Lake of Egypt Living Fall 2021

LAKE OF EGYPT

LIVING PREMIER LIFEST YLE MAGAZINE FOR THE LAKE OF EGYPT & SHAWNEE NATIONAL FOREST

At home with the Hughes Local Spotlight

Diane Karnes

EXPLORING MERMET LAKE

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FALL 2021

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9/27/21 2:38 PM

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Lake of Egypt Living

[ WHAT’S INSIDE ]

LAKE OF EGYPT

LIVING FALL 2021 EDITOR: Terrance Geese CREATIVE DIRECTOR: Tyler Couty ADVERTISING SALES: Micah Merrill

MERMET LAKE ADVENTURE AWAITS

71

Features 17 Business Spotlight 36 Cover Story 59 Overseeing the Lake

Fall in love with this soup pg. 31

Publisher Letter

9

The Lake Scene

Jennie Baer CONTRIBUTING WRITERS: Patrick Austin Adam Eggertsen Angela Rowe Victoria Sprehe Dixie Terry Dr. Mike Troop Les Winkeler

75 Egyptian Parkway, Creal Springs, IL 62922 (618) 751-4556 • lakeofegyptliving.com Reproduction or use of the contents in this magazine is prohibited. ©2021 Lake of Egypt Living Lake of Egypt Living strives to bring correct, accurate information that is published in the magazine. However, Lake of Egypt Living cannot be held responsible for any consequences resulting from errors or absences. Lake of Egypt Living also cannot be held responsible for the services provided by any and all advertisers in our publications. All material in this magazine is property of Lake of Egypt Living and may not be reproduced without authorization from the publisher. Lake of Egypt Living is published four times per year and is distributed to residents and businesses at the Lake of Egypt and throughout southern Illinois. Interested in back issues, subscriptions or advertising? Contact us at (618) 751-4556.

PLUS 7

PHOTOGRAPHER:

15 Fishin’ Report 25 Spirits 28 Real Estate 31 In the Kitchen 35 Looking Back 55 Pets 65 Design & Decor 69 Upcoming Events 71 Adventure

SUMMER 2021

5

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Lake of Egypt Living

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[ FROM THE PUBLISHER ]

M

any of you might not know the name Diane Karnes, but if you live or play here on the Lake of Egypt,

she has had an influence on your life.

Diane has been an integral part of the Lake of Egypt and SIPC. She has probably looked at the plans for most of our docks here on the lake and along with the board of directors of SIPC she has helped implement many of the rules that help keep our lake safe. Diane is retiring after 21 years on the job and her behindthe-scenes direction will be missed!

Have fun in Florida!

Steve Krakosky was one of those guys

homes that we feature in each issue and

We want to welcome Les Winkeler

that was a friend, he was a friend to the

meeting our amazing neighbors. We

and Dixie Terry to our writing staff. Les,

old and the young, the rich and the poor.

have very accomplished and diverse folks

the long time sports editor and outdoor

I have never seen a man that had more

that live here on our lake, people that

writer for the Southern Illinoisan has won

friends. He shared all that he had with

could live anywhere in the country, but

numerous awards and was inducted to

anyone that was around, and always did it with a smile. His sweet wife, Beth, is

they choose to live here on our lake! n

the Illinois outdoor hall of fame. Dixie, is a long time writer for many area news-

just as kind and loving. Krakosky family,

papers including the Southern Illinoisan

please know you are not mourning alone.

and has covered the Lake of Egypt and

I know each subdivision has a “Steve”

Johnson County for decades. We are

here on the lake, take a moment this

thrilled to have such seasoned writing

month to let them know how much you

professionals along with our Editor, Terry

appreciate them, because you may not

Geese, to continue to make Lake of

get that chance again.

Egypt Living magazine the best quality

As I have reflected on how fleeting

print product in Southern Illinois.

life is, I have had time to ponder how

Here at the Egyptian Hills Subdivision

thankful I am to live on the Lake of Egypt.

we had a tragedy happen this last week,

My favorite part of publishing Lake of

a great friend and neighbor passed away.

Egypt Living is going into the beautiful

Micah Merrill

Lake of Egypt Living, Lake of Egypt Docks, and the Egyptian Hills Resort Family

We want to see you! Share your favorite lake moments by tagging us on Instagram and Facebook or submit them on our website at lakeofegyptliving.com.

instagram facebook #LAKEOFEGYPTLIVING FALL 2021

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Lake of Egypt Living

[ THE LAKE SCENE ]

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FALL 2021

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L ake of Egypt Living

[ THE LAKE SCENE ]

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L ake of Egypt Living

[ THE LAKE SCENE ]

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Lake of Egypt Living

[ FISHIN’ REPORT ]

Not your typical bait shop ADAM EGGERTSEN

W

e are family here. We cherish time spent with one another. We are bringing light into what alot of people see as a dark time.

Between our fishing guides, bar time chats, the beer garden, and our newest addition the container bar, there are plenty of good times and lots of laughs shared.

We have people stop in from near and far. People stopping in just to take a look around, see our beloved pup Butter, grab some live bait or some packaged liquor. Then we are also a place alot of people call a second home. They aren’t just customers to us, we see these people as family.

Between the fish fries, evening hangs and throwing Thursdays we have met so many wonderful people. Because of these wonderful people supporting our small business we were able to expand, adding on our new container bar.

Our container bar is an expansion from our beer garden. We have live music on the weekends throughout the summer months and into fall. Between the karaoke and well known bands from around the area we are sure to have a good time!

We love the lake life so much that we have decided we want to help people enjoy it too!

You can find our Just Add Water lake house on Air B&B. We want everyone to experience the Lake of Egypt the right way and that’s being right on the water!

We are also excited to share a new service offered to the Lake of Egypt community. The Lake of Egypt Boat Yard. Located adjacent to JAW. We will be doing boat storage, winterization, and shrink wrap. The Lake of Egypt boat yard would love for you to come wrap up your season with us!

We couldn’t be the bait store we are today without you all! n FALL 2021

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Lake of Egypt Living

[ BEHIND THE BUSINESS ]

American Shoreline TERRANCE GEESE

T

he business operations of Matt and Mandy Endrizzi have been a bit like the proverbial acorn. From the acorn of a lawnmowing business, a multi-faceted group of operations has grown, one of which has great importance in maintaining the beauty of Lake of Egypt.

“We are not really widespread in what we do. It all revolves around a can do attitude and customer service,” Matt says.

American Shoreline Inc, the portion of the operation you most likely will see at Lake of Egypt, operates only in Illinois, but a sister firm, Endrizzi Contracting Inc operating out of Vienna, offers line clearing operations catering to electrical interests, operating in multiple states – Illinois and Missouri.

Endrizzi Contracting Inc also features a number of other associated services: herbicide application, forestry mowing, and bucket truck work.

The entire operation began to develop back in March 1998, Matt says. With the help of his grandparents, Wayne and Betty Mott, he started a lawnmowing service. With lots of encouragement from his Mom and Dad, Mark and Ginger Endrizzi “We just continued to go up the ladder from there” he says. With lots of encouragement from his Mom and Dad, Mark and Ginger Endrizzi Along with operating a business, Matt headed off to school.

“I went to a couple of years of school in urban forestry and landscaping,” he recalls.

Along the way, Endrizzi started working with a couple of other contractors, including his uncle, Morris Mott. Then a life-changing event happened; Matt met Mandy, who was in school at the time, studying to become a medical physician assistant, a program she completed.

While Mandy saw patients in Vienna, she also had a key role in her partnership with Matt. Now, she no longer practices and the couple are devoted to fulltime work with their companies.

After the couple met, they began focusing on their futures and goals, they recall. A good part of their attention during 2010 and 2011 was directed at landscaping around Lake of Egypt.

“That was when we started to really grow,” Matt says. They were working together toward common goals. During that time frame, Matt and Mandy were married in 2012 and, in 2013, Mandy graduated her PA studies.

While Mandy began work as a PA, attention was not diverted from the business operations the two had worked to develop.

After seeing patients and after completion of that part of her day, Mandy handled the bookkeeping, paying the bills of the business, and payroll. Matt did estimates and worked on growing the enterprises.

By about 2015, the couple had 12 employees. And more growth was ahead.

In the spring of 2016, the couple decided to buy American Shoreline. That purchase gave them a solid footprint and high visibility in Southern Illinois and at Lake of Egypt.

FALL 2021

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Locally Owned Company

618-694-2985

solutions@americanshoreline.com

americanshoreline.com

Shoreline Solutions for Waterfront Properties in Southern Illinois!

• Rip Rap Installation • Weed Removal

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L ake of Egypt Living

• Natural Stone Steps • Beach Installs

[ BEHIND THE BUSINESS ]

American Shoreline was already an existing business at the lake, and the couple decided it would be a good company to acquire to help them in the landscaping division of their holdings.

Growth of their businesses was rapid.

Mandy quips that she is there to keep Matt’s “crazy ideas and wild ambition” in check.

Matt compares Mandy’s input as one who can make sure all is in order.

He compares the way they operate as a team. He suggests an analogy: It is as though he acquired a new jigsaw puzzle and threw away the box and instructions; not even an illustration of the completed puzzle is left. He then takes the pieces home for Mandy to put together.

“When we bought (American Shoreline) we had one barge and a little tug.

We replaced that tug with one that is more robust. And we added a barge, so now we run two,” Matt says.

The firm is ready with a variety of services, including dredging, weed removal and shoreline restoration.

“If there is a terribly eroded shoreline that has been eroding for years, you are literally losing your property. We can come in, resolve that, and permanently prevent further erosion,” Matt says.

The firm has on hand an assortment of colors of rock he says. They also do sand beach installations and American Shoreline hauls for other contractors, delivering materials by water.

“I have every piece that we need to make it work. I just throw it at her and she puts it together. And every day, I put it in a sack and that night, throw it at her again. It keeps getting better and better,” Matt says.

Dreaming up new ways to improve the business did not end with the purchase of American Shoreline.

On occasion, he says, the firm assists

large oak trees are in the water. They

dock companies moving docks and other

have fallen over because the root system

projects.

has eroded.”

The shorelines of Lake of Egypt are

American Shoreline can clean that up

pretty stable, Matt says.

when they are called upon by a landown-

“The big thing is years and years of

er to create needed rip-rap protection

erosion,” he says. “If it goes unattended,

for the property.

MATT AND MANDY ENDRIZZI

you loose a lot of shoreline.

“When we (construct rip-rap protec-

“Some of the jobs we come to, big

tion), we can create a nice walking path,

FALL 2021

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Lake of Egypt Living

[ BEHIND THE BUSINESS ]

enabling them to have a flat surface for walking along the shoreline,” Matt says.

In doing the work of repairing a shoreline, it is important to American Shoreline to not create paths on a lawn or impact the land by compaction of the soil.

“We don’t come in from the land side,” Matt says. “We can do it all from the water.

“A lot of the property around Lake of Egypt is steep, full of old beautiful post oak trees with large rock outcroppings,” he says. Add to that the beauty of many Lake of Egypt homes with manicured and irrigated lawns.

Those elements, all a part of the beauty of Lake of Egypt, are why the company makes every effort not to disturb nature.

“We have a method to take care of problems (from the water) without ever disturbing the landscaping.”

Aside from rip-rap protection and beach construction, working from the water also can involve the most basic of needs, removal of weeds.

“We have built several weed rakes and we can come in, remove the weeds, load them onto the barge, take them to our port, load them into a dump truck and haul them off.

“You can go from a weedy, uninviting waterfront property to a clean and very desirable area,” he says.

Keeping weeds under control also is an activity that needs constant vigilance, he says.

“You have got to keep a handle on that to keep the weeds out. Once we get them removed, they stay gone for a while, especially if homeowners don’t mind pulling some of the little straggler weeds that come in.,” Matt says.

American Shoreline has not restricted itself to Lake of Egypt, Matt says. The firm has worked with the Army Corps of Engineers at Lake Shelbyville, has worked at Lake Kincaid, performed rip-rap and shoreline work for the City of Carbondale at Cedar Lake and the firm is currently doing work for Lake Lou Yaeger at Litchfield.

“We keep Lake of Egypt as our priority, but when we have the opportunity to pick up some work at some of these outlying lakes, we certainly do,” Matt says.

Keeping Lake of Egypt as the priority is as important to the property owners of the lake as it is to the Endrizzi couple because American Shoreline is the lake’s only barge-oriented service.

Operating barges and tugs on a lake requires some extra caution and, in keeping with the overriding safety goals of Southern Illinois Power Cooperative, owners of the lake, American Shoreline works at operating safely.

“First and foremost, we don’t work the weekends,” Matt says.

“Unless there is an emergency job that needs to happen ––– which is very rare ––– we won’t go out.

“Our boat is pretty big; almost 100 feet, tug and barge comFALL 2021

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Lake of Egypt Living

[ BEHIND THE BUSINESS ]

bined,” he says.

The barge is easily seen when traveling to a destination as it is painted a brilliant yellow. The excavator atop the barge is painted bright white and orange.

The operation works to avoid the heavy boat traffic times by running barge operations Monday through Thursday, with an occasional Friday. They never operate at night.

When they work on a Friday, the operating time starts very early and wraps up before noon to avoid the influx of weekend pleasure craft boaters, Matt says.

Matt and Mandy say they see a great future for Lake of Egypt and American Shoreline. The lake has been changing in recent years, gaining in recognition and popularity.

“It is popular for many reasons,” Matt observes. “It is probably the most affordable property in the quad-state region and the resources it offers are really unmatched in comparison to other lakes. When you are driving from Chicago, there is really little waterfront property available. At Lake of Egypt you can still buy waterfront property at from $40,000 to $80,000 at some of the subdivisions and build a home. You really get a lot for your money down here.”

Contributing to a bright future, Matt says, are some of the Lake of Egypt marinas promoting the lake with food, music venues and weekend events almost every weekend.

“It is really just a good spot to live,” he says.

The future also looks bright for American Shoreline.

“I think we have a lot of shoreline that needs to come to us for remediation and repair,” he says. “I don’t see a slowdown in

the need.”

The lake has about 30 houses under construction in mid-October and that bodes well for the company.

In recent years, American Shoreline has been operating from its own port on the lake.

A new road was built to their location, where they maintain a loading facility and a yard to keep on hand a stock of rip-rap and other materials needed to maintain a shoreline.

While Lake of Egypt dominates a good chunk of their lives, the Endrizzi couple don’t see the lake as a place for their personal recreation. When they do have time to themselves, which is not often, you will find them reading good books and enjoying the company of the other.

That little lawnmowing business started by Matt now employs about 100 people, with four working at American Shoreline. Two key team players are responsible for the day-to-day operations, Brennan Street and Chris Hasler. Brennan a local resident from Harrisburg came on board this year as head manager and estimator. Chris Hasler a local Lake of Egypt resident has been a part of the company before it’s purchase by Matt and Mandy and knows it by heart.

The couple is thankful for these dedicated workers. They say continued success of American Shoreline will not be possible without these dedicated primary team members. We appreciate the continued customer support and look forward to serving the LOE residents for many more years to come! n FALL 2021

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L ake of Egypt Living

[ SPIRITS ]

Oktoberfest PATRICK AUSTIN

S

ince the official Oktoberfest in Munich has been cancelled, we should prepare to celebrate here at home. When someone mentions Oktoberfest, images of long wooden tables with thousands of drunken partyers drinking from enormous beer steins come to mind. Pigtailed waitresses wearing checkered dresses and carrying trays of beers is a common scene. Hours and days of continual beer drinking originated from a marriage in 1810. That is right; Oktoberfest was created for a marriage of a prince and princess in 1810. The celebration was a five-day long festival held at the gate to Munich. Present-day Oktoberfest is the largest folk festival in the world. The current festival will run for 16 glorious days of great beer and food. Records show that the largest Oktoberfest was in 1999 with 6.5 million people who visited that party.

The food at the festival is as traditional as the list of beers.

There is more than sausages and pretzels served daily. One of the all-time favorites is a roasted chicken named Brathendl, there will be approximately 510,000 sold during the 16-day event. Another crowd favorite is potato pancakes served with applesauce. However, really, you cannot have Oktoberfest without Brezen. These large and soft German-style pretzels have probably helped more than one person get through the night!

We should not leave out the Wurstl or sausage. A Bavarian delicacy made from ground veal or pork stuffed into a natural casing then boiled or grilled to perfection.

Not all German beers are for Oktoberfest, the style of beer is known as a Marzen. To have your beer poured at Oktoberfest, you have to meet two requirements. The first one is that you must conform to Reinheitsgebot, which is the series of regulations that limits the ingredients in your beer. The second one is that your beer must be brewed in the city of Munich. Currently, there are only six breweries that meet all of the qualifications to have their beers at Oktoberfest.

• Augustiner-Brau • Hacker-Pschorr-Brau • Lowenbrau • Paulaner • Spatenbrau • Staatliches Hofbrau-Munchen

to a couple of these beers. If you would like to try an authentic Oktoberfest beer, please come in and well will help you prepare for your own Oktoberfest celebration.

Many companies brew beers to recognize the Oktoberfest season. We have a number of these in our coolers and on our shelves. They are always highly anticipated among beer fans.

Some of the more common brands are as follows:

• Sam Adams Oktoberfest • Leinenkugel’s Oktoberfest • Schlafly Oktoberfest • Revolution Oktoberfest

There are four or five beers that I have not mentioned, which you may find on the shelf at one of our stores. The unfortunate thing with Oktoberfest beer is that breweries will be pushing winter beers by the time this article goes to print. The demand to move on to the next big seasonal beer seems to have all of us drinking our beer a season ahead of time! It will be spring beer in winter, summer beer in spring, and Oktoberfest at the end of summer. The next time you are in one of our stores, pick up an Oktoberfest beer, how could so many festival goers be wrong! n

Here at the Speakeasy and Lucky’s, we do carry or have access

FALL 2021

25

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Lake of Egypt Living

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HOMES & LOTS FOR SALE HOMES $977,000 3bd 3 ba 2,448 sqft.........................................................................................................................435 Crews Canyon Ln, Goreville $925,000 3bd 3ba 3,344 sqft....................................................................................................................................... 250 Cherry Pt, Goreville $699,000 3 bd 4 ba 3,328 sqft........................................................................................................................ 1065 Lake Shore Dr S, Goreville $650,000 5 bd 2 ba 2,719 sqft.............................................................................................................................. 95 Nottingham Loop, Ozark $648,500 3 bd 2 ba 1,711 sqft........................................................................................................................... 10 Campers Ln, Creal Springs $599,900 5bd 4ba 3,180 sqft............................................................................................................................ 381 Lake Shore Dr S, Goreville $528,000 3bd 3ba 2,434 sqft............................................................................................................. 13491 S Egypt Shores Dr, Creal Springs $494,900 3bd 4ba 2,630 sqft.......................................................................................................................... 1055 Lake Shore Dr S, Goreville $482,000 3bd 2ba 2,500 sqft..................................................................................................................................... 11606 Trevino Ln, Marion $399,000 3bd 2ba 2,640 sqft...................................................................................................................................185 Faith Dr, Creal Springs $389,900 4 bd 4 ba 3,100 sqft.......................................................................................................................... 12576 N Shoreland Dr, Marion $199,900 3bd 3ba 2,000 sqft.......................................................................................................................... 2765 Lake Shore Dr S, Goreville $149,800 4bd 4ba 2,096 sqft...............................................................................................................................670 Marina Cir, Creal Springs LOTS / LAND $183,600 12.24 Acres..........................................................................................................................................................0 Adams Ct, Marion $74,900 .86 Acres..........................................................................................................................................0 Egypt Shores Rd, Creal Springs $65,000 2.35 Acres............................................................................................................................................... 110 & 111 Deer Ln, Goreville $58,000 .31 Acres............................................................................................................................... Lot 112 Egyptian Hills Dr, Creal Springs $55,000 1.01 Acres.................................................................................................................................................... 0 Clifty Ln #332, Goreville $49,900 1.33 Acres..................................................................................................................................................LOT 33 Raven Ln, Goreville $45,900 1.03 Acres................................................................................................................................................... Lot 108 Deer Ln, Goreville $38,700 .38 Acres......................................................................................................................................................Lot 75 Aluki Bay, Goreville $35,000 2.2 Acres................................................................................................................................................ 360-440 Saluki Way, Goreville $25,000..................................................................................................................................................................LOT 48 Bermuda Dr, Marion $25,000..................................................................................................................................................................LOT 47 Bermuda Dr, Marion $19,900 1.4 Acres......................................................................................................................................... Lot 395 Eagle Ridge Ln, Goreville $19,900 1.03 Acres....................................................................................................................................... Lot 397 Eagle Ridge Ln, Goreville $19,900................................................................................................................................................................... 0 Indian Creek Dr, Goreville

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L ake of Egypt Living

ON THE LAKE OF EGYPT

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IMPORTANT NOTICE:

LAKE OF EGYPT

LIVING

Kitchens should be designed around what’s truly important... fun, food, and life.

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There is beauty in simplicity.

An informed community is part of what makes a great community. Since the beginning, we’ve believed that this magazine should be given freely to the residents of the Lake of Egypt.

Over time, many lake residents have asked that their magazine be mailed directly to them. We would like to fulfill that request, but the only way for us to accomplish this is to mail them all.

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L ake of Egypt Living

1804 Clark St., Carterville•618.985.3684 cartervillewinsupply.com

[ IN THE KITCHEN ]

Soup for the soul VICTORIA SPREHE

Well, it’s not chicken soup but believe me once you have had this bisque you will totally agree with me...it’s good for the soul. This is a beautiful bisque, rich with flavor that screams fall to me. You can serve it as a shooter for parties (make croutons smaller, of course), serve it as the soup course before a meal or serve it with a colorful fall salad as an entree. However you decide to serve it, it will be a hit...promise!

Roasted Red Pepper Bisque Makes 1 Quart Ingredients 4 ounces roasted red peppers, peeled and seeded 2 ounces yellow onions, large dice 1 ounce celery, large dice 1 ounce leeks, sliced and rinsed thoroughly ½ Tablespoon garlic, chopped 1 1/2 Tablespoons tomato paste 3 cups chicken stock 1 Tablespoon thyme 1/2 cup heavy cream ½ Tablespoon clarified butter ½ ounce chevre cheese 1/8 lb. roux salt and white or black pepper one TINY pinch of cayenne (bumps the flavor just a tad) Directions In a large pot, heat clarified butter and sweat celery, onion, leeks, and garlic until tender. Add roasted red peppers and to-

mato paste. Cook briefly then add roux and cook until roux is softened and hot. Add chicken stock and mix well to avoid lumps. Continue to stir until soup comes to a boil.

Reduce to a simmer and let simmer until roasted red peppers begin to break down.

Add heavy cream and crumbled chevre cheese and bring to a boil again. Place soup in a food processor and puree until smooth. Adjust seasoning with salt and white pepper and cayenne, if you choose. Strain soup through a china cap.

Drizzle a little heavy cream on the top, sprinkle with extra thyme or parsley and place two or three Garlic Parmesan Croutons in the middle of the bowl before serving.

Note: As a time saver you can use canned roasted red peppers but believe me canned peppers do not give you the same intense flavor that you get when you roast your own.

I always encourage cooks to tweak the flavor to their liking. Sometimes I add a bit

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[ IN THE KITCHEN ]

more chevre for a little tangier flavor, sometimes I add a bit more tomato paste or a bit more cream just to shake it up. Perhaps you might like a little more cayenne.

There is no right or wrong only what makes your taste buds happy.

How to Roast Red Peppers - Easy Peasy Preheat the oven to 450 degrees. Cut peppers in half lengthwise. Remove stem and seeds and lay the peppers, skin side up, on a baking sheet that has been lined with parchment paper. Put into the oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the skin starts to darken and blister. Remove from the oven and immediately place the peppers in a zippered bag or a bowl covered with saran and allow to completely cool. Once cooled, remove the skins from the peppers. Viola!

How to Make a Roux A roux is simply a mixture of flour and fat that is used to thicken sauces and/or soups. Depending on the dish and what flavor you are trying to achieve you can make a white, blonde or brown roux.

You will need equal parts butter (I prefer clarified butter.) and flour (I prefer to weigh my flour and butter vs. measuring.) The amount of each ingredient depends on the amount of roux the recipe calls for. Melt the butter and slowly whisk in the flour, cooking for at least 1 minute to eliminate the taste of the flour.

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Garlic Parmesan Croutons Makes enough for 4 people Ingredients 8 ¾” slices sourdough bread ½ stick of butter ¼ cup olive oil 2 T garlic powder 2T grated parmesan cheese Directions Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Cut the bread slices into large cubes. Melt butter and mix in olive oil, garlic powder and parmesan. Add butter mixture and bread cubes to a zipper bag. Shake until coated. Place a rack on a cookie sheet and spread croutons on top of the rack. Bake until golden brown. Stir occasionally while baking.

“Soup is the song of the hearth... and the home.”

- LOUIS PULLIG DE GOUY

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L ake of Egypt Living

September 1986 [ LOOKING BACK ]

DIXIE TERRY

T

he new view from my kitchen window is spectacular. We finally moved in our new home on Lake of Egypt on May 21 and are enjoying the changing panorama in our Garden of Eden.

We have a variety of birds and ducks that are constantly flitting in view of our lakeside windows, including woodpeckers, blue jays, robins and a whole list of unknown species.

The squirrels and chipmunks, as well as an occasional rabbit, provide entertainment by the hour.

The trees, mostly hickory and oak, plus several cedars, a maple, three dogwoods, a red bud and a tulip poplar provide not only shade, but are also nice to look at.

Now, before anyone becomes envious, let me point out all is not perfect in this paradise.

For instance, the squirrels and chipmunks love to hide their abundance of acorns and hickory nuts from the aforementioned trees in my potted plants on the deck and front porch. Then, they return to dig them up for a midnight snack. So, each morning I reluctantly re-pot my plants.

Also the cute little squirrels and chipmunks do not eat a steady diet of nuts. They also like my poinsettia on the front porch, as well as the zinnias, chrysanthemums and coleus in my flower beds.

And, that little bunny loves geraniums; my, how he loves geraniums!

That beautiful pair of blue jays are constantly bickering and fighting in the tree limbs just over the deck and their noise drowns out all efforts at conversation.

My clothesline runs between two hickory trees and I won’t go into detail about what the birds do to the sheets and towels.

Although the woodpeckers are gorgeous, with their red, white and black feathers, they are destructive. They not only peck on trees, searching for insects, they also like cedar houses.

Our next door neighbor, to the north, just spent several hundred dollars repairing her woodpecked house.

Ducks are attractive in the water, but not in the garage where my husband found a couple on moving day. It seems they had used the garage for a bathroom and my husband stepped in the proof. My usually good-natured husband turned into a screaming maniac chasing the ducks down to the lake. What a first

impression to make on our neighbors!

And, those beautiful tall trees which are at least 200 years old, are constantly dropping dead limbs and leaves. I can hardly wait until fall, when the hickory nuts and acorns start rolling down the roof and plunking in the gutters.

Oh yes, the gutters are always clogged with the falling debris.

And, then there’s the sloping lot that attracted us to this area. Our lawn mower that did so well on our level lawn in town wouldn’t climb the terrain, so a new, bigger and hopefully better, and also more expensive one, was necessary.

Living in the woods also creates an environment that welcomes all kinds of flying and crawling insects, that zoom into the house at every opportunity. Most of them I can’t identify, but anything that crawls or flies is unwelcome. And then, there’s the cobwebs, always lots of cobwebs.

Living on the lake is like an open invitation to everyone you ever knew or didn’t know, to drop in to fish, swim or boat ride.

Our grown-up children bring their grown-up friends and their friends’ friends and suddenly I am running a resort.

Of course we have to feed all these drop-ins, so I have spent my summer, not reading or writing or swimming, but cooking, washing dishes, changing bed clothes and keeping everyone in swimming towels. Dixie’s Bed and Breakfast, plus lunch and dinner, and I don’t even get a tip, except for an occasional “Thanks, Mom!” Speaking of cooking, and it seems I always am, I was the recipient of an old, old cookbook, The Journal of Agriculture Cookbook, given to me by Donald Kelley, my husband’s uncle from Geff. The cookbook was printed in 1894 and was given to my husband’s grandmother, Zula Burklow Kelley, by her husband, Benjamin Franklin Kelley, when they were first married.

Thumbing through, I found recipes for Rabbit Crust Pot Pie, Rabbit Stew, Stewed Squirrel with Dumplings, Squirrel Pie, Stewed Duck, and others that might serve two purposes: getting rid of the critters and feeding the crowds. n

Dixie Terry and her late husband lived at Crestwood Estates on the Lake of Egypt from 1986 to 2000. During that time, she kept a journal of her experiences at the lake and a collection newspaper articles. Follow along as Dixie takes you back in time to explore the history of the lake.

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Th

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Lake of Egypt Living

STORY: TERRANCE GEESE PHOTOS: JENNIE BAER

he Hughes S

ome 15 or so years ago Larry Hughes, of the Danville area, moved south to the area of Illinois known as “Egypt.” He was followed by a migration of members of the family moving to or vacationing in Southern Illinois. Among those who fell in love with the rural area and friendly people were Dwayne and Shannon Hughes.

Larry, Uncle Larry to many in the family, built a small home on Lake of Egypt.

The fishing was good, and that was a big attraction to Dwayne, who is an avid fisherman.

“My family just loves fishing,” Dwayne says, speaking from his suburban Chicago residence. “So, we started coming down there. We started renting from Micah (Merrill of Egyptian Hills Resort.) We would take our family down there once a year for a week for a fishing trip, and would just hang out there (at Egyptian Hills.)

“Then, my in-laws moved down there and my wife’s sisters went to Southern Illinois University. We’ve got family on both sides in the area.”

While staying at Egyptian Hills Resort was a pleasure to the Hughes family, an event happened that changed their course.

The Peninsula opened up.

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“We bought a lot, and sat on it for about five years,” Dwayne says.

Uncle Larry found the lot, he says. “Then, it took us about seven years to get the project done,” he recalls. Now, “we’ve got our home done and our family comes down there to visit us. We just love it down there.”

Actually, the home is not on the lot the Hughes couple originally planned to buy. Shannon recalls, “Uncle Larry went and looked at it and said, ‘Nope; not good for fishing.’ And so he found us a different lot, the lot we built on. He said, ‘This is the best lot for crappie fishing.’ And he was right.”

Unfortunately, Uncle Larry did not live to see the home completed. With his death, the couple added one more detail to the original plan. There is a memorial to Uncle Larry in front of the home.

Why seven years of planning and construction? Shannon explains, “We knew this was going to be our retirement home, so we really took our time with it and did it right,” she says.

Dwayne refers to the building of the home as a project, and he means a large project; not the normal home you would find in Southern Illinois. “We’ve got three children, and my wife said, ‘I want a big ranch. It’s got to be big enough for the whole family to come and stay with us.’”

The logistics for such a construction site might be difficult for a normal homebuilder to conquer. For Dwayne, it was just

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L ake of Egypt Living

another day at the office as he is a project manager. For a number of years, he has been a high-level executive accustomed to the handling many complicated projects. He was the executive vice president for operations at a large, multi-national bakery operation until its sale in 2018. He ran all of the bakeries, including 25 manufacturing plants across the United States and Europe, where there were four. He left the firm in 2019. Among the cookie and cracker products the company produced, the best known is probably the Oreo cookie. They baked about 25 million pounds of Oreos a year for Nabisco.

The house project proceeded in a manner much like an industrial project. In keeping with Hughes’ professional tradition, the project ahead needed a name.

“I called It Rancho Grande,” he says. “The project was to build my wife a big ranch home.”

What resulted was a five-bedroom, five-bathroom home with a walk-out basement with the home built on an open floor plan.

“We tried to make the house big and family friendly for our children and grandchildren,” Hughes says. “It is a custom home as we designed it ourselves. I designed the layout with an architect, and then my wife picked out all the colors of every single space. We, basically, have our personality in it.”

That chunk of personality includes a fixture in the master bath

not often seen in a bathroom. “I have a copper tub,” Shannon says.

It is 100 percent copper.

“It is kind of like a cow trough,” she says. “I put that in because we went with a gold theme. I absolutely love it. And we get a lot of compliments on that tub,” she says.

After completion, the home has met the goal of being comfortable for the entire extended family. The Hughes have never been at the lake house without family, one time with 20 people.

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It remained comfortable.

The couple is so pleased with the outcome of the project, and the skilled workmanship of their home builder, Larry Olsen, they have purchased three adjoining lots. “We are trying to talk our family into coming down and building next to us,” Shannon says.

“When you first walk in, you can see the lake from the front door, with windows all the way to the back. We wanted to focus on the lake,” Hughes says.

Shannon and Dwayne love the look of the lake, and they wanted to share the morning view with all their guests.

“Every bedroom has a view of the lake,” Dwayne Hughes says. “We designed the house to sit sort of cornerwise on the lot, so every person will wake up in the morning and see the lake.”

A unique aspect of building a home for the Hughes family is the height of the rooms. Dwayne says the family is a family of tall people, so each room has a ceiling at least 11 feet high. In the center gathering room, the height reaches 18 feet, he says.

Shannon handled design details of the interior. Of note is the lighting, which was all special order from a Chicago lighting gallery. “There is a lot of special lighting inside the house,” Dwayne Hughes says.

Shannon Hughes says she was picky about the outside appearance of the new home. She imported a window style

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idea that had gained popularity in the Chicago area –– black windows.

“When we ordered them down there, it was something they had never seen before. Now, we are seeing them more and more,” she says.

With black window frames, she wanted a light color for the exterior siding. The couple selected a light tan.

“I think it all blended in very well,” she says.

“The inside theme was a little tricky,” she says. “My husband was leaning toward the country style. Being near the water and woods, I wanted to mix in a little bit of that, and mix in contemporary.

“Our house in Chicago has a contemporary look, and I tried to blend that in with the lighting. I tried to go fancy with the lighting, then a little bit of country mixed in with the modern,” she says.

While the lighting came from Chicago, everything else about the new home came from Southern Illinois, and the couple worked to purchase from local merchants, not chain stores.

Their ideas did come from the wares of a chain outfit, then they would locate a local supplier of the item.

“Shannon and I would spend hours in Menard’s every Sunday, just picking out different types of material, and then we would

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provide the information to our builder. If he could find it from a local vendor, he would purchase it. Otherwise, he would purchase it from Menard’s,” Dwayne says.

“Our countertops, our floors all the wood and working materials all came from local vendors. Our cabinetry all was done by Amish workmen locally,” Dwayne says.

The house includes a very large dining area, and that can be extended to a very large table just off the balcony.

“We have, basically, two giant table areas for people,” he says.

“The family gathering area in the main part of the house, the kitchen and dining room are all open as one area. We have big sliding glass doors to the balconies so we can make one big, expansive area to accommodate 20 people,” Dwayne says.

The home is a gathering spot for the extended family, Shannon says. The couple’s northern home is about five driving hours away. Dwayne’s parents and brothers and sisters are in the Danville area, about three and a half hours away. Shannon’s sister is in Chesterfield, Mo., about two hours away.

Of utmost importance to the couple are four regular visitors to the lake house, the grandchildren. “We have four wonderful grandchildren, two in Chicago and two in Monmouth,” Dwayne says. “We are going to celebrate Christmas down there Fresh with them,” he says.

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Shannon says. “We built (the lake house) because we moved to Chicago years ago and kind-of pulled away. We were so busy with work and everything, we didn’t get to see family,” Shannon says. Looking ahead at a time when they would want to retire, they began to think about where they would build a lake house.

We love it down there; people are so nice. There is not near the numbers of people and traffic as up here. We just love it down there,” she says.

Shannon proclaims Dwayne is a “boat fiend,” so there is plenty to do when the family arrives. They have built a lodge next to their dock and they have three boats and two jet skis.

“We have quite the boating entertainment for everyone who desires,” Dwayne says.

Shannon’s parents, who live at Tunnel Hill, make use of the lodge where they can sit underneath it and watch the family on the water at play.

The boating flotilla includes a bass boat, a necessity for Dwayne with his passion for fishing.

“The fishing is so awesome on Lake of Egypt –– crappie fishing and bass fishing. If I am down there, you will probably see me on my dock or in my boat fishing,” Dwayne says. “My favorite place in the world is on my dock,” he says.

For Shannon, a favorite spot is the back porch where she can watch Dwayne enjoying the dock. n

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Lake of Egypt Living

[ PETS ]

Keeping your pets safe at the holidays DR. MIKE TROOP

that can be harmful include raisins, grapes, and yeast dough.

T

he changing of the leaves and the cool nights means that fall has arrived. This is my favorite time of the year in southern Illinois because of the beauty that surrounds us. Fall also means that the holiday season is fast approaching and there are certain precautions to take to keep your pets safe and healthy. Nothing can spoil the holiday cheer like a visit to the veterinary emergency clinic. The main topics we are going to cover are holiday food, decorations, plants, and your pets environment.

Holiday food. Keep people food away from pets. If you want to share holiday treats with your pets, make or buy treats formulated just for them. The following people foods are especially hazardous for pets: Chocolate. Chocolate is an important part of the holidays but it is very toxic to pets. The toxicity depends on the type of chocolate, the size of your pet, and how much they consume. The darker the chocolate the more toxic it is with Baker’s Chocolate being the worst. Other sweets can be harmful to your pets, especially those including xylitol, an artificial sweetener.

Seasonal Plants and Decorations.

Greenery, Christmas lights, and holiday plants can make the season festive, but they can also be very harmful to your pets. Hazardous holiday plants include the following.

Holly. Ingestion is most commonly associated with signs such as digestive upset and nervous system depression. Holly has some of the same toxic components as chocolate (caffeine, theobromine).

Mistletoe. Can produce quite severe irritation of the digestive tract, as well as whole body symptoms including low heart rate and temperature, difficulty breathing, unsteadiness, excess thirst, and sometimes seizures, coma, and even death.

Poinsettia. Ingestion of leaves generally causes mild to moderate digestive upsets. Excess saliva, vomiting, and diarrhea may also result.

Lillies. Many varieties can cause kidney failure in cats if ingested.

chewing on all types of cords. During the holidays, there are all kinds of wires and cords connecting lights, garland, and other decorations. I have seen several cases of pets with severe mouth burns from chewing into the electric cords going to Christmas lights.

That Holiday Glow. Don’t leave your pet alone in the room with lit candles, a decorated tree or electric wax burners.

Pets may burn themselves or cause a fire if they knock candles over. Be sure to use appropriate candle holders, placed on a stable surface. And if you leave the room, put the candle out! One of the worst burns I have seen in 34 years of practice was a cat that pulled on the cord going to a wax burner and the hot wax spilled on his back. He survived but required several surgeries for the skin to heal.

Provide a safe environment. Provide a safe place for your pet to escape the excitement (such as a kennel, crate, perching place, scratching post shelf or hiding place) if you’re entertaining guests. If your pet is excitable or scared, consider putting your pet in another room with

Christmas Trees. Securely anchor your Christmas tree so it doesn’t tip and fall, causing possible injury to your pet. The water that is used in the base of real Christmas trees can also contain harmful chemicals if ingested.

Meats. Meats can be toxic to pets, especially those high in fat. Ham is a common item to serve at holiday meals but can be very harmful to dogs and cats. Any pork product, including the gravy, can cause a severe gastrointestinal condition in pets called pancreatitis. Ingestion of chicken and turkey bones are a common cause of pet emergency visits.

Christmas tinsel and ribbon. Kitties love this sparkly, light-catching “toy” that’s easy to bat around and carry in their mouths. But a nibble can lead to a swallow, which can lead to an obstructed digestive tract, severe vomiting, dehydration and possible surgery. I once had a feline patient that ingested a piece of ribbon used to make Christmas ornaments that was over 2 feet long.

Other foods. Common at the holidays

Christmas lights. Unfortunately pets love

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[ PETS ]

some toys and a comfortable bed. If your pet is particularly upset by houseguests, talk to your veterinarian about possible solutions to this common problem. There are some very safe medications that can be used to calm an anxious pet.

Identification tags and microchips. Due to the hustle and bustle of the holidays and the interruption of your pets’ normal routine, this is a common time when pets escape or get loose and get lost. For this reason, make sure your pets has proper identification and is microchipped. At Troop Veterinary Service, we have had several of our patients found due to the presence of a microchip and have also aided owner’s finding a lost pet.

Beyond

Veterinary Care We look forward to helping your best friend feel their best.

New Year’s Noise. New Year’s Eve noisemakers can terrify pets and cause possible damage to sensitive ears. Many pets are scared of loud noises and should be protected in a secure environment as New Year’s Eve approaches.

The holidays are a special time to enjoy family, friends, and your pets. By being aware of the possible hazards that are present during the holidays, you can keep your dogs and cats safe and have a joyful holiday season. n

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fax: 618.942.2022 • email: cabinets@asakitchens.com

Piano Tuning & Sales

618.942.5115

baldwinofherrin.com

2002 East Main St., Marion, IL P: (800) 286-1411 • F: (618) 997-2526 58

Lake of Egypt Living

1300 E MAIN ST | MARION, IL (618) 767-5341

[ LOCAL SPOTLIGHT ]

W

hen Diane Karnes began working with Southern Illinois Power Cooperative, with part of her duties being overseeing the Cooperative’s interests at Lake of Egypt, she already was familiar with the

lake.

Karnes, who is retiring from her position as Manager of Human Resources after 21 years on the job, has been a 23-year resident at the lake.

Overseeing the lake, while not her primary duty with the Co-

operative, is an important one.

Her lake role is somewhat of a liaison between the SIPC board and the subdivisions, businesses and residents at the lake.

While Lake of Egypt has seen great residential development and has heavy use by pleasure craft enthusiasts, those are not the reason for the lake. The lake, some 2,300 acres with 93 miles of shoreline, was developed by SIPC for cooling water for the power plant.

Through wise decisions of the SIPC board and with Karnes’ diligent oversight, the lake is destined to be a lasting heritage of the Cooperative.

The Cooperative owns the lake and the shoreline up to the 505 elevation and in some instances up to the 510 elevation.

Waterfront landowners are required to execute and annual agreement with SIPC for use of the Cooperative’s land.

Back 21 years ago, when Karnes began her lake role, development was relatively sparse. She recalls Pyramid Acres Marina was operating, Egyptian Hills was in existence, but not to the extent it is now.

“That’s really all that there was at that time,” she recalls. “(Lake of Egypt) was really a little hidden gem. Lake of Egypt saw growth, but not rapid growth. Then, several years ago, Southern Illinois Power sold a large piece of land, now known as the Peninsula area. That, Karnes says, kicked off rapid development and lots of construction of new homes.

“A lot of new people and businesses were coming to the area,” she says.

Development of Lake of Egypt is not without direction.

“The board of directors of SIPC has an active role in all decisions. ,” Karnes says. “If there is a boat dock application and I recommend approval, all of that has to be funneled through the board for their formal approval.

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L ake of Egypt Living

[ LOCAL SPOTLIGHT ]

“Any sale of land; any boating rules and regulations; everything is taken to the board of directors,” she says.

The direction of development has been pleasing to Karnes. “I really like it because we have so many people not only from this area but people who come here from northern Illinois and from different states who have purchased homes here or just come here for the weekend and enjoy the lake.

“It is a great recreational lake and a great fishing lake. That’s been wonderful, to see more and more people finding out about our lake, and enjoying it with their families.”

The lake is very popular with fishermen. Karnes notes there are a lot of fishing tournaments bringing people to the lake.

Also, area high school fishing teams make use of the lake.

While she is not a fisherman, Karnes says the first time she was on the waters of Lake of Egypt was because of fishing.

“My dad was a big fisherman and he brought me to the lake when I was a little girl,” she recalls. “That is my first memory of this lake.”

“Safety has always been a concern of ours,” she says.

“We have a very safe lake. The Lake Patrol does a wonderful job and we also have the Department of Natural Resources spending a fair amount of time on the lake, ensuring that boating is being done safely.” Safety is our top priority and we are dedicated to keeping an emphasis on keeping boaters safe.

From time to time we evaluate our rules and regulations and

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Lake of Egypt Living

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[ LOCAL SPOTLIGHT ]

update those as needed.

“In years past, jet skis were limited in where they could operate. We did change that rule to where you could jet ski all over the lake. That was one of our biggest rule changes.”

Karnes said the change, removing a rule that limited the area to the ski zone, was because it was believed not congregating jet skis in one area would be an improved safety factor.

“That (rule change) has seemed to help with congestion,” she says.

While Karnes’ lake duties are important, her primary job as Manager of Human Resources is a demanding one, however she has loved every minute of it and will miss her co-workers and the interaction she has with all employees at SIPC. Now, after an enjoyable 21 years of duties with the Cooperative, she is looking forward to retirement. Karnes and her husband recently sold their Lake of Egypt home in preparation for the retirement and a move to Florida.

Karnes looks forward to continuing to be on the water, but she and her husband will be boating on a larger lake, the Gulf of Mexico. n

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NEW HOMES, KITC HEN & BATH REMODELS

PRESIDENT/OWNER

Z A C H H AW K o 618.435.7840 c 618.751.7175 zach@zshawk.com

64

L ake of Egypt Living

[ DESIGN & DECOR ]

Windows don’t have to be a “pane”!

ANGELA ROWE, DDCD

I

f you’re like many of my clients, choosing the right window treatment is a confusing process. Trying to decide between the type of window treatment that

Does your room thirst for the natural

panels. This classic and elegant design

light the window provides? Does the

can be transformed from very formal to

window allow too much sunlight that will

casual chic by fabric selection and design

damage floors and furniture? Would you

details.

would work best for you, your home, and

prefer to disguise a not-so-lovely view?

Here’s another creative design “rule”

Do your windows seem too small for

for a different window challenge. Let’s

your windows, plus finding just the right

the size of your room? Do you have an

say you are dealing with extremely nar-

fabric, is sometimes enough to make you

arch or shaped window? Because there

row windows and your desire is to give

feel like having the entire window just

are so many design options available to

them more prominence in your room. By

walled off!

creatively solve any window challenge,

hanging window treatments beyond the

It can be a daunting task to choose

it’s important you consider function first.

actual frame of the window, these same

the right window treatment. However,

Take, for example this window sce-

“thin” windows will take on a “larger”

here are a few guidelines to help you get

nario…your window opens to a lovely

presence in your room. Conversely, if

started. First and foremost, you must de-

view and you have absolutely no privacy

you’re dealing with shorter windows,

cide what you want your window to do.

constraints. The rule in this case is to

a window treatment hung from floor

Once you’ve conquered that decision,

frame the view or draw the eye to the

to ceiling will add the height the room

half the battle is over! Ask yourself a few

window as the focal point to enhance the

needs.

questions. Does your window provide

view. One design idea for this scenario is

For windows with too much sun or a

a lovely view that you wish to enhance?

framing the window with stationary side

not-so-lovely view, you might consider

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Adam B. Lawler

David W. Lawler

Nick Brown

Attorney at Law / Partner

Attorney at Law / Partner

Attorney at Law / Partner

Evan Taylor

Andrew T. Flynn

Zac Walston

Attorney at Law

Attorney at Law

Attorney at Law

Serving all of Southern Illinois 1600 W. Main, Marion, IL

www.lblf.com

618.993.2222

Deloufleur Décor & Designs HOME FURNISHINGS 1208 Donna Dr., Carterville, IL Tues-Sat 9/5 618.927.3355

66

L ake of Egypt Living

[ DESIGN & DECOR ]

shutters or sheers. Shutters are like a piece of furniture built for your window and certainly enhance the value of the home. They

CUSTOM WINDOW TREATMENTS | FURNITURE | LIGHTING | FLOOR COVERINGS | ACCESSORIES

are available in vinyl, hybrid, and true wood. Sheers have come a long way from the basic voile and batiste. Even blinds have entered the sheer business with shades like the Hunter Douglas Silhouette® or Luminette®.

For privacy and light control one of the most popular options today is a fabric or woven wood Roman shade. These are now made cordless and the design possibilities are almost endless.

For windows with an arch, transom, or eyebrow shape, there are solutions. These as well as bays, bows, and 2-story windows

Rethinking Your Interior?

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

ANGELA ROWE, DDCD

should be left to a design professional. Projections, heights, and angles can really be a nuisance and can be the cause of costly errors if not treated properly.

All in all, there are a myriad of design choices available to solve even the toughest of window design challenges. By doing your homework and figuring out the function you desire, your solutions will be exciting to explore. n

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FALL 2021

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LAKE EGYPT SALES Mattress Outlet

Serving Lake of Egypt Over 32 Years

Major Name Brand Factory Close-Outs and Blemished Mattress Sets

Super Low Prices SAVE BIG $$

618-964-1214

11965 Lake of Egypt Rd • 1 Half Mile East of Dam Hours Monday-Friday 9-5 • Saturday 9-Noon

Mark Kochan

Attorney Kochan & Kochan, P.C.

LARGE FORMAT

Vehicle Wraps Vinyl Decals of All Types Outdoor LED Signs Window Perf Banners Tradeshow Displays Posters Vehicle Magnets Yard Signs Aluminum Signs PVC/FoamCore Canvas Fabric Reflective

DESIGN

At Kochan Title, we put over 20 years of legal experience behind every closing.

3020 S. Park Ave Herrin, IL 62948 title@kochanlaw.com | 618.942.8850 68

Lake of Egypt Living

Ad Creation Company Identity Logo Design Print Media T-shirt Printing Promotional Items

OFFSET

Business Cards Booklets Brochures Calendars Catalogs CD/DVD Packaging Flyers Door Hangers Envelopes Event Tickets Hang Tags Letterhead Restaurant Menus Notepads Greeting Cards Postcards Presentation Folders Rackcards Roll Labels Stickers Laminating Tear Cards Wedding Invitations Carbonless Forms

[ UPCOMING EVENTS ]

Annual Holy Boulders Bouldering Competition Nov 06 Address: 2 Tripps Lane Pomona IL 62975

Christmas Barn Sale Trail Nov 12 to Nov 13 Address: 606 Market Street Metropolis IL 62960 Phone: +1 618-940-0743

to 3D paintings and more.

Carbondale Lights Fantastic Parade Dec 4 - 6:00pm Address: Downtown Carbondale

Phone: +1 618-528-1788

Email: the606market@yahoo.com

Nestled on a hillside in Pomona, IL, the

Grab your family, friends & junkin’ bud-

on the first Saturday of December (snow

Holy Boulders is a world-class climbing

dies and join us on a fun filled Road-Trip

or shine!) and is always a good time for

area offering classic lines of all grades on

traveling through Massac county in

families. Be sure to join in on our various

perfectly textured sandstone. The boul-

Southern Illinois, driving from barn to

parade day activities in the downtown!

dering competition will help promote

barn this Christmas Season.

The parade is held annually at 6:00pm

Winter Passport on the Shawnee Hills

access to some of the finest sandstone bouldering in the country, the climbing

All barns are located within 7 miles of

Wine Trail

area is known as “The Holy Boulders.”

each other, and each Barn will have their

Jan 02 to Feb 28

The Holy Boulders have attracted profes-

own unique items, so whether you’re just

Address: 2865 Hickory Ridge Rd.

sional climbers and strong athletes from

browsing, needing some inspiration, or

Pomona IL 62975

around the country.

looking for primitives, vintage, antiques,

Phone: +1 618-893-2623

shabby chic, rustic, farmhouse, repurMt. Vernon Knife Show

posed & of course “Vintage Christmas,”

Winter is a great time to enjoy the

Nov 06

you’ll be sure to find something.

slower, quieter side of Shawnee Forest

9:00am - 4:00pm Address: 800 S. 27th St.

Country, and the Shawnee Hills Wine Tunnel Hill 50/100 Mile Run

Trail has provided great incentives to do

Nov 13

so. Enjoy the excitement of visiting your

Phone: +1 618-242-4514

Address: Visitor Center, Hwy. 146

favorite wineries, savoring their wines

Vienna IL 62995

and saving big

Buy, Sell or Trade custom, factory, mili-

Phone: +1 270-556-1679

Mount Vernon IL 62864

With your purchase of a winery pass-

tary, antique handmade, custom cutlery products from several different states.

Flat, fast course on the Tunnel Hill Illinois

port, you will receive discounts at each

Sharpening is available. Door prizes,

State trail. From wildlife inhabited wet-

of our member wineries and a chance

display cases & storage pouches also

lands to gorgeous rock formations, this

to win wonderful prizes along the trail.

available. Catered by The Frosty Mug.

trail has it all. Smooth crushed limestone

Enjoy a week or weekend with us and

Oldest, longest running cutlery show in

covered dirt bed is wide and contains

join in the fun with our new passport

Illinois now in our 38th year. For more

no trip hazards. Best of all is the iconic

adventure. Bring your passport to each

information call (618) 242-4514.

tunnel... over 600' of thrills you'll always

Shawnee Hills Wine Trail winery and

remember. Includes a 50-mile option... all

have it stamped at each winery you visit.

Veterans Day Parade

the fun of the 100 miler, except you run

(One passport per person, per visit. Each

Nov 11 - 11:00am

the course once instead of twice.

passport is valid for one time use at each

Address: Main St.

winery.) Once your passport has been Coal Country and 3D Art Exhibits

stamped/completed, leave it at the last

Oct 10 to Dec 05

winery that you visit. Your passport acts

Address: 3575 College Road

as your ticket for entry into our drawing

This annual Veterans Day Parade begins

Harrisburg IL 62946

for great prizes along the trail.

from the Anna City Park entrance on Da-

Phone: +1 618-252-5400

Anna IL 62906 Phone: +1 618-833-5182

vie St. and follows Main St. to Jefferson

Due to COVID-19 some events may

St. and back to the park. Floats, bands

Multi-artist exhibit will showcase a variety

be canceled or have restrictions.

and marching units.

of 3-Dimensional works of all subject

Please contact venue for more infor-

matters from metal works, to sculptures,

mation. n

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24/7 KEY ACCESS

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It’s about being better than you used to be.

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AS LOW AS

• • • • • •

Bait • Carports Tackle • Packaged Alcohol Fishing License Lake Maps $2 Beers Fishing Equipment $3 Shots Video Gaming

12092 Lake of Egypt Rd • Marion, IL 62959 70

Lake of Egypt Living

$2O5 NTH

PER M

303 Sleepy Hollow Ln Marion, IL 62959 618-967-7830 Find us on

[ ADVENTURE ]

Adventure awaits in southern Illinois LES WINKELER

M

ermet Lake, located about 30 minutes from any location on Lake of Egypt, is a classic example of the old adage, “Don’t judge a book by its cover.”

At first glance, Mermet Lake is unimpressive.

There are no breathtaking vistas, no white water, no canyons or hills. It is a nondescript lake, surrounded on three sides by rip rap.

However, crack that book open and you’ll want to come back time and again. Mermet Lake is perhaps the premier public waterfowl hunting property in the state. And, it is a wildlife paradise 12 months of the year.

The property, located south of Vienna on Route 45, was pur-

chased by the state in 1962. The state built a system of levees and dug wells to help manipulate water levels for duck and goose hunting. There is no cost for hunting, but waterfowlers must reserve spots through the State of Illinois’ website: https:// www2.illinois.gov/dnr/Parks/Pages/MermetLake.aspx.

Waterfowl hunting is such an important feature of Mermet

Lake, it is closed to other uses from Nov. 1 through the end of duck season, normally the last week of January.

However, the first day the lake re-opens for visitation, there is line of cars waiting to drive around the 630-acre lake. It is a mecca for wildlife photographers.

The levee road that circles the lake puts photographers in intimate contact with the lake the surrounding environments.

The north and west sides of the lake are bordered by hardwood forests, home to deer and turkey through most of the year. However, when the areas are flooded for waterfowl season ducks abound – mallards, ringnecks, wood ducks, ruddy ducks, gadwall and mergansers.

In the meantime, the lake is likely to be filled with pied-billed grebes, eared grebes, American coots and common mergansers.

Various species of waterfowl normally remain in the region until early spring.

As the seasons change, so does the character of Mermet.

The waterfowl move on, but the lake becomes populated with FALL 2021

71

Get up close and personal with Southern Illinois Wlidlife like never before. Southern Illinois is uniquely located at the convergence of four geographic regions, creating a biodiversity unsurpassed anywhere in the United States.

Trips can be customized to meet the physical needs of each guest. Guests are welcome to bring their own equipment or may rent from Les. Trips are $250 for 1 guest or $300 for up to 3 guests. 3 guest maximum.

ler’s ink& eWILDLIFE WWINGS 72

Lake of Egypt Living

Let Les Winkeler, the outdoors writer at the Southern Illinoisan in Carbondale, be your guide to the region’s wildlife wonders. He has been exploring the region’s lakes, parks and backroads for the past 31 years.

Les is a member of the Illinois Outdoors Hall of Fame. He’s received numerous awards for written and photographic coverage of the outdoors.

For more information, give us a call, visit our website, or like Winkeler’s Wings and Wildlife on Facebook.

618.841.7862 winkelerswingsandwildlife.com

[ ADVENTURE ]

great egrets and green herons. Belted kingfishers and great blue herons are also an integral part of the scenery during the summer months.

And, all are normally within close proximity of the levee road.

The diverse habitat and ready access to water also attracts a number of mammal species. Raccoon, deer and opossum are quite common. However, play close attention to the small pools and rip rap surrounding the lake. It’s not out of Mermet’s character to provide mink and river otter viewing for your pleasure.

No summer visit to Mermet would be complete without seeing prothonotary warblers, one of the most colorful birds of the forest.

Prothonotary warblers are insect eaters and normally next over water … which is in abundance at Mermet. They are a vivid yellow color with green wings and are frequently spotted in the forested and brushy areas on the north and east sides of the lake.

But, the flora also makes Mermet a popular destination for outdoor photographers. The lake is dotted with stately cypress trees. The trees are popular resting spots for bald eagles, osprey, double-crested cormorants and great egrets.

Late in the summer the lotus flowers bloom, turning acres of Mermet Lake into an aquatic garden. A bonus – the flowers exude a sweet fragrance that hangs over the lake on lazy summer

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cabin rentals SINGLE & DOUBLE CHALETS

The Resort offers both single and double chalet models to accommodate your whole family. Chalets include a fully furnished kitchen, bathroom, living area, wood deck with grill and boat dock.

•

1 - 6 Guests

•

Full Size Bedroom

•

2 Loft Bedrooms

•

1 Bathroom

•

Non-Smoking

•

A/C Unit

•

Dogs Allowed

•

Free WIFI

•

Towels & Linens

•

Oven & Stove Top

•

Microwave

•

Refrigerator

•

Deck with Grill

•

Boat Dock

•

Cable TV

•

Cookware

• PIZZA • SANDWICHES • SALADS & MORE CALL FOR PICK UP!

RESERVE YOUR CABIN NOW!

Visit egyptianhillsresort.com to take a virtual tour of our cabins, view availability or make your reservation.

THE ULTIMATE OUTDOOR FAMILY GETAWAY

(618) 751-4556 • EGYPTIANHILLSRESORT.COM 74

Lake of Egypt Living

[ ADVENTURE ]

days.

Mermet is a popular spot for fishing. The levee road is a haven for bank fishermen who target catfish, bluegill and redear.

However, several boat launches make Mermet an attractive destination for bass and crappie anglers.

Finally, there is no better spot in Southern Illinois to see exotic species, temporarily out of their home range. In past years, purple gallinule and anhingas have appeared at Mermet. This summer a wood stork, normally a Florida resident, called Mermet Home for nearly two weeks.

If you’re looking for something to do, anytime of the year, give Mermet a try. It’s worth your time. n

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EXPERTS IN Solar SOLAR SYSTEMS & SOLAR INCENTIVES • Federal Solar Tax Credit 26% • Modified Accerlerated Cost Recovery System • Solar Renewable Energy Credit

76

Lake of Egypt Living

[ GREEN LIVING ]

Second chance at solar incentives SHARIFF SHAKIR

I

n the past decade, Illinois has

Prospective customers delayed installing

an investment a reality for them.

experienced a major boom in

solar due to the uncertainty of the future

While CEJA provides better funding

the solar energy industry, large-

of the program.

ly due to an incentive program put

for the solar incentive program, there are

On September 15th, Illinois passed

in place by the Future Energy Jobs

other advantages for the average home

the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act. The

Act. The incentive program, known as

and business owner. CEJA provides an

act is touted as the most comprehensive

Illinois Shines, paid home and business

80% discount for home and business

energy plan in the country, making Illinois

owners to generate

a leader in the energy sector, and in

electric vehicle charging stations. AES

clean solar energy at their facilities. The

addressing climate change. In its nearly

incentive made solar a reality for home-

1000 pages, topics of decarbonization,

owners across the state.

electric vehicles, and renewable energy

It seemed like everyone was going so-

goals are covered--making the electric

lar, with new installs popping up in every

grid in Illinois carbon-free by 2045 is a

neighborhood. However, the program

major goal in the bill.

was such a success that demand out-

In addition to the great things CEJA

paced funding. When the existing funds

provides for Illinois from an environmen-

allocated for the program were exhaust-

tal standpoint, it provides resources criti-

quicker. Thankfully, with the passage of

ed in late 2020, incoming projects were

cal for continuation of the state incentive

CEJA, Illinoisans have another chance to

placed on a waitlist pending additional

program. The bill ensures twice as much

take advantage of clean energy incen-

funding, which could only come as a re-

funding as was allotted under FEJA,

tives. There is no need to experience the

sult of new legislation, requiring passage

building confidence for those wanting to

frustration of missing out again--call AES

in both houses of the General Assem-

go solar by ensuring that they will get the

Solar today for a no cost solar consulta-

bly and the signature of the Governor.

financial incentives needed to make such

tion. n

Solar is approved by the Illinois Commerce Commission to install Electric Vehicle Charging Stations.

While there were many lessons which we learned after the funding for FEJA ran out, the most common refrain from potential clients was frustration at missing out. Many wished they had moved

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SKAGGS BUILDER CUSTOM HOME BUILDER

618.889.7921 skaggsbuilder@gmail.com

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78

Lake of Egypt Living

[ PICTURE PERFECT ]

Thank you for another amazing year! #LAKEOFEGYPTLIVING

FALL 2021

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PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID MARION, IL PERMIT NO. 12

Local Postal Customer

THE FIRST STOP ON YOUR

GRANDEST ADVENTURE 618-997-2378

PAGE 22

www.blackdiamondrv.com

2405 Black Diamond Dr, Marion, IL 62959