Spotlight on Herrin
Herrin: All in, all ways If you took a ride through Herrin during October, you know. This is a city of togetherness and resiliency. With breast cancer awareness at the forefront of many organizations and community leaders in October, Herrin showed its solidarity with pink banners streaming down Illinois 148 and with pink lights guiding the way during the night. The hue serves as a beacon of hope and humbleness for so many people who have either directly or indirectly been affected by cancer. “We want to let everyone know that we are 100-percent behind those who either have or know someone with breast cancer,” said Liz Lively, executive director of the Herrin Chamber of Commerce. Herrin and its citizens put 100-percent effort into everything they are involved in. From recovering from the seemingly crippling shutdown of the Maytag plant in 2006 to the annual efforts required to pull off the large-scale HerrinFesta Italiana, Herrin is committed to finishing what it starts. That includes special initiatives aimed at improving business, infrastructure, education, athletics, healthcare and everything else in between. “I think business-wise we’re about as strong as most of the towns around Southern Illinois,” said longtime Herrin Mayor Vic Ritter. ADAM TESTA / THE SOUTHERN
Breast cancer survivor Myrna Dooley of Herrin applauds Kathy Cerutti, an organizer of the breast cancer awareness event Oct. 9. ‘We want to let everyone know that we 100-percent behind those who either have or know someone with breast cancer,’ says Liz Lively, executive director of the Herrin Chamber of Commerce.
Cover photo: A Southern Illinoisan photo of Herrin City Park Section content: Joe Szynkowski
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SI Opry bringing Nashville flair Three shows in, and the SI Opry is well on its way to becoming one of the most popular and unique music events in Southern Illinois. “We’re really looking grow this event into something huge that people look forward to attending every month,” said Linda Hatfield, who handles marketing for SI Opry. “It’s a familyoriented show that features a lot of really great local talent.” The monthly events at Herrin Civic Center began in August and have already been attracting hundreds of country, gospel and bluegrass fans. “It is such a great event for people who want to hear the great music from those genres, but don’t necessarily want to go to a bar,” Hatfield said. “It is a very family-oriented event.”
The next edition of SI Opry is Saturday, Nov. 16, and will feature a dynamic mix of Southern Illinois bands. The 50sstyle group Blend will share the stage with Judah, the Worthing 10s and the country female duo Peyton Sisters. SI Opry organizers plan on adding Nashville bands to the roster eventually, but for now the talent is all local. And they’re proud of it. “I don’t know if people in Southern Illinois realize just how talented our local artists are,” Hatfield said. “I was blown away at the first show.” The December SI Opry show is already slated for the 14th and has secured at least one popular act: Lt. Gov. Sheila Simon’s band Loose Gravel. Tickets are $15 apiece and available at Herrin
Page 2 Thursday, October 31, The Southern Illinoisan
SI OPRY What: Monthly shows featuring local country, gospel and bluegrass acts Where: Civic Center Tickets: $15 and available at Herrin Civic Center, online at siopry.com or at Black Diamond HarleyDavidson in Marion Website: siopry.com Civic Center, online at siopry.com or at Black Diamond HarleyDavidson in Marion. Depending on demand, tickets may also be available at the door the night of the event. “The auditorium in the civic center is just a great venue,” said Herrin Mayor Vic Ritter. “A lot of people consider it a hidden gem. It’s just a great place to see a show.”
Spotlight on Herrin
Herrin boasts a ‘vibrant downtown’ When Larry Fredman looks out the large storefront windows of his furniture store, he sees the secret to Herrin’s downtown success. Fredman, the owner of Bryan Furniture, notices the care that owners are putting into their buildings. Fresh paint, renovated storefronts and tidy sidewalks are commonplace — offering a pleasant shopping and walking experience for residents of Herrin and beyond. “From the retail side of things, it’s obviously never going to be like it used to be,” Fredman said. “But Herrin has always done a great job of taking care of downtown.” Downtown business owners don’t necessarily depend on city officials to keep their stores operating, though, according to Fredman. “The great thing about the downtown is that most of the bigger businesses aren’t rentals,” he said. “They have owners who are invested into taking care of them.” Fredman and his family pride themselves on offering excellent customer service and fair deals on their items housed within more than 30,000 square feet of furniture space. The business offers everything from table lamps to complete room
settings. “We have been very busy, and I think it may be because people are putting so much energy into their homes,” Fredman said. “I think with the economy, people are taking fewer trips and making their homes more special.” Across Park Avenue, The Annex Building has also experienced increased business. Built in 1912, the former movie theater was converted into a bakery café. The Annex Coffee & Deli is committed to delivering outstanding coffeehouse and bakery experiences within a stylish, yet historic environment. “The longtime businesses are so important,” said Liz Lively, executive director of the Herrin Chamber of Commerce. “They are trusted employers of a lot of people and they have helped Herrin continue to have a vibrant downtown.” As part of the chamber’s strategic plan, the downtown area will continue to improve. “We have a lot of cleanup ideas and are taking a close look at our sidewalks and green spaces,” Lively said. “There are a lot of greatlooking downtowns across Southern Illinois, and we really take pride in ours.”
THE SOUTHERN FILE PHOTOS
Baldwin Piano on Park Avenue draws music lovers from throughout Southern Illinois and has for years. ‘The longtime businesses are so important,’ says Liz Lively, executive director of Herrin Chamber of Commerce. A newer business doing well downtown is The Annex Coffee & Deli (below), located in a former movie theater that was built in 1912.
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Spotlight on Herrin
ADAM TESTA / THE SOUTHERN
ADAM TESTA / THE SOUTHERN
A large sign welcomes students and guests to Herrin High School.
Students continue their formal education at Herrin Middle School.
School Spirit: Herrin teachers and administrators are sticking together through budget challenges Even through long-delayed state funding and rising costs in education, administrators and teachers within Herrin Community School System remain dedicated to one thing: Their students. “Our goal is to make sure the students remain the highest priority,” said District 4 Superintendent Mark Collins. “Even as we have lost funding and are facing challenges, we want to make sure the quality of education remains the same.” Collins credits his faculty across all Herrin schools for sticking together during tough times. He has pledged to all teachers and staff that whoever is working in the schools this year will have a job again next school year. “I think that has helped relieve any stress or worry about not having a paycheck,” Collins said. Professional development is no longer an expense covered by the district, but that hasn’t stopped teachers from pursuing extra training and certifications.
ADAM TESTA / THE SOUTHERN
A concrete wall at the base of a parking lot across from Herrin High School shares a sentiment of Tiger pride.
“That’s a testament to these teachers, both the newer ones and the ones who have been teaching for many years,” Collins said. “They are committed to bettering themselves as professionals.” The Herrin district is owed
Page 4 Thursday, October 31, The Southern Illinoisan
more than $4 million in state aid, Collins said, forcing administration to ask teachers to do more with less. They have responded by guiding their students to improved state test scores, all with a positive attitude.
“Morale is a big thing,” he said. “We try to keep them upbeat and thank them continuously for going above and beyond. Local businesses and organizations throughout Herrin have stepped in to help
the schools meet their financial needs. The partnership between the district and business owners has helped bridge the state funding gap. “We get a lot of donations throughout the district,” Collins said. “The Herrin Education Foundation and the Harrison Bruce Foundation … we have had to lean on the community a lot over the past few years.” Students have done their part in cultivating monetary support from local businesses, conducting door-to-door visits and fundraisers. “In times when budget cuts are prevalent, it is very important to have a great relationship with local businesses,” said Mike Mooneyham, Herrin’s high school athletic director. “We at the high school are very appreciative of how our community and businesses help us out in different ways, not just financially “In return, we try to get our athletes involved in the community and help out any way we can. That is a life lesson in itself.”
Spotlight on Herrin
High School sports continue to shine From multiple boys track state titles to the continual dominance of its football and softball teams, Herrin High School has enjoyed plenty of recent prep success. Herrin’s less recent past is prestigious, too, with a memorable 1957 boys state basketball title and numerous regional championships across the school’s other sports. But it is the present players, coaches and fans are excited about. “It is so fun to be involved in Herrin sports at this time because of the facility improvements that we have made and to have competitive teams in almost every sport,” said Herrin Athletic Director Mike Mooneyham. “That was a goal of our department to raise all of our programs to a competitive level in all sports both female and
male, major or minor,” he said. As athletic director, Mooneyham works hard to make sure his athletes have great facilities, but also to fill the seats within those venues. “It is an athletic director’s dream at Herrin right now,” he said. “We have had great crowds at our events as the community is very supportive of our athletic department and programs.” Herrin’s football team recently wrapped its second outright conference title and a postseason berth in seven of eight seasons under coach Jason Karnes. “This group of guys has really worked hard and I’m really proud of them,” Karnes told The Southern after the Tigers’ 40-0 win over Harrisburg that sealed the playoff spot. “They’ve put in a lot of hours in the offseason and deserve
everything they’ve gotten so far.” Winning is an important aspect of Herrin sports, but not as crucial as the lessons that athletes learn through competition, teamwork and dedication. “I think the biggest lesson being taught is academics and athletics go hand in hand,” Mooneyham said. “We had not THE SOUTHERN FILE PHOTOS had many eligibility problems or Herrin’s Whitney Woodis attempts to block a hit during a volleyball game against Du Quoin last year. In football, Herrin’s defense swarms attendance problems as our Harrisburg’s Jarren Goldman during a game Oct. 18 in Herrin. athletes get the importance of each and how one goes with the other.” That achievement comes down to coaching, Mooneyham added. “All of our coaches do a super job,” Mooneyham said. “They relate athletics to present real life situations or something they will use in the future as the graduate high school, go to college and move into the adult world.”
The Southern Illinoisan Thursday, October 31, 2013 Page 5
Spotlight on Herrin ‘Our players and coaches are very proud of all our facilities involved with Herrin athletics,’ says Athletic Director Mike Mooneyham. ‘Everyone involved knows how fortunate we are to have what we have and take pride in maintaining them.’ THE SOUTHERN FILE PHOTO
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Herrin’s new $3.8 million mixed-use facility is a head-turner. It appears seemingly out of nowhere on sleepy Bandyville Road, and stretches back into a farreaching expanse comprised of four baseball and four softball diamonds, four soccer fields and eight tennis courts. A mile-long track encircles the facility. Even newer to the Herrin sports landscape is the overhauled HarrisonBruce Sports Complex, which recently received $2.7 million worth of improvements, including a new press box, locker rooms, bathrooms, weight room and concession areas. The project, designed by Lunsford Architects and Engineers, Inc., was financed in part by a $4
million bond initiative undertaken by the Herrin Community Unit School District No. 4 school board in January. “Our players and coaches are very proud of all our facilities involved with Herrin athletics,” said Herrin Athletic Director Mike Mooneyham said. “Everyone involved knows how fortunate we are to have what we have and take pride in maintaining them.” The new football and track updates have drawn rave reviews from opposing players and coaches. The new locker room contains 110 lockers, a coaches’ office with a 60-inch TV, an officials’ locker room, athletic trainer’s room and a equipment room equipped with a washer,
dryer and ice machine. “Visiting coaches, players and media people have been astounded by our facilities and comment on how great it is to come to Herrin,” Mooneyham said. “Almost everyone has agreed it is one of the best complexes around and wish they had facilities like ours.” The project followed the completion of the Herrin Community Unit 4 School District Sports Complex, which replaced Herrin City Park as the host of softball, baseball and tennis contests. “We’re thankful to the park district for all these years, but we wanted to have something that is our own,” Mooneyham said. “It’s kind of unique, and that’s what we like about it.”
Spotlight on Herrin
Brewer Foundation helps students grow, achieve and succeed Once inside the doors of The Robert N. Brewer Family Foundation, one does not have to look far to be reminded of the investments the foundation has made in Herrin. The Brewer building, located at Two North Park and Cherry streets, is lined with more than 180 graduation photographs of recipients who have completed their post-secondary education. The Robert N. Brewer Family Foundation was established shortly after the passing of Bob Brewer in 2001. During his life, Brewer built, owned and operated 35 Best Inns of America and Best Suites of America hotels, before selling them in 1998. He left behind a legacy that will provide education to many area young people for years to come by donating the proceeds from the sale of the hotels to fund the foundation. Since 2001, the Brewer Family Foundation has awarded 528 scholarships to Herrin and Marion
students. The scholarship awards are valued at $4,250 per year, and are renewable up to four years. The specific criteria of the program was established by Brewer. Marie DeLaney, president of the foundation, states: “Mr. Brewer was very visionary. He was able to foresee how our community would benefit by raising the bar on education, and assisting students with the expense of it. He appreciated students who were able to manage their priorities by balancing both work and school. For that reason, scholarships are awarded to students who demonstrate strong work ethic, have financial need and maintain a C or better cumulative GPA.” Applications for Brewer scholarships became available at Marion and Herrin high schools in January. All eligible graduating seniors are encouraged to apply. There isn’t a limit on the number of scholarships that can be awarded, nor
THE SOUTHERN FILE PHOTO
Herrin High School recipients of the 2013 Robert N. Brewer Family Foundation Scholarship are Jessica Alongi, Aaron Bartels, Shauna Bayles, McKailah Berry, Matthew Bowling, Austin Butler, Hayley Cobb, Joshua Davis, Sara Gualdoni, Jaylen Janes, Morgan Jennings, Nicholas Nigro, Danielle Pierce, Sierra Richardson, Chais Schumacher, Jonathan Snider, Austin Starkweather, Dylan Teckenbrock, Trevor Thompson and Teresa Watson. Also pictured are attorney Ronald Osman and foundation directors Blane Osman, Dave Gename and Marie DeLaney.
are there any restrictions on where students attend school, or what field of study a student chooses. The Brewer Scholarship is open to two-year degrees, four-year degrees, trade schools and technical programs. “Our recipients have
Supporting our community with pride.
entered a variety of fields,” said DeLaney, who worked with Brewer for more than 20 years. “To name a few, we have teachers, doctors, chefs, lawyers, cosmetologists, diesel mechanics, nurses, among many, many more. “It is very rewarding to
display graduation photographs once students have completed the program, but even more rewarding to hear their achievements along the way. We are one great bit, blended family and keep in constant contact with each student as they
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Spotlight on Herrin Herrin Hospital Auxiliary According to the Herrin Hospital website, its auxiliary was organized in 1982 and has approximately 150 members. It is very much involved in many areas of the hospital – comprised of volunteers wearing pink smocks or burgundy vests. Dues are $5 per year for the period beginning April 1, with the auxiliary’s annual membership meeting slated for every March. Call the hospital at 618-942-2171 for more information or to find out how to get involved.
ADAM TESTA / THE SOUTHERN
The memorial garden at Herrin Hospital offers a peaceful place for relaxation and meditation. It is also used as an outdoor location for physical therapy and rehabilitation.
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Peace of Mind: Herrin Hospital is nationally renowned Nearly a year after receiving national recognition for its prestigious stroke treatment program, Herrin Hospital continues to provide a place of excellent care for its patients. The American Heart Association and American Stroke Association named Herrin Hospital to their Target Stroke Honor Roll in November 2012 as one of the fastest emergency treatment programs in the country. Owned by Southern Illinois Healthcare, the hospital also gained bronze star status from the AHA/ASA for overall stroke patient care during the course of a three-month evaluation period with high marks in eight quality measures. “This is incredible,” said SIH Stroke Program Coordinator Lesley Cranick about the honors. Herrin Hospital is one
of two Illinois hospitals on the current honor roll list and joins approximately 200 hospitals across the country for the coveted AHA/ASA recognition. Cranick said Herrin Hospital averages 55 minutes from the time stroke victims come through the emergency doors to the time the first blood clot medicine is administered. The national average time is 1 hour and 20 minutes, she said. The emergency staff conducts one-on-one nursing with stroke victims and conducts different kinds of testing including neurological assessments, imaging and laboratory testing before clot-busting drugs are administered. Herrin Hospital – a 104-bed acute care facility – opened in 1913. In 2007, the hospital expanded with a $19
HERRIN HOSPITAL Where: 201 S. 14th St. Phone: 618-942-2171 Online: sih.net
million addition that moved all outpatient services, including rehabilitation, imaging and wound care, to the main floor. The renovation also included the addition of an indoor pool for aquatic therapy and upgraded rooms, and coincided with the installation of the Julia Harrison Bruce and Fred G. Harrison Memorial Garden. The half-million dollar healing garden is open to the public and is also utilized by the therapy patients. “We all very fortunate to have such a great hospital,” said Herrin Mayor Vic Ritter. “They do great work.”
Spotlight on Herrin
ADAM TESTA / THE SOUTHERN
Southern Illinois Orthopaedic Institute is one of the medical facilities in the Logan district off Illinois 13. The area is the site of much development and many medical offices.
Orthopaedic Institute of Southern Illinois adds a new dimension with spinal care specialty Previously, patients have had to travel two hours or more in order to receive treatment for even the most basic of spinal procedures. No more. The Orthopaedic Institute of Southern Illinois recently opened the doors to its innovative Spine Center of Excellence. Already a primary source and the largest provider of comprehensive
musculoskeletal services, the institute’s addition of the center adds a whole new dimension to its capabilities. Whether surgically or non-surgically, the institute serves patients in the Southern Illinois area with a wide variety of bone, muscle and joint problems. This includes every subspecialty area of orthopaedics including total joint reconstruction,
shoulder and knee, hand and wrist, sports medicine/arthroscopy, back and neck, and general orthopaedics.
is equipped with stateof-the-art technology and top-tier medical professionals to ensure effective treatment for all ranges of patients.
About the Spine Center The new spine center allows for an efficient and timely evaluation of patients suffering from spinal diseases. As the only treatment facility focusing exclusively on spinal diseases, the center
About the doctors And speaking of the medical staff, Dr. Kevin Koth and Dr. Jeffrey Jones emphasize non-operative treatment when possible to alleviate pain and increase overall function
for their patients. Koth is recognized for his fellowship training and extensive experience in orthopaedic spine surgery. He is highly trained in the most advanced procedures, having receiving his long-term AO Spine fellowship in Louisville, Ky. Jones is trained in neurosurgery and specializes in minimally invasive spine surgery. He
DETAILS What: Orthopedic Institute of Southern Illinois Where: 510 Lincoln Drive, Herrin Phone: 618-997-6800 Online: OrthopaedicInstitute. com is also Neurological Board Certified.
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Spotlight on Herrin
THE SOUTHERN FILE PHOTO
Logan Professional Park includes medical care and legal professionals. The effects on Herrin’s economy have been noticeable. ‘That area has been great to Herrin,’ says Mayor Vic Ritter. More businesses in the park mean more partnerships for the Chamber of Commerce, too.
Logan Professional Park grows at the Illinois 13-148 junction
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Logan Professional Park has quickly sprouted as a pillar of Southern Illinois’ medical community. Located near the junction of Illinois 13 and 148, the area is becoming a one-stop-shop for everything ranging from preventative health care to specialized practices. “There are doctors of every sort out there,” said Herrin Mayor Vic Ritter. “It has become a sort of health care community.” The park includes large practices like the Orthopaedic Institute of Southern Illinois and Logan Primary Care. It also hosts offices for specific care, offering a convenient destination
for all sorts of care. Practices like the Orthopaedic Institute are also brining innovation to the area. The facility recently announced the opening of its Spine Center of Excellence, the area’s only comprehensive treatment center focusing exclusively on spinal diseases. Not just instrumental in Herrin’s healthcare system, Logan Professional Park is also a large benefit to the city as a whole. In addition to being convenient for patients, the park brings plenty of opportunities to the community. It draws in patients and
Page 10 Thursday, October 31, The Southern Illinoisan
clients from throughout the region, and gives many Herrin residents stable, long-term employment. The effects on Herrin’s economy have been noticeable. “Economically, that area has been great to Herrin,” Ritter said. More businesses in the park mean more partnerships for the Chamber of Commerce, too, says Liz Lively, executive director for the Herrin chamber. “There are obviously a lot of really successful businesses out there already,” she said. “The exciting part is that there is plenty of room for growth.”
Spotlight on Herrin
The Villas at Holly Brook is gaining a great reputation With only six out of 50 units available as of late October, The Villas at Holly Brook has quickly become a premiere assisted-living apartment complex. In addition to the generously sized apartments, The Villas also offers three prepared meals each day, laundry service, transportation and other amenities. It recently brought on an activities director, and offers programs, events, hairstylists, a movie theater and an exercise room. “You can still maintain a tremendous amount of independence while getting the assistance that you need,” said Executive Director Howard Saver. The Villas has certified nursing assistants on site to help with daily living, resident mobility and other special services. “We’re getting great
feedback from the residents and their families,” Saver said. “That positive word of mouth has helped us a lot.” The facility is adjacent to the Logan Professional Park, home to a number of physicians, specialists and medical offices. Groundbreaking on The Villas was in October 2011 and the doors opened a year later. “We are a little bit ahead of our expectations,” Saver said. “We’re getting a great response from people, particularly in the Herrin, Carterville and Marion areas. “I think that families have realized how outstanding our assisted living opportunities are here in Southern Illinois. There are some very nice places to live, and they have become very viable options for a lot of people.”
The $4.5 million center was developed by Unique Homes & Lumber, Inc., a Charleston-based company. Saver said the quality of the facilities has drawn a lot of positive feedback, as has the food served up at The Villas. “Residents are just absolutely pleased with the food,” he said. “Our dietary is outstanding. We invite people who want to see the facility to come have a lunch or supper on us. Our food service sets us apart.” The ample space in each apartment, as well as the family atmosphere within The Villas, are also differentiators, according to Saver. “The residents are very welcoming to new people,” he said. “Anyone who moves into a new place may feel a bit apprehensive, but our group makes sure that no one feels like a stranger.”
The Southern Illinoisan Thursday, October 31, 2013 Page 11
ADAM TESTA / THE SOUTHERN
The Villas at Holly Brook has quickly become a premiere living-assisted apartment complex that is drawing residents from all over Southern Illinois. ‘Positive word of mouth has helped us a lot,’ says Executive Director Howard Saver. ‘We’re getting a great response from people.’
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Spotlight on Herrin
ADAM TESTA / THE SOUTHERN Many neighborhoods in Herrin are experiencing growth. This one, off Rae street, is near the Logan district, where a lot of projects are in development.
Developing neighborhoods offer plenty of choices for quality living As Herrin’s population continues to swell — every census tally taken since 1960 has shown an increase — so too does its availability for quality homes, apartments and living centers. The city is equipped, says Mayor Vic Ritter, to handle continued growth. “We have new, active subdivisions in all directions,” he said. “There are homes going
up to the east, south, north and west. They’re building everywhere.” New construction has been booming in Herrin, as homes continue to pop up in all directions. Young families are finding plenty of places to grow, as well, with the housing market picking up steam in the past few months. With still-low interest rates and available properties,
realtors have seen a surge in the market. Numerous three-bedroom, twobathroom homes are available for purchase. According to Richard Davis, managing broker with Century 21 House of Realty, Inc., the average median sales price in Herrin and Energy was $85,000 through September. “The good news is that is $5,000 above the same
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period in 2012 when it was $80,000,” Davis said. Herrin and Energy residential properties for sale have been on the market for an average of 131 days, a tick below the Williamson County average (143 days). The average in 2012 for Herrin and Energy was 172 days. “So, housing, though somewhat older in general, is very affordable with a good inventory to
choose from,” Davis said. Assisted living facilities are also becoming viable options for many families in Southern Illinois. Hurricane Creek offers residential living to citizens 60 and over, providing comprehensive care and assistance with daily living activities. The Villas at Holly Brook, another assisted living complex, is also an option for families across
Southern Illinois who are looking for ample space, plenty of amenities and friendly staff to take care of their loved ones. “Not just us, but there are a lot of assisted living opportunities in the region overall that are very nice places to live,” said Howard Saver, executive director at The Villas, located adjacent to Herrin’s Logan Professional Park.
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Spotlight on Herrin
Chamber of Commerce is actively building a collaborative culture Strategically speaking, Herrin Chamber of Commerce is true collaboration. The chamber is busy executing its comprehensive strategic plan centered on business growth and long-term partnerships. And it is proactively looking to involve its citizens in all stages of the process. As part of its efforts to rebrand Herrin and its tourism appeal, the chamber reached out to the community. Residents were urged to submit ideas for branding slogans, and more than 200 people responded. “We were very excited about the community involvement,” said Liz Lively, executive director of the chamber. “We really received some great entries. Facebook friends of the chamber can go online now to vote for their favorite of four slogans. The winning catchphrase will be integrated into a strategic marketing plan aimed at enhancing
NAME GAME Herrin residents can place their votes for the city’s next slogan on Herrin’s Facebook page. The four finalists — all created by Herrin residents — are below. z Herrin: Eat. Shop. Play. Live. z Herrin: Welcome Home z Herrin: Where History Meets the Future z Herrin: The Heart and Soul of Southern Illinois tourism and increasing the number of visitors to the region. Another collaborative initiative set forth by the chamber involves local business experts offering free guidance. The chamber’s employment and entrepreneurship team — made up of longtime business owners — is providing advice on all aspects of operations, from startup to financing. “We’re looking for people who want to expand or start a
THE SOUTHERN FILE PHOTO
Guests mingle during the cocktail hour at the island-themed Herrin Chamber of Commerce dinner in January.
business,” Lively said. “It’s absolutely free and a great way to get guidance from a group of very successful business owners.” Helping Herrin
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Mayor Vic Ritter. “New business is opening, existing businesses are thriving. We are very happy with how things are going; the chamber does a great job.”
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Spotlight on Herrin
A rich Italian heritage that lives on
THE SOUTHERN FILE PHOTO
Steven Tacchi collects bocce balls from the court during the 2012 HerrinFesta championship bocce competition.
Another successful year for HerrinFesta Cris Trapani and fellow coordinators of HerrinFesta Italiana sure don’t get much of a break. “We have definitely already started planning for next year,” said Trapani, the Festa’s president. “It seems like we just got done wrapping things up for 2013, but that’s how it goes if you want to run a successful event.” Trapani cites a study performed by a state tourism bureau that showed a $1.5 million impact on regional businesses for every HerrinFesta. “We’re not only generating revenue at the event, but also in the local hotels, restaurants and shops,” he said. The 2013 edition was a hit, with
bands like Florida Georgia Line and The Guess Who bringing in big crowds. Families came to Herrin from across the region, more than 40,000 strong. “It was another very successful Festa,” Trapani said. “Our crowd sizes were great and we met all of our financial goals in regards to making enough money to continue on for next year.” And next year will be here before Trapani knows it. He says a lot of people may be surprised at how much work goes into executing the Festa. “I think people within Herrin who have seen 20-plus years of HerrinFesta, they know,” he said. “It’s hard to be from Herrin and
not be a part of some subcommittee or a volunteer involved in HerrinFesta. And without them and our sponsors, HerrinFesta would not be possible.” Trapani gives no hints into the bands or artists who could be coming to HerrinFesta 2014, but urges Southern Illinoisans to stay tuned. “We’re excited,” he said. “We’ll probably wait until after the holidays to make any announcements and for now are just focusing on setting up the entertainment, ticketing, marketing and things like that. “Rest assured that everything is being put into place for another great HerrinFesta.”
Proudly Serving the Citizens of Herrin Victor M. Ritter, Mayor Marlene Simpson, City Clerk Mark Brown, Treasurer Alderman Ward I David Shoemake Ernie Gwaltney
Alderman Ward III Steve Frattini Marilyn Orso
Alderman Ward II Robert Craig David York
Alderman Ward IV Marilyn Ruppel Bill Sizemore
Page 14 Thursday, October 31, The Southern Illinoisan
It is a cross-continent relationship that keeps getting stronger with time. Many Herrin residents have traced their ancestry back to Cuggiono, Italy, and have taken trips to the Old Country to learn more. Coal mining brought many Italians immigrants into Herrin in the late 1800s, a time of great prosperity in the mines. Herrin grew from a town of 1,000 to 1900 to about 12,000 in 1920, local historian Gordon Pruett told The Southern. “They came to Herrin, became miners and did better for themselves,” he said. Italian immigrants not only brought a new labor force to Southern Illinois, they brought their own heritage, culture and way of life with them, too. “When they came here, they tried very hard to recreate their hometown,” said Michaelann Stanley, a teacher at Herrin High School who has visited Italy three times. “We have a lot of the same things that they do over there just because they were trying to bring aspects of their homes to Herrin.”
The city takes its heritage seriously. Case in point, HerrinFesta Italiana, a week-long festival devoted to celebrating Herrin’s immigrant history. Herrin also invites Southern Illinoisans to visit its group of restaurants and experiences that make up The Hill, a true taste of what Italy has to offer. The city has launched a marketing campaign meant to drive trade for local businesses and retail outlets, with a portion of profits going back to the city. That is good news for fans of Italian dining who visit downtown Herrin. Lombard’s authentic Italian cuisine and Girolamo’s pizza are just a couple of the offerings that complement Herrin’s long-lasting Italian heritage. Diners can also enjoy Italy-inspired fare at Mary’s Restaurant and the popular Louie’s P&R. The dining options are a nod back to where it all started, and to where many Herrin residents still call home. “It is still a very big way of life here,” Stanley said.
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Spotlight on Herrin
Teacher hopes to bring Italian course into Herrin High School aMichaelann Stanley was upset after failing her test to become a certified Italian high school teacher, but she wasn’t defeated. The veteran foreign language teacher at Herrin High School packed her bags and headed east – way east. All the way to Siena, Italy, to study in the prestigious Dante Alighieri language school. “It was a very intensive eight hours every day,” Stanley said. “I did a home-stay with an Italian family for full submersion.” Stanley learned the ins and outs of the language and interfaced with the locals. She figured the key to passing the grueling state certification exam was to spend time soaking in the Italian culture. She was correct. “I came home and passed the test and now we’re trying to get the curriculum into the high school,” she said. “We’re waiting on state funding, but we’re hopeful that we will have it in place in 2014.”
Given Herrin’s taut ties to Italy — thousands of immigrants came to Herrin between the 1890s and the 1920s — there has been a tangible demand for brining the language to the high school level.‘The students have shown a lot of interest,’ says Michaelann Stanley. Given Herrin’s taut ties to Italy — thousands of immigrants came to Herrin between the 1890s and 1920s to find work in the burgeoning coal mine industry — there has been a tangible demand for bringing the language to the high school level. “We actually have heard a lot of suggestions for bringing the curriculum into to the school,” Stanley said.
“(Unit 4 Superintendent Mark Collins) and the administration have been very supportive of this. The students have shown a lot of interest.” Collins is excited at the prospect of expanding the high school’s foreign language program at a time when state funding is forcing cuts in many areas. “Her situation is pretty remarkable,” he said. “That is a teacher who loves what she teaches.” Stanley has been teaching Italian through John A. Logan’s continuing education program for more than 10 years, a program begun with and also taught by Sandra Colombo, who is originally from Milan, Italy. Stanley will be taking a group of 48 students and adults to Herrin’s mother town — Cuggiono — in June, which will be her fourth trip to Italy. “Our kids will be giving a presentation,” Stanley said. “I’m hoping it will be a very exciting experience for our students.”
The mission of the Herrin Community School District is... • To create a safe, orderly learning environment conducive to preparation of highly motivated students. • To work to ensure that all students achieve to the maximum potential of their abilities. • To prepare students to be successful in their career/ technical training or higher education and in the workplace.
Building a solid future for the community of Herrin. Mark G. Collins, Ph. D. Superintendent
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Students from Unity Christian School in Energy play at Bruce Park in Energy.
Energy: ‘A great neighbor’ to Herrin Situated in central Williamson County, Energy is surrounded by Herrin on the north and south, Marion on the east and Carterville to the west. But it is what Energy is filled with that sets it apart. A dedicated citizenry of a shade over 1,000 and a committed force of city workers makes Energy a safe, enjoyable place to live. Frank Jeters was appointed mayor of Energy by the village board of trustees in October 1996. He was elected to office less than a year later and has been a fixture in ever since. Energy boasts a
volunteer fire department and a police department. It also fields a family friendly park comprised of ball diamonds, playground equipment and half-mile paved walking trail. Some of the more recognized businesses within Energy include Herrin Bowl, Polar Whip Restaurant, Ace Hardware and Energy Bank of Herrin. “We have a good business base and are always looking to attract new business into town,” Jeters told The Southern. Leadership in both Energy and Herrin have built strong, sustainable relationships. “Energy is a great
neighbor to have,” said Herrin Mayor Vic Ritter. “If there is anything I ever need, all I have to do is ask. I think they feel the same way.” According to city records, Energy got its name in 1913 when the Taylor Coal Co. asked city officials to change the name from Fordville to Energy, a name that fit in well with the company’s trademark of providing energy to its customers. The city celebrated its centennial, however, in 2007, or 100 years after Fordville became incorporated. For more information on Energy, visit www. villageofenergy.com.
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2704 S. Park Avenue • Herrin • 988-8880 The Southern Illinoisan Thursday, October 31, 2013 Page 15
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