfolio is available to view on Houzz.com and can be accessed easily by visiting Wright’s Do-It Center’s website and clicking on the green Houzz icon on the top right-hand corner of the page.

Staying ahead of the technology curve has been crucial to Wright’s Do-It Center’s progressive growth, which started 50 years ago with a dream, a

Wright’s Do-It Center designed this kitchen remodel for a customer.

The store not only sells home and construction supplies, its employees can also help bring people’s creativity home design ideas to life.

Photos provided

by Wright’s Do-It Center

modest pole barn and handful of employees.

“It is very important to remain innovative,” Wright said. “We do so on several different levels. We are always pushing the bar with new designs.”

Whether you’re looking to liven up a bland bathroom or overhaul an outdated kitchen, Wright’s Do-It Center can help you with every detail — from blueprint to move-in.

“We can create the kitchen and bath you’ve always wanted, but never thought possible,” Wright said.

The business’ design staff will even come to your home to learn more about your vision, take all of the necessary measurements and then get to work.

So, walk through the business’ large entry doors in Murphysboro, head to the back and prepare to be inspired. Your home will thank you.

“Our designers would love the opportunity to partner with you,” Wright said.

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

Wright’s Do-It Center 208 S. Williams St., Murphysboro 618-687-1702 1306 N. Market St., Sparta 618-443-5335 wrightdoit.com Wright’s Do-It Center is celebrating its 50th anniversary all year long.

Engage with the business on Facebook for a chance to win its monthly $50 gift card prize.

Life & Style : Fall 2014 47

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southernillinoisvipservices.com 48 Life & Style : Fall 2014

entrepreneur

Denise Fann Interior designer helps bring your ideas and your inspiration into reality

BY CHANDA GREEN

If you want to find Denise Fann, just stop by the little shop around the corner in Carterville, Deloufleur Décor & Designs, and you’ll find her behind the large marble-top bar right inside the front doors, showcasing the finest in furniture, fabrics, leather and accessories, and making her own creative brand of interior design magic.

With 25 years of experience in the design and furniture industry and a real eye for the wow factor, all Denise needs is a little inspiration. She’ll pull some swatches, and, before you know it, she will have created a look that’s just what you wanted and then some — from furniture and accessories to flooring and draperies.

“You bring your ideas, your inspiration,” she said, “and I’ll help you make your home more beautiful.”

Before Denise opened her shop in April, she worked for 18 years in West Frankfort at Coleman Rhoads, which closed in December after 30 years in business.

For single mother Denise, with two children in college, she knew she had to make a decision quickly. A good friend of hers offered some advice.

“He told me I had two choices, to work for someone else or to work for myself, and he convinced me that I could start my own little shop. I had the knowledge, the experience and the clientele. I just had to find the financing.”

Deloufleur Décor & Designs 1615 Landing Drive, Suite B Carterville, off Illinois 13 618-985-3355 www.deloufleur.com

Denise met with an accountant and, before she knew it, she was in her new home at Deloufleur. And even though her shop is small, it’s mighty. Keeping a lot of inventory can actually be a detriment.

“I have everything I need right here,” she said, throwing her arms out wide to encompass her small, jampacked showroom.

She tells a story about a recent customer who wanted to buy a new dining room table. Denise spins around and taps some commands on a keyboard and a 50-inch monitor displays one of her online tools.

“I helped her build the table she wanted by walking her through every possible variation on that huge screen, from tabletop shape and size — it had to seat 10 — to style and finish. In just a few minutes, she could see the table she wanted. I placed the order and, in a few weeks, she had her new dining room table.”

Yes, Denise is a wizard at the keyboard, but if you really want to see her in action,

ABOVE: Denise Fann opened Deloufleur Decor and Designs in Carterville this spring.

The front counter of Deloufleur is lined with various books and catalogs highlighting the different design and fabric options available.

Photos by Adam Testa

give her an idea and turn her lose in what she calls her War Room. There’s a wall of fabric swatches, stacks of books and a rack of fringes and finishes that flank a large table. That’s where she’s in her element, translating her customers’ inspiration into interior design, pulling things together that might never occur to you and me.

“I go through everything, seeing what I can come up with, pulling fabrics and bringing everything to the table,” she said. “I might go crazy and pick some hot pink patterns, some fun paisleys, some animal prints and a dragonfly pillow with contrasting buttons or some new spring colors.

“That’s custom designing, making unique pieces with character, putting pieces together creatively. I love what I do, and I love seeing the look on my customers’ faces when I show them how to make their home more beautiful, one piece at a time!”

Life & Style : Fall 2014 49

COVER STORY

50 Life & Style : Fall 2014

! e t a e r C

It’s never too late, too silly or too selfish to discover ways to express yourself

C

BY CHANDA GREEN

reativity is intrinsic to the human condition. As unique individuals, each of us approaches a project or problem with creativity, that point of view and plan of attack that is ours and ours alone. Whether it’s music or fine art, theater or dance, writing or something less creatively recognizable like organizing a group, planning a strategy or inspiring someone to try some new thing, we are all creative.

So, if that is true, then why are some of us able to identify and avidly pursue our creative passions, while others are downright resistant to trying anything that might subject us to criticism?

OK, if we don’t know why, beyond that ever elusive selfconfidence, then let’s ask how. Well, it turns out that creativity is a very individualized process, as unique to each of us as we are to the rest of the world.

Nevertheless, there is something to learn from those brave souls who have somehow struggled past all of the forces that impel us to conform, those who have stepped out into the ether and found the absolute joy of following their creative dreams. Here are a few very special local authorities.

Life & Style : Fall 2014

51

NORMA LEE HACKNEY,

Photo by Adam Testa

As director of the Anna Arts Center, Norma Lee Hackney doesn’t only explore her own creativity; she encourages others to tap into theirs as well. This summer, the center hosted a workshop for kids, which ended with them building three-dimensional robots. Hackney said she’s proud to see the work kids accomplish and the enjoyment they receive from participating.

If you ask Norma Lee Hackney director of Anna Arts Center, how she earned her living before “retiring” to Southern Illinois, she’ll tell you that she “drove ships,” but that doesn’t exactly tell the whole story.

Lee commanded an aircraft carrier as a captain in the U.S. Navy.

After she retired, she moved to Anna and, remembering her early interest in drawing, painting and woodworking, decided that getting involved with Anna Arts Center was a great way to revive that creative spirit and get involved in the community. She volunteered right away and, a year later, she was asked to be its director.

The best part of her job at the center, she said, is when she gets to work with the children, encouraging their efforts and bolstering their self-confidence.

“I tell them that there are no mistakes in art, and I watch as their confidence grows through the process,” she said.

Lee has found many ways to use her creativity at Anna Arts Center.

She cites work in public relations, grant writing, scheduling events, recruiting and working with volunteers. Then there are the more straight-forward creative outlets, such as the children’s program, the new drama group, classes and workshops, exhibits and events.

“I love reaching out to the community, letting them know that the arts center is a fun place to come for all ages. For me, it’s fun being creative and using my imagination to see all of the possibilities for the center, and very rewarding as I make a lot of new friends.”

“You can’t use up creativity. The more you use, the more you have.”

— Maya Angelou, author and poet

JEANNE FERRARO

Jeanne Ferraro, president of The Stage Company in Carbondale, grew up in a creative household.

“I used to make things growing up, and my grandmother was the same way,” she said. “She taught me to sew and bake. My mother taught me to crochet, and I was always involved in some craft project.”

Jeanne’s creative advice is two-fold. First, watch for that spark of creativity in children and encourage it. Second, if you’re trying to rediscover your creativity, don’t be afraid to try different things to find what excites you. For Jeanne, that could only mean getting involved in theater.

“Theater is collaborative and of the moment,” she said. “The actors and the audience experience it together. When you’re on stage and your energy is up and the audience feeds that energy back to you, you can feel it. It’s an interactive creativity — between the actors, and between the actors and the audience.”

If acting is just not your thing, Jeanne, of Carbondale, said that shouldn’t discourage you from getting involved in your local theater group.

“There are so many different creative things besides acting that you can do in theater,” she said. “You could help paint scenery or work with stage lighting. You could help with stage construction or work on public relations, writing press releases and announcements. There’s photography, costumes, makeup, stage management and assistant directing.

The benefit of getting involved in a group is that you get to work with so many different creative people, all willing to teach and share their knowledge.”

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Life & Style : Fall 2014

Photo by Adam Testa

Jeanne Ferraro has been a part of The Stage Co. in Jackson County since 1985, now serving as its president. She appreciates the creative many outlets of theater, from directing to acting and set design to lighting and sound. This summer, she starred in the company’s production of ‘Mother Hicks,’ which she said might be the most inspiring show she’s ever done.

ANDREA BARCLAY

Andrea Barclay has been described as the “woman behind it all” at Global Gourmet restaurant and bar in Carbondale. She’s “chef, wine taster, menu planner, dishwasher, decorator, babysitter and creative-working partner.”

Born and raised in Southern Illinois, Andrea has a passion for cooking, but also for wine, perfume, all things Chanel and traveling.

“I’ve always been fascinated by cultures: architecture, art, music, fashion and food,” she said.

“When I was a kid, my dad hung a giant map of the world on our laundry room wall, and I would stare at it for hours, naming all of the places I would like to go when I grew up. I was such a romantic dreamer!”

Andrea has been lucky enough to travel to many interesting places that have inspired her and helped her be more creative in the foods that she prepares at Global Gourmet and in the style and ambiance of the restaurant.

“My inspirations and creativity have come from seeing the medina of Fez and the spice market of Marrakesh, the canals of Venice and Amsterdam and the ruins of Athens and Rome, the turquoise waters of the Caribbean and Mediterranean and the gardens and lavender of the Loire Valley and Provence,” she said.

“I’ve been to 23 countries so far, plus the Principality of Monaco (twice) and the Vatican. I will continue to travel and be inspired by the people, food, wine, buildings, music and fashion of this great earth!”

Photo by The Southern

Andrea Barclay’s international travels have spiced up her creative thinking and ideas. Having visiting more than 20 countries, she learns something new from each stop. When she returns home to Carbondale, she uses the ingredients of inspiration to create special recipes for customers at Global Gourmet.

“Creativity is intelligence having fun.”

— Albert Einstein, Nobel-winning physicist

KATHIE DENOSKY

Kathie DeNosky is a successful romance novelist who lives in Herrin. She’s had 36 books published by Harlequin and is currently working on her 37th. They’ve been translated into more than 25 languages, have won several awards and have been on USA Today’s top 50 bestseller list.

“It took a long time for me to believe that I’m a professional writer,” she said. “It’s been 15 years since I sold that first book, and I know that Harlequin considers me a veteran writer.

But I still feel like I’m new at it. Maybe that’s because I try to always be better, to dig deeper, to learn more and to write a better book.”

Kathie has always had creative outlets. She’s done needlework, made dolls, gotten involved Kathy DeNosky of in decorative painting and created craft projects Herrin has published more than 35 books for most of her life. She’s even taught classes on through Harlequinn.

Her wildest dreams decorative painting and basket weaving, but it been passed, took a little encouragement from her husband have as her words have to try writing. been translated and published in more “I always loved to read and, than 25 languages. one day, after reading a poorly She has appeared on written book, I told me husband, the USA Today top 50 best sellers list, but she ‘I should write a book; I could do still has a hard time considering herself a better than this.’ He said, ‘Why veteran writer. not?’ I sat down at my computer the next day and, six months later, I had written my first book. By the time I finished that first one, there was another set of characters whispering in my ear, begging me to tell their story.”

Of course, Kathie’s first book didn’t sell. In fact, it took eight years for Kathie to get her first book

published; but, by then, she had improved her writing. So, she got out her old, rejected manuscripts, made some corrections and got every one of them published.

“I’ve learned a lot about my craft, and I truly have a lot of fun doing what I’m doing,” she said. “I keep threatening to retire, but I know I won’t. I’m having too much fun to stop now!”

Life & Style : Fall 2014

53

ROBERTA ELLIOTT

Roberta Elliott of Cobden is a blacksmith artist. The first time she struck iron, she knew that she had found her calling.

“There is something wonderfully indescribable about the energy exchange that takes place while blacksmithing,” she said. “The heat of the fire and the force of the hammer’s blow feed and energize me.”

Roberta discovered her artistic Roberta Elliott is creativity in iron in the late ’70s. at home in her But even as a little kid, she was Cobden studio, where she applies creative, always playing around age-old lessons with crafts. She tried painting. of blacksmithing to create modern She sewed. She was always designs and working with her hands in some jewelry. Her work represents an old sort of creative fashion, but never art in a new age. considered any of it as a way of making a living.

Photos by Adam Testa So she went to medical school (briefly), ending up with a doctorate in physiology. After that, all she knew was that she didn’t want to continue in academia. Perhaps as a way to try something completely out of left field, she decided to become a farrier. Yes, that’s someone who shoes horses.

“While I was trying — and not really succeeding — to learn how to shoe horses, I started playing around with steel.”

For a while, Roberta thought she could shoe horses in the summer and do something creative with iron in the off-season, but she soon gave up being a farrier and turned completely to her artistic pursuits.

“The first time that I tried blacksmithing in graduate school, I fell in love with it; it captivated me,” she said. “To totally transform something from the way it looks in the beginning is a ABOVE: La Waltz very empowering experience.

LEFT: Carmen It’s the process that keeps me going, being able to hammer on steel. I just love it. It doesn’t Elliott uses a matter what I’m making. It all machine to flatten out a piece feels good.” of metal after removing it from the furnace in her Cobden studio.

The worst enemy to creativity is self-doubt.”

— Sylvia Plath, poet

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Life & Style : Fall 2014

PLASTIC & RECONSTRUCTIVE SURGERY

Kelli Webb, MD has coMe bacK to her roots to serve the people of southern illinois.

Originally from a small town outside of McLeansboro, Dr. Webb graduated from Southern Illinois University Carbondale where she decided to pursue a medical career. Dr. Webb completed medical school and a six year integrated plastic & reconstructive surgery residency at SIU in Springfield, Illinois where she served as Chief Resident. In addition to practicing medicine, Dr. Webb is interested in clinical research and has won many research awards, including the International Plastic & Reconstructive Aesthetic Surgery research award in Vancouver, Canada. She is very passionate about teaching and has been appointed as Clinical Assistant Professor at SIU School of Medicine. She also loves to volunteer for Operation Smile, an international organization that treats children with cleft lip and palate deformities.

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Life & Style : Fall 2014 55

AUR BECK

Aur Beck is passionate about renewable and solar energy, and he’s managed to find creative ways to turn that passion into a career. His company, Advanced Energy Solutions Group in Pomona, helps share the fruits of his labor with residential, commercial and industrial clients.

Aur Beck of Carbondale helped found Advanced Energy Solutions Group in Pomona in 1999 to provide affordable, renewable energy solutions to residential, commercial and industrial customers. The business designs, sells and installs customized solar electric, solar thermal, hydro energy and wind systems. It sponsors and hosts solar education classes and has established a training program and network of professional installation technicians that he calls his Green Geek Squad.

Aur is passionate about renewable energy, so much so that he’s constantly studying the latest advances in the industry and working to promote his interest as founder and board member of the Illinois Renewable Energy Association and Southern Illinois Center for a Sustainable Future.

But renewable energy is just one of his passions. Just ask him. He’ll tell you about his list.

“In 1998, I made a list of my interests, my passions. The top five were solar energy, goats, bicycles, salsa dancing and off-thegrid living,” he said. “I decided to focus on a couple of my interests at a time, but only one as a way to make a living. Then, every couple of years, I would switch my focus to two other interests on my list.”

Aur created his businesses based on his list. His first business followed his passion for bicycles.

“I was the Bike Doctor for a few years,” he said. “I used the money I was making as the Bike Doctor to support my passion for solar energy. I just never really thought it would be a business, although I hoped that it would, and eventually it did. But, through it all, I just kept focusing on my passions.”

“Creativity is just connecting things.”

— Steve Jobs, creator of Apple Inc.

MARI SCHNEIDER

For as long as she can remember, music has been a vital part of life for Mari Shneider of Carbondale.

“When I was a little girl, my mother (who used to sing with her mother on a radio program in New York City in the 1940s) would play the most wonderful pieces of music on our stereo — Ravel’s ‘Bolero,’ ‘Carmen’ by Bizet, and the soundtrack from ‘South Pacific’ by Rodgers and Hammerstein,” she said. “I learned to play the guitar from the girl who lived next door and quickly found that I could play by ear.”

Mari never learned to read music, but kept on singing and playing — at church, at weddings and at parties — and dreamed of someday singing on stage. She grew up, moved away, married and had children. Her guitar gathered dust in the corner, and music took a back seat to life’s more pressing demands.

“And then, early in 1997, my 15-year marriage imploded. I was juggling life as a single mom with two young children and a demanding, full-time job,” she said. “At the end of every day, I’d fall into bed, emotionally and physically exhausted. I’d completely lost my sense of joy and felt very alone, despite the support of family and friends.”

One day, Mari’s co-worker, Helen Coracy, asked her if she would like to join a singing group, SIU Choral Union, which is made up of community members and students.

“I walked into the rehearsal room with Helen, saw more than 100 unfamiliar faces and thought, ‘What am I doing here?’

But just our warm-up exercises gave me a major set of goose bumps. What an amazing sound we made by singing a simple musical scale!”

While Mari struggled every week to make sense of the sharps, flats, fermatas, time signatures and dynamics, she was learning.

“For months, I hit more bad notes than good ones, sang when I wasn’t supposed to, and sometimes I just didn’t sing at all and simply listened,” she said, “but I was always absorbing and retaining and growing. I was creating!”

They sang in English, in Latin and Italian, in French and 56

Life & Style : Fall 2014

When Mari Schneider joined the SIU Choral Union, she had reservations but persevered. ‘For months, I hit more bad notes than good ones, sang when I wasn’t supposed to, and sometimes I just didn’t sing at all and simply listened — but I was always absorbing and retaining and growing.

I was creating!’

German, and even in Russian. Mari’s time with the choral union became her sacred time. For more than two hours each week, she was immersed in a world where there was nothing but swirling, soaring voices.

“My stress levels plummeted,” she said. “The concentration and focus on the music was so intense that there was no room in my head for anything else but the music.”

On the night of her first performance at Shryock Auditorium, Mari was beyond nervous. As she took her place on stage, she had never been so terrified. But as the conductor raised the baton, she was transformed, elated and joyful.

“I was singing on stage at last,” she said. “Group singing is the most transforming and exhilarating type of singing.

One voice, combined with a multitude of others, creates a sound that is not only harmonious, it also alters the mind and the spirit. Regular group singing has been scientifically proven to lower stress hormones and improve our well-being, but I don’t need science to tell me any of this.

“Singing with this group healed me. I am energized, motivated and absolutely elated when I join with others to create a wave of sound that can touch a soul, heal a heart and lift a spirit.”

“No man has the right to dictate what other men should perceive, create or produce, but all should be encouraged to reveal themselves, their perceptions and emotions, and to build confidence in the creative spirit.”

— Ansel Adams, photographer

Photo by Steve Matzker

Fred Pfalzgraf and Jenny White in Shryock Auditorium, where they have performed with the SIU Choral Union.

JENNY WHITE

Jenny White is a 52-year-old mother of five grown children with a strong faith and devotion to her church and a creative interest in music.

Jenny, of Carbondale, has played piano in church since she was 15, but in the last few years expanded that role and her duties.

“I‘m very excited to be a part of creating a vision for what we want our congregational singing to sound like at Cornerstone Reformed Church, and being a part of a team to move the singing in that direction,” she said.

Jenny was friends with Dr. Fred Pfalzgraf, who has sung with SIU Choral Union for years.

“He had always talked about how enriching the experience is,” she said. “I never considered myself a singer and so I never joined until Fred finally talked me into it this past semester.”

Jenny joined with her daughter, just to see if they could do it.

“Much to my surprise, I found I could sing,” she said.

“I still would like to get some lessons, but the magic that director Susan Davenport works in those rehearsals is amazing! The feeling is hard to describe.

“During vigorous passages, the sensations feel more like running in a relay where you are tense and focused and running hard, not to leave people behind, but rather to match your teammate so the baton gets passed successfully.”

FRED PFALZGRAF

Fred Pfalzgraf, a Herrin resident and another member of SIU Choral Union, is also a physician, so most of his training and education was in math and science. Music, to Fred, was a different world, but one he had to make a part of his.

In college and medical school, he had to devote so much of his time to his chosen profession that music was shelved for several years. He sang in church and listened to a lot of classical music, but that was about it.

In 2005, an acquaintance told him about SIU Choral Union. Fred wanted to sing classical music, and this seemed the perfect outlet. He joined that year and has participated in most semesters ever since.

“To me, music is something that can express the whole range of human experience and emotion, and music can move the soul. The music that we sing in the choral union does just that,” he said.

“There is a work of art each of us was destined to create,” said Paulo Coelho, Brazilian lyricist and novelist. “That is the central point of our life, and no matter how we try to deceive ourselves, we know how important it is to our happiness. Usually, that work of art is covered by years of fears, guilt and indecision. But, if we decide to remove those things that do not belong, if we have no doubt as to our capability, we are capable of going forward with the mission that is our destiny. That is the only way to live with honor.”

“Creativity is allowing yourself to make mistakes. Art is knowing which ones to keep.”

— Scott Adams, author Life & Style : Fall 2014

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Unleash your inner creativity How to discover — or rediscover — it!

BY JANICE STAAB

Are you a creative person? Wait!

Don’t answer just yet. Too many of us have a knee-jerk, negative response to this question along the lines of: “I’m just not a creative person. I wasn’t one of the artsy kids in school.

I can’t draw or sing. Even writing a report for work makes me uneasy.”

“You’re either born with talent or you’re not. Sure, you have to practice to get good. But talent is a must, and I haven’t got it.”

“I took an art class in college and sang in my church choir. It was fun, but I wasn’t any good. Real artists just have something I lack.”

Voices like these convince us that the world’s artists, writers and musicians are the real creative types. But art is only one expression of creativity. Creativity is the ability to see the world in new ways and actively bring new possibilities to life.

Creativity, in this sense, includes us all. You may be unable to carry a tune, but perhaps you carry the room during a staff meeting. It takes as much creativity to draw a scientific conclusion as it does to draw a beautiful picture.

And, every day, we’re challenged to find creative ways of interacting with people who push our buttons.

Use these tips to confidently burst through your blocks and unleash your inner creativity.

DON’T DO WHAT YOU’VE ALWAYS DONE. You’ve heard that the definition of crazy is doing the same thing and expecting different results?

Well, one definition of creativity is doing something different with no expectations. Shake up your daily routines with a jolt of cognitive diversity. This just means challenging your mind with new and different experiences and ideas to broaden your understanding of yourself and the world.

This doesn’t have to involve skydiving or bungee jumping. You can start by doing everyday things in new ways. Rather than sending a text, write an actual letter (with a stamp and everything). Cook a meal from scratch.

Drive home by a new path and explore new parts of your town. Or have a weekly “techno fast day” when the TVs, computers and cell phones are turned off in favor of other activities.

Encourage cognitive diversity, and your creativity will fire on all cylinders.

ACTIVELY LOOK FOR INSPIRATION. The world is brimming over with beauty, order, patterns and precision. People do awe-inspiring things each day. Make a commitment to look for things that inspire you to be better and do better.

Keep a list and review it every morning before getting out of bed.

BE CREATIVE A LITTLE BIT AT A TIME. It’s tempting to try a new thing and stop when it doesn’t go well. Ditch your inner perfectionist and allow yourself the privilege of learning!

Learn what you like and what makes you happy. Take one small creative step each day. It may be successful, and it may not. But if you feel you’ve failed, take a cue from Samuel Beckett. “Ever tried? Ever failed?

No matter. Try again. Fail again.

Fail better.”

TAP INTO YOUR PASSION! Let what gives you joy fuel your creative endeavors. You’ll be most inspired to work and act for something that touches your heart. Further, you’ll be more inspired to work in ordinary settings if you surround yourself with things that bring you joy. So make a joys list. Include everything from a cup of tea or a piece of dark chocolate to the color green or bluegrass music.

Then fill the places where you want to be more creative (office, garden, home) with your joys!

“Creativity takes courage.”

— Henri Matisse, painter 58

Life & Style : Fall 2014

MAKE A WEEKLY CREATIVITY APPOINTMENT. Treat your creative growth as you would any important appointment in your life. Set aside time for creativity in your schedule and respect that time.

Start with 30 minutes weekly to do something creative. Gradually increase the time as you feel inspired.

FIND CREATIVE ROLE MODELS. You don’t need to reinvent the wheel to be more creative. Whether you want to start a business, go back to school or be in a play, others are already living their versions of your dreams. Find them and ask them how they do it. Ask if they’ll take a look at your ideas or plans. If approached respectfully, most people are more than willing to help a newcomer.

CULTIVATE THE SILLY! Remember the last time you watched kids playing? Kids are fearless in their creativity. Their minds haven’t been constrained by reality. They are too busy recreating reality in their images! Quilts slung over furniture become an impenetrable fortress. Dolls have ideas and color preferences. An old refrigerator box is actually a time machine, and your son is visiting you from the future.

On the surface, this may seem silly to an adult who “knows better.” But while time machines may seem silly now, cellphones would have seemed silly 50 years ago. Feeling silly is only a signal that we’re reaching the limits of our comfort or our understanding. Silliness identifies these limits and can help us push past them.

OK, now answer the question: Are you a creative person? Of course you are! Pick one of these tips and begin unleashing your creative power today!

JANICE STAAB, Ph.D,. is a life and career coach in Carbondale. For more information, call (618) 303-6351 or visit www.lifesignscoaching.com.

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505 Rushing Drive - Just Westt of o Logan Park on Rt. 13 | Herrin | www.villasofhollybrook.com Life & Style : Fall 2014 59

cheers to beer

Art

Photo by Kendall Karmanian

Scratch Brewing

& SCIENCE Local craft brewers are taking new artisan approaches to a very old science

BY SHAWN CONNELLY

‌Beer making is both art and science. Most of us don’t think a lot about what goes into the beer we drink – it’s cold, it’s handy and that’s generally about as far as the thought process goes. For brewers, however, the balance between technical knowledge and creativity is always in play. A certain amount of “hard science” is involved, of course, and at least a practical understanding of chemistry is critical for making consistently high-quality beer. On the other hand, a technically perfect beer could also be a boring beer if every brewer produced the exact same recipe and never deviated from a prescribed formula. This is why we have well over 100

60 Life & Style : Fall 2014

Photo by Steve Matzker

Big Muddy Brewing founder and brew master Chuck Stuhrenberg smells a recently picked hop behind the brewery in Murphysboro.

Assistant brewer Nick Blew helps load an order into a distributor’s truck at Big Muddy Brewery in Murphysboro.

“We personally enjoy these beers and went out on a limb that others would enjoy them as well, and they have. We wanted to create a place truly rooted in Southern Illinois that produces a real local product that is unique.“

LISTINGS

MARIKA JOSEPHSON, CO-OWNER, SCRATCH BREWING

BIG MUDDY BREWING Creative Favorites: Blueberry Blonde Ale, Backwoods Monster (Buffalo Trace Barrel-aged), Sour du Shawnee (wine barrel-aged) 1430 N. Seventh St., Murphysboro 618-684-8833 www.bigmuddybrewing. com Noon to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday; tours available

SCRATCH BREWING COMPANY Creative Favorites: Basil Pale Ale, Birch Sap Bière de Garde, Paw Paw Abbey Ale 264 Thompson Road, Ava 618-426-1415 www.scratchbeer.com 4 to 10 p.m. Friday Noon to 10 p.m. Saturday Noon to 8 p.m. Sunday

VON JAKOB BREWERY

Photos by Steve Matzker

Scratch Brewing

Creative Favorites: Chocolate Milk Stout, Roggenbier

recognized beer styles to choose from, and the limits of creativity in brewing are set only by the imagination of the brewer.

Southern Illinois’ own craft brewing culture is no exception. Although there aren’t as many craft breweries in the area as there are in many other parts of the country, what we lack in quantity we more than make up for in quality and creativity by taking full advantage of our natural resources and indigenous appeal. Arguably, one of the most creative craft breweries in the country, much less Southern Illinois, is Scratch Brewing Company in rural Ava. Scratch is a small farmhouse brewery that grows many of the ingredients for its critically acclaimed beers on site and utilizes the bounty of the surrounding Shawnee National Forest to produce beers that are truly one of a kind.

“We personally enjoy these beers and went out on a limb that others would enjoy them as well, and they have,” co-owner and brewer Marika Josephson explains. “We wanted to create a place truly rooted in Southern Illinois that produces a real local product that is unique.”

Big Muddy Brewing in Murphysboro is a production brewery with a somewhat more conventional approach to brewing, although innovation is quickly becoming a big part of this popular craft brewery’s appeal. Owner

230 Illinois 127, Alto Pass 618- 893-4600 www.vonjakobvineyard. com/brewery 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday

Big Muddy Brewing

Life & Style : Fall 2014 61

cheers to beer

ABOVE: Chantrelle mushrooms harvested from Southern Illinois will be frozen and used in a future beer.

RIGHT: Assistant brewer Tony Johnson pushes out barley after all the sugar was pulled to make alcohol at Big Muddy Brewery in Murphysboro.

Photos by Steve Matzker

and brew master Chuck Stuhrenberg has begun utilizing oak barrels to produce beers with unique flavor characteristics and surprising complexity.

“We use locally sourced wine barrels to produce our ‘sour’ beer (a style that has been popular in Belgium for hundreds of years) by introducing local, ambient yeast into the aging process,” Stuhrenberg says.

Likewise, Big Muddy receives fresh whiskey barrels shipped overnight from distilleries in Kentucky to use in some higher alcohol beers to “impart hints of vanilla and bourbon to create a true sippin’ beer,” he says, laughing.

Von Jakob Brewery in Alto Pass is another small brewery that sees the appeal of infusing the creative spirit into traditional beer styles. Head brewer Frank Wesseln is experimenting with ingredients you wouldn’t typically associate with beer, and customers at Von Jakob’s tasting room get the opportunity to try new recipes on draft from time to time.

“We focus mainly on classic beer styles, many being of German decent, and our patrons seem to enjoy these. However, we do like to play around with different flavors and ingredients,” Wesseln says.

“Doing small trial beers helps work out what flavors go well together.

Our most recent experiment is a dark beer brewed with smoked chili peppers from our garden; it may never make it to full production, but you never know until you try.”

So, for those who might have thought beer was pretty onedimensional, a trip to one of Southern Illinois’ craft breweries will dispel that myth quickly — almost as quickly as the craft beer industry is growing, thanks to new, creative artisan approaches to a very old science.

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 beerphilospher.com.

62 Life & Style : Fall 2014

ABOVE: Scratch co-owner Ryan Tockstein works to make a Belgium Double.

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AT WORK

TOP: Andy Robinson turned a hobby into a passion and a passion into a project when he opened Greenridge Landscaping in Carbondale. Robinson is able to use his creativity to design various projects, including this pond and garden outside of his business office.

ABOVE: The walls of Robinson’s office are filled with photographs of landscaping designs, many of which he and his team created.

While he’s transitioned to more of an administrative role, Robinson still enjoys the design aspect of the business and helping others find their creative drive to succeed in the industry.

Andy Robinson Designing his life’s plan with passion STORY AND PHOTOS BY ADAM TESTA

Sometimes passion, drive and a desire to apply one’s creative attributes take precedence over education and formal training.

Such were the experiences of Andy Robinson, owner of Greenridge Landscaping in Carbondale. Watching his mother work in her personal garden, Robinson gained an interest in the hobby, which he picked up himself in his 20s on a local level.

Within the last few years, Robinson’s company has started using threedimensional imaging for design projects. The process starts by creating a flat image, like that on top, and inputting that into a computer to generate the 3D images seen below. ‘It gives a much better perspective to the customer,’ he said.

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Life & Style : Fall 2014

TOP: Robinson’s office is filled with landscaping and garden design photography and samples, many he and his team have created, others for inspiration. He also keeps an inventory of relevant books and materials to continue learning and to help his staff grow in their skills.

ABOVE: Robinson has family pictures on his desk, a reminder of what’s most important in life. He has two children, a son and a daughter, and three grandchildren.

In the 1970s, he started an organic vegetable farm in Cobden, which spurred his passion for plants and gardening.

He parlayed that into a small business opportunity.

“I started out doing pretty generalized things, like lawn installations and railroadtie retaining walls, and then just stuck with it,” he said.

In 1977, he decided to take his approach more seriously, formally launching a business with a few colleagues. Together, they actively pursued educational events and functions in the industry, joined trade organizations and sought out certified credentials.

Now, with more than 25 years of professional experience under his belt, Robinson is helping others explore their creativity and expand their landscaping skills.

Greenridge employees about 12 people working on three crews spanning a wide range of services, including irrigation, planting and maintenance and construction.

“We’re good at creating that whole rounded picture at a residential site,” Robinson said.

His duties anymore include a lot of supervision and management, but Robinson still enjoys getting his hands dirty. He still does site visits to meet with potential clients and helps with irrigation and lighting design with a little plant design thrown in the mix, as well.

Robinson’s office is filled with books, photos and awards that reflect his commitment to learning, his accomplishments and his abilities.

Life & Style : Fall 2014 65

OUT

& ABOUT

“Folded Square Alphabet U” by Fletcher Benton

CEDARHURST Providing a haven for the artist in all of us

BY CHANDA GREEN Cedarhurst Center for the Arts in Mount Vernon opened to the public in 1973 and has served as both a repository of inspiration and a creative incubator ever since.

Cedarhurst offers exciting visual and performing arts; adult and youth art classes and workshops; a sculpture park that covers over 90 acres with more than 70 installations; outdoor events, including a Blues & Brews music event and the annual Cedarhurst Art & Craft Fair; art exhibitions in the galleries of Mitchell Museum and Shrode Art Center; and the annual Scholastic Art Awards that Cedarhurst has hosted for more than 40 years

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Life & Style : Fall 2014

More info For more information on Cedarhurst Center for the Arts, call 618-242-1236 or visit www.cedarhurst.org.

for regional junior and senior high school art students.

Here are a few examples and some thoughts from the staff at Cedarhurst.

Rusty Freeman, director of visual arts, curates the main gallery exhibitions and Goldman-Kuenz Sculpture Park: “Regional museums like ours offer easy and affordable access to works of art for the communities we serve,” he said. “This access is especially important when family resources can be limited.”

Visitors can tour Mitchell Museum to see art exhibitions in four galleries, including the permanent collection gallery with works

by Mary Cassatt, Thomas Eakins and George Bellows, which he referred to as extraordinary works of art in a beautiful setting.

“Creativity begins with exposure to new people, new ideas and new ways of expression that allow young and older artists alike to think outside their typical or inherited purview,” he said. “Also important to that stimulus of new ideas is to see works of art made by both nationally known artists, as well as people from the region. Regional artists know their communities and what’s important to them, and they express those values through their art, reflecting the culture of Southern Illinois.”

Jennifer Sarver, director of education, coordinates activities in Beck Family Education Center, as well as the school performance art series and popular in-school youth art classes: “Cedarhurst offers a variety of programming opportunities that helps spark creativity for the Southern Illinois region,” she said. “Our family center is a space designed for kids of all ages to engage in the arts. We have a work of art that kids can walk into and become part of the painting; a large-scale puzzle based on our horse sculpture, Kimball; drawing stations; a

Cedarhurst exhibitions Playing with the Classics: Quilts from The National Quilt Museum (through Oct. 19) We Have Met the Funnies and They Are Us: 120 Years of American Newspaper Comic Strip Art from the Applegate-Boyle Collection (Nov. 2 through Jan. 4) Snuggle and Snooze: Quilts for Children (through Oct. 19) Peanuts Naturally! Celebrating Charles Schulz’s famous comic strip (Nov. 2 through Jan. 4)

Sculpture at Cedarhurst Center for the Arts

“Bull”

by John Kearney

Life & Style : Fall 2014 67

OUT

& ABOUT

A sculpture at Cedarhurst Center for the Arts

“Vessel” by Tom Orr

weaving wall; and a library filled with books that help readers explore the arts.”

As part of the school performance art series, Cedarhurst presents a series of educational stage performances targeting students in kindergarten through eighth grade. More than 250 Southern Illinois schools were invited to participate this year.

“If you can’t visit the museum, the museum can visit you,” she said. “We offer a variety of art-based class visits for schools in the region as part of our in-school programs. In 2013, in-school programs reached more than 1,800 students.”

There are fun days and family days, free and open to the public, and a pre-K story time on the first Friday of every month.

Carrie Gibbs, director of Shrode Art Center, plans and

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Life & Style : Fall 2014

“Aphrodite”

by Ferdinando Andreini

coordinates gallery exhibitions, youth and adult classes and workshops: “Summer art camp and our afterschool art classes are an excellent opportunity for children to have a more intensive art experience by creating a more accomplished work of art in classes that last several hours and are held on three consecutive days,” she said. “Most students in area schools typically have only one 30-minute art class once a week. Our summer camp and youth art classes are designed to help kids advance and hone their artistic skills, as well as expose them to new and different art media and materials.”

Part of the mission of Shrode Art Center is to provide exhibition opportunities for artists who live in Southern Illinois. Two annual competitions are open to local artists 18 years old and older. In the spring, the Shrode Fine Art and Craft Competition is open to all media, except photography. And, in the fall, the center hosts the Shrode Photography Competition.

“It’s an excellent opportunity for emerging and professional artists to establish and build upon their resume,” she said.

Cedarhurst also provides presentations for local educators; a series of family activities and programs, including a book club that meets every other month; and artist-led gallery talks. Special annual events include an outdoor exhibition recognizing the motorcycle as a sculptural art object and a vehicle for self-expression, and “Witches’ Brew,” a family-friendly storytelling event in the sculpture park.

Cheryl Settle, 2014 director of the Cedarhurst Art & Craft Fair, wraps it all up with a few words about one of Cedarhurst’s most popular annual events: “I’m looking forward to a great craft fair in September,” she said.

“We already have more than 110 artists signed up and some great entertainment booked. And don’t forget to visit our children’s area.

It’s getting a new look with all new activities, many of them free.”

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Life & Style : Fall 2014 69

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70 Life & Style : Fall 2014

GETAWAYS

Kansas City

Southern Illinois native shares her love of the place she has called home for 28 years

STORY BY DIANA LAMBDIN MEYER PHOTOS BY BRUCE N. MEYER AND THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Christmas lights outline towers at the Country Club Plaza shopping center as the sun sets. About 80 miles of lights with 280,000 multicolored bulbs outline the buildings and towers in the shopping district.

It was April 1986, shortly after the opening day of baseball, when we moved to Kansas City, Missouri. I was still smarting over the Royals’ defeat of my St. Louis Cardinals in the I-70 World Series the previous October.

No way was I going to be happy living in an American League city, and particularly one that cheats at baseball, no matter how good the job offer that brought us to Missouri’s second largest city.

It’s been 28 years now, and we have become some of Kansas City’s proudest residents, happy to explore the city with friends, family and complete strangers. The only trouble is where to start. There are so many things we love about our home.

Life & Style : Fall 2014

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Not to be missed World Series of Barbecue: First weekend in October includes three days of concerts, poker tournaments, cooking demonstrations and, of course, barbecue masters at work, competing for the most coveted prize in the barbecue world.

First Friday Art Walks: The first weekend of every month in the Crossroads Arts District, it’s the largest in the nation; runs from early Friday morning into late Sunday afternoon; and wraps up with a classic treasure sale in the West Bottoms historic area, featuring vintage finds, antiques, repurposed junk, street bands and food trucks.

Country Club Plaza: Modeled after the city’s sister city of Seville, Spain, the Plaza is full of fountains, sculptures, mosaic tiles and Moorish architecture and shopping, shopping, shopping, much of it high-end. Any restaurant here is going to be great.

Liberty Memorial: This memorial to the soldiers who died in World War I houses the National World War I Museum. It’s the nation’s only public museum dedicated to the Great War, with a large collection of photos, weapons and more.

Negro Leagues Baseball Museum: Founded in 1990, this museum is dedicated to preserving the rich history of African-American baseball; multi-media displays, store, photographs and artifacts dating from the late 1800s through the 1960s. It shares the new 18th and Vine museum complex with the American Jazz Museum.

Let’s start with food, because no matter what your interests, you’ve got to eat. Kansas City is a barbecue mecca with a style of barbecue designated as one of four distinctive styles in the country, right up there with Memphis, Carolinas and Texas.

Basically it’s a dry rub, smoked over hickory, with sauce applied after smoking. The sauce is a molasses-base and somewhat sweeter than you’ll experience in Memphis.

But with nearly 100 joints in KC, you’ll find all sorts of styles and flavors. The legendary places to visit are Arthur Bryant’s and Gates. They are the oldest, and Bryant’s location at 17th & Brooklyn is one reason Kansas City has the slow-smoked reputation it has today.

However, after living here all these years, we’ve eaten a lot of burnt ends and have a few lesser known, but really good, establishments frequented by locals more than tourists. We like Little Danny Edwards’ Boulevard BBQ for burnt ends, but they are open only for lunch Monday through Saturday, so plan your schedule accordingly.

LC’s BBQ is a great place near the Truman Sports Complex.

My mother would be tempted to take a bucket of Lysol to the place, but that would just ruin the atmosphere. The burnt ends are some of the best in Kansas City, and the ribs are 72

Life & Style : Fall 2014

During First Friday events, the otherwise abandoned old warehouses in the Crossroads Arts District overflow with vintage finds, antiques and repurposed junk.

LEFT: The city is decorated with fountains and parks, where visitors can find rest and relaxation during the stay.

flat-out some of the best in the country. Most days there is a line out the door.

If you want to try a lot of barbecue in a short amount of time and learn what makes each place and each style unique, then sign up for Kansas City Barbecue Tours. Available only on Fridays and Saturdays, you’ll visit four restaurants and eat so much you’ll be ready to pop. But you’ll waddle away knowing something about barbecue that you didn’t know before.

With barbecue on your brain, let’s talk about coming to Kansas City in October. Experts in barbecue reserve the first weekend in October on their calendars every year for the World Series of Barbecue. Sure, Memphis has May and Lynchburg has Jack Daniels, but the Kansas City Barbeque Society was the first to write the rules for barbecue judges, and this event is the one they all want to win.

It’s a three-day weekend of concerts, poker tournaments, cooking demonstrations and more, but you come to watch the masters at work. And, oh, the aroma that fills the air above Kansas City’s West Bottoms that weekend. Yum. Other than the first weekend in October, really any first weekend is a fabulous time for a KC getaway. Many cities worth their mojo have some sort of First Friday art walk, but

An appealing evening atmosphere makes Brush Creek an attractive tourist spot on the Country Club Plaza.

Restaurants and shops saturate the area, considered one of the jewels of the Midwestern city.

Kansas City takes it a step further. Not only is the First Friday event in the Crossroads Arts District the largest in the nation with more than 10,000 of your closest friends in attendance, the weekend spreads over into the West Bottoms for a classic treasure sale.

From early Friday morning to late Sunday afternoon, the otherwise abandoned old warehouses in this historic district overflow with vintage finds, antiques and repurposed junk.

Street bands, food trucks and the thrill of the hunt have made this the hottest shopping destination in the Midwest. If you’re serious, you’ll bring your truck or a trailer to this event.

Shopaholics often rave about Kansas City’s Country Club Plaza, and they should. This was the nation’s very first shopping district designed for people and their automobiles, way back in the 1920s when horse and buggies were still common on some KC streets.

Modeled after Kansas City’s sister city of Seville, Spain, the Plaza is undeniably eye-candy. With its many fountains, sculptures, mosaic tiles and Moorish architecture, the Plaza is Kansas City’s most photographed destination. A Segway tour through Segway, Bike & Stroll is a fun way to explore the Plaza while learning about the fabulous art.

One of our favorite places to eat on the Plaza is The Classic Cup. The sidewalk tables or patio

Visitors walk along a reflecting pool outside the main entrance to the National World War I Museum at Liberty Memorial.

The museum focuses on the century-old Great War.

The entrance to the galleries of the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art greets guests who seek to see high-caliber collections that include great works ranging from the photography of Edward Steichen to ancient Chinese scrollwork.

Visitors view a display, including a British heavy field gun, right, and a German howitzer, at the National World War I Museum at Liberty Memorial. The museum focuses on the century-old Great War.

Life & Style : Fall 2014 73

Fireworks shoot up into the air over the Country Club Plaza during the annual plaza lighting ceremony. Some 80 miles of strung lights with 280,000 bulbs line the buildings.

The towers of Bartle Hall add to the skyline in Kansas City.

out back allow for fabulous people watching and some great food. I actually saw the late Paul Newman and his wife Joanne Woodward eating here several years ago. I don’t know what they were having, but I always get the Asparagus and Brie salad. For a fun souvenir of your Kansas City getaway, ask for a bag of the Classic Cup’s pancake mix.

Actually, any restaurant on the Plaza is going to be great, as are the shops. There’s a nice mix of local brands and betterknown chains. Kate Spade has a store here, and, as a native of the city, she qualifies as both. If you’re an Apple fan, this is where Kansas City’s Apple Store is located.

The tech geeks will seek out the Google Fiber Showroom, 74 Life & Style : Fall 2014

not on the Plaza but nearby at Westport and State Line Road.

Kansas City rocked the tech world when Google announced we had been chosen as the first place to implement ultra-highspeed gigabet Internet. That’s about 100 times faster than what most Americans experience with broadband service. If you still have dial-up, that’s like the difference between horse and buggies and driving at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. It’s way cool.

Now for some suggestions where to stay: The Southmoreland is a wonderful bed-and-breakfast inn like few others. The 100-year-old mansion, just east of the Plaza and adjacent to Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, is not a fru-fru B&B, but a homelike place to stay while learning a bit more about the history of KC. Mark and Nancy Reichle own the inn, and Mark is famous for his barbecue breakfasts on Saturdays. They’ve decorated many of the rooms to reflect the city’s heritage. There’s a room for William Rockhill Nelson, who founded The Kansas City Star and co-founded the art museum that bears his name.

Another room celebrates the gifts of Jacob and Ella Loose.

Artists Thomas Hart Benton and George Caleb Bingham each have a room of their own, as does Satchel Paige, the Hall of Fame pitcher for the St. Louis Browns, Kansas City Monarchs and the Athletics.

A recently opened hotel in Westport called 816 Hotel also has some themed rooms. Yes, there’s a baseball theme celebrating

A-10s fly over Kauffman Stadium before a major league baseball game between the New York Yankees and the Kansas City Royals.

Resources VISIT KANSAS CITY 800-767-7700 www.visitkc.com KC BARBECUE TOURS 800-979-3370 www.kcbarbecuetours.com THE CLASSIC CUP 301 W. 47th St., 816-753-1840 www.classiccup.com SOUTHMORELAND ON THE PLAZA 116 E. 46th St., 816-531-7979 www.southmoreland.com 816 HOTEL 801 Westport Road, 816-931-1000 www.816hotel.com NATIONAL WORLD WAR I MUSEUM AT LIBERTY MEMORIAL 100 W. 26th St., 816-888-8100 www.theworldwar.org

the Kansas City Monarchs, but another one recognizes the many years that TWA called Kansas City its home. It has twin seats from an MD-80, and a beverage cart serves as your mini-bar.

Are you coming to Kansas City to enjoy jazz? Ask for room 504. It has a working piano, a headboard that looks like a keyboard and a mural devoted to the Mutual Musicians Foundation based in Kansas City, the longest continuously operating jazz joint in the world.

If you are bringing children with you, they might like the room featuring the penguins at Kansas City Zoo. If you are Irish, then plan your visit to KC on Labor Day weekend for the Irish Festival and ask for the green room at 816 Hotel, which explains about Kansas City’s deep Irish roots.

But my favorite room is the World War I Museum room. Kansas City is home to the National World War I Museum, and visiting it should be on your itinerary when you come to town.

We are at the 100th anniversary of the start of World War I, a war that is more difficult to explain than World War II and one that certainly doesn’t get the attention of its sequel. But to truly understand World War II, you’ve got to understand the Great War, and this museum does a fabulous job at it.

Enter over a field of poppies, slug your way through muddy trenches and end up in a bombedout French farmhouse. It’s not as tough for visitors as it was for the Doughboys, but you’ll walk away with a better understanding of why the world went through the same thing just 21 years later.

Take time to ride the elevator to the top of the Liberty Memorial, a 217-foot tower that was built to honor all who served and died in the Great War. From its top, you have a great view of the city.

One of the phenomenal buildings you’ll see in the KC skyline is Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts. At 165 feet tall, the clam shells are accented by more than 1,000 panels of Life & Style : Fall 2014

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The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art holds many secrets and cultural treasures waiting to be discovered by art-loving guests and visitors.

Arthur Bryant’s is a Kansas City staple, one of the oldest restaurants in town. The barbecue-serving joint’s location at 17th and Brooklyn is also a driving force behind the city’s slow-smoked reputation.

The sidewalk tables and patio at The Classic Cup offer a great location for people-watching, while the restaurant is also known for its delicious dishes. For a fun souvenir, ask for a bag of the Classic Cup’s pancake mix.

glass in a south-facing wall that is 50 feet high and 360 feet long.

This is where the ballet, symphony and opera are located and perform on one of two stages beneath the magnificent twin clam shells. Check the calendar before your visit for programming that includes everything from Tony Bennett to National Geographic photographers.

You can also look down from the Liberty Memorial and see Union Station, truly one of the most magnificent train stations in the country. If you had seen it 15 years ago, you wouldn’t have thought it was beautiful, but a 76 Life & Style : Fall 2014

one-of-its-kind bi-state cultural tax in Kansas City brought both Missourians and Kansans together to save and restore this beautiful, historic building.

And that’s just one of many reasons we’ve become proud to call Kansas City home.

DIANA LAMBDIN MEYER is freelance travel writer originally from Wolf Lake in Union County. Diana and her husband Bruce specialize in travel journalism and authored the app Kansas City Uncovered and BBQ Nation, both available on iTunes.‌

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Life & Style : Fall 2014 77

my home

A True House of Art Photos by Adam Testa

Vivian Ugent’s house in Carbondale has always been a home. That’s why she’s been reluctant to move, instead opting to expand the house and add new features. She’s collected a plethora of items from her international travel to display and needed a space to entertain company. That’s where she and her late husband devised the idea to create several themed rooms in their home, from a theater for movies, music and live acting, to a French bistro and Latin American museum.

Vivian Ugent’s home is a cultural expression of all things art and creativity – starting with the customized theater room built to foster and share cinematic joy

BY JOE SZYNKOWSKI

Down the hall from Ugent’s theater room is her bistro, inspired by her travels to France. The space features seating for more than 20 and offers a view of the outside deck and yard. The walls of the bistro, as well as the adjoining hallway, are covered with restaurant menus from all across the world, which Ugent has collected since her youth.

78 Life & Style : Fall 2014

‌Vivian Ugent’s Carbondale home is a reflection of the world — of which she has seen a lot.

From the dramatic landscape of Peru across the ocean to the quaint bistros in France, Ugent and her family have crisscrossed the earth multiple times in search of adventure and cultural diversity. And every time the world traveler returns home, she brings a piece of that voyage back with her.

Some of Ugent’s walls are speckled with framed menus from across the globe.

Others are lined with authentic folk art from Mexico and Peru. She offers an entertaining story for every piece she touches, laughing and throwing her head back at the memories that seemingly reside in front of her eyes like they were just captured yesterday. That’s because some pretty much were.

She visited India in January and had a family trip planned to Peru in August.

Sharing memories with friends and loved ones is important to Ugent, who entertains often in her home that contains a 20-seat theater, full-service bistro set to a Frenchinspired theme and a museum room devoted to Latin America.

Ugent opens her home to many influential Carbondale groups throughout the year for meetings, during which members take in a film or live performance, discuss afterwards over a coffee and explore other parts of the home’s nostalgic nod to international history.

GETTING TOGETHER

the Movies” that the couple hosted for many years.

“I’m not very technical at all,” she said.

“But when Gary said he could handle that part of the viewings, then I agreed.”

A drive to honor and strengthen her husband’s legacy was a factor in Ugent’s decision to maintain the theater viewings.

“Sometimes when you start something, you feel the responsibility to keep it going,” she said. “I enjoy having company and am glad people like coming to our home.”

The Jackson County League of Women Voters, of which Ugent served as president, and the SIU Learning in Retirement groups are two that meet regularly for a movie and a meeting.

SIU professor of oboe and conducting Edward Benyas and Lt. Gov. Sheila Simon are a couple of the big names that have performed on stage within Ugent’s theater. She hosts various dinner theaters, fundraisers and photo-sharing

Complete with stadium seating and multicolored lighting, Ugent’s theater room was conceptualized and put into motion by her late husband, Don, botanist and professor emeritus at Southern Illinois University Carbondale.

“It was Don’s idea to build it from scratch,” Ugent said. “It was one of the first rooms in the area that was specifically built as a theater, rather than converting a room Ugent hosts a variety of events in her theater room. into one.”

Groups she participates in — such as Learning in “From scratch” meant incorporating Retirement and the Jackson County League of Women Voters — come to her home to watch movies aspects of a real movie theater experience, and socialize. The space has also been used for from the green-upholstered chairs to the concert performances and even live dinner theater. “exit” sign guiding guests out of the room.

The Ugents completed five trips in their station wagon up to parties, as well.

Springfield after the Fox Theater closed down to pick up the “I enjoy helping different groups however I can,” said Ugent, theater chairs, four at a time. still heavily involved with the League of Women Voters and other The chairs are painted golden brown and randomly numbered local groups. out of succession.

“We grabbed whatever numbers they would give us,” Ugent AFTER THE FILM: A CLASSIC BISTRO said. “Not having them in order kind of adds to the feel of the “Please don’t change the menu,” is a common request voiced room, I think.”

by Ugent’s guests. She regularly serves up beef brisket from The seats are set on risers to give the room a true stadium Arnold’s Market on days and nights of a movie viewing. “This is feel — “my husband wanted everything authentic,” Ugent laughs definitely the popular spot for brisket,” she said.

— and enveloped by framed movie posters on the surrounding Ugent’s bistro is a few short strides from the theater and walls. The posters include “Amelie,” “The Wizard of Oz” and the serves as the perfect location for moviegoers to take in a Goldie Hawn film “Housesitter,” which was written by Ugent’s drink of choice, not to mention the spectacular view onto the brother-in-law, Mark Stein. sprawling wooden deck in the home’s backyard. The room’s Another film poster with a special connection is “Gone with large vertical glass windows that Don built create the feeling of the Wind.” Ugent’s mother loved the movie so much that she sitting outside on a Paris street, without the worry of bugs or named her daughter after the star Vivien Leigh. summertime heat infiltrating the bistro.

Guests who come to the theater are greeted by a poster at the If guests prefer the outside, Ugent is able to accommodate. entrance in a shiny golden frame, complete with the tiny movie Her two side decks are connected by a larger one, and, when all theater light bulbs. They then walk across the multi-colored seating is combined, can comfortably fit about 30 more people. carpet picked out to match the theater chairs.

Ugent serves her brisket, cakes and other snacks on her The wooden stage was hand-crafted by Don and actually authentic Portmeirion Pottery dinnerware, which she picked out expanded into what was previously his garage work area, so the piece by piece in England. The products are made from a highUgents could host live theater as well as movies. It is separated fired, white earthenware resistant to chipping and breaking, and from the seating area by a rich green curtain that Ugent each piece of the botanical collection features a different flower designed herself and also holds the massive 3-D television that and pollinator. has replaced the projection screen as the viewing method of And the dinnerware isn’t the only thing Ugent hand-selected choice for movies. in Europe. She found her green, polka-dotted tablecloth fabric “Yes, we wear the 3-D glasses,” said Ugent, who says “Avatar” is in France, as well. the best 3-D movie she has seen.

The Ugents first began traveling when they married in

CURTAIN CALL

After Don passed away in 2011, Vivian took a break from hosting viewing parties. She was eventually asked by Gary Hartlieb, chairman of the SIU Learning in Retirement group, to consider reinstating an iteration of the popular “Afternoons at

1962 — heading down to Peru, Bolivia and Ecuador for Don’s research work, supported by a National Science Foundation grant.

“We started traveling back then and just kept going,” Ugent said. “There’s nothing like it.”

Her globally infused home may be the closest thing.

Life & Style : Fall 2014 79

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Life & Style : Fall 2014 81

GOOD EATS

DISHING ON

PUMPKINS It’s a great time of year to learn the back-to-basics goodness of this autumn treat

BY DEBBIE MOORE

The back-to-basics food movement has resulted in encouraging home cooks to search through great-grandma’s recipes and teach themselves how to prepare food from scratch. It’s easy to pick up a can of pumpkin purée at the supermarket, but what do our children learn from that? Kids need to know the origins of the food they eat. They need to understand that our fruits and vegetables grow on farms and in orchards. They need to know that lots of people, from the growers to those who work to package our food, are involved in feeding us.

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Life & Style : Fall 2014

EASY PUMPKIN MOUSSE 1 2 3 1 1 1

8-ounce package cream cheese, room temperature cups of pumpkin purée teaspoons pumpkin pie spice small box instant vanilla pudding mix 14-ounce can sweetened condensed milk 12-ounce container frozen whipped topping, thawed Using a food processer or mixer, whip the pumpkin purée and cream cheese together until it is smooth. Add the spice, vanilla pudding mix and sweetened condensed milk. Continue to whip until thick and creamy. Whip in the topping and blend until smooth. Serve this in individual sherbet dishes or smaller tasting cups, or pour into a ready-made graham cracker pie crust and turn it into a pie. It is best with additional spices and toasted nuts sprinkled on top. It takes approximately an hour to set up. For a pie, let it set up for four hours.

Picking your pumpkin

When you go to the pumpkin patch to choose the perfect jack-o’-lantern, make sure you purchase some pumpkins that are suitable for cooking. There are scores of varieties of pumpkins, but one of the most popular for cooking is the Baby Bear variety, which is small and dense. Choose a pumpkin that is three or four pounds.

Visiting the pumpkin patch is a great family experience, but showing children how to cook a pumpkin and turn it into a delicious pumpkin pie or savory soup is also an important experience.

Get to the good stuff

Wash the pumpkin to remove any sand or dirt. Snap off the stem and cut the pumpkin in half from the top to the bottom. Use a metal spoon to remove all the seeds and membrane from the inside. Place the pumpkin halves skin

side up in a large baking dish and pour water into the dish so it rises about a half an inch up the side of the pumpkin. Bake in a 350-degree oven for 45 minutes to an hour. You should be able to easily insert a fork into the pumpkin.

Remove it from the oven and turn the pumpkin halves so the flesh side is up and place it on a tray to cool. When the pumpkin is cool, scoop out the flesh and purée it in a food processer or with a mixer. A four-pound pumpkin will make three to four cups of purée. A standard pumpkin pie recipe calls for two cups of purée. You can freeze pumpkin purée in airtight containers.

Roasting pumpkin

Roasting pumpkin is an alternative method that is preferable when you plan to use the pumpkin in a savory recipe. To roast pumpkin, simply cut it into manageable wedges or chunks and remove the peel, seeds and membrane. Place it in an oiled baking pan and drizzle it with canola or olive oil. Roast it at 375 degrees for about 45 minutes. The time required depends upon the size and thickness of the pieces. Serve it warm, with salt and additional seasonings, or use it in other recipes. Using flavored oils or sprinkling fresh herbs over the pumpkin will enhance the flavor. There are unlimited ways to use roasted pumpkin, but try marinating it in your favorite vinegar and oil based salad dressing for a couple hours.

Serve it on top of a mixed green salad and sprinkle on toasted nuts and feta cheese.

PUMPKIN PASTA SAUCE 3 tablespoons olive oil 1 sprig of fresh rosemary 2 cups mashed roasted pumpkin 1 teaspoon minced garlic 1 cup half-and-half 1/3 cup grated Parmesan 1 cup chicken or vegetable stock Gently heat the olive oil over low temperature and add the sprig of rosemary to it, turning it several times, to flavor the oil. Remove the rosemary, add the garlic and let it sizzle for a few seconds. Add the roasted pumpkin and stir it until it absorbs the oil. Add the half-and-half, Parmesan cheese and the stock. Let this cook gently for 5 to 8 minutes.

Add 12 ounces of your favorite pasta, cooked, to the sauce and stir to coat. Serve with additional Parmesan cheese and a sprinkling of crushed red pepper flakes.

Note: This is especially good with cheese-stuffed ravioli or tortellini.

Life & Style : Fall 2014 83

TRENDS

‘From Scratch’ not your thing?

Gourmet pumpkin products fill the shelves at Etcetera

Maple Pumpkin Butter, $7.95 From Stonewall Kitchens, this allnatural spread can be used anywhere butter would be, for an extra special flavor combination.

Decorative pumpkin, $16.95 You don’t usually think “delicate” when you think pumpkins, but this pretty little thing would be perfect

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Life & Style : Fall 2014

Etcetera Flowers & Gifts feels like a fabulous old-world, More info fairy tale house, offering a secluded shopping experience Etcetera Flowers despite its location on always busy DeYoung Street in Marion, & Gifts just east of Illinois 37.

1200 N. Market The store, which is also an award-winning florist shop and St., Marion event-planning center, is exactly what you would expect from 618-997-9411 a boutique browsing experience. etceteraflowers Owner Mike Helig was busy preparing for the fall season andgifts.com when Life & Style visited with him. “We’ve got a lot of autumn items on the shelf, but there’s much more to come,” he said, enthusiastically.

The shelves, racks and stands are already full of gift and gourmet items, much of it organic, natural or gluten-free, if that’s what you’re looking for. But, everything is gourmet.

Like the super-thin Moravian cookies from Salem Baking Co. in Winston-Salem, North Carolina Or the Stonewall Kitchen pancake mixes – “You’ll never eat grocery store mix pancakes again!” says Mike.

The candy case, which features all kinds of gourmet chocolate, will soon be featuring a new arrival, Pumpkin Truffles.

And Pumpkin Spice Coffee Pumpkin Pie Cheeseball and Dessert Mix from will join the ranks of other Wind & Willow, $5.50 gourmet coffees.

Pumpkin Cheesecake Bar Mix from Stonewall If you’re not in the Kitchen, $10.95 mood to eat, which we Pumpkin Pancake and Waffle Mix from guarantee you will be Stonewall Kitchen, $10.95 before you leave, you can check out items Pumpkin Curd, $7.95 From Robert such as Crabtree & Rothschild Farms, Evelyn soaps, lotions and a blend of butter, sugar and pumpkin. the new nail polish line.

Suggested use: Etcetera also carries items Combine with cream from Hillhouse Naturals in cheese for a traditional and tasty pumpkin roll, Wickliffe, Kentucky. And we or simply blend with liked the imported paper table butter for a spread. It’s all natural and gluten accessories from Caspari, which free. will elevate your party without the fuss of fabric. And, don’t forget to check out what Mike calls “the fun section,” featuring inexpensive gift items that range from whimsical to risqué!

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Life & Style : Fall 2014 85

style

All Out Allure Tights — Modcloth.com, $24.99

Under the Blacklight Tights — Mocloth.com, $29.99

Pretty Polly Sheer Diamond Tights — Macy’s, $25

Moulin Rouge Hand-Painted Tights — Etsy.com, $35

Transition with

TIGHTS 86 Life & Style : Fall 2014

Animal Print Tights — Sockdreams.com, $22 (styled by CollegeLifeStylez. com)

‌This time of year, when summer is cooling off but fall isn’t quite here, can be a tricky time to be stylish.

A cold morning could turn into a hot day, or it might rain for a week. Be prepared with outfits that are capable of keeping up.

Tights are versatile, and these days the colors and patterns you can find are endless. No longer just black or nude, tights are making a creative comeback. Style them as the focus-point of your ensemble, pairing your bold legs with simplicity on top.

Keep in mind that tights don’t have to be worn strictly with a skirt or dress, although skirts and dresses with tights will always be classic. A great way to stretch your summer clothes a little while longer is to pair tights with shorts. Add booties and a blazer for a chic rock ‘n’ roll vibe or go vixen with heels.

— Rana Hodge

In 2011, Justin Wiseman was hiding from the world. Unlike most 26 year olds, he was nearly 600 pounds and suffering from countless health issues. He dreamed of a life where he could go to the movies, enjoy the outdoors and be happy, but his weight always held him back.

One day, Justin found the courage to make an appointment with Dr. Naresh Ahuja at New Life Weight Loss Center, the Only Bariatric Surgery Center of Excellence between Poplar Bluff and Louisville. In 2012, Dr. Ahuja performed gastric sleeve surgery on Justin. That day changed his life forever. He now lives life to the fullest and never looks back. Justin has worked so hard to get this far and knows he couldn’t have done it without Dr. Ahuja, and the entire staff at New Life Weight Loss Center, who have been beside him every step of the way.

Today, Justin has lost over 400 pounds and he’s on top of the world!

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SIH.net/JUStIn Physicians, physician assistants, and advanced practice nurses providing services at and admitting patients to Herrin Hospital are not employees of the hospital. Physicians, physician assistants, and advanced practice nurses exercise their own independent judgment regarding medical care and treatment and the hospital is not responsible for their actions.

Call to schedule your appointment or to see when the next free information session is near you.

888-639-0033 Life & Style : Fall 2014 87

parting shot

p.s.

Photo by Adam Testa

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Horses living along Pleasant Hill Road in Carbondale enjoy an unseasonably warm day.

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Life & Style : Fall 2014

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Senior Vice President - Complex Manager

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Associate Vice President-Investments

Barbara Blacklock

Les Palmer

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Managing Director-Investments

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Monte Kuhnert

Alesia Patterson

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Managing Director-Investments

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Kim Ketter

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First Vice President-Investments

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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 WELLS FARGO ADVISORS, LLC, SIPC, A REGISTERED BROKER-DEALER AND SEPARATE NON-BANK AFFILIATE OF WELLS FARGO & COMPANY Š 2013 WELLS FARGO ADVISORS, LLC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED CAR - 0714-02822 Life & Style : Fall 2014

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Connie will not be defeated. Constant leg pain due to Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) aimed to keep her from walking. Even the everyday trip to the grocery store was a challenge. A mere four minutes on her legs was all she could handle. Connie had battle cancer three times and won...now this. She was not going to take this sitting down.

PAD is a blood-flow issue to the legs or peripherals. If left untreated, it can lead to amputation. People with diabetes or heart disease are especially at risk.

Connie found help at Prairie Vascular Services. A complex yet minimally invasive procedure allowed specialists to increase blood-flow to her legs. Once the procedure was over Connie asked, “Can I play basketball with my grandkids now?” Indeed she can! In fact, she’s ready for a little one-on-one.

Who could give you the power of Prairie? ONLY SIH

LEARN MORE AT SIH.NET/CONNIE 2 Life & Style : Fall 2014

Call for more information

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*0.9% APR requires financing with Lincoln AFS with approved credit. Not all buyers will qualify. Trade in Assistance rebate requires trade in of 1995 or newer Ford, Mercury or Lincoln vehicle. Competitve Conquest rebate requires trade in of 1995 or newer vehicle of any other make or model. Must take delivery by c.o.b. 09/30/2014. See dealer for complete details.

Life & Style : Fall 2014

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Fall 2014

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 June 14–September 15, 2014 UNIT 50 REBATE PER

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ON ANY OF THE FOLLOWING PRODUCTS WITH THE POWERRISE® MOTORIZED SYSTEM. Designer Roller Shades, Designer Screen Shades, Duette ® Honeycomb Shades and Solera® Soft Shades.

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*Manufacturer’s mail-in rebate offer valid for qualifying purchases of Hunter Douglas window fashions with the PowerRise® or PowerGlide® motorized system made 6/14/14 – 9/15/14 from participating dealers in the U.S. only. Rebate will be issued in the form of a prepaid reward card and mailed within 6 weeks of rebate claim receipt. Funds do not expire. Subject to applicable law, a $2.00 monthly fee will be assessed against card balance 7 months after card issuance and each month thereafter. Additional limitations apply. Ask participating dealer for details and rebate form. **Additional equipment is required for app operation; ask for details. ©2014 Hunter Douglas. All rights reserved. All trademarks used herein are the property of their respective owners. †See actual warranty at store for complete details. Photos for illustrative purposes only. Not responsible for typographical errors. ©Carpet One Floor & Home®.

YOUR IMAGE IS EVERYTHING TO US!

• Full Service Landscape Maintenance • Fertilization, Aeration & Overseeding Call to schedule a consultation • Mowing, Edging, Pruning, Trimming, Bush hogging & Debris Removal • Snow Removal • Serving Southern Illinois & Southeast Missouri Locally Owned • Fully Insured 618-942-7355 | www.uslawns.com Trust • Quality • Service • Value 4 Life & Style : Fall 2014

Publisher .................................John Pfeifer Executive Editor ..................... Gary Metro Editor ...................................... Cara Recine Niche Advertising Manager ...................

Lacey Thompson Art & Design ..................... Ashley Kendera Rhonda M. May Contributors..................... Shawn Connelly Chanda Green Rana Hodge Diana Lambdin Meyer Debbie Moore Cara Recine Joe Szynkowski Adam Testa Les Winkeler Photographers .......................Rana Hodge Steve Matzker Rhonda M. May Bruce N. Meyer Alexa Rogals Adam Testa Les Winkeler Copy Editing .......................... Tom English Mary Thomas Layton Online ..................................Lauren Siegert Advertising Sales ..................Kelly Caudill Nora Chambliss Brian Flath Tina Moon Alisha Shipp Lacey Thompson Levi Wampler Advertising Design......... 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. © 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.

Letter

WELCOME

from the executive editor

Find inspiration in all things, big and small Creativity surrounds us.

We see it in the colorful splashes of a carefully knotted necktie. Or it glistens from the bracelet, necklace and earrings chosen for a special night.

It is everyday evidence of our creativity, the choices we deliberately make to present ourselves to the world. But some of the choices become more routine than artistic expression. I favor certain colors and wear the same wristwatch daily. You may prefer other hues and shun metal jewelry.

We get bogged down by the familiar and comfortable. The results may be visible in our work and the affect we present to others.

We lose sight of possibilities. Think of it this way. You can’t paint a masterpiece with house paint. It takes a palette awash with the spectrum of colors and the myriad tints to make an artistic statement.

It’s time to connect with our own creativity, a process as unique as the individual. For me, great ideas often surface while engaged in tedious repetitive chores — mowing the lawn is a good one — or while walking or swimming laps in a pool. Other times, I wake up with a fresh idea, a new approach or the answer to a vexing problem. My subconscious takes care of me. I

don’t know why, but it works.

This issue of Life & Style is devoted to creativity, a commodity that abounds in this green and graceful land we call Southern Illinois.

This month’s cover story by frequent contributor Chanda Green offers insight into unleashing your creativity — including how to discover it or, perhaps, rediscover it.

A change of scenery sometimes leads to a time of inspiration.

This issue’s look at Getaways takes readers on a trek to Kansas City, which is a whole lot more than the other big city in Missouri. It’s written

by Diana Lambdin Meyer, a native of Wolf Lake who has resided in that city for 28 years. Also in the issue is a profile of the extremely creative Ben Falcone, the Carbondale native who is making a name for himself in Hollywood.

You’ll also find the latest in great food, drinks and special places to see in Southern Illinois. Enjoy the magazine. And find creativity in the late summer days that give way to the beauties of early autumn.

GARY METRO LIFE & STYLE IN SOUTHERN ILLINOIS Life & Style : Fall 2014

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50 CREATE!

CONTENTS SUMMER 2014

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artists Kyle Kinser celebrates nature’s imperfections in a perfect way

24 15 questions 30 wine country 66 out & about getaways 71 good eats 82

It’s never too late, too silly or too selfish to discover ways to express yourself

44

Get to know Southern Illinoisan publisher John Pfeifer

Sometimes, you can judge a wine by its label Cedarhurst creates a haven for the artist in all of us

Southern Illinois native shares her love of Kansas City

It’s the perfect time of year to dish on pumpkins

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profile Carbondale native Ben Falcone makes his feature film directorial debut

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cheers to beer Local craft brewers taking new artisan approaches to an old science

cover photo

Furniture craftsman and artist Kyle Kinser of Makanda was photographed in his studio space

by Lori Baysinger of Photography by Lori in Marion.

this issue

Social Seen Pursuits Scenic Beauty Apps Self Business Buzz

10 27 28 34 42 46

Entrepreneur At Work My Home Trends Style Parting Shot

49 64 78 84 86 88

Create excitement in the kitchen

Explore our new Stone Gallery 7am - 4pm Monday - Friday Saturdays by appointment

800-323-2378 • 1015 E. Walnut w w w.auffenbergcarbondale.com

Life & Style : Fall 2014

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DENTAL IMPLANTS A New Beginning to 2014

• Are you embarrassed to smile?

• Are you missing teeth?

• Is your denture or partial denture loose?

• Do you have problems chewing?

If you have these problems, Dr. Christopher Hughes and his team can help you find out if Dental Implants are right for you.

Call Anne to reserve your Free Personal Consultation

618-993-3100

Dr. Christopher Hughes is certified through the American Board of Oral Implantology/Implant Dentistry

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

Hughes Dental Arts 504 Rushing Drive | Herrin, IL Implant & Cosmetic Dentistry • I.V. Sedation

www.hughesdentalarts.com

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 The Premium Radiance brings a new level of performance and luxury to vacuum cleaners.

Riccar’s flagship upright offers the unsurpassed cleaning performance of the revolutionary Tandem Air System where two distinct cleaning motors are used in series to provide exceptional carpet cleaning, sealed HEPA filtration and the convenience of powerful on-board tools in one machine.

All upright vacuum cleaners from Riccar are built with American pride in St. James, Missouri.

“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 Life & Style : Spring 2014 8 Life8& Style : Fall 2014

www.normancarpetonemarion.com

Dr. Jonathan W. Burton, D.M.D. Diplomate-American Board of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery Wisdom Teeth Removal • Surgical Extractions Dental Implants • Bone Grafting Corrective Jaw Surgery • Oral Pathology

Mystery Dinner Friday, October 10, 2014

“Bullets in the Bathtub” Presented by: Jest Murder Mysteries The Links of Kokopelli 1527 Champions Drive, - Marion, IL

Tickets: $40 per person, $300.00 For Table of 8 (Includes Show & Dinner Buffet) 20’s Speakeasy Theme Doors open 5:30 p.m.

Cash Bar 6:00 p.m. Dinner Buffet 7:00 p.m. Show LIVE AUCTION FOLLOWING SHOW To reserve your table or purchase tickets, Contact Hospice of Southern Illinois Jennifer Vinyard (618) 997-3030 • jvinyard@hospice.org Please rsvp by October 3, 2014

618.519.9363

2250 Reed Station Pkwy.

Office Place, Suite 201 Carbondale, IL www.shawneehillsoms.com

Light up the Night

Glow 5k R u n / Wa l k Save TheDate 10 . 2 4 . 2 01 4

Date

October 24, 2014

Entry Fee

$25.00 $10.00 (age 12 and under)

Registration Time 7:00 p.m. • Dusk

Where

Mr. Koolz, Marion, IL

Proceeds Benefit Hospice of Southern Illinois Your Community • Prizes for Best Glow Costume • • Best Team Costumes •Food • Music •

Your Community Not-For-Profit Hospice 618-997-3030 • www.hospice.org

All Proceeds to Benefit Hospice of Southern Illinois

Questions Call Jennifer 618-997-3030 www.hospice.org

Life & Style : Fall 2014

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SOCIAL SEEN

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100 MEN WHO COOK Local men flexed their culinary muscles June 7, when they participated in the annual 100 Men Who Cook fundraiser at SIU Arena. The event raised money for Southern Illinois Healthcare Foundation, which supports health-care initiatives in the region, including the ongoing construction of a cancer institute in Carterville.

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1. Dr. Muhamad Popalzai of Carbondale 2. Rex Budde of Herrin, Bart Millstead of Makanda, Woody Thorne of Makanda and Mel Bower of Carbondale 3. Robert and Dr. Nova Foster of Carterville 4. Steve Falat of Murphysboro 5. Darrell Bryant and Jeff Franklin of Carbondale 6. Ellen Bower and Jennifer Miller Louw, both

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of Carbondale 7. Jeff Speith of Carterville 8. San Chen of Carbondale and Sebastian Chou of Herrin 9. Herman Louw of Carbondale 10. TJ Martin of Carbondale 11. Dr. Mike Durr 12. Steve Sowers of Carbondale

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13. Lance Jack of Carbondale 14. Peter Gregory of Carbondale 15. Tom Stewart of Carbondale 16. Lesley Cranick and Dr. Sam Stokes of Carbondale 17. Ralph and Amy Behrens of Carterville 18. Karen Binder of Carbondale 19. Martine and Dr. Michaelis Jackson of Carbondale

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Photos provided by SIH

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

Life & Style : Fall 2014

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SINGING WITH THE STARS Attendees of the Singing with the Stars event at McLeod Theater at SIU gathered for appetizers and drinks before watching the performances. The performances were put together by McLeod Theater Summer Playhouse, and each one was given votes by the audience.

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1. Cheryl Bryant, Mona Ward and Cherryl Daugherty 2. Bonnie and Roy Heidinger 3. Sharon and Larry Meyer 4. Lynn Wolff and Connie Shanahan

Let us help you have the

home of your dreams

5. Wil Travelstead and Neil Dillard 6. Mary Mantovani and Ione Russel 7. Karen and Gary Hartlieb 8. Marilyn and John Annable 9. Helen and Steve Jack

Photos by Alexa Rogals

Since 1995, I’ve been bringing beautiful windows and rooms to residential and commercial clients all over Southern Illinois. I work with you to create your Dream Room with custom furniture, gorgeous window treatments, thousands of area rugs, and hand selected accessories, lighting and artwork. Call me to set up a complimentary consultation and we’ll design a window, room, or whole home of your dreams.

Angela Rowe, DDCD Phone 618.253.4711 Toll-Free 888.467.4711 decoratingden.com decdens.com/angelarowe

C U S T O M W I N D O W T R E AT M E N T S | F U R N I T U R E | L I G H T I N G | F L O O R C O V E R I N G S | A C C E S S O R I E S 12 Life & Style : Fall 2014

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KITE HILL WINERY FUNDRAISER

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Kite Hill Winery in Carbondale hosted a Drink & Draw event presented June 19

by John A. Logan Museum. Participants were given supplies, a glass of wine and hors d’oeuvres, and were able to take their completed artwork when they were finished.

1. Kim and Brian Self of Carbondale 2. Jessica Davis and Denise Brown of Murphysboro 3. Makayla and Kenny Reynolds of Benton 4. Alexa Miller of Carbondale and Megan Moloney of Murphysboro

5. Emily Popejoy of Carbondale and Stephanie Meyer of Murphysboro 6. Nancy Kucerna and Carol Wingate of Murphysboro 7. Saundra Heaslett and Jen Goode of Murphysboro 8. Sharon and Dennis Johnson of Murphysboro

Photos by Alexa Rogals

It is a GREAT time to be a home buyer!

Low Interest Rates! (for qualified buyers only) Great Loan Programs Available! Some with 0% DOWN!!!! (for qualified buyers only) Up to a $7,500 Grant for First Time Home Buyers! (for qualified buyers only)

Give us a call and let us help you with your HOMEwork!!

618-985-4242

Preferred

100 W. Plaza Drive Carterville www.coldwellbankercarterville.com Life & Style : Fall 2014

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ART OPENING AT THE VARSITY

Photos by Gregory Kupiec

This exhibit, in association with The Stage Company, featured the work of Eldon Benz. The exhibit of prints is called Southern Illinois Natural Areas. The opening reception was July 3 and took place at Varsity Center for the Arts in Carbondale.

1. Jo Kirch Benz, a photographer and the artist’s wife, and Jeanne Ferraro, recently installed president of The Stage Company, both of Carbondale 2. Artist Eldon Benz and wife, Jo, with Richard and Anne Strawn, all of Carbondale

8. Jan and Craig Hinde of Carbondale

3. Kevin Purcell of Cobden and Mike Hanes of Carbondale

5. Lisa, Melissa and Alvie Easton of Murphysboro

4. James Ferraro and Dan Owen of Carbondale and Eric Easton of Murphysboro; Easton provided music on a handcrafted didgeridoo.

6. Mary Jane Karg and Nevlyn Reiman of Murphysboro

9. Darcy Kriegsman of Carbondale, Howard Saver of Makanda and Brendan Finnegan of Carbondale

7. Blanche Sloan of Carbondale and Nancy Taylor of Murphysboro

10. Greg Kupiec of Murphysboro and Jack Langowski of Carbondale

NDAYS 11 AM SU TO 2:30

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

618.549.6400 | 201 E. MAIN ST. | DOWNTOWN CARBONDALE RESERVATIONS AVAILABLE ONLINE AT THENEWELLHOUSE.COM 14 Life & Style : Fall 2014

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

Join Us On

FREE WIFI

SOCIAL SEEN

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HUCK’S RUN FOR THE FUND About 500 motorcyclists and supporters joined the Huck’s Run for the Fund, with stops at Riverside Park in Murphysboro, John A. Logan College in Carterville, West Frankfort City Park and the Harbor Oaks picnic area of Rend Lake on July 12 to raise funds for the Coach Kill Cancer Fund. To date, the Fund, founded by former Saluki football coach Jerry Kill after a personal battle with cancer, has raised more than half a million dollars and helped more than 1,000 patients with cancer and their families in Southern Illinois. Southern Illinois Healthcare and the SIH Foundation administer the CKCF on behalf of coach Jerry Kill and his wife, Rebecca.

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Photos provided by SIH

1. Jim and Helen Rusher of Sesser 2. Amy Kissing of Marion, Tom Kissing of Marion, Ryan Wachter of Goreville, Melissa Roberston of Goreville, Curtis Boester of Salem, Chris Duty of Crab Orchard 3. Rebecca Kill, Coach Jerry Kill and members of the SIU Cheer Squad 4. Tanna Morgan, Paula Frisch

5. Greg Mcvey of Carmi, Dirk and Sharon Valerius of Elkville 6. Barbara McKinney of Lincoln, Darnell Harvey of Carmi 7. Coach Jerry Kill, Woody Thorne 8. J.T. and Johna Bandy, Jan Grant of Johnston City 9. Coach Jerry Kill, Mark McKinney 10. Bob Davenport of Carbondale, Fred Alstat of De Soto

Life & Style : Fall 2014

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CARTERVILLE’S GOT TALENT The Carterville Variety Show was June 5 at Carterville High School. Attendees were provided with dinner before watching the performers in the auditorium.

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1. Lois Rains and Linda JanesThompson 2. Mickey Edwards and Linda Janes-Thompson 3. Taylan McCamish and Xian Couch 4. Pam and Allan Kimball 5. Mike and Rhonda Robinson

6. Charles and Joyce Stevens 7. Hailey Barber and Megan Hampton 8. Jim and Joan Shasten 9. Karri Forby, Lindon Forby and Kali Bonner 10. Britain and Toby Hollister

11. Marvin and Sherly Oetjen and Doug and Evelyn Fuqua 12. Eric, Stephanie and Elanah Fourez 13. Don and Marilyn Gentry and Dorthy and Bill Bleyer 14. Gary and Joan Cooper 15. Chris and Kurt Oetjen

16. Amy and Ron Simpson 17. Winter and James Campanella 18. Dunklin and Kim Rangitsch 19. Bob Browning, Christy and Kieth Baggett and Clay Goodwin 20. John and Karla McCamish

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

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Photos by Alexa Rogals

Quality Service.

It’s not an award thats won. It’s an award that’s earned.

Our broker associates receive this prestigious award year after year by providing the highest levels of customer service! Our customers go out of their way to recognize their Realtor® for exceeding in all expectations.

They excepted nothing less; and neither should you.

CENTURY 21 AGENTS AGENTS.

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SMARTER. BOLDER. FASTER.™

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

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SOCIAL SEEN

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MURPHYSBORO CHAMBER DINNER Chamber members and invited guests were treated to the annual event May 2 at 17th Street Warehouse. Awards were presented that night, including Business/Organization of the Year, Friends of Murphysboro; Student Citizen of the Year, Sara Fluegel; Hall of Fame, Bob Hall; and Citizen of the Year, Patty Bateman.

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1. Matt Bishop and Harold Gibbs, both of Murphysboro 2. Jeff Strueter, Martin Schaldemose, Mike Dreith and David Marks, all of Murphysboro 3. Citizen of the Year Award recipient Patty Bateman and Randy Bateman of Murphysboro 4. Jeff Doherty of Carbondale and Dan Bost of Murphysboro 5. Murphysboro Mayor Will Stephens and April Blessing of Murphysboro 6. Lyndsay Kamminga and Julie Schaldemose, both of Murphysboro 7. Cynthia Mill and Bob Chambers of Vergennes and Matt Bishop of

Murphysboro 8. Terri Bryant and Gloria Campos of Murphysboro 9. Mike Jones and Dan Bost, both of Murphysboro 10. Stephanie Donahue and Hall of Fame Award recipient Bob Hall, both of Murphysboro 11. Michael Schmidt and Martin Schaldemose, both of Murphysboro 12. Judy Bost of Murphysboro 13. Bob Chambers and Cynthia Mill of Vergennes 14. John Medwedeff of Murphysboro and Gary Niebrugge of Effingham

15. Scott Fluegel and Kathy Baumann, both of Murphysboro 16. Harold Gibbs and Marlene McGregor Gibbs of Murphysboro 17. Candice Knight of Pinckneyville 18. Bruce Wallace of Murphysboro and Chris Egelston of Carterville 19. Amanda Atchley of Elkville 20. Marlene McGregor Gibbs, Bruce Wallace and Harold Gibbs, all of Murphysboro 21. Brad Fager, Patty Bateman, Brandi Bradley, Sarah Junk and Kathy Baumann of the 2014 Organization of the Year, Friends of Murphysboro

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Photos by Rob Burke

More Than n A Jewelry J y Store S

Merchants Walk, Carterville

985-8331

Hours: Mon.-Fri. 9-6, Sat. 9-5 • yjeweler.com 18 Life & Style : Fall 2014

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Readers’ Choice for Best Bank in Southern Illinois oldnational.com

Thank you for voting us #1!

Call 618-457-3700 or visit any Old National location.

Life & Style : Fall 2014 19

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SECOND ACT IN NYC Forty-nine members of the SIH Second Act Program traveled to New York City in June. Members explored “The City That Never Sleeps� for three days. The tour included a visit to Times Square, Central Park, Rockefeller Center, the 911 Memorial, the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island.

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1. Mary Evilsizer of Scheller, Marie Samuel of Carterville, Barbara Lamcyzk of Scheller 2. Judith Smith of De Soto, Janice Pulcher of Murphysboro, Linda Rains of Marion, Sandra Bullar of Murphysboro 3. Joanne, the New York tour guide 4. Mary and Floyd Smith of Herrin 5. Mike and Pat Jennings of Ava, Mary Falaster of

Murphysboro, Fredia Doody of Murphysboro, Jennifer and Dianna Freeburn of Murphysboro 6. Paula Reeves of Carrier Mills, Jerry and Yvonne Norris of Marion, Lora Hurt of De Soto, Janet Schuyler of Carterville, Janice McConnaughy of Carterville 7. George and Marlene Stavroulakis of Zeigler, Joey and Gina Cushman of Du Quoin, Mary and Ted James of Carbondale 8. Nate Bernstein of Marion

Photos provided by SIH

9. Mike Jennings of Ava and Joe Taylor of Marion 10. Dale Hastings of Marion, Ted James of Carbondale 11. Nate and Tina Bernstein of Marion 12. Shirlene Carnaghi of Herrin, Marie Samuel of Carterville, Mike Jennings of Ava and Frank Aldridge of Murphysboro 13. Mike and Pat Jennings of Ava

Elegant Outdoor Living!

Water Features Irrigation Systems Lighting Plant & Bed Maintenance Outdoor Living Areas Patios, Walks & Walls 20 Life & Style : Fall 2014

View our Design/Installation Portfolio at:

greenridgelandscaping.com

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Life & Style : Fall 2014

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Elegant Outdoor Living!

Water Features Irrigation Systems Lighting Plant & Bed Maintenance Outdoor Living Areas Patios, Walks & Walls

Start the path to your future at JALC

View our Design/Installation Portfolio at:

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618.549.6165

WHY

WOUL YOU G D O ANYW HE E L SE ? R E

www.jalc.edu

Get it delivered!

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Clip out this card and mail your payment to: Life & Style in Southern Illinois PO Box 2108, Carbondale, IL 62901

For additional information or to place your order, call (618) 351-5035.

You can also subscribe online at thesouthern.com/lifestyles/magazine/subscribe Please allow 4 weeks for delivery. Email address will not be sold or rented.

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Life & Style : Fall 2014

IGNITE Child and lifestyle family photography WWW.JAMIEFAULKNER.COM

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YOUR

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Bar and Patio Open Late

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www.reflectionsofherrin.com

501 E. Walnut St Carbondale, Illinois ((618) 8) 351-8242 3 82 2 Life & Style : Fall 2014

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15 QUESTIONS

Getting to know

John Pfeifer Our Life & Style editor offered to take my bio info from our corporate website, but I fear that wouldn’t tell you very much. And it would be pretty boring. So here goes.

As publisher of The Southern Illinoisan, I have a job that allows me to do what I love to do — and what I do well — every day. I love to write, to sell, and to interact with people inside and outside of the office, and that’s what I get to do. I enjoy leading almost as much as I detest following, so that works out pretty nicely, as well.

And since I and the “status quo” have never really gotten on the same page, it’s good to work somewhere that everyone is involved in creating a new product daily in print and hourly on your desktop, tablet and mobile phone. Change is fun!

I’m also glad to be working at our Carbondale office in Jackson County, while living in our beautiful home in Marion right next door in Williamson County. We’re a regional news and sales organization, so it’s helpful to have a couple of different perspectives on what we’re doing and how well we’re doing it.

I hope you enjoy this and every edition of Life & Style.

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Life & Style : Fall 2014

John Pfeifer, shown in the pressroom (above) and using his iPad to find the Southern Business Journal’s LinkedIn page (left), is the publisher of The Southern Illinoisan.

At the end of the 19th century, French writer Marcel Proust believed that people must know and understand themselves before they could know or understand others. So, he developed a list of subjective questions he felt would help with that. We, along with other publications, like Vanity Fair, believe it’s still one of the best ways to get to know someone quickly.

What is your current state of mind?

Determined.

What is your favorite avocation or hobby? Music. Tinkering with playlists and trying to create a playlist for any and all moods. My daughter; a self-proclaimed NeedtoBreathe groupie, also recently got me hooked on Ed Sheeran (I’m listening to his “Multiplied” CD while answering these questions). I love live classical music, as well. And soundtracks, great big breaking themes that ebb and flow.

What is your greatest extravagance?

Travel – and buying artwork while traveling.

My wife and I just visited Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island, and, because we won’t be moving next summer, plan to visit Budapest, Prague and return to Vienna.

Can’t wait! And there really is another wall in our new house that needs a nice painting to hang on.

What is your motto or words you live by?

“I learned this, at least, by my experiment: That if one advances confidently in the direction of his dreams, and endeavors to live the life which he has imagined, he will meet with a success unexpected in common hours.” Henry David Thoreau What is your most treasured possession?

BubbaZeke, our family’s stuffed bear elder.

My wife and three kids each have a “Bubba” bear, as well, but mine was the first. And I don’t think he really looks like he’s stoned.

When and where were you happiest?

Thanksgiving week with the family at our oldest son Tim’s place in Columbia, Maryland. Our daughter Carolyn lives with him, and Joe flies in from Denver. Lot’s of eating, game playing, football watching and relaxing. There may also be a wee bit of sarcasm.

What are your most obvious characteristics? A sense of humor. At least, I hope so. I’m very serious about accomplishing things, but hope I never take myself seriously.

What is your favorite journey? A long hike in a brand new place. Walking off the first tee with my son, knowing we have the next couple of hours together. Getting unlost.

Who is your favorite fictional hero? Since we’re talking fiction here, my hero is a composite of the sarcastic pragmatism of Josh Lyman from the “West Wing” TV series and the status-quo challenging John Keating from the movie “Dead Poet’s Society.”

If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be? A dangerous question to answer because I can actually change it. I would like to develop the discipline necessary to write consistently.

I’ve started writing both fiction and nonfiction, but (quickly) lost steam.

Lowering expectations to creating a short story or short book on media sales would be a great first step. OK, actually writing a few paragraphs each day would be a better first step.

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Where would you like to live? In close proximity to grandkids. Right now, we don’t yet have grandkids, so there’s no rush to be anywhere other than right here. But when they start arriving, I want to be right there to spoil them.

What is the quality you most admire in a man? See the next question.

What is the quality you most admire in a woman? I’ll answer both of the above questions by saying that I’m mystified about why I would possibly admire different qualities in a person based solely on their gender difference. What’s with that? I admire people who care. I guess “passionate” is the word we now use to describe this quality. You can hear it in the words they speak or write, and you can always see it in their eyes. I love listening to people — both women and men — argue points they feel strongly about.

What do you value most in your friends?

Their ability to laugh at many of the silly and/or idiotic things that come out of my mouth, while making it appear as though they find them genuinely humorous.

Which words or phrases do you most over-use? It’s a near certainty that I overuse the word “like,” since it has, like, replaced “you know” as the placeholder word that comes out of our mouths as we struggle to communicate. I’m, like, not even sure where this all started but, like, that’s all we seem to say. Like has to be the most commonly used word in the country, and I really don’t like it at all.

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Life & Style : Fall 2014

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PURSUITS

The of the LEAA adds group for current and aspiring writers to its ranks

BY ADAM TESTA

hrough the years, Little Egypt Arts Association has become a haven for all types of creative individuals, from painters to quilters and photographers to sculptors.

Earlier this year, though, the tree of LEAA opportunities grew another branch as the organization started Little Egypt Writers Society. The group brings together all types of writers or those who wish to explore and improve their writing talents.

“We have songwriters, scriptwriters, authors,” said Kaye Howell of Marion, who helped organize the club and lead it through its infancy. “We’re just trying to feel our way about, so we’re really open to anything.”

Early meetings have included about 15 members and featured programs from author Jon Musgrave, who spoke on his journey to bring scripts to Los Angeles, and poet Joy King, who shared her experiences of visiting the United Nations.

LEWS plans to host events like book signings and exhibitions in the future, allowing writers of all types to share their works with the community at large. A bookshelf display will be set up at LEAA headquarters on the Marion square with artistic book designs, framed poetry and more.

Howell said she hopes the group will integrate with other artist groups, too. The idea for the writing club actually came from a meeting for

painters. Poet Cheryl Ranchino shared some of her work with the group, and ideas started flowing immediately.

“As she was reading them, we were getting these beautiful painting ideas in our minds,” Howell said.

LEWS meets from 6 to 8 p.m. on the second Tuesday of each month at the LEAA office. To be a member of the club, writers must join LEAA, which costs $50 per year. The organization also takes a 20 percent commission on all sales at its office.

Howell, a retired art teacher, said she hopes the group continues to grow and succeed, as it offers an outlet for those who create art with their words and a place where they can connect with others who share their passion.

“It’s a place where authors can have a home along with the painters, the photographers and the other artists,” she said.

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SCENIC BEAUTY

Photos by Les Winkeler

Be inspired at Inspiration Point from view as the visitor turns east off that highway. The road to Inspiration As unexpected as it is impressive, Point provides a commanding view of Inspiration Point is the centerpiece of the Big Muddy. When the Big Muddy Pine Hills, a five-mile spills over its banks, great length of limestone blue herons, great egrets, This is probably the formations jutting from egrets and other only place in Southern snow the Mississippi River wading and shore birds floodplain south and west Illinois where a person can be seen feeding in of Murphysboro. can stand and see the flood waters.

The summit of The bottomland forest eagles soaring below.

Inspiration Point towers — and the attendant 150 feet above LaRue wildlife — can be Swamp and Big Muddy River, as it winds mesmerizing. Roll down the windows, its way toward the nearby Mississippi. turn off the stereo and air-conditioning The journey to Inspiration Point is an and listen to the sounds of the river adventure in itself. bottom, the melodies of songbirds Although Inspiration Point is clearly and jungle-like screams of the pileated woodpecker. visible from Illinois 3, it disappears

BY LES WINKELER

AT TOP: Inspiration Point is the centerpiece of Pine Hills, a five-mile limestone facade stretching along the floodplain of the Mississippi River near Murphysboro. While the natural formation is easily viewable from Illinois 3, the trek to visit the summit itself is much more of an adventure.

ABOVE: The summit of Inspiration Point towers 150 feet above LaRue Swamp and the Big Muddy River, as it winds its way toward the nearby Mississippi. From the summit, travelers have a unique view of the region’s vast landscape

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The bottomland forest provides great scenery for a drive to Inspiration Point. The sounds of flowing water and the attending wildlife create a natural soundtrack for the mesmerizing journey. But the view from the top can be even more impressive.

One almost forgets about the looming limestone bluffs that were formed 400 million years ago.

However, when the road takes one final curve, Inspiration Point comes into view. Although the gravel road discourages speed, the initial reaction upon catching a glimpse of Inspiration Point is to lift the foot off the accelerator. The sight is stunning at any time of day, but even more spectacular in late afternoon and evening when the bluffs catch the sun.

The temptation is to keep your eyes glued to the gleaming bluffs, but visitors owe it to themselves to scan the surrounding swampland. The area abounds with songbirds and wildflowers in the summer, waterfowl in the winter.

Upon reaching the base of the summit, you face still another dilemma.

A right turn leads to a large pond that

makes up part of LaRue Swamp. The road carrying visitors to the pond is the famous “Snake Road.” The road is closed for brief periods in the spring and fall, as snakes migrate to and from their winter dens.

A left turn takes travelers to the summit of Inspiration Point. The drive is short, but it eloquently displays the remote wildness of Pine Hills. The road leads to the entrance of Clear Springs Wilderness Area.

The view from the summit — the Big Muddy winding below and floodplain extending to the Mississippi — is as inspiring, as advertised.

This is probably the only place in Southern Illinois where a person can stand and see eagles soaring below.

And, even when it is time to leave the summit, take solace in the fact that the drive back to Illinois 3 is a journey unto itself.

Life & Style : Fall 2014 29

WINE

Photos by Adam Testa

Tony Philipe, senior graphic designer at Silkworm, designs wine labels for wineries including Owl Creek and Alto Vineyards. Several of his designs have placed or won in the Illinois State Fair Wine Competition.

Judging a wine by its

LABEL 30 Life & Style : Fall 2014

Rese rve Gold —

In the long list of creative ventures and artistic media, label design might not be one that immediately comes to mind. But if you’re in the business of marketing wine and cider, it’s almost as important as the quality of the product.

A bright or unique label is essential in attracting that all-important customer.

Dustin Rochkes, manager of Warehouse Liquor Mart in Carbondale, said labels most definitely play a role in moving a product.

“For customers who have decided to try something new, a creative, eyecatching label works,” he said. “Blue Sky does a good job with theirs, and Owl Creek’s labels are uniform, but creative and attractive.”

Alto Vine yard

BY CHANDA GREEN

Jim Ewers, general manager of Blue Sky Vineyard in Makanda, said a lot of thought and creativity go into its labels and for good reason.

“One of our most popular wines is our Misterioso,” he said.

It’s a rosé that smells and tastes of ripe berries, but Jim credits at least some of popularity to the “creepy” label design.

“When we were trying to come up with new label designs, I went out to Westroads Liquor in Carbondale and talked to Jim Reed, the owner,” Jim said. “He told me to look at his display of wines and pointed out how the standard labels — mostly black with gold or silver lettering and trim — blended together. ‘Make the label pop,’ he told me. We’ve lived by that and had great success.”

Blue Sky uses local photographer Keith Cotton as one of its primary label designers.

“Our Chamborcin Reserve wine label is a collage of some of the architectural features of the winery. So when you buy a bottle, it’s like you’re taking home a little piece of Blue Sky,” he said. “And our Rosé label is a reproduction of a portrait that hangs in the winery, very distinctive.”

Brad Genung, owner, chief wine-maker and cider master at Owl Creek Vineyard in Cobden, said the label is almost as important as what’s inside the bottle. That’s why he turned to a professional graphic artist, Ruby Barnes, when he decided to redesign his wine labels in 2005. And when Owl Creek wanted something creative for its new line of hard ciders, Brad called Silkworm in Murphysboro and worked with one of its senior graphic artists, Tony Phillippe.

“He’s our graphics guy now, and he’s awesome,” Brad said.

Tony has been working with Brad since about 2005 and began designing his cider labels about a year ago.

“The sky’s the limit on these labels,” Blue Sky’s Mysterioso he said. “You’re free to use your imagination. You’re not limited to five or six colors like you are on a T-shirt design. As long as you know what the client wants and stay within that direction, you really get to spread your wings as a designer. It’s some of my favorite work here at Silkworm.”

He especially enjoyed designing the labels for Owl Creek’s new line of Apple Knockers Hard Cider: Hard Knocks, Bad Apple and Sweet Knockers.

“For his Bad Apple Cider, I played off of the apple boy character on the Hard Knocks label and had him spray-painting graffiti; and for the Sweet Knockers label, well, I drew a very voluptuous apple tree.”

Tony also designs labels for Alto Vineyards in Alto Pass, which has used artists at Silkworm for its label designs since before Tony started there 16 years ago.

Alto’s event coordinator Corey Peters agreed that it’s “very important to have an eye-catching label, one that does justice to the product.”

He cites Alto’s Rocco Red wine, named after the vineyard’s founding family’s first dog; Wiener Dog White, named after the family’s late winery dog, Lucy; and Reserve Gold, a dessert wine, as having some of the winery’s most creative and attractive labels.

Reserve Gold was one of the local winners at this year’s annual Illinois State Fair Wine Label and Packaging Competition, along with Owl Creek’s Bad Apple Cider and Whoo’s Blush Rosé wine.

Owl Creek Wines

‘I was immediately drawn to the winner in the dessert wine category, Alto Vineyards’ Reserve Gold. The combination of the blue bottle, their logo stacked for easy readability and the use of a gold foil really set this wine label apart.’

Rebecca Ritz, one of the judges at this year’s annual state fair wine label and packaging competition in Springfield

And the winners are …

More than 420 local wines were presented to the judges at the Illinois State Fair Wine Competition in June at Lincoln Land Community College in Springfield. The event was sponsored by the Illinois Grape Growers & Vintners Association.

One of the categories judged concerns labels and packaging. Local winners are: Cider: Owl Creek Vineyard, Cobden, for Bad Apple Rosé: Owl Creek Vineyard for Whoo’s Blush Dessert Wine: Alto Vineyards in Alto Pass, for Reserve Gold

Owl Creek Hard Ciders

Life & Style : Fall 2014

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Life & Style : Fall 2014

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APPS

creativity Tap into your

with these apps for writers, musicians and moviemakers

BY ADAM TESTA

The ultimate source of creativity exists inside the individual, but that doesn’t mean others can’t help bring out the best.

In the golden era of literature, contemporary authors and poets were often friends, part of the same social cliques. Today, individuals seeking to explore their own creativity have a much wider social network from which to seek guidance, advice and inspiration.

The digital age has brought creativity to the forefront and given everyone the chance and opportunity to explore outlets previously out of reach.

Here are some digital apps that can help writers, musicians and moviemakers, as well as those aspiring to hold such titles, pave their own creative paths.

FOR WRITERS

A Novel Idea: One of the hardest parts of creative writing, especially for beginners, is organization. This app allows writers to think about various aspects of their work with a single focus — character descriptions, settings, plot points, etc. — at a time. Once all the information is input, the app will link it together, making it easily accessible as the author moves forward with the project.

Spice Mobile: A Phrase Thesaurus and History of the English Language: Most writers find themselves turning to a thesaurus, seeking synonyms for a single word, but this app takes the research one step further. Searching a phrase will bring up similar or commonly used passages from classic literature and writing to help inspire a new way of thinking about what you’re trying to say.

Write or Die: The name of this app sounds a little harsh, but it’s the perfect motivator for those who are prone to procrastination (like yours truly can be, at times, when it comes to creative writing). Users set a word count or time goal for the session, and if they stop writing before meeting it, the app responds in various severities — from a simple reminder to erasing what you’ve already written — until you start again.

FOR MUSICIANS

GarageBand: This digital sound and recording app serves both trained musicians and those looking to break into the industry. The app can be connected to a number of different virtual instruments and also includes its own array of “smart instruments” for those seeking to try their hand at audio engineering without a bevy of hefty expenses.

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Life & Style : Fall 2014

Songster Tabs and Chords: The days of buying tab books may be over.

Apps such as this one allow musicians to discover tablature for many popular songs, and most of them feature tabs for instruments beyond guitar. Users can search by artist or song title, and an offline mode allows them to access previously viewed tabs without Internet access. The participating artists are legally included and paid for their work, which is an added bonus.

ThumbJam: Designed specifically for Apple products, this app turns your handheld device into an instrument. Users pick out a key and scale and use their thumb to move up and down the notes and wave the device to create effects such as pitch bend.

It’s not overly complex and might not be too useful in actually creating sounds for recording, but it helps people learn different aspects of musical sound, and they can be manipulated.

FOR MOVIEMAKERS

iMovie: This app is the mobile version of Apple’s standard movie editing software, and, like its full version, it’s geared toward beginners and those looking to learn.

You can do basic cuts and edits of videos shot with your iPod or iPad with ease, or you can get more intricate with themes, transitions and other fine touches. You won’t see many Hollywood blockbusters edited in iMovie, but it’s a nice option for your home videos. iStopMotion: Why settle for watching “The Lego Movie” when you can make your own? This iPad app — Android users can find similar programs for their systems — lets the user learn to make quick, easy stopmotion videos. Use Lego or other toys and then move them a little on each frame before snapping a picture. Put them all together in motion and watch your story unfold before your eyes.

CollabraCam: Every filmmaker desires to use multiple camera angles to be sure to capture the best shots. With this app, the user can network a number of iPhones to create a studio-style setup. One phone works as the “director” with up to four phones filming and streaming video to it.

The director then chooses what camera should be active, switching between them to ensure the best angle is being captured.

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Life & Style : Fall 2014

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ARTISTS

‘I don’t like shiny things; I’d rather concern myself with substance.’

— Kyle Kinser

Kinser polishes a table top with a special mix he creates.

Photos by Adam Testa and Lori Baysinger

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Kyle Kinser

Celebrating nature’s imperfections in his perfectly beautiful and unique furniture

Kinser is all about reclamation of beautiful wood, which is evident in the door panels of a cabinet he created. They almost look like fabric but are actually slices of ‘dead’ wood he was able to bring to life in a creative way.

BY CHANDA GREEN

K

yle Kinser is an artist, a craftsman and a woodworker, but that doesn’t really come close to describing what he does. Kinser makes one-of-a-kind, high-end, hand-made furniture that is so unique and beautiful it will take your breath away. And, it’s made so well that each one is an heirloom piece, something you would be proud to pass down to the next generation.

He uses wood from the forest around his home in Makanda, sometimes keeping an eye on a tree for years until it falls and then dragging it back to his studio to slice and stack until the pieces dry and age naturally for years before pulling one out and letting it speak to him.

“I prefer to have a piece of wood tell me what to do rather than a client,” he said. “I like to build something and then find a good home for it.”

The imperfections in the wood he collects and uses — the cracks and knots, or a winding tunnel made by a beetle

chewing its way through the tree — are what attract Kinser.

“One-hundred years from now, people will love all of those imperfections,” he said.

Kinser’s workshop looks like an old shack from the outside. But, inside, it’s filled with the machines he uses to slice the wood he finds, and the hand tools he uses to shape the wood into art.

“Every machine in this shop has a story,” he said. “But the real work begins when the machines are turned off.”

Kinser loves the experience of cutting a piece of wood with a sharp tool, celebrates the smooth surfaces that his hand plane leaves behind and finds real joy in the spiritual quality of a well-made object, one of the “real things in life.”

Along one side of Kinser’s shop are large windows, the better to drink in the inspiration of the surroundings, and in almost every corner are stacks of wood waiting for their turn under the master’s hand. He built the shop himself and has been working there — and living at the other end of his property — for more than two decades.

Life & Style : Fall 2014

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Kinser uses a variety of hand tools to create the perfect designs for his work. While he does use machinery, a lot of the work is done by hand using traditional techniques and skills.

LEFT: Wood shavings cover many of the work tables in Kinser’s studio, a symbol of his hard work. He apologizes to visitors for the mess, but most simply view it as a sign of his efforts and labor.

Kyle Kinser’s work can be seen at his studio in Makanda. He also sells commissioned work, and his pieces can be seen in numerous galleries in large metropolitan areas such as Chicago.

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Life & Style : Fall 2014

“I’m absorbed with the spiritual aspect of my life and work,” he said. “I’m a recovering Catholic, but very spiritual. I find my religion in art and in nature.”

Kinser’s journey as an artist is as interesting and circuitous as that of the unclaimed wood that becomes beautiful furniture. When he started working with wood, he had no formal connect training. He learned what he could To connect with from the local library, old high school Kyle Kinser and shop manuals and “a lot of trial and to watch a video error,” he said. of him working, He really wasn’t sure what he wanted go to www. to do with his life, so there were a few lifeandstylesi.com. years at a seminary, a few years studying 618-549-4540 kylekinser8@gmail. French and English in college and com taking on menial jobs such as picking apples. Then, after his soul-searching, fate stepped in and introduced Kinser to his mentor, James Krenov.

“I was on a hitchhiking trip in the mid-’70s from Makanda to British Columbia when I stopped at a friend’s house. My friend made guitars, and in one of his

Kinser’s artistic style is rooted in tradition, but while many think his pieces are entirely hand-crafted, they’re mistaken, as he uses machinery to help with cuts and shavings. His studio is divided into two rooms, one for machinery and the other for more hands-on work.

BELOW: Kinser’s studio is divided into two rooms, one filled with machinery and the other with open work benches and space.

The building is very basic, both inside and out, but the work created there is anything but. Kinser creates elaborate, high-end furniture, which he mostly markets through Chicago art galleries.

magazines there was a little photo of Jim’s book, ‘The Cabinetmaker’s Notebook,’ with an even tinier photo of one of Jim’s dovetail joints. As soon as I got home, I ordered that book.

“I had been groping for direction, looking for a cottage industry, some way of making my living. But, after I got that book, I was a full-time woodworker.”

In the meantime, Krenov had moved from Stockholm to the West Coast and started a fine woodworking program called the College of the Redwoods. In ’82 or ’83, Kinser and his wife, Jeri, loaded everything they had in an old, oil-burning Volvo and headed west.

Kinser enrolled in the second year of the program in a class of 22 students.

“That was my first and only structured training,” he said.

“It was non-stop stimulation, an incredible learning experience.

It really reshuffled my deck and showed me what high standards of design and construction were all about. Jim influenced a whole generation of craftsmen woodworkers. Hardly a day goes by that I don’t reminisce about my experience there.

“Jim was my mentor, my biggest, most pivotal influence.

So, my compass was set at this early stage by my experience with this wonderful teacher. I came back here and set up shop and concentrated completely on my work.”

Kinser’s work, his incredibly elegant and unique, but functional, pieces, elevated his status from simple woodworker to artist. His work is

now sought after, celebrated by the Illinois State Museum, sold in several galleries in Chicago and set to be displayed in a retrospective show next fall at SIU’s University Museum in Carbondale.

Kinser is busy preparing for that show, working with University Museum Director Donna Bachman, collecting pieces that span 40 years of his work and some of his most recent pieces.

“I’m really excited about my new Painted Tabernacle Series,” he said, which includes at least four cabinets augmented by panels painted by local visual artists Fran Jaffe, Michael Onken, Eieleen Doman and Michael Gould.

“I’m really enjoying the collaboration with other artists,” Kinser said. “I’m talking with several other artists, too. Their enthusiasm is contagious. I love the partnership involved in these collaborations. My art is a very solitary craft, and collaborations get me outside of my little cloister.”

Kinser is also collaborating with metal sculptor Alden Addington on a series of tables, using his own wood pieces as the top and what he describes as “Alden’s amazing work” as the base.

“They’re some very exciting pieces,” he said.

Another artist Kinser is even more excited about developing a working relationship with is his granddaughter, Audrey Rose. She’s in third grade now and, according to Kinser, showing a lot of artistic talent.

“I’m trying to persuade her to do a painted cabinet with me that I hope will be in my upcoming SIU show,” he said. “I’m sure it will be my favorite piece.”

Life & Style : Fall 2014 39

Heartland Women’s Healthcare is excited to team up with Boston IVF at The Women’s Hospital to offer a highly personalized approach to fertility services right here, close to home. We have a common goal to help individuals/ couples succeed in their attempt to have a child.

Beginning in September, Dr. Daniel Griffin will be scheduling consultations at the Green Door Spa in Mt. Vernon.

Visit www.BostonIVFindiana.com or call 812-842-4530 to schedule your appointment.

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40 Life & Style : Fall 2014

Life & Style : Fall 2014

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SELF

KEEPING IT REAL

Innovative self-defense approach helps trainees stay mentally and physically prepared for anything

BY JOE SZYNKOWSKI

You’re standing in the corner of Levi Wampler’s Carbondale MMA & Fitness facility. Next to the boxing bag. A few feet from the yellow floor fan keeping you cool in what is quickly becoming a

high-intensity training.

The next phase of your workout is walking to the other side of the room. Sounds simple enough, until you’re told that your fellow students are going to attack you. Randomly. And vigorously, depending on your skill level.

Welcome to the art of realistic self-defense, a level of mental and physical preparedness designed to keep you safe in the most austere of environments.

Wampler, a former self-defense and mixed martial arts instructor at Southern Illinois University, doesn’t stop with self-defense. He combines it with martial arts influences he has picked up over years of training in disciplines like Wing Chun Kung Fu, Jeet Kune Do, Brazilian JuiJitsu, Filipino Martial Arts and Krav Maga.

He also draws on his military background. Wampler was in the Illinois Army National Guard for eight years and deployed to Iraq from 2003 to 2004.

“After I got home from Iraq, I had trouble adjusting to not having a Kevlar, flak vest and weapon with me everywhere I went,” he said. “There was a feeling of being open or vulnerable.

After learning realistic selfdefense, it helped Levi Wampler teaches student Jeffery Cripps of Carterville how to defend against an armed mugger.

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Carbondale MMA & Fitness

Levi Wampler Military Background

 608 S. Illinois Ave., Carbondale

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me to cope with that feeling.”

Wampler cultivates that same feeling of confidence in his students, while also delivering a targeted conditioning program in an innovative way. Students pound on massive tractor tires with sledgehammers, lift heavy black bags filled with bricks over their shoulders and navigate through various cardio-focused drills.

They learn how to disarm guns and fend off knife attacks. They also work through challenging, real-life scenarios within the facility’s main area and side rooms, one of which simulates a city alleyway, complete with tight quarters and graffiti-splashed walls.

It’s all in an effort to remain ahead of the workout curve and hold court on a competitive street — one that fields a Cross-Fit facility and karate studio across Illinois Avenue.

“It’s all about building people’s situational awareness, whether you’re here in Carbondale or traveling in New York,” Wampler said. “You can also get a great workout in the process.”

Jason Henry has been training with Wampler a few days per week for six years and actually helped clean up the new Carbondale facility when he first purchased it.

“I remember he wasn’t talking about being excited for himself,” Henry recalled. “He said, ‘I’m proud that I can finally train you like you deserve to be trained.’”

Henry said the training has kicked up a notch since moving operations from Murphysboro.

“No matter what your skill set or personality, Levi will make you feel comfortable,” Henry said.

“I know a lot of people are nervous or shy about starting new things, but Levi makes it an inviting environment.”

Wampler demonstrates what not to do when threatened by someone holding a gun. ‘We teach people to bring their hands close to the gun, so you can quickly grab it,’ Wampler says.

Photos by Steve Matzker

Life & Style : Fall 2014 43

PROFILE

Behind the

Camera Carbondale native makes directorial debut

BY MARILYN HALSTEAD

The movie “Tammy,” which opened in theaters July 2, has more of a connection to Southern Illinois than just the opening scene being set in Murphysboro.

The movie, starring Melissa McCarthy and Susan Sarandon, was directed by Ben Falcone, who grew up in Carbondale.

Falcone was born in Carbondale and his parents, Steve and Peg Falcone, still live here. He graduated from Carbondale Community High School and then went to University of Illinois. Wanting to work in the entertainment business, he traveled to Los Angeles and joined The Groundlings Theatre and School. The school has a pretty impressive list of alumni, which includes Falcone, his wife Melissa McCarthy, Will Ferrell, Lisa Kudrow and many other great comedians.

“It’s where I met most of my closest friends and Melissa, where we started working together,” Falcone said. “I’m very grateful and thankful for the opportunities we’ve had.”

Photos by AP

LEFT: Melissa McCarthy and Ben Falcone share a look at a ceremony immortalizing McCarthy with a hand and footprint at TCL Chinese Theatre in July.

ABOVE: Ben Falcone signs autographs at the ceremony.

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Life & Style : Fall 2014

After McCarthy gained notoriety, someone asked if there were any Falcone gave the details meeting his wife on the Late Show with projects they would like to do. They pitched the idea to Universal, David Letterman. The two were in class at The Groundlings, and and company executives like it. At that point, Falcone said they had the class was doing introductions in a circle. McCarthy, who was to get serious and finish the script. Six years after the concept was about six people ahead of Falcone, said she went to school “in a born, the movie is a reality. place you’ve never heard of, Carbondale, Illinois.” When it was The movie opens in Murphysboro, Illinois, with Tammy Falcone’s turn to speak, he introduced himself and said, “Thanks.

(McCarthy) driving to work at fictional I’m from Carbondale, Illinois.” fast food restaurant Topper Jacks. Once They have been friends since. They at work, her boss, Keith (Falcone), fires married in 2005 and have two daughters, her for being late. Her car dies on Illinois ages 7 and 4.

13. When she finally makes it home, her Breaking into the film industry is not husband Greg (Nat Faxon) is having a easy, and that has been true for Falcone. romantic dinner with a neighbor (Toni “It was a long process, you know. I’ve had Collette). She leaves and walks two doors to keep at it, keep moving forward and try down to her parents’ home. The result to get better,” Falcone said. “I just try to is a road trip with her grandma Pearl turn out great things that people will like.”

(Sarandon). The plot includes a robbery Falcone is known as a character actor of a Topper Jacks in Louisville, Kentucky; and writer. He has had roles in “What to alcoholic Pearl humiliating Tammy at a Expect When You’re Expecting,” “Enough Fourth of July party, a divorce, a retirement Said” and “Bad Words,” and several home, and a trip to Niagara Falls. The cast movies that star McCarthy, including includes Allison Janney and Dan Aykroyd “Bridesmaids,” “Identity Thief” and “The Ben Falcone and Melissa McCarthy as Tammy’s parents, Gary Cole, Kathy Heat.” He had a recurring role in television walk the street at the New Line Cinema premiere of ‘Tammy’ held at Hollywood’s Bates, Sandra Oh, Mark Duplass, Sarah series “Joey,” a “Friends” spin-off starring TCL Chinese Theatre in June.

Baker, Rich Williams and Rob Springer.

Matt LeBlanc. He makes his directorial Directing a film that stars your wife debut with “Tammy” and plays the boss “I wish I could get might be a challenge for some, but who fires Tammy early in the movie. back there more “Tammy” was not a challenge for Falcone.

If you still think you don’t know who often. It’s a great He and McCarthy have written and Ben Falcone is as an actor, think Target performed together since their days at commercials. He was the music teacher place and I miss it.”

The Groundlings. who tells parents that children have to look — Ben Falcone “It was a delight every day. We both cool and sings about denim and school work a lot, and being able to spend a lot supplies in a popular Target back-to-school of time together was delightful. Melissa is commercial. a super funny person and a great actress,” “I really like all aspects of the business. he said. “When you work with great I enjoy writing, acting, and I really enjoy people, like Susan (Sarandon), Kathy (Bates) and Gary (Cole), it is directing. I’m lucky enough that I like it all,” he said. “When you a pleasure.” are able to do this with your wife, it’s a bonus.”

The disadvantage is that time with their daughters is in short McCarthy shares that sentiment and often refers to her supply when they are working. husband as “the love of her life” and “the dreamiest man “When we are both working long hours, we don’t get to see the on the planet.” At home, Ben is the comedian, making kids as much as we would like,” Falcone added. everyone laugh.

“I probably laugh to the point where I literally think I The Falcone-McCarthy family travels together as a group. When one films, they all go, which puts their young daughters on the can’t get air in probably four times a day … No, I can’t set of “Tammy.” Ben said the girls would come on the set for 30 imagine having a husband, or a partner or whoever minutes to an hour, until they got bored. you’re with all the time, that doesn’t make you laugh “You’d think they would be interested in the cameras and like that,” McCarthy told Mo Rocca in a CBS Sunday equipment, but they just wanted to go back to the trailer and Morning interview.

The idea for the movie “Tammy” was born before any of color,” he said, laughing.

Falcone has simple goals, “just to keep working and doing the roles McCarthy is known for today, like “Bridesmaids” projects people want to see.” or “Mike and Molly.”

The couple has another project in the works for Universal.

Falcone got up one morning with an idea for a movie, “We are writing a movie for Universal that should be fun for maybe from a dream.

Melissa,” Falcone said. “We plan to shoot next year.”

“I came downstairs and said to Melissa, ‘We need to His dad, Steve Falcone, told Adam Testa of The Southern make a movie where you go on a road trip with your Illinoisan that the hard work his son and daughter-in-law have done grandma.’ Melissa and I were both very close to our is already paying dividends. The couple’s second film, also directed grandmas,” Falcone said.

by Falcone and starring McCarthy, will be “Michelle Darnell,” based McCarthy told several interviewers that she thought he on a character McCarthy created at The Groundlings. wasn’t fully awake and offered him coffee.

Falcone still loves Southern Illinois.

“I knew she was a good actress and there was a lot of stuff she “I wish I could get back there more often,” he said. “It’s a great could do. I wanted to show her talent,” Falcone added. place and I miss it.”

As ideas for the movie came to them, they wrote them down.

Life & Style : Fall 2014 45

BUSINESS BUZZ

Pushing the

Design Envelope Trish Francis, a designer at Wright’s Do-It Center in Murphysboro, uses the store’s online design center to explore options for a potential customer. The site shows off before and after pictures of various projects, allowing interested people to see what others have done with their homes.

BELOW: Many people think of Wright’s Do-It Center as a lumberyard and home center, but the store’s staff can also share their creativity and experience with home design.

They offer services in person and online to help customers formulate ideas and explore possibilities for their kitchens, bathrooms and more.

Photos by Adam Testa

Wright’s Do-it Center’s design services are top-notch and rising in popularity

BY JOE SZYNKOWSKI

Quaintly tucked away into the back section of Wright’s Do-It Center in Murphysboro is the business’ best-kept secret.

Within the elegantly decorated, showcase-filled area is an atmosphere of creative energy and smiling faces ready to help you put together your dream kitchen or bathroom.

The longtime, locally owned business celebrating its 50th anniversary this year may be known primarily as a lumber yard and home center, but its design capability is what really sets it apart from the competition.

“I can’t tell you how often we hear, ‘Oh, wow, I didn’t know you did this kind of work,’” sales manager Jami Lee Wright said. “Our designers really are top notch and have been putting out quality work throughout Southern Illinois for a very long time.”

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Wright’s Do-It Center designed this bathroom remodel for a customer.

The store not only sells home and construction supplies, its employees can also help bring people’s creativity home design ideas to life.

Designer Kim Koehler meets with customer Leslie Williams to discuss design options. The store has many setups showcased, including kitchen counters and bathroom showers, and more options can be viewed on its website.

Evidence of the innovative work that Wright’s Do-It Center’s designers have produced is on the company’s website, www.wrightdoit.com. The site’s before-and-after photo section offers a stunning peak into some of the transformations the staff has executed.

The business began photographing its projects about five years ago, starting out by printing portfolio books for curious customers to peruse.

It quickly took its photo collection online, to the delight of potential design clients looking for creative examples of past work.

“We wanted our customers to see what we’re capable of,” Wright said. “The photos have been fundamental in showcasing the depth of our product, design and installation capability.”

The business’ custom design portfolio is available to view on Houzz.com and can be accessed easily by visiting Wright’s Do-It Center’s website and clicking on the green Houzz icon on the top right-hand corner of the page.

Staying ahead of the technology curve has been crucial to Wright’s Do-It Center’s progressive growth, which started 50 years ago with a dream, a

Wright’s Do-It Center designed this kitchen remodel for a customer.

The store not only sells home and construction supplies, its employees can also help bring people’s creativity home design ideas to life.

Photos provided

by Wright’s Do-It Center

modest pole barn and handful of employees.

“It is very important to remain innovative,” Wright said. “We do so on several different levels. We are always pushing the bar with new designs.”

Whether you’re looking to liven up a bland bathroom or overhaul an outdated kitchen, Wright’s Do-It Center can help you with every detail — from blueprint to move-in.

“We can create the kitchen and bath you’ve always wanted, but never thought possible,” Wright said.

The business’ design staff will even come to your home to learn more about your vision, take all of the necessary measurements and then get to work.

So, walk through the business’ large entry doors in Murphysboro, head to the back and prepare to be inspired. Your home will thank you.

“Our designers would love the opportunity to partner with you,” Wright said.

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

Wright’s Do-It Center 208 S. Williams St., Murphysboro 618-687-1702 1306 N. Market St., Sparta 618-443-5335 wrightdoit.com Wright’s Do-It Center is celebrating its 50th anniversary all year long.

Engage with the business on Facebook for a chance to win its monthly $50 gift card prize.

Life & Style : Fall 2014 47

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Life & Style : Fall 2014

ENTREPRENEUR

Denise Fann Interior designer helps bring your ideas and your inspiration into reality

BY CHANDA GREEN

If you want to find Denise Fann, just stop by the little shop around the corner in Carterville, Deloufleur Décor & Designs, and you’ll find her behind the large marble-top bar right inside the front doors, showcasing the finest in furniture, fabrics, leather and accessories, and making her own creative brand of interior design magic.

With 25 years of experience in the design and furniture industry and a real eye for the wow factor, all Denise needs is a little inspiration. She’ll pull some swatches, and, before you know it, she will have created a look that’s just what you wanted and then some — from furniture and accessories to flooring and draperies.

“You bring your ideas, your inspiration,” she said, “and I’ll help you make your home more beautiful.”

Before Denise opened her shop in April, she worked for 18 years in West Frankfort at Coleman Rhoads, which closed in December after 30 years in business.

For single mother Denise, with two children in college, she knew she had to make a decision quickly. A good friend of hers offered some advice.

“He told me I had two choices, to work for someone else or to work for myself, and he convinced me that I could start my own little shop. I had the knowledge, the experience and the clientele. I just had to find the financing.”

Deloufleur Décor & Designs 1615 Landing Drive, Suite B Carterville, off Illinois 13 618-985-3355 www.deloufleur.com

Denise met with an accountant and, before she knew it, she was in her new home at Deloufleur. And even though her shop is small, it’s mighty. Keeping a lot of inventory can actually be a detriment.

“I have everything I need right here,” she said, throwing her arms out wide to encompass her small, jampacked showroom.

She tells a story about a recent customer who wanted to buy a new dining room table. Denise spins around and taps some commands on a keyboard and a 50-inch monitor displays one of her online tools.

“I helped her build the table she wanted by walking her through every possible variation on that huge screen, from tabletop shape and size — it had to seat 10 — to style and finish. In just a few minutes, she could see the table she wanted. I placed the order and, in a few weeks, she had her new dining room table.”

Yes, Denise is a wizard at the keyboard, but if you really want to see her in action,

ABOVE: Denise Fann opened Deloufleur Decor and Designs in Carterville this spring.

The front counter of Deloufleur is lined with various books and catalogs highlighting the different design and fabric options available.

Photos by Adam Testa

give her an idea and turn her lose in what she calls her War Room. There’s a wall of fabric swatches, stacks of books and a rack of fringes and finishes that flank a large table. That’s where she’s in her element, translating her customers’ inspiration into interior design, pulling things together that might never occur to you and me.

“I go through everything, seeing what I can come up with, pulling fabrics and bringing everything to the table,” she said. “I might go crazy and pick some hot pink patterns, some fun paisleys, some animal prints and a dragonfly pillow with contrasting buttons or some new spring colors.

“That’s custom designing, making unique pieces with character, putting pieces together creatively. I love what I do, and I love seeing the look on my customers’ faces when I show them how to make their home more beautiful, one piece at a time!”

Life & Style : Fall 2014

49

COVER STORY

50 Life & Style : Fall 2014

! e t a e r C

It’s never too late, too silly or too selfish to discover ways to express yourself

C

BY CHANDA GREEN

reativity is intrinsic to the human condition. As unique individuals, each of us approaches a project or problem with creativity, that point of view and plan of attack that is ours and ours alone. Whether it’s music or fine art, theater or dance, writing or something less creatively recognizable like organizing a group, planning a strategy or inspiring someone to try some new thing, we are all creative.

So, if that is true, then why are some of us able to identify and avidly pursue our creative passions, while others are downright resistant to trying anything that might subject us to criticism?

OK, if we don’t know why, beyond that ever elusive selfconfidence, then let’s ask how. Well, it turns out that creativity is a very individualized process, as unique to each of us as we are to the rest of the world.

Nevertheless, there is something to learn from those brave souls who have somehow struggled past all of the forces that impel us to conform, those who have stepped out into the ether and found the absolute joy of following their creative dreams. Here are a few very special local authorities.

Life & Style : Fall 2014

51

NORMA LEE HACKNEY,

Photo by Adam Testa

As director of the Anna Arts Center, Norma Lee Hackney doesn’t only explore her own creativity; she encourages others to tap into theirs as well. This summer, the center hosted a workshop for kids, which ended with them building three-dimensional robots. Hackney said she’s proud to see the work kids accomplish and the enjoyment they receive from participating.

If you ask Norma Lee Hackney director of Anna Arts Center, how she earned her living before “retiring” to Southern Illinois, she’ll tell you that she “drove ships,” but that doesn’t exactly tell the whole story.

Lee commanded an aircraft carrier as a captain in the U.S. Navy.

After she retired, she moved to Anna and, remembering her early interest in drawing, painting and woodworking, decided that getting involved with Anna Arts Center was a great way to revive that creative spirit and get involved in the community. She volunteered right away and, a year later, she was asked to be its director.

The best part of her job at the center, she said, is when she gets to work with the children, encouraging their efforts and bolstering their self-confidence.

“I tell them that there are no mistakes in art, and I watch as their confidence grows through the process,” she said.

Lee has found many ways to use her creativity at Anna Arts Center.

She cites work in public relations, grant writing, scheduling events, recruiting and working with volunteers. Then there are the more straight-forward creative outlets, such as the children’s program, the new drama group, classes and workshops, exhibits and events.

“I love reaching out to the community, letting them know that the arts center is a fun place to come for all ages. For me, it’s fun being creative and using my imagination to see all of the possibilities for the center, and very rewarding as I make a lot of new friends.”

“You can’t use up creativity. The more you use, the more you have.”

— Maya Angelou, author and poet

JEANNE FERRARO

Jeanne Ferraro, president of The Stage Company in Carbondale, grew up in a creative household.

“I used to make things growing up, and my grandmother was the same way,” she said. “She taught me to sew and bake. My mother taught me to crochet, and I was always involved in some craft project.”

Jeanne’s creative advice is two-fold. First, watch for that spark of creativity in children and encourage it. Second, if you’re trying to rediscover your creativity, don’t be afraid to try different things to find what excites you. For Jeanne, that could only mean getting involved in theater.

“Theater is collaborative and of the moment,” she said. “The actors and the audience experience it together. When you’re on stage and your energy is up and the audience feeds that energy back to you, you can feel it. It’s an interactive creativity — between the actors, and between the actors and the audience.”

If acting is just not your thing, Jeanne, of Carbondale, said that shouldn’t discourage you from getting involved in your local theater group.

“There are so many different creative things besides acting that you can do in theater,” she said. “You could help paint scenery or work with stage lighting. You could help with stage construction or work on public relations, writing press releases and announcements. There’s photography, costumes, makeup, stage management and assistant directing.

The benefit of getting involved in a group is that you get to work with so many different creative people, all willing to teach and share their knowledge.”

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Life & Style : Fall 2014

Photo by Adam Testa

Jeanne Ferraro has been a part of The Stage Co. in Jackson County since 1985, now serving as its president. She appreciates the creative many outlets of theater, from directing to acting and set design to lighting and sound. This summer, she starred in the company’s production of ‘Mother Hicks,’ which she said might be the most inspiring show she’s ever done.

ANDREA BARCLAY

Andrea Barclay has been described as the “woman behind it all” at Global Gourmet restaurant and bar in Carbondale. She’s “chef, wine taster, menu planner, dishwasher, decorator, babysitter and creative-working partner.”

Born and raised in Southern Illinois, Andrea has a passion for cooking, but also for wine, perfume, all things Chanel and traveling.

“I’ve always been fascinated by cultures: architecture, art, music, fashion and food,” she said.

“When I was a kid, my dad hung a giant map of the world on our laundry room wall, and I would stare at it for hours, naming all of the places I would like to go when I grew up. I was such a romantic dreamer!”

Andrea has been lucky enough to travel to many interesting places that have inspired her and helped her be more creative in the foods that she prepares at Global Gourmet and in the style and ambiance of the restaurant.

“My inspirations and creativity have come from seeing the medina of Fez and the spice market of Marrakesh, the canals of Venice and Amsterdam and the ruins of Athens and Rome, the turquoise waters of the Caribbean and Mediterranean and the gardens and lavender of the Loire Valley and Provence,” she said.

“I’ve been to 23 countries so far, plus the Principality of Monaco (twice) and the Vatican. I will continue to travel and be inspired by the people, food, wine, buildings, music and fashion of this great earth!”

Photo by The Southern

Andrea Barclay’s international travels have spiced up her creative thinking and ideas. Having visiting more than 20 countries, she learns something new from each stop. When she returns home to Carbondale, she uses the ingredients of inspiration to create special recipes for customers at Global Gourmet.

“Creativity is intelligence having fun.”

— Albert Einstein, Nobel-winning physicist

KATHIE DENOSKY

Kathie DeNosky is a successful romance novelist who lives in Herrin. She’s had 36 books published by Harlequin and is currently working on her 37th. They’ve been translated into more than 25 languages, have won several awards and have been on USA Today’s top 50 bestseller list.

“It took a long time for me to believe that I’m a professional writer,” she said. “It’s been 15 years since I sold that first book, and I know that Harlequin considers me a veteran writer.

But I still feel like I’m new at it. Maybe that’s because I try to always be better, to dig deeper, to learn more and to write a better book.”

Kathie has always had creative outlets. She’s done needlework, made dolls, gotten involved Kathy DeNosky of in decorative painting and created craft projects Herrin has published more than 35 books for most of her life. She’s even taught classes on through Harlequinn.

Her wildest dreams decorative painting and basket weaving, but it been passed, took a little encouragement from her husband have as her words have to try writing. been translated and published in more “I always loved to read and, than 25 languages. one day, after reading a poorly She has appeared on written book, I told me husband, the USA Today top 50 best sellers list, but she ‘I should write a book; I could do still has a hard time considering herself a better than this.’ He said, ‘Why veteran writer. not?’ I sat down at my computer the next day and, six months later, I had written my first book. By the time I finished that first one, there was another set of characters whispering in my ear, begging me to tell their story.”

Of course, Kathie’s first book didn’t sell. In fact, it took eight years for Kathie to get her first book

published; but, by then, she had improved her writing. So, she got out her old, rejected manuscripts, made some corrections and got every one of them published.

“I’ve learned a lot about my craft, and I truly have a lot of fun doing what I’m doing,” she said. “I keep threatening to retire, but I know I won’t. I’m having too much fun to stop now!”

Life & Style : Fall 2014

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ROBERTA ELLIOTT

Roberta Elliott of Cobden is a blacksmith artist. The first time she struck iron, she knew that she had found her calling.

“There is something wonderfully indescribable about the energy exchange that takes place while blacksmithing,” she said. “The heat of the fire and the force of the hammer’s blow feed and energize me.”

Roberta discovered her artistic Roberta Elliott is creativity in iron in the late ’70s. at home in her But even as a little kid, she was Cobden studio, where she applies creative, always playing around age-old lessons with crafts. She tried painting. of blacksmithing to create modern She sewed. She was always designs and working with her hands in some jewelry. Her work represents an old sort of creative fashion, but never art in a new age. considered any of it as a way of making a living.

Photos by Adam Testa So she went to medical school (briefly), ending up with a doctorate in physiology. After that, all she knew was that she didn’t want to continue in academia. Perhaps as a way to try something completely out of left field, she decided to become a farrier. Yes, that’s someone who shoes horses.

“While I was trying — and not really succeeding — to learn how to shoe horses, I started playing around with steel.”

For a while, Roberta thought she could shoe horses in the summer and do something creative with iron in the off-season, but she soon gave up being a farrier and turned completely to her artistic pursuits.

“The first time that I tried blacksmithing in graduate school, I fell in love with it; it captivated me,” she said. “To totally transform something from the way it looks in the beginning is a ABOVE: La Waltz very empowering experience.

LEFT: Carmen It’s the process that keeps me going, being able to hammer on steel. I just love it. It doesn’t Elliott uses a matter what I’m making. It all machine to flatten out a piece feels good.” of metal after removing it from the furnace in her Cobden studio.

The worst enemy to creativity is self-doubt.”

— Sylvia Plath, poet

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Life & Style : Fall 2014

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55

AUR BECK

Aur Beck is passionate about renewable and solar energy, and he’s managed to find creative ways to turn that passion into a career. His company, Advanced Energy Solutions Group in Pomona, helps share the fruits of his labor with residential, commercial and industrial clients.

Aur Beck of Carbondale helped found Advanced Energy Solutions Group in Pomona in 1999 to provide affordable, renewable energy solutions to residential, commercial and industrial customers. The business designs, sells and installs customized solar electric, solar thermal, hydro energy and wind systems. It sponsors and hosts solar education classes and has established a training program and network of professional installation technicians that he calls his Green Geek Squad.

Aur is passionate about renewable energy, so much so that he’s constantly studying the latest advances in the industry and working to promote his interest as founder and board member of the Illinois Renewable Energy Association and Southern Illinois Center for a Sustainable Future.

But renewable energy is just one of his passions. Just ask him. He’ll tell you about his list.

“In 1998, I made a list of my interests, my passions. The top five were solar energy, goats, bicycles, salsa dancing and off-thegrid living,” he said. “I decided to focus on a couple of my interests at a time, but only one as a way to make a living. Then, every couple of years, I would switch my focus to two other interests on my list.”

Aur created his businesses based on his list. His first business followed his passion for bicycles.

“I was the Bike Doctor for a few years,” he said. “I used the money I was making as the Bike Doctor to support my passion for solar energy. I just never really thought it would be a business, although I hoped that it would, and eventually it did. But, through it all, I just kept focusing on my passions.”

“Creativity is just connecting things.”

— Steve Jobs, creator of Apple Inc.

MARI SCHNEIDER

For as long as she can remember, music has been a vital part of life for Mari Shneider of Carbondale.

“When I was a little girl, my mother (who used to sing with her mother on a radio program in New York City in the 1940s) would play the most wonderful pieces of music on our stereo — Ravel’s ‘Bolero,’ ‘Carmen’ by Bizet, and the soundtrack from ‘South Pacific’ by Rodgers and Hammerstein,” she said. “I learned to play the guitar from the girl who lived next door and quickly found that I could play by ear.”

Mari never learned to read music, but kept on singing and playing — at church, at weddings and at parties — and dreamed of someday singing on stage. She grew up, moved away, married and had children. Her guitar gathered dust in the corner, and music took a back seat to life’s more pressing demands.

“And then, early in 1997, my 15-year marriage imploded. I was juggling life as a single mom with two young children and a demanding, full-time job,” she said. “At the end of every day, I’d fall into bed, emotionally and physically exhausted. I’d completely lost my sense of joy and felt very alone, despite the support of family and friends.”

One day, Mari’s co-worker, Helen Coracy, asked her if she would like to join a singing group, SIU Choral Union, which is made up of community members and students.

“I walked into the rehearsal room with Helen, saw more than 100 unfamiliar faces and thought, ‘What am I doing here?’

But just our warm-up exercises gave me a major set of goose bumps. What an amazing sound we made by singing a simple musical scale!”

While Mari struggled every week to make sense of the sharps, flats, fermatas, time signatures and dynamics, she was learning.

“For months, I hit more bad notes than good ones, sang when I wasn’t supposed to, and sometimes I just didn’t sing at all and simply listened,” she said, “but I was always absorbing and retaining and growing. I was creating!”

They sang in English, in Latin and Italian, in French and 56

Life & Style : Fall 2014

When Mari Schneider joined the SIU Choral Union, she had reservations but persevered. ‘For months, I hit more bad notes than good ones, sang when I wasn’t supposed to, and sometimes I just didn’t sing at all and simply listened — but I was always absorbing and retaining and growing.

I was creating!’

German, and even in Russian. Mari’s time with the choral union became her sacred time. For more than two hours each week, she was immersed in a world where there was nothing but swirling, soaring voices.

“My stress levels plummeted,” she said. “The concentration and focus on the music was so intense that there was no room in my head for anything else but the music.”

On the night of her first performance at Shryock Auditorium, Mari was beyond nervous. As she took her place on stage, she had never been so terrified. But as the conductor raised the baton, she was transformed, elated and joyful.

“I was singing on stage at last,” she said. “Group singing is the most transforming and exhilarating type of singing.

One voice, combined with a multitude of others, creates a sound that is not only harmonious, it also alters the mind and the spirit. Regular group singing has been scientifically proven to lower stress hormones and improve our well-being, but I don’t need science to tell me any of this.

“Singing with this group healed me. I am energized, motivated and absolutely elated when I join with others to create a wave of sound that can touch a soul, heal a heart and lift a spirit.”

“No man has the right to dictate what other men should perceive, create or produce, but all should be encouraged to reveal themselves, their perceptions and emotions, and to build confidence in the creative spirit.”

— Ansel Adams, photographer

Photo by Steve Matzker

Fred Pfalzgraf and Jenny White in Shryock Auditorium, where they have performed with the SIU Choral Union.

JENNY WHITE

Jenny White is a 52-year-old mother of five grown children with a strong faith and devotion to her church and a creative interest in music.

Jenny, of Carbondale, has played piano in church since she was 15, but in the last few years expanded that role and her duties.

“I‘m very excited to be a part of creating a vision for what we want our congregational singing to sound like at Cornerstone Reformed Church, and being a part of a team to move the singing in that direction,” she said.

Jenny was friends with Dr. Fred Pfalzgraf, who has sung with SIU Choral Union for years.

“He had always talked about how enriching the experience is,” she said. “I never considered myself a singer and so I never joined until Fred finally talked me into it this past semester.”

Jenny joined with her daughter, just to see if they could do it.

“Much to my surprise, I found I could sing,” she said.

“I still would like to get some lessons, but the magic that director Susan Davenport works in those rehearsals is amazing! The feeling is hard to describe.

“During vigorous passages, the sensations feel more like running in a relay where you are tense and focused and running hard, not to leave people behind, but rather to match your teammate so the baton gets passed successfully.”

FRED PFALZGRAF

Fred Pfalzgraf, a Herrin resident and another member of SIU Choral Union, is also a physician, so most of his training and education was in math and science. Music, to Fred, was a different world, but one he had to make a part of his.

In college and medical school, he had to devote so much of his time to his chosen profession that music was shelved for several years. He sang in church and listened to a lot of classical music, but that was about it.

In 2005, an acquaintance told him about SIU Choral Union. Fred wanted to sing classical music, and this seemed the perfect outlet. He joined that year and has participated in most semesters ever since.

“To me, music is something that can express the whole range of human experience and emotion, and music can move the soul. The music that we sing in the choral union does just that,” he said.

“There is a work of art each of us was destined to create,” said Paulo Coelho, Brazilian lyricist and novelist. “That is the central point of our life, and no matter how we try to deceive ourselves, we know how important it is to our happiness. Usually, that work of art is covered by years of fears, guilt and indecision. But, if we decide to remove those things that do not belong, if we have no doubt as to our capability, we are capable of going forward with the mission that is our destiny. That is the only way to live with honor.”

“Creativity is allowing yourself to make mistakes. Art is knowing which ones to keep.”

— Scott Adams, author Life & Style : Fall 2014

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Unleash your inner creativity How to discover — or rediscover — it!

BY JANICE STAAB

Are you a creative person? Wait!

Don’t answer just yet. Too many of us have a knee-jerk, negative response to this question along the lines of: “I’m just not a creative person. I wasn’t one of the artsy kids in school.

I can’t draw or sing. Even writing a report for work makes me uneasy.”

“You’re either born with talent or you’re not. Sure, you have to practice to get good. But talent is a must, and I haven’t got it.”

“I took an art class in college and sang in my church choir. It was fun, but I wasn’t any good. Real artists just have something I lack.”

Voices like these convince us that the world’s artists, writers and musicians are the real creative types. But art is only one expression of creativity. Creativity is the ability to see the world in new ways and actively bring new possibilities to life.

Creativity, in this sense, includes us all. You may be unable to carry a tune, but perhaps you carry the room during a staff meeting. It takes as much creativity to draw a scientific conclusion as it does to draw a beautiful picture.

And, every day, we’re challenged to find creative ways of interacting with people who push our buttons.

Use these tips to confidently burst through your blocks and unleash your inner creativity.

DON’T DO WHAT YOU’VE ALWAYS DONE. You’ve heard that the definition of crazy is doing the same thing and expecting different results?

Well, one definition of creativity is doing something different with no expectations. Shake up your daily routines with a jolt of cognitive diversity. This just means challenging your mind with new and different experiences and ideas to broaden your understanding of yourself and the world.

This doesn’t have to involve skydiving or bungee jumping. You can start by doing everyday things in new ways. Rather than sending a text, write an actual letter (with a stamp and everything). Cook a meal from scratch.

Drive home by a new path and explore new parts of your town. Or have a weekly “techno fast day” when the TVs, computers and cell phones are turned off in favor of other activities.

Encourage cognitive diversity, and your creativity will fire on all cylinders.

ACTIVELY LOOK FOR INSPIRATION. The world is brimming over with beauty, order, patterns and precision. People do awe-inspiring things each day. Make a commitment to look for things that inspire you to be better and do better.

Keep a list and review it every morning before getting out of bed.

BE CREATIVE A LITTLE BIT AT A TIME. It’s tempting to try a new thing and stop when it doesn’t go well. Ditch your inner perfectionist and allow yourself the privilege of learning!

Learn what you like and what makes you happy. Take one small creative step each day. It may be successful, and it may not. But if you feel you’ve failed, take a cue from Samuel Beckett. “Ever tried? Ever failed?

No matter. Try again. Fail again.

Fail better.”

TAP INTO YOUR PASSION! Let what gives you joy fuel your creative endeavors. You’ll be most inspired to work and act for something that touches your heart. Further, you’ll be more inspired to work in ordinary settings if you surround yourself with things that bring you joy. So make a joys list. Include everything from a cup of tea or a piece of dark chocolate to the color green or bluegrass music.

Then fill the places where you want to be more creative (office, garden, home) with your joys!

“Creativity takes courage.”

— Henri Matisse, painter 58

Life & Style : Fall 2014

MAKE A WEEKLY CREATIVITY APPOINTMENT. Treat your creative growth as you would any important appointment in your life. Set aside time for creativity in your schedule and respect that time.

Start with 30 minutes weekly to do something creative. Gradually increase the time as you feel inspired.

FIND CREATIVE ROLE MODELS. You don’t need to reinvent the wheel to be more creative. Whether you want to start a business, go back to school or be in a play, others are already living their versions of your dreams. Find them and ask them how they do it. Ask if they’ll take a look at your ideas or plans. If approached respectfully, most people are more than willing to help a newcomer.

CULTIVATE THE SILLY! Remember the last time you watched kids playing? Kids are fearless in their creativity. Their minds haven’t been constrained by reality. They are too busy recreating reality in their images! Quilts slung over furniture become an impenetrable fortress. Dolls have ideas and color preferences. An old refrigerator box is actually a time machine, and your son is visiting you from the future.

On the surface, this may seem silly to an adult who “knows better.” But while time machines may seem silly now, cellphones would have seemed silly 50 years ago. Feeling silly is only a signal that we’re reaching the limits of our comfort or our understanding. Silliness identifies these limits and can help us push past them.

OK, now answer the question: Are you a creative person? Of course you are! Pick one of these tips and begin unleashing your creative power today!

JANICE STAAB, Ph.D,. is a life and career coach in Carbondale. For more information, call (618) 303-6351 or visit www.lifesignscoaching.com.

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505 Rushing Drive - Just Westt of o Logan Park on Rt. 13 | Herrin | www.villasofhollybrook.com Life & Style : Fall 2014 59

CHEERS TO BEER

Art

Photo by Kendall Karmanian

Scratch Brewing

& SCIENCE Local craft brewers are taking new artisan approaches to a very old science

BY SHAWN CONNELLY

Beer making is both art and science. Most of us don’t think a lot about what goes into the beer we drink – it’s cold, it’s handy and that’s generally about as far as the thought process goes. For brewers, however, the balance between technical knowledge and creativity is always in play. A certain amount of “hard science” is involved, of course, and at least a practical understanding of chemistry is critical for making consistently high-quality beer. On the other hand, a technically perfect beer could also be a boring beer if every brewer produced the exact same recipe and never deviated from a prescribed formula. This is why we have well over 100

60 Life & Style : Fall 2014

Photo by Steve Matzker

Big Muddy Brewing founder and brew master Chuck Stuhrenberg smells a recently picked hop behind the brewery in Murphysboro.

Assistant brewer Nick Blew helps load an order into a distributor’s truck at Big Muddy Brewery in Murphysboro.

“We personally enjoy these beers and went out on a limb that others would enjoy them as well, and they have. We wanted to create a place truly rooted in Southern Illinois that produces a real local product that is unique.“

LISTINGS

MARIKA JOSEPHSON, CO-OWNER, SCRATCH BREWING

BIG MUDDY BREWING Creative Favorites: Blueberry Blonde Ale, Backwoods Monster (Buffalo Trace Barrel-aged), Sour du Shawnee (wine barrel-aged) 1430 N. Seventh St., Murphysboro 618-684-8833 www.bigmuddybrewing. com Noon to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday; tours available

SCRATCH BREWING COMPANY Creative Favorites: Basil Pale Ale, Birch Sap Bière de Garde, Paw Paw Abbey Ale 264 Thompson Road, Ava 618-426-1415 www.scratchbeer.com 4 to 10 p.m. Friday Noon to 10 p.m. Saturday Noon to 8 p.m. Sunday

VON JAKOB BREWERY

Photos by Steve Matzker

Scratch Brewing

Creative Favorites: Chocolate Milk Stout, Roggenbier

recognized beer styles to choose from, and the limits of creativity in brewing are set only by the imagination of the brewer.

Southern Illinois’ own craft brewing culture is no exception. Although there aren’t as many craft breweries in the area as there are in many other parts of the country, what we lack in quantity we more than make up for in quality and creativity by taking full advantage of our natural resources and indigenous appeal. Arguably, one of the most creative craft breweries in the country, much less Southern Illinois, is Scratch Brewing Company in rural Ava. Scratch is a small farmhouse brewery that grows many of the ingredients for its critically acclaimed beers on site and utilizes the bounty of the surrounding Shawnee National Forest to produce beers that are truly one of a kind.

“We personally enjoy these beers and went out on a limb that others would enjoy them as well, and they have,” co-owner and brewer Marika Josephson explains. “We wanted to create a place truly rooted in Southern Illinois that produces a real local product that is unique.”

Big Muddy Brewing in Murphysboro is a production brewery with a somewhat more conventional approach to brewing, although innovation is quickly becoming a big part of this popular craft brewery’s appeal. Owner

230 Illinois 127, Alto Pass 618- 893-4600 www.vonjakobvineyard. com/brewery 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday

Big Muddy Brewing

Life & Style : Fall 2014 61

CHEERS TO BEER

ABOVE: Chantrelle mushrooms harvested from Southern Illinois will be frozen and used in a future beer.

RIGHT: Assistant brewer Tony Johnson pushes out barley after all the sugar was pulled to make alcohol at Big Muddy Brewery in Murphysboro.

Photos by Steve Matzker

and brew master Chuck Stuhrenberg has begun utilizing oak barrels to produce beers with unique flavor characteristics and surprising complexity.

“We use locally sourced wine barrels to produce our ‘sour’ beer (a style that has been popular in Belgium for hundreds of years) by introducing local, ambient yeast into the aging process,” Stuhrenberg says.

Likewise, Big Muddy receives fresh whiskey barrels shipped overnight from distilleries in Kentucky to use in some higher alcohol beers to “impart hints of vanilla and bourbon to create a true sippin’ beer,” he says, laughing.

Von Jakob Brewery in Alto Pass is another small brewery that sees the appeal of infusing the creative spirit into traditional beer styles. Head brewer Frank Wesseln is experimenting with ingredients you wouldn’t typically associate with beer, and customers at Von Jakob’s tasting room get the opportunity to try new recipes on draft from time to time.

“We focus mainly on classic beer styles, many being of German decent, and our patrons seem to enjoy these. However, we do like to play around with different flavors and ingredients,” Wesseln says.

“Doing small trial beers helps work out what flavors go well together.

Our most recent experiment is a dark beer brewed with smoked chili peppers from our garden; it may never make it to full production, but you never know until you try.”

So, for those who might have thought beer was pretty onedimensional, a trip to one of Southern Illinois’ craft breweries will dispel that myth quickly — almost as quickly as the craft beer industry is growing, thanks to new, creative artisan approaches to a very old science.

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 beerphilospher.com.

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ABOVE: Scratch co-owner Ryan Tockstein works to make a Belgium Double.

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AT WORK

TOP: Andy Robinson turned a hobby into a passion and a passion into a project when he opened Greenridge Landscaping in Carbondale. Robinson is able to use his creativity to design various projects, including this pond and garden outside of his business office.

ABOVE: The walls of Robinson’s office are filled with photographs of landscaping designs, many of which he and his team created.

While he’s transitioned to more of an administrative role, Robinson still enjoys the design aspect of the business and helping others find their creative drive to succeed in the industry.

Andy Robinson Designing his life’s plan with passion STORY AND PHOTOS BY ADAM TESTA

Sometimes passion, drive and a desire to apply one’s creative attributes take precedence over education and formal training.

Such were the experiences of Andy Robinson, owner of Greenridge Landscaping in Carbondale. Watching his mother work in her personal garden, Robinson gained an interest in the hobby, which he picked up himself in his 20s on a local level.

Within the last few years, Robinson’s company has started using threedimensional imaging for design projects. The process starts by creating a flat image, like that on top, and inputting that into a computer to generate the 3D images seen below. ‘It gives a much better perspective to the customer,’ he said.

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TOP: Robinson’s office is filled with landscaping and garden design photography and samples, many he and his team have created, others for inspiration. He also keeps an inventory of relevant books and materials to continue learning and to help his staff grow in their skills.

ABOVE: Robinson has family pictures on his desk, a reminder of what’s most important in life. He has two children, a son and a daughter, and three grandchildren.

In the 1970s, he started an organic vegetable farm in Cobden, which spurred his passion for plants and gardening.

He parlayed that into a small business opportunity.

“I started out doing pretty generalized things, like lawn installations and railroadtie retaining walls, and then just stuck with it,” he said.

In 1977, he decided to take his approach more seriously, formally launching a business with a few colleagues. Together, they actively pursued educational events and functions in the industry, joined trade organizations and sought out certified credentials.

Now, with more than 25 years of professional experience under his belt, Robinson is helping others explore their creativity and expand their landscaping skills.

Greenridge employees about 12 people working on three crews spanning a wide range of services, including irrigation, planting and maintenance and construction.

“We’re good at creating that whole rounded picture at a residential site,” Robinson said.

His duties anymore include a lot of supervision and management, but Robinson still enjoys getting his hands dirty. He still does site visits to meet with potential clients and helps with irrigation and lighting design with a little plant design thrown in the mix, as well.

Robinson’s office is filled with books, photos and awards that reflect his commitment to learning, his accomplishments and his abilities.

Life & Style : Fall 2014 65

OUT

& ABOUT

“Folded Square Alphabet U” by Fletcher Benton

CEDARHURST Providing a haven for the artist in all of us

BY CHANDA GREEN Cedarhurst Center for the Arts in Mount Vernon opened to the public in 1973 and has served as both a repository of inspiration and a creative incubator ever since.

Cedarhurst offers exciting visual and performing arts; adult and youth art classes and workshops; a sculpture park that covers over 90 acres with more than 70 installations; outdoor events, including a Blues & Brews music event and the annual Cedarhurst Art & Craft Fair; art exhibitions in the galleries of Mitchell Museum and Shrode Art Center; and the annual Scholastic Art Awards that Cedarhurst has hosted for more than 40 years

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More info For more information on Cedarhurst Center for the Arts, call 618-242-1236 or visit www.cedarhurst.org.

for regional junior and senior high school art students.

Here are a few examples and some thoughts from the staff at Cedarhurst.

Rusty Freeman, director of visual arts, curates the main gallery exhibitions and Goldman-Kuenz Sculpture Park: “Regional museums like ours offer easy and affordable access to works of art for the communities we serve,” he said. “This access is especially important when family resources can be limited.”

Visitors can tour Mitchell Museum to see art exhibitions in four galleries, including the permanent collection gallery with works

by Mary Cassatt, Thomas Eakins and George Bellows, which he referred to as extraordinary works of art in a beautiful setting.

“Creativity begins with exposure to new people, new ideas and new ways of expression that allow young and older artists alike to think outside their typical or inherited purview,” he said. “Also important to that stimulus of new ideas is to see works of art made by both nationally known artists, as well as people from the region. Regional artists know their communities and what’s important to them, and they express those values through their art, reflecting the culture of Southern Illinois.”

Jennifer Sarver, director of education, coordinates activities in Beck Family Education Center, as well as the school performance art series and popular in-school youth art classes: “Cedarhurst offers a variety of programming opportunities that helps spark creativity for the Southern Illinois region,” she said. “Our family center is a space designed for kids of all ages to engage in the arts. We have a work of art that kids can walk into and become part of the painting; a large-scale puzzle based on our horse sculpture, Kimball; drawing stations; a

Cedarhurst exhibitions Playing with the Classics: Quilts from The National Quilt Museum (through Oct. 19) We Have Met the Funnies and They Are Us: 120 Years of American Newspaper Comic Strip Art from the Applegate-Boyle Collection (Nov. 2 through Jan. 4) Snuggle and Snooze: Quilts for Children (through Oct. 19) Peanuts Naturally! Celebrating Charles Schulz’s famous comic strip (Nov. 2 through Jan. 4)

Sculpture at Cedarhurst Center for the Arts

“Bull”

by John Kearney

Life & Style : Fall 2014 67

OUT

& ABOUT

A sculpture at Cedarhurst Center for the Arts

“Vessel” by Tom Orr

weaving wall; and a library filled with books that help readers explore the arts.”

As part of the school performance art series, Cedarhurst presents a series of educational stage performances targeting students in kindergarten through eighth grade. More than 250 Southern Illinois schools were invited to participate this year.

“If you can’t visit the museum, the museum can visit you,” she said. “We offer a variety of art-based class visits for schools in the region as part of our in-school programs. In 2013, in-school programs reached more than 1,800 students.”

There are fun days and family days, free and open to the public, and a pre-K story time on the first Friday of every month.

Carrie Gibbs, director of Shrode Art Center, plans and

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Life & Style : Fall 2014

“Aphrodite”

by Ferdinando Andreini

coordinates gallery exhibitions, youth and adult classes and workshops: “Summer art camp and our afterschool art classes are an excellent opportunity for children to have a more intensive art experience by creating a more accomplished work of art in classes that last several hours and are held on three consecutive days,” she said. “Most students in area schools typically have only one 30-minute art class once a week. Our summer camp and youth art classes are designed to help kids advance and hone their artistic skills, as well as expose them to new and different art media and materials.”

Part of the mission of Shrode Art Center is to provide exhibition opportunities for artists who live in Southern Illinois. Two annual competitions are open to local artists 18 years old and older. In the spring, the Shrode Fine Art and Craft Competition is open to all media, except photography. And, in the fall, the center hosts the Shrode Photography Competition.

“It’s an excellent opportunity for emerging and professional artists to establish and build upon their resume,” she said.

Cedarhurst also provides presentations for local educators; a series of family activities and programs, including a book club that meets every other month; and artist-led gallery talks. Special annual events include an outdoor exhibition recognizing the motorcycle as a sculptural art object and a vehicle for self-expression, and “Witches’ Brew,” a family-friendly storytelling event in the sculpture park.

Cheryl Settle, 2014 director of the Cedarhurst Art & Craft Fair, wraps it all up with a few words about one of Cedarhurst’s most popular annual events: “I’m looking forward to a great craft fair in September,” she said.

“We already have more than 110 artists signed up and some great entertainment booked. And don’t forget to visit our children’s area.

It’s getting a new look with all new activities, many of them free.”

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Life & Style : Fall 2014 69

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70 Life & Style : Fall 2014

GETAWAYS

Kansas City

Southern Illinois native shares her love of the place she has called home for 28 years

STORY BY DIANA LAMBDIN MEYER PHOTOS BY BRUCE N. MEYER AND THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Christmas lights outline towers at the Country Club Plaza shopping center as the sun sets. About 80 miles of lights with 280,000 multicolored bulbs outline the buildings and towers in the shopping district.

It was April 1986, shortly after the opening day of baseball, when we moved to Kansas City, Missouri. I was still smarting over the Royals’ defeat of my St. Louis Cardinals in the I-70 World Series the previous October.

No way was I going to be happy living in an American League city, and particularly one that cheats at baseball, no matter how good the job offer that brought us to Missouri’s second largest city.

It’s been 28 years now, and we have become some of Kansas City’s proudest residents, happy to explore the city with friends, family and complete strangers. The only trouble is where to start. There are so many things we love about our home.

Life & Style : Fall 2014

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Not to be missed World Series of Barbecue: First weekend in October includes three days of concerts, poker tournaments, cooking demonstrations and, of course, barbecue masters at work, competing for the most coveted prize in the barbecue world.

First Friday Art Walks: The first weekend of every month in the Crossroads Arts District, it’s the largest in the nation; runs from early Friday morning into late Sunday afternoon; and wraps up with a classic treasure sale in the West Bottoms historic area, featuring vintage finds, antiques, repurposed junk, street bands and food trucks.

Country Club Plaza: Modeled after the city’s sister city of Seville, Spain, the Plaza is full of fountains, sculptures, mosaic tiles and Moorish architecture and shopping, shopping, shopping, much of it high-end. Any restaurant here is going to be great.

Liberty Memorial: This memorial to the soldiers who died in World War I houses the National World War I Museum. It’s the nation’s only public museum dedicated to the Great War, with a large collection of photos, weapons and more.

Negro Leagues Baseball Museum: Founded in 1990, this museum is dedicated to preserving the rich history of African-American baseball; multi-media displays, store, photographs and artifacts dating from the late 1800s through the 1960s. It shares the new 18th and Vine museum complex with the American Jazz Museum.

Let’s start with food, because no matter what your interests, you’ve got to eat. Kansas City is a barbecue mecca with a style of barbecue designated as one of four distinctive styles in the country, right up there with Memphis, Carolinas and Texas.

Basically it’s a dry rub, smoked over hickory, with sauce applied after smoking. The sauce is a molasses-base and somewhat sweeter than you’ll experience in Memphis.

But with nearly 100 joints in KC, you’ll find all sorts of styles and flavors. The legendary places to visit are Arthur Bryant’s and Gates. They are the oldest, and Bryant’s location at 17th & Brooklyn is one reason Kansas City has the slow-smoked reputation it has today.

However, after living here all these years, we’ve eaten a lot of burnt ends and have a few lesser known, but really good, establishments frequented by locals more than tourists. We like Little Danny Edwards’ Boulevard BBQ for burnt ends, but they are open only for lunch Monday through Saturday, so plan your schedule accordingly.

LC’s BBQ is a great place near the Truman Sports Complex.

My mother would be tempted to take a bucket of Lysol to the place, but that would just ruin the atmosphere. The burnt ends are some of the best in Kansas City, and the ribs are 72

Life & Style : Fall 2014

During First Friday events, the otherwise abandoned old warehouses in the Crossroads Arts District overflow with vintage finds, antiques and repurposed junk.

LEFT: The city is decorated with fountains and parks, where visitors can find rest and relaxation during the stay.

flat-out some of the best in the country. Most days there is a line out the door.

If you want to try a lot of barbecue in a short amount of time and learn what makes each place and each style unique, then sign up for Kansas City Barbecue Tours. Available only on Fridays and Saturdays, you’ll visit four restaurants and eat so much you’ll be ready to pop. But you’ll waddle away knowing something about barbecue that you didn’t know before.

With barbecue on your brain, let’s talk about coming to Kansas City in October. Experts in barbecue reserve the first weekend in October on their calendars every year for the World Series of Barbecue. Sure, Memphis has May and Lynchburg has Jack Daniels, but the Kansas City Barbeque Society was the first to write the rules for barbecue judges, and this event is the one they all want to win.

It’s a three-day weekend of concerts, poker tournaments, cooking demonstrations and more, but you come to watch the masters at work. And, oh, the aroma that fills the air above Kansas City’s West Bottoms that weekend. Yum. Other than the first weekend in October, really any first weekend is a fabulous time for a KC getaway. Many cities worth their mojo have some sort of First Friday art walk, but

An appealing evening atmosphere makes Brush Creek an attractive tourist spot on the Country Club Plaza.

Restaurants and shops saturate the area, considered one of the jewels of the Midwestern city.

Kansas City takes it a step further. Not only is the First Friday event in the Crossroads Arts District the largest in the nation with more than 10,000 of your closest friends in attendance, the weekend spreads over into the West Bottoms for a classic treasure sale.

From early Friday morning to late Sunday afternoon, the otherwise abandoned old warehouses in this historic district overflow with vintage finds, antiques and repurposed junk.

Street bands, food trucks and the thrill of the hunt have made this the hottest shopping destination in the Midwest. If you’re serious, you’ll bring your truck or a trailer to this event.

Shopaholics often rave about Kansas City’s Country Club Plaza, and they should. This was the nation’s very first shopping district designed for people and their automobiles, way back in the 1920s when horse and buggies were still common on some KC streets.

Modeled after Kansas City’s sister city of Seville, Spain, the Plaza is undeniably eye-candy. With its many fountains, sculptures, mosaic tiles and Moorish architecture, the Plaza is Kansas City’s most photographed destination. A Segway tour through Segway, Bike & Stroll is a fun way to explore the Plaza while learning about the fabulous art.

One of our favorite places to eat on the Plaza is The Classic Cup. The sidewalk tables or patio

Visitors walk along a reflecting pool outside the main entrance to the National World War I Museum at Liberty Memorial.

The museum focuses on the century-old Great War.

The entrance to the galleries of the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art greets guests who seek to see high-caliber collections that include great works ranging from the photography of Edward Steichen to ancient Chinese scrollwork.

Visitors view a display, including a British heavy field gun, right, and a German howitzer, at the National World War I Museum at Liberty Memorial. The museum focuses on the century-old Great War.

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Fireworks shoot up into the air over the Country Club Plaza during the annual plaza lighting ceremony. Some 80 miles of strung lights with 280,000 bulbs line the buildings.

The towers of Bartle Hall add to the skyline in Kansas City.

out back allow for fabulous people watching and some great food. I actually saw the late Paul Newman and his wife Joanne Woodward eating here several years ago. I don’t know what they were having, but I always get the Asparagus and Brie salad. For a fun souvenir of your Kansas City getaway, ask for a bag of the Classic Cup’s pancake mix.

Actually, any restaurant on the Plaza is going to be great, as are the shops. There’s a nice mix of local brands and betterknown chains. Kate Spade has a store here, and, as a native of the city, she qualifies as both. If you’re an Apple fan, this is where Kansas City’s Apple Store is located.

The tech geeks will seek out the Google Fiber Showroom, 74

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not on the Plaza but nearby at Westport and State Line Road.

Kansas City rocked the tech world when Google announced we had been chosen as the first place to implement ultra-highspeed gigabet Internet. That’s about 100 times faster than what most Americans experience with broadband service. If you still have dial-up, that’s like the difference between horse and buggies and driving at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. It’s way cool.

Now for some suggestions where to stay: The Southmoreland is a wonderful bed-and-breakfast inn like few others. The 100-year-old mansion, just east of the Plaza and adjacent to Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, is not a fru-fru B&B, but a homelike place to stay while learning a bit more about the history of KC. Mark and Nancy Reichle own the inn, and Mark is famous for his barbecue breakfasts on Saturdays. They’ve decorated many of the rooms to reflect the city’s heritage. There’s a room for William Rockhill Nelson, who founded The Kansas City Star and co-founded the art museum that bears his name.

Another room celebrates the gifts of Jacob and Ella Loose.

Artists Thomas Hart Benton and George Caleb Bingham each have a room of their own, as does Satchel Paige, the Hall of Fame pitcher for the St. Louis Browns, Kansas City Monarchs and the Athletics.

A recently opened hotel in Westport called 816 Hotel also has some themed rooms. Yes, there’s a baseball theme celebrating

A-10s fly over Kauffman Stadium before a major league baseball game between the New York Yankees and the Kansas City Royals.

Resources VISIT KANSAS CITY 800-767-7700 www.visitkc.com KC BARBECUE TOURS 800-979-3370 www.kcbarbecuetours.com THE CLASSIC CUP 301 W. 47th St., 816-753-1840 www.classiccup.com SOUTHMORELAND ON THE PLAZA 116 E. 46th St., 816-531-7979 www.southmoreland.com 816 HOTEL 801 Westport Road, 816-931-1000 www.816hotel.com NATIONAL WORLD WAR I MUSEUM AT LIBERTY MEMORIAL 100 W. 26th St., 816-888-8100 www.theworldwar.org

the Kansas City Monarchs, but another one recognizes the many years that TWA called Kansas City its home. It has twin seats from an MD-80, and a beverage cart serves as your mini-bar.

Are you coming to Kansas City to enjoy jazz? Ask for room 504. It has a working piano, a headboard that looks like a keyboard and a mural devoted to the Mutual Musicians Foundation based in Kansas City, the longest continuously operating jazz joint in the world.

If you are bringing children with you, they might like the room featuring the penguins at Kansas City Zoo. If you are Irish, then plan your visit to KC on Labor Day weekend for the Irish Festival and ask for the green room at 816 Hotel, which explains about Kansas City’s deep Irish roots.

But my favorite room is the World War I Museum room. Kansas City is home to the National World War I Museum, and visiting it should be on your itinerary when you come to town.

We are at the 100th anniversary of the start of World War I, a war that is more difficult to explain than World War II and one that certainly doesn’t get the attention of its sequel. But to truly understand World War II, you’ve got to understand the Great War, and this museum does a fabulous job at it.

Enter over a field of poppies, slug your way through muddy trenches and end up in a bombedout French farmhouse. It’s not as tough for visitors as it was for the Doughboys, but you’ll walk away with a better understanding of why the world went through the same thing just 21 years later.

Take time to ride the elevator to the top of the Liberty Memorial, a 217-foot tower that was built to honor all who served and died in the Great War. From its top, you have a great view of the city.

One of the phenomenal buildings you’ll see in the KC skyline is Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts. At 165 feet tall, the clam shells are accented by more than 1,000 panels of Life & Style : Fall 2014

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The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art holds many secrets and cultural treasures waiting to be discovered by art-loving guests and visitors.

Arthur Bryant’s is a Kansas City staple, one of the oldest restaurants in town. The barbecue-serving joint’s location at 17th and Brooklyn is also a driving force behind the city’s slow-smoked reputation.

The sidewalk tables and patio at The Classic Cup offer a great location for people-watching, while the restaurant is also known for its delicious dishes. For a fun souvenir, ask for a bag of the Classic Cup’s pancake mix.

glass in a south-facing wall that is 50 feet high and 360 feet long.

This is where the ballet, symphony and opera are located and perform on one of two stages beneath the magnificent twin clam shells. Check the calendar before your visit for programming that includes everything from Tony Bennett to National Geographic photographers.

You can also look down from the Liberty Memorial and see Union Station, truly one of the most magnificent train stations in the country. If you had seen it 15 years ago, you wouldn’t have thought it was beautiful, but a 76

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one-of-its-kind bi-state cultural tax in Kansas City brought both Missourians and Kansans together to save and restore this beautiful, historic building.

And that’s just one of many reasons we’ve become proud to call Kansas City home.

DIANA LAMBDIN MEYER is freelance travel writer originally from Wolf Lake in Union County. Diana and her husband Bruce specialize in travel journalism and authored the app Kansas City Uncovered and BBQ Nation, both available on iTunes.

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MY HOME

A True House of Art Photos by Adam Testa

Vivian Ugent’s house in Carbondale has always been a home. That’s why she’s been reluctant to move, instead opting to expand the house and add new features. She’s collected a plethora of items from her international travel to display and needed a space to entertain company. That’s where she and her late husband devised the idea to create several themed rooms in their home, from a theater for movies, music and live acting, to a French bistro and Latin American museum.

Vivian Ugent’s home is a cultural expression of all things art and creativity – starting with the customized theater room built to foster and share cinematic joy

BY JOE SZYNKOWSKI

Down the hall from Ugent’s theater room is her bistro, inspired by her travels to France. The space features seating for more than 20 and offers a view of the outside deck and yard. The walls of the bistro, as well as the adjoining hallway, are covered with restaurant menus from all across the world, which Ugent has collected since her youth.

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Vivian Ugent’s Carbondale home is a reflection of the world — of which she has seen a lot.

From the dramatic landscape of Peru across the ocean to the quaint bistros in France, Ugent and her family have crisscrossed the earth multiple times in search of adventure and cultural diversity. And every time the world traveler returns home, she brings a piece of that voyage back with her.

Some of Ugent’s walls are speckled with framed menus from across the globe.

Others are lined with authentic folk art from Mexico and Peru. She offers an entertaining story for every piece she touches, laughing and throwing her head back at the memories that seemingly reside in front of her eyes like they were just captured yesterday. That’s because some pretty much were.

She visited India in January and had a family trip planned to Peru in August.

Sharing memories with friends and loved ones is important to Ugent, who entertains often in her home that contains a 20-seat theater, full-service bistro set to a Frenchinspired theme and a museum room devoted to Latin America.

Ugent opens her home to many influential Carbondale groups throughout the year for meetings, during which members take in a film or live performance, discuss afterwards over a coffee and explore other parts of the home’s nostalgic nod to international history.

GETTING TOGETHER

the Movies” that the couple hosted for many years.

“I’m not very technical at all,” she said.

“But when Gary said he could handle that part of the viewings, then I agreed.”

A drive to honor and strengthen her husband’s legacy was a factor in Ugent’s decision to maintain the theater viewings.

“Sometimes when you start something, you feel the responsibility to keep it going,” she said. “I enjoy having company and am glad people like coming to our home.”

The Jackson County League of Women Voters, of which Ugent served as president, and the SIU Learning in Retirement groups are two that meet regularly for a movie and a meeting.

SIU professor of oboe and conducting Edward Benyas and Lt. Gov. Sheila Simon are a couple of the big names that have performed on stage within Ugent’s theater. She hosts various dinner theaters, fundraisers and photo-sharing

Complete with stadium seating and multicolored lighting, Ugent’s theater room was conceptualized and put into motion by her late husband, Don, botanist and professor emeritus at Southern Illinois University Carbondale.

“It was Don’s idea to build it from scratch,” Ugent said. “It was one of the first rooms in the area that was specifically built as a theater, rather than converting a room Ugent hosts a variety of events in her theater room. into one.”

Groups she participates in — such as Learning in “From scratch” meant incorporating Retirement and the Jackson County League of Women Voters — come to her home to watch movies aspects of a real movie theater experience, and socialize. The space has also been used for from the green-upholstered chairs to the concert performances and even live dinner theater. “exit” sign guiding guests out of the room.

The Ugents completed five trips in their station wagon up to parties, as well.

Springfield after the Fox Theater closed down to pick up the “I enjoy helping different groups however I can,” said Ugent, theater chairs, four at a time. still heavily involved with the League of Women Voters and other The chairs are painted golden brown and randomly numbered local groups. out of succession.

“We grabbed whatever numbers they would give us,” Ugent AFTER THE FILM: A CLASSIC BISTRO said. “Not having them in order kind of adds to the feel of the “Please don’t change the menu,” is a common request voiced room, I think.”

by Ugent’s guests. She regularly serves up beef brisket from The seats are set on risers to give the room a true stadium Arnold’s Market on days and nights of a movie viewing. “This is feel — “my husband wanted everything authentic,” Ugent laughs definitely the popular spot for brisket,” she said.

— and enveloped by framed movie posters on the surrounding Ugent’s bistro is a few short strides from the theater and walls. The posters include “Amelie,” “The Wizard of Oz” and the serves as the perfect location for moviegoers to take in a Goldie Hawn film “Housesitter,” which was written by Ugent’s drink of choice, not to mention the spectacular view onto the brother-in-law, Mark Stein. sprawling wooden deck in the home’s backyard. The room’s Another film poster with a special connection is “Gone with large vertical glass windows that Don built create the feeling of the Wind.” Ugent’s mother loved the movie so much that she sitting outside on a Paris street, without the worry of bugs or named her daughter after the star Vivien Leigh. summertime heat infiltrating the bistro.

Guests who come to the theater are greeted by a poster at the If guests prefer the outside, Ugent is able to accommodate. entrance in a shiny golden frame, complete with the tiny movie Her two side decks are connected by a larger one, and, when all theater light bulbs. They then walk across the multi-colored seating is combined, can comfortably fit about 30 more people. carpet picked out to match the theater chairs.

Ugent serves her brisket, cakes and other snacks on her The wooden stage was hand-crafted by Don and actually authentic Portmeirion Pottery dinnerware, which she picked out expanded into what was previously his garage work area, so the piece by piece in England. The products are made from a highUgents could host live theater as well as movies. It is separated fired, white earthenware resistant to chipping and breaking, and from the seating area by a rich green curtain that Ugent each piece of the botanical collection features a different flower designed herself and also holds the massive 3-D television that and pollinator. has replaced the projection screen as the viewing method of And the dinnerware isn’t the only thing Ugent hand-selected choice for movies. in Europe. She found her green, polka-dotted tablecloth fabric “Yes, we wear the 3-D glasses,” said Ugent, who says “Avatar” is in France, as well. the best 3-D movie she has seen.

The Ugents first began traveling when they married in

CURTAIN CALL

After Don passed away in 2011, Vivian took a break from hosting viewing parties. She was eventually asked by Gary Hartlieb, chairman of the SIU Learning in Retirement group, to consider reinstating an iteration of the popular “Afternoons at

1962 — heading down to Peru, Bolivia and Ecuador for Don’s research work, supported by a National Science Foundation grant.

“We started traveling back then and just kept going,” Ugent said. “There’s nothing like it.”

Her globally infused home may be the closest thing.

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GOOD EATS

DISHING ON

PUMPKINS It’s a great time of year to learn the back-to-basics goodness of this autumn treat

BY DEBBIE MOORE

The back-to-basics food movement has resulted in encouraging home cooks to search through great-grandma’s recipes and teach themselves how to prepare food from scratch. It’s easy to pick up a can of pumpkin purée at the supermarket, but what do our children learn from that? Kids need to know the origins of the food they eat. They need to understand that our fruits and vegetables grow on farms and in orchards. They need to know that lots of people, from the growers to those who work to package our food, are involved in feeding us.

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EASY PUMPKIN MOUSSE 1 2 3 1 1 1

8-ounce package cream cheese, room temperature cups of pumpkin purée teaspoons pumpkin pie spice small box instant vanilla pudding mix 14-ounce can sweetened condensed milk 12-ounce container frozen whipped topping, thawed Using a food processer or mixer, whip the pumpkin purée and cream cheese together until it is smooth. Add the spice, vanilla pudding mix and sweetened condensed milk. Continue to whip until thick and creamy. Whip in the topping and blend until smooth. Serve this in individual sherbet dishes or smaller tasting cups, or pour into a ready-made graham cracker pie crust and turn it into a pie. It is best with additional spices and toasted nuts sprinkled on top. It takes approximately an hour to set up. For a pie, let it set up for four hours.

Picking your pumpkin

When you go to the pumpkin patch to choose the perfect jack-o’-lantern, make sure you purchase some pumpkins that are suitable for cooking. There are scores of varieties of pumpkins, but one of the most popular for cooking is the Baby Bear variety, which is small and dense. Choose a pumpkin that is three or four pounds.

Visiting the pumpkin patch is a great family experience, but showing children how to cook a pumpkin and turn it into a delicious pumpkin pie or savory soup is also an important experience.

Get to the good stuff

Wash the pumpkin to remove any sand or dirt. Snap off the stem and cut the pumpkin in half from the top to the bottom. Use a metal spoon to remove all the seeds and membrane from the inside. Place the pumpkin halves skin

side up in a large baking dish and pour water into the dish so it rises about a half an inch up the side of the pumpkin. Bake in a 350-degree oven for 45 minutes to an hour. You should be able to easily insert a fork into the pumpkin.

Remove it from the oven and turn the pumpkin halves so the flesh side is up and place it on a tray to cool. When the pumpkin is cool, scoop out the flesh and purée it in a food processer or with a mixer. A four-pound pumpkin will make three to four cups of purée. A standard pumpkin pie recipe calls for two cups of purée. You can freeze pumpkin purée in airtight containers.

Roasting pumpkin

Roasting pumpkin is an alternative method that is preferable when you plan to use the pumpkin in a savory recipe. To roast pumpkin, simply cut it into manageable wedges or chunks and remove the peel, seeds and membrane. Place it in an oiled baking pan and drizzle it with canola or olive oil. Roast it at 375 degrees for about 45 minutes. The time required depends upon the size and thickness of the pieces. Serve it warm, with salt and additional seasonings, or use it in other recipes. Using flavored oils or sprinkling fresh herbs over the pumpkin will enhance the flavor. There are unlimited ways to use roasted pumpkin, but try marinating it in your favorite vinegar and oil based salad dressing for a couple hours.

Serve it on top of a mixed green salad and sprinkle on toasted nuts and feta cheese.

PUMPKIN PASTA SAUCE 3 tablespoons olive oil 1 sprig of fresh rosemary 2 cups mashed roasted pumpkin 1 teaspoon minced garlic 1 cup half-and-half 1/3 cup grated Parmesan 1 cup chicken or vegetable stock Gently heat the olive oil over low temperature and add the sprig of rosemary to it, turning it several times, to flavor the oil. Remove the rosemary, add the garlic and let it sizzle for a few seconds. Add the roasted pumpkin and stir it until it absorbs the oil. Add the half-and-half, Parmesan cheese and the stock. Let this cook gently for 5 to 8 minutes.

Add 12 ounces of your favorite pasta, cooked, to the sauce and stir to coat. Serve with additional Parmesan cheese and a sprinkling of crushed red pepper flakes.

Note: This is especially good with cheese-stuffed ravioli or tortellini.

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TRENDS

‘From Scratch’ not your thing?

Gourmet pumpkin products fill the shelves at Etcetera

Maple Pumpkin Butter, $7.95 From Stonewall Kitchens, this allnatural spread can be used anywhere butter would be, for an extra special flavor combination.

Decorative pumpkin, $16.95 You don’t usually think “delicate” when you think pumpkins, but this pretty little thing would be perfect

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Etcetera Flowers & Gifts feels like a fabulous old-world, More info fairy tale house, offering a secluded shopping experience Etcetera Flowers despite its location on always busy DeYoung Street in Marion, & Gifts just east of Illinois 37.

1200 N. Market The store, which is also an award-winning florist shop and St., Marion event-planning center, is exactly what you would expect from 618-997-9411 a boutique browsing experience. etceteraflowers Owner Mike Helig was busy preparing for the fall season andgifts.com when Life & Style visited with him. “We’ve got a lot of autumn items on the shelf, but there’s much more to come,” he said, enthusiastically.

The shelves, racks and stands are already full of gift and gourmet items, much of it organic, natural or gluten-free, if that’s what you’re looking for. But, everything is gourmet.

Like the super-thin Moravian cookies from Salem Baking Co. in Winston-Salem, North Carolina Or the Stonewall Kitchen pancake mixes – “You’ll never eat grocery store mix pancakes again!” says Mike.

The candy case, which features all kinds of gourmet chocolate, will soon be featuring a new arrival, Pumpkin Truffles.

And Pumpkin Spice Coffee Pumpkin Pie Cheeseball and Dessert Mix from will join the ranks of other Wind & Willow, $5.50 gourmet coffees.

Pumpkin Cheesecake Bar Mix from Stonewall If you’re not in the Kitchen, $10.95 mood to eat, which we Pumpkin Pancake and Waffle Mix from guarantee you will be Stonewall Kitchen, $10.95 before you leave, you can check out items Pumpkin Curd, $7.95 From Robert such as Crabtree & Rothschild Farms, Evelyn soaps, lotions and a blend of butter, sugar and pumpkin. the new nail polish line.

Suggested use: Etcetera also carries items Combine with cream from Hillhouse Naturals in cheese for a traditional and tasty pumpkin roll, Wickliffe, Kentucky. And we or simply blend with liked the imported paper table butter for a spread. It’s all natural and gluten accessories from Caspari, which free. will elevate your party without the fuss of fabric. And, don’t forget to check out what Mike calls “the fun section,” featuring inexpensive gift items that range from whimsical to risqué!

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Life & Style : Fall 2014 85

STYLE

All Out Allure Tights — Modcloth.com, $24.99

Under the Blacklight Tights — Mocloth.com, $29.99

Pretty Polly Sheer Diamond Tights — Macy’s, $25

Moulin Rouge Hand-Painted Tights — Etsy.com, $35

Transition with

TIGHTS 86

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Animal Print Tights — Sockdreams.com, $22 (styled by CollegeLifeStylez. com)

This time of year, when summer is cooling off but fall isn’t quite here, can be a tricky time to be stylish.

A cold morning could turn into a hot day, or it might rain for a week. Be prepared with outfits that are capable of keeping up.

Tights are versatile, and these days the colors and patterns you can find are endless. No longer just black or nude, tights are making a creative comeback. Style them as the focus-point of your ensemble, pairing your bold legs with simplicity on top.

Keep in mind that tights don’t have to be worn strictly with a skirt or dress, although skirts and dresses with tights will always be classic. A great way to stretch your summer clothes a little while longer is to pair tights with shorts. Add booties and a blazer for a chic rock ‘n’ roll vibe or go vixen with heels.

— Rana Hodge

In 2011, Justin Wiseman was hiding from the world. Unlike most 26 year olds, he was nearly 600 pounds and suffering from countless health issues. He dreamed of a life where he could go to the movies, enjoy the outdoors and be happy, but his weight always held him back.

One day, Justin found the courage to make an appointment with Dr. Naresh Ahuja at New Life Weight Loss Center, the Only Bariatric Surgery Center of Excellence between Poplar Bluff and Louisville. In 2012, Dr. Ahuja performed gastric sleeve surgery on Justin. That day changed his life forever. He now lives life to the fullest and never looks back. Justin has worked so hard to get this far and knows he couldn’t have done it without Dr. Ahuja, and the entire staff at New Life Weight Loss Center, who have been beside him every step of the way.

Today, Justin has lost over 400 pounds and he’s on top of the world!

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Call to schedule your appointment or to see when the next free information session is near you.

888-639-0033 Life & Style : Fall 2014 87

PARTING SHOT

p.s.

Photo by Adam Testa

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Horses living along Pleasant Hill Road in Carbondale enjoy an unseasonably warm day.

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Life & Style : Fall 2014

Life & Style I N

S O U T H E R N

I L L I N O I S

Fall 2014

Celebrating nature’s imperfections in his perfectly beautiful and unique furniture

It’s never too late, too silly or too selfish to discover ways to express yourself

 Social Seen: Who will you recognize?  Getaways: We’re going to Kansas City  Good Eats: Dishing on pumpkins Life & Style : Xxxxxxxx 2014 1

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Investment and Insurance Products: NOT FDIC Insured NO Bank Guarantee MAY Lose Value WELLS FARGO ADVISORS, LLC, SIPC, A REGISTERED BROKER-DEALER AND SEPARATE NON-BANK AFFILIATE OF WELLS FARGO & COMPANY Š 2013 WELLS FARGO ADVISORS, LLC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED CAR - 0714-02822 Life & Style : Fall 2014

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Connie will not be defeated. Constant leg pain due to Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) aimed to keep her from walking. Even the everyday trip to the grocery store was a challenge. A mere four minutes on her legs was all she could handle. Connie had battle cancer three times and won...now this. She was not going to take this sitting down.

PAD is a blood-flow issue to the legs or peripherals. If left untreated, it can lead to amputation. People with diabetes or heart disease are especially at risk.

Connie found help at Prairie Vascular Services. A complex yet minimally invasive procedure allowed specialists to increase blood-flow to her legs. Once the procedure was over Connie asked, “Can I play basketball with my grandkids now?” Indeed she can! In fact, she’s ready for a little one-on-one.

Who could give you the power of Prairie? ONLY SIH

LEARN MORE AT SIH.NET/CONNIE 2 Life & Style : Fall 2014

Call for more information

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Life & Style : Fall 2014

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Fall 2014

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 June 14–September 15, 2014 UNIT 50 REBATE PER

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*Manufacturer’s mail-in rebate offer valid for qualifying purchases of Hunter Douglas window fashions with the PowerRise® or PowerGlide® motorized system made 6/14/14 – 9/15/14 from participating dealers in the U.S. only. Rebate will be issued in the form of a prepaid reward card and mailed within 6 weeks of rebate claim receipt. Funds do not expire. Subject to applicable law, a $2.00 monthly fee will be assessed against card balance 7 months after card issuance and each month thereafter. Additional limitations apply. Ask participating dealer for details and rebate form. **Additional equipment is required for app operation; ask for details. ©2014 Hunter Douglas. All rights reserved. All trademarks used herein are the property of their respective owners. †See actual warranty at store for complete details. Photos for illustrative purposes only. Not responsible for typographical errors. ©Carpet One Floor & Home®.

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Publisher .................................John Pfeifer Executive Editor ..................... Gary Metro Editor ...................................... Cara Recine Niche Advertising Manager ...................

Lacey Thompson Art & Design ..................... Ashley Kendera Rhonda M. May Contributors..................... Shawn Connelly Chanda Green Rana Hodge Diana Lambdin Meyer Debbie Moore Cara Recine Joe Szynkowski Adam Testa Les Winkeler Photographers .......................Rana Hodge Steve Matzker Rhonda M. May Bruce N. Meyer Alexa Rogals Adam Testa Les Winkeler Copy Editing .......................... Tom English Mary Thomas Layton Online ..................................Lauren Siegert Advertising Sales ..................Kelly Caudill Nora Chambliss Brian Flath Tina Moon Alisha Shipp Lacey Thompson Levi Wampler Advertising Design......... 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. © 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.

Letter

WELCOME

from the executive editor

Find inspiration in all things, big and small Creativity surrounds us.

We see it in the colorful splashes of a carefully knotted necktie. Or it glistens from the bracelet, necklace and earrings chosen for a special night.

It is everyday evidence of our creativity, the choices we deliberately make to present ourselves to the world. But some of the choices become more routine than artistic expression. I favor certain colors and wear the same wristwatch daily. You may prefer other hues and shun metal jewelry.

We get bogged down by the familiar and comfortable. The results may be visible in our work and the affect we present to others.

We lose sight of possibilities. Think of it this way. You can’t paint a masterpiece with house paint. It takes a palette awash with the spectrum of colors and the myriad tints to make an artistic statement.

It’s time to connect with our own creativity, a process as unique as the individual. For me, great ideas often surface while engaged in tedious repetitive chores — mowing the lawn is a good one — or while walking or swimming laps in a pool. Other times, I wake up with a fresh idea, a new approach or the answer to a vexing problem. My subconscious takes care of me. I

don’t know why, but it works.

This issue of Life & Style is devoted to creativity, a commodity that abounds in this green and graceful land we call Southern Illinois.

This month’s cover story by frequent contributor Chanda Green offers insight into unleashing your creativity — including how to discover it or, perhaps, rediscover it.

A change of scenery sometimes leads to a time of inspiration.

This issue’s look at Getaways takes readers on a trek to Kansas City, which is a whole lot more than the other big city in Missouri. It’s written

by Diana Lambdin Meyer, a native of Wolf Lake who has resided in that city for 28 years. Also in the issue is a profile of the extremely creative Ben Falcone, the Carbondale native who is making a name for himself in Hollywood.

You’ll also find the latest in great food, drinks and special places to see in Southern Illinois. Enjoy the magazine. And find creativity in the late summer days that give way to the beauties of early autumn.

GARY METRO LIFE & STYLE IN SOUTHERN ILLINOIS Life & Style : Fall 2014

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50 CREATE!

CONTENTS SUMMER 2014

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artists Kyle Kinser celebrates nature’s imperfections in a perfect way

24 15 questions 30 wine country 66 out & about getaways 71 good eats 82

It’s never too late, too silly or too selfish to discover ways to express yourself

44

Get to know Southern Illinoisan publisher John Pfeifer

Sometimes, you can judge a wine by its label Cedarhurst creates a haven for the artist in all of us

Southern Illinois native shares her love of Kansas City

It’s the perfect time of year to dish on pumpkins

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profile Carbondale native Ben Falcone makes his feature film directorial debut

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cheers to beer Local craft brewers taking new artisan approaches to an old science

cover photo

Furniture craftsman and artist Kyle Kinser of Makanda was photographed in his studio space

by Lori Baysinger of Photography by Lori in Marion.

this issue

Social Seen Pursuits Scenic Beauty Apps Self Business Buzz

10 27 28 34 42 46

Entrepreneur At Work My Home Trends Style Parting Shot

49 64 78 84 86 88

Create excitement in the kitchen

Explore our new Stone Gallery 7am - 4pm Monday - Friday Saturdays by appointment

800-323-2378 • 1015 E. Walnut w w w.auffenbergcarbondale.com

Life & Style : Fall 2014

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DENTAL IMPLANTS A New Beginning to 2014

• Are you embarrassed to smile?

• Are you missing teeth?

• Is your denture or partial denture loose?

• Do you have problems chewing?

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Call Anne to reserve your Free Personal Consultation

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Dr. Christopher Hughes is certified through the American Board of Oral Implantology/Implant Dentistry

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

Hughes Dental Arts 504 Rushing Drive | Herrin, IL Implant & Cosmetic Dentistry • I.V. Sedation

www.hughesdentalarts.com

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

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All upright vacuum cleaners from Riccar are built with American pride in St. James, Missouri.

“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 Life & Style : Spring 2014 8 Life8& Style : Fall 2014

www.normancarpetonemarion.com

Dr. Jonathan W. Burton, D.M.D. Diplomate-American Board of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery Wisdom Teeth Removal • Surgical Extractions Dental Implants • Bone Grafting Corrective Jaw Surgery • Oral Pathology

Mystery Dinner Friday, October 10, 2014

“Bullets in the Bathtub” Presented by: Jest Murder Mysteries The Links of Kokopelli 1527 Champions Drive, - Marion, IL

Tickets: $40 per person, $300.00 For Table of 8 (Includes Show & Dinner Buffet) 20’s Speakeasy Theme Doors open 5:30 p.m.

Cash Bar 6:00 p.m. Dinner Buffet 7:00 p.m. Show LIVE AUCTION FOLLOWING SHOW To reserve your table or purchase tickets, Contact Hospice of Southern Illinois Jennifer Vinyard (618) 997-3030 • jvinyard@hospice.org Please rsvp by October 3, 2014

618.519.9363

2250 Reed Station Pkwy.

Office Place, Suite 201 Carbondale, IL www.shawneehillsoms.com

Light up the Night

Glow 5k R u n / Wa l k Save TheDate 10 . 2 4 . 2 01 4

Date

October 24, 2014

Entry Fee

$25.00 $10.00 (age 12 and under)

Registration Time 7:00 p.m. • Dusk

Where

Mr. Koolz, Marion, IL

Proceeds Benefit Hospice of Southern Illinois Your Community • Prizes for Best Glow Costume • • Best Team Costumes •Food • Music •

Your Community Not-For-Profit Hospice 618-997-3030 • www.hospice.org

All Proceeds to Benefit Hospice of Southern Illinois

Questions Call Jennifer 618-997-3030 www.hospice.org

Life & Style : Fall 2014

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SOCIAL SEEN

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100 MEN WHO COOK Local men flexed their culinary muscles June 7, when they participated in the annual 100 Men Who Cook fundraiser at SIU Arena. The event raised money for Southern Illinois Healthcare Foundation, which supports health-care initiatives in the region, including the ongoing construction of a cancer institute in Carterville.

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1. Dr. Muhamad Popalzai of Carbondale 2. Rex Budde of Herrin, Bart Millstead of Makanda, Woody Thorne of Makanda and Mel Bower of Carbondale 3. Robert and Dr. Nova Foster of Carterville 4. Steve Falat of Murphysboro 5. Darrell Bryant and Jeff Franklin of Carbondale 6. Ellen Bower and Jennifer Miller Louw, both

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Life & Style : Fall 2014

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of Carbondale 7. Jeff Speith of Carterville 8. San Chen of Carbondale and Sebastian Chou of Herrin 9. Herman Louw of Carbondale 10. TJ Martin of Carbondale 11. Dr. Mike Durr 12. Steve Sowers of Carbondale

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13. Lance Jack of Carbondale 14. Peter Gregory of Carbondale 15. Tom Stewart of Carbondale 16. Lesley Cranick and Dr. Sam Stokes of Carbondale 17. Ralph and Amy Behrens of Carterville 18. Karen Binder of Carbondale 19. Martine and Dr. Michaelis Jackson of Carbondale

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Photos provided by SIH

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.

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Life & Style : Fall 2014

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SOCIAL SEEN

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SINGING WITH THE STARS Attendees of the Singing with the Stars event at McLeod Theater at SIU gathered for appetizers and drinks before watching the performances. The performances were put together by McLeod Theater Summer Playhouse, and each one was given votes by the audience.

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1. Cheryl Bryant, Mona Ward and Cherryl Daugherty 2. Bonnie and Roy Heidinger 3. Sharon and Larry Meyer 4. Lynn Wolff and Connie Shanahan

Let us help you have the

home of your dreams

5. Wil Travelstead and Neil Dillard 6. Mary Mantovani and Ione Russel 7. Karen and Gary Hartlieb 8. Marilyn and John Annable 9. Helen and Steve Jack

Photos by Alexa Rogals

Since 1995, I’ve been bringing beautiful windows and rooms to residential and commercial clients all over Southern Illinois. I work with you to create your Dream Room with custom furniture, gorgeous window treatments, thousands of area rugs, and hand selected accessories, lighting and artwork. Call me to set up a complimentary consultation and we’ll design a window, room, or whole home of your dreams.

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KITE HILL WINERY FUNDRAISER

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Kite Hill Winery in Carbondale hosted a Drink & Draw event presented June 19

by John A. Logan Museum. Participants were given supplies, a glass of wine and hors d’oeuvres, and were able to take their completed artwork when they were finished.

1. Kim and Brian Self of Carbondale 2. Jessica Davis and Denise Brown of Murphysboro 3. Makayla and Kenny Reynolds of Benton 4. Alexa Miller of Carbondale and Megan Moloney of Murphysboro

5. Emily Popejoy of Carbondale and Stephanie Meyer of Murphysboro 6. Nancy Kucerna and Carol Wingate of Murphysboro 7. Saundra Heaslett and Jen Goode of Murphysboro 8. Sharon and Dennis Johnson of Murphysboro

Photos by Alexa Rogals

It is a GREAT time to be a home buyer!

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Preferred

100 W. Plaza Drive Carterville www.coldwellbankercarterville.com Life & Style : Fall 2014

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ART OPENING AT THE VARSITY

Photos by Gregory Kupiec

This exhibit, in association with The Stage Company, featured the work of Eldon Benz. The exhibit of prints is called Southern Illinois Natural Areas. The opening reception was July 3 and took place at Varsity Center for the Arts in Carbondale.

1. Jo Kirch Benz, a photographer and the artist’s wife, and Jeanne Ferraro, recently installed president of The Stage Company, both of Carbondale 2. Artist Eldon Benz and wife, Jo, with Richard and Anne Strawn, all of Carbondale

8. Jan and Craig Hinde of Carbondale

3. Kevin Purcell of Cobden and Mike Hanes of Carbondale

5. Lisa, Melissa and Alvie Easton of Murphysboro

4. James Ferraro and Dan Owen of Carbondale and Eric Easton of Murphysboro; Easton provided music on a handcrafted didgeridoo.

6. Mary Jane Karg and Nevlyn Reiman of Murphysboro

9. Darcy Kriegsman of Carbondale, Howard Saver of Makanda and Brendan Finnegan of Carbondale

7. Blanche Sloan of Carbondale and Nancy Taylor of Murphysboro

10. Greg Kupiec of Murphysboro and Jack Langowski of Carbondale

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

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SOCIAL SEEN

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HUCK’S RUN FOR THE FUND About 500 motorcyclists and supporters joined the Huck’s Run for the Fund, with stops at Riverside Park in Murphysboro, John A. Logan College in Carterville, West Frankfort City Park and the Harbor Oaks picnic area of Rend Lake on July 12 to raise funds for the Coach Kill Cancer Fund. To date, the Fund, founded by former Saluki football coach Jerry Kill after a personal battle with cancer, has raised more than half a million dollars and helped more than 1,000 patients with cancer and their families in Southern Illinois. Southern Illinois Healthcare and the SIH Foundation administer the CKCF on behalf of coach Jerry Kill and his wife, Rebecca.

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Photos provided by SIH

1. Jim and Helen Rusher of Sesser 2. Amy Kissing of Marion, Tom Kissing of Marion, Ryan Wachter of Goreville, Melissa Roberston of Goreville, Curtis Boester of Salem, Chris Duty of Crab Orchard 3. Rebecca Kill, Coach Jerry Kill and members of the SIU Cheer Squad 4. Tanna Morgan, Paula Frisch

5. Greg Mcvey of Carmi, Dirk and Sharon Valerius of Elkville 6. Barbara McKinney of Lincoln, Darnell Harvey of Carmi 7. Coach Jerry Kill, Woody Thorne 8. J.T. and Johna Bandy, Jan Grant of Johnston City 9. Coach Jerry Kill, Mark McKinney 10. Bob Davenport of Carbondale, Fred Alstat of De Soto

Life & Style : Fall 2014

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CARTERVILLE’S GOT TALENT The Carterville Variety Show was June 5 at Carterville High School. Attendees were provided with dinner before watching the performers in the auditorium.

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1. Lois Rains and Linda JanesThompson 2. Mickey Edwards and Linda Janes-Thompson 3. Taylan McCamish and Xian Couch 4. Pam and Allan Kimball 5. Mike and Rhonda Robinson

6. Charles and Joyce Stevens 7. Hailey Barber and Megan Hampton 8. Jim and Joan Shasten 9. Karri Forby, Lindon Forby and Kali Bonner 10. Britain and Toby Hollister

11. Marvin and Sherly Oetjen and Doug and Evelyn Fuqua 12. Eric, Stephanie and Elanah Fourez 13. Don and Marilyn Gentry and Dorthy and Bill Bleyer 14. Gary and Joan Cooper 15. Chris and Kurt Oetjen

16. Amy and Ron Simpson 17. Winter and James Campanella 18. Dunklin and Kim Rangitsch 19. Bob Browning, Christy and Kieth Baggett and Clay Goodwin 20. John and Karla McCamish

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

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Photos by Alexa Rogals

Quality Service.

It’s not an award thats won. It’s an award that’s earned.

Our broker associates receive this prestigious award year after year by providing the highest levels of customer service! Our customers go out of their way to recognize their Realtor® for exceeding in all expectations.

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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 : Fall 2014

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SOCIAL SEEN

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MURPHYSBORO CHAMBER DINNER Chamber members and invited guests were treated to the annual event May 2 at 17th Street Warehouse. Awards were presented that night, including Business/Organization of the Year, Friends of Murphysboro; Student Citizen of the Year, Sara Fluegel; Hall of Fame, Bob Hall; and Citizen of the Year, Patty Bateman.

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1. Matt Bishop and Harold Gibbs, both of Murphysboro 2. Jeff Strueter, Martin Schaldemose, Mike Dreith and David Marks, all of Murphysboro 3. Citizen of the Year Award recipient Patty Bateman and Randy Bateman of Murphysboro 4. Jeff Doherty of Carbondale and Dan Bost of Murphysboro 5. Murphysboro Mayor Will Stephens and April Blessing of Murphysboro 6. Lyndsay Kamminga and Julie Schaldemose, both of Murphysboro 7. Cynthia Mill and Bob Chambers of Vergennes and Matt Bishop of

Murphysboro 8. Terri Bryant and Gloria Campos of Murphysboro 9. Mike Jones and Dan Bost, both of Murphysboro 10. Stephanie Donahue and Hall of Fame Award recipient Bob Hall, both of Murphysboro 11. Michael Schmidt and Martin Schaldemose, both of Murphysboro 12. Judy Bost of Murphysboro 13. Bob Chambers and Cynthia Mill of Vergennes 14. John Medwedeff of Murphysboro and Gary Niebrugge of Effingham

15. Scott Fluegel and Kathy Baumann, both of Murphysboro 16. Harold Gibbs and Marlene McGregor Gibbs of Murphysboro 17. Candice Knight of Pinckneyville 18. Bruce Wallace of Murphysboro and Chris Egelston of Carterville 19. Amanda Atchley of Elkville 20. Marlene McGregor Gibbs, Bruce Wallace and Harold Gibbs, all of Murphysboro 21. Brad Fager, Patty Bateman, Brandi Bradley, Sarah Junk and Kathy Baumann of the 2014 Organization of the Year, Friends of Murphysboro

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Photos by Rob Burke

More Than n A Jewelry J y Store S

Merchants Walk, Carterville

985-8331

Hours: Mon.-Fri. 9-6, Sat. 9-5 • yjeweler.com 18 Life & Style : Fall 2014

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Readers’ Choice for Best Bank in Southern Illinois oldnational.com

Thank you for voting us #1!

Call 618-457-3700 or visit any Old National location.

Life & Style : Fall 2014 19

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SECOND ACT IN NYC Forty-nine members of the SIH Second Act Program traveled to New York City in June. Members explored “The City That Never Sleeps� for three days. The tour included a visit to Times Square, Central Park, Rockefeller Center, the 911 Memorial, the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island.

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1. Mary Evilsizer of Scheller, Marie Samuel of Carterville, Barbara Lamcyzk of Scheller 2. Judith Smith of De Soto, Janice Pulcher of Murphysboro, Linda Rains of Marion, Sandra Bullar of Murphysboro 3. Joanne, the New York tour guide 4. Mary and Floyd Smith of Herrin 5. Mike and Pat Jennings of Ava, Mary Falaster of

Murphysboro, Fredia Doody of Murphysboro, Jennifer and Dianna Freeburn of Murphysboro 6. Paula Reeves of Carrier Mills, Jerry and Yvonne Norris of Marion, Lora Hurt of De Soto, Janet Schuyler of Carterville, Janice McConnaughy of Carterville 7. George and Marlene Stavroulakis of Zeigler, Joey and Gina Cushman of Du Quoin, Mary and Ted James of Carbondale 8. Nate Bernstein of Marion

Photos provided by SIH

9. Mike Jennings of Ava and Joe Taylor of Marion 10. Dale Hastings of Marion, Ted James of Carbondale 11. Nate and Tina Bernstein of Marion 12. Shirlene Carnaghi of Herrin, Marie Samuel of Carterville, Mike Jennings of Ava and Frank Aldridge of Murphysboro 13. Mike and Pat Jennings of Ava

Elegant Outdoor Living!

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Life & Style : Fall 2014

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Elegant Outdoor Living!

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WHY

WOUL YOU G D O ANYW HE E L SE ? R E

www.jalc.edu

Get it delivered!

R Get 8 issues for $17.95 Name Address City State

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Clip out this card and mail your payment to: Life & Style in Southern Illinois PO Box 2108, Carbondale, IL 62901

For additional information or to place your order, call (618) 351-5035.

You can also subscribe online at thesouthern.com/lifestyles/magazine/subscribe Please allow 4 weeks for delivery. Email address will not be sold or rented.

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Life & Style : Fall 2014

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501 E. Walnut St Carbondale, Illinois ((618) 8) 351-8242 3 82 2 Life & Style : Fall 2014

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15 QUESTIONS

Getting to know

John Pfeifer Our Life & Style editor offered to take my bio info from our corporate website, but I fear that wouldn’t tell you very much. And it would be pretty boring. So here goes.

As publisher of The Southern Illinoisan, I have a job that allows me to do what I love to do — and what I do well — every day. I love to write, to sell, and to interact with people inside and outside of the office, and that’s what I get to do. I enjoy leading almost as much as I detest following, so that works out pretty nicely, as well.

And since I and the “status quo” have never really gotten on the same page, it’s good to work somewhere that everyone is involved in creating a new product daily in print and hourly on your desktop, tablet and mobile phone. Change is fun!

I’m also glad to be working at our Carbondale office in Jackson County, while living in our beautiful home in Marion right next door in Williamson County. We’re a regional news and sales organization, so it’s helpful to have a couple of different perspectives on what we’re doing and how well we’re doing it.

I hope you enjoy this and every edition of Life & Style.

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Life & Style : Fall 2014

John Pfeifer, shown in the pressroom (above) and using his iPad to find the Southern Business Journal’s LinkedIn page (left), is the publisher of The Southern Illinoisan.

At the end of the 19th century, French writer Marcel Proust believed that people must know and understand themselves before they could know or understand others. So, he developed a list of subjective questions he felt would help with that. We, along with other publications, like Vanity Fair, believe it’s still one of the best ways to get to know someone quickly.

What is your current state of mind?

Determined.

What is your favorite avocation or hobby? Music. Tinkering with playlists and trying to create a playlist for any and all moods. My daughter; a self-proclaimed NeedtoBreathe groupie, also recently got me hooked on Ed Sheeran (I’m listening to his “Multiplied” CD while answering these questions). I love live classical music, as well. And soundtracks, great big breaking themes that ebb and flow.

What is your greatest extravagance?

Travel – and buying artwork while traveling.

My wife and I just visited Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island, and, because we won’t be moving next summer, plan to visit Budapest, Prague and return to Vienna.

Can’t wait! And there really is another wall in our new house that needs a nice painting to hang on.

What is your motto or words you live by?

“I learned this, at least, by my experiment: That if one advances confidently in the direction of his dreams, and endeavors to live the life which he has imagined, he will meet with a success unexpected in common hours.” Henry David Thoreau What is your most treasured possession?

BubbaZeke, our family’s stuffed bear elder.

My wife and three kids each have a “Bubba” bear, as well, but mine was the first. And I don’t think he really looks like he’s stoned.

When and where were you happiest?

Thanksgiving week with the family at our oldest son Tim’s place in Columbia, Maryland. Our daughter Carolyn lives with him, and Joe flies in from Denver. Lot’s of eating, game playing, football watching and relaxing. There may also be a wee bit of sarcasm.

What are your most obvious characteristics? A sense of humor. At least, I hope so. I’m very serious about accomplishing things, but hope I never take myself seriously.

What is your favorite journey? A long hike in a brand new place. Walking off the first tee with my son, knowing we have the next couple of hours together. Getting unlost.

Who is your favorite fictional hero? Since we’re talking fiction here, my hero is a composite of the sarcastic pragmatism of Josh Lyman from the “West Wing” TV series and the status-quo challenging John Keating from the movie “Dead Poet’s Society.”

If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be? A dangerous question to answer because I can actually change it. I would like to develop the discipline necessary to write consistently.

I’ve started writing both fiction and nonfiction, but (quickly) lost steam.

Lowering expectations to creating a short story or short book on media sales would be a great first step. OK, actually writing a few paragraphs each day would be a better first step.

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Where would you like to live? In close proximity to grandkids. Right now, we don’t yet have grandkids, so there’s no rush to be anywhere other than right here. But when they start arriving, I want to be right there to spoil them.

What is the quality you most admire in a man? See the next question.

What is the quality you most admire in a woman? I’ll answer both of the above questions by saying that I’m mystified about why I would possibly admire different qualities in a person based solely on their gender difference. What’s with that? I admire people who care. I guess “passionate” is the word we now use to describe this quality. You can hear it in the words they speak or write, and you can always see it in their eyes. I love listening to people — both women and men — argue points they feel strongly about.

What do you value most in your friends?

Their ability to laugh at many of the silly and/or idiotic things that come out of my mouth, while making it appear as though they find them genuinely humorous.

Which words or phrases do you most over-use? It’s a near certainty that I overuse the word “like,” since it has, like, replaced “you know” as the placeholder word that comes out of our mouths as we struggle to communicate. I’m, like, not even sure where this all started but, like, that’s all we seem to say. Like has to be the most commonly used word in the country, and I really don’t like it at all.

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Life & Style : Fall 2014

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Life & Style : Fall 2014

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PURSUITS

The of the LEAA adds group for current and aspiring writers to its ranks

BY ADAM TESTA

hrough the years, Little Egypt Arts Association has become a haven for all types of creative individuals, from painters to quilters and photographers to sculptors.

Earlier this year, though, the tree of LEAA opportunities grew another branch as the organization started Little Egypt Writers Society. The group brings together all types of writers or those who wish to explore and improve their writing talents.

“We have songwriters, scriptwriters, authors,” said Kaye Howell of Marion, who helped organize the club and lead it through its infancy. “We’re just trying to feel our way about, so we’re really open to anything.”

Early meetings have included about 15 members and featured programs from author Jon Musgrave, who spoke on his journey to bring scripts to Los Angeles, and poet Joy King, who shared her experiences of visiting the United Nations.

LEWS plans to host events like book signings and exhibitions in the future, allowing writers of all types to share their works with the community at large. A bookshelf display will be set up at LEAA headquarters on the Marion square with artistic book designs, framed poetry and more.

Howell said she hopes the group will integrate with other artist groups, too. The idea for the writing club actually came from a meeting for

painters. Poet Cheryl Ranchino shared some of her work with the group, and ideas started flowing immediately.

“As she was reading them, we were getting these beautiful painting ideas in our minds,” Howell said.

LEWS meets from 6 to 8 p.m. on the second Tuesday of each month at the LEAA office. To be a member of the club, writers must join LEAA, which costs $50 per year. The organization also takes a 20 percent commission on all sales at its office.

Howell, a retired art teacher, said she hopes the group continues to grow and succeed, as it offers an outlet for those who create art with their words and a place where they can connect with others who share their passion.

“It’s a place where authors can have a home along with the painters, the photographers and the other artists,” she said.

Life & Style : Fall 2014

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SCENIC BEAUTY

Photos by Les Winkeler

Be inspired at Inspiration Point from view as the visitor turns east off that highway. The road to Inspiration As unexpected as it is impressive, Point provides a commanding view of Inspiration Point is the centerpiece of the Big Muddy. When the Big Muddy Pine Hills, a five-mile spills over its banks, great length of limestone blue herons, great egrets, This is probably the formations jutting from egrets and other only place in Southern snow the Mississippi River wading and shore birds floodplain south and west Illinois where a person can be seen feeding in of Murphysboro. can stand and see the flood waters.

The summit of The bottomland forest eagles soaring below.

Inspiration Point towers — and the attendant 150 feet above LaRue wildlife — can be Swamp and Big Muddy River, as it winds mesmerizing. Roll down the windows, its way toward the nearby Mississippi. turn off the stereo and air-conditioning The journey to Inspiration Point is an and listen to the sounds of the river adventure in itself. bottom, the melodies of songbirds Although Inspiration Point is clearly and jungle-like screams of the pileated woodpecker. visible from Illinois 3, it disappears

BY LES WINKELER

AT TOP: Inspiration Point is the centerpiece of Pine Hills, a five-mile limestone facade stretching along the floodplain of the Mississippi River near Murphysboro. While the natural formation is easily viewable from Illinois 3, the trek to visit the summit itself is much more of an adventure.

ABOVE: The summit of Inspiration Point towers 150 feet above LaRue Swamp and the Big Muddy River, as it winds its way toward the nearby Mississippi. From the summit, travelers have a unique view of the region’s vast landscape

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The bottomland forest provides great scenery for a drive to Inspiration Point. The sounds of flowing water and the attending wildlife create a natural soundtrack for the mesmerizing journey. But the view from the top can be even more impressive.

One almost forgets about the looming limestone bluffs that were formed 400 million years ago.

However, when the road takes one final curve, Inspiration Point comes into view. Although the gravel road discourages speed, the initial reaction upon catching a glimpse of Inspiration Point is to lift the foot off the accelerator. The sight is stunning at any time of day, but even more spectacular in late afternoon and evening when the bluffs catch the sun.

The temptation is to keep your eyes glued to the gleaming bluffs, but visitors owe it to themselves to scan the surrounding swampland. The area abounds with songbirds and wildflowers in the summer, waterfowl in the winter.

Upon reaching the base of the summit, you face still another dilemma.

A right turn leads to a large pond that

makes up part of LaRue Swamp. The road carrying visitors to the pond is the famous “Snake Road.” The road is closed for brief periods in the spring and fall, as snakes migrate to and from their winter dens.

A left turn takes travelers to the summit of Inspiration Point. The drive is short, but it eloquently displays the remote wildness of Pine Hills. The road leads to the entrance of Clear Springs Wilderness Area.

The view from the summit — the Big Muddy winding below and floodplain extending to the Mississippi — is as inspiring, as advertised.

This is probably the only place in Southern Illinois where a person can stand and see eagles soaring below.

And, even when it is time to leave the summit, take solace in the fact that the drive back to Illinois 3 is a journey unto itself.

Life & Style : Fall 2014 29

WINE

Photos by Adam Testa

Tony Philipe, senior graphic designer at Silkworm, designs wine labels for wineries including Owl Creek and Alto Vineyards. Several of his designs have placed or won in the Illinois State Fair Wine Competition.

Judging a wine by its

LABEL 30 Life & Style : Fall 2014

Rese rve Gold —

In the long list of creative ventures and artistic media, label design might not be one that immediately comes to mind. But if you’re in the business of marketing wine and cider, it’s almost as important as the quality of the product.

A bright or unique label is essential in attracting that all-important customer.

Dustin Rochkes, manager of Warehouse Liquor Mart in Carbondale, said labels most definitely play a role in moving a product.

“For customers who have decided to try something new, a creative, eyecatching label works,” he said. “Blue Sky does a good job with theirs, and Owl Creek’s labels are uniform, but creative and attractive.”

Alto Vine yard

BY CHANDA GREEN

Jim Ewers, general manager of Blue Sky Vineyard in Makanda, said a lot of thought and creativity go into its labels and for good reason.

“One of our most popular wines is our Misterioso,” he said.

It’s a rosé that smells and tastes of ripe berries, but Jim credits at least some of popularity to the “creepy” label design.

“When we were trying to come up with new label designs, I went out to Westroads Liquor in Carbondale and talked to Jim Reed, the owner,” Jim said. “He told me to look at his display of wines and pointed out how the standard labels — mostly black with gold or silver lettering and trim — blended together. ‘Make the label pop,’ he told me. We’ve lived by that and had great success.”

Blue Sky uses local photographer Keith Cotton as one of its primary label designers.

“Our Chamborcin Reserve wine label is a collage of some of the architectural features of the winery. So when you buy a bottle, it’s like you’re taking home a little piece of Blue Sky,” he said. “And our Rosé label is a reproduction of a portrait that hangs in the winery, very distinctive.”

Brad Genung, owner, chief wine-maker and cider master at Owl Creek Vineyard in Cobden, said the label is almost as important as what’s inside the bottle. That’s why he turned to a professional graphic artist, Ruby Barnes, when he decided to redesign his wine labels in 2005. And when Owl Creek wanted something creative for its new line of hard ciders, Brad called Silkworm in Murphysboro and worked with one of its senior graphic artists, Tony Phillippe.

“He’s our graphics guy now, and he’s awesome,” Brad said.

Tony has been working with Brad since about 2005 and began designing his cider labels about a year ago.

“The sky’s the limit on these labels,” Blue Sky’s Mysterioso he said. “You’re free to use your imagination. You’re not limited to five or six colors like you are on a T-shirt design. As long as you know what the client wants and stay within that direction, you really get to spread your wings as a designer. It’s some of my favorite work here at Silkworm.”

He especially enjoyed designing the labels for Owl Creek’s new line of Apple Knockers Hard Cider: Hard Knocks, Bad Apple and Sweet Knockers.

“For his Bad Apple Cider, I played off of the apple boy character on the Hard Knocks label and had him spray-painting graffiti; and for the Sweet Knockers label, well, I drew a very voluptuous apple tree.”

Tony also designs labels for Alto Vineyards in Alto Pass, which has used artists at Silkworm for its label designs since before Tony started there 16 years ago.

Alto’s event coordinator Corey Peters agreed that it’s “very important to have an eye-catching label, one that does justice to the product.”

He cites Alto’s Rocco Red wine, named after the vineyard’s founding family’s first dog; Wiener Dog White, named after the family’s late winery dog, Lucy; and Reserve Gold, a dessert wine, as having some of the winery’s most creative and attractive labels.

Reserve Gold was one of the local winners at this year’s annual Illinois State Fair Wine Label and Packaging Competition, along with Owl Creek’s Bad Apple Cider and Whoo’s Blush Rosé wine.

Owl Creek Wines

‘I was immediately drawn to the winner in the dessert wine category, Alto Vineyards’ Reserve Gold. The combination of the blue bottle, their logo stacked for easy readability and the use of a gold foil really set this wine label apart.’

Rebecca Ritz, one of the judges at this year’s annual state fair wine label and packaging competition in Springfield

And the winners are …

More than 420 local wines were presented to the judges at the Illinois State Fair Wine Competition in June at Lincoln Land Community College in Springfield. The event was sponsored by the Illinois Grape Growers & Vintners Association.

One of the categories judged concerns labels and packaging. Local winners are: Cider: Owl Creek Vineyard, Cobden, for Bad Apple Rosé: Owl Creek Vineyard for Whoo’s Blush Dessert Wine: Alto Vineyards in Alto Pass, for Reserve Gold

Owl Creek Hard Ciders

Life & Style : Fall 2014

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Life & Style : Fall 2014

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APPS

creativity Tap into your

with these apps for writers, musicians and moviemakers

BY ADAM TESTA

The ultimate source of creativity exists inside the individual, but that doesn’t mean others can’t help bring out the best.

In the golden era of literature, contemporary authors and poets were often friends, part of the same social cliques. Today, individuals seeking to explore their own creativity have a much wider social network from which to seek guidance, advice and inspiration.

The digital age has brought creativity to the forefront and given everyone the chance and opportunity to explore outlets previously out of reach.

Here are some digital apps that can help writers, musicians and moviemakers, as well as those aspiring to hold such titles, pave their own creative paths.

FOR WRITERS

A Novel Idea: One of the hardest parts of creative writing, especially for beginners, is organization. This app allows writers to think about various aspects of their work with a single focus — character descriptions, settings, plot points, etc. — at a time. Once all the information is input, the app will link it together, making it easily accessible as the author moves forward with the project.

Spice Mobile: A Phrase Thesaurus and History of the English Language: Most writers find themselves turning to a thesaurus, seeking synonyms for a single word, but this app takes the research one step further. Searching a phrase will bring up similar or commonly used passages from classic literature and writing to help inspire a new way of thinking about what you’re trying to say.

Write or Die: The name of this app sounds a little harsh, but it’s the perfect motivator for those who are prone to procrastination (like yours truly can be, at times, when it comes to creative writing). Users set a word count or time goal for the session, and if they stop writing before meeting it, the app responds in various severities — from a simple reminder to erasing what you’ve already written — until you start again.

FOR MUSICIANS

GarageBand: This digital sound and recording app serves both trained musicians and those looking to break into the industry. The app can be connected to a number of different virtual instruments and also includes its own array of “smart instruments” for those seeking to try their hand at audio engineering without a bevy of hefty expenses.

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Life & Style : Fall 2014

Songster Tabs and Chords: The days of buying tab books may be over.

Apps such as this one allow musicians to discover tablature for many popular songs, and most of them feature tabs for instruments beyond guitar. Users can search by artist or song title, and an offline mode allows them to access previously viewed tabs without Internet access. The participating artists are legally included and paid for their work, which is an added bonus.

ThumbJam: Designed specifically for Apple products, this app turns your handheld device into an instrument. Users pick out a key and scale and use their thumb to move up and down the notes and wave the device to create effects such as pitch bend.

It’s not overly complex and might not be too useful in actually creating sounds for recording, but it helps people learn different aspects of musical sound, and they can be manipulated.

FOR MOVIEMAKERS

iMovie: This app is the mobile version of Apple’s standard movie editing software, and, like its full version, it’s geared toward beginners and those looking to learn.

You can do basic cuts and edits of videos shot with your iPod or iPad with ease, or you can get more intricate with themes, transitions and other fine touches. You won’t see many Hollywood blockbusters edited in iMovie, but it’s a nice option for your home videos. iStopMotion: Why settle for watching “The Lego Movie” when you can make your own? This iPad app — Android users can find similar programs for their systems — lets the user learn to make quick, easy stopmotion videos. Use Lego or other toys and then move them a little on each frame before snapping a picture. Put them all together in motion and watch your story unfold before your eyes.

CollabraCam: Every filmmaker desires to use multiple camera angles to be sure to capture the best shots. With this app, the user can network a number of iPhones to create a studio-style setup. One phone works as the “director” with up to four phones filming and streaming video to it.

The director then chooses what camera should be active, switching between them to ensure the best angle is being captured.

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Life & Style : Fall 2014

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ARTISTS

‘I don’t like shiny things; I’d rather concern myself with substance.’

— Kyle Kinser

Kinser polishes a table top with a special mix he creates.

Photos by Adam Testa and Lori Baysinger

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Kyle Kinser

Celebrating nature’s imperfections in his perfectly beautiful and unique furniture

Kinser is all about reclamation of beautiful wood, which is evident in the door panels of a cabinet he created. They almost look like fabric but are actually slices of ‘dead’ wood he was able to bring to life in a creative way.

BY CHANDA GREEN

K

yle Kinser is an artist, a craftsman and a woodworker, but that doesn’t really come close to describing what he does. Kinser makes one-of-a-kind, high-end, hand-made furniture that is so unique and beautiful it will take your breath away. And, it’s made so well that each one is an heirloom piece, something you would be proud to pass down to the next generation.

He uses wood from the forest around his home in Makanda, sometimes keeping an eye on a tree for years until it falls and then dragging it back to his studio to slice and stack until the pieces dry and age naturally for years before pulling one out and letting it speak to him.

“I prefer to have a piece of wood tell me what to do rather than a client,” he said. “I like to build something and then find a good home for it.”

The imperfections in the wood he collects and uses — the cracks and knots, or a winding tunnel made by a beetle

chewing its way through the tree — are what attract Kinser.

“One-hundred years from now, people will love all of those imperfections,” he said.

Kinser’s workshop looks like an old shack from the outside. But, inside, it’s filled with the machines he uses to slice the wood he finds, and the hand tools he uses to shape the wood into art.

“Every machine in this shop has a story,” he said. “But the real work begins when the machines are turned off.”

Kinser loves the experience of cutting a piece of wood with a sharp tool, celebrates the smooth surfaces that his hand plane leaves behind and finds real joy in the spiritual quality of a well-made object, one of the “real things in life.”

Along one side of Kinser’s shop are large windows, the better to drink in the inspiration of the surroundings, and in almost every corner are stacks of wood waiting for their turn under the master’s hand. He built the shop himself and has been working there — and living at the other end of his property — for more than two decades.

Life & Style : Fall 2014

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Kinser uses a variety of hand tools to create the perfect designs for his work. While he does use machinery, a lot of the work is done by hand using traditional techniques and skills.

LEFT: Wood shavings cover many of the work tables in Kinser’s studio, a symbol of his hard work. He apologizes to visitors for the mess, but most simply view it as a sign of his efforts and labor.

Kyle Kinser’s work can be seen at his studio in Makanda. He also sells commissioned work, and his pieces can be seen in numerous galleries in large metropolitan areas such as Chicago.

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Life & Style : Fall 2014

“I’m absorbed with the spiritual aspect of my life and work,” he said. “I’m a recovering Catholic, but very spiritual. I find my religion in art and in nature.”

Kinser’s journey as an artist is as interesting and circuitous as that of the unclaimed wood that becomes beautiful furniture. When he started working with wood, he had no formal connect training. He learned what he could To connect with from the local library, old high school Kyle Kinser and shop manuals and “a lot of trial and to watch a video error,” he said. of him working, He really wasn’t sure what he wanted go to www. to do with his life, so there were a few lifeandstylesi.com. years at a seminary, a few years studying 618-549-4540 kylekinser8@gmail. French and English in college and com taking on menial jobs such as picking apples. Then, after his soul-searching, fate stepped in and introduced Kinser to his mentor, James Krenov.

“I was on a hitchhiking trip in the mid-’70s from Makanda to British Columbia when I stopped at a friend’s house. My friend made guitars, and in one of his

Kinser’s artistic style is rooted in tradition, but while many think his pieces are entirely hand-crafted, they’re mistaken, as he uses machinery to help with cuts and shavings. His studio is divided into two rooms, one for machinery and the other for more hands-on work.

BELOW: Kinser’s studio is divided into two rooms, one filled with machinery and the other with open work benches and space.

The building is very basic, both inside and out, but the work created there is anything but. Kinser creates elaborate, high-end furniture, which he mostly markets through Chicago art galleries.

magazines there was a little photo of Jim’s book, ‘The Cabinetmaker’s Notebook,’ with an even tinier photo of one of Jim’s dovetail joints. As soon as I got home, I ordered that book.

“I had been groping for direction, looking for a cottage industry, some way of making my living. But, after I got that book, I was a full-time woodworker.”

In the meantime, Krenov had moved from Stockholm to the West Coast and started a fine woodworking program called the College of the Redwoods. In ’82 or ’83, Kinser and his wife, Jeri, loaded everything they had in an old, oil-burning Volvo and headed west.

Kinser enrolled in the second year of the program in a class of 22 students.

“That was my first and only structured training,” he said.

“It was non-stop stimulation, an incredible learning experience.

It really reshuffled my deck and showed me what high standards of design and construction were all about. Jim influenced a whole generation of craftsmen woodworkers. Hardly a day goes by that I don’t reminisce about my experience there.

“Jim was my mentor, my biggest, most pivotal influence.

So, my compass was set at this early stage by my experience with this wonderful teacher. I came back here and set up shop and concentrated completely on my work.”

Kinser’s work, his incredibly elegant and unique, but functional, pieces, elevated his status from simple woodworker to artist. His work is

now sought after, celebrated by the Illinois State Museum, sold in several galleries in Chicago and set to be displayed in a retrospective show next fall at SIU’s University Museum in Carbondale.

Kinser is busy preparing for that show, working with University Museum Director Donna Bachman, collecting pieces that span 40 years of his work and some of his most recent pieces.

“I’m really excited about my new Painted Tabernacle Series,” he said, which includes at least four cabinets augmented by panels painted by local visual artists Fran Jaffe, Michael Onken, Eieleen Doman and Michael Gould.

“I’m really enjoying the collaboration with other artists,” Kinser said. “I’m talking with several other artists, too. Their enthusiasm is contagious. I love the partnership involved in these collaborations. My art is a very solitary craft, and collaborations get me outside of my little cloister.”

Kinser is also collaborating with metal sculptor Alden Addington on a series of tables, using his own wood pieces as the top and what he describes as “Alden’s amazing work” as the base.

“They’re some very exciting pieces,” he said.

Another artist Kinser is even more excited about developing a working relationship with is his granddaughter, Audrey Rose. She’s in third grade now and, according to Kinser, showing a lot of artistic talent.

“I’m trying to persuade her to do a painted cabinet with me that I hope will be in my upcoming SIU show,” he said. “I’m sure it will be my favorite piece.”

Life & Style : Fall 2014 39

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Beginning in September, Dr. Daniel Griffin will be scheduling consultations at the Green Door Spa in Mt. Vernon.

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Life & Style : Fall 2014

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SELF

KEEPING IT REAL

Innovative self-defense approach helps trainees stay mentally and physically prepared for anything

BY JOE SZYNKOWSKI

You’re standing in the corner of Levi Wampler’s Carbondale MMA & Fitness facility. Next to the boxing bag. A few feet from the yellow floor fan keeping you cool in what is quickly becoming a

high-intensity training.

The next phase of your workout is walking to the other side of the room. Sounds simple enough, until you’re told that your fellow students are going to attack you. Randomly. And vigorously, depending on your skill level.

Welcome to the art of realistic self-defense, a level of mental and physical preparedness designed to keep you safe in the most austere of environments.

Wampler, a former self-defense and mixed martial arts instructor at Southern Illinois University, doesn’t stop with self-defense. He combines it with martial arts influences he has picked up over years of training in disciplines like Wing Chun Kung Fu, Jeet Kune Do, Brazilian JuiJitsu, Filipino Martial Arts and Krav Maga.

He also draws on his military background. Wampler was in the Illinois Army National Guard for eight years and deployed to Iraq from 2003 to 2004.

“After I got home from Iraq, I had trouble adjusting to not having a Kevlar, flak vest and weapon with me everywhere I went,” he said. “There was a feeling of being open or vulnerable.

After learning realistic selfdefense, it helped Levi Wampler teaches student Jeffery Cripps of Carterville how to defend against an armed mugger.

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Life & Style : Fall 2014

Carbondale MMA & Fitness

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 608 S. Illinois Ave., Carbondale

 Illinois Army National Guard 8 years,

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 Deployed 2003 to 2004 to Iraq.  (E-5) Sgt.

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me to cope with that feeling.”

Wampler cultivates that same feeling of confidence in his students, while also delivering a targeted conditioning program in an innovative way. Students pound on massive tractor tires with sledgehammers, lift heavy black bags filled with bricks over their shoulders and navigate through various cardio-focused drills.

They learn how to disarm guns and fend off knife attacks. They also work through challenging, real-life scenarios within the facility’s main area and side rooms, one of which simulates a city alleyway, complete with tight quarters and graffiti-splashed walls.

It’s all in an effort to remain ahead of the workout curve and hold court on a competitive street — one that fields a Cross-Fit facility and karate studio across Illinois Avenue.

“It’s all about building people’s situational awareness, whether you’re here in Carbondale or traveling in New York,” Wampler said. “You can also get a great workout in the process.”

Jason Henry has been training with Wampler a few days per week for six years and actually helped clean up the new Carbondale facility when he first purchased it.

“I remember he wasn’t talking about being excited for himself,” Henry recalled. “He said, ‘I’m proud that I can finally train you like you deserve to be trained.’”

Henry said the training has kicked up a notch since moving operations from Murphysboro.

“No matter what your skill set or personality, Levi will make you feel comfortable,” Henry said.

“I know a lot of people are nervous or shy about starting new things, but Levi makes it an inviting environment.”

Wampler demonstrates what not to do when threatened by someone holding a gun. ‘We teach people to bring their hands close to the gun, so you can quickly grab it,’ Wampler says.

Photos by Steve Matzker

Life & Style : Fall 2014 43

PROFILE

Behind the

Camera Carbondale native makes directorial debut

BY MARILYN HALSTEAD

The movie “Tammy,” which opened in theaters July 2, has more of a connection to Southern Illinois than just the opening scene being set in Murphysboro.

The movie, starring Melissa McCarthy and Susan Sarandon, was directed by Ben Falcone, who grew up in Carbondale.

Falcone was born in Carbondale and his parents, Steve and Peg Falcone, still live here. He graduated from Carbondale Community High School and then went to University of Illinois. Wanting to work in the entertainment business, he traveled to Los Angeles and joined The Groundlings Theatre and School. The school has a pretty impressive list of alumni, which includes Falcone, his wife Melissa McCarthy, Will Ferrell, Lisa Kudrow and many other great comedians.

“It’s where I met most of my closest friends and Melissa, where we started working together,” Falcone said. “I’m very grateful and thankful for the opportunities we’ve had.”

Photos by AP

LEFT: Melissa McCarthy and Ben Falcone share a look at a ceremony immortalizing McCarthy with a hand and footprint at TCL Chinese Theatre in July.

ABOVE: Ben Falcone signs autographs at the ceremony.

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Life & Style : Fall 2014

After McCarthy gained notoriety, someone asked if there were any Falcone gave the details meeting his wife on the Late Show with projects they would like to do. They pitched the idea to Universal, David Letterman. The two were in class at The Groundlings, and and company executives like it. At that point, Falcone said they had the class was doing introductions in a circle. McCarthy, who was to get serious and finish the script. Six years after the concept was about six people ahead of Falcone, said she went to school “in a born, the movie is a reality. place you’ve never heard of, Carbondale, Illinois.” When it was The movie opens in Murphysboro, Illinois, with Tammy Falcone’s turn to speak, he introduced himself and said, “Thanks.

(McCarthy) driving to work at fictional I’m from Carbondale, Illinois.” fast food restaurant Topper Jacks. Once They have been friends since. They at work, her boss, Keith (Falcone), fires married in 2005 and have two daughters, her for being late. Her car dies on Illinois ages 7 and 4.

13. When she finally makes it home, her Breaking into the film industry is not husband Greg (Nat Faxon) is having a easy, and that has been true for Falcone. romantic dinner with a neighbor (Toni “It was a long process, you know. I’ve had Collette). She leaves and walks two doors to keep at it, keep moving forward and try down to her parents’ home. The result to get better,” Falcone said. “I just try to is a road trip with her grandma Pearl turn out great things that people will like.”

(Sarandon). The plot includes a robbery Falcone is known as a character actor of a Topper Jacks in Louisville, Kentucky; and writer. He has had roles in “What to alcoholic Pearl humiliating Tammy at a Expect When You’re Expecting,” “Enough Fourth of July party, a divorce, a retirement Said” and “Bad Words,” and several home, and a trip to Niagara Falls. The cast movies that star McCarthy, including includes Allison Janney and Dan Aykroyd “Bridesmaids,” “Identity Thief” and “The Ben Falcone and Melissa McCarthy as Tammy’s parents, Gary Cole, Kathy Heat.” He had a recurring role in television walk the street at the New Line Cinema premiere of ‘Tammy’ held at Hollywood’s Bates, Sandra Oh, Mark Duplass, Sarah series “Joey,” a “Friends” spin-off starring TCL Chinese Theatre in June.

Baker, Rich Williams and Rob Springer.

Matt LeBlanc. He makes his directorial Directing a film that stars your wife debut with “Tammy” and plays the boss “I wish I could get might be a challenge for some, but who fires Tammy early in the movie. back there more “Tammy” was not a challenge for Falcone.

If you still think you don’t know who often. It’s a great He and McCarthy have written and Ben Falcone is as an actor, think Target performed together since their days at commercials. He was the music teacher place and I miss it.”

The Groundlings. who tells parents that children have to look — Ben Falcone “It was a delight every day. We both cool and sings about denim and school work a lot, and being able to spend a lot supplies in a popular Target back-to-school of time together was delightful. Melissa is commercial. a super funny person and a great actress,” “I really like all aspects of the business. he said. “When you work with great I enjoy writing, acting, and I really enjoy people, like Susan (Sarandon), Kathy (Bates) and Gary (Cole), it is directing. I’m lucky enough that I like it all,” he said. “When you a pleasure.” are able to do this with your wife, it’s a bonus.”

The disadvantage is that time with their daughters is in short McCarthy shares that sentiment and often refers to her supply when they are working. husband as “the love of her life” and “the dreamiest man “When we are both working long hours, we don’t get to see the on the planet.” At home, Ben is the comedian, making kids as much as we would like,” Falcone added. everyone laugh.

“I probably laugh to the point where I literally think I The Falcone-McCarthy family travels together as a group. When one films, they all go, which puts their young daughters on the can’t get air in probably four times a day … No, I can’t set of “Tammy.” Ben said the girls would come on the set for 30 imagine having a husband, or a partner or whoever minutes to an hour, until they got bored. you’re with all the time, that doesn’t make you laugh “You’d think they would be interested in the cameras and like that,” McCarthy told Mo Rocca in a CBS Sunday equipment, but they just wanted to go back to the trailer and Morning interview.

The idea for the movie “Tammy” was born before any of color,” he said, laughing.

Falcone has simple goals, “just to keep working and doing the roles McCarthy is known for today, like “Bridesmaids” projects people want to see.” or “Mike and Molly.”

The couple has another project in the works for Universal.

Falcone got up one morning with an idea for a movie, “We are writing a movie for Universal that should be fun for maybe from a dream.

Melissa,” Falcone said. “We plan to shoot next year.”

“I came downstairs and said to Melissa, ‘We need to His dad, Steve Falcone, told Adam Testa of The Southern make a movie where you go on a road trip with your Illinoisan that the hard work his son and daughter-in-law have done grandma.’ Melissa and I were both very close to our is already paying dividends. The couple’s second film, also directed grandmas,” Falcone said.

by Falcone and starring McCarthy, will be “Michelle Darnell,” based McCarthy told several interviewers that she thought he on a character McCarthy created at The Groundlings. wasn’t fully awake and offered him coffee.

Falcone still loves Southern Illinois.

“I knew she was a good actress and there was a lot of stuff she “I wish I could get back there more often,” he said. “It’s a great could do. I wanted to show her talent,” Falcone added. place and I miss it.”

As ideas for the movie came to them, they wrote them down.

Life & Style : Fall 2014 45

BUSINESS BUZZ

Pushing the

Design Envelope Trish Francis, a designer at Wright’s Do-It Center in Murphysboro, uses the store’s online design center to explore options for a potential customer. The site shows off before and after pictures of various projects, allowing interested people to see what others have done with their homes.

BELOW: Many people think of Wright’s Do-It Center as a lumberyard and home center, but the store’s staff can also share their creativity and experience with home design.

They offer services in person and online to help customers formulate ideas and explore possibilities for their kitchens, bathrooms and more.

Photos by Adam Testa

Wright’s Do-it Center’s design services are top-notch and rising in popularity

BY JOE SZYNKOWSKI

Quaintly tucked away into the back section of Wright’s Do-It Center in Murphysboro is the business’ best-kept secret.

Within the elegantly decorated, showcase-filled area is an atmosphere of creative energy and smiling faces ready to help you put together your dream kitchen or bathroom.

The longtime, locally owned business celebrating its 50th anniversary this year may be known primarily as a lumber yard and home center, but its design capability is what really sets it apart from the competition.

“I can’t tell you how often we hear, ‘Oh, wow, I didn’t know you did this kind of work,’” sales manager Jami Lee Wright said. “Our designers really are top notch and have been putting out quality work throughout Southern Illinois for a very long time.”

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Wright’s Do-It Center designed this bathroom remodel for a customer.

The store not only sells home and construction supplies, its employees can also help bring people’s creativity home design ideas to life.

Designer Kim Koehler meets with customer Leslie Williams to discuss design options. The store has many setups showcased, including kitchen counters and bathroom showers, and more options can be viewed on its website.

Evidence of the innovative work that Wright’s Do-It Center’s designers have produced is on the company’s website, www.wrightdoit.com. The site’s before-and-after photo section offers a stunning peak into some of the transformations the staff has executed.

The business began photographing its projects about five years ago, starting out by printing portfolio books for curious customers to peruse.

It quickly took its photo collection online, to the delight of potential design clients looking for creative examples of past work.

“We wanted our customers to see what we’re capable of,” Wright said. “The photos have been fundamental in showcasing the depth of our product, design and installation capability.”

The business’ custom design portfolio is available to view on Houzz.com and can be accessed easily by visiting Wright’s Do-It Center’s website and clicking on the green Houzz icon on the top right-hand corner of the page.

Staying ahead of the technology curve has been crucial to Wright’s Do-It Center’s progressive growth, which started 50 years ago with a dream, a

Wright’s Do-It Center designed this kitchen remodel for a customer.

The store not only sells home and construction supplies, its employees can also help bring people’s creativity home design ideas to life.

Photos provided

by Wright’s Do-It Center

modest pole barn and handful of employees.

“It is very important to remain innovative,” Wright said. “We do so on several different levels. We are always pushing the bar with new designs.”

Whether you’re looking to liven up a bland bathroom or overhaul an outdated kitchen, Wright’s Do-It Center can help you with every detail — from blueprint to move-in.

“We can create the kitchen and bath you’ve always wanted, but never thought possible,” Wright said.

The business’ design staff will even come to your home to learn more about your vision, take all of the necessary measurements and then get to work.

So, walk through the business’ large entry doors in Murphysboro, head to the back and prepare to be inspired. Your home will thank you.

“Our designers would love the opportunity to partner with you,” Wright said.

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

Wright’s Do-It Center 208 S. Williams St., Murphysboro 618-687-1702 1306 N. Market St., Sparta 618-443-5335 wrightdoit.com Wright’s Do-It Center is celebrating its 50th anniversary all year long.

Engage with the business on Facebook for a chance to win its monthly $50 gift card prize.

Life & Style : Fall 2014 47

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Life & Style : Fall 2014

ENTREPRENEUR

Denise Fann Interior designer helps bring your ideas and your inspiration into reality

BY CHANDA GREEN

If you want to find Denise Fann, just stop by the little shop around the corner in Carterville, Deloufleur Décor & Designs, and you’ll find her behind the large marble-top bar right inside the front doors, showcasing the finest in furniture, fabrics, leather and accessories, and making her own creative brand of interior design magic.

With 25 years of experience in the design and furniture industry and a real eye for the wow factor, all Denise needs is a little inspiration. She’ll pull some swatches, and, before you know it, she will have created a look that’s just what you wanted and then some — from furniture and accessories to flooring and draperies.

“You bring your ideas, your inspiration,” she said, “and I’ll help you make your home more beautiful.”

Before Denise opened her shop in April, she worked for 18 years in West Frankfort at Coleman Rhoads, which closed in December after 30 years in business.

For single mother Denise, with two children in college, she knew she had to make a decision quickly. A good friend of hers offered some advice.

“He told me I had two choices, to work for someone else or to work for myself, and he convinced me that I could start my own little shop. I had the knowledge, the experience and the clientele. I just had to find the financing.”

Deloufleur Décor & Designs 1615 Landing Drive, Suite B Carterville, off Illinois 13 618-985-3355 www.deloufleur.com

Denise met with an accountant and, before she knew it, she was in her new home at Deloufleur. And even though her shop is small, it’s mighty. Keeping a lot of inventory can actually be a detriment.

“I have everything I need right here,” she said, throwing her arms out wide to encompass her small, jampacked showroom.

She tells a story about a recent customer who wanted to buy a new dining room table. Denise spins around and taps some commands on a keyboard and a 50-inch monitor displays one of her online tools.

“I helped her build the table she wanted by walking her through every possible variation on that huge screen, from tabletop shape and size — it had to seat 10 — to style and finish. In just a few minutes, she could see the table she wanted. I placed the order and, in a few weeks, she had her new dining room table.”

Yes, Denise is a wizard at the keyboard, but if you really want to see her in action,

ABOVE: Denise Fann opened Deloufleur Decor and Designs in Carterville this spring.

The front counter of Deloufleur is lined with various books and catalogs highlighting the different design and fabric options available.

Photos by Adam Testa

give her an idea and turn her lose in what she calls her War Room. There’s a wall of fabric swatches, stacks of books and a rack of fringes and finishes that flank a large table. That’s where she’s in her element, translating her customers’ inspiration into interior design, pulling things together that might never occur to you and me.

“I go through everything, seeing what I can come up with, pulling fabrics and bringing everything to the table,” she said. “I might go crazy and pick some hot pink patterns, some fun paisleys, some animal prints and a dragonfly pillow with contrasting buttons or some new spring colors.

“That’s custom designing, making unique pieces with character, putting pieces together creatively. I love what I do, and I love seeing the look on my customers’ faces when I show them how to make their home more beautiful, one piece at a time!”

Life & Style : Fall 2014

49

COVER STORY

50 Life & Style : Fall 2014

! e t a e r C

It’s never too late, too silly or too selfish to discover ways to express yourself

C

BY CHANDA GREEN

reativity is intrinsic to the human condition. As unique individuals, each of us approaches a project or problem with creativity, that point of view and plan of attack that is ours and ours alone. Whether it’s music or fine art, theater or dance, writing or something less creatively recognizable like organizing a group, planning a strategy or inspiring someone to try some new thing, we are all creative.

So, if that is true, then why are some of us able to identify and avidly pursue our creative passions, while others are downright resistant to trying anything that might subject us to criticism?

OK, if we don’t know why, beyond that ever elusive selfconfidence, then let’s ask how. Well, it turns out that creativity is a very individualized process, as unique to each of us as we are to the rest of the world.

Nevertheless, there is something to learn from those brave souls who have somehow struggled past all of the forces that impel us to conform, those who have stepped out into the ether and found the absolute joy of following their creative dreams. Here are a few very special local authorities.

Life & Style : Fall 2014

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NORMA LEE HACKNEY,

Photo by Adam Testa

As director of the Anna Arts Center, Norma Lee Hackney doesn’t only explore her own creativity; she encourages others to tap into theirs as well. This summer, the center hosted a workshop for kids, which ended with them building three-dimensional robots. Hackney said she’s proud to see the work kids accomplish and the enjoyment they receive from participating.

If you ask Norma Lee Hackney director of Anna Arts Center, how she earned her living before “retiring” to Southern Illinois, she’ll tell you that she “drove ships,” but that doesn’t exactly tell the whole story.

Lee commanded an aircraft carrier as a captain in the U.S. Navy.

After she retired, she moved to Anna and, remembering her early interest in drawing, painting and woodworking, decided that getting involved with Anna Arts Center was a great way to revive that creative spirit and get involved in the community. She volunteered right away and, a year later, she was asked to be its director.

The best part of her job at the center, she said, is when she gets to work with the children, encouraging their efforts and bolstering their self-confidence.

“I tell them that there are no mistakes in art, and I watch as their confidence grows through the process,” she said.

Lee has found many ways to use her creativity at Anna Arts Center.

She cites work in public relations, grant writing, scheduling events, recruiting and working with volunteers. Then there are the more straight-forward creative outlets, such as the children’s program, the new drama group, classes and workshops, exhibits and events.

“I love reaching out to the community, letting them know that the arts center is a fun place to come for all ages. For me, it’s fun being creative and using my imagination to see all of the possibilities for the center, and very rewarding as I make a lot of new friends.”

“You can’t use up creativity. The more you use, the more you have.”

— Maya Angelou, author and poet

JEANNE FERRARO

Jeanne Ferraro, president of The Stage Company in Carbondale, grew up in a creative household.

“I used to make things growing up, and my grandmother was the same way,” she said. “She taught me to sew and bake. My mother taught me to crochet, and I was always involved in some craft project.”

Jeanne’s creative advice is two-fold. First, watch for that spark of creativity in children and encourage it. Second, if you’re trying to rediscover your creativity, don’t be afraid to try different things to find what excites you. For Jeanne, that could only mean getting involved in theater.

“Theater is collaborative and of the moment,” she said. “The actors and the audience experience it together. When you’re on stage and your energy is up and the audience feeds that energy back to you, you can feel it. It’s an interactive creativity — between the actors, and between the actors and the audience.”

If acting is just not your thing, Jeanne, of Carbondale, said that shouldn’t discourage you from getting involved in your local theater group.

“There are so many different creative things besides acting that you can do in theater,” she said. “You could help paint scenery or work with stage lighting. You could help with stage construction or work on public relations, writing press releases and announcements. There’s photography, costumes, makeup, stage management and assistant directing.

The benefit of getting involved in a group is that you get to work with so many different creative people, all willing to teach and share their knowledge.”

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Life & Style : Fall 2014

Photo by Adam Testa

Jeanne Ferraro has been a part of The Stage Co. in Jackson County since 1985, now serving as its president. She appreciates the creative many outlets of theater, from directing to acting and set design to lighting and sound. This summer, she starred in the company’s production of ‘Mother Hicks,’ which she said might be the most inspiring show she’s ever done.

ANDREA BARCLAY

Andrea Barclay has been described as the “woman behind it all” at Global Gourmet restaurant and bar in Carbondale. She’s “chef, wine taster, menu planner, dishwasher, decorator, babysitter and creative-working partner.”

Born and raised in Southern Illinois, Andrea has a passion for cooking, but also for wine, perfume, all things Chanel and traveling.

“I’ve always been fascinated by cultures: architecture, art, music, fashion and food,” she said.

“When I was a kid, my dad hung a giant map of the world on our laundry room wall, and I would stare at it for hours, naming all of the places I would like to go when I grew up. I was such a romantic dreamer!”

Andrea has been lucky enough to travel to many interesting places that have inspired her and helped her be more creative in the foods that she prepares at Global Gourmet and in the style and ambiance of the restaurant.

“My inspirations and creativity have come from seeing the medina of Fez and the spice market of Marrakesh, the canals of Venice and Amsterdam and the ruins of Athens and Rome, the turquoise waters of the Caribbean and Mediterranean and the gardens and lavender of the Loire Valley and Provence,” she said.

“I’ve been to 23 countries so far, plus the Principality of Monaco (twice) and the Vatican. I will continue to travel and be inspired by the people, food, wine, buildings, music and fashion of this great earth!”

Photo by The Southern

Andrea Barclay’s international travels have spiced up her creative thinking and ideas. Having visiting more than 20 countries, she learns something new from each stop. When she returns home to Carbondale, she uses the ingredients of inspiration to create special recipes for customers at Global Gourmet.

“Creativity is intelligence having fun.”

— Albert Einstein, Nobel-winning physicist

KATHIE DENOSKY

Kathie DeNosky is a successful romance novelist who lives in Herrin. She’s had 36 books published by Harlequin and is currently working on her 37th. They’ve been translated into more than 25 languages, have won several awards and have been on USA Today’s top 50 bestseller list.

“It took a long time for me to believe that I’m a professional writer,” she said. “It’s been 15 years since I sold that first book, and I know that Harlequin considers me a veteran writer.

But I still feel like I’m new at it. Maybe that’s because I try to always be better, to dig deeper, to learn more and to write a better book.”

Kathie has always had creative outlets. She’s done needlework, made dolls, gotten involved Kathy DeNosky of in decorative painting and created craft projects Herrin has published more than 35 books for most of her life. She’s even taught classes on through Harlequinn.

Her wildest dreams decorative painting and basket weaving, but it been passed, took a little encouragement from her husband have as her words have to try writing. been translated and published in more “I always loved to read and, than 25 languages. one day, after reading a poorly She has appeared on written book, I told me husband, the USA Today top 50 best sellers list, but she ‘I should write a book; I could do still has a hard time considering herself a better than this.’ He said, ‘Why veteran writer. not?’ I sat down at my computer the next day and, six months later, I had written my first book. By the time I finished that first one, there was another set of characters whispering in my ear, begging me to tell their story.”

Of course, Kathie’s first book didn’t sell. In fact, it took eight years for Kathie to get her first book

published; but, by then, she had improved her writing. So, she got out her old, rejected manuscripts, made some corrections and got every one of them published.

“I’ve learned a lot about my craft, and I truly have a lot of fun doing what I’m doing,” she said. “I keep threatening to retire, but I know I won’t. I’m having too much fun to stop now!”

Life & Style : Fall 2014

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ROBERTA ELLIOTT

Roberta Elliott of Cobden is a blacksmith artist. The first time she struck iron, she knew that she had found her calling.

“There is something wonderfully indescribable about the energy exchange that takes place while blacksmithing,” she said. “The heat of the fire and the force of the hammer’s blow feed and energize me.”

Roberta discovered her artistic Roberta Elliott is creativity in iron in the late ’70s. at home in her But even as a little kid, she was Cobden studio, where she applies creative, always playing around age-old lessons with crafts. She tried painting. of blacksmithing to create modern She sewed. She was always designs and working with her hands in some jewelry. Her work represents an old sort of creative fashion, but never art in a new age. considered any of it as a way of making a living.

Photos by Adam Testa So she went to medical school (briefly), ending up with a doctorate in physiology. After that, all she knew was that she didn’t want to continue in academia. Perhaps as a way to try something completely out of left field, she decided to become a farrier. Yes, that’s someone who shoes horses.

“While I was trying — and not really succeeding — to learn how to shoe horses, I started playing around with steel.”

For a while, Roberta thought she could shoe horses in the summer and do something creative with iron in the off-season, but she soon gave up being a farrier and turned completely to her artistic pursuits.

“The first time that I tried blacksmithing in graduate school, I fell in love with it; it captivated me,” she said. “To totally transform something from the way it looks in the beginning is a ABOVE: La Waltz very empowering experience.

LEFT: Carmen It’s the process that keeps me going, being able to hammer on steel. I just love it. It doesn’t Elliott uses a matter what I’m making. It all machine to flatten out a piece feels good.” of metal after removing it from the furnace in her Cobden studio.

The worst enemy to creativity is self-doubt.”

— Sylvia Plath, poet

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Life & Style : Fall 2014

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Life & Style : Fall 2014

55

AUR BECK

Aur Beck is passionate about renewable and solar energy, and he’s managed to find creative ways to turn that passion into a career. His company, Advanced Energy Solutions Group in Pomona, helps share the fruits of his labor with residential, commercial and industrial clients.

Aur Beck of Carbondale helped found Advanced Energy Solutions Group in Pomona in 1999 to provide affordable, renewable energy solutions to residential, commercial and industrial customers. The business designs, sells and installs customized solar electric, solar thermal, hydro energy and wind systems. It sponsors and hosts solar education classes and has established a training program and network of professional installation technicians that he calls his Green Geek Squad.

Aur is passionate about renewable energy, so much so that he’s constantly studying the latest advances in the industry and working to promote his interest as founder and board member of the Illinois Renewable Energy Association and Southern Illinois Center for a Sustainable Future.

But renewable energy is just one of his passions. Just ask him. He’ll tell you about his list.

“In 1998, I made a list of my interests, my passions. The top five were solar energy, goats, bicycles, salsa dancing and off-thegrid living,” he said. “I decided to focus on a couple of my interests at a time, but only one as a way to make a living. Then, every couple of years, I would switch my focus to two other interests on my list.”

Aur created his businesses based on his list. His first business followed his passion for bicycles.

“I was the Bike Doctor for a few years,” he said. “I used the money I was making as the Bike Doctor to support my passion for solar energy. I just never really thought it would be a business, although I hoped that it would, and eventually it did. But, through it all, I just kept focusing on my passions.”

“Creativity is just connecting things.”

— Steve Jobs, creator of Apple Inc.

MARI SCHNEIDER

For as long as she can remember, music has been a vital part of life for Mari Shneider of Carbondale.

“When I was a little girl, my mother (who used to sing with her mother on a radio program in New York City in the 1940s) would play the most wonderful pieces of music on our stereo — Ravel’s ‘Bolero,’ ‘Carmen’ by Bizet, and the soundtrack from ‘South Pacific’ by Rodgers and Hammerstein,” she said. “I learned to play the guitar from the girl who lived next door and quickly found that I could play by ear.”

Mari never learned to read music, but kept on singing and playing — at church, at weddings and at parties — and dreamed of someday singing on stage. She grew up, moved away, married and had children. Her guitar gathered dust in the corner, and music took a back seat to life’s more pressing demands.

“And then, early in 1997, my 15-year marriage imploded. I was juggling life as a single mom with two young children and a demanding, full-time job,” she said. “At the end of every day, I’d fall into bed, emotionally and physically exhausted. I’d completely lost my sense of joy and felt very alone, despite the support of family and friends.”

One day, Mari’s co-worker, Helen Coracy, asked her if she would like to join a singing group, SIU Choral Union, which is made up of community members and students.

“I walked into the rehearsal room with Helen, saw more than 100 unfamiliar faces and thought, ‘What am I doing here?’

But just our warm-up exercises gave me a major set of goose bumps. What an amazing sound we made by singing a simple musical scale!”

While Mari struggled every week to make sense of the sharps, flats, fermatas, time signatures and dynamics, she was learning.

“For months, I hit more bad notes than good ones, sang when I wasn’t supposed to, and sometimes I just didn’t sing at all and simply listened,” she said, “but I was always absorbing and retaining and growing. I was creating!”

They sang in English, in Latin and Italian, in French and 56

Life & Style : Fall 2014

When Mari Schneider joined the SIU Choral Union, she had reservations but persevered. ‘For months, I hit more bad notes than good ones, sang when I wasn’t supposed to, and sometimes I just didn’t sing at all and simply listened — but I was always absorbing and retaining and growing.

I was creating!’

German, and even in Russian. Mari’s time with the choral union became her sacred time. For more than two hours each week, she was immersed in a world where there was nothing but swirling, soaring voices.

“My stress levels plummeted,” she said. “The concentration and focus on the music was so intense that there was no room in my head for anything else but the music.”

On the night of her first performance at Shryock Auditorium, Mari was beyond nervous. As she took her place on stage, she had never been so terrified. But as the conductor raised the baton, she was transformed, elated and joyful.

“I was singing on stage at last,” she said. “Group singing is the most transforming and exhilarating type of singing.

One voice, combined with a multitude of others, creates a sound that is not only harmonious, it also alters the mind and the spirit. Regular group singing has been scientifically proven to lower stress hormones and improve our well-being, but I don’t need science to tell me any of this.

“Singing with this group healed me. I am energized, motivated and absolutely elated when I join with others to create a wave of sound that can touch a soul, heal a heart and lift a spirit.”

“No man has the right to dictate what other men should perceive, create or produce, but all should be encouraged to reveal themselves, their perceptions and emotions, and to build confidence in the creative spirit.”

— Ansel Adams, photographer

Photo by Steve Matzker

Fred Pfalzgraf and Jenny White in Shryock Auditorium, where they have performed with the SIU Choral Union.

JENNY WHITE

Jenny White is a 52-year-old mother of five grown children with a strong faith and devotion to her church and a creative interest in music.

Jenny, of Carbondale, has played piano in church since she was 15, but in the last few years expanded that role and her duties.

“I‘m very excited to be a part of creating a vision for what we want our congregational singing to sound like at Cornerstone Reformed Church, and being a part of a team to move the singing in that direction,” she said.

Jenny was friends with Dr. Fred Pfalzgraf, who has sung with SIU Choral Union for years.

“He had always talked about how enriching the experience is,” she said. “I never considered myself a singer and so I never joined until Fred finally talked me into it this past semester.”

Jenny joined with her daughter, just to see if they could do it.

“Much to my surprise, I found I could sing,” she said.

“I still would like to get some lessons, but the magic that director Susan Davenport works in those rehearsals is amazing! The feeling is hard to describe.

“During vigorous passages, the sensations feel more like running in a relay where you are tense and focused and running hard, not to leave people behind, but rather to match your teammate so the baton gets passed successfully.”

FRED PFALZGRAF

Fred Pfalzgraf, a Herrin resident and another member of SIU Choral Union, is also a physician, so most of his training and education was in math and science. Music, to Fred, was a different world, but one he had to make a part of his.

In college and medical school, he had to devote so much of his time to his chosen profession that music was shelved for several years. He sang in church and listened to a lot of classical music, but that was about it.

In 2005, an acquaintance told him about SIU Choral Union. Fred wanted to sing classical music, and this seemed the perfect outlet. He joined that year and has participated in most semesters ever since.

“To me, music is something that can express the whole range of human experience and emotion, and music can move the soul. The music that we sing in the choral union does just that,” he said.

“There is a work of art each of us was destined to create,” said Paulo Coelho, Brazilian lyricist and novelist. “That is the central point of our life, and no matter how we try to deceive ourselves, we know how important it is to our happiness. Usually, that work of art is covered by years of fears, guilt and indecision. But, if we decide to remove those things that do not belong, if we have no doubt as to our capability, we are capable of going forward with the mission that is our destiny. That is the only way to live with honor.”

“Creativity is allowing yourself to make mistakes. Art is knowing which ones to keep.”

— Scott Adams, author Life & Style : Fall 2014

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Unleash your inner creativity How to discover — or rediscover — it!

BY JANICE STAAB

Are you a creative person? Wait!

Don’t answer just yet. Too many of us have a knee-jerk, negative response to this question along the lines of: “I’m just not a creative person. I wasn’t one of the artsy kids in school.

I can’t draw or sing. Even writing a report for work makes me uneasy.”

“You’re either born with talent or you’re not. Sure, you have to practice to get good. But talent is a must, and I haven’t got it.”

“I took an art class in college and sang in my church choir. It was fun, but I wasn’t any good. Real artists just have something I lack.”

Voices like these convince us that the world’s artists, writers and musicians are the real creative types. But art is only one expression of creativity. Creativity is the ability to see the world in new ways and actively bring new possibilities to life.

Creativity, in this sense, includes us all. You may be unable to carry a tune, but perhaps you carry the room during a staff meeting. It takes as much creativity to draw a scientific conclusion as it does to draw a beautiful picture.

And, every day, we’re challenged to find creative ways of interacting with people who push our buttons.

Use these tips to confidently burst through your blocks and unleash your inner creativity.

DON’T DO WHAT YOU’VE ALWAYS DONE. You’ve heard that the definition of crazy is doing the same thing and expecting different results?

Well, one definition of creativity is doing something different with no expectations. Shake up your daily routines with a jolt of cognitive diversity. This just means challenging your mind with new and different experiences and ideas to broaden your understanding of yourself and the world.

This doesn’t have to involve skydiving or bungee jumping. You can start by doing everyday things in new ways. Rather than sending a text, write an actual letter (with a stamp and everything). Cook a meal from scratch.

Drive home by a new path and explore new parts of your town. Or have a weekly “techno fast day” when the TVs, computers and cell phones are turned off in favor of other activities.

Encourage cognitive diversity, and your creativity will fire on all cylinders.

ACTIVELY LOOK FOR INSPIRATION. The world is brimming over with beauty, order, patterns and precision. People do awe-inspiring things each day. Make a commitment to look for things that inspire you to be better and do better.

Keep a list and review it every morning before getting out of bed.

BE CREATIVE A LITTLE BIT AT A TIME. It’s tempting to try a new thing and stop when it doesn’t go well. Ditch your inner perfectionist and allow yourself the privilege of learning!

Learn what you like and what makes you happy. Take one small creative step each day. It may be successful, and it may not. But if you feel you’ve failed, take a cue from Samuel Beckett. “Ever tried? Ever failed?

No matter. Try again. Fail again.

Fail better.”

TAP INTO YOUR PASSION! Let what gives you joy fuel your creative endeavors. You’ll be most inspired to work and act for something that touches your heart. Further, you’ll be more inspired to work in ordinary settings if you surround yourself with things that bring you joy. So make a joys list. Include everything from a cup of tea or a piece of dark chocolate to the color green or bluegrass music.

Then fill the places where you want to be more creative (office, garden, home) with your joys!

“Creativity takes courage.”

— Henri Matisse, painter 58

Life & Style : Fall 2014

MAKE A WEEKLY CREATIVITY APPOINTMENT. Treat your creative growth as you would any important appointment in your life. Set aside time for creativity in your schedule and respect that time.

Start with 30 minutes weekly to do something creative. Gradually increase the time as you feel inspired.

FIND CREATIVE ROLE MODELS. You don’t need to reinvent the wheel to be more creative. Whether you want to start a business, go back to school or be in a play, others are already living their versions of your dreams. Find them and ask them how they do it. Ask if they’ll take a look at your ideas or plans. If approached respectfully, most people are more than willing to help a newcomer.

CULTIVATE THE SILLY! Remember the last time you watched kids playing? Kids are fearless in their creativity. Their minds haven’t been constrained by reality. They are too busy recreating reality in their images! Quilts slung over furniture become an impenetrable fortress. Dolls have ideas and color preferences. An old refrigerator box is actually a time machine, and your son is visiting you from the future.

On the surface, this may seem silly to an adult who “knows better.” But while time machines may seem silly now, cellphones would have seemed silly 50 years ago. Feeling silly is only a signal that we’re reaching the limits of our comfort or our understanding. Silliness identifies these limits and can help us push past them.

OK, now answer the question: Are you a creative person? Of course you are! Pick one of these tips and begin unleashing your creative power today!

JANICE STAAB, Ph.D,. is a life and career coach in Carbondale. For more information, call (618) 303-6351 or visit www.lifesignscoaching.com.

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505 Rushing Drive - Just Westt of o Logan Park on Rt. 13 | Herrin | www.villasofhollybrook.com Life & Style : Fall 2014 59

CHEERS TO BEER

Art

Photo by Kendall Karmanian

Scratch Brewing

& SCIENCE Local craft brewers are taking new artisan approaches to a very old science

BY SHAWN CONNELLY

Beer making is both art and science. Most of us don’t think a lot about what goes into the beer we drink – it’s cold, it’s handy and that’s generally about as far as the thought process goes. For brewers, however, the balance between technical knowledge and creativity is always in play. A certain amount of “hard science” is involved, of course, and at least a practical understanding of chemistry is critical for making consistently high-quality beer. On the other hand, a technically perfect beer could also be a boring beer if every brewer produced the exact same recipe and never deviated from a prescribed formula. This is why we have well over 100

60 Life & Style : Fall 2014

Photo by Steve Matzker

Big Muddy Brewing founder and brew master Chuck Stuhrenberg smells a recently picked hop behind the brewery in Murphysboro.

Assistant brewer Nick Blew helps load an order into a distributor’s truck at Big Muddy Brewery in Murphysboro.

“We personally enjoy these beers and went out on a limb that others would enjoy them as well, and they have. We wanted to create a place truly rooted in Southern Illinois that produces a real local product that is unique.“

LISTINGS

MARIKA JOSEPHSON, CO-OWNER, SCRATCH BREWING

BIG MUDDY BREWING Creative Favorites: Blueberry Blonde Ale, Backwoods Monster (Buffalo Trace Barrel-aged), Sour du Shawnee (wine barrel-aged) 1430 N. Seventh St., Murphysboro 618-684-8833 www.bigmuddybrewing. com Noon to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday; tours available

SCRATCH BREWING COMPANY Creative Favorites: Basil Pale Ale, Birch Sap Bière de Garde, Paw Paw Abbey Ale 264 Thompson Road, Ava 618-426-1415 www.scratchbeer.com 4 to 10 p.m. Friday Noon to 10 p.m. Saturday Noon to 8 p.m. Sunday

VON JAKOB BREWERY

Photos by Steve Matzker

Scratch Brewing

Creative Favorites: Chocolate Milk Stout, Roggenbier

recognized beer styles to choose from, and the limits of creativity in brewing are set only by the imagination of the brewer.

Southern Illinois’ own craft brewing culture is no exception. Although there aren’t as many craft breweries in the area as there are in many other parts of the country, what we lack in quantity we more than make up for in quality and creativity by taking full advantage of our natural resources and indigenous appeal. Arguably, one of the most creative craft breweries in the country, much less Southern Illinois, is Scratch Brewing Company in rural Ava. Scratch is a small farmhouse brewery that grows many of the ingredients for its critically acclaimed beers on site and utilizes the bounty of the surrounding Shawnee National Forest to produce beers that are truly one of a kind.

“We personally enjoy these beers and went out on a limb that others would enjoy them as well, and they have,” co-owner and brewer Marika Josephson explains. “We wanted to create a place truly rooted in Southern Illinois that produces a real local product that is unique.”

Big Muddy Brewing in Murphysboro is a production brewery with a somewhat more conventional approach to brewing, although innovation is quickly becoming a big part of this popular craft brewery’s appeal. Owner

230 Illinois 127, Alto Pass 618- 893-4600 www.vonjakobvineyard. com/brewery 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday

Big Muddy Brewing

Life & Style : Fall 2014 61

CHEERS TO BEER

ABOVE: Chantrelle mushrooms harvested from Southern Illinois will be frozen and used in a future beer.

RIGHT: Assistant brewer Tony Johnson pushes out barley after all the sugar was pulled to make alcohol at Big Muddy Brewery in Murphysboro.

Photos by Steve Matzker

and brew master Chuck Stuhrenberg has begun utilizing oak barrels to produce beers with unique flavor characteristics and surprising complexity.

“We use locally sourced wine barrels to produce our ‘sour’ beer (a style that has been popular in Belgium for hundreds of years) by introducing local, ambient yeast into the aging process,” Stuhrenberg says.

Likewise, Big Muddy receives fresh whiskey barrels shipped overnight from distilleries in Kentucky to use in some higher alcohol beers to “impart hints of vanilla and bourbon to create a true sippin’ beer,” he says, laughing.

Von Jakob Brewery in Alto Pass is another small brewery that sees the appeal of infusing the creative spirit into traditional beer styles. Head brewer Frank Wesseln is experimenting with ingredients you wouldn’t typically associate with beer, and customers at Von Jakob’s tasting room get the opportunity to try new recipes on draft from time to time.

“We focus mainly on classic beer styles, many being of German decent, and our patrons seem to enjoy these. However, we do like to play around with different flavors and ingredients,” Wesseln says.

“Doing small trial beers helps work out what flavors go well together.

Our most recent experiment is a dark beer brewed with smoked chili peppers from our garden; it may never make it to full production, but you never know until you try.”

So, for those who might have thought beer was pretty onedimensional, a trip to one of Southern Illinois’ craft breweries will dispel that myth quickly — almost as quickly as the craft beer industry is growing, thanks to new, creative artisan approaches to a very old science.

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 beerphilospher.com.

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Life & Style : Fall 2014

ABOVE: Scratch co-owner Ryan Tockstein works to make a Belgium Double.

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AT WORK

TOP: Andy Robinson turned a hobby into a passion and a passion into a project when he opened Greenridge Landscaping in Carbondale. Robinson is able to use his creativity to design various projects, including this pond and garden outside of his business office.

ABOVE: The walls of Robinson’s office are filled with photographs of landscaping designs, many of which he and his team created.

While he’s transitioned to more of an administrative role, Robinson still enjoys the design aspect of the business and helping others find their creative drive to succeed in the industry.

Andy Robinson Designing his life’s plan with passion STORY AND PHOTOS BY ADAM TESTA

Sometimes passion, drive and a desire to apply one’s creative attributes take precedence over education and formal training.

Such were the experiences of Andy Robinson, owner of Greenridge Landscaping in Carbondale. Watching his mother work in her personal garden, Robinson gained an interest in the hobby, which he picked up himself in his 20s on a local level.

Within the last few years, Robinson’s company has started using threedimensional imaging for design projects. The process starts by creating a flat image, like that on top, and inputting that into a computer to generate the 3D images seen below. ‘It gives a much better perspective to the customer,’ he said.

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Life & Style : Fall 2014

TOP: Robinson’s office is filled with landscaping and garden design photography and samples, many he and his team have created, others for inspiration. He also keeps an inventory of relevant books and materials to continue learning and to help his staff grow in their skills.

ABOVE: Robinson has family pictures on his desk, a reminder of what’s most important in life. He has two children, a son and a daughter, and three grandchildren.

In the 1970s, he started an organic vegetable farm in Cobden, which spurred his passion for plants and gardening.

He parlayed that into a small business opportunity.

“I started out doing pretty generalized things, like lawn installations and railroadtie retaining walls, and then just stuck with it,” he said.

In 1977, he decided to take his approach more seriously, formally launching a business with a few colleagues. Together, they actively pursued educational events and functions in the industry, joined trade organizations and sought out certified credentials.

Now, with more than 25 years of professional experience under his belt, Robinson is helping others explore their creativity and expand their landscaping skills.

Greenridge employees about 12 people working on three crews spanning a wide range of services, including irrigation, planting and maintenance and construction.

“We’re good at creating that whole rounded picture at a residential site,” Robinson said.

His duties anymore include a lot of supervision and management, but Robinson still enjoys getting his hands dirty. He still does site visits to meet with potential clients and helps with irrigation and lighting design with a little plant design thrown in the mix, as well.

Robinson’s office is filled with books, photos and awards that reflect his commitment to learning, his accomplishments and his abilities.

Life & Style : Fall 2014 65

OUT

& ABOUT

“Folded Square Alphabet U” by Fletcher Benton

CEDARHURST Providing a haven for the artist in all of us

BY CHANDA GREEN Cedarhurst Center for the Arts in Mount Vernon opened to the public in 1973 and has served as both a repository of inspiration and a creative incubator ever since.

Cedarhurst offers exciting visual and performing arts; adult and youth art classes and workshops; a sculpture park that covers over 90 acres with more than 70 installations; outdoor events, including a Blues & Brews music event and the annual Cedarhurst Art & Craft Fair; art exhibitions in the galleries of Mitchell Museum and Shrode Art Center; and the annual Scholastic Art Awards that Cedarhurst has hosted for more than 40 years

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More info For more information on Cedarhurst Center for the Arts, call 618-242-1236 or visit www.cedarhurst.org.

for regional junior and senior high school art students.

Here are a few examples and some thoughts from the staff at Cedarhurst.

Rusty Freeman, director of visual arts, curates the main gallery exhibitions and Goldman-Kuenz Sculpture Park: “Regional museums like ours offer easy and affordable access to works of art for the communities we serve,” he said. “This access is especially important when family resources can be limited.”

Visitors can tour Mitchell Museum to see art exhibitions in four galleries, including the permanent collection gallery with works

by Mary Cassatt, Thomas Eakins and George Bellows, which he referred to as extraordinary works of art in a beautiful setting.

“Creativity begins with exposure to new people, new ideas and new ways of expression that allow young and older artists alike to think outside their typical or inherited purview,” he said. “Also important to that stimulus of new ideas is to see works of art made by both nationally known artists, as well as people from the region. Regional artists know their communities and what’s important to them, and they express those values through their art, reflecting the culture of Southern Illinois.”

Jennifer Sarver, director of education, coordinates activities in Beck Family Education Center, as well as the school performance art series and popular in-school youth art classes: “Cedarhurst offers a variety of programming opportunities that helps spark creativity for the Southern Illinois region,” she said. “Our family center is a space designed for kids of all ages to engage in the arts. We have a work of art that kids can walk into and become part of the painting; a large-scale puzzle based on our horse sculpture, Kimball; drawing stations; a

Cedarhurst exhibitions Playing with the Classics: Quilts from The National Quilt Museum (through Oct. 19) We Have Met the Funnies and They Are Us: 120 Years of American Newspaper Comic Strip Art from the Applegate-Boyle Collection (Nov. 2 through Jan. 4) Snuggle and Snooze: Quilts for Children (through Oct. 19) Peanuts Naturally! Celebrating Charles Schulz’s famous comic strip (Nov. 2 through Jan. 4)

Sculpture at Cedarhurst Center for the Arts

“Bull”

by John Kearney

Life & Style : Fall 2014 67

OUT

& ABOUT

A sculpture at Cedarhurst Center for the Arts

“Vessel” by Tom Orr

weaving wall; and a library filled with books that help readers explore the arts.”

As part of the school performance art series, Cedarhurst presents a series of educational stage performances targeting students in kindergarten through eighth grade. More than 250 Southern Illinois schools were invited to participate this year.

“If you can’t visit the museum, the museum can visit you,” she said. “We offer a variety of art-based class visits for schools in the region as part of our in-school programs. In 2013, in-school programs reached more than 1,800 students.”

There are fun days and family days, free and open to the public, and a pre-K story time on the first Friday of every month.

Carrie Gibbs, director of Shrode Art Center, plans and

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Life & Style : Fall 2014

“Aphrodite”

by Ferdinando Andreini

coordinates gallery exhibitions, youth and adult classes and workshops: “Summer art camp and our afterschool art classes are an excellent opportunity for children to have a more intensive art experience by creating a more accomplished work of art in classes that last several hours and are held on three consecutive days,” she said. “Most students in area schools typically have only one 30-minute art class once a week. Our summer camp and youth art classes are designed to help kids advance and hone their artistic skills, as well as expose them to new and different art media and materials.”

Part of the mission of Shrode Art Center is to provide exhibition opportunities for artists who live in Southern Illinois. Two annual competitions are open to local artists 18 years old and older. In the spring, the Shrode Fine Art and Craft Competition is open to all media, except photography. And, in the fall, the center hosts the Shrode Photography Competition.

“It’s an excellent opportunity for emerging and professional artists to establish and build upon their resume,” she said.

Cedarhurst also provides presentations for local educators; a series of family activities and programs, including a book club that meets every other month; and artist-led gallery talks. Special annual events include an outdoor exhibition recognizing the motorcycle as a sculptural art object and a vehicle for self-expression, and “Witches’ Brew,” a family-friendly storytelling event in the sculpture park.

Cheryl Settle, 2014 director of the Cedarhurst Art & Craft Fair, wraps it all up with a few words about one of Cedarhurst’s most popular annual events: “I’m looking forward to a great craft fair in September,” she said.

“We already have more than 110 artists signed up and some great entertainment booked. And don’t forget to visit our children’s area.

It’s getting a new look with all new activities, many of them free.”

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Life & Style : Fall 2014 69

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70 Life & Style : Fall 2014

GETAWAYS

Kansas City

Southern Illinois native shares her love of the place she has called home for 28 years

STORY BY DIANA LAMBDIN MEYER PHOTOS BY BRUCE N. MEYER AND THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Christmas lights outline towers at the Country Club Plaza shopping center as the sun sets. About 80 miles of lights with 280,000 multicolored bulbs outline the buildings and towers in the shopping district.

It was April 1986, shortly after the opening day of baseball, when we moved to Kansas City, Missouri. I was still smarting over the Royals’ defeat of my St. Louis Cardinals in the I-70 World Series the previous October.

No way was I going to be happy living in an American League city, and particularly one that cheats at baseball, no matter how good the job offer that brought us to Missouri’s second largest city.

It’s been 28 years now, and we have become some of Kansas City’s proudest residents, happy to explore the city with friends, family and complete strangers. The only trouble is where to start. There are so many things we love about our home.

Life & Style : Fall 2014

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Not to be missed World Series of Barbecue: First weekend in October includes three days of concerts, poker tournaments, cooking demonstrations and, of course, barbecue masters at work, competing for the most coveted prize in the barbecue world.

First Friday Art Walks: The first weekend of every month in the Crossroads Arts District, it’s the largest in the nation; runs from early Friday morning into late Sunday afternoon; and wraps up with a classic treasure sale in the West Bottoms historic area, featuring vintage finds, antiques, repurposed junk, street bands and food trucks.

Country Club Plaza: Modeled after the city’s sister city of Seville, Spain, the Plaza is full of fountains, sculptures, mosaic tiles and Moorish architecture and shopping, shopping, shopping, much of it high-end. Any restaurant here is going to be great.

Liberty Memorial: This memorial to the soldiers who died in World War I houses the National World War I Museum. It’s the nation’s only public museum dedicated to the Great War, with a large collection of photos, weapons and more.

Negro Leagues Baseball Museum: Founded in 1990, this museum is dedicated to preserving the rich history of African-American baseball; multi-media displays, store, photographs and artifacts dating from the late 1800s through the 1960s. It shares the new 18th and Vine museum complex with the American Jazz Museum.

Let’s start with food, because no matter what your interests, you’ve got to eat. Kansas City is a barbecue mecca with a style of barbecue designated as one of four distinctive styles in the country, right up there with Memphis, Carolinas and Texas.

Basically it’s a dry rub, smoked over hickory, with sauce applied after smoking. The sauce is a molasses-base and somewhat sweeter than you’ll experience in Memphis.

But with nearly 100 joints in KC, you’ll find all sorts of styles and flavors. The legendary places to visit are Arthur Bryant’s and Gates. They are the oldest, and Bryant’s location at 17th & Brooklyn is one reason Kansas City has the slow-smoked reputation it has today.

However, after living here all these years, we’ve eaten a lot of burnt ends and have a few lesser known, but really good, establishments frequented by locals more than tourists. We like Little Danny Edwards’ Boulevard BBQ for burnt ends, but they are open only for lunch Monday through Saturday, so plan your schedule accordingly.

LC’s BBQ is a great place near the Truman Sports Complex.

My mother would be tempted to take a bucket of Lysol to the place, but that would just ruin the atmosphere. The burnt ends are some of the best in Kansas City, and the ribs are 72

Life & Style : Fall 2014

During First Friday events, the otherwise abandoned old warehouses in the Crossroads Arts District overflow with vintage finds, antiques and repurposed junk.

LEFT: The city is decorated with fountains and parks, where visitors can find rest and relaxation during the stay.

flat-out some of the best in the country. Most days there is a line out the door.

If you want to try a lot of barbecue in a short amount of time and learn what makes each place and each style unique, then sign up for Kansas City Barbecue Tours. Available only on Fridays and Saturdays, you’ll visit four restaurants and eat so much you’ll be ready to pop. But you’ll waddle away knowing something about barbecue that you didn’t know before.

With barbecue on your brain, let’s talk about coming to Kansas City in October. Experts in barbecue reserve the first weekend in October on their calendars every year for the World Series of Barbecue. Sure, Memphis has May and Lynchburg has Jack Daniels, but the Kansas City Barbeque Society was the first to write the rules for barbecue judges, and this event is the one they all want to win.

It’s a three-day weekend of concerts, poker tournaments, cooking demonstrations and more, but you come to watch the masters at work. And, oh, the aroma that fills the air above Kansas City’s West Bottoms that weekend. Yum. Other than the first weekend in October, really any first weekend is a fabulous time for a KC getaway. Many cities worth their mojo have some sort of First Friday art walk, but

An appealing evening atmosphere makes Brush Creek an attractive tourist spot on the Country Club Plaza.

Restaurants and shops saturate the area, considered one of the jewels of the Midwestern city.

Kansas City takes it a step further. Not only is the First Friday event in the Crossroads Arts District the largest in the nation with more than 10,000 of your closest friends in attendance, the weekend spreads over into the West Bottoms for a classic treasure sale.

From early Friday morning to late Sunday afternoon, the otherwise abandoned old warehouses in this historic district overflow with vintage finds, antiques and repurposed junk.

Street bands, food trucks and the thrill of the hunt have made this the hottest shopping destination in the Midwest. If you’re serious, you’ll bring your truck or a trailer to this event.

Shopaholics often rave about Kansas City’s Country Club Plaza, and they should. This was the nation’s very first shopping district designed for people and their automobiles, way back in the 1920s when horse and buggies were still common on some KC streets.

Modeled after Kansas City’s sister city of Seville, Spain, the Plaza is undeniably eye-candy. With its many fountains, sculptures, mosaic tiles and Moorish architecture, the Plaza is Kansas City’s most photographed destination. A Segway tour through Segway, Bike & Stroll is a fun way to explore the Plaza while learning about the fabulous art.

One of our favorite places to eat on the Plaza is The Classic Cup. The sidewalk tables or patio

Visitors walk along a reflecting pool outside the main entrance to the National World War I Museum at Liberty Memorial.

The museum focuses on the century-old Great War.

The entrance to the galleries of the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art greets guests who seek to see high-caliber collections that include great works ranging from the photography of Edward Steichen to ancient Chinese scrollwork.

Visitors view a display, including a British heavy field gun, right, and a German howitzer, at the National World War I Museum at Liberty Memorial. The museum focuses on the century-old Great War.

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Fireworks shoot up into the air over the Country Club Plaza during the annual plaza lighting ceremony. Some 80 miles of strung lights with 280,000 bulbs line the buildings.

The towers of Bartle Hall add to the skyline in Kansas City.

out back allow for fabulous people watching and some great food. I actually saw the late Paul Newman and his wife Joanne Woodward eating here several years ago. I don’t know what they were having, but I always get the Asparagus and Brie salad. For a fun souvenir of your Kansas City getaway, ask for a bag of the Classic Cup’s pancake mix.

Actually, any restaurant on the Plaza is going to be great, as are the shops. There’s a nice mix of local brands and betterknown chains. Kate Spade has a store here, and, as a native of the city, she qualifies as both. If you’re an Apple fan, this is where Kansas City’s Apple Store is located.

The tech geeks will seek out the Google Fiber Showroom, 74

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not on the Plaza but nearby at Westport and State Line Road.

Kansas City rocked the tech world when Google announced we had been chosen as the first place to implement ultra-highspeed gigabet Internet. That’s about 100 times faster than what most Americans experience with broadband service. If you still have dial-up, that’s like the difference between horse and buggies and driving at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. It’s way cool.

Now for some suggestions where to stay: The Southmoreland is a wonderful bed-and-breakfast inn like few others. The 100-year-old mansion, just east of the Plaza and adjacent to Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, is not a fru-fru B&B, but a homelike place to stay while learning a bit more about the history of KC. Mark and Nancy Reichle own the inn, and Mark is famous for his barbecue breakfasts on Saturdays. They’ve decorated many of the rooms to reflect the city’s heritage. There’s a room for William Rockhill Nelson, who founded The Kansas City Star and co-founded the art museum that bears his name.

Another room celebrates the gifts of Jacob and Ella Loose.

Artists Thomas Hart Benton and George Caleb Bingham each have a room of their own, as does Satchel Paige, the Hall of Fame pitcher for the St. Louis Browns, Kansas City Monarchs and the Athletics.

A recently opened hotel in Westport called 816 Hotel also has some themed rooms. Yes, there’s a baseball theme celebrating

A-10s fly over Kauffman Stadium before a major league baseball game between the New York Yankees and the Kansas City Royals.

Resources VISIT KANSAS CITY 800-767-7700 www.visitkc.com KC BARBECUE TOURS 800-979-3370 www.kcbarbecuetours.com THE CLASSIC CUP 301 W. 47th St., 816-753-1840 www.classiccup.com SOUTHMORELAND ON THE PLAZA 116 E. 46th St., 816-531-7979 www.southmoreland.com 816 HOTEL 801 Westport Road, 816-931-1000 www.816hotel.com NATIONAL WORLD WAR I MUSEUM AT LIBERTY MEMORIAL 100 W. 26th St., 816-888-8100 www.theworldwar.org

the Kansas City Monarchs, but another one recognizes the many years that TWA called Kansas City its home. It has twin seats from an MD-80, and a beverage cart serves as your mini-bar.

Are you coming to Kansas City to enjoy jazz? Ask for room 504. It has a working piano, a headboard that looks like a keyboard and a mural devoted to the Mutual Musicians Foundation based in Kansas City, the longest continuously operating jazz joint in the world.

If you are bringing children with you, they might like the room featuring the penguins at Kansas City Zoo. If you are Irish, then plan your visit to KC on Labor Day weekend for the Irish Festival and ask for the green room at 816 Hotel, which explains about Kansas City’s deep Irish roots.

But my favorite room is the World War I Museum room. Kansas City is home to the National World War I Museum, and visiting it should be on your itinerary when you come to town.

We are at the 100th anniversary of the start of World War I, a war that is more difficult to explain than World War II and one that certainly doesn’t get the attention of its sequel. But to truly understand World War II, you’ve got to understand the Great War, and this museum does a fabulous job at it.

Enter over a field of poppies, slug your way through muddy trenches and end up in a bombedout French farmhouse. It’s not as tough for visitors as it was for the Doughboys, but you’ll walk away with a better understanding of why the world went through the same thing just 21 years later.

Take time to ride the elevator to the top of the Liberty Memorial, a 217-foot tower that was built to honor all who served and died in the Great War. From its top, you have a great view of the city.

One of the phenomenal buildings you’ll see in the KC skyline is Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts. At 165 feet tall, the clam shells are accented by more than 1,000 panels of Life & Style : Fall 2014

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The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art holds many secrets and cultural treasures waiting to be discovered by art-loving guests and visitors.

Arthur Bryant’s is a Kansas City staple, one of the oldest restaurants in town. The barbecue-serving joint’s location at 17th and Brooklyn is also a driving force behind the city’s slow-smoked reputation.

The sidewalk tables and patio at The Classic Cup offer a great location for people-watching, while the restaurant is also known for its delicious dishes. For a fun souvenir, ask for a bag of the Classic Cup’s pancake mix.

glass in a south-facing wall that is 50 feet high and 360 feet long.

This is where the ballet, symphony and opera are located and perform on one of two stages beneath the magnificent twin clam shells. Check the calendar before your visit for programming that includes everything from Tony Bennett to National Geographic photographers.

You can also look down from the Liberty Memorial and see Union Station, truly one of the most magnificent train stations in the country. If you had seen it 15 years ago, you wouldn’t have thought it was beautiful, but a 76

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one-of-its-kind bi-state cultural tax in Kansas City brought both Missourians and Kansans together to save and restore this beautiful, historic building.

And that’s just one of many reasons we’ve become proud to call Kansas City home.

DIANA LAMBDIN MEYER is freelance travel writer originally from Wolf Lake in Union County. Diana and her husband Bruce specialize in travel journalism and authored the app Kansas City Uncovered and BBQ Nation, both available on iTunes.

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MY HOME

A True House of Art Photos by Adam Testa

Vivian Ugent’s house in Carbondale has always been a home. That’s why she’s been reluctant to move, instead opting to expand the house and add new features. She’s collected a plethora of items from her international travel to display and needed a space to entertain company. That’s where she and her late husband devised the idea to create several themed rooms in their home, from a theater for movies, music and live acting, to a French bistro and Latin American museum.

Vivian Ugent’s home is a cultural expression of all things art and creativity – starting with the customized theater room built to foster and share cinematic joy

BY JOE SZYNKOWSKI

Down the hall from Ugent’s theater room is her bistro, inspired by her travels to France. The space features seating for more than 20 and offers a view of the outside deck and yard. The walls of the bistro, as well as the adjoining hallway, are covered with restaurant menus from all across the world, which Ugent has collected since her youth.

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Vivian Ugent’s Carbondale home is a reflection of the world — of which she has seen a lot.

From the dramatic landscape of Peru across the ocean to the quaint bistros in France, Ugent and her family have crisscrossed the earth multiple times in search of adventure and cultural diversity. And every time the world traveler returns home, she brings a piece of that voyage back with her.

Some of Ugent’s walls are speckled with framed menus from across the globe.

Others are lined with authentic folk art from Mexico and Peru. She offers an entertaining story for every piece she touches, laughing and throwing her head back at the memories that seemingly reside in front of her eyes like they were just captured yesterday. That’s because some pretty much were.

She visited India in January and had a family trip planned to Peru in August.

Sharing memories with friends and loved ones is important to Ugent, who entertains often in her home that contains a 20-seat theater, full-service bistro set to a Frenchinspired theme and a museum room devoted to Latin America.

Ugent opens her home to many influential Carbondale groups throughout the year for meetings, during which members take in a film or live performance, discuss afterwards over a coffee and explore other parts of the home’s nostalgic nod to international history.

GETTING TOGETHER

the Movies” that the couple hosted for many years.

“I’m not very technical at all,” she said.

“But when Gary said he could handle that part of the viewings, then I agreed.”

A drive to honor and strengthen her husband’s legacy was a factor in Ugent’s decision to maintain the theater viewings.

“Sometimes when you start something, you feel the responsibility to keep it going,” she said. “I enjoy having company and am glad people like coming to our home.”

The Jackson County League of Women Voters, of which Ugent served as president, and the SIU Learning in Retirement groups are two that meet regularly for a movie and a meeting.

SIU professor of oboe and conducting Edward Benyas and Lt. Gov. Sheila Simon are a couple of the big names that have performed on stage within Ugent’s theater. She hosts various dinner theaters, fundraisers and photo-sharing

Complete with stadium seating and multicolored lighting, Ugent’s theater room was conceptualized and put into motion by her late husband, Don, botanist and professor emeritus at Southern Illinois University Carbondale.

“It was Don’s idea to build it from scratch,” Ugent said. “It was one of the first rooms in the area that was specifically built as a theater, rather than converting a room Ugent hosts a variety of events in her theater room. into one.”

Groups she participates in — such as Learning in “From scratch” meant incorporating Retirement and the Jackson County League of Women Voters — come to her home to watch movies aspects of a real movie theater experience, and socialize. The space has also been used for from the green-upholstered chairs to the concert performances and even live dinner theater. “exit” sign guiding guests out of the room.

The Ugents completed five trips in their station wagon up to parties, as well.

Springfield after the Fox Theater closed down to pick up the “I enjoy helping different groups however I can,” said Ugent, theater chairs, four at a time. still heavily involved with the League of Women Voters and other The chairs are painted golden brown and randomly numbered local groups. out of succession.

“We grabbed whatever numbers they would give us,” Ugent AFTER THE FILM: A CLASSIC BISTRO said. “Not having them in order kind of adds to the feel of the “Please don’t change the menu,” is a common request voiced room, I think.”

by Ugent’s guests. She regularly serves up beef brisket from The seats are set on risers to give the room a true stadium Arnold’s Market on days and nights of a movie viewing. “This is feel — “my husband wanted everything authentic,” Ugent laughs definitely the popular spot for brisket,” she said.

— and enveloped by framed movie posters on the surrounding Ugent’s bistro is a few short strides from the theater and walls. The posters include “Amelie,” “The Wizard of Oz” and the serves as the perfect location for moviegoers to take in a Goldie Hawn film “Housesitter,” which was written by Ugent’s drink of choice, not to mention the spectacular view onto the brother-in-law, Mark Stein. sprawling wooden deck in the home’s backyard. The room’s Another film poster with a special connection is “Gone with large vertical glass windows that Don built create the feeling of the Wind.” Ugent’s mother loved the movie so much that she sitting outside on a Paris street, without the worry of bugs or named her daughter after the star Vivien Leigh. summertime heat infiltrating the bistro.

Guests who come to the theater are greeted by a poster at the If guests prefer the outside, Ugent is able to accommodate. entrance in a shiny golden frame, complete with the tiny movie Her two side decks are connected by a larger one, and, when all theater light bulbs. They then walk across the multi-colored seating is combined, can comfortably fit about 30 more people. carpet picked out to match the theater chairs.

Ugent serves her brisket, cakes and other snacks on her The wooden stage was hand-crafted by Don and actually authentic Portmeirion Pottery dinnerware, which she picked out expanded into what was previously his garage work area, so the piece by piece in England. The products are made from a highUgents could host live theater as well as movies. It is separated fired, white earthenware resistant to chipping and breaking, and from the seating area by a rich green curtain that Ugent each piece of the botanical collection features a different flower designed herself and also holds the massive 3-D television that and pollinator. has replaced the projection screen as the viewing method of And the dinnerware isn’t the only thing Ugent hand-selected choice for movies. in Europe. She found her green, polka-dotted tablecloth fabric “Yes, we wear the 3-D glasses,” said Ugent, who says “Avatar” is in France, as well. the best 3-D movie she has seen.

The Ugents first began traveling when they married in

CURTAIN CALL

After Don passed away in 2011, Vivian took a break from hosting viewing parties. She was eventually asked by Gary Hartlieb, chairman of the SIU Learning in Retirement group, to consider reinstating an iteration of the popular “Afternoons at

1962 — heading down to Peru, Bolivia and Ecuador for Don’s research work, supported by a National Science Foundation grant.

“We started traveling back then and just kept going,” Ugent said. “There’s nothing like it.”

Her globally infused home may be the closest thing.

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GOOD EATS

DISHING ON

PUMPKINS It’s a great time of year to learn the back-to-basics goodness of this autumn treat

BY DEBBIE MOORE

The back-to-basics food movement has resulted in encouraging home cooks to search through great-grandma’s recipes and teach themselves how to prepare food from scratch. It’s easy to pick up a can of pumpkin purée at the supermarket, but what do our children learn from that? Kids need to know the origins of the food they eat. They need to understand that our fruits and vegetables grow on farms and in orchards. They need to know that lots of people, from the growers to those who work to package our food, are involved in feeding us.

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EASY PUMPKIN MOUSSE 1 2 3 1 1 1

8-ounce package cream cheese, room temperature cups of pumpkin purée teaspoons pumpkin pie spice small box instant vanilla pudding mix 14-ounce can sweetened condensed milk 12-ounce container frozen whipped topping, thawed Using a food processer or mixer, whip the pumpkin purée and cream cheese together until it is smooth. Add the spice, vanilla pudding mix and sweetened condensed milk. Continue to whip until thick and creamy. Whip in the topping and blend until smooth. Serve this in individual sherbet dishes or smaller tasting cups, or pour into a ready-made graham cracker pie crust and turn it into a pie. It is best with additional spices and toasted nuts sprinkled on top. It takes approximately an hour to set up. For a pie, let it set up for four hours.

Picking your pumpkin

When you go to the pumpkin patch to choose the perfect jack-o’-lantern, make sure you purchase some pumpkins that are suitable for cooking. There are scores of varieties of pumpkins, but one of the most popular for cooking is the Baby Bear variety, which is small and dense. Choose a pumpkin that is three or four pounds.

Visiting the pumpkin patch is a great family experience, but showing children how to cook a pumpkin and turn it into a delicious pumpkin pie or savory soup is also an important experience.

Get to the good stuff

Wash the pumpkin to remove any sand or dirt. Snap off the stem and cut the pumpkin in half from the top to the bottom. Use a metal spoon to remove all the seeds and membrane from the inside. Place the pumpkin halves skin

side up in a large baking dish and pour water into the dish so it rises about a half an inch up the side of the pumpkin. Bake in a 350-degree oven for 45 minutes to an hour. You should be able to easily insert a fork into the pumpkin.

Remove it from the oven and turn the pumpkin halves so the flesh side is up and place it on a tray to cool. When the pumpkin is cool, scoop out the flesh and purée it in a food processer or with a mixer. A four-pound pumpkin will make three to four cups of purée. A standard pumpkin pie recipe calls for two cups of purée. You can freeze pumpkin purée in airtight containers.

Roasting pumpkin

Roasting pumpkin is an alternative method that is preferable when you plan to use the pumpkin in a savory recipe. To roast pumpkin, simply cut it into manageable wedges or chunks and remove the peel, seeds and membrane. Place it in an oiled baking pan and drizzle it with canola or olive oil. Roast it at 375 degrees for about 45 minutes. The time required depends upon the size and thickness of the pieces. Serve it warm, with salt and additional seasonings, or use it in other recipes. Using flavored oils or sprinkling fresh herbs over the pumpkin will enhance the flavor. There are unlimited ways to use roasted pumpkin, but try marinating it in your favorite vinegar and oil based salad dressing for a couple hours.

Serve it on top of a mixed green salad and sprinkle on toasted nuts and feta cheese.

PUMPKIN PASTA SAUCE 3 tablespoons olive oil 1 sprig of fresh rosemary 2 cups mashed roasted pumpkin 1 teaspoon minced garlic 1 cup half-and-half 1/3 cup grated Parmesan 1 cup chicken or vegetable stock Gently heat the olive oil over low temperature and add the sprig of rosemary to it, turning it several times, to flavor the oil. Remove the rosemary, add the garlic and let it sizzle for a few seconds. Add the roasted pumpkin and stir it until it absorbs the oil. Add the half-and-half, Parmesan cheese and the stock. Let this cook gently for 5 to 8 minutes.

Add 12 ounces of your favorite pasta, cooked, to the sauce and stir to coat. Serve with additional Parmesan cheese and a sprinkling of crushed red pepper flakes.

Note: This is especially good with cheese-stuffed ravioli or tortellini.

Life & Style : Fall 2014 83

TRENDS

‘From Scratch’ not your thing?

Gourmet pumpkin products fill the shelves at Etcetera

Maple Pumpkin Butter, $7.95 From Stonewall Kitchens, this allnatural spread can be used anywhere butter would be, for an extra special flavor combination.

Decorative pumpkin, $16.95 You don’t usually think “delicate” when you think pumpkins, but this pretty little thing would be perfect

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Etcetera Flowers & Gifts feels like a fabulous old-world, More info fairy tale house, offering a secluded shopping experience Etcetera Flowers despite its location on always busy DeYoung Street in Marion, & Gifts just east of Illinois 37.

1200 N. Market The store, which is also an award-winning florist shop and St., Marion event-planning center, is exactly what you would expect from 618-997-9411 a boutique browsing experience. etceteraflowers Owner Mike Helig was busy preparing for the fall season andgifts.com when Life & Style visited with him. “We’ve got a lot of autumn items on the shelf, but there’s much more to come,” he said, enthusiastically.

The shelves, racks and stands are already full of gift and gourmet items, much of it organic, natural or gluten-free, if that’s what you’re looking for. But, everything is gourmet.

Like the super-thin Moravian cookies from Salem Baking Co. in Winston-Salem, North Carolina Or the Stonewall Kitchen pancake mixes – “You’ll never eat grocery store mix pancakes again!” says Mike.

The candy case, which features all kinds of gourmet chocolate, will soon be featuring a new arrival, Pumpkin Truffles.

And Pumpkin Spice Coffee Pumpkin Pie Cheeseball and Dessert Mix from will join the ranks of other Wind & Willow, $5.50 gourmet coffees.

Pumpkin Cheesecake Bar Mix from Stonewall If you’re not in the Kitchen, $10.95 mood to eat, which we Pumpkin Pancake and Waffle Mix from guarantee you will be Stonewall Kitchen, $10.95 before you leave, you can check out items Pumpkin Curd, $7.95 From Robert such as Crabtree & Rothschild Farms, Evelyn soaps, lotions and a blend of butter, sugar and pumpkin. the new nail polish line.

Suggested use: Etcetera also carries items Combine with cream from Hillhouse Naturals in cheese for a traditional and tasty pumpkin roll, Wickliffe, Kentucky. And we or simply blend with liked the imported paper table butter for a spread. It’s all natural and gluten accessories from Caspari, which free. will elevate your party without the fuss of fabric. And, don’t forget to check out what Mike calls “the fun section,” featuring inexpensive gift items that range from whimsical to risqué!

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Life & Style : Fall 2014 85

STYLE

All Out Allure Tights — Modcloth.com, $24.99

Under the Blacklight Tights — Mocloth.com, $29.99

Pretty Polly Sheer Diamond Tights — Macy’s, $25

Moulin Rouge Hand-Painted Tights — Etsy.com, $35

Transition with

TIGHTS 86

Life & Style : Fall 2014

Animal Print Tights — Sockdreams.com, $22 (styled by CollegeLifeStylez. com)

This time of year, when summer is cooling off but fall isn’t quite here, can be a tricky time to be stylish.

A cold morning could turn into a hot day, or it might rain for a week. Be prepared with outfits that are capable of keeping up.

Tights are versatile, and these days the colors and patterns you can find are endless. No longer just black or nude, tights are making a creative comeback. Style them as the focus-point of your ensemble, pairing your bold legs with simplicity on top.

Keep in mind that tights don’t have to be worn strictly with a skirt or dress, although skirts and dresses with tights will always be classic. A great way to stretch your summer clothes a little while longer is to pair tights with shorts. Add booties and a blazer for a chic rock ‘n’ roll vibe or go vixen with heels.

— Rana Hodge

In 2011, Justin Wiseman was hiding from the world. Unlike most 26 year olds, he was nearly 600 pounds and suffering from countless health issues. He dreamed of a life where he could go to the movies, enjoy the outdoors and be happy, but his weight always held him back.

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Today, Justin has lost over 400 pounds and he’s on top of the world!

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Call to schedule your appointment or to see when the next free information session is near you.

888-639-0033 Life & Style : Fall 2014 87

PARTING SHOT

p.s.

Photo by Adam Testa

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Horses living along Pleasant Hill Road in Carbondale enjoy an unseasonably warm day.

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Connie will not be defeated. Constant leg pain due to Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) aimed to keep her from walking. Even the everyday trip to the grocery store was a challenge. A mere four minutes on her legs was all she could handle. Connie had battle cancer three times and won...now this. She was not going to take this sitting down.

PAD is a blood-flow issue to the legs or peripherals. If left untreated, it can lead to amputation. People with diabetes or heart disease are especially at risk.

Connie found help at Prairie Vascular Services. A complex yet minimally invasive procedure allowed specialists to increase blood-flow to her legs. Once the procedure was over Connie asked, “Can I play basketball with my grandkids now?” Indeed she can! In fact, she’s ready for a little one-on-one.

Who could give you the power of Prairie? ONLY SIH

LEARN MORE AT SIH.NET/CONNIE 2 Life & Style : Fall 2014

Call for more information

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Life & Style : Fall 2014

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Fall 2014

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 June 14–September 15, 2014 UNIT 50 REBATE PER

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*Manufacturer’s mail-in rebate offer valid for qualifying purchases of Hunter Douglas window fashions with the PowerRise® or PowerGlide® motorized system made 6/14/14 – 9/15/14 from participating dealers in the U.S. only. Rebate will be issued in the form of a prepaid reward card and mailed within 6 weeks of rebate claim receipt. Funds do not expire. Subject to applicable law, a $2.00 monthly fee will be assessed against card balance 7 months after card issuance and each month thereafter. Additional limitations apply. Ask participating dealer for details and rebate form. **Additional equipment is required for app operation; ask for details. ©2014 Hunter Douglas. All rights reserved. All trademarks used herein are the property of their respective owners. †See actual warranty at store for complete details. Photos for illustrative purposes only. Not responsible for typographical errors. ©Carpet One Floor & Home®.

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Publisher .................................John Pfeifer Executive Editor ..................... Gary Metro Editor ...................................... Cara Recine Niche Advertising Manager ...................

Lacey Thompson Art & Design ..................... Ashley Kendera Rhonda M. May Contributors..................... Shawn Connelly Chanda Green Rana Hodge Diana Lambdin Meyer Debbie Moore Cara Recine Joe Szynkowski Adam Testa Les Winkeler Photographers .......................Rana Hodge Steve Matzker Rhonda M. May Bruce N. Meyer Alexa Rogals Adam Testa Les Winkeler Copy Editing .......................... Tom English Mary Thomas Layton Online ..................................Lauren Siegert Advertising Sales ..................Kelly Caudill Nora Chambliss Brian Flath Tina Moon Alisha Shipp Lacey Thompson Levi Wampler Advertising Design......... 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. © 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.

Letter

WELCOME

from the executive editor

Find inspiration in all things, big and small Creativity surrounds us.

We see it in the colorful splashes of a carefully knotted necktie. Or it glistens from the bracelet, necklace and earrings chosen for a special night.

It is everyday evidence of our creativity, the choices we deliberately make to present ourselves to the world. But some of the choices become more routine than artistic expression. I favor certain colors and wear the same wristwatch daily. You may prefer other hues and shun metal jewelry.

We get bogged down by the familiar and comfortable. The results may be visible in our work and the affect we present to others.

We lose sight of possibilities. Think of it this way. You can’t paint a masterpiece with house paint. It takes a palette awash with the spectrum of colors and the myriad tints to make an artistic statement.

It’s time to connect with our own creativity, a process as unique as the individual. For me, great ideas often surface while engaged in tedious repetitive chores — mowing the lawn is a good one — or while walking or swimming laps in a pool. Other times, I wake up with a fresh idea, a new approach or the answer to a vexing problem. My subconscious takes care of me. I

don’t know why, but it works.

This issue of Life & Style is devoted to creativity, a commodity that abounds in this green and graceful land we call Southern Illinois.

This month’s cover story by frequent contributor Chanda Green offers insight into unleashing your creativity — including how to discover it or, perhaps, rediscover it.

A change of scenery sometimes leads to a time of inspiration.

This issue’s look at Getaways takes readers on a trek to Kansas City, which is a whole lot more than the other big city in Missouri. It’s written

by Diana Lambdin Meyer, a native of Wolf Lake who has resided in that city for 28 years. Also in the issue is a profile of the extremely creative Ben Falcone, the Carbondale native who is making a name for himself in Hollywood.

You’ll also find the latest in great food, drinks and special places to see in Southern Illinois. Enjoy the magazine. And find creativity in the late summer days that give way to the beauties of early autumn.

GARY METRO LIFE & STYLE IN SOUTHERN ILLINOIS Life & Style : Fall 2014

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50 CREATE!

CONTENTS SUMMER 2014

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artists Kyle Kinser celebrates nature’s imperfections in a perfect way

24 15 questions 30 wine country 66 out & about getaways 71 good eats 82

It’s never too late, too silly or too selfish to discover ways to express yourself

44

Get to know Southern Illinoisan publisher John Pfeifer

Sometimes, you can judge a wine by its label Cedarhurst creates a haven for the artist in all of us

Southern Illinois native shares her love of Kansas City

It’s the perfect time of year to dish on pumpkins

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profile Carbondale native Ben Falcone makes his feature film directorial debut

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cheers to beer Local craft brewers taking new artisan approaches to an old science

cover photo

Furniture craftsman and artist Kyle Kinser of Makanda was photographed in his studio space

by Lori Baysinger of Photography by Lori in Marion.

this issue

Social Seen Pursuits Scenic Beauty Apps Self Business Buzz

10 27 28 34 42 46

Entrepreneur At Work My Home Trends Style Parting Shot

49 64 78 84 86 88

Create excitement in the kitchen

Explore our new Stone Gallery 7am - 4pm Monday - Friday Saturdays by appointment

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Life & Style : Fall 2014

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DENTAL IMPLANTS A New Beginning to 2014

• Are you embarrassed to smile?

• Are you missing teeth?

• Is your denture or partial denture loose?

• Do you have problems chewing?

If you have these problems, Dr. Christopher Hughes and his team can help you find out if Dental Implants are right for you.

Call Anne to reserve your Free Personal Consultation

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Dr. Christopher Hughes is certified through the American Board of Oral Implantology/Implant Dentistry

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

Hughes Dental Arts 504 Rushing Drive | Herrin, IL Implant & Cosmetic Dentistry • I.V. Sedation

www.hughesdentalarts.com

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

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All upright vacuum cleaners from Riccar are built with American pride in St. James, Missouri.

“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 Life & Style : Spring 2014 8 Life8& Style : Fall 2014

www.normancarpetonemarion.com

Dr. Jonathan W. Burton, D.M.D. Diplomate-American Board of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery Wisdom Teeth Removal • Surgical Extractions Dental Implants • Bone Grafting Corrective Jaw Surgery • Oral Pathology

Mystery Dinner Friday, October 10, 2014

“Bullets in the Bathtub” Presented by: Jest Murder Mysteries The Links of Kokopelli 1527 Champions Drive, - Marion, IL

Tickets: $40 per person, $300.00 For Table of 8 (Includes Show & Dinner Buffet) 20’s Speakeasy Theme Doors open 5:30 p.m.

Cash Bar 6:00 p.m. Dinner Buffet 7:00 p.m. Show LIVE AUCTION FOLLOWING SHOW To reserve your table or purchase tickets, Contact Hospice of Southern Illinois Jennifer Vinyard (618) 997-3030 • jvinyard@hospice.org Please rsvp by October 3, 2014

618.519.9363

2250 Reed Station Pkwy.

Office Place, Suite 201 Carbondale, IL www.shawneehillsoms.com

Light up the Night

Glow 5k R u n / Wa l k Save TheDate 10 . 2 4 . 2 01 4

Date

October 24, 2014

Entry Fee

$25.00 $10.00 (age 12 and under)

Registration Time 7:00 p.m. • Dusk

Where

Mr. Koolz, Marion, IL

Proceeds Benefit Hospice of Southern Illinois Your Community • Prizes for Best Glow Costume • • Best Team Costumes •Food • Music •

Your Community Not-For-Profit Hospice 618-997-3030 • www.hospice.org

All Proceeds to Benefit Hospice of Southern Illinois

Questions Call Jennifer 618-997-3030 www.hospice.org

Life & Style : Fall 2014

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SOCIAL SEEN

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100 MEN WHO COOK Local men flexed their culinary muscles June 7, when they participated in the annual 100 Men Who Cook fundraiser at SIU Arena. The event raised money for Southern Illinois Healthcare Foundation, which supports health-care initiatives in the region, including the ongoing construction of a cancer institute in Carterville.

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1. Dr. Muhamad Popalzai of Carbondale 2. Rex Budde of Herrin, Bart Millstead of Makanda, Woody Thorne of Makanda and Mel Bower of Carbondale 3. Robert and Dr. Nova Foster of Carterville 4. Steve Falat of Murphysboro 5. Darrell Bryant and Jeff Franklin of Carbondale 6. Ellen Bower and Jennifer Miller Louw, both

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of Carbondale 7. Jeff Speith of Carterville 8. San Chen of Carbondale and Sebastian Chou of Herrin 9. Herman Louw of Carbondale 10. TJ Martin of Carbondale 11. Dr. Mike Durr 12. Steve Sowers of Carbondale

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13. Lance Jack of Carbondale 14. Peter Gregory of Carbondale 15. Tom Stewart of Carbondale 16. Lesley Cranick and Dr. Sam Stokes of Carbondale 17. Ralph and Amy Behrens of Carterville 18. Karen Binder of Carbondale 19. Martine and Dr. Michaelis Jackson of Carbondale

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Photos provided by SIH

glorious galas to cozy gatherings,

your event can come to life.

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

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Life & Style : Fall 2014

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SOCIAL SEEN

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SINGING WITH THE STARS Attendees of the Singing with the Stars event at McLeod Theater at SIU gathered for appetizers and drinks before watching the performances. The performances were put together by McLeod Theater Summer Playhouse, and each one was given votes by the audience.

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1. Cheryl Bryant, Mona Ward and Cherryl Daugherty 2. Bonnie and Roy Heidinger 3. Sharon and Larry Meyer 4. Lynn Wolff and Connie Shanahan

Let us help you have the

home of your dreams

5. Wil Travelstead and Neil Dillard 6. Mary Mantovani and Ione Russel 7. Karen and Gary Hartlieb 8. Marilyn and John Annable 9. Helen and Steve Jack

Photos by Alexa Rogals

Since 1995, I’ve been bringing beautiful windows and rooms to residential and commercial clients all over Southern Illinois. I work with you to create your Dream Room with custom furniture, gorgeous window treatments, thousands of area rugs, and hand selected accessories, lighting and artwork. Call me to set up a complimentary consultation and we’ll design a window, room, or whole home of your dreams.

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KITE HILL WINERY FUNDRAISER

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Kite Hill Winery in Carbondale hosted a Drink & Draw event presented June 19

by John A. Logan Museum. Participants were given supplies, a glass of wine and hors d’oeuvres, and were able to take their completed artwork when they were finished.

1. Kim and Brian Self of Carbondale 2. Jessica Davis and Denise Brown of Murphysboro 3. Makayla and Kenny Reynolds of Benton 4. Alexa Miller of Carbondale and Megan Moloney of Murphysboro

5. Emily Popejoy of Carbondale and Stephanie Meyer of Murphysboro 6. Nancy Kucerna and Carol Wingate of Murphysboro 7. Saundra Heaslett and Jen Goode of Murphysboro 8. Sharon and Dennis Johnson of Murphysboro

Photos by Alexa Rogals

It is a GREAT time to be a home buyer!

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100 W. Plaza Drive Carterville www.coldwellbankercarterville.com Life & Style : Fall 2014

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ART OPENING AT THE VARSITY

Photos by Gregory Kupiec

This exhibit, in association with The Stage Company, featured the work of Eldon Benz. The exhibit of prints is called Southern Illinois Natural Areas. The opening reception was July 3 and took place at Varsity Center for the Arts in Carbondale.

1. Jo Kirch Benz, a photographer and the artist’s wife, and Jeanne Ferraro, recently installed president of The Stage Company, both of Carbondale 2. Artist Eldon Benz and wife, Jo, with Richard and Anne Strawn, all of Carbondale

8. Jan and Craig Hinde of Carbondale

3. Kevin Purcell of Cobden and Mike Hanes of Carbondale

5. Lisa, Melissa and Alvie Easton of Murphysboro

4. James Ferraro and Dan Owen of Carbondale and Eric Easton of Murphysboro; Easton provided music on a handcrafted didgeridoo.

6. Mary Jane Karg and Nevlyn Reiman of Murphysboro

9. Darcy Kriegsman of Carbondale, Howard Saver of Makanda and Brendan Finnegan of Carbondale

7. Blanche Sloan of Carbondale and Nancy Taylor of Murphysboro

10. Greg Kupiec of Murphysboro and Jack Langowski of Carbondale

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

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SOCIAL SEEN

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HUCK’S RUN FOR THE FUND About 500 motorcyclists and supporters joined the Huck’s Run for the Fund, with stops at Riverside Park in Murphysboro, John A. Logan College in Carterville, West Frankfort City Park and the Harbor Oaks picnic area of Rend Lake on July 12 to raise funds for the Coach Kill Cancer Fund. To date, the Fund, founded by former Saluki football coach Jerry Kill after a personal battle with cancer, has raised more than half a million dollars and helped more than 1,000 patients with cancer and their families in Southern Illinois. Southern Illinois Healthcare and the SIH Foundation administer the CKCF on behalf of coach Jerry Kill and his wife, Rebecca.

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Photos provided by SIH

1. Jim and Helen Rusher of Sesser 2. Amy Kissing of Marion, Tom Kissing of Marion, Ryan Wachter of Goreville, Melissa Roberston of Goreville, Curtis Boester of Salem, Chris Duty of Crab Orchard 3. Rebecca Kill, Coach Jerry Kill and members of the SIU Cheer Squad 4. Tanna Morgan, Paula Frisch

5. Greg Mcvey of Carmi, Dirk and Sharon Valerius of Elkville 6. Barbara McKinney of Lincoln, Darnell Harvey of Carmi 7. Coach Jerry Kill, Woody Thorne 8. J.T. and Johna Bandy, Jan Grant of Johnston City 9. Coach Jerry Kill, Mark McKinney 10. Bob Davenport of Carbondale, Fred Alstat of De Soto

Life & Style : Fall 2014

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CARTERVILLE’S GOT TALENT The Carterville Variety Show was June 5 at Carterville High School. Attendees were provided with dinner before watching the performers in the auditorium.

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1. Lois Rains and Linda JanesThompson 2. Mickey Edwards and Linda Janes-Thompson 3. Taylan McCamish and Xian Couch 4. Pam and Allan Kimball 5. Mike and Rhonda Robinson

6. Charles and Joyce Stevens 7. Hailey Barber and Megan Hampton 8. Jim and Joan Shasten 9. Karri Forby, Lindon Forby and Kali Bonner 10. Britain and Toby Hollister

11. Marvin and Sherly Oetjen and Doug and Evelyn Fuqua 12. Eric, Stephanie and Elanah Fourez 13. Don and Marilyn Gentry and Dorthy and Bill Bleyer 14. Gary and Joan Cooper 15. Chris and Kurt Oetjen

16. Amy and Ron Simpson 17. Winter and James Campanella 18. Dunklin and Kim Rangitsch 19. Bob Browning, Christy and Kieth Baggett and Clay Goodwin 20. John and Karla McCamish

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

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Photos by Alexa Rogals

Quality Service.

It’s not an award thats won. It’s an award that’s earned.

Our broker associates receive this prestigious award year after year by providing the highest levels of customer service! Our customers go out of their way to recognize their Realtor® for exceeding in all expectations.

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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 : Fall 2014

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SOCIAL SEEN

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MURPHYSBORO CHAMBER DINNER Chamber members and invited guests were treated to the annual event May 2 at 17th Street Warehouse. Awards were presented that night, including Business/Organization of the Year, Friends of Murphysboro; Student Citizen of the Year, Sara Fluegel; Hall of Fame, Bob Hall; and Citizen of the Year, Patty Bateman.

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1. Matt Bishop and Harold Gibbs, both of Murphysboro 2. Jeff Strueter, Martin Schaldemose, Mike Dreith and David Marks, all of Murphysboro 3. Citizen of the Year Award recipient Patty Bateman and Randy Bateman of Murphysboro 4. Jeff Doherty of Carbondale and Dan Bost of Murphysboro 5. Murphysboro Mayor Will Stephens and April Blessing of Murphysboro 6. Lyndsay Kamminga and Julie Schaldemose, both of Murphysboro 7. Cynthia Mill and Bob Chambers of Vergennes and Matt Bishop of

Murphysboro 8. Terri Bryant and Gloria Campos of Murphysboro 9. Mike Jones and Dan Bost, both of Murphysboro 10. Stephanie Donahue and Hall of Fame Award recipient Bob Hall, both of Murphysboro 11. Michael Schmidt and Martin Schaldemose, both of Murphysboro 12. Judy Bost of Murphysboro 13. Bob Chambers and Cynthia Mill of Vergennes 14. John Medwedeff of Murphysboro and Gary Niebrugge of Effingham

15. Scott Fluegel and Kathy Baumann, both of Murphysboro 16. Harold Gibbs and Marlene McGregor Gibbs of Murphysboro 17. Candice Knight of Pinckneyville 18. Bruce Wallace of Murphysboro and Chris Egelston of Carterville 19. Amanda Atchley of Elkville 20. Marlene McGregor Gibbs, Bruce Wallace and Harold Gibbs, all of Murphysboro 21. Brad Fager, Patty Bateman, Brandi Bradley, Sarah Junk and Kathy Baumann of the 2014 Organization of the Year, Friends of Murphysboro

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Photos by Rob Burke

More Than n A Jewelry J y Store S

Merchants Walk, Carterville

985-8331

Hours: Mon.-Fri. 9-6, Sat. 9-5 • yjeweler.com 18 Life & Style : Fall 2014

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Readers’ Choice for Best Bank in Southern Illinois oldnational.com

Thank you for voting us #1!

Call 618-457-3700 or visit any Old National location.

Life & Style : Fall 2014 19

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SECOND ACT IN NYC Forty-nine members of the SIH Second Act Program traveled to New York City in June. Members explored “The City That Never Sleeps� for three days. The tour included a visit to Times Square, Central Park, Rockefeller Center, the 911 Memorial, the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island.

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1. Mary Evilsizer of Scheller, Marie Samuel of Carterville, Barbara Lamcyzk of Scheller 2. Judith Smith of De Soto, Janice Pulcher of Murphysboro, Linda Rains of Marion, Sandra Bullar of Murphysboro 3. Joanne, the New York tour guide 4. Mary and Floyd Smith of Herrin 5. Mike and Pat Jennings of Ava, Mary Falaster of

Murphysboro, Fredia Doody of Murphysboro, Jennifer and Dianna Freeburn of Murphysboro 6. Paula Reeves of Carrier Mills, Jerry and Yvonne Norris of Marion, Lora Hurt of De Soto, Janet Schuyler of Carterville, Janice McConnaughy of Carterville 7. George and Marlene Stavroulakis of Zeigler, Joey and Gina Cushman of Du Quoin, Mary and Ted James of Carbondale 8. Nate Bernstein of Marion

Photos provided by SIH

9. Mike Jennings of Ava and Joe Taylor of Marion 10. Dale Hastings of Marion, Ted James of Carbondale 11. Nate and Tina Bernstein of Marion 12. Shirlene Carnaghi of Herrin, Marie Samuel of Carterville, Mike Jennings of Ava and Frank Aldridge of Murphysboro 13. Mike and Pat Jennings of Ava

Elegant Outdoor Living!

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Life & Style : Fall 2014

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Elegant Outdoor Living!

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WHY

WOUL YOU G D O ANYW HE E L SE ? R E

www.jalc.edu

Get it delivered!

R Get 8 issues for $17.95 Name Address City State

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Clip out this card and mail your payment to: Life & Style in Southern Illinois PO Box 2108, Carbondale, IL 62901

For additional information or to place your order, call (618) 351-5035.

You can also subscribe online at thesouthern.com/lifestyles/magazine/subscribe Please allow 4 weeks for delivery. Email address will not be sold or rented.

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Life & Style : Fall 2014

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501 E. Walnut St Carbondale, Illinois ((618) 8) 351-8242 3 82 2 Life & Style : Fall 2014

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15 QUESTIONS

Getting to know

John Pfeifer Our Life & Style editor offered to take my bio info from our corporate website, but I fear that wouldn’t tell you very much. And it would be pretty boring. So here goes.

As publisher of The Southern Illinoisan, I have a job that allows me to do what I love to do — and what I do well — every day. I love to write, to sell, and to interact with people inside and outside of the office, and that’s what I get to do. I enjoy leading almost as much as I detest following, so that works out pretty nicely, as well.

And since I and the “status quo” have never really gotten on the same page, it’s good to work somewhere that everyone is involved in creating a new product daily in print and hourly on your desktop, tablet and mobile phone. Change is fun!

I’m also glad to be working at our Carbondale office in Jackson County, while living in our beautiful home in Marion right next door in Williamson County. We’re a regional news and sales organization, so it’s helpful to have a couple of different perspectives on what we’re doing and how well we’re doing it.

I hope you enjoy this and every edition of Life & Style.

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Life & Style : Fall 2014

John Pfeifer, shown in the pressroom (above) and using his iPad to find the Southern Business Journal’s LinkedIn page (left), is the publisher of The Southern Illinoisan.

At the end of the 19th century, French writer Marcel Proust believed that people must know and understand themselves before they could know or understand others. So, he developed a list of subjective questions he felt would help with that. We, along with other publications, like Vanity Fair, believe it’s still one of the best ways to get to know someone quickly.

What is your current state of mind?

Determined.

What is your favorite avocation or hobby? Music. Tinkering with playlists and trying to create a playlist for any and all moods. My daughter; a self-proclaimed NeedtoBreathe groupie, also recently got me hooked on Ed Sheeran (I’m listening to his “Multiplied” CD while answering these questions). I love live classical music, as well. And soundtracks, great big breaking themes that ebb and flow.

What is your greatest extravagance?

Travel – and buying artwork while traveling.

My wife and I just visited Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island, and, because we won’t be moving next summer, plan to visit Budapest, Prague and return to Vienna.

Can’t wait! And there really is another wall in our new house that needs a nice painting to hang on.

What is your motto or words you live by?

“I learned this, at least, by my experiment: That if one advances confidently in the direction of his dreams, and endeavors to live the life which he has imagined, he will meet with a success unexpected in common hours.” Henry David Thoreau What is your most treasured possession?

BubbaZeke, our family’s stuffed bear elder.

My wife and three kids each have a “Bubba” bear, as well, but mine was the first. And I don’t think he really looks like he’s stoned.

When and where were you happiest?

Thanksgiving week with the family at our oldest son Tim’s place in Columbia, Maryland. Our daughter Carolyn lives with him, and Joe flies in from Denver. Lot’s of eating, game playing, football watching and relaxing. There may also be a wee bit of sarcasm.

What are your most obvious characteristics? A sense of humor. At least, I hope so. I’m very serious about accomplishing things, but hope I never take myself seriously.

What is your favorite journey? A long hike in a brand new place. Walking off the first tee with my son, knowing we have the next couple of hours together. Getting unlost.

Who is your favorite fictional hero? Since we’re talking fiction here, my hero is a composite of the sarcastic pragmatism of Josh Lyman from the “West Wing” TV series and the status-quo challenging John Keating from the movie “Dead Poet’s Society.”

If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be? A dangerous question to answer because I can actually change it. I would like to develop the discipline necessary to write consistently.

I’ve started writing both fiction and nonfiction, but (quickly) lost steam.

Lowering expectations to creating a short story or short book on media sales would be a great first step. OK, actually writing a few paragraphs each day would be a better first step.

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Where would you like to live? In close proximity to grandkids. Right now, we don’t yet have grandkids, so there’s no rush to be anywhere other than right here. But when they start arriving, I want to be right there to spoil them.

What is the quality you most admire in a man? See the next question.

What is the quality you most admire in a woman? I’ll answer both of the above questions by saying that I’m mystified about why I would possibly admire different qualities in a person based solely on their gender difference. What’s with that? I admire people who care. I guess “passionate” is the word we now use to describe this quality. You can hear it in the words they speak or write, and you can always see it in their eyes. I love listening to people — both women and men — argue points they feel strongly about.

What do you value most in your friends?

Their ability to laugh at many of the silly and/or idiotic things that come out of my mouth, while making it appear as though they find them genuinely humorous.

Which words or phrases do you most over-use? It’s a near certainty that I overuse the word “like,” since it has, like, replaced “you know” as the placeholder word that comes out of our mouths as we struggle to communicate. I’m, like, not even sure where this all started but, like, that’s all we seem to say. Like has to be the most commonly used word in the country, and I really don’t like it at all.

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Life & Style : Fall 2014

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PURSUITS

The of the LEAA adds group for current and aspiring writers to its ranks

BY ADAM TESTA

hrough the years, Little Egypt Arts Association has become a haven for all types of creative individuals, from painters to quilters and photographers to sculptors.

Earlier this year, though, the tree of LEAA opportunities grew another branch as the organization started Little Egypt Writers Society. The group brings together all types of writers or those who wish to explore and improve their writing talents.

“We have songwriters, scriptwriters, authors,” said Kaye Howell of Marion, who helped organize the club and lead it through its infancy. “We’re just trying to feel our way about, so we’re really open to anything.”

Early meetings have included about 15 members and featured programs from author Jon Musgrave, who spoke on his journey to bring scripts to Los Angeles, and poet Joy King, who shared her experiences of visiting the United Nations.

LEWS plans to host events like book signings and exhibitions in the future, allowing writers of all types to share their works with the community at large. A bookshelf display will be set up at LEAA headquarters on the Marion square with artistic book designs, framed poetry and more.

Howell said she hopes the group will integrate with other artist groups, too. The idea for the writing club actually came from a meeting for

painters. Poet Cheryl Ranchino shared some of her work with the group, and ideas started flowing immediately.

“As she was reading them, we were getting these beautiful painting ideas in our minds,” Howell said.

LEWS meets from 6 to 8 p.m. on the second Tuesday of each month at the LEAA office. To be a member of the club, writers must join LEAA, which costs $50 per year. The organization also takes a 20 percent commission on all sales at its office.

Howell, a retired art teacher, said she hopes the group continues to grow and succeed, as it offers an outlet for those who create art with their words and a place where they can connect with others who share their passion.

“It’s a place where authors can have a home along with the painters, the photographers and the other artists,” she said.

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SCENIC BEAUTY

Photos by Les Winkeler

Be inspired at Inspiration Point from view as the visitor turns east off that highway. The road to Inspiration As unexpected as it is impressive, Point provides a commanding view of Inspiration Point is the centerpiece of the Big Muddy. When the Big Muddy Pine Hills, a five-mile spills over its banks, great length of limestone blue herons, great egrets, This is probably the formations jutting from egrets and other only place in Southern snow the Mississippi River wading and shore birds floodplain south and west Illinois where a person can be seen feeding in of Murphysboro. can stand and see the flood waters.

The summit of The bottomland forest eagles soaring below.

Inspiration Point towers — and the attendant 150 feet above LaRue wildlife — can be Swamp and Big Muddy River, as it winds mesmerizing. Roll down the windows, its way toward the nearby Mississippi. turn off the stereo and air-conditioning The journey to Inspiration Point is an and listen to the sounds of the river adventure in itself. bottom, the melodies of songbirds Although Inspiration Point is clearly and jungle-like screams of the pileated woodpecker. visible from Illinois 3, it disappears

BY LES WINKELER

AT TOP: Inspiration Point is the centerpiece of Pine Hills, a five-mile limestone facade stretching along the floodplain of the Mississippi River near Murphysboro. While the natural formation is easily viewable from Illinois 3, the trek to visit the summit itself is much more of an adventure.

ABOVE: The summit of Inspiration Point towers 150 feet above LaRue Swamp and the Big Muddy River, as it winds its way toward the nearby Mississippi. From the summit, travelers have a unique view of the region’s vast landscape

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The bottomland forest provides great scenery for a drive to Inspiration Point. The sounds of flowing water and the attending wildlife create a natural soundtrack for the mesmerizing journey. But the view from the top can be even more impressive.

One almost forgets about the looming limestone bluffs that were formed 400 million years ago.

However, when the road takes one final curve, Inspiration Point comes into view. Although the gravel road discourages speed, the initial reaction upon catching a glimpse of Inspiration Point is to lift the foot off the accelerator. The sight is stunning at any time of day, but even more spectacular in late afternoon and evening when the bluffs catch the sun.

The temptation is to keep your eyes glued to the gleaming bluffs, but visitors owe it to themselves to scan the surrounding swampland. The area abounds with songbirds and wildflowers in the summer, waterfowl in the winter.

Upon reaching the base of the summit, you face still another dilemma.

A right turn leads to a large pond that

makes up part of LaRue Swamp. The road carrying visitors to the pond is the famous “Snake Road.” The road is closed for brief periods in the spring and fall, as snakes migrate to and from their winter dens.

A left turn takes travelers to the summit of Inspiration Point. The drive is short, but it eloquently displays the remote wildness of Pine Hills. The road leads to the entrance of Clear Springs Wilderness Area.

The view from the summit — the Big Muddy winding below and floodplain extending to the Mississippi — is as inspiring, as advertised.

This is probably the only place in Southern Illinois where a person can stand and see eagles soaring below.

And, even when it is time to leave the summit, take solace in the fact that the drive back to Illinois 3 is a journey unto itself.

Life & Style : Fall 2014 29

WINE

Photos by Adam Testa

Tony Philipe, senior graphic designer at Silkworm, designs wine labels for wineries including Owl Creek and Alto Vineyards. Several of his designs have placed or won in the Illinois State Fair Wine Competition.

Judging a wine by its

LABEL 30 Life & Style : Fall 2014

Rese rve Gold —

In the long list of creative ventures and artistic media, label design might not be one that immediately comes to mind. But if you’re in the business of marketing wine and cider, it’s almost as important as the quality of the product.

A bright or unique label is essential in attracting that all-important customer.

Dustin Rochkes, manager of Warehouse Liquor Mart in Carbondale, said labels most definitely play a role in moving a product.

“For customers who have decided to try something new, a creative, eyecatching label works,” he said. “Blue Sky does a good job with theirs, and Owl Creek’s labels are uniform, but creative and attractive.”

Alto Vine yard

BY CHANDA GREEN

Jim Ewers, general manager of Blue Sky Vineyard in Makanda, said a lot of thought and creativity go into its labels and for good reason.

“One of our most popular wines is our Misterioso,” he said.

It’s a rosé that smells and tastes of ripe berries, but Jim credits at least some of popularity to the “creepy” label design.

“When we were trying to come up with new label designs, I went out to Westroads Liquor in Carbondale and talked to Jim Reed, the owner,” Jim said. “He told me to look at his display of wines and pointed out how the standard labels — mostly black with gold or silver lettering and trim — blended together. ‘Make the label pop,’ he told me. We’ve lived by that and had great success.”

Blue Sky uses local photographer Keith Cotton as one of its primary label designers.

“Our Chamborcin Reserve wine label is a collage of some of the architectural features of the winery. So when you buy a bottle, it’s like you’re taking home a little piece of Blue Sky,” he said. “And our Rosé label is a reproduction of a portrait that hangs in the winery, very distinctive.”

Brad Genung, owner, chief wine-maker and cider master at Owl Creek Vineyard in Cobden, said the label is almost as important as what’s inside the bottle. That’s why he turned to a professional graphic artist, Ruby Barnes, when he decided to redesign his wine labels in 2005. And when Owl Creek wanted something creative for its new line of hard ciders, Brad called Silkworm in Murphysboro and worked with one of its senior graphic artists, Tony Phillippe.

“He’s our graphics guy now, and he’s awesome,” Brad said.

Tony has been working with Brad since about 2005 and began designing his cider labels about a year ago.

“The sky’s the limit on these labels,” Blue Sky’s Mysterioso he said. “You’re free to use your imagination. You’re not limited to five or six colors like you are on a T-shirt design. As long as you know what the client wants and stay within that direction, you really get to spread your wings as a designer. It’s some of my favorite work here at Silkworm.”

He especially enjoyed designing the labels for Owl Creek’s new line of Apple Knockers Hard Cider: Hard Knocks, Bad Apple and Sweet Knockers.

“For his Bad Apple Cider, I played off of the apple boy character on the Hard Knocks label and had him spray-painting graffiti; and for the Sweet Knockers label, well, I drew a very voluptuous apple tree.”

Tony also designs labels for Alto Vineyards in Alto Pass, which has used artists at Silkworm for its label designs since before Tony started there 16 years ago.

Alto’s event coordinator Corey Peters agreed that it’s “very important to have an eye-catching label, one that does justice to the product.”

He cites Alto’s Rocco Red wine, named after the vineyard’s founding family’s first dog; Wiener Dog White, named after the family’s late winery dog, Lucy; and Reserve Gold, a dessert wine, as having some of the winery’s most creative and attractive labels.

Reserve Gold was one of the local winners at this year’s annual Illinois State Fair Wine Label and Packaging Competition, along with Owl Creek’s Bad Apple Cider and Whoo’s Blush Rosé wine.

Owl Creek Wines

‘I was immediately drawn to the winner in the dessert wine category, Alto Vineyards’ Reserve Gold. The combination of the blue bottle, their logo stacked for easy readability and the use of a gold foil really set this wine label apart.’

Rebecca Ritz, one of the judges at this year’s annual state fair wine label and packaging competition in Springfield

And the winners are …

More than 420 local wines were presented to the judges at the Illinois State Fair Wine Competition in June at Lincoln Land Community College in Springfield. The event was sponsored by the Illinois Grape Growers & Vintners Association.

One of the categories judged concerns labels and packaging. Local winners are: Cider: Owl Creek Vineyard, Cobden, for Bad Apple Rosé: Owl Creek Vineyard for Whoo’s Blush Dessert Wine: Alto Vineyards in Alto Pass, for Reserve Gold

Owl Creek Hard Ciders

Life & Style : Fall 2014

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Life & Style : Fall 2014

33

APPS

creativity Tap into your

with these apps for writers, musicians and moviemakers

BY ADAM TESTA

The ultimate source of creativity exists inside the individual, but that doesn’t mean others can’t help bring out the best.

In the golden era of literature, contemporary authors and poets were often friends, part of the same social cliques. Today, individuals seeking to explore their own creativity have a much wider social network from which to seek guidance, advice and inspiration.

The digital age has brought creativity to the forefront and given everyone the chance and opportunity to explore outlets previously out of reach.

Here are some digital apps that can help writers, musicians and moviemakers, as well as those aspiring to hold such titles, pave their own creative paths.

FOR WRITERS

A Novel Idea: One of the hardest parts of creative writing, especially for beginners, is organization. This app allows writers to think about various aspects of their work with a single focus — character descriptions, settings, plot points, etc. — at a time. Once all the information is input, the app will link it together, making it easily accessible as the author moves forward with the project.

Spice Mobile: A Phrase Thesaurus and History of the English Language: Most writers find themselves turning to a thesaurus, seeking synonyms for a single word, but this app takes the research one step further. Searching a phrase will bring up similar or commonly used passages from classic literature and writing to help inspire a new way of thinking about what you’re trying to say.

Write or Die: The name of this app sounds a little harsh, but it’s the perfect motivator for those who are prone to procrastination (like yours truly can be, at times, when it comes to creative writing). Users set a word count or time goal for the session, and if they stop writing before meeting it, the app responds in various severities — from a simple reminder to erasing what you’ve already written — until you start again.

FOR MUSICIANS

GarageBand: This digital sound and recording app serves both trained musicians and those looking to break into the industry. The app can be connected to a number of different virtual instruments and also includes its own array of “smart instruments” for those seeking to try their hand at audio engineering without a bevy of hefty expenses.

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Life & Style : Fall 2014

Songster Tabs and Chords: The days of buying tab books may be over.

Apps such as this one allow musicians to discover tablature for many popular songs, and most of them feature tabs for instruments beyond guitar. Users can search by artist or song title, and an offline mode allows them to access previously viewed tabs without Internet access. The participating artists are legally included and paid for their work, which is an added bonus.

ThumbJam: Designed specifically for Apple products, this app turns your handheld device into an instrument. Users pick out a key and scale and use their thumb to move up and down the notes and wave the device to create effects such as pitch bend.

It’s not overly complex and might not be too useful in actually creating sounds for recording, but it helps people learn different aspects of musical sound, and they can be manipulated.

FOR MOVIEMAKERS

iMovie: This app is the mobile version of Apple’s standard movie editing software, and, like its full version, it’s geared toward beginners and those looking to learn.

You can do basic cuts and edits of videos shot with your iPod or iPad with ease, or you can get more intricate with themes, transitions and other fine touches. You won’t see many Hollywood blockbusters edited in iMovie, but it’s a nice option for your home videos. iStopMotion: Why settle for watching “The Lego Movie” when you can make your own? This iPad app — Android users can find similar programs for their systems — lets the user learn to make quick, easy stopmotion videos. Use Lego or other toys and then move them a little on each frame before snapping a picture. Put them all together in motion and watch your story unfold before your eyes.

CollabraCam: Every filmmaker desires to use multiple camera angles to be sure to capture the best shots. With this app, the user can network a number of iPhones to create a studio-style setup. One phone works as the “director” with up to four phones filming and streaming video to it.

The director then chooses what camera should be active, switching between them to ensure the best angle is being captured.

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Life & Style : Fall 2014

35

ARTISTS

‘I don’t like shiny things; I’d rather concern myself with substance.’

— Kyle Kinser

Kinser polishes a table top with a special mix he creates.

Photos by Adam Testa and Lori Baysinger

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Kyle Kinser

Celebrating nature’s imperfections in his perfectly beautiful and unique furniture

Kinser is all about reclamation of beautiful wood, which is evident in the door panels of a cabinet he created. They almost look like fabric but are actually slices of ‘dead’ wood he was able to bring to life in a creative way.

BY CHANDA GREEN

K

yle Kinser is an artist, a craftsman and a woodworker, but that doesn’t really come close to describing what he does. Kinser makes one-of-a-kind, high-end, hand-made furniture that is so unique and beautiful it will take your breath away. And, it’s made so well that each one is an heirloom piece, something you would be proud to pass down to the next generation.

He uses wood from the forest around his home in Makanda, sometimes keeping an eye on a tree for years until it falls and then dragging it back to his studio to slice and stack until the pieces dry and age naturally for years before pulling one out and letting it speak to him.

“I prefer to have a piece of wood tell me what to do rather than a client,” he said. “I like to build something and then find a good home for it.”

The imperfections in the wood he collects and uses — the cracks and knots, or a winding tunnel made by a beetle

chewing its way through the tree — are what attract Kinser.

“One-hundred years from now, people will love all of those imperfections,” he said.

Kinser’s workshop looks like an old shack from the outside. But, inside, it’s filled with the machines he uses to slice the wood he finds, and the hand tools he uses to shape the wood into art.

“Every machine in this shop has a story,” he said. “But the real work begins when the machines are turned off.”

Kinser loves the experience of cutting a piece of wood with a sharp tool, celebrates the smooth surfaces that his hand plane leaves behind and finds real joy in the spiritual quality of a well-made object, one of the “real things in life.”

Along one side of Kinser’s shop are large windows, the better to drink in the inspiration of the surroundings, and in almost every corner are stacks of wood waiting for their turn under the master’s hand. He built the shop himself and has been working there — and living at the other end of his property — for more than two decades.

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Kinser uses a variety of hand tools to create the perfect designs for his work. While he does use machinery, a lot of the work is done by hand using traditional techniques and skills.

LEFT: Wood shavings cover many of the work tables in Kinser’s studio, a symbol of his hard work. He apologizes to visitors for the mess, but most simply view it as a sign of his efforts and labor.

Kyle Kinser’s work can be seen at his studio in Makanda. He also sells commissioned work, and his pieces can be seen in numerous galleries in large metropolitan areas such as Chicago.

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Life & Style : Fall 2014

“I’m absorbed with the spiritual aspect of my life and work,” he said. “I’m a recovering Catholic, but very spiritual. I find my religion in art and in nature.”

Kinser’s journey as an artist is as interesting and circuitous as that of the unclaimed wood that becomes beautiful furniture. When he started working with wood, he had no formal connect training. He learned what he could To connect with from the local library, old high school Kyle Kinser and shop manuals and “a lot of trial and to watch a video error,” he said. of him working, He really wasn’t sure what he wanted go to www. to do with his life, so there were a few lifeandstylesi.com. years at a seminary, a few years studying 618-549-4540 kylekinser8@gmail. French and English in college and com taking on menial jobs such as picking apples. Then, after his soul-searching, fate stepped in and introduced Kinser to his mentor, James Krenov.

“I was on a hitchhiking trip in the mid-’70s from Makanda to British Columbia when I stopped at a friend’s house. My friend made guitars, and in one of his

Kinser’s artistic style is rooted in tradition, but while many think his pieces are entirely hand-crafted, they’re mistaken, as he uses machinery to help with cuts and shavings. His studio is divided into two rooms, one for machinery and the other for more hands-on work.

BELOW: Kinser’s studio is divided into two rooms, one filled with machinery and the other with open work benches and space.

The building is very basic, both inside and out, but the work created there is anything but. Kinser creates elaborate, high-end furniture, which he mostly markets through Chicago art galleries.

magazines there was a little photo of Jim’s book, ‘The Cabinetmaker’s Notebook,’ with an even tinier photo of one of Jim’s dovetail joints. As soon as I got home, I ordered that book.

“I had been groping for direction, looking for a cottage industry, some way of making my living. But, after I got that book, I was a full-time woodworker.”

In the meantime, Krenov had moved from Stockholm to the West Coast and started a fine woodworking program called the College of the Redwoods. In ’82 or ’83, Kinser and his wife, Jeri, loaded everything they had in an old, oil-burning Volvo and headed west.

Kinser enrolled in the second year of the program in a class of 22 students.

“That was my first and only structured training,” he said.

“It was non-stop stimulation, an incredible learning experience.

It really reshuffled my deck and showed me what high standards of design and construction were all about. Jim influenced a whole generation of craftsmen woodworkers. Hardly a day goes by that I don’t reminisce about my experience there.

“Jim was my mentor, my biggest, most pivotal influence.

So, my compass was set at this early stage by my experience with this wonderful teacher. I came back here and set up shop and concentrated completely on my work.”

Kinser’s work, his incredibly elegant and unique, but functional, pieces, elevated his status from simple woodworker to artist. His work is

now sought after, celebrated by the Illinois State Museum, sold in several galleries in Chicago and set to be displayed in a retrospective show next fall at SIU’s University Museum in Carbondale.

Kinser is busy preparing for that show, working with University Museum Director Donna Bachman, collecting pieces that span 40 years of his work and some of his most recent pieces.

“I’m really excited about my new Painted Tabernacle Series,” he said, which includes at least four cabinets augmented by panels painted by local visual artists Fran Jaffe, Michael Onken, Eieleen Doman and Michael Gould.

“I’m really enjoying the collaboration with other artists,” Kinser said. “I’m talking with several other artists, too. Their enthusiasm is contagious. I love the partnership involved in these collaborations. My art is a very solitary craft, and collaborations get me outside of my little cloister.”

Kinser is also collaborating with metal sculptor Alden Addington on a series of tables, using his own wood pieces as the top and what he describes as “Alden’s amazing work” as the base.

“They’re some very exciting pieces,” he said.

Another artist Kinser is even more excited about developing a working relationship with is his granddaughter, Audrey Rose. She’s in third grade now and, according to Kinser, showing a lot of artistic talent.

“I’m trying to persuade her to do a painted cabinet with me that I hope will be in my upcoming SIU show,” he said. “I’m sure it will be my favorite piece.”

Life & Style : Fall 2014 39

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Beginning in September, Dr. Daniel Griffin will be scheduling consultations at the Green Door Spa in Mt. Vernon.

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40 Life & Style : Fall 2014

Life & Style : Fall 2014

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SELF

KEEPING IT REAL

Innovative self-defense approach helps trainees stay mentally and physically prepared for anything

BY JOE SZYNKOWSKI

You’re standing in the corner of Levi Wampler’s Carbondale MMA & Fitness facility. Next to the boxing bag. A few feet from the yellow floor fan keeping you cool in what is quickly becoming a

high-intensity training.

The next phase of your workout is walking to the other side of the room. Sounds simple enough, until you’re told that your fellow students are going to attack you. Randomly. And vigorously, depending on your skill level.

Welcome to the art of realistic self-defense, a level of mental and physical preparedness designed to keep you safe in the most austere of environments.

Wampler, a former self-defense and mixed martial arts instructor at Southern Illinois University, doesn’t stop with self-defense. He combines it with martial arts influences he has picked up over years of training in disciplines like Wing Chun Kung Fu, Jeet Kune Do, Brazilian JuiJitsu, Filipino Martial Arts and Krav Maga.

He also draws on his military background. Wampler was in the Illinois Army National Guard for eight years and deployed to Iraq from 2003 to 2004.

“After I got home from Iraq, I had trouble adjusting to not having a Kevlar, flak vest and weapon with me everywhere I went,” he said. “There was a feeling of being open or vulnerable.

After learning realistic selfdefense, it helped Levi Wampler teaches student Jeffery Cripps of Carterville how to defend against an armed mugger.

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Life & Style : Fall 2014

Carbondale MMA & Fitness

Levi Wampler Military Background

 608 S. Illinois Ave., Carbondale

 Illinois Army National Guard 8 years,

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 Deployed 2003 to 2004 to Iraq.  (E-5) Sgt.

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me to cope with that feeling.”

Wampler cultivates that same feeling of confidence in his students, while also delivering a targeted conditioning program in an innovative way. Students pound on massive tractor tires with sledgehammers, lift heavy black bags filled with bricks over their shoulders and navigate through various cardio-focused drills.

They learn how to disarm guns and fend off knife attacks. They also work through challenging, real-life scenarios within the facility’s main area and side rooms, one of which simulates a city alleyway, complete with tight quarters and graffiti-splashed walls.

It’s all in an effort to remain ahead of the workout curve and hold court on a competitive street — one that fields a Cross-Fit facility and karate studio across Illinois Avenue.

“It’s all about building people’s situational awareness, whether you’re here in Carbondale or traveling in New York,” Wampler said. “You can also get a great workout in the process.”

Jason Henry has been training with Wampler a few days per week for six years and actually helped clean up the new Carbondale facility when he first purchased it.

“I remember he wasn’t talking about being excited for himself,” Henry recalled. “He said, ‘I’m proud that I can finally train you like you deserve to be trained.’”

Henry said the training has kicked up a notch since moving operations from Murphysboro.

“No matter what your skill set or personality, Levi will make you feel comfortable,” Henry said.

“I know a lot of people are nervous or shy about starting new things, but Levi makes it an inviting environment.”

Wampler demonstrates what not to do when threatened by someone holding a gun. ‘We teach people to bring their hands close to the gun, so you can quickly grab it,’ Wampler says.

Photos by Steve Matzker

Life & Style : Fall 2014 43

PROFILE

Behind the

Camera Carbondale native makes directorial debut

BY MARILYN HALSTEAD

The movie “Tammy,” which opened in theaters July 2, has more of a connection to Southern Illinois than just the opening scene being set in Murphysboro.

The movie, starring Melissa McCarthy and Susan Sarandon, was directed by Ben Falcone, who grew up in Carbondale.

Falcone was born in Carbondale and his parents, Steve and Peg Falcone, still live here. He graduated from Carbondale Community High School and then went to University of Illinois. Wanting to work in the entertainment business, he traveled to Los Angeles and joined The Groundlings Theatre and School. The school has a pretty impressive list of alumni, which includes Falcone, his wife Melissa McCarthy, Will Ferrell, Lisa Kudrow and many other great comedians.

“It’s where I met most of my closest friends and Melissa, where we started working together,” Falcone said. “I’m very grateful and thankful for the opportunities we’ve had.”

Photos by AP

LEFT: Melissa McCarthy and Ben Falcone share a look at a ceremony immortalizing McCarthy with a hand and footprint at TCL Chinese Theatre in July.

ABOVE: Ben Falcone signs autographs at the ceremony.

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After McCarthy gained notoriety, someone asked if there were any Falcone gave the details meeting his wife on the Late Show with projects they would like to do. They pitched the idea to Universal, David Letterman. The two were in class at The Groundlings, and and company executives like it. At that point, Falcone said they had the class was doing introductions in a circle. McCarthy, who was to get serious and finish the script. Six years after the concept was about six people ahead of Falcone, said she went to school “in a born, the movie is a reality. place you’ve never heard of, Carbondale, Illinois.” When it was The movie opens in Murphysboro, Illinois, with Tammy Falcone’s turn to speak, he introduced himself and said, “Thanks.

(McCarthy) driving to work at fictional I’m from Carbondale, Illinois.” fast food restaurant Topper Jacks. Once They have been friends since. They at work, her boss, Keith (Falcone), fires married in 2005 and have two daughters, her for being late. Her car dies on Illinois ages 7 and 4.

13. When she finally makes it home, her Breaking into the film industry is not husband Greg (Nat Faxon) is having a easy, and that has been true for Falcone. romantic dinner with a neighbor (Toni “It was a long process, you know. I’ve had Collette). She leaves and walks two doors to keep at it, keep moving forward and try down to her parents’ home. The result to get better,” Falcone said. “I just try to is a road trip with her grandma Pearl turn out great things that people will like.”

(Sarandon). The plot includes a robbery Falcone is known as a character actor of a Topper Jacks in Louisville, Kentucky; and writer. He has had roles in “What to alcoholic Pearl humiliating Tammy at a Expect When You’re Expecting,” “Enough Fourth of July party, a divorce, a retirement Said” and “Bad Words,” and several home, and a trip to Niagara Falls. The cast movies that star McCarthy, including includes Allison Janney and Dan Aykroyd “Bridesmaids,” “Identity Thief” and “The Ben Falcone and Melissa McCarthy as Tammy’s parents, Gary Cole, Kathy Heat.” He had a recurring role in television walk the street at the New Line Cinema premiere of ‘Tammy’ held at Hollywood’s Bates, Sandra Oh, Mark Duplass, Sarah series “Joey,” a “Friends” spin-off starring TCL Chinese Theatre in June.

Baker, Rich Williams and Rob Springer.

Matt LeBlanc. He makes his directorial Directing a film that stars your wife debut with “Tammy” and plays the boss “I wish I could get might be a challenge for some, but who fires Tammy early in the movie. back there more “Tammy” was not a challenge for Falcone.

If you still think you don’t know who often. It’s a great He and McCarthy have written and Ben Falcone is as an actor, think Target performed together since their days at commercials. He was the music teacher place and I miss it.”

The Groundlings. who tells parents that children have to look — Ben Falcone “It was a delight every day. We both cool and sings about denim and school work a lot, and being able to spend a lot supplies in a popular Target back-to-school of time together was delightful. Melissa is commercial. a super funny person and a great actress,” “I really like all aspects of the business. he said. “When you work with great I enjoy writing, acting, and I really enjoy people, like Susan (Sarandon), Kathy (Bates) and Gary (Cole), it is directing. I’m lucky enough that I like it all,” he said. “When you a pleasure.” are able to do this with your wife, it’s a bonus.”

The disadvantage is that time with their daughters is in short McCarthy shares that sentiment and often refers to her supply when they are working. husband as “the love of her life” and “the dreamiest man “When we are both working long hours, we don’t get to see the on the planet.” At home, Ben is the comedian, making kids as much as we would like,” Falcone added. everyone laugh.

“I probably laugh to the point where I literally think I The Falcone-McCarthy family travels together as a group. When one films, they all go, which puts their young daughters on the can’t get air in probably four times a day … No, I can’t set of “Tammy.” Ben said the girls would come on the set for 30 imagine having a husband, or a partner or whoever minutes to an hour, until they got bored. you’re with all the time, that doesn’t make you laugh “You’d think they would be interested in the cameras and like that,” McCarthy told Mo Rocca in a CBS Sunday equipment, but they just wanted to go back to the trailer and Morning interview.

The idea for the movie “Tammy” was born before any of color,” he said, laughing.

Falcone has simple goals, “just to keep working and doing the roles McCarthy is known for today, like “Bridesmaids” projects people want to see.” or “Mike and Molly.”

The couple has another project in the works for Universal.

Falcone got up one morning with an idea for a movie, “We are writing a movie for Universal that should be fun for maybe from a dream.

Melissa,” Falcone said. “We plan to shoot next year.”

“I came downstairs and said to Melissa, ‘We need to His dad, Steve Falcone, told Adam Testa of The Southern make a movie where you go on a road trip with your Illinoisan that the hard work his son and daughter-in-law have done grandma.’ Melissa and I were both very close to our is already paying dividends. The couple’s second film, also directed grandmas,” Falcone said.

by Falcone and starring McCarthy, will be “Michelle Darnell,” based McCarthy told several interviewers that she thought he on a character McCarthy created at The Groundlings. wasn’t fully awake and offered him coffee.

Falcone still loves Southern Illinois.

“I knew she was a good actress and there was a lot of stuff she “I wish I could get back there more often,” he said. “It’s a great could do. I wanted to show her talent,” Falcone added. place and I miss it.”

As ideas for the movie came to them, they wrote them down.

Life & Style : Fall 2014 45

BUSINESS BUZZ

Pushing the

Design Envelope Trish Francis, a designer at Wright’s Do-It Center in Murphysboro, uses the store’s online design center to explore options for a potential customer. The site shows off before and after pictures of various projects, allowing interested people to see what others have done with their homes.

BELOW: Many people think of Wright’s Do-It Center as a lumberyard and home center, but the store’s staff can also share their creativity and experience with home design.

They offer services in person and online to help customers formulate ideas and explore possibilities for their kitchens, bathrooms and more.

Photos by Adam Testa

Wright’s Do-it Center’s design services are top-notch and rising in popularity

BY JOE SZYNKOWSKI

Quaintly tucked away into the back section of Wright’s Do-It Center in Murphysboro is the business’ best-kept secret.

Within the elegantly decorated, showcase-filled area is an atmosphere of creative energy and smiling faces ready to help you put together your dream kitchen or bathroom.

The longtime, locally owned business celebrating its 50th anniversary this year may be known primarily as a lumber yard and home center, but its design capability is what really sets it apart from the competition.

“I can’t tell you how often we hear, ‘Oh, wow, I didn’t know you did this kind of work,’” sales manager Jami Lee Wright said. “Our designers really are top notch and have been putting out quality work throughout Southern Illinois for a very long time.”

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Wright’s Do-It Center designed this bathroom remodel for a customer.

The store not only sells home and construction supplies, its employees can also help bring people’s creativity home design ideas to life.

Designer Kim Koehler meets with customer Leslie Williams to discuss design options. The store has many setups showcased, including kitchen counters and bathroom showers, and more options can be viewed on its website.

Evidence of the innovative work that Wright’s Do-It Center’s designers have produced is on the company’s website, www.wrightdoit.com. The site’s before-and-after photo section offers a stunning peak into some of the transformations the staff has executed.

The business began photographing its projects about five years ago, starting out by printing portfolio books for curious customers to peruse.

It quickly took its photo collection online, to the delight of potential design clients looking for creative examples of past work.

“We wanted our customers to see what we’re capable of,” Wright said. “The photos have been fundamental in showcasing the depth of our product, design and installation capability.”

The business’ custom design portfolio is available to view on Houzz.com and can be accessed easily by visiting Wright’s Do-It Center’s website and clicking on the green Houzz icon on the top right-hand corner of the page.

Staying ahead of the technology curve has been crucial to Wright’s Do-It Center’s progressive growth, which started 50 years ago with a dream, a

Wright’s Do-It Center designed this kitchen remodel for a customer.

The store not only sells home and construction supplies, its employees can also help bring people’s creativity home design ideas to life.

Photos provided

by Wright’s Do-It Center

modest pole barn and handful of employees.

“It is very important to remain innovative,” Wright said. “We do so on several different levels. We are always pushing the bar with new designs.”

Whether you’re looking to liven up a bland bathroom or overhaul an outdated kitchen, Wright’s Do-It Center can help you with every detail — from blueprint to move-in.

“We can create the kitchen and bath you’ve always wanted, but never thought possible,” Wright said.

The business’ design staff will even come to your home to learn more about your vision, take all of the necessary measurements and then get to work.

So, walk through the business’ large entry doors in Murphysboro, head to the back and prepare to be inspired. Your home will thank you.

“Our designers would love the opportunity to partner with you,” Wright said.

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

Wright’s Do-It Center 208 S. Williams St., Murphysboro 618-687-1702 1306 N. Market St., Sparta 618-443-5335 wrightdoit.com Wright’s Do-It Center is celebrating its 50th anniversary all year long.

Engage with the business on Facebook for a chance to win its monthly $50 gift card prize.

Life & Style : Fall 2014 47

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Life & Style : Fall 2014

ENTREPRENEUR

Denise Fann Interior designer helps bring your ideas and your inspiration into reality

BY CHANDA GREEN

If you want to find Denise Fann, just stop by the little shop around the corner in Carterville, Deloufleur Décor & Designs, and you’ll find her behind the large marble-top bar right inside the front doors, showcasing the finest in furniture, fabrics, leather and accessories, and making her own creative brand of interior design magic.

With 25 years of experience in the design and furniture industry and a real eye for the wow factor, all Denise needs is a little inspiration. She’ll pull some swatches, and, before you know it, she will have created a look that’s just what you wanted and then some — from furniture and accessories to flooring and draperies.

“You bring your ideas, your inspiration,” she said, “and I’ll help you make your home more beautiful.”

Before Denise opened her shop in April, she worked for 18 years in West Frankfort at Coleman Rhoads, which closed in December after 30 years in business.

For single mother Denise, with two children in college, she knew she had to make a decision quickly. A good friend of hers offered some advice.

“He told me I had two choices, to work for someone else or to work for myself, and he convinced me that I could start my own little shop. I had the knowledge, the experience and the clientele. I just had to find the financing.”

Deloufleur Décor & Designs 1615 Landing Drive, Suite B Carterville, off Illinois 13 618-985-3355 www.deloufleur.com

Denise met with an accountant and, before she knew it, she was in her new home at Deloufleur. And even though her shop is small, it’s mighty. Keeping a lot of inventory can actually be a detriment.

“I have everything I need right here,” she said, throwing her arms out wide to encompass her small, jampacked showroom.

She tells a story about a recent customer who wanted to buy a new dining room table. Denise spins around and taps some commands on a keyboard and a 50-inch monitor displays one of her online tools.

“I helped her build the table she wanted by walking her through every possible variation on that huge screen, from tabletop shape and size — it had to seat 10 — to style and finish. In just a few minutes, she could see the table she wanted. I placed the order and, in a few weeks, she had her new dining room table.”

Yes, Denise is a wizard at the keyboard, but if you really want to see her in action,

ABOVE: Denise Fann opened Deloufleur Decor and Designs in Carterville this spring.

The front counter of Deloufleur is lined with various books and catalogs highlighting the different design and fabric options available.

Photos by Adam Testa

give her an idea and turn her lose in what she calls her War Room. There’s a wall of fabric swatches, stacks of books and a rack of fringes and finishes that flank a large table. That’s where she’s in her element, translating her customers’ inspiration into interior design, pulling things together that might never occur to you and me.

“I go through everything, seeing what I can come up with, pulling fabrics and bringing everything to the table,” she said. “I might go crazy and pick some hot pink patterns, some fun paisleys, some animal prints and a dragonfly pillow with contrasting buttons or some new spring colors.

“That’s custom designing, making unique pieces with character, putting pieces together creatively. I love what I do, and I love seeing the look on my customers’ faces when I show them how to make their home more beautiful, one piece at a time!”

Life & Style : Fall 2014

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COVER STORY

50 Life & Style : Fall 2014

! e t a e r C

It’s never too late, too silly or too selfish to discover ways to express yourself

C

BY CHANDA GREEN

reativity is intrinsic to the human condition. As unique individuals, each of us approaches a project or problem with creativity, that point of view and plan of attack that is ours and ours alone. Whether it’s music or fine art, theater or dance, writing or something less creatively recognizable like organizing a group, planning a strategy or inspiring someone to try some new thing, we are all creative.

So, if that is true, then why are some of us able to identify and avidly pursue our creative passions, while others are downright resistant to trying anything that might subject us to criticism?

OK, if we don’t know why, beyond that ever elusive selfconfidence, then let’s ask how. Well, it turns out that creativity is a very individualized process, as unique to each of us as we are to the rest of the world.

Nevertheless, there is something to learn from those brave souls who have somehow struggled past all of the forces that impel us to conform, those who have stepped out into the ether and found the absolute joy of following their creative dreams. Here are a few very special local authorities.

Life & Style : Fall 2014

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NORMA LEE HACKNEY,

Photo by Adam Testa

As director of the Anna Arts Center, Norma Lee Hackney doesn’t only explore her own creativity; she encourages others to tap into theirs as well. This summer, the center hosted a workshop for kids, which ended with them building three-dimensional robots. Hackney said she’s proud to see the work kids accomplish and the enjoyment they receive from participating.

If you ask Norma Lee Hackney director of Anna Arts Center, how she earned her living before “retiring” to Southern Illinois, she’ll tell you that she “drove ships,” but that doesn’t exactly tell the whole story.

Lee commanded an aircraft carrier as a captain in the U.S. Navy.

After she retired, she moved to Anna and, remembering her early interest in drawing, painting and woodworking, decided that getting involved with Anna Arts Center was a great way to revive that creative spirit and get involved in the community. She volunteered right away and, a year later, she was asked to be its director.

The best part of her job at the center, she said, is when she gets to work with the children, encouraging their efforts and bolstering their self-confidence.

“I tell them that there are no mistakes in art, and I watch as their confidence grows through the process,” she said.

Lee has found many ways to use her creativity at Anna Arts Center.

She cites work in public relations, grant writing, scheduling events, recruiting and working with volunteers. Then there are the more straight-forward creative outlets, such as the children’s program, the new drama group, classes and workshops, exhibits and events.

“I love reaching out to the community, letting them know that the arts center is a fun place to come for all ages. For me, it’s fun being creative and using my imagination to see all of the possibilities for the center, and very rewarding as I make a lot of new friends.”

“You can’t use up creativity. The more you use, the more you have.”

— Maya Angelou, author and poet

JEANNE FERRARO

Jeanne Ferraro, president of The Stage Company in Carbondale, grew up in a creative household.

“I used to make things growing up, and my grandmother was the same way,” she said. “She taught me to sew and bake. My mother taught me to crochet, and I was always involved in some craft project.”

Jeanne’s creative advice is two-fold. First, watch for that spark of creativity in children and encourage it. Second, if you’re trying to rediscover your creativity, don’t be afraid to try different things to find what excites you. For Jeanne, that could only mean getting involved in theater.

“Theater is collaborative and of the moment,” she said. “The actors and the audience experience it together. When you’re on stage and your energy is up and the audience feeds that energy back to you, you can feel it. It’s an interactive creativity — between the actors, and between the actors and the audience.”

If acting is just not your thing, Jeanne, of Carbondale, said that shouldn’t discourage you from getting involved in your local theater group.

“There are so many different creative things besides acting that you can do in theater,” she said. “You could help paint scenery or work with stage lighting. You could help with stage construction or work on public relations, writing press releases and announcements. There’s photography, costumes, makeup, stage management and assistant directing.

The benefit of getting involved in a group is that you get to work with so many different creative people, all willing to teach and share their knowledge.”

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Life & Style : Fall 2014

Photo by Adam Testa

Jeanne Ferraro has been a part of The Stage Co. in Jackson County since 1985, now serving as its president. She appreciates the creative many outlets of theater, from directing to acting and set design to lighting and sound. This summer, she starred in the company’s production of ‘Mother Hicks,’ which she said might be the most inspiring show she’s ever done.

ANDREA BARCLAY

Andrea Barclay has been described as the “woman behind it all” at Global Gourmet restaurant and bar in Carbondale. She’s “chef, wine taster, menu planner, dishwasher, decorator, babysitter and creative-working partner.”

Born and raised in Southern Illinois, Andrea has a passion for cooking, but also for wine, perfume, all things Chanel and traveling.

“I’ve always been fascinated by cultures: architecture, art, music, fashion and food,” she said.

“When I was a kid, my dad hung a giant map of the world on our laundry room wall, and I would stare at it for hours, naming all of the places I would like to go when I grew up. I was such a romantic dreamer!”

Andrea has been lucky enough to travel to many interesting places that have inspired her and helped her be more creative in the foods that she prepares at Global Gourmet and in the style and ambiance of the restaurant.

“My inspirations and creativity have come from seeing the medina of Fez and the spice market of Marrakesh, the canals of Venice and Amsterdam and the ruins of Athens and Rome, the turquoise waters of the Caribbean and Mediterranean and the gardens and lavender of the Loire Valley and Provence,” she said.

“I’ve been to 23 countries so far, plus the Principality of Monaco (twice) and the Vatican. I will continue to travel and be inspired by the people, food, wine, buildings, music and fashion of this great earth!”

Photo by The Southern

Andrea Barclay’s international travels have spiced up her creative thinking and ideas. Having visiting more than 20 countries, she learns something new from each stop. When she returns home to Carbondale, she uses the ingredients of inspiration to create special recipes for customers at Global Gourmet.

“Creativity is intelligence having fun.”

— Albert Einstein, Nobel-winning physicist

KATHIE DENOSKY

Kathie DeNosky is a successful romance novelist who lives in Herrin. She’s had 36 books published by Harlequin and is currently working on her 37th. They’ve been translated into more than 25 languages, have won several awards and have been on USA Today’s top 50 bestseller list.

“It took a long time for me to believe that I’m a professional writer,” she said. “It’s been 15 years since I sold that first book, and I know that Harlequin considers me a veteran writer.

But I still feel like I’m new at it. Maybe that’s because I try to always be better, to dig deeper, to learn more and to write a better book.”

Kathie has always had creative outlets. She’s done needlework, made dolls, gotten involved Kathy DeNosky of in decorative painting and created craft projects Herrin has published more than 35 books for most of her life. She’s even taught classes on through Harlequinn.

Her wildest dreams decorative painting and basket weaving, but it been passed, took a little encouragement from her husband have as her words have to try writing. been translated and published in more “I always loved to read and, than 25 languages. one day, after reading a poorly She has appeared on written book, I told me husband, the USA Today top 50 best sellers list, but she ‘I should write a book; I could do still has a hard time considering herself a better than this.’ He said, ‘Why veteran writer. not?’ I sat down at my computer the next day and, six months later, I had written my first book. By the time I finished that first one, there was another set of characters whispering in my ear, begging me to tell their story.”

Of course, Kathie’s first book didn’t sell. In fact, it took eight years for Kathie to get her first book

published; but, by then, she had improved her writing. So, she got out her old, rejected manuscripts, made some corrections and got every one of them published.

“I’ve learned a lot about my craft, and I truly have a lot of fun doing what I’m doing,” she said. “I keep threatening to retire, but I know I won’t. I’m having too much fun to stop now!”

Life & Style : Fall 2014

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ROBERTA ELLIOTT

Roberta Elliott of Cobden is a blacksmith artist. The first time she struck iron, she knew that she had found her calling.

“There is something wonderfully indescribable about the energy exchange that takes place while blacksmithing,” she said. “The heat of the fire and the force of the hammer’s blow feed and energize me.”

Roberta discovered her artistic Roberta Elliott is creativity in iron in the late ’70s. at home in her But even as a little kid, she was Cobden studio, where she applies creative, always playing around age-old lessons with crafts. She tried painting. of blacksmithing to create modern She sewed. She was always designs and working with her hands in some jewelry. Her work represents an old sort of creative fashion, but never art in a new age. considered any of it as a way of making a living.

Photos by Adam Testa So she went to medical school (briefly), ending up with a doctorate in physiology. After that, all she knew was that she didn’t want to continue in academia. Perhaps as a way to try something completely out of left field, she decided to become a farrier. Yes, that’s someone who shoes horses.

“While I was trying — and not really succeeding — to learn how to shoe horses, I started playing around with steel.”

For a while, Roberta thought she could shoe horses in the summer and do something creative with iron in the off-season, but she soon gave up being a farrier and turned completely to her artistic pursuits.

“The first time that I tried blacksmithing in graduate school, I fell in love with it; it captivated me,” she said. “To totally transform something from the way it looks in the beginning is a ABOVE: La Waltz very empowering experience.

LEFT: Carmen It’s the process that keeps me going, being able to hammer on steel. I just love it. It doesn’t Elliott uses a matter what I’m making. It all machine to flatten out a piece feels good.” of metal after removing it from the furnace in her Cobden studio.

The worst enemy to creativity is self-doubt.”

— Sylvia Plath, poet

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Life & Style : Fall 2014

55

AUR BECK

Aur Beck is passionate about renewable and solar energy, and he’s managed to find creative ways to turn that passion into a career. His company, Advanced Energy Solutions Group in Pomona, helps share the fruits of his labor with residential, commercial and industrial clients.

Aur Beck of Carbondale helped found Advanced Energy Solutions Group in Pomona in 1999 to provide affordable, renewable energy solutions to residential, commercial and industrial customers. The business designs, sells and installs customized solar electric, solar thermal, hydro energy and wind systems. It sponsors and hosts solar education classes and has established a training program and network of professional installation technicians that he calls his Green Geek Squad.

Aur is passionate about renewable energy, so much so that he’s constantly studying the latest advances in the industry and working to promote his interest as founder and board member of the Illinois Renewable Energy Association and Southern Illinois Center for a Sustainable Future.

But renewable energy is just one of his passions. Just ask him. He’ll tell you about his list.

“In 1998, I made a list of my interests, my passions. The top five were solar energy, goats, bicycles, salsa dancing and off-thegrid living,” he said. “I decided to focus on a couple of my interests at a time, but only one as a way to make a living. Then, every couple of years, I would switch my focus to two other interests on my list.”

Aur created his businesses based on his list. His first business followed his passion for bicycles.

“I was the Bike Doctor for a few years,” he said. “I used the money I was making as the Bike Doctor to support my passion for solar energy. I just never really thought it would be a business, although I hoped that it would, and eventually it did. But, through it all, I just kept focusing on my passions.”

“Creativity is just connecting things.”

— Steve Jobs, creator of Apple Inc.

MARI SCHNEIDER

For as long as she can remember, music has been a vital part of life for Mari Shneider of Carbondale.

“When I was a little girl, my mother (who used to sing with her mother on a radio program in New York City in the 1940s) would play the most wonderful pieces of music on our stereo — Ravel’s ‘Bolero,’ ‘Carmen’ by Bizet, and the soundtrack from ‘South Pacific’ by Rodgers and Hammerstein,” she said. “I learned to play the guitar from the girl who lived next door and quickly found that I could play by ear.”

Mari never learned to read music, but kept on singing and playing — at church, at weddings and at parties — and dreamed of someday singing on stage. She grew up, moved away, married and had children. Her guitar gathered dust in the corner, and music took a back seat to life’s more pressing demands.

“And then, early in 1997, my 15-year marriage imploded. I was juggling life as a single mom with two young children and a demanding, full-time job,” she said. “At the end of every day, I’d fall into bed, emotionally and physically exhausted. I’d completely lost my sense of joy and felt very alone, despite the support of family and friends.”

One day, Mari’s co-worker, Helen Coracy, asked her if she would like to join a singing group, SIU Choral Union, which is made up of community members and students.

“I walked into the rehearsal room with Helen, saw more than 100 unfamiliar faces and thought, ‘What am I doing here?’

But just our warm-up exercises gave me a major set of goose bumps. What an amazing sound we made by singing a simple musical scale!”

While Mari struggled every week to make sense of the sharps, flats, fermatas, time signatures and dynamics, she was learning.

“For months, I hit more bad notes than good ones, sang when I wasn’t supposed to, and sometimes I just didn’t sing at all and simply listened,” she said, “but I was always absorbing and retaining and growing. I was creating!”

They sang in English, in Latin and Italian, in French and 56

Life & Style : Fall 2014

When Mari Schneider joined the SIU Choral Union, she had reservations but persevered. ‘For months, I hit more bad notes than good ones, sang when I wasn’t supposed to, and sometimes I just didn’t sing at all and simply listened — but I was always absorbing and retaining and growing.

I was creating!’

German, and even in Russian. Mari’s time with the choral union became her sacred time. For more than two hours each week, she was immersed in a world where there was nothing but swirling, soaring voices.

“My stress levels plummeted,” she said. “The concentration and focus on the music was so intense that there was no room in my head for anything else but the music.”

On the night of her first performance at Shryock Auditorium, Mari was beyond nervous. As she took her place on stage, she had never been so terrified. But as the conductor raised the baton, she was transformed, elated and joyful.

“I was singing on stage at last,” she said. “Group singing is the most transforming and exhilarating type of singing.

One voice, combined with a multitude of others, creates a sound that is not only harmonious, it also alters the mind and the spirit. Regular group singing has been scientifically proven to lower stress hormones and improve our well-being, but I don’t need science to tell me any of this.

“Singing with this group healed me. I am energized, motivated and absolutely elated when I join with others to create a wave of sound that can touch a soul, heal a heart and lift a spirit.”

“No man has the right to dictate what other men should perceive, create or produce, but all should be encouraged to reveal themselves, their perceptions and emotions, and to build confidence in the creative spirit.”

— Ansel Adams, photographer

Photo by Steve Matzker

Fred Pfalzgraf and Jenny White in Shryock Auditorium, where they have performed with the SIU Choral Union.

JENNY WHITE

Jenny White is a 52-year-old mother of five grown children with a strong faith and devotion to her church and a creative interest in music.

Jenny, of Carbondale, has played piano in church since she was 15, but in the last few years expanded that role and her duties.

“I‘m very excited to be a part of creating a vision for what we want our congregational singing to sound like at Cornerstone Reformed Church, and being a part of a team to move the singing in that direction,” she said.

Jenny was friends with Dr. Fred Pfalzgraf, who has sung with SIU Choral Union for years.

“He had always talked about how enriching the experience is,” she said. “I never considered myself a singer and so I never joined until Fred finally talked me into it this past semester.”

Jenny joined with her daughter, just to see if they could do it.

“Much to my surprise, I found I could sing,” she said.

“I still would like to get some lessons, but the magic that director Susan Davenport works in those rehearsals is amazing! The feeling is hard to describe.

“During vigorous passages, the sensations feel more like running in a relay where you are tense and focused and running hard, not to leave people behind, but rather to match your teammate so the baton gets passed successfully.”

FRED PFALZGRAF

Fred Pfalzgraf, a Herrin resident and another member of SIU Choral Union, is also a physician, so most of his training and education was in math and science. Music, to Fred, was a different world, but one he had to make a part of his.

In college and medical school, he had to devote so much of his time to his chosen profession that music was shelved for several years. He sang in church and listened to a lot of classical music, but that was about it.

In 2005, an acquaintance told him about SIU Choral Union. Fred wanted to sing classical music, and this seemed the perfect outlet. He joined that year and has participated in most semesters ever since.

“To me, music is something that can express the whole range of human experience and emotion, and music can move the soul. The music that we sing in the choral union does just that,” he said.

“There is a work of art each of us was destined to create,” said Paulo Coelho, Brazilian lyricist and novelist. “That is the central point of our life, and no matter how we try to deceive ourselves, we know how important it is to our happiness. Usually, that work of art is covered by years of fears, guilt and indecision. But, if we decide to remove those things that do not belong, if we have no doubt as to our capability, we are capable of going forward with the mission that is our destiny. That is the only way to live with honor.”

“Creativity is allowing yourself to make mistakes. Art is knowing which ones to keep.”

— Scott Adams, author Life & Style : Fall 2014

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Unleash your inner creativity How to discover — or rediscover — it!

BY JANICE STAAB

Are you a creative person? Wait!

Don’t answer just yet. Too many of us have a knee-jerk, negative response to this question along the lines of: “I’m just not a creative person. I wasn’t one of the artsy kids in school.

I can’t draw or sing. Even writing a report for work makes me uneasy.”

“You’re either born with talent or you’re not. Sure, you have to practice to get good. But talent is a must, and I haven’t got it.”

“I took an art class in college and sang in my church choir. It was fun, but I wasn’t any good. Real artists just have something I lack.”

Voices like these convince us that the world’s artists, writers and musicians are the real creative types. But art is only one expression of creativity. Creativity is the ability to see the world in new ways and actively bring new possibilities to life.

Creativity, in this sense, includes us all. You may be unable to carry a tune, but perhaps you carry the room during a staff meeting. It takes as much creativity to draw a scientific conclusion as it does to draw a beautiful picture.

And, every day, we’re challenged to find creative ways of interacting with people who push our buttons.

Use these tips to confidently burst through your blocks and unleash your inner creativity.

DON’T DO WHAT YOU’VE ALWAYS DONE. You’ve heard that the definition of crazy is doing the same thing and expecting different results?

Well, one definition of creativity is doing something different with no expectations. Shake up your daily routines with a jolt of cognitive diversity. This just means challenging your mind with new and different experiences and ideas to broaden your understanding of yourself and the world.

This doesn’t have to involve skydiving or bungee jumping. You can start by doing everyday things in new ways. Rather than sending a text, write an actual letter (with a stamp and everything). Cook a meal from scratch.

Drive home by a new path and explore new parts of your town. Or have a weekly “techno fast day” when the TVs, computers and cell phones are turned off in favor of other activities.

Encourage cognitive diversity, and your creativity will fire on all cylinders.

ACTIVELY LOOK FOR INSPIRATION. The world is brimming over with beauty, order, patterns and precision. People do awe-inspiring things each day. Make a commitment to look for things that inspire you to be better and do better.

Keep a list and review it every morning before getting out of bed.

BE CREATIVE A LITTLE BIT AT A TIME. It’s tempting to try a new thing and stop when it doesn’t go well. Ditch your inner perfectionist and allow yourself the privilege of learning!

Learn what you like and what makes you happy. Take one small creative step each day. It may be successful, and it may not. But if you feel you’ve failed, take a cue from Samuel Beckett. “Ever tried? Ever failed?

No matter. Try again. Fail again.

Fail better.”

TAP INTO YOUR PASSION! Let what gives you joy fuel your creative endeavors. You’ll be most inspired to work and act for something that touches your heart. Further, you’ll be more inspired to work in ordinary settings if you surround yourself with things that bring you joy. So make a joys list. Include everything from a cup of tea or a piece of dark chocolate to the color green or bluegrass music.

Then fill the places where you want to be more creative (office, garden, home) with your joys!

“Creativity takes courage.”

— Henri Matisse, painter 58

Life & Style : Fall 2014

MAKE A WEEKLY CREATIVITY APPOINTMENT. Treat your creative growth as you would any important appointment in your life. Set aside time for creativity in your schedule and respect that time.

Start with 30 minutes weekly to do something creative. Gradually increase the time as you feel inspired.

FIND CREATIVE ROLE MODELS. You don’t need to reinvent the wheel to be more creative. Whether you want to start a business, go back to school or be in a play, others are already living their versions of your dreams. Find them and ask them how they do it. Ask if they’ll take a look at your ideas or plans. If approached respectfully, most people are more than willing to help a newcomer.

CULTIVATE THE SILLY! Remember the last time you watched kids playing? Kids are fearless in their creativity. Their minds haven’t been constrained by reality. They are too busy recreating reality in their images! Quilts slung over furniture become an impenetrable fortress. Dolls have ideas and color preferences. An old refrigerator box is actually a time machine, and your son is visiting you from the future.

On the surface, this may seem silly to an adult who “knows better.” But while time machines may seem silly now, cellphones would have seemed silly 50 years ago. Feeling silly is only a signal that we’re reaching the limits of our comfort or our understanding. Silliness identifies these limits and can help us push past them.

OK, now answer the question: Are you a creative person? Of course you are! Pick one of these tips and begin unleashing your creative power today!

JANICE STAAB, Ph.D,. is a life and career coach in Carbondale. For more information, call (618) 303-6351 or visit www.lifesignscoaching.com.

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505 Rushing Drive - Just Westt of o Logan Park on Rt. 13 | Herrin | www.villasofhollybrook.com Life & Style : Fall 2014 59

CHEERS TO BEER

Art

Photo by Kendall Karmanian

Scratch Brewing

& SCIENCE Local craft brewers are taking new artisan approaches to a very old science

BY SHAWN CONNELLY

Beer making is both art and science. Most of us don’t think a lot about what goes into the beer we drink – it’s cold, it’s handy and that’s generally about as far as the thought process goes. For brewers, however, the balance between technical knowledge and creativity is always in play. A certain amount of “hard science” is involved, of course, and at least a practical understanding of chemistry is critical for making consistently high-quality beer. On the other hand, a technically perfect beer could also be a boring beer if every brewer produced the exact same recipe and never deviated from a prescribed formula. This is why we have well over 100

60 Life & Style : Fall 2014

Photo by Steve Matzker

Big Muddy Brewing founder and brew master Chuck Stuhrenberg smells a recently picked hop behind the brewery in Murphysboro.

Assistant brewer Nick Blew helps load an order into a distributor’s truck at Big Muddy Brewery in Murphysboro.

“We personally enjoy these beers and went out on a limb that others would enjoy them as well, and they have. We wanted to create a place truly rooted in Southern Illinois that produces a real local product that is unique.“

LISTINGS

MARIKA JOSEPHSON, CO-OWNER, SCRATCH BREWING

BIG MUDDY BREWING Creative Favorites: Blueberry Blonde Ale, Backwoods Monster (Buffalo Trace Barrel-aged), Sour du Shawnee (wine barrel-aged) 1430 N. Seventh St., Murphysboro 618-684-8833 www.bigmuddybrewing. com Noon to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday; tours available

SCRATCH BREWING COMPANY Creative Favorites: Basil Pale Ale, Birch Sap Bière de Garde, Paw Paw Abbey Ale 264 Thompson Road, Ava 618-426-1415 www.scratchbeer.com 4 to 10 p.m. Friday Noon to 10 p.m. Saturday Noon to 8 p.m. Sunday

VON JAKOB BREWERY

Photos by Steve Matzker

Scratch Brewing

Creative Favorites: Chocolate Milk Stout, Roggenbier

recognized beer styles to choose from, and the limits of creativity in brewing are set only by the imagination of the brewer.

Southern Illinois’ own craft brewing culture is no exception. Although there aren’t as many craft breweries in the area as there are in many other parts of the country, what we lack in quantity we more than make up for in quality and creativity by taking full advantage of our natural resources and indigenous appeal. Arguably, one of the most creative craft breweries in the country, much less Southern Illinois, is Scratch Brewing Company in rural Ava. Scratch is a small farmhouse brewery that grows many of the ingredients for its critically acclaimed beers on site and utilizes the bounty of the surrounding Shawnee National Forest to produce beers that are truly one of a kind.

“We personally enjoy these beers and went out on a limb that others would enjoy them as well, and they have,” co-owner and brewer Marika Josephson explains. “We wanted to create a place truly rooted in Southern Illinois that produces a real local product that is unique.”

Big Muddy Brewing in Murphysboro is a production brewery with a somewhat more conventional approach to brewing, although innovation is quickly becoming a big part of this popular craft brewery’s appeal. Owner

230 Illinois 127, Alto Pass 618- 893-4600 www.vonjakobvineyard. com/brewery 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday

Big Muddy Brewing

Life & Style : Fall 2014 61

CHEERS TO BEER

ABOVE: Chantrelle mushrooms harvested from Southern Illinois will be frozen and used in a future beer.

RIGHT: Assistant brewer Tony Johnson pushes out barley after all the sugar was pulled to make alcohol at Big Muddy Brewery in Murphysboro.

Photos by Steve Matzker

and brew master Chuck Stuhrenberg has begun utilizing oak barrels to produce beers with unique flavor characteristics and surprising complexity.

“We use locally sourced wine barrels to produce our ‘sour’ beer (a style that has been popular in Belgium for hundreds of years) by introducing local, ambient yeast into the aging process,” Stuhrenberg says.

Likewise, Big Muddy receives fresh whiskey barrels shipped overnight from distilleries in Kentucky to use in some higher alcohol beers to “impart hints of vanilla and bourbon to create a true sippin’ beer,” he says, laughing.

Von Jakob Brewery in Alto Pass is another small brewery that sees the appeal of infusing the creative spirit into traditional beer styles. Head brewer Frank Wesseln is experimenting with ingredients you wouldn’t typically associate with beer, and customers at Von Jakob’s tasting room get the opportunity to try new recipes on draft from time to time.

“We focus mainly on classic beer styles, many being of German decent, and our patrons seem to enjoy these. However, we do like to play around with different flavors and ingredients,” Wesseln says.

“Doing small trial beers helps work out what flavors go well together.

Our most recent experiment is a dark beer brewed with smoked chili peppers from our garden; it may never make it to full production, but you never know until you try.”

So, for those who might have thought beer was pretty onedimensional, a trip to one of Southern Illinois’ craft breweries will dispel that myth quickly — almost as quickly as the craft beer industry is growing, thanks to new, creative artisan approaches to a very old science.

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 beerphilospher.com.

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ABOVE: Scratch co-owner Ryan Tockstein works to make a Belgium Double.

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AT WORK

TOP: Andy Robinson turned a hobby into a passion and a passion into a project when he opened Greenridge Landscaping in Carbondale. Robinson is able to use his creativity to design various projects, including this pond and garden outside of his business office.

ABOVE: The walls of Robinson’s office are filled with photographs of landscaping designs, many of which he and his team created.

While he’s transitioned to more of an administrative role, Robinson still enjoys the design aspect of the business and helping others find their creative drive to succeed in the industry.

Andy Robinson Designing his life’s plan with passion STORY AND PHOTOS BY ADAM TESTA

Sometimes passion, drive and a desire to apply one’s creative attributes take precedence over education and formal training.

Such were the experiences of Andy Robinson, owner of Greenridge Landscaping in Carbondale. Watching his mother work in her personal garden, Robinson gained an interest in the hobby, which he picked up himself in his 20s on a local level.

Within the last few years, Robinson’s company has started using threedimensional imaging for design projects. The process starts by creating a flat image, like that on top, and inputting that into a computer to generate the 3D images seen below. ‘It gives a much better perspective to the customer,’ he said.

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Life & Style : Fall 2014

TOP: Robinson’s office is filled with landscaping and garden design photography and samples, many he and his team have created, others for inspiration. He also keeps an inventory of relevant books and materials to continue learning and to help his staff grow in their skills.

ABOVE: Robinson has family pictures on his desk, a reminder of what’s most important in life. He has two children, a son and a daughter, and three grandchildren.

In the 1970s, he started an organic vegetable farm in Cobden, which spurred his passion for plants and gardening.

He parlayed that into a small business opportunity.

“I started out doing pretty generalized things, like lawn installations and railroadtie retaining walls, and then just stuck with it,” he said.

In 1977, he decided to take his approach more seriously, formally launching a business with a few colleagues. Together, they actively pursued educational events and functions in the industry, joined trade organizations and sought out certified credentials.

Now, with more than 25 years of professional experience under his belt, Robinson is helping others explore their creativity and expand their landscaping skills.

Greenridge employees about 12 people working on three crews spanning a wide range of services, including irrigation, planting and maintenance and construction.

“We’re good at creating that whole rounded picture at a residential site,” Robinson said.

His duties anymore include a lot of supervision and management, but Robinson still enjoys getting his hands dirty. He still does site visits to meet with potential clients and helps with irrigation and lighting design with a little plant design thrown in the mix, as well.

Robinson’s office is filled with books, photos and awards that reflect his commitment to learning, his accomplishments and his abilities.

Life & Style : Fall 2014 65

OUT

& ABOUT

“Folded Square Alphabet U” by Fletcher Benton

CEDARHURST Providing a haven for the artist in all of us

BY CHANDA GREEN Cedarhurst Center for the Arts in Mount Vernon opened to the public in 1973 and has served as both a repository of inspiration and a creative incubator ever since.

Cedarhurst offers exciting visual and performing arts; adult and youth art classes and workshops; a sculpture park that covers over 90 acres with more than 70 installations; outdoor events, including a Blues & Brews music event and the annual Cedarhurst Art & Craft Fair; art exhibitions in the galleries of Mitchell Museum and Shrode Art Center; and the annual Scholastic Art Awards that Cedarhurst has hosted for more than 40 years

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Life & Style : Fall 2014

More info For more information on Cedarhurst Center for the Arts, call 618-242-1236 or visit www.cedarhurst.org.

for regional junior and senior high school art students.

Here are a few examples and some thoughts from the staff at Cedarhurst.

Rusty Freeman, director of visual arts, curates the main gallery exhibitions and Goldman-Kuenz Sculpture Park: “Regional museums like ours offer easy and affordable access to works of art for the communities we serve,” he said. “This access is especially important when family resources can be limited.”

Visitors can tour Mitchell Museum to see art exhibitions in four galleries, including the permanent collection gallery with works

by Mary Cassatt, Thomas Eakins and George Bellows, which he referred to as extraordinary works of art in a beautiful setting.

“Creativity begins with exposure to new people, new ideas and new ways of expression that allow young and older artists alike to think outside their typical or inherited purview,” he said. “Also important to that stimulus of new ideas is to see works of art made by both nationally known artists, as well as people from the region. Regional artists know their communities and what’s important to them, and they express those values through their art, reflecting the culture of Southern Illinois.”

Jennifer Sarver, director of education, coordinates activities in Beck Family Education Center, as well as the school performance art series and popular in-school youth art classes: “Cedarhurst offers a variety of programming opportunities that helps spark creativity for the Southern Illinois region,” she said. “Our family center is a space designed for kids of all ages to engage in the arts. We have a work of art that kids can walk into and become part of the painting; a large-scale puzzle based on our horse sculpture, Kimball; drawing stations; a

Cedarhurst exhibitions Playing with the Classics: Quilts from The National Quilt Museum (through Oct. 19) We Have Met the Funnies and They Are Us: 120 Years of American Newspaper Comic Strip Art from the Applegate-Boyle Collection (Nov. 2 through Jan. 4) Snuggle and Snooze: Quilts for Children (through Oct. 19) Peanuts Naturally! Celebrating Charles Schulz’s famous comic strip (Nov. 2 through Jan. 4)

Sculpture at Cedarhurst Center for the Arts

“Bull”

by John Kearney

Life & Style : Fall 2014 67

OUT

& ABOUT

A sculpture at Cedarhurst Center for the Arts

“Vessel” by Tom Orr

weaving wall; and a library filled with books that help readers explore the arts.”

As part of the school performance art series, Cedarhurst presents a series of educational stage performances targeting students in kindergarten through eighth grade. More than 250 Southern Illinois schools were invited to participate this year.

“If you can’t visit the museum, the museum can visit you,” she said. “We offer a variety of art-based class visits for schools in the region as part of our in-school programs. In 2013, in-school programs reached more than 1,800 students.”

There are fun days and family days, free and open to the public, and a pre-K story time on the first Friday of every month.

Carrie Gibbs, director of Shrode Art Center, plans and

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Life & Style : Fall 2014

“Aphrodite”

by Ferdinando Andreini

coordinates gallery exhibitions, youth and adult classes and workshops: “Summer art camp and our afterschool art classes are an excellent opportunity for children to have a more intensive art experience by creating a more accomplished work of art in classes that last several hours and are held on three consecutive days,” she said. “Most students in area schools typically have only one 30-minute art class once a week. Our summer camp and youth art classes are designed to help kids advance and hone their artistic skills, as well as expose them to new and different art media and materials.”

Part of the mission of Shrode Art Center is to provide exhibition opportunities for artists who live in Southern Illinois. Two annual competitions are open to local artists 18 years old and older. In the spring, the Shrode Fine Art and Craft Competition is open to all media, except photography. And, in the fall, the center hosts the Shrode Photography Competition.

“It’s an excellent opportunity for emerging and professional artists to establish and build upon their resume,” she said.

Cedarhurst also provides presentations for local educators; a series of family activities and programs, including a book club that meets every other month; and artist-led gallery talks. Special annual events include an outdoor exhibition recognizing the motorcycle as a sculptural art object and a vehicle for self-expression, and “Witches’ Brew,” a family-friendly storytelling event in the sculpture park.

Cheryl Settle, 2014 director of the Cedarhurst Art & Craft Fair, wraps it all up with a few words about one of Cedarhurst’s most popular annual events: “I’m looking forward to a great craft fair in September,” she said.

“We already have more than 110 artists signed up and some great entertainment booked. And don’t forget to visit our children’s area.

It’s getting a new look with all new activities, many of them free.”

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Life & Style : Fall 2014 69

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70 Life & Style : Fall 2014

GETAWAYS

Kansas City

Southern Illinois native shares her love of the place she has called home for 28 years

STORY BY DIANA LAMBDIN MEYER PHOTOS BY BRUCE N. MEYER AND THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Christmas lights outline towers at the Country Club Plaza shopping center as the sun sets. About 80 miles of lights with 280,000 multicolored bulbs outline the buildings and towers in the shopping district.

It was April 1986, shortly after the opening day of baseball, when we moved to Kansas City, Missouri. I was still smarting over the Royals’ defeat of my St. Louis Cardinals in the I-70 World Series the previous October.

No way was I going to be happy living in an American League city, and particularly one that cheats at baseball, no matter how good the job offer that brought us to Missouri’s second largest city.

It’s been 28 years now, and we have become some of Kansas City’s proudest residents, happy to explore the city with friends, family and complete strangers. The only trouble is where to start. There are so many things we love about our home.

Life & Style : Fall 2014

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Not to be missed World Series of Barbecue: First weekend in October includes three days of concerts, poker tournaments, cooking demonstrations and, of course, barbecue masters at work, competing for the most coveted prize in the barbecue world.

First Friday Art Walks: The first weekend of every month in the Crossroads Arts District, it’s the largest in the nation; runs from early Friday morning into late Sunday afternoon; and wraps up with a classic treasure sale in the West Bottoms historic area, featuring vintage finds, antiques, repurposed junk, street bands and food trucks.

Country Club Plaza: Modeled after the city’s sister city of Seville, Spain, the Plaza is full of fountains, sculptures, mosaic tiles and Moorish architecture and shopping, shopping, shopping, much of it high-end. Any restaurant here is going to be great.

Liberty Memorial: This memorial to the soldiers who died in World War I houses the National World War I Museum. It’s the nation’s only public museum dedicated to the Great War, with a large collection of photos, weapons and more.

Negro Leagues Baseball Museum: Founded in 1990, this museum is dedicated to preserving the rich history of African-American baseball; multi-media displays, store, photographs and artifacts dating from the late 1800s through the 1960s. It shares the new 18th and Vine museum complex with the American Jazz Museum.

Let’s start with food, because no matter what your interests, you’ve got to eat. Kansas City is a barbecue mecca with a style of barbecue designated as one of four distinctive styles in the country, right up there with Memphis, Carolinas and Texas.

Basically it’s a dry rub, smoked over hickory, with sauce applied after smoking. The sauce is a molasses-base and somewhat sweeter than you’ll experience in Memphis.

But with nearly 100 joints in KC, you’ll find all sorts of styles and flavors. The legendary places to visit are Arthur Bryant’s and Gates. They are the oldest, and Bryant’s location at 17th & Brooklyn is one reason Kansas City has the slow-smoked reputation it has today.

However, after living here all these years, we’ve eaten a lot of burnt ends and have a few lesser known, but really good, establishments frequented by locals more than tourists. We like Little Danny Edwards’ Boulevard BBQ for burnt ends, but they are open only for lunch Monday through Saturday, so plan your schedule accordingly.

LC’s BBQ is a great place near the Truman Sports Complex.

My mother would be tempted to take a bucket of Lysol to the place, but that would just ruin the atmosphere. The burnt ends are some of the best in Kansas City, and the ribs are 72

Life & Style : Fall 2014

During First Friday events, the otherwise abandoned old warehouses in the Crossroads Arts District overflow with vintage finds, antiques and repurposed junk.

LEFT: The city is decorated with fountains and parks, where visitors can find rest and relaxation during the stay.

flat-out some of the best in the country. Most days there is a line out the door.

If you want to try a lot of barbecue in a short amount of time and learn what makes each place and each style unique, then sign up for Kansas City Barbecue Tours. Available only on Fridays and Saturdays, you’ll visit four restaurants and eat so much you’ll be ready to pop. But you’ll waddle away knowing something about barbecue that you didn’t know before.

With barbecue on your brain, let’s talk about coming to Kansas City in October. Experts in barbecue reserve the first weekend in October on their calendars every year for the World Series of Barbecue. Sure, Memphis has May and Lynchburg has Jack Daniels, but the Kansas City Barbeque Society was the first to write the rules for barbecue judges, and this event is the one they all want to win.

It’s a three-day weekend of concerts, poker tournaments, cooking demonstrations and more, but you come to watch the masters at work. And, oh, the aroma that fills the air above Kansas City’s West Bottoms that weekend. Yum. Other than the first weekend in October, really any first weekend is a fabulous time for a KC getaway. Many cities worth their mojo have some sort of First Friday art walk, but

An appealing evening atmosphere makes Brush Creek an attractive tourist spot on the Country Club Plaza.

Restaurants and shops saturate the area, considered one of the jewels of the Midwestern city.

Kansas City takes it a step further. Not only is the First Friday event in the Crossroads Arts District the largest in the nation with more than 10,000 of your closest friends in attendance, the weekend spreads over into the West Bottoms for a classic treasure sale.

From early Friday morning to late Sunday afternoon, the otherwise abandoned old warehouses in this historic district overflow with vintage finds, antiques and repurposed junk.

Street bands, food trucks and the thrill of the hunt have made this the hottest shopping destination in the Midwest. If you’re serious, you’ll bring your truck or a trailer to this event.

Shopaholics often rave about Kansas City’s Country Club Plaza, and they should. This was the nation’s very first shopping district designed for people and their automobiles, way back in the 1920s when horse and buggies were still common on some KC streets.

Modeled after Kansas City’s sister city of Seville, Spain, the Plaza is undeniably eye-candy. With its many fountains, sculptures, mosaic tiles and Moorish architecture, the Plaza is Kansas City’s most photographed destination. A Segway tour through Segway, Bike & Stroll is a fun way to explore the Plaza while learning about the fabulous art.

One of our favorite places to eat on the Plaza is The Classic Cup. The sidewalk tables or patio

Visitors walk along a reflecting pool outside the main entrance to the National World War I Museum at Liberty Memorial.

The museum focuses on the century-old Great War.

The entrance to the galleries of the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art greets guests who seek to see high-caliber collections that include great works ranging from the photography of Edward Steichen to ancient Chinese scrollwork.

Visitors view a display, including a British heavy field gun, right, and a German howitzer, at the National World War I Museum at Liberty Memorial. The museum focuses on the century-old Great War.

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Fireworks shoot up into the air over the Country Club Plaza during the annual plaza lighting ceremony. Some 80 miles of strung lights with 280,000 bulbs line the buildings.

The towers of Bartle Hall add to the skyline in Kansas City.

out back allow for fabulous people watching and some great food. I actually saw the late Paul Newman and his wife Joanne Woodward eating here several years ago. I don’t know what they were having, but I always get the Asparagus and Brie salad. For a fun souvenir of your Kansas City getaway, ask for a bag of the Classic Cup’s pancake mix.

Actually, any restaurant on the Plaza is going to be great, as are the shops. There’s a nice mix of local brands and betterknown chains. Kate Spade has a store here, and, as a native of the city, she qualifies as both. If you’re an Apple fan, this is where Kansas City’s Apple Store is located.

The tech geeks will seek out the Google Fiber Showroom, 74

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not on the Plaza but nearby at Westport and State Line Road.

Kansas City rocked the tech world when Google announced we had been chosen as the first place to implement ultra-highspeed gigabet Internet. That’s about 100 times faster than what most Americans experience with broadband service. If you still have dial-up, that’s like the difference between horse and buggies and driving at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. It’s way cool.

Now for some suggestions where to stay: The Southmoreland is a wonderful bed-and-breakfast inn like few others. The 100-year-old mansion, just east of the Plaza and adjacent to Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, is not a fru-fru B&B, but a homelike place to stay while learning a bit more about the history of KC. Mark and Nancy Reichle own the inn, and Mark is famous for his barbecue breakfasts on Saturdays. They’ve decorated many of the rooms to reflect the city’s heritage. There’s a room for William Rockhill Nelson, who founded The Kansas City Star and co-founded the art museum that bears his name.

Another room celebrates the gifts of Jacob and Ella Loose.

Artists Thomas Hart Benton and George Caleb Bingham each have a room of their own, as does Satchel Paige, the Hall of Fame pitcher for the St. Louis Browns, Kansas City Monarchs and the Athletics.

A recently opened hotel in Westport called 816 Hotel also has some themed rooms. Yes, there’s a baseball theme celebrating

A-10s fly over Kauffman Stadium before a major league baseball game between the New York Yankees and the Kansas City Royals.

Resources VISIT KANSAS CITY 800-767-7700 www.visitkc.com KC BARBECUE TOURS 800-979-3370 www.kcbarbecuetours.com THE CLASSIC CUP 301 W. 47th St., 816-753-1840 www.classiccup.com SOUTHMORELAND ON THE PLAZA 116 E. 46th St., 816-531-7979 www.southmoreland.com 816 HOTEL 801 Westport Road, 816-931-1000 www.816hotel.com NATIONAL WORLD WAR I MUSEUM AT LIBERTY MEMORIAL 100 W. 26th St., 816-888-8100 www.theworldwar.org

the Kansas City Monarchs, but another one recognizes the many years that TWA called Kansas City its home. It has twin seats from an MD-80, and a beverage cart serves as your mini-bar.

Are you coming to Kansas City to enjoy jazz? Ask for room 504. It has a working piano, a headboard that looks like a keyboard and a mural devoted to the Mutual Musicians Foundation based in Kansas City, the longest continuously operating jazz joint in the world.

If you are bringing children with you, they might like the room featuring the penguins at Kansas City Zoo. If you are Irish, then plan your visit to KC on Labor Day weekend for the Irish Festival and ask for the green room at 816 Hotel, which explains about Kansas City’s deep Irish roots.

But my favorite room is the World War I Museum room. Kansas City is home to the National World War I Museum, and visiting it should be on your itinerary when you come to town.

We are at the 100th anniversary of the start of World War I, a war that is more difficult to explain than World War II and one that certainly doesn’t get the attention of its sequel. But to truly understand World War II, you’ve got to understand the Great War, and this museum does a fabulous job at it.

Enter over a field of poppies, slug your way through muddy trenches and end up in a bombedout French farmhouse. It’s not as tough for visitors as it was for the Doughboys, but you’ll walk away with a better understanding of why the world went through the same thing just 21 years later.

Take time to ride the elevator to the top of the Liberty Memorial, a 217-foot tower that was built to honor all who served and died in the Great War. From its top, you have a great view of the city.

One of the phenomenal buildings you’ll see in the KC skyline is Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts. At 165 feet tall, the clam shells are accented by more than 1,000 panels of Life & Style : Fall 2014

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The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art holds many secrets and cultural treasures waiting to be discovered by art-loving guests and visitors.

Arthur Bryant’s is a Kansas City staple, one of the oldest restaurants in town. The barbecue-serving joint’s location at 17th and Brooklyn is also a driving force behind the city’s slow-smoked reputation.

The sidewalk tables and patio at The Classic Cup offer a great location for people-watching, while the restaurant is also known for its delicious dishes. For a fun souvenir, ask for a bag of the Classic Cup’s pancake mix.

glass in a south-facing wall that is 50 feet high and 360 feet long.

This is where the ballet, symphony and opera are located and perform on one of two stages beneath the magnificent twin clam shells. Check the calendar before your visit for programming that includes everything from Tony Bennett to National Geographic photographers.

You can also look down from the Liberty Memorial and see Union Station, truly one of the most magnificent train stations in the country. If you had seen it 15 years ago, you wouldn’t have thought it was beautiful, but a 76

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one-of-its-kind bi-state cultural tax in Kansas City brought both Missourians and Kansans together to save and restore this beautiful, historic building.

And that’s just one of many reasons we’ve become proud to call Kansas City home.

DIANA LAMBDIN MEYER is freelance travel writer originally from Wolf Lake in Union County. Diana and her husband Bruce specialize in travel journalism and authored the app Kansas City Uncovered and BBQ Nation, both available on iTunes.

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MY HOME

A True House of Art Photos by Adam Testa

Vivian Ugent’s house in Carbondale has always been a home. That’s why she’s been reluctant to move, instead opting to expand the house and add new features. She’s collected a plethora of items from her international travel to display and needed a space to entertain company. That’s where she and her late husband devised the idea to create several themed rooms in their home, from a theater for movies, music and live acting, to a French bistro and Latin American museum.

Vivian Ugent’s home is a cultural expression of all things art and creativity – starting with the customized theater room built to foster and share cinematic joy

BY JOE SZYNKOWSKI

Down the hall from Ugent’s theater room is her bistro, inspired by her travels to France. The space features seating for more than 20 and offers a view of the outside deck and yard. The walls of the bistro, as well as the adjoining hallway, are covered with restaurant menus from all across the world, which Ugent has collected since her youth.

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Vivian Ugent’s Carbondale home is a reflection of the world — of which she has seen a lot.

From the dramatic landscape of Peru across the ocean to the quaint bistros in France, Ugent and her family have crisscrossed the earth multiple times in search of adventure and cultural diversity. And every time the world traveler returns home, she brings a piece of that voyage back with her.

Some of Ugent’s walls are speckled with framed menus from across the globe.

Others are lined with authentic folk art from Mexico and Peru. She offers an entertaining story for every piece she touches, laughing and throwing her head back at the memories that seemingly reside in front of her eyes like they were just captured yesterday. That’s because some pretty much were.

She visited India in January and had a family trip planned to Peru in August.

Sharing memories with friends and loved ones is important to Ugent, who entertains often in her home that contains a 20-seat theater, full-service bistro set to a Frenchinspired theme and a museum room devoted to Latin America.

Ugent opens her home to many influential Carbondale groups throughout the year for meetings, during which members take in a film or live performance, discuss afterwards over a coffee and explore other parts of the home’s nostalgic nod to international history.

GETTING TOGETHER

the Movies” that the couple hosted for many years.

“I’m not very technical at all,” she said.

“But when Gary said he could handle that part of the viewings, then I agreed.”

A drive to honor and strengthen her husband’s legacy was a factor in Ugent’s decision to maintain the theater viewings.

“Sometimes when you start something, you feel the responsibility to keep it going,” she said. “I enjoy having company and am glad people like coming to our home.”

The Jackson County League of Women Voters, of which Ugent served as president, and the SIU Learning in Retirement groups are two that meet regularly for a movie and a meeting.

SIU professor of oboe and conducting Edward Benyas and Lt. Gov. Sheila Simon are a couple of the big names that have performed on stage within Ugent’s theater. She hosts various dinner theaters, fundraisers and photo-sharing

Complete with stadium seating and multicolored lighting, Ugent’s theater room was conceptualized and put into motion by her late husband, Don, botanist and professor emeritus at Southern Illinois University Carbondale.

“It was Don’s idea to build it from scratch,” Ugent said. “It was one of the first rooms in the area that was specifically built as a theater, rather than converting a room Ugent hosts a variety of events in her theater room. into one.”

Groups she participates in — such as Learning in “From scratch” meant incorporating Retirement and the Jackson County League of Women Voters — come to her home to watch movies aspects of a real movie theater experience, and socialize. The space has also been used for from the green-upholstered chairs to the concert performances and even live dinner theater. “exit” sign guiding guests out of the room.

The Ugents completed five trips in their station wagon up to parties, as well.

Springfield after the Fox Theater closed down to pick up the “I enjoy helping different groups however I can,” said Ugent, theater chairs, four at a time. still heavily involved with the League of Women Voters and other The chairs are painted golden brown and randomly numbered local groups. out of succession.

“We grabbed whatever numbers they would give us,” Ugent AFTER THE FILM: A CLASSIC BISTRO said. “Not having them in order kind of adds to the feel of the “Please don’t change the menu,” is a common request voiced room, I think.”

by Ugent’s guests. She regularly serves up beef brisket from The seats are set on risers to give the room a true stadium Arnold’s Market on days and nights of a movie viewing. “This is feel — “my husband wanted everything authentic,” Ugent laughs definitely the popular spot for brisket,” she said.

— and enveloped by framed movie posters on the surrounding Ugent’s bistro is a few short strides from the theater and walls. The posters include “Amelie,” “The Wizard of Oz” and the serves as the perfect location for moviegoers to take in a Goldie Hawn film “Housesitter,” which was written by Ugent’s drink of choice, not to mention the spectacular view onto the brother-in-law, Mark Stein. sprawling wooden deck in the home’s backyard. The room’s Another film poster with a special connection is “Gone with large vertical glass windows that Don built create the feeling of the Wind.” Ugent’s mother loved the movie so much that she sitting outside on a Paris street, without the worry of bugs or named her daughter after the star Vivien Leigh. summertime heat infiltrating the bistro.

Guests who come to the theater are greeted by a poster at the If guests prefer the outside, Ugent is able to accommodate. entrance in a shiny golden frame, complete with the tiny movie Her two side decks are connected by a larger one, and, when all theater light bulbs. They then walk across the multi-colored seating is combined, can comfortably fit about 30 more people. carpet picked out to match the theater chairs.

Ugent serves her brisket, cakes and other snacks on her The wooden stage was hand-crafted by Don and actually authentic Portmeirion Pottery dinnerware, which she picked out expanded into what was previously his garage work area, so the piece by piece in England. The products are made from a highUgents could host live theater as well as movies. It is separated fired, white earthenware resistant to chipping and breaking, and from the seating area by a rich green curtain that Ugent each piece of the botanical collection features a different flower designed herself and also holds the massive 3-D television that and pollinator. has replaced the projection screen as the viewing method of And the dinnerware isn’t the only thing Ugent hand-selected choice for movies. in Europe. She found her green, polka-dotted tablecloth fabric “Yes, we wear the 3-D glasses,” said Ugent, who says “Avatar” is in France, as well. the best 3-D movie she has seen.

The Ugents first began traveling when they married in

CURTAIN CALL

After Don passed away in 2011, Vivian took a break from hosting viewing parties. She was eventually asked by Gary Hartlieb, chairman of the SIU Learning in Retirement group, to consider reinstating an iteration of the popular “Afternoons at

1962 — heading down to Peru, Bolivia and Ecuador for Don’s research work, supported by a National Science Foundation grant.

“We started traveling back then and just kept going,” Ugent said. “There’s nothing like it.”

Her globally infused home may be the closest thing.

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GOOD EATS

DISHING ON

PUMPKINS It’s a great time of year to learn the back-to-basics goodness of this autumn treat

BY DEBBIE MOORE

The back-to-basics food movement has resulted in encouraging home cooks to search through great-grandma’s recipes and teach themselves how to prepare food from scratch. It’s easy to pick up a can of pumpkin purée at the supermarket, but what do our children learn from that? Kids need to know the origins of the food they eat. They need to understand that our fruits and vegetables grow on farms and in orchards. They need to know that lots of people, from the growers to those who work to package our food, are involved in feeding us.

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EASY PUMPKIN MOUSSE 1 2 3 1 1 1

8-ounce package cream cheese, room temperature cups of pumpkin purée teaspoons pumpkin pie spice small box instant vanilla pudding mix 14-ounce can sweetened condensed milk 12-ounce container frozen whipped topping, thawed Using a food processer or mixer, whip the pumpkin purée and cream cheese together until it is smooth. Add the spice, vanilla pudding mix and sweetened condensed milk. Continue to whip until thick and creamy. Whip in the topping and blend until smooth. Serve this in individual sherbet dishes or smaller tasting cups, or pour into a ready-made graham cracker pie crust and turn it into a pie. It is best with additional spices and toasted nuts sprinkled on top. It takes approximately an hour to set up. For a pie, let it set up for four hours.

Picking your pumpkin

When you go to the pumpkin patch to choose the perfect jack-o’-lantern, make sure you purchase some pumpkins that are suitable for cooking. There are scores of varieties of pumpkins, but one of the most popular for cooking is the Baby Bear variety, which is small and dense. Choose a pumpkin that is three or four pounds.

Visiting the pumpkin patch is a great family experience, but showing children how to cook a pumpkin and turn it into a delicious pumpkin pie or savory soup is also an important experience.

Get to the good stuff

Wash the pumpkin to remove any sand or dirt. Snap off the stem and cut the pumpkin in half from the top to the bottom. Use a metal spoon to remove all the seeds and membrane from the inside. Place the pumpkin halves skin

side up in a large baking dish and pour water into the dish so it rises about a half an inch up the side of the pumpkin. Bake in a 350-degree oven for 45 minutes to an hour. You should be able to easily insert a fork into the pumpkin.

Remove it from the oven and turn the pumpkin halves so the flesh side is up and place it on a tray to cool. When the pumpkin is cool, scoop out the flesh and purée it in a food processer or with a mixer. A four-pound pumpkin will make three to four cups of purée. A standard pumpkin pie recipe calls for two cups of purée. You can freeze pumpkin purée in airtight containers.

Roasting pumpkin

Roasting pumpkin is an alternative method that is preferable when you plan to use the pumpkin in a savory recipe. To roast pumpkin, simply cut it into manageable wedges or chunks and remove the peel, seeds and membrane. Place it in an oiled baking pan and drizzle it with canola or olive oil. Roast it at 375 degrees for about 45 minutes. The time required depends upon the size and thickness of the pieces. Serve it warm, with salt and additional seasonings, or use it in other recipes. Using flavored oils or sprinkling fresh herbs over the pumpkin will enhance the flavor. There are unlimited ways to use roasted pumpkin, but try marinating it in your favorite vinegar and oil based salad dressing for a couple hours.

Serve it on top of a mixed green salad and sprinkle on toasted nuts and feta cheese.

PUMPKIN PASTA SAUCE 3 tablespoons olive oil 1 sprig of fresh rosemary 2 cups mashed roasted pumpkin 1 teaspoon minced garlic 1 cup half-and-half 1/3 cup grated Parmesan 1 cup chicken or vegetable stock Gently heat the olive oil over low temperature and add the sprig of rosemary to it, turning it several times, to flavor the oil. Remove the rosemary, add the garlic and let it sizzle for a few seconds. Add the roasted pumpkin and stir it until it absorbs the oil. Add the half-and-half, Parmesan cheese and the stock. Let this cook gently for 5 to 8 minutes.

Add 12 ounces of your favorite pasta, cooked, to the sauce and stir to coat. Serve with additional Parmesan cheese and a sprinkling of crushed red pepper flakes.

Note: This is especially good with cheese-stuffed ravioli or tortellini.

Life & Style : Fall 2014 83

TRENDS

‘From Scratch’ not your thing?

Gourmet pumpkin products fill the shelves at Etcetera

Maple Pumpkin Butter, $7.95 From Stonewall Kitchens, this allnatural spread can be used anywhere butter would be, for an extra special flavor combination.

Decorative pumpkin, $16.95 You don’t usually think “delicate” when you think pumpkins, but this pretty little thing would be perfect

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Etcetera Flowers & Gifts feels like a fabulous old-world, More info fairy tale house, offering a secluded shopping experience Etcetera Flowers despite its location on always busy DeYoung Street in Marion, & Gifts just east of Illinois 37.

1200 N. Market The store, which is also an award-winning florist shop and St., Marion event-planning center, is exactly what you would expect from 618-997-9411 a boutique browsing experience. etceteraflowers Owner Mike Helig was busy preparing for the fall season andgifts.com when Life & Style visited with him. “We’ve got a lot of autumn items on the shelf, but there’s much more to come,” he said, enthusiastically.

The shelves, racks and stands are already full of gift and gourmet items, much of it organic, natural or gluten-free, if that’s what you’re looking for. But, everything is gourmet.

Like the super-thin Moravian cookies from Salem Baking Co. in Winston-Salem, North Carolina Or the Stonewall Kitchen pancake mixes – “You’ll never eat grocery store mix pancakes again!” says Mike.

The candy case, which features all kinds of gourmet chocolate, will soon be featuring a new arrival, Pumpkin Truffles.

And Pumpkin Spice Coffee Pumpkin Pie Cheeseball and Dessert Mix from will join the ranks of other Wind & Willow, $5.50 gourmet coffees.

Pumpkin Cheesecake Bar Mix from Stonewall If you’re not in the Kitchen, $10.95 mood to eat, which we Pumpkin Pancake and Waffle Mix from guarantee you will be Stonewall Kitchen, $10.95 before you leave, you can check out items Pumpkin Curd, $7.95 From Robert such as Crabtree & Rothschild Farms, Evelyn soaps, lotions and a blend of butter, sugar and pumpkin. the new nail polish line.

Suggested use: Etcetera also carries items Combine with cream from Hillhouse Naturals in cheese for a traditional and tasty pumpkin roll, Wickliffe, Kentucky. And we or simply blend with liked the imported paper table butter for a spread. It’s all natural and gluten accessories from Caspari, which free. will elevate your party without the fuss of fabric. And, don’t forget to check out what Mike calls “the fun section,” featuring inexpensive gift items that range from whimsical to risqué!

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Life & Style : Fall 2014 85

STYLE

All Out Allure Tights — Modcloth.com, $24.99

Under the Blacklight Tights — Mocloth.com, $29.99

Pretty Polly Sheer Diamond Tights — Macy’s, $25

Moulin Rouge Hand-Painted Tights — Etsy.com, $35

Transition with

TIGHTS 86

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Animal Print Tights — Sockdreams.com, $22 (styled by CollegeLifeStylez. com)

This time of year, when summer is cooling off but fall isn’t quite here, can be a tricky time to be stylish.

A cold morning could turn into a hot day, or it might rain for a week. Be prepared with outfits that are capable of keeping up.

Tights are versatile, and these days the colors and patterns you can find are endless. No longer just black or nude, tights are making a creative comeback. Style them as the focus-point of your ensemble, pairing your bold legs with simplicity on top.

Keep in mind that tights don’t have to be worn strictly with a skirt or dress, although skirts and dresses with tights will always be classic. A great way to stretch your summer clothes a little while longer is to pair tights with shorts. Add booties and a blazer for a chic rock ‘n’ roll vibe or go vixen with heels.

— Rana Hodge

In 2011, Justin Wiseman was hiding from the world. Unlike most 26 year olds, he was nearly 600 pounds and suffering from countless health issues. He dreamed of a life where he could go to the movies, enjoy the outdoors and be happy, but his weight always held him back.

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Today, Justin has lost over 400 pounds and he’s on top of the world!

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Call to schedule your appointment or to see when the next free information session is near you.

888-639-0033 Life & Style : Fall 2014 87

PARTING SHOT

p.s.

Photo by Adam Testa

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Horses living along Pleasant Hill Road in Carbondale enjoy an unseasonably warm day.

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Life & Style : Fall 2014