We Like It Here 10-14 by The Southern Illinoisan

WE LIKE IT HERE

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THE SOUTHERN ILLINOISAN THURSDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2010

About this section Nearly four years ago, my wife and I faced a career and relocation decision. We could stay in northwest Indiana, where I worked as the Metro managing editor of The Times of Northwest Indiana, or move to Southern Illinois so I could be the editor of this newspaper. To help make the decision, we spent time in Southern Illinois, meeting people and seeing the sights. We ate ribs and brisket at 17th Street Bar & Grill, saw the 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. We liked it here and moved to Southern Illinois in early 2007. In our stay, we’ve run into people who could live anywhere in the world but chose this region. We’ve met people who moved away, but missed their hometown region. And we’ve met many more who wouldn’t consider living anywhere else. That’s the theme behind the “We Like It Here” special sections. We’ve told the stories of those who never left Southern Illinois (Always at Home, Sept. 30) and of those who were born and raised here and decided to return (Coming Home, Oct. 7). The one you are reading today, the third and final section, tells the story of people who had many choices of where to settle and chose Southern Illinois. We like it here. We hope you like it here, too. GARY METRO is the

editor of The Southern Illinoisan. He can be reached at 618-351-5033 or gary.metro@ thesouthern.com.

Moved to SI in ‘94 and left in 2008 for Springfield and hate it. Will be back in couple weeks!!! Love my Saluki country. — Misty Roberts Bievenue

PROVIDED

Much of the Stewart family has relocated from Cape Coral, Fla., to Marion.

SHERRY STEWART

‘The moral is ... Life is good in Marion, Illinois’ My husband, Jack, and I were born and raised in South Bend, Ind. In June 1977, we moved our family (son, D.J., 9, and daughter, Kelly, 6) to Cape Coral, Fla. This is a beautiful city in south Florida on the West Coast. Jack’s famous words were, “I will live and die in Florida.” Life was good: beaches, beautiful weather, good friends and boating every weekend. Then, along came a cute college graduate looking with her friend for a teaching job in Cape Coral. Her name was Lisa Phemister and she was from Marion. D.J. and Lisa met, fall in love and get married. After three years in Cape Coral, Lisa remained homesick and wanted to move back to Marion. D.J. agreed to try it for a year; that was 19 years ago and, yes, he is still here. In the meantime, our two granddaughters, Tyler and Emily, were born. We managed to see them three or four times a year. In this grandmother’s book, this

is not enough time. Lisa was very good about sending pictures and keeping us informed of their activities. They have always been involved in many things. Then there was this person (me) who said, “I would never move back north”. Funny how grandchildren can become a whole lot more important than palm trees, beaches and weather. Jack and I started talking about moving here about six years ago. We would come up for vacation and go around and look at houses. We would get back to Cape Coral and he would say, “I don’t really want to leave Cape Coral.” About a year before we moved here, he said he would put the house for sale by owner and see what happens. It was a cute little sign and sat in the middle of the front yard under a tree. Then, two years ago we were in

Marion on vacation, saw a house in D.J. and Lisa’s neighborhood, put an offer and it was accepted. This time, we went back to Cape Coral and Jack put a big wood sign with lights shining on it and put it at the curb. Despite the bad real estate market, we sold our house in December and moved here Feb. 1, 2009. We arrived and there was something all over our driveway: about 4 inches of ice. Welcome to Marion! Jack worked very hard fixing up the inside of the house, the outside and the yard. Things were moving along very well and then May 8, 2009, we had the so-called “inland hurricane”. We thought we left hurricanes in Florida. Many people teased us about bringing the hurricane with us. Jack decided he was going to start telling people we moved here from Canada because they look at us like we have three heads when we tell them we moved here from Florida. All of that aside, we have

been here one and a half years, and being by family is definitely the best choice. We have enjoyed several performances at Marion Civic Center, many fine restaurants, and the shopping is good. Every state has its own beauty. We have become very impressed with the rolling green hills, places like Garden of the Gods and, most of all, Lake of Egypt. We have purchased a pontoon boat and just love spending time with our family on Lake of Egypt. Our daughter, Kelly, lives in Lyons, Colo., with her husband (Bill) and our 2-year-old grandson, Jack. The three of them visited the first of July and Kelly and Bill spent a lot of time hiking at Garden of the Gods and several other locations in Southern Illinois. They were very impressed with our area. That is a huge compliment coming from people who live in Colorado. The Phemister family has welcomed us with open arms and includes us

in all family gatherings. The people in Marion are kind, friendly and very helpful. We live in a nice neighborhood with very friendly people. It seems to be a very safe place to live. It appears to be a wonderful place to raise children as they have a sharp school system. We have found a nice church, Aldersgate Methodist Church. Jack has met a nice men’s group from that church and enjoys coffee and conversation a few mornings a week with them. He also has enjoyed playing golf with some of whom share his love for golf. I found a job as Activities Director at Fifth Season Residential. I find the senior citizens of Marion very charming, which makes my job very enjoyable. They have so much history and love to reminisce about it. The moral of my story is, “Life is good in Marion, Illinois.” Who wouldn’t want to live in the hub of the universe?

DARRYL JONES

‘Obviously, we’re going to stay.’ BY ADAM TESTA THE SOUTHERN

ADAM TESTA / THE SOUTHERN

Darryl Jones launched Splattered Ink in 2006.

MURPHYSBORO — Darryl Jones moved to Southern Illinois in 2000 so his wife, Kelly, could pursue a graduate degree at Southern Illinois University Carbondale. They never intended to stay. Coming to the region from Indianapolis, the couple first moved to Carterville, but when they made the decision to settle down in Southern Illinois, they made the easy choice of living in Murphysboro.

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“It wasn’t our plan to stay, but we got involved at (Vine Community Church in Carbondale) and not too long after that we bought our first house,” Jones said. “We really like the hometown feel of Murphysboro. It’s not lacking in anything, but it’s still small, and we just fell in love with the Apple Festival.” In 2006, Jones launched Splattered Ink, a graphic and Web design company, in Murphysboro, and two years later, he purchased a building on downtown Walnut Street to renovate

and lease to other businesses. For a while, the building also housed Murphysboro General Store, an attempted retail outlet operated by business students at Murphysboro High School. After launching Splattered Ink, Jones became involved with the Murphysboro Chamber of Commerce and began attending lunch meetings geared toward business professionals in town. That involvement led to his joining the Chamber’s Board of Directors, and he

eventually became president of the organization, a position he still holds. With a decade of life in Southern Illinois under their belts, the Joneses have no intentions of leaving any time soon. “Obviously, we’re going to stay in Southern Illinois,” he said. “I want to stay involved with the city. Our business is going to continue to grow, and we’re eventually going to finish this building.” adam.testa@thesouthern.com 618-351-5031

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THE SOUTHERN ILLINOISAN THURSDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2010

BARB & JIM BUSH

‘It’s the best-kept secret in Illinois.’ BY STEPHEN RICKERL THE SOUTHERN STEPHEN RICKERL / THE SOUTHERN

ALAN ROGERS / THE SOUTHERN

Tom and Karen Hippensteel moved from southern California to Jackson County in 2004. The couple decided property next to Kite Hill Winery, which was opened by Karen’s sister and brother-in-law, was the perfect place to spend their retirement.

TOM & KAREN HIPPENSTEEL

‘We’re just very, very happy to be here.’ BY D.W. NORRIS

love with Southern Illinois when they visited Tom’s sister, who owns Kite Hill, in 2002. The Hippensteels CARBONDALE — For said they knew right away many Southern that Southern Illinois was Illinoisans, the sandy the place for them. The beaches and plentiful people they met when sunshine of Orange they came here were a big County, Ca., probably part of the positives of seem like paradise. their new home. For Tom and Karen “They’re very generous,” Hippensteel, who moved Tom said. to Southern Illinois from “It’s a very open, California in 2004, inviting and friendly paradise is a beautiful community,” Karen said. home on five acres near Tom and Karen attend Kite Hill Vineyards. First Presbyterian Church Southern Illinois met in Carbondale and have almost all the criteria the been active in charitable Hippensteels had when and civic groups such as they were searching for a the Carbondale’s Lions place to spend their Club, Habitat for retirement years. Humanity and the The Hippensteels Southern Illinois wanted four seasons. Parkinson Support Group, “Southern California has only one season — smog,” of which Tom is president. Tom is living with Tom said. Parkinson’s disease and is They wanted a house part of a group of poollarge enough to playing pals called “The accommodate their 15 Shaking Cue Stick Club.” grandchildren at a price Tom’s health was a the couple could afford. consideration when the They also wanted to live Hippensteels were looking near a cultural center for enjoyment of the arts, and to move from California. They found Southern Southern Illinois Illinois to have just what University Carbondale they wanted. provided just that. “The quality of air and Tom and Karen enjoy gardening and their home the environment were positives for us,” Karen on Kite Hill’s rolling landscape allowed them to said. Affordable living in a more than double the growing space they had in beautiful and healthy environment, the chance California. to watch SIU football vie The one criterion the for a national location of their new home did not meet, being championship, and the an hour away from a major friendly and generous airport, wasn’t important people of Southern Illinois given all the region has to are reasons why the Hippensteels can tell their offer. friends, “We like it here.” “We’re just very, very happy to be here,” Karen dw.norris@thesouthern.com said. 618-351-5074 Tom and Karen fell in

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After searching eight years in eight states for the perfect bed and breakfast to purchase, Barbara and Jim Bush found what they were searching for in Southern Illinois. The couple is originally from the Chicago area and worked for decades at the phone company, Jim in construction and Barbara in customer service and marketing. Barbara was a longtime member of the Illinois Bed and Breakfast Association before the couple bought Kite Hill Vineyards nearly five years ago. She said they searched long and hard across the U.S. to find the right bed and breakfast, and were almost ready to give up. “We looked in Hawaii, California, Florida, Michigan, Wisconsin, Kentucky, Indiana and Illinois,” she said. “We were just about ready to give up and we came down here and our place was for sale by the former owner. We looked at the place and just fell in love with it.” After discussing the property, the couple decided to buy both the bed and breakfast and winery, despite not having experience in winemaking. She said playing catch-up on winemaking has been a challenge, but found that fellow vintners on the Shawnee Hill Wine Trail are willing to help one another out.

Jim and Barbara Bush bought Kite Hill Vineyards after an eight-year, eight-state search for the perfect bed and breakfast to purchase.

Barbara said even though there is a healthy dose of “friendly competition,” winemakers of Southern Illinois also provide support for one another. Jim, who does the winemaking, said he never thought of himself as a winemaker, but has found the experience worthwhile. “It was interesting,” he said. “Every day was a school day.” The couple is in the process of expanding the winery and will turn the winemaking duties over to a passionate young winemaker. They said the experience of making Southern Illinois their home has been wonderful, and they enjoy the closeness to nature the region offers. “It’s absolutely gorgeous, and that’s what attracted us to this region,” Barbara said. “It’s beautiful. It’s the best-kept secret in Illinois. “It’s been a wonderful experience. I love the fact that we don’t have the heavy-duty winters that we had up in the Chicago area — that is a definite plus.” Although the couple enjoys the beauty of Southern Illinois and has visited the more notable parks of the region, the fact that they are

constantly working limits their social and recreational time. “Our social events are few and far between,” Barbara said. “If we get to do anything, it’s usually between November and February, because by March it all turns on again.” They said despite having little leisure time, it hasn’t been hard adjusting to life in Southern Illinois. Barbara said people back in the Chicago area said they might not be well-received when they move to Southern Illinois, but she said they found the opposite to be true. “We found everything to be positive,” she said. “Neighbors and people we’ve met have been very friendly, and now they’re friends.” Barbara said the hard work is paying off because the bed and breakfast is booked through October. Jim said people who stay at the bed and breakfast often book their next stay before checking out. “We enjoy our guests,” Barbara said. “I think that’s why they keep coming back. They came in as guests and they left as friends.” stephen.rickerl@thesouthern.com 618-351-5823

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THE SOUTHERN ILLINOISAN THURSDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2010

MICHAEL SCOTT

‘Who said you can’t go home again? I did.’ BY JOE SZYNKOWSKI

Services. Who said you can’t go home again? I did.” Scott still remembers SIMPSON — Scaling the scenic bluffs of this little the first time he realized that Southern Illinois was town in Johnson County the place for him. is enough to convert any “I had just assumed visitor of Southern that Southern Illinois was Illinois into a full-time like the rest of the state,” resident. Scott said. “When I Just ask Michael Scott. arrived and was actually Oh, and his mammoth able to tour the area, I donkeys, Sophie and said right then and there Janie. that I would never leave Scott grew up in this area unless forced to. Scottland, Ill., a small “The first two places I town in Edgar County in visited were Garden of the the central part of the Gods and Bald Knob state. He and his three brothers learned the value Cross … I was like a kid in the candy store. I have of hard work on their hiked most of the River To parents’ crop and River Trail, canoed down livestock farm. “We didn’t vacation like Lusk Creek in the spring, rode my bike all over the other families due to deep southern parts of money,” Scott said. “However, we never knew the state, and yes, I have been trail riding since the we were poor. We would late 1980s. The Shawnee camp out in grandpa’s woods with classmates … National Forest is so a vacation to us was going diverse … when I am on my donkey or hiking, I see to the county and state and experience something fairs.” new each time I am out.” The importance of a Scott taught speech, quality education was literature and drama in instilled in Scott at a young age. He transferred Mount Vernon for the first five years of his from Eastern Illinois career. He later moved on University to Southern to Anna-Jonesboro High Illinois University School, where he spent 27 Carbondale in 1968 to years teaching before pursue a degree in radio retiring in 2008. and television. College “My greatest enjoyment life was a change for in teaching was seeing my Scott, especially considering he was one of students learn,” Scott said. “And, more 15 students in his senior importantly, watching class of high school. and listening to them “My eyes were opened apply what they had to people of the world,” learned. Through Scott said. “I received an speeches, original poetry, education that has given research papers, original me a fulfilling life of 34 short stories, students years of teaching, and not only were creative, now I am working at SIU but they were revealing in the College of little bits of themselves.” Education and Human

FOR THE SOUTHERN

ALAN ROGERS / THE SOUTHERN

Michael Scott is pictured with his mammoth donkey, Sophie, on his property near Simpson in Johnson County. Scott came to Southern Illinois in 1968 and immediately fell in love with the area.

Now, back to those donkeys. Scott wasn’t allowed to have a horse during his childhood, but made up for it in 1988 when he bought and trained his first mule. The next thing Scott knew, he was raising, showing and selling mules until he saw his first mammoth donkey.

“I always tell people it is hard to put into words ... so I suggest they take one home for a week and they will understand,” Scott said. “The donkey is far superior in intelligence than the other equine. They have a personality that is precious. If you treat them right, they are the easiest of the equine

to get going under saddle. I am in no way a cowboy, but I have trained my own as well as trained others’ donkeys to drive a cart.” Scott says mammoth donkeys live to be 30 to 40 years old, which means he has plenty of time left with Sophie (11) and Janie (4). That’s good news for local elementary

students, too, as Scott and the 58-inch-tall Sophie have started educational reading programs in three schools. “Being in Southern Illinois with my friends and donkeys, this is about as close to paradise as a person can get,” Scott said.

SERGIO, JULIO & NICK MENDEZ-RODRIGUEZ

‘You can make a good living here.’ BY JOE SZYNKOWSKI

moved to the area from Atlanta almost a decade ago, the pace of living was “too slow.” It didn’t Brothers Sergio, Julio and Nick take long for him to feel at ease. “You feel comfortable around Mendez-Rodriguez have here and make a lot of friends,” instilled their rich family-first he said. “When I first opened philosophies into their various the business, I would have restaurants, and Southern people offering to fix something Illinois is all the better for it. Sergio opened his first Sergio’s in my building or my house. My old neighbor would just come Mexican Restaurant in 2003 in Murphysboro. Seven years later, over and mow my grass. I never even asked him to do it.” he has added locations in The brothers lived in various Herrin, Centralia and Sikeston, locations before choosing to Mo., and he plans to keep move to Southern Illinois. They expanding. Nick has hit it big all moved from Mexico to with his Okla-Tex Nick’s California as adolescents and Bar-B-Q restaurant in Benton, spread across the county. Sergio while Julio’s popular La Fiesta learned the ins and outs of restaurants are sprinkled butchering and cooking from throughout the region. After growing up in the quaint one of his father’s friends in Atlanta. Julio honed his craft in farming community of Jesus Maria Jalisco in central Mexico, Bowling Green, Ky., while Nick studied the art of smoking the brothers feel comfortable barbecue in Kansas City, Mo. with the small-town Nick says the safety and atmosphere of Southern affordability were big reasons in Illinois. him opening shop in Benton. “You can make a good living “It’s a real nice place to raise here,” Sergio said. “I’m lucky that business goes babies,” Nick said. “The people are really nice here and have good. The houses are not too been a big help with the expensive and you can settle business. After living in down here.” California and Kansas City, Sergio says when he first

FOR THE SOUTHERN

STEVE JAHNKE / THE SOUTHERN

Sergio Mendez, owner of Sergio’s Mexican Restaurants in the Southern Illinois area, poses with his wife, Lety, and son, Jose, at the Herrin location. On the wall behind them is a mural of his extended family.

those were nice places, but just not great to raise a family.” It is important to the brothers that they portray familyfriendly atmospheres in their restaurants. The Herrin Sergio’s restaurant features a large painted mural that represents the family’s heritage. The brothers were three of 16 children growing up in povertystricken Mexico — their father worked long hours to support his children, while their mother always offered emotional support. “When I opened my first restaurant and the sales were low, my mom gave me good energy and told me to hang in there,” Sergio said. “I still talk to her almost every day. Even lately when I’ve been getting tired, going back and forth opening up in Centralia, she just tells me to keep going.” The brothers plan to keep going as long as Southern Illinois residents keep filling their restaurants. “Sometimes I can’t believe business is as good as it is,” Nick said. “I just want to thank my customers.”

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THE SOUTHERN ILLINOISAN THURSDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2010

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THE SOUTHERN ILLINOISAN THURSDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2010

MIKE & DEBBIE BROOKS

JIM HAMBRICK

‘... It’s about selling a city.’

‘It’s laidback. I love it.’ BY ADAM TESTA THE SOUTHERN

BY ADAM TESTA THE SOUTHERN

METROPOLIS — Jim Hambrick has walked the streets of Hollywood and rubbed shoulders with movie stars, but after nearly two decades of life in deep Southern Illinois, he feels lost in the concrete jungle. A lifelong Superman fan who has worked on a number of Man of Steel television programs and movies, Hambrick has owned and operated Super Museum in Metropolis for 18 years. His journey has come a long way from displaying the first piece of memorabilia, a Superman lunch box, to neighborhood kids. “It’s no longer about a kid showing off his lunch box, it’s about selling a city,” he said. In 1972, DC Comics and the Illinois General Assembly both officially declared Metropolis the home of Superman, which initially drew Hambrick to the Massac County city. He came with a vision for the museum and a festival and has been an integral part in developing the city’s annual Superman Celebration into an internationally recognized event featuring celebrity

CHUCK NOVARA / THE SOUTHERN

Jim Hambrick, owner of Super Museum, stands next to a billboard of Superman in Metropolis. Hambrick has owned the museum dedicated to the famed superhero for 18 years.

appearances and drawing thousands into the town. And on top of his Superman-related business, Hambrick also operates the Americana Hollywood Museum in downtown Metropolis near Harrah’s Casino. “I thought I did (miss Los Angeles), but with the Americana Museum, my whole world

surrounds me. Everything I loved about California is in that museum,” he said, noting the feelings a past visit to his home city left in him. “When I got off the plane at LAX, I felt like Tarzan in New York. I just didn’t feel at home any more.” adam.testa@thesouthern.com 618-351-5031

CHESTER — Statues of Popeye characters line the streets of the Randolph County seat. Police officers wear the cartoon sailor’s image on their uniforms. Thousands of people flock to town each year for the annual Picnic bearing his iconic name. But it wasn’t always that way. Sixteen years ago, Debbie and Mike Brooks moved to Chester, home of Popeye creator Elzie Segar, from Memphis, Tenn., with plans to open Spinach Can Collectibles, a Popeyethemed shop and museum. But when the outsiders arrived in Southern Illinois, they weren’t necessarily met with optimism. “It took a while for them to adopt us,” Debbie Brooks said. “We were told we wouldn’t survive here, that we wouldn’t last.” Spinach Can Collectibles did last and continues to grow and be a driving force in the city and its tourism efforts. The city’s Popeye heritage earned it a spot in a national edition of American Profile news magazine and brought added attention to the museum and its hometown. Debbie Brooks also plays an integral role in the annual Popeye

CHUCK NOVARA / THE SOUTHERN

Debbie and Mike Brooks collect Popeye memorabilia and now own Spinach Can Collectibles, a store that has sales all over the country and various parts of the world. The couple moved to Chester, home of Popeye creator Elzie Segar, 16 years ago.

Festival. She’s served on the board for the past five years and now serves as the festival chairwoman. She said it only made sense for her to step into the role given her ties to the community and her six-days-per-week commitment to being at the museum. “It’s been fun,” she said. “We’ve enjoyed it.” And with festival preparations and tourist

visits keeping her busy, Debbie said she plans on staying put for the foreseeable future. “It’s laid-back. I love it so much better; it’s not the hustle and bustle of the city. I love the smalltown feel,” she said. “I’m not going anywhere, and I never thought I would say that.” adam.testa@thesouthern.com 618-351-5031

THE SOUTHERN ILLINOISAN THURSDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2010

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JOEL SAMBURSKY

‘Southern Illinois has everything we need to be happy.’ BY LES WINKELER

really didn’t see much of Carbondale because of that. My initial thought was, ‘Wow, this is kind of in CARBONDALE — Joel the middle of nowhere.’” Sambursky has forged a That thought was comfortable relationship reinforced by the circuitous with route his parents took from Southern Liberty to Carbondale. Illinois. Despite any misgivings, The Sambursky opted to attend former star SIU. He moved to CarbonSaluki quarterback dale at the beginning of the summer semester. had a stint Sambursky “I was one of two as director of the Carbondale Chamber freshmen to come to of Commerce before joining Carbondale early in the Forbes Financial Group as a summer,” he said. “My second thought was, ‘what financial planner. He met did I get myself into?’ his wife, Samantha (Stutzer), while both were “The first year was really students at SIU. challenging, the football Sam, who played golf at team was 1-11. It wasn’t SIU, is now Diane really did I choose the right Daugherty’s assistant football team, but did I coach. The Samburskys choose the right area?” have a daughter, Lane, who That first year was will turn 1 this week. complicated by the events “My wife, Sam, and I are of Sept. 11, 2001 … going to be here a long probably not a good omen. time, God willing,” Bad karma aside, Sambursky said. “We just Carbondale slowly began to really love this area. We grow on Sambursky. know we could make more “I remember taking walks money somewhere else, but in the morning, just to Southern Illinois has gather my thoughts and everything we need to be pray a little bit,” he said. happy.” “It’s just such an awesome A native of Liberty, Mo., a area. I loved the fact there Kansas City suburb, was a lake on campus, I Sambursky didn’t loved the area around it. I necessarily get a warm and thought it was just really a fuzzy feeling about good mix of people.” Carbondale on his first Things started to turn around in the next couple visit. years. The football team “My recruiting trip, I started winning. He met think there was a large the woman who would snowstorm,” he said. become his wife. Suddenly, “Coach (Jerry) Kill was brand new and didn’t really Carbondale had a different know what to show us. We look and feel.

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“I think any college athlete at some time starts thinking about what’s next,” Sambursky said. “I was pretty proactive on that. I’m 6-foot-0 and I’m 195 pounds, I’m probably not big enough to play in the MVC, much less the NFL. “I think a lot of students come down here and go to school and look for a reason to leave. They start chasing a big paycheck. I started thinking I have no great reason to leave.” Now, Sambursky and his young family have woven themselves into the fabric of Southern Illinois. In addition to his day job, the former quarterback is a volunteer assistant coach for Carterville High School. He spends fall Saturdays working as the sideline reporter with Mike Reis and Gene Green on SIU football broadcasts. Members of his family are starting to move into the area. Without question, Southern Illinois worked its way into Sambursky’s heart. “It did,” he said. “It was very comfortable. I think still being around the football team, the coaches, doing radio, my wife, getting the job as assistant women’s golf coach and me being a financial planner… It’s just worked out great. I’ve developed some great relationships over the last nine years.” les.winkeler@thesouthern.com 618-351-5088

PHOTO BY SIU MEDIA SERVICES

Former SIU quarterback Joel Sambursky evades a tackle by Indiana State’s Derrick Williams.

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THE SOUTHERN ILLINOISAN THURSDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2010

ALLISON JOSEPH

‘SIU and Carbondale have been a wonderful place.’ BY CODELL RODRIGUEZ

these projects,” Joseph said. Joseph said she came to SIUC because she was informed of a position by CARBONDALE — One commonality that London, English professor Rodney Jones, whom she says she Toronto, Bronx, N.Y., and has a lot of respect for. She Southern Illinois have is visited the campus and that Allison Joseph has was impressed by the lived in all of them. graduate programs, the Joseph, associate students and the physical professor of English and appearance. director of the MFA Joseph obviously took program at SIUC, was born the job and eventually in London to parents from formed the Young Writer’s Grenada and Jamaica. Her Workshop. Joseph said she family moved to Toronto wanted to offer something and later Bronx, N.Y., and for writers because they do she attended school in not get the events that Ohio and Indiana athletes get. The annual University, where she met her husband, John Tribble, five-day workshop brings 30 high school students, who is now the managing ages 15 to 18, from all over editor of Crab Orchard the country and features Review at SIUC. Joseph writing classes and was one of the founding readings from faculty editors. Despite experiencing the members and other biggest cities in the world, participants. What she Joseph has found a home in loves about the workshop is that it brings so many Southern Illinois and different students of SIUC. She has launched varying ethnicities, the Young Writer’s cultures and backgrounds. Workshop, which gives “The thing that holds high school students from them together is that they all over the country a like to write,” Joseph said. chance to show off their Joseph has seen her share literary prowess, and has of success. Her awards seen the MFA program include the John C. become one of the top 50 Zacharis First Book Award, in the country, according to the “Poets and Writers” the Aquarius Press Legacy Award, the Literary Award journal. from the Illinois Arts “SIU and Carbondale Council and the Academy have been a wonderful of American Poets Prize. place to launch a lot of

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ALAN ROGERS / THE SOUTHERN

Allison Joseph, an associate professor of English at SIUC, leads an introductory poetry class at the university.

Her published works include “What Keeps Me Here,” “Imitation of Life” and “My Father’s Kites.” An award-winning poet needs inspiration and that is something Joseph has found in the natural beauty of the region. “I really have become more and more interested in the physical landscape,”

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Joseph said. But it’s not just the rolling hills and wooded areas that make Joseph want to stay in the region. She likes the fact that the area’s affordable and that she has been pleasantly surprised by the people she has met. She admits she had some fears about being part of an interracial couple

in Southern Illinois after hearing stories about sundown towns, but said she has experienced a lot less problems than she anticipated. Just because her expertise falls in the arts doesn’t mean Joseph cannot rival anyone’s Saluki Spirit. She and her husband are regulars for Saluki football and

basketball games. One of Joseph’s greatest sources of pride in the region will always be the MFA program. “Every day, there’s great news from current students or someone who went to school here,” Joseph said. codell.rodriguez@thesouthern.com 618-351-5804

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George Sheffer owns Murdale True Value in Carbondale.

Peter Gitau is associate vice chancellor for student affairs at SIUC.

GEORGE SHEFFER

PETER GITAU

‘One thing I like is SIU.’

‘Diversity exists down here.’

BY CODELL RODRIGUEZ

I decided I wanted to get out of the bar business, and I’ve been doing this CARBONDALE — What ever since.” Before the bar and George Sheffer, owner of Murdale True Value, likes meeting his wife, Sheffer was drafted into the U.S. about Southern Illinois is Army during Vietnam. He something he saw on one stood on the tarmac, of its more destructive waiting to be shipped out days. when President Richard The store’s goods were Nixon announced no more in high demand May 8, troops would be sent. 2009, and the staff knew After spending time it. He said they worked stationed in Germany, he extra hours to make sure eventually took over people got what they needed, and the customers management of a True Value in Harrisburg and were courteous and worked there from about appreciative. He saw everyone pitch in and help 1980 to 1985. That’s when he became sole owner of each other out through a Murdale True Value in challenging time. Sheffer Carbondale. loves the people of Sheffer said what kept Southern Illinois but him here was the lifestyle. they’re only one of the He was used to traveling reasons he stays. In the 1970s, Sheffer was back and forth for hours an SIUC student from the on an expressway and Chicago suburbs, working enjoyed the change. Then his way though college by there’s the nature. Whether it’s Giant City working in a bar called State Park or the many American Tap. That, wine trails, Sheffer cannot however, changed. get enough of the “I met my wife and my landscape. best friend here,” Sheffer Sheffer also enjoys what said. “When I married her,

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SIUC brings to the region. He said he enjoys the camaraderie that comes with tailgating before a Saluki football game, especially outside the new Saluki Stadium. He also enjoys that the university brings people from all over the world to Carbondale. “I think one thing I like is SIU and how lucky we are to have it,” Sheffer said. “We have a diverse community. That’s a very fortunate thing to have.” SIUC is part of the big picture when it comes to education. Sheffer said he has been able to see his children learn from great teachers from grade school through high school and both are earning Ph.D.s. With great schools and a great university, Sheffer said the region can give great success to anyone. “You can apply yourself here and you can compete anywhere in the nation,” Sheffer said. codell.rodriguez@thesouthern.com 618-351-5804

region was plagued by a nasty ice storm, Gitau is very happy in Southern Illinois. CARBONDALE — Peter While Gitau was initially Gitau admits that the first afraid that Southern time he visited Southern Illinois would be too Illinois for a job interview, secluded, he found it was a he was afraid it was too rural area with a great secluded. variety of people, plenty of But Gitau soon found cultural events to take part there was much to love in in and plenty of things to Southern Illinois, enough do. so that he turned down “Diversity, in its real jobs in Ohio and Texas, the sense, exists down here,” native of Kenya is the Gitau said. associate vice chancellor He said he especially for student affairs and dean enjoys visiting Giant City of students at SIUC. He was the dean of student life State Park. “That’s a place that at the University of anyone who comes into Dubuque (Iowa) before Carbondale needs to coming to SIUC in 2008, discover,” Gitau said. and said one of the big But he hasn’t forgotten reasons he settled in Southern Illinois is that he Kenya. Gitau goes back wouldn’t have to deal with with students and community members to do Iowa winters anymore. “I grew up in Africa right work such as building schoolrooms and libraries. on the equator, and we never got snow,” Gitau said He’s taking a group of In fact, the milder winter about 15 on Dec. 15. He said the trips are not vacations was one of the big selling and require a lot of work points he said the university used in bringing but said it is a rewarding him to SIUC. Even though experience for everyone. “I think that’s how you his first winter in the

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create cultural understanding,” Gitau said. He said cultural understanding is extremely important, especially in Southern Illinois. “If I came here with a closed mind, saying these people aren’t going to like me and I’m not going to like them, nothing would change,” Gitau said. More than anything, Gitau enjoys interacting with SIUC students. He works on programs such as Saluki Cares, which offers help to students dealing with anything from a death in the family to homesickness. Gitau said he has found the students to be remarkable people who impress him by starting and maintaining Registered Student Organizations and organizing student events. “That shows you that students are not just students but leaders in the making,” Gitau said. codell.rodriguez@thesouthern.com 618-351-5804

THE SOUTHERN ILLINOISAN THURSDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2010

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THE SOUTHERN ILLINOISAN THURSDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2010

GREG MEREDITH

‘No place compares to Southern Illinois.’ BY ADAM TESTA THE SOUTHERN

up spending time at an area funeral home, where he discovered his interest in the profession. After pursuing a mortuary degree and working at a Marseilles funeral home, he began a statewide search for a place to launch his own business. Much to his satisfaction, Carbondale became that place. In 1974, he purchased what would become Meredith Funeral Home and has continued to operate the business for the past three and a half decades. “The thing that gives me the greatest joy is to be able to help people,” he said. “When I can help people at the roughest time of their life, it’s very fulfilling to me.” And there’s no place Meredith would rather work with people than in Southern Illinois, a place of unique characteristics ranging from its people to its aesthetic beauty to its cultural diversity. As a member of the community, he tries to do his part. He’s a member of the Chamber of Commerce, volunteers with the American Cancer Society and participates in community events like SIUC’s “Singing with the Stars” in 2009. “Wherever I am, I always try to promote Southern Illinois,” Meredith said.

Greg Meredith’s four children have all grown and left Southern Illinois to pursue careers, lives and families of their own in Washington, Texas and Washington, D.C. These cross-country locales allow Meredith, owner of Meredith Funeral Home in Carbondale, a chance to see the country and travel to spend time with the family. But for Meredith, there’s always a sense of joy in returning home. “When we leave to go visit our kids, I’m always glad to get back,” he said. “No place compares to Southern Illinois.” While Meredith was a teenager in the 1960s, his northern Illinois family purchased a plot of farmland in the Marion area, making the trip across the state to work and manage both family farms. Upon helping his family, he developed a personal affection for the region and returned to attend Southern Illinois University Carbondale in 1965. Personal issues caused him to return up north to continue his education, but it wouldn’t be long before Meredith would find his way “home.” While on a skiing trip in Bozeman, Mont., Meredith adam.testa@thesouthern.com injured himself and wound 618-351-5031

PAUL NEWTON / THE SOUTHERN

Greg Meredith moved permanently to Southern Illinois 1974 and owns and operates Meredith Funeral Home in Carbondale.

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CODELL RODRIGUEZ / THE SOUTHERN

• Gov. Quinn took over at a time of crisis in Illinois, but as governor he has worked tirelessly to reform state ethics laws and put Illinois back to work.

Armen Asaturian is founding partner of Asaturian, Eaton and Associates in Carbondale.

ARMEN ASATURIAN

‘I’ve really grown to appreciate the character.’ BY CODELL RODRIGUEZ

including Carbondale. He said he and his wife both wanted to live in a CARBONDALE — Armen university town and Carbondale seemed like a Asaturian is home. great fit. The president of the “We both thought engineering firm Southern Illinois would be Asaturian, Eaton and a great place to live and Associates moved to raise a family,” Asaturian Carbondale in 1970, and said. there is no other place he It also allowed Asaturian would rather live than Southern Illinois. With his to receive a master’s degree from SIUC. He said he love of hunting, fishing, greatly appreciated the the outdoors and friendly education the region people, he said he has found the place best suited offered his children from kindergarten to higher for him and his family. Asaturian is of Armenian education. He also appreciates the cultural heritage and was born in opportunities and is Tehran, Iran. He attended involved with Varsity undergraduate school at Center for the Arts. the University of Illinois Asaturian also just loves Champaign-Urbana, interacting with people. where he met his wife, a He said he gets to meet and Galena native. After gets to know a lot of people college, the Illinois Environmental Protection in his line of work, and Agency offered him a job in with all the friends he has made, it has further one of three locations,

THE SOUTHERN

convinced him that he belongs here. “I’ve really grown to appreciate the character and values of the people in the area,” Asaturian said. His first attraction to the area was the nature. His first visit to Southern Illinois was for a goose hunting trip, and he loves that the region doesn’t feel too congested. “I don’t like big, crowded spaces,” Asaturian said. Asaturian’s relatives also immigrated to the United States. He said it has been a long time since he has been in Iran and he doesn’t plan to go back because his home is here now. “Living in a country with this much liberty and freedom is not possible anyplace else in the world,” Asaturian said.

• Gov. Quinn spearheaded the first jobs bill in over ten years, which will put over 439,000 people back to work. • Gov. Quinn created a program to give $2500 to every small business that creates a job. • Gov. Quinn cut $3 billion from the state budget and opposes Sen. Bill Brady's tax cuts for the wealthy because they will add over $1 billion to the state deficit. • Gov. Quinn understands the importance of hunting to the Southern Illinois economy, and has continued to support the creation of a fourth zone for water fowl hunting. This effort will ensure that Southern Illinois remains competitive with surrounding states and receives its share of hunting related revenue.

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THE SOUTHERN ILLINOISAN THURSDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2010

LEE MEDDERS

‘I like walking in places and everybody knows my name.’ BY BECKY MALKOVICH THE SOUTHERN

BENTON — St. Louis transplant Lee Medders is quick to name one of her favorite aspects of life in Southern Illinois. “I’m 3.8 miles from my job,” she said. “Yes, I measured it. I’m very excited about that.” That’s because Medders used to fight the flood of vehicles on St. Louis roadways as she made her way to a job she hated. Medders and her husband, Steve, a Mount Vernon native, moved to rural Benton just more than four years ago. “My husband got downsized, and I wasn’t happy in my job. I was sick to death of it and hoping to get away from it and this is where life took me,” she said. After taking a couple of years off to get used to rural life, she purchased The Buzz, a popular coffeehouse and restaurant on the Benton Public Square. “I bought The Buzz after living here about two years. I was bored out of my mind and didn’t know anyone. You can only talk to your dogs for so long,” she joked. “It’s fun. Everyone who works here loves their job and the people who come in are genuinely happy — and seem more genuine than people in the city. They are more interested in what you have to say.”

BECKY MALKOVICH / THE SOUTHERN

Lee Medders made a home and business in Southern Illinois after moving from St. Louis. Medders is owner of The Buzz in Benton.

She also finds people take an interest in getting to know their neighbors. “When I got here, I didn’t know anybody. I’ve found when you go to the same places all the time, everyone knows your name, they greet you when

you walk in the door. I didn’t have that back in St. Louis. I guess it’s more intimate here,” she said. At the same time, there is more privacy, she said. “Here, the houses are far apart and we have more property. It’s cozy. We can

build a fire in the backyard and roast marshmallows. You can’t do that in the city either,” Medders said. Her dogs also enjoy more freedom. “They can run in our yard. We can take them on a boat and to the beach. I

like having places to take my dogs,” she said. While the slower pace of Southern Illinois took some getting used to, she’s now happy with the more laid-back lifestyle. “I like that there’s less traffic. I like that a lot. I

like that I can see stars in the sky. I like walking in places and everybody knows my name. It’s like ‘Cheers,’” she said, laughing. beckymalk@gmail.com 618-927-5633

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THE SOUTHERN ILLINOISAN THURSDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2010

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BETH WALKER

‘It’s a beautiful place to live.’ BY LINDA RUSH

Heart Association, covering 23 Illinois counties and the Cape Girardeau area. She coordinates the annual Beth Walker came to Heart Walks that are major Carbondale to attend Southern Illinois University fundraisers for the AHA, works on wellness and never left Southern programs for workplaces Illinois, she said. As a new graduate in public relations and also serves on a number of health coalitions and communications and designed to improve area low on funds, she said she stayed because “honestly it health care. “I’m very lucky,” she was better financially for said. “I found the position me to stay. I would be making less money, but the in Southern Illinois that cost of living is lower here.” was perfect for me.” While In short order, she found a student at SIUC, Walker was active in a student what she considers her dream job, then fell in love public relations organization and met Don with Southern Illinois — Fisher of Marion Ford, an and with the man who active AHA volunteer. moved in across the street “When he heard about the from her in Johnston City. AHA job opening, Don Walker, the former Beth Hartke, is corporate events called me and urged me to apply. That was a little over director for the American

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PAUL NEWTON / THE SOUTHERN

SIU women’s golf head coach Diane Daugherty moved to Carbondale after an injury ended her pro golf career in 1986.

DIANE DAUGHERTY

‘It never occurred to me to leave.’ BY PETE SPITLER THE SOUTHERN

Twenty-four years ago, Diane Daugherty had a decision to make. Coming off the LPGA Tour after knee surgery in 1986, the Centralia, Mo., native knew she still wanted to be active in golf, even though her career was coming to a close. “I thought if I couldn’t play golf, I would live vicariously through the next big thing, which was coaching,” Daughtery said. After a couple of job interviews, including one at Northern Illinois University, Daugherty landed in Carbondale at Southern Illinois University and never looked back. “I came to SIU and thought I’d coach a couple years and move on,” said Daugherty, who is now in her 25th season of coaching the Salukis. “I had chances in the earlier years. Colleges would call Dr. (Charlotte) West and ask for the opportunity to interview me.” From the days of light blue golf bags being literally spray-painted “SIU Golf” to the new indoor driving range and putting facility named after the longtime coach, a lot of the Salukis’ progress has been because of Daugherty. “I have put my heart and soul into SIU, it never occurred to me to leave,” Daugherty said. And the residents of Southern Illinois have given back to the program. Perhaps not monetarily, but with respect and

admiration of a coach who has become synonymous with Saluki golf. “The people,” said Daugherty, when asked what she likes best about the area. “At our home at Hickory Ridge (Public Golf Center), I can’t hit balls without 10 people coming up to me and saying hello. “They treat my girls like celebrities and Southern Illinois is home.” Daugherty has kept her recruiting efforts within the area as well. Seven of the eight Salukis on the current roster are within an hour and a half’s drive from home, with Flossmoore’s Margaret Gilley the lone exception. “When I recruit kids, I ask them if they want to go somewhere where it’s hot all the time,” Daugherty said. “I love the one or two snow days we get here and I’ve never felt unsafe.” Daugherty has also branched out into nongolfrelated activities like animal rescue and auctioneering. St. Francis Community Animal Rescue and Education, which moved into a new Country Club Road location in Murphysboro in July, is averaging 35 adoptions a month thanks to Daugherty’s help. “One of my big passions is animal rescue, and the community support behind that has been great,” Daugherty said. “I don’t know how I got this second life as an auctioneer, but I always seem to show up auctioning things.” pete.spitler@thesouthern.com 618-351-5073

five years ago,” Walker said. As she traveled throughout Southern Illinois, she grew to appreciate its unique beauty and the goodness of its people. “Everyone is willing to help,” she said. “In my region of Southern Illinois, volunteerism is high. There are great neighbors, great area leaders. It would be a great place to raise kids.” Even though times are tough for many families, she is encouraged by the many volunteers she works with and the generosity of donations. At this year’s Heart Walk on Oct. 2, more than 1,500 volunteers were out on a chilly day, raising funds and awareness about heart disease. That, she said, was

“the perfect work day.” Walker grew up in Teutopolis, a small town with a population of 1,400. Southern Illinois has all the small-town attributes, but also offers the opportunity to “live large” with plenty of educational and cultural attractions, she said. She laughed as she explained her “four-hour rule,” meaning she wants to live within four hours or less from her parents in Teutopolis. Walker’s husband, Charles, has a story similar to hers. He is from Fairfield and has an auto technology degree from SIUC. He took jobs with auto manufacturers that took him far from home. Then he, too, heard from a former instructor that

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Beth Walker of the American Heart Association speaks at a news conference April 7 in Herrin.

Pepsi MidAmerica in Marion was looking for a director of logistics. He was hired and moved to Johnston City. Charles and Beth met as neighbors, then began to date, always under the watchful eyes of the older women who live nearby. “The whole neighborhood knew when we had dinner,” Beth said with a laugh. The two married Oct. 31, 2009. They love to spend

time exploring the region’s backroads on Charles’ motorcycle. Beth particularly loves the changing colors of autumn. They enjoy sharing activities with visiting family members. “There are so many opportunities to volunteer and enjoy life,” Beth observed. “It’s a beautiful place to live.” linda.rush@thesouthern.com 618-351-5079

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THE SOUTHERN ILLINOISAN THURSDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2010

RACHEL & STUART FISCHOFF

‘A town like this is comfortable ... without being boring.’ BY SCOTT FITZGERALD

Hollywood because of confidentiality contracts. And frankly, she’s not CARBONDALE — Rachel interested. “I’m not interested in and Stuart Fischoff’s fame. I never sought decision to move to anything like it. I preferred Southern Illinois and live being a background here sounds almost too player,” Rachel Fischoff good to be true. They were key players in said. She is originally from Hollywood — Rachel a Cleveland and worked as a script consultant for the stringer for The Cleveland entertainment industry, Plain Dealer. A brash and Stuart as a media reporter she remembers is psychologist who has appeared regularly on CNN Joe Eszterhas, who later settled in Hollywood newscasts for writing scripts like “Basic commentary, such as Instinct,” and the taking live telephone calls notorious “Showgirls.” on the air after the The Fischoffs’ decision Oklahoma City bombing in to move to Southern 1995, and writing Illinois and Carbondale in frequently for Psychology particular outdoes nearly Today. anything a Hollywood They met in Hollywood script writer could Hills and got married in imagine. 1989 at a scene location “Los Angeles and where the classic “Shane,” Hollywood is a tough staring Alan Ladd, was urban climate. The air in filmed. Los Angeles is brown. The Rachel is not permitted to talk about inside stories competitiveness brings out the worst in people. or tell lively anecdotes Around 2000, we made a about some of the key players she worked with in conscious decision to look

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for a university town to live. The Internet made it possible for us to continue our work from anywhere,” Rachel said. Luckily, Carbondale made Rachel Fischoff’s list of university towns to visit. The Fischoffs subscribed to The Southern Illinoisan to learn more about the community. “I’m part of a fading group of readers who still likes to hold the newspaper. The newspaper and even the advertisements offered everything. I had a tremendous view of this town because the paper is all local. I also researched this place endlessly online,” Rachel said. She arrived here in 2003 via Greyhound bus, and that was intentional. Traveling by bus offers a true glimpse of the landscape and people, Rachel said. She got off the bus and began walking the downtown Carbondale streets. She noticed a tremendous amount of diversity as she heard foreign accents and noticed people of many ethnicities. “I walked every inch of the town. Walking is how you understand the town. The people were fantastic,” Rachel said. After her Greyhound journey, Rachel was sold on the area and immediately wanted to

STEVE JAHNKE / THE SOUTHERN

Rachel Fischoff and her husband, Stuart, moved to Carbondale in 2005 after living and working for several years in Hollywood as consultants in the media and entertainment industries.

become a part of it. “A town like this is comfortable and understandable without being boring. There is the stimulus of the university and general pleasures of walking down country roads,” Rachel said. She eventually moved here and lived in a Southern Illinois University Carbondale graduate student housing rental for a year. Stuart joined her and they’ve been here ever since with not a single thought of departing to somewhere

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else. In fact, they are making an investment on improving their residential property south of town. “Crazy was the word voiced most when we told our Hollywood friends about moving here on our own free will. No one believed us. They predicted we would hate it and stay maybe a year. Surprise! We love it!” Rachel said. SIUC provides the cultural milieu the Fischoffs are accustomed to. They love the earthiness of Southern

Illinois and are active with many facets of the community from The Big Muddy Film Festival to belonging on many patron committees of the arts to attending lectures at local churches. They are active in environmental causes, also. “It would take me 10 lifetimes to do everything that I want to do in this area. We came here because we wanted to come here,” Rachel said. scott.fitzgerald@thesouthern.com 618-351-5076

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THE SOUTHERN ILLINOISAN THURSDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2010

KIM & SCOTT MILLER

‘It’s really about a quality of life, that’s really the bottom line’ EDITOR’S NOTE: Last week, in “We Like It Here: Coming Home,” we told the story of Jennifer and Chris Seaman, as well as Kim Miller. Unfortunately, their photos were reversed. We would like to offer our apologies and rerun the stories in their entirety in today’s section.

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 BY STEPHEN RICKERL professor there. THE SOUTHERN The couple lived in Kentucky for 10 years but Having lived most of didn’t feel at home like their adult lives in they did in Southern Southern Illinois and Illinois. moving away for their After a decade away, the careers, Kim and Scott couple decided to walk Miller found themselves in away from the careers they a city that was lacking the built in Kentucky to be quality of life they were back in Southern Illinois. accustomed to in Southern Scott is semi-retired and Illinois. Kim, having given up her Kim Miller came to SIUC tenured position as a as an undergraduate professor, is now an student and stayed until adjunct professor, but said she earned a Ph.D. in she is open to career health education and changes or a full-time health promotion. position. Her husband, Scott, Scott said career-wise came to SIUC in 1969, and the couple gave up a lot,

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 STEPHEN RICKERL / THE SOUTHERN they now enjoy a better sense of connection to the Kim and Scott Miller pose for a portrait at their home in Makanda. The Millers returned to Southern Illinois after living community, people and the outdoors. in Lexington, Ky., where Kim was a university professor. She said they are avid we thought the trade-off but they are happy to be fitness people and enjoy close to friends and family of being in a comfortable taking advantage of all the environment and feeling again. Scott’s children outdoors activities like part of the community, Southern Illinois has to from a previous marriage we were willing to take that offer. live in Southern Illinois leap and let the chips fall and were a factor in the She said one of the where they would with the greatest things about living couple coming back. “There’s trade-offs with work knowing that we’re in Southern Illinois is all everything,” he said. “And both capable and 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

STEPHEN RICKERL / THE SOUTHERN

Jennifer Seaman poses for a portrait at Heartland Regional Medical Center.

JENNIFER & CHRIS SEAMAN

‘I wanted to come back home.’ BY STEPHEN RICKERL

his deployment, they discovered he was from Herrin and his brother was a pharmacist at the VA in After living in several Marion. parts of the United States Jennifer said being so far and overseas, Jennifer and from home and discovering Chris Seaman had the such a close connection opportunity, because of was viewed as a sign. Chris’ career as a “We had thought about pharmacist, to choose coming here, but we kind virtually anywhere to live. of saw that as a sign,” she They chose Southern said. Illinois. “I always knew family Jennifer was born and was important to me, and I raised in West Frankfort wanted to come back and graduated from the University of Illinois with a home. I have two small children; all my family is master’s degree in human from this area. I always resources. She took a job with DuPont and moved to knew that this is eventually where I wanted to end up.” Wilmington, Del. During She said when deciding her time with DuPont, she where to settle after Chris’ also lived in Richmond, obligation in the Air Force Va., and Kansas City, Mo. was completed, they While in Richmond, she met her husband, who was considered St. Louis, in pharmacy school. Chris Kansas City, and the upstate New York area, was in the Air Force, stationed at Whiteman Air where Chris is from, but decided to move back to Force base near Kansas Southern Illinois to be City, Jennifer was able to close to Jennifer’s family. transfer to the area with Jennifer said her husband her job. The couple married was reluctant to move to in Kansas City. Chris was then stationed the Midwest because he in England for three years, was terrified of tornados. The couple moved back and was deployed to Iraq. As they got to talking about to Southern Illinois in the family with the pharmacist first week of May 2009 and was welcomed by the filling in for Chris during

THE SOUTHERN

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super derecho. She said the family has recently built a house in Carterville, with a basement, and enjoys 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. Small-town life is not so bad after all.” stephen.rickerl@thesouthern.com 618-351-5823

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Murphysboro

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THE SOUTHERN ILLINOISAN THURSDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2010