August 2011 • www.marionlivingmag.com • 1
2 • marion living magazine •August 2011
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August 2011 • www.marionlivingmag.com • 3 55747_HEAR_Wallace_6_5x9_5c.indd 1
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TABLE of contents on the cover
24 6 7
From the Publisher Carnegie Library
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PUBLISHER/OWNER Jim Muir
a real beauty
18
CREATIVE DIRECTOR Stephanie Milligan
11 14
PHOTOGRAPHER Ceasar Maragni
a celebration of life
Record Breaking
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Harry Boyd Lila H. Colloton Don Gasaway Ceasar Maragni Jim Muir Jon Musgrave Bernie Paul Dixie Terry George Trammell Cindy Gunnin For more information regarding Marion Living call Jim at 618-525-4744.
4 • marion living magazine •August 2011 For advertising information, call Cheryl at 618-353-8515.
There’s a certain joy that comes from knowing someone is watching out for you. The secure feeling of someone being there for you. There’s nothing like it. And when
it comes to planning for the future, Hilliard Lyons is here as well - offering advice and
an independent point of view that has helped our clients reach their goals for more than 150 years.
Ben Bruce, CWA® Senior Vice President Financial Consultant
Roger Tippy Vice President Financial Consultant
Bill Hartmann Vice President Financial Consultant
200 Tower Square | Marion, IL 618.997.4608 | 800.997.4608 | www.hilliard.com © 2010 Securities offered through J.J.B. Hilliard, W.L. Lyons, LLC. Member NYSE, FINRA and SIPC. August 2011 • www.marionlivingmag.com • 5
MARION LIVING G FROM THE PUBLISHER August 2011
reetings and welcome to the August issue of Marion Living Magazine.
The month of August is a transition month not only for those of us in Southern Illinois. Let me explain.
First, with school bells chiming throughout the region the anticipation and excitement of another school year is at hand and with that brings more than a few things to be watchful about. Those early morning dashes to schools and bus stops will mean more traffic and more youngsters on the road, so it goes without saying to drive slow, leave early and stay attentive to both traffic and pedestrians. And for those parents who have just experienced the horror of watching a 16-year-old drive off in a car for the first time be mindful that a fresh batch of inexperienced drivers will be on the road. In a nutshell, be careful out there. In this month’s issue we have what I like to refer to as ‘a smorgasbord edition’ – in short we have a little something for everybody’s taste. Our feature story is about the Miss Illinois Pageant that was held at the Marion Cultural & Civic Center – an event that drew large and enthusiastic crowds culminating with the crowning of Hannah Smith, of Huntley, was crowned Miss Illinois for the coming year. ML photojournalist extraordinaire was on hand to capture the event and the beauties involved. We also have another photo spread and story on the Williamson County Fair that completed another outstanding run this summer. In addition we have features on the annual Relay for Life that was once again held in Marion and our monthly feature – Making Marion Go – that highlights a Marion city employee. I hope you enjoy this month’s magazine. All the best and God Bless!
Jim Muir, Publisher
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Ayesha Rather M.D.
• Fellowship trained Endocrinologist • Fellowship trained Geriatrics Medicine • Board Certified Internal Medicine Treating diabetes, metabolism, thyroid and endocrinology
Diabetes & Endocrinology Clinic
805 W. Deyoung St., Suite E • Marion, IL 969-9421 • www.mariondeclinic.com 6 • marion living magazine •August 2011
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MARION CARNEGIE LIBRARY
Odds & Ends
UPCOMING EVENTS
Regular Events
All About E-Books • Tuesday, August 2 • 10 a.m. Learn about downloading e-books and audio books onto your computer or other device. Bring your laptop or device with you. Adult Anime Night • Wednesday, August 3 • 6 p.m. Open to adults 18+ who are interested in anime. All About E-Books • Thursday, August 11 • 6:30 p.m. Learn about downloading e-books and audio books onto your computer or other device. Bring your laptop or device with you. Friends Book Sale • Friday and Saturday • August 19 and 20 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The sale will include books, DVDs, videotapes, CDs, puzzles and more! Most hardback books are $1 and paperbacks are $.25. The Sting • Thursday, August 25 • 2 p.m. Paul Newman and Robert Redford team up to pull off one big con game in 1930s Chicago. With a supporting cast including Robert Shaw, Charles Durning, Ray Walston, Eileen Brennan and Harold Gould, this 1974 Academy Award Best Picture winner is a twist-filled adventure set to Scott Joplin ragtime music. Directed by Oscar’s Best Director for 1974 George Roy Hill (Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid). Rated PG. The Adjustment Bureau • Monday, August 29 • 5:30 p.m. Do we control our destiny, or do unseen forces manipulate us? A man glimpses the future Fate has planned for him and realizes he wants something else. To get it, he must pursue across, under and through the streets of modern-day New York the only woman he’s ever loved. On the brink of winning a seat in the U.S. Senate, ambitious politician David Norris (Matt Damon) meets beautiful ballet dancer Elise Sellas (Emily Blunt) - a woman like none he’s ever known. In the face of overwhelming odds, he must either let her go and accept a predetermined path...or risk everything to defy Fate and be with her. The 2011 movie is rated PG-13. Lego Club • First and Third Monday • 6 to 7:30 p.m. Come to the Children’s Department for a fun-filled evening of Legos. Games Group • Tuesdays • 4 p.m. Open to teens of all skill levels. Games include chess, checkers, Go. Storyhour • Wednesdays • 10 a.m. Stories, snacks and activities for pre-school age children. Anime Club • Second and Fourth Saturday • 1 p.m. Open to teens.
All programs are free and open to the public.
Carnegie Commons
Marion Carnegie Library’s coffee bar, Carnegie Commons, is open! The coffee bar is located on the library’s main floor. Carnegie Commons hours are Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The new addition features lemonade, cappuccino, coffee, tea and hot chocolate. Prices range from $.75 to $1. Snacks available include Special K bars, trail mix, danish, muffins, fruit bars and Rice Krispies treats, all priced at $.50-$.75.
206 S. Market • 993-5935 • www.marioncarnegielibrary.org Hours: Monday-Thursday 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. • Friday and Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. August 2011 • www.marionlivingmag.com • 7
patrolman John Mahan has Marion worn a uniform most of his adult
ma kin g
life, and he says his career in public service has for the most part been very rewarding. Spending his earliest years in Creal Springs, Mahan’s parents moved the family to Marion later, and he graduated from Marion High School in 1970.
Upon graduation, Mahan says he had a few choices facing him. “Around here at that time you could either get a job at Norge or in the coal mines,” said Mahan. “I wasn’t interested in college or either one of those, so I looked into joining the military. The Air Force seemed the one for me, so I enlisted, and soon found myself in Alaska.” It was there amidst the spectacular beauty of our northernmost state that Mahan says he got interested in the outdoors. It was there that he also expanded his life-long love of reading, something he still enjoys today. Following his Air Force service, Mahan took a job with the Federal Bureau of Prisons and soon returned to his hometown to work at the penitentiary south of town. After working there several years, he was able to return to the outdoors that he loved by taking a job as a game warden at the Crab Orchard
8 • marion living magazine •August 2011
Story & Photos by Ceasar Maragni
National Wildlife Refuge. Following that, for the past ten years he has been a patrolman with the City of Marion. Although Mahan admits his police work keeps him pretty busy, he says he still finds time to relax with his family. He and his wife Ellen, herself a Marion native, have four children and eight grandchildren. The grandchildren range in age from one to 10 years old. Mahan says that besides his continued passion for reading books, another hobby he’s enjoyed for many years is riding his Harley-Davidson motorcycle. He’s a member of the American Legion Riders. When asked what kind of motorcycle he rides, Mahan answered, “Well, for over 17 years I had a Sportster … I’m now on a Superglide.”
August 2011 • www.marionlivingmag.com • 9
10 • marion living magazine •August 2011
Catching those summer crappies By Don Gasaway
Fishing for big crappie continues throughout the summer is just a little different from spawning fish. Finding crappie in the heat of summer requires the use of electronics. The fish are usually suspended in the deeper water and not in a large a concentration as in the spring. One has to do some scouting. The scouting may result in finding a school of redear sunfish, pumpkinseed or bluegill. One can only tell the difference when the catching begins. If all that is found are fish other than crappie, then it is time to move on to another location. A likely place to find fish is submerged wood in deep water. Move the boat back and forth over a stump that is located on or near a main lake point. Once the stump is located, place a marker in the water and backed off a little. Then flip a small jig to the marked stump. Other structure that holds crappie in summer include such things as: weeds, brush piles, a subtle drop in the bottom or even those deeper drops created by the mining under the lake. If one takes the time to learn how to read a fish locator, any unit will work for this type of fishing. You can get away with a very inexpensive unit if you know what is appearing on the screen or flasher. Experienced electronics users find the thermocline, that area at which water stratifies into warm and cold water. Little oxygen and no fish are located below the thermocline.
If you take your time locating structure and then fish above it, chances are good for some nice crappie. Crappie jigs work for these fish the same as those found in the brush in spring. Sometimes the summer crappies are a bit more finicky. Overcome that with the addition of a small minnow to the jig. Slip bobber rigs with a small jig or straight crappie hook tipped with a minnow work well too. If you get into a mess of fish then a jig is probably a better bet. It is easier to get a jig out of a fish and get the line back in the water than to take the time to re bait a hook and drop it overboard. The secret is to get the fish while they are feeding and before they decide to move away. Do not spend more than about 20 minutes in any one spot. Fish may be on a given spot for a while and then move away for no apparent reason. That is why some days one can catch fish in a particular location and come back the next day to no fish. Another problem with summer crappie fishing is sometimes it seems only the small fish are biting. A good rule of thumb is to go deeper for the larger fish. One way to get past the problem getting your bait through the small fish is to back the boat off a little. Once you get the bait down to the desired depth move the boat back into the location desired. Fishing for crappie during the dog days of summer can be frustrating. But for those who try this pattern the reward is a nice mess of crappie fillets on the grill in the evening. August 2011 • www.marionlivingmag.com • 11
12 • marion living magazine •August 2011
Sarah-Dippity
a Marion High School Senior’s point of view
Three months later and it is only one week until
school starts. How is this any different from the students returning for another year in high school? The excitement of being a graduate is disappearing into nervousness of being a college freshman. For many post high-schoolers, this involves moving out into a cramped, smelly, poorly decorated dorm with another stranger. The possibility of it being a smooth-sailing move is little to none, but the excitement will cover over all the difficulties. The majority of the MHS graduates, including myself, will find themselves either living at home for another year or moving into a small apartment while attending a junior college. Suddenly the list of things to do had jumped from zero to fifty-two. Buying books is on the top of that list. I do not think people realize how expensive school is. Besides the tuition and living expenses, books are unreasonably costly. One book can cost up to $300 used. Pens, pencils, notebooks, binders, calculators, folders, planners, zip drives, erasers, pencil pouches, Snuggies, sweatpants, moccasins, an alarm clock, a second alarm clock, coffee cups, gum, iPods, iTunes money, a third alarm clock, earphones, computers, computer accessories, Netflix. All these things add up. And they are all extremely important. A new student must be ready for anything. Life will be set for about five months. Then the semester ends. The schedule will then change. I have a feeling that will be like daylight savings time when you lose an hour. Then the excitement of finding out where your classes are and figuring out your schedule becomes a hassle and an inconvenience. But it will easily be eradicated in a few days, especially after the three weeks of sleeping during winter break.
School time jobs are important. Many kids who have never worked a day in their lives come into the realization that in order for them to go out everyday for lunch at the local café or have gas money, they have to get a job. Many times it is busing tables or making sandwiches. Life becomes a circus, and you are participating in the balancing act. True, some will fall into the net of familiarity and give up. Others will make it and suddenly become a pro and continue on to the end. A MHS graduate recently said to me that they wish they were still in high school. And others surrounding her agreed. They know who they will eat lunch with, where their classes are, where their home will be, who their teachers are. There is a good possibility that they will have friends in all their classes. On the other hand, we are lost. I feel like a high school freshman. I remember walking into A-Hall that first day and searching for my best friend who happened to be a sophomore. The idea of the unexpected, that is what made the first two weeks of high school bearable. After that it became a mundane routine. My advice to the incoming college freshman is you only have two weeks. Two weeks to be excited and nervous, to look around and constantly see unfamiliar sights. Two weeks to meet new people, learn where to eat, walk around in a frenzy searching for your classes and making sure you get there on time. Two weeks. Then it is over. You will know what to do, who to talk to, what to bring to class. The routine will be set up. Two weeks to feel like a little kid again. Do not hold your breath and rush through it. Take a few moments to realize where you are and smile. I hope sleep comes frequent and friends appear easily. And, don’t forget to call your parents.
August 2011 • www.marionlivingmag.com • 13
A
CELEBRATION
The 14th annual Marion Relay for Life was held at the Harry L. Crisp Sr. Sports Complex in mid-June and thanks to dozens of survivors, caregivers and volunteers, the event was a huge success, resulting in over $100,000 being raised to continue the battle against the terrible disease.
of life
The American Cancer Society’s regional office is located in Marion and Director Jennifer Lee said that 33 teams, with an average of a dozen members on each team, took part in this year’s fund raiser. Their pledges brought in over $100,000, topping last year’s total of just over $90,000. That put a big smile on Lee’s face. “We had a wonderful event this year in Marion,” Jeffifer Lee. “There was such a great outpouring from the teams, individuals, survivors and caregivers.” Lee’s regional offices coordinate 20 separate Relay for Life events in southern Illinois throughout the spring and summer which helps them serve the 22 southernmost counties in the state under their jurisdiction. Lee said that the monies raised go a long way in their four-pronged battle against the disease. Those are research, education, advocacy and patient services. On a more personal level, for participant and cancer survivors like 84-year old Jo Sawyer of Marion, the Relay for Life meant a chance to become involved in battling the hideous disease that also took the life of her late husband Tom. Sawyer paused while completing her laps to say, “I think the Relay is a great thing – don’t you?”
14 • marion living magazine •August 2011
Photos & Story by Ceasar Maragni
top right: Survivors and caregivers signed in and received a t-shirt at the annual fund raiser. middle right: Cancer survivor Dick Runge of Carterville helped a lady place donated items on the silent auction table at the Relay. bottom right: Marion’s 2011 Relay For Life began with the traditional parade of survivors. left top: Dozens of teams teamed up to make this year’s Marion Relay for Life the most successful yet.
August 2011 • www.marionlivingmag.com • 15
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Another Successful Run for
Williamson County Fair
Another Williamson County Fair is history and planners are already looking toward next year’s event. With nice weather, a good schedule of events and a new carnival company operating the midway, this year’s WillCo Fair saw good crowds enjoy the weeklong run. It is officially the longest continuous running county fair in Illinois, and next year’s fair will be the 156th edition of the one-week slice of Americana at its best. With a nice mix of entertainment options and a well coordinated number of farm and home show events, this year’s fair proved to be a bit hit with 18 • marion living magazine •August 2011
Photos & Story by Ceasar Maragni
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folks from throughout the region and beyond. In addition to all the events at the Fairgrounds, the annual Miss Williamson Scholarship Pageant was held at the Marion Cultural & Civic Center downtown where ten lovely young ladies competed for the crown. The winner was Chelsea Reardon of Murphysboro. First runnerup was Mycah Hudson of Herrin and second runner-up was Olivia Lind of Carterville.
August 2011 â&#x20AC;˘ www.marionlivingmag.com â&#x20AC;˘ 19
20 â&#x20AC;˘ marion living magazine â&#x20AC;˘August 2011
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22 • marion living magazine •August 2011
Trade in your worries for Leisurely Living
Move in by September 30, 2011 and receive $750 towards one of the following incentives Professional Moving Expenses OR Flat Screen Television OR Laptop Computer
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August 2011 â&#x20AC;˘ www.marionlivingmag.com â&#x20AC;˘ 23
Marion Miss Illinois Pageant
Real Beauty
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this page: Hannah Smith was crowned Miss Illinois 2011 at Marion Cultural & Civic Center. left top: Marion Cultural & Civic Center proved to be a magnificent venue for the Miss Illinois Scholarship Pageant. Left bottom: Summer Robbins of Coffeen was named Miss Illinois’ Outstanding Teen 2011.
24 • marion living magazine •August 2011
Photos & Story by Ceasar Maragni
"The Marion Cultural & Civic Center and the city of Marion have been wonderful to work with and we are very excited to be here." -Amalia Schwerdtmann, Board Chairman of the Miss Illinois Scholarship Pageant-
to town as Miss Windy City and Sheshecame left town as Miss Illinois. Not a bad few days for Hannah Smith of Huntley who was judged the best from a bevy of 26 beauties in the Miss Illinois Scholarship Pageant held at Marion Cultural and Civic Center recently. In addition to being able to now compete for the Miss America title ,the new crown also earned Smith over $11,000 in scholarship money, as well as numerous other gifts and perks during the coming year of her reign. This marked the first time in its 90-year history that the prestigious pageant has been held in Southern Illinois. In addition to the 26 young women competing for the Miss Illinois title there were also 20 in the teen, 18 in the preteen and 34 princess participants. When you also add all the family and friends of the nearly 100 participants into the mix, it’s easy to understand the economic impact the four August 2011 • www.marionlivingmag.com • 25
day event had on Marion and all of southern Illinois. That put a big smile on the face of Marion’s long-time Mayor Bob Butler. “This has been magnificent, fabulous and I can’t think of enough superlative adjectives to describe the days they were here,” said Mayor Butler. “The pageant gives such a boost to the whole area. I’m glad that everyone seems to have rolled out the red carpet for them all week.” That kind of hospitality seems to have worked well with many first time visitors to the ‘Hub of the Universe.’ Take Peggy Clayton of Winchester for example. The retired educator was here to cheer for her friend Miss Southern Sweetheart Ruthi Brooks of Jacksonville and she had high praise for the host community. “I love it here,” said Clayton. “The people are so friendly. We’ve really been impressed with the southern hospitality and this facility is great.” That sentiment was echoed by David Svendsen of Pekin, grandfather of Miss Illinois 26 • marion living magazine •August 2011
contestant Miss Pekin Jordan Michelle Davis. “Having never been here before, I didn’t really know what to expect,” said Svendsen. “It has more than exceeded my expectations. We’ve been shopping all around town. We’ve been to Wal-Mart, the mall and I’ve been to the Harley-Davidson dealer.” Amalia Schwerdtmann, Board Chairman of the Miss Illinois Scholarship Pageant seemed to sum up the general feeling of most of those involved with putting on the pageants. “The Marion Cultural & Civic Center and the city of Marion have been wonderful to work with and we are very excited to be here,” said Schwerdtmann. That comment put a smile on Mayor Bob’s face who said, “I sure hope they liked us enough to come back next year.” The mayor got his wish with the recent announcement by Scherdtmann that they would be bringing the event back to Marion in 2012
left: Miss Windy City Hannah Smith of Huntley won her round of the swimsuit and lifestyle and fitness category as well as winning her round in the talent category with an exquisite ballet performance en route to capturing the Miss Illinois 2011 crown. right top: Miss Williamson Emily Travis and the other pageant contestants were treated to a hot lunch on the final day of the four-day event by Marion firefighters and the City of Marion, at the fire station. right bottom: Rebecca Blue, right, Administrative Assistant with the Marion Cultural & Civic Center was a busy lady during the Miss Illinois Pageant activities. Here she helps a mother of a participant.
Nadine Lannom, right, Marion, was excited to get to meet the retiring Miss Illinois Whitney Thorpe Klinsky as Ms. Klinsky and the other Pageant participants exited their private tour bus Saturday afternoon at Marion Cultural & Civic Center. Lannom said, “I saw all you girls eating lunch at the fire station and when I drove back by again and saw you getting on your bus, I just had to follow you. This is so exciting! I never thought I would ever get to meet Miss Illinois.” Klinsky told Lannom she was happy they met on this, her final day as Miss Illinois. Later in the evening she would place the crown on the new Miss Illinois, Hannah Smith.
August 2011 • www.marionlivingmag.com • 27
28 â&#x20AC;˘ marion living magazine â&#x20AC;˘August 2011
August 2011 • www.marionlivingmag.com • 29
The calendar is slowly marching toward fall but we still have a great lineup of events and concerts at Walker’s Bluff to ensure we make the most of our remaining warm weather. Our evening movie screenings will continue each Friday at 7 pm through the end of the September. Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End, Tangled, Megamind and Gnomeo and Juliet round out our Summer Movie Series. Our summer concert calendar is also full of top-tier artists including some local favorites. Egyptian Combo, HOT! Sauce, Shirley Johnson and Crossfire are a few of the headliners scheduled to perform on our stage. The “Run for Their Lives 5K” will be held on Saturday, August 13. All proceeds will benefit Cache Creek Animal Rescue, a no kill animal shelter in Anna. The event will wind its way across Walker’s Bluff’s scenic grounds. Walkers and joggers alike are invited to put their pet on a leash and bring them along for the fun. Registration is $15. Those interested in participating in the event should visit us online at: http://www.walkersbluff.com/5k 30 • marion living magazine •August 2011
August 2011 • www.marionlivingmag.com • 31
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(618) 997-4341
Qualified debit card purchase (to receive the $0.05 for your chosen charity) is any purchase of $10.00 or more excluding PIN based transactions. ATM fee refunds up to $30 per statement cycle. Charities include Stand Up to Cancer, Boys & Girls Clubs of America, American Humane Society, Hospice of Southern Illinois, Inc. or your preferred place of worship.
32 • marion living magazine •August 2011