We Like It Here 10-07

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WE LIKE IT HERE

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About this section

MARILYN JAMES

Nearly four years ago, my wife and I faced a career and relocation decision. We could stay in Indiana, where I was managing editor of The Times of Northwest Metro Indiana or move to Southern Illinois to be the editor of this newspaper.

To help make the decision, we spent time here, meeting people and seeing the sights.

We ate ribs and brisket at 17th Street Bar & Grill, saw SIU men’s basketball team beat Creighton and had a terrific breakfast, complete with biscuits and gravy, at Mary Lou’s Grill.

We also went to the Alto Pass scenic overlook and toured the amazing wine country.

Since moving here in early 2007, we’ve run into people who could live anywhere but chose this region.

That’s the theme behind the “We Like It Here” special sections. The one you are reading today, the second, tells the story of people who were born and raised here, moved away and returned. We’ve told the stories of those who never left Southern Illinois (Sept. 30) and Thursday, Oct. 14, we will profile those who picked Southern Illinois as their new home.

We like it here. We hope you like it here, too.

‘I am a strong Saluki and just love SIU.’

GARY METRO is the editor

of The Southern Illinoisan.

He can be reached at 618-351-5033 or gary. metro@thesouthern.com.

Do you ‘like it here?’ Send your story to cara.recine@thesouthern.com.

BY ROB CROW THE SOUTHERN

More than 30 years ago, Marilyn James left Carbondale, only to thrive in the big-city lifestyle Atlanta had to offer. And after returning in 2005, James is trying to bring some of the big city’s best to her beloved hometown.

Growing up in Carbondale’s northeast neighborhood, James fell in love with the diversity and sense of community the city had to offer. She attended the now-closed Attucks School and was part of the first integrated class at Lincoln Junior High School.

“We got a chance growing up to really see some diversity,” she said.

“I was the only AfricanAmerican in my classes at Lincoln Junior High School, so I had some

really, really good experiences.”

But it was her experience at Southern Illinois University Carbondale that James has some of the fondest memories of — in particular, her experiences helping build the SIU School of Law with its first dean, Hiram Lesar.

“Going to SIU, that was very good,” she said. “I am a strong Saluki and just love SIU.” Not long after graduating from SIUC, however, James moved south to Atlanta, where she was able to have experiences most can only dream of. Involved with the church throughout her entire life, in Atlanta she became friends with the family of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., and joined the family in marching for civil rights.

When James came back to Carbondale to help care

THE SOUTHERN ILLINOISAN THURSDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2010

THE SOUTHERN FILE PHOTO

Marylin James left Carbondale for Atlanta but returned in 2005.

for her parents, she saw a disconnect between the city and SIUC that she did not feel while attending the school. To help bring the city and school communities together, she helped bring speakers like Martin Luther King III to Carbondale — an event that saw many people from the city and university attend.

“Being in a metropolitan city for such a long period of time, I wanted to help bring some of that to

Carbondale,” she said. “I wanted to be able to play a role in that in some way.”

Even now, decades after she was in school, James has times when she feels that sense of community come back. James said she still sees former teachers from time to time, including her kindergarten teacher, whom James runs into at Spirit of Attucks events.

Gatherings like those for Attucks School graduates help remind James of the

Carbondale she grew up in, the town she grew up loving — and one the community activist is now hoping to make others love.

“When I was growing up here, it was really a closeknit community,” James said. “… Now, if I have a resource, and you have a need, I will do whatever I can to have that help benefit you.” rob.crow@thesouthern.com 618-351-5080

STEPHEN SIGLEY

‘I will return home for good someday.’

I am responding to the article posted online about living in Southern Illinois and moving away. I grew up in Jackson and Williamson counties; most of my family still lives in Johnston City. I joined the military after high school and was able to travel abroad, which started my passion for traveling.

After the military, I returned home and enrolled at Southern Illinois University Carbondale and managed to stick around for about three years. After those three great years of going to SIUC and enjoying all it had to offer, I got

restless again and decided to move to south Florida with one of my fraternity brothers. Out of all of my travels, the beach has held me down the most, which is why I started with south Florida.

After a few years in Florida, I was given the opportunity to move to the West Indies for a job opportunity, so I took it

and have lived on an island called St. Croix ever since.

In those years since, I have returned to the states for road trips east to west, north to south. I recently stayed in Johnston City with my family for a few months before coming back to St. Croix. After traveling so far away from home, it really made me appreciate what the region

did for me growing up and how it still affects my life.

The people, the way of life, values and work ethic that make up Southern Illinois are things I have always been proud of.

Because the draw back home is so strong, I’m sure I will return home for good someday, but until then, I’ll be here, taking it easy on the beach.

MARK LASTER

‘I like the fact I can go downtown, and I know people.’

BY TOM BARKER THE SOUTHERN

Living in Southern Illinois is a real personal experience, says Mark Laster, principal at Anna junior high and elementary schools.

Having grown up in Jonesboro and attended school in Missouri and at Southern Illinois University, the Anna resident taught 12 years in Anna schools before becoming principal in 2005.

“There’s a lot of little things I like about Southern Illinois,” Laster said. “I like the fact I can go downtown, and I know people, and they know who I am.”

As a school principal, Laster said he appreciates the support he gets from his community. If ever in need of anything, all he has to do is reach out to the various groups in the area, and they will lend him a helping hand.

“We might have less resources than a larger area, but we still have the people resources, and we have people in the community that care about each other and are more than willing to pitch in.”

The education of children, Laster said, is where Southern Illinois’ small-town lifestyle really becomes a benefit. In smaller communities like Anna and Jonesboro, the parents of the students are very involved with the activities of the schools.

“I feel like, as a school, we can serve students easier,” he said. “In Southern Illinois, in a small town, it’s just easy because you know all those people; there’s less hoops to jump through.”

Although he spends a lot of time in the schools and volunteering and coaching in various youth athletics programs, Laster said he loves to hunt, fish, hike and camp, all things he

can enjoy right here in Southern Illinois. Another big passion of his is high school football, which doesn’t get any better than in our region, he said.

“I love going to a game in a town of 5,000 people and half of them show up,” he said. “It’s pretty exciting.”

Even though the smalltown atmosphere is what makes Southern Illinois a great place to live, Laster said, its proximity to more metropolitan areas like St. Louis is ideal for weekend getaways to the city.

“If you want a touch of the city, you can jump in the car and, in three hours, be at a Cardinals ball game,” he said.

Having been in Anna schools for 16 years, Laster said he enjoys his work as principal and doesn’t plan on moving anywhere else in the near future.

“This is what I want to do for now,” he said. “I think I could move up to a superintendent’s position

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TOM BARKER / THE SOUTHERN

Mark Laster, principal at Anna junior high and elementary schools, loves living in Southern Illinois because of its personal feel. Parents are very involved in school activities, he said, and education is better because of it.

if I wanted, but I enjoy having contact with the kids and the teachers.”

As far as leaving Southern Illinois is

concerned, Laster said the option may come up in retirement, but for another 15 to 20 years, he’s here to say.

“I’m pretty happy where I’m at right now,” he said. thomas.barker@thesouthern.com 618-351-5805

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THE SOUTHERN ILLINOISAN THURSDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2010

WE LIKE IT HERE

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KIRK RUETER

‘It was so easy for us to come back.’

BY PETE SPITLER THE SOUTHERN

TOM BARKER / THE SOUTHERN

Wally and Lisa Britt, managers at Fuzzy’s Tavern in Cobden, enjoy running the bar because of all the new faces they see.

WALLY BRITT

‘What I really love in this area is the diversity.’

BY TOM BARKER

somebody you don’t know.”

The small-town life of Southern Illinois was so Wally and Lisa Britt of Cobden have made a lot of appealing to the Britts that they took on the job of new friends since taking running Fuzzy’s, a over Fuzzy’s Tavern in well-known local 2004, as plenty of new faces come to the bar daily establishment that’s been around 75 years. Wally, an looking for some Appleknocker by birth, Southern Illinois had worked at Fuzzy’s on hospitality. and off as well, and the Cobden native Wally chance to be managers and then SIUC student was too good to pass up. from Chicago Lisa “You don’t have many assumed management roles at Fuzzy’s after Lisa’s jobs where part of your job is to talk and start parents purchased the conversations,” Wally said. establishment in 2004, “There’s not a stranger and the Britts haven’t that walks in the door.” wanted to be anywhere Fuzzy’s participates in a else since. number of motorcycle “I really loved all the people, and it sort of fit in poker runs, bringing a with the lifestyle I wanted, good number of new customers to the bar so I ended up staying,” regularly. The Britts also said Lisa Britt. make it a point to “What I really love in this area is the diversity of contribute to several local fundraisers and causes everybody; we get people when given the chance. from all walks of life that The sense of community come in here” is really what puts life in Lisa Britt moved from Southern Illinois a step Chicago to Southern above the city life, Lisa Illinois in 2000 to attend said. school, choosing to take “We’re constantly up work outside of meeting people, but, at Carbondale at Fuzzy’s the same time, we build Tavern. Working at the relationships with the bar, she met Wally, now people that are here.” her husband, and learned Working as managers for of a life outside of the city, more than six years now, a life where everybody the Britts have become knows everybody and friends are more common very protective of Fuzzy’s and don’t plan to leave it than strangers.

“You don’t have to look anytime soon.

“I have no desire to live very far to find somebody who’s willing to give you a anywhere else,” Wally little boost of confidence,” said. “And I don’t have any intentions of going Wally Britt said. “In Chicago, you’re surprised anywhere anytime soon.” to see somebody you thomas.barker@thesouthern.com know, and in Cobden, 618-351-5805 you’re surprised to see

THE SOUTHERN

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Kirk Rueter never enjoyed big-city life, even when it gave him the opportunity to pitch for the Montreal Expos and San Francisco Giants.

Rueter grew up in Hoyleton — population 520 at the 2000 census — attended Nashville High School and left home to play baseball at Murray State. Drafted by the Expos in the 19th round out of the Cape Cod League in 1991, he played 13 seasons in the majors before returning to the quiet life in Nashville.

“I grew up in Southern Illinois, and I learned a lot about family values,” Rueter said. “When the offseason came, we would always come back. We never planned to do anything else, the big city never appealed to us.”

Rueter’s wife, Karla, is a Nashville native, and the couple has two daughters.

Four years removed from his 2006 retirement from baseball, Rueter now devotes his time to watching his nephews, Bryce and Brady Harre, play out their senior year of football at Nashville High School.

“It was so easy for us to come back to Southern Illinois,” Rueter said. “It was a normal occurrence to see people every day that you knew.”

And that closeness with

into memorabilia myself,” Rueter said.

Rueter is famous for his “Shed,” a large recreational facility filled with sports memorabilia that also served as his home during his playing career.

Part game room, part museum and part theater, the 5,000-square foot, two-story building is heaven for anyone interested in sports collectibles. The facility features seven televisions, video game machines and even a bedroom with a full bath.

Among the Shed’s THE SOUTHERN FILE PHOTO artifacts are the wristbands Barry Bonds Kirk Rueter poses for a photo in 2008 with his wife, Karla, wore when he hit his 73rd and daughters, Halle (left) and Hope. home run in 2001 and two junkie,” has also been the community stuck framed copies of with Rueter all those years working on bringing the contracts Rueter signed of pitching in some of the Illinois Basketball Hall of with the Giants — one for most historic stadiums of Fame to Pinckneyville. three years and “It’s in the early stages, $8.5 million, and the other baseball. He got to sleep but it’s going forward,” in his own bed whenever three years for Rueter said. “I’m a huge the Giants and Expos $15.65 million. basketball junkie and played the St. Louis But nothing in his would have rather played collection is as valuable as Cardinals at Busch Stadium, but dealing with that in college. It will be the bonds he has formed fun for me to see all the traffic jams and the with the people of different guys who can cramped feeling of Southern Illinois. come back and get skyscrapers was not a “Southern Illinois has involved with it.” pleasant experience. all kinds of sports and a Part of the Hall of Fame lot of good athletes have “I’m so used to going research would be getting come out of Southern outside and being in the mementos and other fresh air without Illinois,” Rueter said. “I artifacts from athletes’ buildings around you,” still think we feel like we families. It’s a practice Rueter said. are being grouped that Rueter is very Still young — Rueter together as Southern will turn 40 in December familiar with.

Illinoisans. That’s what “It will be a fun project makes it special.”

— the winningest leftin getting all the handed pitcher in Giants information and history, and a selfpete.spitler@thesouthern.com 618-351-5073 mementos, and I’m big professed “basketball

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THE SOUTHERN ILLINOISAN THURSDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2010

KIM MILLER

‘It’s really about a quality of life.’

BY STEPHEN RICKERL THE SOUTHERN

ALAN ROGERS / THE SOUTHERN

Roger Moore is pastor of Carbondale Church of God on County Line Road. He grew up in the Anna-Jonesboro area.

ROGER MOORE

‘God just worked it out.’

BY ADAM TESTA

desire to serve as pastor at Church of God in Carbondale. “I never really thought we’d be able Growing up in the to have the opportunity.”

Anna-Jonesboro area, In 2008, Moore was Roger Moore attended the reassigned to Church of local Church of God with God in Metropolis, his family every Sunday.

As he grew older, Moore bringing his family back home to Southern Illinois. strayed from religion and stopped attending church. By June of this year, another move was in store Four years after for the Moores, as they graduating from Annamade the ideal transition Jonesboro Community to the Carbondale church, High School in 1991, where Moore now serves Moore once again found himself a man of faith and as lead pastor.

“God just worked it began attending Sandusky out,” he said.

Pentecostal Church, Southern Illinois offers where he met his wife and an ideal place to raise a became a youth pastor. family, and Carbondale “I always knew that maintains its small-town more than likely I’d come feeling while still offering back to the Church of the amenities of some God,” Moore said. larger cities, Moore said.

In 2003, that thought became a reality as he was The people also make a difference, as everyone accepted into the church seems like family and network’s pastoral program and assigned to a residents of communities often treat their neighbors church in Auburn, about as relatives.

10 miles south of From the pastoral side of Springfield. things, the people of While he and his wife, Southern Illinois are also Tashya, along with now more open to the ideas of 11-year-old, Noah, and 9-year-old, Jacob, enjoyed fellowship and are more welcoming into their lives, life in central Illinois, he added.

Moore said they always “That’s one thing we had a special place in their absolutely love about this hearts for Southern area,” Moore said.

Illinois.

“We always wanted to adam.testa@thesouthern.com come back,” he said, 618-351-5031 noting specifically his

THE SOUTHERN

I didn’t move very far away from Southern Illinois, just across the river into Paducah, close enough I can enjoy visits to Southern Illinois on a regular basis.

— Sandra Bagwell

Having lived most of their adult lives in Southern Illinois and moving away for their careers, Kim and Scott Miller found themselves in a city that was lacking the quality of life they were accustomed to in Southern Illinois.

Kim Miller came to SIUC as an undergraduate student and stayed until she earned a Ph.D. in health education and health promotion.

Her husband, Scott, came to SIUC in 1969, and upon graduating in 1971, got involved in the construction trade. Scott worked for the physical plant at SIUC for 13 years, beginning in 1987.

When Kim finished her doctorate, she was offered a job at University of Kentucky in Lexington and became a tenured professor there.

The couple lived in Kentucky for 10 years but didn’t feel at home like they did in Southern Illinois.

After a decade away, the couple decided to walk away from the careers they built in Kentucky in order to be back in Southern Illinois.

Scott is semi-retired, and Kim, having given up her tenured position as a professor, is now an adjunct professor but said she is open to career changes or a full-time position.

Scott said career-wise the couple gave up a lot, but they are happy to be close to friends and family

STEPHEN RICKERL / THE SOUTHERN

Kim Miller poses for a portrait at Heartland Regional Medical Center in Marion.

again. Scott’s children from a previous marriage live in Southern Illinois and were a factor in the couple coming back.

“There’s trade off’s with everything,” he said. “And we thought the trade off of being in a comfortable environment and feeling like part of the community, we were willing to take that leap and let the chips fall where they would with the work knowing that we’re both capable and experienced and we’d find something to do.”

“It’s really about a quality of life move, that’s really the bottom line,” Kim said. “After we’d been for Lexington those many years we’d had a lot of conversations about what kind of life we

wanted. We knew we weren’t living it, but we had a lot of conversions about what we did want and it always seemed like it came back to here.”

Kim said the move was the right decision, and they now enjoy a better sense of connection to the community, people and the outdoors.

She said they are avid fitness people and enjoy taking advantage of all the outdoors activities Southern Illinois has to offer.

She said one of the greatest things about living in Southern Illinois is all the activities it has to offer and its low-stress environment.

“On the weekends, you can kind of live like you’re on vacation without going

on vacation,” Kim said.

“We have friends who have boats on Little Grassy Lake, and they’ve been nice enough to invite us, and it’s like when you’re out there, there’s nobody out there. People travel a long way to have this kind of experience and here it is right in their backyard practically.”

Having been back in the region for only a few months, the couple said they are still rediscovering some areas of Southern Illinois.

They said they have no regrets about what they gave up to come back to Southern Illinois.

“It feels like the right decision,” Kim said. stephen.rickerl@thesouthern.com 618-351-5823

SHAWNNA DONOVAN

‘I felt more at peace in this area.’

I am happy to share my story of why I like it here.

My name is Shawnna Donovan.

I am 36 and am from Marion. I am the classic example of a mid-lifer who moved Donovan back to Southern Illinois after being outside of this area for more than 13 years.

I recently moved back to Marion this mid-May, and I’m currently single without children. I’m a 1992 graduate of Marion High School, graduated from Southern Illinois University Carbondale in 1997 with a degree in journalism/political science and high-tailed it out of this area one day after college graduation and moved to Springfield.

I vowed to family members and friends that I would never be back; boy, was I wrong.

As a communications professional, with long stints in Springfield, St. Louis, Springfield and

Chicago, Tampa Bay, Fla., and then in Chicago again, I never wanted to come back to Southern Illinois. I am the former director of communications under former Lt. Gov. Corinne Wood (Ryan administration), I worked as a regional communications manager (state agency) for former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush, made tons of money in real estate in Florida until I left in 2007 and the Illinois political scene (once again) in Chicago and many other worthy titles and business cards enough to decorate a bulletin board.

But they were only titles and experiences. Don’t get me wrong, I enjoyed the slower pace and the natural beauty; however, I didn’t want to live down here. I honestly felt isolated, for most of my childhood, in Southern Illinois even though I was very outgoing in both high

school and college (worked at The Daily Egyptian, etc.). I was the biggest skeptic until I was huddled in my mother’s retirement duplex last May, during the weird storm, I didn’t want to be here for any longer than necessary (I ended up spending six weeks straight in her crowded duplex). As I sat in the dark and around candlelight, I listened to the radio on how much the community banded together, took care of each other, and so on. The light went on in my head, and in the home, and I never felt the same about this area. Suddenly my eyes were opened, and I felt more at peace in this area than anywhere else.

For the next 12 months, I drove back and forth (six hours each way) each month for an average of 10 days at a time to take care of my mother and father (who is now in the nursing home). I got my mother back on her feet, both physically and mentally, and started contemplating

my life after being the 100 percent caregiver. I was more here (Southern Illinois) than I was there (Chicago).

My mother tells the story about how I rescued her from possible death (we almost lost her a few times in the last 12 months); I can honestly say that Southern Illinois rescued me from wasting my life in an unhappy situation (mid-life) when all I really ever wanted was to come back and contribute to the community. I’m happy to say I did. I was just elected to the Regional Board of the American Cancer Society and am involved in a number of organizations.

Who says you can’t go back home?

I honestly never felt more at home anywhere else. I bought a house, cut many ties up north and appreciate the word “soda” now over “pop.” To me, it’s a do-over not a do-under.

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THE SOUTHERN ILLINOISAN THURSDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2010

BARBARA DALLAS

‘My roots are in Murphysboro.’

BY BARBARA DALLAS FOR THE SOUTHERN

I was born in the Navy hospital in Charleston, S.C., where my father was a Navy radio operator, but I came to Murphysboro as a baby.

After being discharged from the service, Mother and Daddy moved us to Murphysboro. I grew up in that house blessed with three parents and even now go out of my way to pass by it daily. My home is Murphysboro.

The wonderful memories of growing up in my hometown include safely walking the block and passing through the girls’ entrance at Logan School for kindergarten and then later carpooling for eight years to St. Andrew’s School. To this day, I credit the nuns and the religious and advanced learning program for the education I received early on. I also made many friends with whom I still have relationships with today.

Murphysboro Township High School was a culture shock after St. Andrew’s and broadened my horizons. I made more friends and got reacquainted with some from kindergarten, but the basic core of the St. Andrew’s group remained close. Many of my lifelong friends and role models — who could choose to live anywhere — are in Murphysboro.

After high school, my first job was as receptionist/clerk at Daniel Grocer Co. and then a temporary stint at the Southern Illinois University Bursar’s Office.

At this point, I learned it’s not what you know, it’s who you know. Marion

THE SOUTHERN FILE PHOTO

Barbara Dallas of Murphysboro is very active in the community.

Nash got me the job as secretary to the vice present of McNair Metal Products, a new company in town.

In 1965, I married an SIU student, whose job took us to Milwaukee. Never did I realize I would miss Murphysboro so much.

Everybody on the streets looked like somebody in Murphysboro, and I had to force myself to not approach them. I had friends, a church and a great job at Evinrude Motors that allowed me to do some modeling with people like Bart Starr and Ray Nitzke. But it was obvious my marriage wasn’t working.

There was way too much snow, and Murphysboro was calling.

I wanted my son to grow up with the wonderful memories I have of a safe, secure childhood and young adult life. I wanted him to have picnics and share time with family. I wanted him to play on the

merry-go-round at Riverside Park and go to Camp Ondessonk. I wanted him to have curly dogs at Elsie’s and barbecue in Mike Mills’s backyard before he became The Legend. I wanted him to have lifelong friends.

I needed to regularly see my family; go to Mass at St. Andrew’s Church; walk down Walnut Street and speak with people I know; observe and get better acquainted with my role models; drive through Lake Murphysboro and Pine Hills; and live in Murphysboro.

Even though I wasn’t able to get a job in Murphysboro, my new husband felt as strongly as I about choosing to live here, and in fact, we live in his childhood home. As a young couple starting out, we had little time and less money, but were able to have some involvement in various church activities and pay Chamber of

Commerce personal dues.

This partially satisfied my need to give back to my hometown, but I always knew at some point I wanted and needed to do more.

My service at SIU for more than a decade was an educational experience and an exciting time.

Within two years, I was earning the same salary as in Milwaukee. And my son was the first to get Gale Sayers’ autograph when I helped sneak him into town for his interview. I had the good fortune to work with Ken Gray, Clyde Choate and Glenn Poshard — great minds and creative thinkers. Helping Ardie Sayers start LaBoss (Lady Boosters of Saluki Sports) was so much fun. I still carry one of the wooden Saluki purses she made for several of us. SIU will always hold a special place in my heart.

Personally, we had one of the first boats on Kinkaid Lake, and my family has

fond memories of family boating and camping at Lake Murphysboro. We gasped at the stunning Fourth of July fireworks displays at Riverside Park.

We went to local festivals.

Trips to the many scenic wonders in our region were part of our routine. We developed friendships with many SIU students, some of whom stayed in Southern Illinois.

In 1980, I took a chance on a management trainee position with the Southern Illinois office of a state trade association. My job was to represent the interests of small hospitals, and before I knew it I was advocating for almost 100 hospitals in the state and was active nationally.

Obviously, such a schedule did not lend itself to giving back to Murphysboro, although many of the communities I worked with were very similar. We visited cities and saw landmarks, some of which this little Southern Illinois

girl didn’t even know existed. But the best part of every trip was driving my car into my Murphysboro garage.

Suddenly, 25 years had passed. It was 2004, and I was fortunate to retire.

I then started working on my Murphysboro Bucket List. There is an attraction about Murphysboro I cannot ignore. There is an unconditional love between Murphysboro and me. I want to assist the people — the most valuable treasures in town — by helping with First Friday Mass at Rehab and Care Center of Jackson County; lending a hand at the Elks Lodge dances with START clients; and supporting the Food Bank.

I love planning the Community Flag Day Service and seeing the Lion’s Club-flag lined Murphysboro streets. I sought a role in growing the Gen. John A. Logan Museum and the Logan Neighborhood.

The “A Weekend in Murphysboro” joint project with SIU has given us a traveling exhibit, a website (southof64.com), and, hopefully, soon a coffeetable book.

Murphysboro is beyond “Ripe with Possibilities.”

It’s bittersweet. I want to keep Murphysboro to myself, but, at the same time, I want to share it with others, because it’s such a wonderful community in a great region of our state, and I want them to enjoy it.

I’m not only in Murphysboro, Murphysboro is in me, and its roots run deep. How can I say “no” to want to help make it the best it can be?

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THE SOUTHERN ILLINOISAN THURSDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2010

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SCOTT SENSMEIER

‘A much better environment.’

BY D.W. NORRIS

Cobden native, thinks this region is more suitable for family life.

Sensmeier said the The desire to leave Southern professional opportunity he Illinois is one which pushes found in Southern Illinois was many young people of this also a plus; he and his wife, region to go to college, join the military or simply pack up Kate, own StarView Vineyards. Sensmeier said he and go.

Scott Sensmeier was in that always wanted to own a business, and he and Kate first category, and his plan saved for years to make that worked. happen.

After he completed his “We hadn’t set out to own a undergraduate studies at vineyard and winery when we University of Illinois and decided to come back,” earned a master’s degree in business administration from Sensmeier said.

“We wanted to own a Southern Illinois University business and this one suited Carbondale, Sensmeier our needs best. The concept packed up his things and hit the road for one of America’s of agritourism, I’d grown up in agriculture prior to my life hottest metropolises — in Atlanta — I loved the Atlanta, where he lived for outside work and the about 10 years. agriculture aspect. Really, the Sensmeier made good winemaking is an extension of money in the tech industry that, and it seemed like it had and found a wife — two components of the American good potential for us.”

The Sensmeiers have dream — but when his young 40 acres of land; they grow family welcomed its first child, Will, and then another, grapes on eight of those acres.

Half the 75 tons of grapes Emma, Sensmeier figured it they’ve used this year have was time to come home. He come from their land, and said he’s glad he made that StarView has produced decision.

10,000 gallons of wine.

“We had kids, and this is Sensmeier said his just a much better education and life experiences environment to raise your have helped him with his children in than the suburbs vineyard. of a major city,” Sensmeier “As a smallsaid. businessperson, you are Family and friends topped constantly synthesizing a lot the list of why Sensmeier, a

THE SOUTHERN

of data and project managing a lot of different things,” Sensmeier said. “I think that was the biggest thing I learned in my career, before I got back here, and in school.”

And his wife, Sensmeier said, is learning how to appreciate her new home.

Getting a New Jersey girl to move to the rural splendor of Union County was at first a tough sale.

“Yeah, it kind of was,” Sensmeier said.

“It was definitely a transition for her, but she’s embraced the lifestyle and culture, and she’s very happy here as well.”

Sensmeier said he does not see himself leaving Southern Illinois for more than a vacation because of the opportunities he has in his business and social life.

Sensmeier stays busy away from the winery as president of the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail and a season ticket holder for Saluki men’s basketball. Plus, he said, there are the people he meets through his winery.

“There are hundreds of people here every week, so we get to meet all kinds of people from all over the place,” he said. “It’s great.” dw.norris@thesouthern.com 618-351-5074

I grew up in SI. Camping, hiking, swimming, shopping, the arts, education, friendly people, horseback riding, biking. Moved from there when I married but spend a week there every year.

— Patricia Ann Lewis Hofman STEVE JAHNKE / THE SOUTHERN

Scott Sensmeier returned to Southern Illinois and opened StarView Vineyards.

8

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THE SOUTHERN ILLINOISAN THURSDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2010

FRED HUFF

‘What you see is what you get.’

BY LES WINKELER

His relationship with Southern Illinois has been mutually beneficial.

“There are so many Fred Huff doesn’t sing things I enjoy about and dance — at least not Southern Illinois,” Huff professionally. Although said. “I enjoy the people. he’s quick with the I think the people in wisecrack, he doesn’t tell Southern Illinois are sort jokes — at least not of a kick back to the old professionally. saying that what you see is Yet, the longtime what you get. I enjoy Du Quoin resident has everyone I know around been helping to provide here. It seems like they are entertainment for Southern Illinois residents just common folks who seem to appreciate what for most of the past you do for them.”

60 years.

Huff was born in “I’ve been very fortunate in a pretty long association Danville. When he was about 2 years old in 1931, with two of what I would his father, a coal miner, got call the most successful transferred to a mine in happenings in Southern Du Quoin.

Illinois — the Du Quoin After attending State Fair and SIU Du Quoin schools, Huff athletics,” Huff said.

“They provided so much took off for Milwaukee where attended Marquette enjoyment for me. I University for one year. walked out of my house When things didn’t work every morning for almost 63, 64 years and felt pretty out as he planned, he returned to Du Quoin. good about what was on “I began working at the my plate for that day.

Du Quoin Evening Call in “For the most part, one 1947, and I haven’t looked of my prime for a job since,” Huff said. responsibilities has been Through his job at the doing things for other newspaper and his people, particularly so basketball officiating much of the time, for avocation, Huff got members of the media. I involved with staging a take great satisfaction in prep all-star basketball helping. I’ve just been game at the Du Quoin lucky.”

THE SOUTHERN

ALAN ROGERS / THE SOUTHERN

Fred Huff has served as publicist for the Du Quoin State Fair for more than 20 years.

State Fairgrounds.

That event helped launch a long association with the Du Quoin State Fair and the Hayes family, which operated the fair.

Then, Huff’s career took a turn in 1960.

“In 1960 SIU lost its SID (sports information director), so (former Southern Illinoisan sports editor) Merle (Jones) is the person who persuaded me to toss my hat in down there,” he said. “I was reluctant to do that because I didn’t have a college education. So, I got

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the job there in 1960 and was there for 11 years. In those 11 years I was moonlighting at the fair, writing releases.

“I did that until 1971, Bill Hayes hired me as the PR director. After one year, he promoted me to fair manager. I was fair manager for six years, really six great years of the fair. We had Red Skelton, Sonny and Cher and the Carpenters. I hired Red Skelton by calling him at his home.”

However, when the Hayes family started talking about selling the fair, Huff figured it was time to move on.

Gale Sayers, who was the athletic director at SIU at the time, contacted called Huff and asked him to return to SIU. Initially, Huff declined. However, after further review, he decided to call Sayers back to ask if the job was still open.

“The day after Labor Day 1977 I started at SIU as Gale’s assistant,” he said. “That was probably the most enjoyable four years I ever spent in my life working for Gale. You put him in a crowd, he was absolutely great, but he didn’t want to be there alone. He wanted somebody with him all the time. When Gale went somewhere, I went with him. We became very, very close, and we still are today.”

Among other duties, Huff was responsible for putting together SIU’s football schedule. With a subsequent change in administration, he returned to the sports information field.

Huff retired in 2001, ending a 35-year association with SIU. Through the years, he has touched the lives of many people, many of whom he doesn’t know.

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“I don’t know who these people are, but you don’t have to have an SIU T-shirt on, at the fair, at basketball and football games, people are just so polite and nice and they stop and talk,” Huff said.

“It certainly gives you a little bit of a rush. I’ve just been so terribly fortunate and lucky, being in the right place at the right time and fitting in.”

And, just because he is technically retired doesn’t mean he’s slowed down.

“The other part is just being here in Du Quoin, too,” Huff said. “I treasure it and feel strongly about it to. I will be president of the chamber this year.

Seven years ago I chaired the sesquicentennial.

Du Quoin has been very good to me. I like it, and I like the people.” les.winkeler@thesouthern.com 618-351-5088

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THE SOUTHERN ILLINOISAN THURSDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2010

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9

WADE HALVA

‘The woods were my playground growing up.’

BY SCOTT FITZGERALD THE SOUTHERN

TOM BARKER / THE SOUTHERN

Jason Short, vice president of Short Enterprises, owns nine McDonald’s restaurants.

JASON SHORT

‘We’ve taken roots here.’

BY TOM BARKER

company’s communities the way they’ve supported the Shorts.

“We chose this area Jason Short was raised because we love the to show appreciation for community, and we love his community and the small-town doesn’t plan on leaving atmosphere,” Short said.

Southern Illinois behind “It creates a philanthropic anytime soon. culture; when we give Vice president at Short back to the community, Enterprises, his familyowned corporation of nine you can physically see how it’s helping people.”

Southern Illinois Short Enterprises has McDonald’s restaurants, always been there for the Short believes in giving people, Short said, back to the communities that have made the family whether sponsoring at least 25 youth sports business so successful. teams in four counties “The customers have annually, purchasing been so good to us, and bicycles for the Southern the communities have been so good to us that we Illinois University try to give back whenever Carbondale Police Department, or throwing we can,” Short said. large fundraisers for When Dean and Gail victims of violent crimes.

Short sold their Chicago The philanthropy of the service station business in company most comes 1980 and moved to Anna from Short’s mother, Gail, to build the first of their who helped establish the McDonald’s restaurants, their son, Jason, was only Bethany Village shelter in Anna and nearly joined one year old. Now, raised as a McDonald’s man with the Peace Corps before giving birth to him, he a passion for Southern said.

Illinois life, the young “She’s bred that culture Short continues the in our whole family,” family tradition of Short said. “In these supporting all of the

THE SOUTHERN

communities, we’ve done very, very well, and that’s how we show our appreciation.”

With nine restaurants in Johnson, Union, Jackson and Perry counties, Short Enterprises employs more than 500 people across the region. Helping the employees, he said, is another way the company feels it can repay Southern Illinois for its success.

“It’s like a family feel when you do business here,” he said. “In communities like this, you can actually make a difference in business.”

From Vienna to Du Quoin, most of the Shorts’ restaurants are mainstays in their small communities and Short says that, while he travels frequently, he doesn’t intend to leave.

“We’ve taken roots here, and this is where my family’s going to grow up,” he said. “We’re fully invested in this community.” thomas.barker@thesouthern.com 618-351-5805

Like many in the clerical profession, the Rev. Wade Halva has lived and serviced in many places.

He got a touch of Southern Illinois from 2001-06 when he serviced at three churches in Gallatin County before being called to Salt Lake City.

But now since he returned to Southern Illinois in January to become pastor at First Presbyterian Church of Marion, he feels at home and is excited to be here to expand the church.

“They (First Presbyterian) do a great job of mission and working outside of yourself. What they (congregation) give is what matters. This is what I want for my children,” said Halva who was born in Minnesota and raised in North Carolina.

Halva’s introduction into ministry work after graduating from Columbia Theological Seminary of Decatur, Ga., was a unique situation.

He pastored three churches in Gallatin County at New Haven, Ridgway and Shawneetown that required a 72-mile roundtrip on Sunday.

“They prepare you for one thing in school, but when you get out, you learn another,” he said with a laugh as the work entailed preparing the delivery of three sermons on Sunday and overseeing three separate budgets.

Gallatin County remains a special place to Halva

SCOTT FITZGERALD / THE SOUTHERN

The Rev. Wade Halva returned to Southern Illinois in January to be the pastor at First Presbyterian Church in Marion.

and his wife, Laurie Fields, as they had their first daughter, Madeline, and received community support when Halva found out his father was stricken with terminal cancer.

The family eventually moved to Salt Lake, a metropolitan area of more than a million residents and the home of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.

“It was like being a Presbyterian pastor in Rome, Italy,” he said, laughing and citing the vast scarcity of Presbyterian churches throughout Utah compared to Southern Illinois.

Servicing in a large metropolitan area had a different measuring stick for success.

“The sense of measuring success was in the numbers rather than asking yourself, ‘Did you see the people you needed

to see,’” Halva said.

When he came here to interview and guest preach from the pulpit at Benton, Halva sensed immediately he had arrived home and immediately took up one of his loves that Southern Illinois offers in abundance — wilderness hiking.

“The woods were my playground growing up.

There are so many opportunities here to get out and get away,” Halva said.

The mission work from First Presbyterian that won over Halva to settle here was Marion Medical Mission that does work in Africa.

Halva hopes to establish more youth groups at First Presbyterian with a goal of developing relationships with adults who are not family. scott.fitzgerald@thesouthern.com 618-351-5076

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THE SOUTHERN ILLINOISAN THURSDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2010

11

BILL & MOLLY NORWOOD

‘Southern Illinois will be home no matter where we live.’

BY LINDA RUSH THE SOUTHERN

Though Bill and Molly Norwood could have retired “anywhere in the world,” Molly says, they opted to come home to Southern Illinois, where both grew up.

“Southern Illinois will be home no matter where we live,” Molly said. “We will be buried in the National Cemetery in Mound City. My family is all there, and our son is buried there.”

The Norwoods live in a home made for entertaining; its amenities include indoor basketball and racquetball courts, a huge deck and pool, hot tub and pool table. There’s also plenty of room in the garage for Bill to work on the radio-controlled planes he loves to build and fly.

Often the Norwoods entertain students and alumni from Southern Illinois University; both credit SIUC for providing them with the opportunity to reach — and exceed — their early goals.

Molly, the former Molly Cross, grew up in Villa Ridge, in Pulaski County, where her ancestors arrived in 1865 as freed men. “They were the first black landowners in the county,” she said.

Bill Norwood grew up “a very poor little boy from Centralia with holes in his shoes,” Molly said. He enrolled in advanced ROTC courses at SIUC partly so he could become a pilot, and partly to stretch his meager wardrobe by wearing the provided uniforms to class two days a week after drills.

“Bill was the first person I met on campus,” Molly said. She arrived early for freshman orientation; Bill was a junior and football player, an outstanding quarterback. He attended SIUC on a football scholarship, but also majored in chemistry and physics.

Though his family had little money, he said, they gave him much. They insisted their children excel in school and also “be good people.” He took college prep classes at Centralia High School that gave him an excellent science background, he said. By contrast, Molly’s chemistry classes at Meridian High didn’t even have lab facilities.

STEVE JAHNKE / THE SOUTHERN

One of Bill’s hobbies is working with radio-controlled airplanes, of which he has several.

Friends from their first meeting, the couple eventually began dating.

They were married when Bill was in flight school.

He had planned on making the Air Force his career, he said. Then the Civil Rights Act of 1964 was passed. “Up until then no African-Americans served as pilots on passenger flights,” Bill said. He considered both American and United.

“Molly and the boys had flown United and liked it,” so he applied there, he recalled.

He was the first black pilot hired by United, and the first to attain the rank of captain. Norwood retired in 1996 after more than 30 years at United.

He actively encouraged other young men to pursue aviation careers, and promoted SIU’s aviation program.

Returning to Carbondale was a natural choice, the couple said. Both still had family in the area and Bill was on the SIU Board of Trustees, where he served more than 20 years, including two terms as chairman.

Their son, George, was in the SIUC School of Law at the time they moved back. George now is an assistant U.S. attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, living in Marion and working in Benton.

Another son, Bill Jr., who was an air traffic controller, died of

seriously. “Win or lose, that’s the way life is,” Bill said. And ultimately, he adds, it’s just a game.

As a boy, Bill said, he never imagined “I would be in such a comfortable place.”

Their life has been good, but also has had challenges. Loss of their son was devastating, but brought the couple closer, they said. Molly also is an 11-year survivor of breast cancer; she said she couldn’t have done it without Bill.

A former teacher with a master’s degree as a reading specialist, Molly also established her own educational publishing house.

And she used her knowledge to self-publish a book, “The Waiting Game,” which describes the role of “faith, family and friends” in helping her survive.

A former board member of Women for Health and Wellness, Molly recently spoke at the Southern Illinois Women’s Health Conference about her battle with cancer.

The Norwoods are ready to “downsize and simplify,” Molly said. They have the rambling house up for sale.

“I’ll be 70 on my birthday, and Bill will be 75 on his. We don’t need all these stairs,” she said firmly.

She plans to sell or give away all the furniture except for two pieces that are her family’s heirlooms.

She’s not sure what will become of the countless trophies, awards and other memorabilia that fill the “his and hers” home offices. The scrapbooks she has lovingly created for friends and family will be saved, she said.

And the couple agreed that no matter where they may be, Carbondale will always be their home.

university and the region.

They also give a scholarship to a Med Prep student at SIUC, an aviation scholarship, and a scholarship to Meridian High graduates in memory of Molly’s parents.

They give far more than money, though. Students often are invited to dinner at the Norwood home.

Generally the gatherings PROVIDED are small and informal, but Molly said she’s Bill and Molly Norwood decided to retire in Southern Illinois. entertained as many as 150 for the group at their hotel for dinner (on the pancreatic cancer four so they could meet each years ago. basketball court). She other. All were given “We have a wonderful prides herself on her daughter-in-law and four yellow rubber wristbands organization. so they’d recognize each grandchildren,” Molly “We try to answer their other among the 3,000 said. They remain close. questions, have a meal and passengers on the ship.

When their daughter-inhave fun,” Bill said. “I tell The guests teamed up law, Cindy, was the kids not to wait until and surprised the considering remarrying, problems become Norwoods with a $5,000 she first brought her overwhelming.” gift for the Bill and Molly fiancé to meet Bill and He loves to interact with Molly. He told them Cindy Norwood Endowment at the young athletes, too. the Paul Simon Public thought so much of them Molly said after a recent that if they didn’t like him, Policy Institute at SIUC. Saluki loss, Bill went to the deal was off. They gave The endowment is just talk with the football one of the ways the couple players, telling them not to linda.rush@thesouthern.com the couple their blessing.

618-351-5079 gives back to the The Norwoods recently take losses (or wins) too celebrated their 50th anniversary on a Caribbean cruise — “98 people went with us,” Molly added. “We took nine immediate family members, and then opened it up to friends.”

About 20 of those friends were from Carbondale and about 65 of them had never cruised before.

“Their ages ranged from 2 to 80,” Bill said.

The night before they set sail, Molly hosted a picnic

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THE SOUTHERN ILLINOISAN THURSDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2010

MARY SCHOFIELD CASTLE

‘We knew ... we wanted to move back.’

I left Carrier Mills in 1965 to attend SIU and from there, I moved back and forth between Southern Illinois and Kansas City from 1967 through 1971, then a short stay in Worcester, Mass., while my then-husband attended graduate school, then back to SIU in 1972, and then to Ashley.

In 1975, we moved to Chicago, where I lived until March 1986, when, after a divorce, I moved to San Antonio, married another SIU graduate.

We then moved to St. Louis in 1987 for my husband’s new job. In 1990, we again moved, to Titusville, Pa., where my husband was site administrator at the historic site, Drake’s Well, the site of the first commercial oil well in 1859.

After nearly three years in northwest Pennsylvania, we moved to southeast Pennsylvania, where my husband was the site administrator of the site where George Washington crossed the Delaware during the American Revolution.

Then, in 1999, the Pennsylvania Historic & Museum commission again transferred my husband to another historic site, Old Economy Village, the last home of the Harmonist Society after they sold New Harmony, Ind., to Robert Owen.

At times, I have to pinch myself and shake my head! The timid, small-town girl from Carrier Mills really was probably the member of the CMCHS to change the most.

I also was a member of the first kindergarten in Carrier Mills (1950; this is the 60th anniversary year).

My mother’s family were among the some of the first pioneers in this area.

I don’t remember if it was my Richey ancestors, my Miller ancestors, my Harris ancestors or my Black ancestors

who were among the first to cross the Ohio and settle in the area then known as Gallatin County, but I have very deep roots in this area.

My husband’s paternal family was among some of the first to settle in the area around Mounds and Villa Ridge.

We knew from living on the east coast that we wanted to move back to Southern Illinois and started looking at real estate books each time we would be in the area visiting, going to my high school reunions, etc.

In 2007, we were forced to spend Christmas Day in our hotel room, and, amazingly, the real estate listing book was the size of the combined Southern Illinois phone book.

I called a real estate broker, left a message, and she called back at 8 p.m.

On Dec. 26 and 27, we spent the mornings looking at houses. When we walked into our present home, we knew it was the house for us.

I had previously purchased six acres on the Saline/Williamson county line, but after checking the various costs involved with building a house, we found it was less expensive to purchase a house.

We love Southern Illinois and while, by the time we moved, only one of my mother’s eight siblings is still living, I have a number of cousins in the area and so many of my classmates from Carrier Mills are still close by. And while we don’t see as much of them as we would like, my three great nieces live in Marion.

I think our story of why we left and why we came “home” could be of interest, and we are happy to tell you our journey.

THE SOUTHERN FILE PHOTO

Grand Ole Opry member Billy Grammer strums one of his namesake guitars on the front porch of his rural Valier log cabin home Tuesday. A similar Grammer guitar sold for more than $100,000 at an auction of Johnny Cash’s estate.

BILLY GRAMMER

‘I like my home folks, and I was ready to be back among them.’

BY BECKY MALKOVICH

started with the Sesser Concrete Block Co. That was pretty hard work,” he laughed. “An old buddy The storied musical who’d heard me sing career of Billy Grammer convinced me to try out took him to many a fine for a show.” city, but when it came Nationally known disc time to settle down, he knew home was where his jockey Connie B. Gay was putting together a live heart really was. band for his radio show in “I’ve seen a lot of nice Arlington, Va. places I wouldn’t mind After hitchhiking crossliving, but they still aren’t home. Home is home,” he country to get to the East Coast, Grammer got the said of his move back job. He and wife, Ruth, home to Grammer Hill in left the area from 1947 to rural Franklin County.

1988, returning only to Grammer, 85, was born in Benton but spent much visit now and then.

Of course, Grammer of his childhood moving stayed fairly busy, from town to town in Franklin County. He spent building what would turn time in schools in Benton, out to be a legendary country music career that Sesser, Royalton and would see him honored Valier.

“I’ve really been all over for 50 years of membership in the Grand the county as far as an Ole Opry during a special education,” he said. He ceremony in 2009. went into the U.S. Army His many credits right out of high school and then spent a few years include “The Jimmy Dean working at the U.S. Naval Show,” “The Ed Sullivan Show,” “Dick Clark’s Gun Factory in American Bandstand,” Washington, D.C. “Bill Anderson’s He returned to the area to marry Ruth, his “school Backstage Opry,” and days sweetheart,” and out “Hee Haw.” In 1958, Grammer of “desperation to work, I

THE SOUTHERN

formed his own band and signed a recording deal with Monument Records.

The next year, Grammer’s “Gotta Travel On” became a million-seller and a Top 5 hit on country and pop charts.

Grammer also recorded hits “Bonaparte’s Retreat,” “Wabash Cannonball” and “I’m Letting Go.” He was on the road for years, crisscrossing the country, until he started losing his vision from a genetic eye disease.

“I couldn’t drive anymore and I was really getting discouraged,” he said. “So we decided to come back home in 1988.”

The couple ended up buying Grammer Hill, property that had been his great-grandfather’s. In fact, the Civil War veteran is buried on top of the hill.

“I guess I’m kin to half the people here, and that’s sometimes good and sometimes bad,” he joked.

“I like my home folks, and I was ready to be back among them.” beckymalk@gmail.com 618-927-5633

Left Southern Illinois in 1971. Moved back in 1992 and have never looked back!

You can come home again!

— Cheryl Schafer Collins

• Shopping • Restaurants • Roscoe Misslehorn Art Gallery • New Memorial Park • Sparta Public Library

THE SOUTHERN ILLINOISAN THURSDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2010

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13

JERRY SLOAN

to dinner and not be besieged by autograph hounds or fans that want to talk basketball.

“I’m not a guy who gets hassled in terms of people who want autographs,” he

BY LES WINKELER thing,” Sloan said. “I went no attachment.” said. “I don’t mind signing And, Sloan’s attachment them. to high school here in THE SOUTHERN McLeansboro. Every year I to McLeansboro has a lot “That’s why a lot of Jerry Sloan has seen the played ball, I pretty much to do with comfort. people enjoy small “There are other places came back to big city. communities. It’s not the The McLeansboro native McLeansboro. There are a that are comfortable,” he hustle and bustle. It’s a said. “I’m certainly more lot of wonderful people has been associated with little easier to get comfortable here than any acclimated and certainly here. the NBA for most of the place I know. I’m “That’s just my feeling. past 45 years. have a lot of independence comfortable in Utah.

The people have always After graduating from as you get older. There are That’s one of the things we a lot of plusses.” been cordial. They’ve the University of given us our space as far as tell our players, when Evansville, Sloan played Sloan tries to spend as you’re working, you hope what we do. It’s not a big 11 NBA seasons, one for much time in the you’re comfortable.” deal to them. I’m just Baltimore, 10 in Chicago. offseason as possible at Although Sloan is another person who likes He has been an NBA head McLeansboro. comfortable in Utah, to live here. I wish there coach for 25 seasons.

However, the offseason McLeansboro remains a was something more The numbers in both is not the four to five refuge. exotic.” levels of the NBA are months that people “It’s always important to envision. Summer leagues The Sloan family was impressive. As a player, he get away from it,” he said. and the NBA draft occupy based in the Chicago scored more than 10,000 suburbs during his playing “This about as far away as much of his time during points and grabbed more you can get from it. It’s than 5,600 rebounds. As a career and his early the offseason. been great for me.” coaching career. That coach, he’s led the Utah After being inducted In McLeansboro, he’s Jazz to a pair of NBA finals changed in 1982 when into the NBA Hall of Fame just Jerry Sloan, not the Sloan was fired by the and he enters this season last year, Sloan looked with 1,190 wins. His No. 4 Bulls.

Jerry Sloan. He can go out The Sloans relocated to was the first number McLeansboro. His two retired by the Chicago youngest children, Holly Bulls. and Brian graduated from The NBA recognized McLeansboro High that excellence last year, School. Brian helped lead inducting Sloan into the the Foxes to the 1984 NBA Hall of Fame.

Class 1A state basketball That’s a lot of fame and championship. fortune for a Southern “When I got fired in Illinois kid. But, despite Chicago, I felt like it was that national acclaim, Sloan maintains a home in important to have a place to call home for the kids,” McLeansboro. He spends Sloan said. “You can get as much time there as into a rat race and never possible. know where your kids are “It’s always been my going to be. They have home, that’s the main

‘It’s always been my home.’

STEPHEN RICKERL / THE SOUTHERN

Jennifer and Chris Seaman pose for a portrait at their home in Makanda. The Seamans returned to Southern Illinois after living in Lexington where Jennifer was a university professor.

JENNIFER & CHRIS SEAMAN

‘This is ... where I wanted to end up.’

BY STEPHEN RICKERL THE SOUTHERN

back home. I have two small children; all my family is from this area. I always knew that this is eventually where I wanted to end up.”

She said when deciding where to settle after Chris’ obligation in the Air Force was completed, they considered St. Louis, Kansas City and the Upstate New York area, where Chris is from, but decided to move back to Southern Illinois to be close to Jennifer’s family.

Jennifer said her husband was reluctant to move to the Midwest because he was terrified of tornadoes.

The couple moved back to Southern Illinois in the first week of May 2009 and was welcomed by the super derecho.

She said the family has recently built a house in Carterville, with a basement, and enjoy the quality of life Southern Illinois has to offer.

Jennifer said having traveled after college would later become important in deciding to settle back in Southern Illinois.

“I was fortunate enough after school to live in a lot of different places and see a lot of different things,” she said. “I think that’s important because I got to see a lot of different parts of the country. I think it makes you appreciate home that much more when you’ve been out in the world. It just kind of solidified me wanting to move back home. Smalltown life is not so bad after all.”

After living in several parts of the United States and overseas, Jennifer and Chris Seaman had the opportunity, because of Chris’ career as a pharmacist, to choose virtually anywhere to live.

They chose Southern Illinois.

Jennifer was born and raised in West Frankfort and graduated from the University of Illinois with a master’s degree in human resources. She took a job with DuPont and moved to Wilmington, Del. During her time with DuPont, she also lived in Richmond, Va., and Kansas City, Mo. While in Richmond, she met her husband, who was in pharmacy school. Chris was in the Air Force and was stationed at Whiteman Air Force base near Kansas City. Jennifer was able to transfer to the area with her job. The couple married in Kansas City.

Chris was then stationed in England for three years, and was deployed to Iraq.

As they got to talking about family with the pharmacist filling in for Chris during his deployment, they discovered he was from Herrin and his brother was a pharmacist at VA Medical Center in Marion.

Jennifer said being so far from home and discovering such a close connection was viewed as a sign.

“We had thought about coming here, but we kind of saw that as a sign,” she said. “I always knew stephen.rickerl@thesouthern.com family was important to me, and I wanted to come 618-351-5823

THE SOUTHERN FILE PHOTO

Jerry Sloan of McLeansboro has been an NBA coach for 25 years. He was also a player in the league for 11 years.

forward to attending the ceremonies this year with Karl Malone was inducted.

“It will be fun to watch him sweat as he prepares to speak,” Sloan said.

In the meantime, the pace of life in McLeansboro suits him just fine.

“I’m not a golfer,” he said. “I do things I enjoy doing. I piddle around. I collect tractors.”

And, most importantly, Sloan calls McLeansboro home. les.winkeler@thesouthern.com 618-351-5088

14

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JIM WRIGHT

TRACEY WEBB

‘There are so many advantages here in the way of recreation.’

‘I missed how real the people ... are.’

BY SCOTT FITZGERALD THE SOUTHERN

Former Washington, D.C., resident and data man Jim Wright can spin instantaneous numbers about the advantages of living in his native Southern Illinois.

“Living 23 miles from the center of D.C., you would have to leave your home at 6:30 a.m. to arrive at work at 9 a.m. because the traffic is bumper-to-bumper. Can you image doing that here?” he said.

Likewise, Wright said he can leave his home in West Frankfort, drive to Paducah to catch a major theatrical production, for example, in less time than he could do the same venture in D.C. “It’s about travel. You have to think in terms of minutes to miles,” he said, smiling.

The West Frankfort native who remodeled and expanded the home he grew up in after returning here a few years earlier, is a reliable data source. He spent 21 years in the White House running the data center under four administrations — Ronald Reagan, George H. Bush, Bill Clinton and part of George W. Bush’s first term.

He served in the U.S. Army, utilized his G.I. Bill to get a degree in information systems at Southern Illinois University Carbondale and got hired by Geico

Insurance with a job in Washington. He worked for AAA for a couple of years before getting hired

by Marriott Hotels as the chain boomed in the 1970s and 1980s. And then he returned to the government sector.

“The reason I got hired was to bring automation to the White House. They had main frames and typewriters. There was a big explosion of staff with the new automation,” Wright said.

Wright was there when the Internet began flowing. He helped developed e-mail delivery. And he had a big hand in developing data security when America was sitting on the edge of her seat after the Sept. 11 attacks in 2001.

“I developed one of the first record management e-mail systems in the country. It was crude, but it worked,” Wright said.

He laughs about how powerful e-mail became in the nation’s capital as it was subpoenaed for evidence in major antitrust trials and hearings.

“What goes on e-mail never dies,” he said about how Bill Gates of Microsoft lost his antitrust battle when an e-mail he had written saying, “Bury IBM,” was retrieved.

When Vice President Dick Cheney went into the bunker on Sept. 11, Wright was there, helping to install temporary and vital data systems. After

BY BECKY MALKOVICH

the West Coast, you never know what to take at face value. I missed how real the people here are.”

Tracey Webb has seen She moved back to take the stars in other skies as the RLC job in 1997. well as those in “I left Southern Illinois Hollywood, in 1992 and moved around but she’s for five years. found her “That gave me enough own star time to see, just like shines most bright in her Dorothy says (in ‘The Wizard of Oz’), there really native is no place like home.

Southern Webb When you get out in the Illinois.

Webb, Rend Lake College real world, you realize what you had at home and theater director and appreciate it more,” she associate professor, grew up in Ewing and graduated said. “I’m happy. I nabbed myself a farmer, settled from Benton High in 1985 down, had a child and life to become part of a is good, really good.” national championship Southern Illinois is a speech team at great place to raise Southeastern Illinois children, she said, and the College. From there, she outdoor options are as went to Southern Illinois University Carbondale and varied as the region’s landscape. “fell in love with theater.”

“Rend Lake, the The next few years found Shawnee National Forest, her in St. Louis; San the Rivers. If you don’t like Antonio, where she did the landscape, go a few commercial work; Chicago, where she got her miles in any direction master’s degree in theater and it will change,” she from University of Illinois said.

She also takes issue with Chicago; and finally a common complaint Hollywood.

“I learned a lot about the about the area.

“No culture? I beg to business, and I learned differ. Theater, concerts, that I loved theater more Cedarhurst (Center for the than acting on film,” she Arts) in Mount Vernon, the said. “It feels like area has a lot to offer,” she rehearsal. I didn’t like it said. much, but I did extra and “And we’re not too far stand-in work. I liked it from St. Louis or Chicago OK, and I loved the if you need something weather.”

But about a year into her different.”

Webb does not regret her new life in Los Angeles, move back home, nor her she heard about the time away. opening at Rend Lake “I’m glad I got to see College.

“I know, why come back those places and learn what they were about, but to all this humidity, right, I’m quite happy here on but I missed home.

“I missed my family and my farm. I like it here just I missed the slower pace of fine,” she said. life,” she said.

“In Chicago, people were beckymalk@gmail.com 618-927-5633 always in a hurry and on THE SOUTHERN

CHUCK NOVARA / THE SOUTHERN

Jim Wright of West Frankfort returned to his home after spending years working at the White House in Washington, D.C.

Sept. 11, he recalls how security “tightened beyond belief,” as Wright and his staff spent two years building a new data center outside of Washington, D.C. The affable and downhome Wright can speak about a variety of fascinating subjects and that includes his native land that he has since returned.

“Southern Illinois is a nice place to live. It’s cheap. There’s a lot to

do,” said Wright whom you will probably find on the golf course most days with his regular playing buddies.

“There are so many advantages here in the way of recreation, a place to raise a family and the low cost of living. People really have to learn to appreciate the open space,” Wright said about Southern Illinois. scott.fitzgerald@thesouthern.com 618-351-5076

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15

PHIL & JOANNE CLAYTON

‘Time slips away from you.’

BY JOE SZYNKOWSKI FOR THE SOUTHERN

Big brother. Dedicated husband. Distinguished military man.

Phil Clayton has worn many hats since he was born in Marion in 1942.

But perhaps the hat he is most proud of is the white one he earned during his time as a member of VFW Post 4183 near Scott Air Force Base. It was there he served as post commander twice, district commander in 2000-01 and was recognized as a key member of the organization. “(Earning the white hat) is quite an accomplishment in regards to gathering increased membership for the organization,” said Clayton’s wife, Joanne.

Clayton — child No. 8 of 10 — grew up in a largefamily atmosphere. That is one of the main reasons he and his wife decided to leave the Belleville area to return to Herrin three years ago. His four sisters and one brother who still reside in Southern Illinois were the determining factors in the Claytons’ move back to the region.

“Regardless of the fact that Herrin and the surrounding areas are small, the wonderment of living in a relatively close-knit community has been delightful in addition to having the supportive moral boost of family members,” Phil said.

“The camaraderie of military members is strong and runs deep but the dedication of family members to each other is even stronger, which pulled at the heartstrings and beckoned Phil back into this community,” Joanne added. “Seeing the familiar faces from high school (although matured) has been a remarkable asset for Phil and the ability to get reacquainted with family members has been heart warming.”

Clayton joined the Air Force in 1962, shortly after his graduation from Herrin High School. He served 23 years as a communications intelligence specialist and traveled to many Air Force bases toward the end of his career on the inspector general team.

During his time in the military, he served a 13-month tour in Vietnam and was stationed in Germany, as well as compiling temporary duty assignments in almost all 50 states.

One of his proudest moments came when he

PAUL NEWTON / THE SOUTHERN

Robert De Filippis of Herrin is pictured at his home.

ROBERT DE FILIPPIS

‘I drew my first breath here and will draw my last one here.’

BY JOE SZYNKOWSKI

in the applied behavioral sciences. He spent the early days of his career on Robert De Filippis is 70 the road.

“I initially went to years old with a purpose.

Chicago, where I married He is back living in Herrin after spending his and had our four work and retirement years children,” he said. “After in various locations across traveling continuously for the country. He thinks the a decade while a consultant, I moved to the experiences he gained during his time away will Mid-Atlantic states to take ownership, with a help him become a great partner, in a career asset to the area.

“I find it very rewarding management firm in Philadelphia. Our to be supportive of old partnership broke up and I friends who may have a need,” De Filippis said. “I bought him out of our think your 70s ought to be company in the Washington, D.C., area. about helping others as “I moved there in 1994 much as you can — giving and retired after selling back, so to speak. I had a wonderful education here out. I went to the Northern Neck of Virginia and want to give on the Chesapeake. I something back to the didn’t like it and moved to community. I have all I’ll Florida for three years. I ever need. Lots of people decided to come home my age don’t.”

De Filippis grew up and and build a house to retire. I also lived in graduated from high Maryland, Northern school in Herrin before Virginia and Los Angles.” moving on to Southern What brought De Illinois University Filippis back after Carbondale for his experiencing so many associate degree. He different ways of life earned his bachelor’s across the country? degree from DePaul, and “I missed the feeling of pursued master’s and community and old doctorate degrees from friends,” he said. “Herrin the Union Institute and held lots of memories for University. me … I think much of my His educational decision was made over experience opened doors the last 10 years while for a career in business coming back for management and organizational consulting HerrinFesta Italiana and

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Phil and Joanne Clayton live in Herrin.

was stationed in Hammond, La., shortly before his retirement. A massive flood moved through the area and his unit was deployed to assist in the rescue of civilians from homes and businesses. Clayton was awarded Louisiana’s Meritorious Service Award for his actions.

He retired from the Air Force in 1985 but was not quite ready to give up on his passion for protecting his country. He spent the next 17 years working in civil service at Scott Air Force Base before becoming such an integral part of the VFW. Now 68 years old, Clayton enjoys the slow pace of Southern Illinois.

“He most enjoys visiting with his family, attending the family get-togethers of barbecues and holiday meals,” Joanne said. “He likes it in the warmer months to be able to go strawberry and blueberry picking, plus in the fall during October to go to Bandy’s Pumpkin Patch to hunt for Halloween

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And after spending so much time serving and protecting his country, Clayton is focused on family.

“Life is so short, and time slips away from you when you are long distance from extended family members,” Phil said. “Yet nothing can replace the presence of siblings and the cherished feelings of assistance during both sickness and good health.

“Far too often, we all hear of the bonding of the family unit having disappeared, yet in returning back home after so many years, the joys of shared experiences, familiar landscapes and similar values are to be treasured and cherished.”

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homecomings. I just remember looking forward to those trips to see old friends. I was always sad to leave.

Another thing is that the weather is somewhat milder here than up north.

And the cost of living is much less.”

“I do enjoy being with old friends in Herrin, and there’s plenty of opportunities to do that here. I did enjoy the process of having my home built about oneand-a-half miles from the house where I grew up.”

Even though he is content with his current living situation, the adventurer in De Filippis still enjoys traveling.

“I find it difficult to not want to get away from time to time for a taste of the big-city life,” he said.

Brief excursions are one thing, but now that he’s back, De Filippis doesn’t plan on leaving for good again.

“There’s also the slower and easier pace … I’m sure that will change as I get even older,” he said.

“And when that happens I’ll be able to hire help and stay in my home.

I’m not sure I could do that if I lived in a large city. I’ve told my children that I drew my first breath here and will draw my last one here.”

Sesser Area Chamber of Commerce Oktoberfest 2010 Saturday, October 9, 2010 8:00 A.M. - 4.00 P.M. Sesser Miners' Memorial City Park Crafts and Food Vendors, Wiffle Ball Tournament, Car and Motorcycle Show, Quilt Show, Chili Bowl Contest, Dog Bench Show, & Wild Coon Hunt Games and Free Jumpy Inflatables for the kids sponsored by Black Diamond Harley Davidson For more information

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