February 2011 • www.marionlivingmag.com • 1
2 • marion living magazine • February 2011
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M
TABLE of contents on the cover
14
5 6
m a k i ng
Carnegie Library
11
PUBLISHER/OWNER Jim Muir
18 permanent fixture
20
CREATIVE DIRECTOR Stephanie Milligan
PHOTOGRAPHER Ceasar Maragni
Bingo
24
Planning & Coordination
28
Spring Cleaning
Teaching is me
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 • February For 2011 advertising information, call Cheryl at 618-353-8515.
M
MARION LIVING G FROM THE PUBLISHER Fe br u ar y 2 0 1 1
Greetings and welcome to the February issue of Marion Living Magazine.
It seems the theme this month should be ‘time’ or maybe I should say ‘lack of time.’ Everywhere I go these days it seems that folks are talking about how time moves so fast in this high-tech world where we live. “This day has flown by” … “where did this week go” … and “I can’t believe the first month of the New Year is already gone” are only a few of the comments I hear on a regular basis. Of course all those comments have to do with the fast-paced, non-stop world that is the 21st Century.
Our cover story today takes us back (at least in memory) to a slower time when neighborhood grocery stores were fixtures throughout the nation. With the introduction years ago of the cradle-to-grave shopping experience super-duper mega stores where you can buy everything from a tractor to a toilet stool to a T-bone steak most of those mom-and-pop stores are now shuttered. But one that has withstood the test of time is Small’s Market, located at 1005 East Main Street in Marion. ML writer Cindy Gunnin and photojournalist Ceasar Maragni combined to capture the ‘flavor’ of the Marion business fixture in a story and picture spread that I’m sure you’ll enjoy. Also this month we take a look at a variety of other stories including a group of area residents that have played Bingo at the Marion Senior Center – some for nearly 50 years. We also take a look inside the Williamson County Emergency Services headquarters and detail the vital role they play in our daily lives. And while we try and stay away from sports-related matters in Marion Living there is occasionally a story that pops up where we have to cross the line. And with the name of Ralph Santana is attached to a story that’s enough to prompt us to push aside our ‘no-sports’ rule in ML. Such is the case this month when we feature in a picture spread a new endeavor tackled by the former player and current SI Miner’s coach. Along with his new role with the Miner’s Santana is also heading up the baseball and softball instruction at the newly opened Sports Academy indoor sports complex located near Herrin. I think you’ll enjoy touring the facility via picture. I know that time is flying by but why not slow down the pace a bit with a stroll through a real-time neighborhood grocery store, or maybe even a game of BINGO at the Marion Senior Center. And while we are locked in the grips of another harsh Southern Illinois winter should warm your heart to remember that Spring Training for Major League Baseball starts this month which means that spring and summer are right around the corner. In short, it won’t be long until we’re complaining about how hot it is. Thanks for your continued support of MarionLiving Magazine, all the best to you and God Bless!
MARION LIVING Jim Muir, Publisher
February 2011 • www.marionlivingmag.com • 5
MARION CARNEGIE LIBRARY
Odds & Ends
UPCOMING EVENTS
Regular Events
Adult Anime Night • Wednesday, February 2 • 6 p.m. Open to adults 18+ who are interested in anime. Eat Pray Love • Thursday, February 3 • 5 p.m. Julia Roberts stars as a modern woman who finds herself lost, confused and searching for what she really wants in life. Newly divorced and at a crossroads, she steps out of her comfort zone, risking everything to change her life, embarking on a journey around the world that becomes a quest for self-discovery. In her travels, she discovers the true pleasure of nourishment by eating in Italy, the power of prayer in India and, finally and unexpectedly, the inner peace and balance of true love in Bali. Based on the best-selling memoir by Elizabeth Gilbert. Rated PG-13. Gardening 101 and Beyond with John Pike, University of Illinois Extension Wednesday, February 9 • 6 p.m. Gardening for home consumption and supplying Farmers Markets is a “growing” trend. A good understanding of the soil and plant growth is the first step toward maximizing your harvest and minimizing both backaches and headaches that can result from gardening in southern Illinois. Bring your questions and learn how to get the most out of your gardening efforts. Helpful information about production based food safety issues will also be discussed. Sunset Boulevard • Thursday, February 17 • 2 p.m. A hack screenwriter (William Holden) writes a screenplay for a former silent-film star (Gloria Swanson) who has faded into Hollywood obscurity as she descends into madness. Billy Wilder directed the 1950 film, which won three Academy Awards. Rated PG. Friends Book Sale Friday and Saturday, February 18 and 19 • 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. Newer editions and premium items have special prices well below market value. Your spare change benefits the best place to find these materials for free: Marion Carnegie Library.
Carnegie Commons
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.
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. 6 • marion living magazine • February 2011
February 2011 • www.marionlivingmag.com • 7
street superintendent John Bradley M arion’s is never surprised when his phone rings – regardless what time of the day or night it is.
“It’s a 24/7, 365 days-per-year job,” Bradley said.
m aking
That’s what comes with heading up a department that is responsible for maintaining all the streets and alleys in a town the size of Marion. But that’s fine with Bradley, who says he loves what he does. Marion became home for the 53 year old at age 3 when his parents moved here from Springfield. After graduating from Marion High School in 1975 Bradley enrolled at nearby John A. Logan College. He was a full time student there for a year and a half, but stopped one semester short of his Associate’s degree to take a full time job with the City of Marion in 1977 as a laborer in the same street department that he now oversees.
8 • marion living magazine • February 2011
Sponsored by Southern Illinois Health Care
Story & Photos by Ceasar Maragni
Bradley is a firm believer in the value of a good education and he returned to John A. Logan over the years, taking night classes and getting his Associates Degree. Since then he’s also been taking classes sat SIU and he’s now about one year short of earning his bachelor’s degree from there. Street Department Superintendent since 1990, Bradley has seen a lot of changes since then. “Back when I first started here we had only two dump trucks – now we have 15 dump trucks and a bunch of other heavy equipment as well,” Bradley said. “Also, we now have 17 full-time street department employees and another half dozen part time workers.” Bradley says another dramatic change he’s seen is the wages earned. Today a street department employee earns on average about $20 an hour, a big change from the single digit hourly salary that Bradley say he earned when he first began. When he’s not on the job, Bradley says he enjoys fishing, is a member of the local Elks club and enjoys volunteering with numerous projects around Marion. “I’m pretty busy during the holidays,” he said. Bradley has three children. Son Jeremy, 30, is a county patrolman in McLean County, James, 27 is a specialist for Boeing Enterprises in St. Louis, and daughter Megan, 26, is a sales consultant for Comcast in Bloomington. February 2011 • www.marionlivingmag.com • 9
10 • marion living magazine • February 2011
SPRING IS FOR TEACHING KIDS TO FISH
By Don Gasaway
Nothing succeeds like success. One of the most important aspects of teaching a child to fish is catching fish. If he or she is unable to catch a fish they quickly lose interest. Both fishing and non-fishing parents need help in locating a good place to teach a youngster this lifetime sport. The following fishing holes are available in Williamson County. The opportunities for success are good. There are several ponds in the Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge that make a good choice. Spread throughout the refuge, the ponds provide an un-crowded area for family fun. Each of the ponds is a walk-in area with parking in close proximity. For information about the ponds, their locations and fishing information check in at the Visitors Center on Illinois Route 148, two miles south of the Williamson County Regional Airport, or call them at 618-9973344. Another good location on the refuge is the Wolf Creek Causeway which dissects the lake about midway. The causeway is a threemile long gravel road. Parking facilities are available at both ends of the roadway. On the north end there is more parking space than at the south end. One can walk to the fishing areas from both locations. As one travels south on the causeway there are some paths going down to the water level. About half way across is a bridge with floating docks on the east and west sides. To the west of the north parking areas are floating docks and handicapped fishing docks.
is the submerged brush fish attractors placed near the shore. Others can be found as much as 20 feet out in the water. The best fishing seems to be tight to the brush. One can expect to catch crappie, catfish, bass, common carp, channel catfish and bluegill. Another good area for bank fishing with the family is along side Illinois Route 13 just west of the former marina. The Illinois Department of Natural Resources and volunteers have placed a number of fish attractors there within close proximity to the shore. Parking is available at the parking lot on the east side of the bay on both the north and south sides of the highway. Shore fishing at the Devils Kitchen Lake is more limited due to steep embankments. But, this lake about 12 miles southwest of Marion in the refuge has bass, crappie, trout, bluegill and redear sunfish. There is a primitive campground but no marina facilities. For more information about fishing in the Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge, visit the Visitors Center, 8588 Illinois Route 148, Marion, IL 62959. Their telephone number is 618-997-3344. Additional information about accommodations, fishing, and a four-color fishing brochure, contact the Williamson County Tourism Bureau. They can be reached at 1-800-GEESE-99 or at 1602 Sioux Drive, Marion, IL 62959. The office is open during regular business hours. Additional information is available on line at www.visitsi.com. Email can be addressed to sjohnson@visitsi.com.
The key to finding fish along both shorelines February 2011 • www.marionlivingmag.com • 11
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Alternativehealthcaremarion.com February 2011 • www.marionlivingmag.com • 13
Permanent Fixture
Small's Food Store in Marion has been in operation for more than four decades and takes shoppers back to the neighborhood grocery store from a by-gone era
S mall's Food Store on East Main prides itself in its
meat department. On any given day, you might find co-owner Bruce Plumer behind the butcher counter to make sure, “Nobody Beats our Meat” – the store’s catchy logo for many years. On the off chance that Bruce is not around, check the fire department as he may be on duty for his other job – Plumer has been a Marion firefighter for two decades, just slightly less time than he's worked at Small's. He and wife Kim bought Small's Food Store in October 2007 when Kim's parents, the previous owners, decided it was time to retire. “They were thinking about retiring and we decided for them by offering to buy them out,” he said. 14 • marion living magazine • February 2011
Kim has worked at the store her entire life and Bruce began working there in 1984 Deciding to keep the store going was an easy choice. Small's provides Marion residents with an alternative to the mass produced and sometimes poorly cut meat available at the chain stores. For specialty cuts of meat, or simply a nicer job trimming off the fat, Small's offers a local alternative. Residents can look forward to business done the old-fashioned way. Steaks are cut fresh every day and baked goods are made on the premises. Older customers may also enjoy the fact that the store is smaller which means no fighting through house wares, clothes, and the automotive department, the hometown grocery store not only feels more comfortable, it makes for a much shorter and faster shopping trip. Story by Cindy Gunnin Photos by Ceasar Maragni
"When you come in here you get called by your first name." - Bruce Plumer, co-owner of Small's Food Store -
Parking for the store is right next to the building, so there is no hike from your car to the front door. And, Bruce and Kim's staff will be happy to carry your bags out to the car for you. Whether the intention is to grab a quick sandwich for lunch or some hand-cut steaks for dinner, Small's offers the type of personalized service not available at the big chains.
Owner Bruce Plumer can usually be found in his store's office area catching up on paperwork. February 2011 • www.marionlivingmag.com • 15
“When you come in there you get called by your first name,” Bruce said. For customers looking to live a more environmentally friendly lifestyle, Small's helps the environment by doing things the old-fashioned way. The meat counter doesn't have the pre-wrapped, plastic laden meat that the chain stores offer. Instead, Bruce or one of his employees will be behind the meat counter helping customers get exactly the right amount of meat and the cut they prefer. Small's Food Store has been family-owned and operated for more than 40 years, and will continue to be for many more as Bruce and Kim represent the new generation of owners. They've learned the keys to success well and intend to make certain that the things Small's has been known for over the last four decades continue into the next one. “It really is all about the personal service,” Bruce said.
Doug Plumer stacks steaks for a customer at the meat counter. Now a senior at Marion High School, Doug has grown up around his parent’s market 16 • marion living magazine • February 2011
Leveta Kirchner has been a regular customer at Small’s for many years. “I love their meats.” she said.
Small's is located at 1005 East Main Street and open from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday. For more information about the daily meat specials or meat packages available at Small's, call the store at 993-2735 or fax them at 993-5485.
Clerk Carrie Laxon at the register for customer Lonnie Holderfield of Marion. February 2011 • www.marionlivingmag.com • 17
BI N G O Although it's been around for centuries, Bingo is still wildly popular at many churches and charity organizations throughout the U.S. It's also a favorite for a gregarious group of senior citizens who gather at the Marion Senior Center the first Monday night of each month to watch their cards intently in hopes of being the one who gets to holler “B-I-N-G-O!”
Carolyn Bramlett, center, slides the tab when one of her numbers is called.
18 • marion living magazine • February 2011
Ninety-four year old Vivian Krofts is among them and she says she always looks forward to playing with Story & Photos by Ceasar Maragni
Earline Hendry, left, lends a hand to Vivian Krofts, right, during Bingo night at Marion Senior Center. Krofts is 94 and a regular at the monthly Bingo sessions.
her friends each month. “I love it,” she said. She must, she's been playing Bingo at the center for nearly 50 years – since 1963.
February 2011 • www.marionlivingmag.com • 19
Teaching is Me
Austin Webb, 8, works on his swing under the watchful eye of Coach Santana.
the personable player.
Ralph Santana finds his niche with a new role... of course in baseball Ralph Santana says he's been in love with the game of baseball since he was old enough to pick up a ball. And growing up in Orlando, Florida having nice weather to learn and play the game was never a problem for
One of the original Southern Illinois Miners in 2007, Santana proved to be not only a superb player with the team, but soon became a crowd favorite with his acrobatic plays from the middle infield and his hustle when running the bases. When he reached the Frontier League age limit of 27 after that initial season, Miners Manager Mike Pinto asked Santana to stay with the team as a member of the coaching staff. When the team opens their 2011 season on May 20th at the Gateway Grizzlies, you'll 20 • marion living magazine • February 2011
Story & Photos by Ceasar Maragni
Corbin Preston, 10, learns how to throw a four seam fastball.
find Santana filling his duties as their hitting coach and third base coach. Ralph says he loves Southern Illinois and the Miners' fans and was thrilled when the opportunity came up recently for him to return to the area early to head up a baseball and softball academy at the newly opened Sports Academy indoor sports complex located near Herrin. Santana says his new role in baseball is a “great fit.”
Corbin Preston, 10, pays close attention to Santana’s coaching. February 2011 • www.marionlivingmag.com • 21
“I've always known that I wanted to be a coach somewhere when my playing days ended. These young kids are a lot of fun to work with,” He works with players as young as seven years old and as old as seniors in high school. “The younger ones haven't developed a lot of bad habits yet, so they're very, very coachable,” he said. “They seem to light up when I explain something and they actually get it.” Santana will continue working with his students at Matthew Brandon, 9, works on his batting stance. Sports Academy through the year as well working for the Miners. And although his dream of playing in the big leagues was dashed thanks to several knee surgeries, Santana seems to be a happy place in his life. “I love what I'm doing now,” Santana says. “There's nothing like it – teaching is me.”
22 • marion living magazine • February 2011
Baseball Academy instructor Michael Stalter with participants. (top) Samuel Alstsat, left, and Garnett Peach, both 9, line up with others to practice the correct way to field a ground ball (bottom)
February 2011 • www.marionlivingmag.com • 23
Steve Land in his office at the Williamson County Courthouse building.
Planning & Coordination
Williamson County Emergency Management Agency is busy behind the scenes preparing for the front-and-center role they will play during times of disaster Story by Jim Muir Photos by Ceasar Maragni
24 • marion living magazine • February 2011
“EMA is a planning and coordination agency. We spend a lot of time working with various jurisdictions – police, fire, ambulance – making sure they all have emergency management plans in place. It really boils down to everybody working on the same page.” There’s an old adage that states: ‘An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.’ While that very accurate statement has been handed down from generation to generation, even here in the high-tech 21st Century it could easily serve as the motto for the Williamson County Emergency Management Agency (WCEMA) Steve Land, who has served as executive director for the past eight years said the agency has evolved dramatically through the years starting out as the county civil defense, and then later becoming the emergency services and disaster agency before becoming emergency management agency. Land emphasized that the behindthe-scene work of Williamson County EMA is much like a dress rehearsal for the times when the agency is called on to pull various groups together to respond to a disaster. “EMA is a planning and coordination agency,” Land said. “We spend a lot of time working with various jurisdicContinued on page 26
Administrative Assistant Donna Stotlar with the Teaching Tornado which is used in school demonstrations February 2011 • www.marionlivingmag.com • 25
tions – police, fire, ambulance – making sure they all have emergency management plans in place. It really boils down to everybody working on the same page if a disaster occurs. And if a disaster does take place our first job is to establish an emergency operations center and bring all the jurisdictions into that to prepare a response.” Land said another main function of EMA is to require resources through Illinois Emergency Management Agency if needed, saying that all requests for help statewide would flow through the county EMA. Working as an outreach agency and in particular working with schools is another main function of Williamson County EMA. “Our lightning safety and earthquake safety program through local schools and geared for different age students is also a key ingredient,” said Land. “These kids essentially take this home with them and sort of ‘force’ it on the parents. Fire departments have done that for many years and it really does work.” Land said the ultra-unique weather system that did millions of dollars in damage to Williamson County on May 8, 2009 provides an example of the importance of county EMA services. “That was a national event, meteorologists have not seen anything quite like that before around here and we hadn’t either,” said Land. “We set up our emergency response center and brought all the jurisdictions under one rood. We were able to share information and notes for each day and the progress that was being made. I think it showed in that instance that what we do really does work.” Land likened EMA to a firefighter’s job. “A lot of people believe that a firefighter is only working when the alarm goes off but there is a lot of training involved, preparedness and planning,” said Land. “Just like firefighters we’re working behind the scenes so all those things can kick in when we do have a disaster.”
26 • marion living magazine • February 2011
February 2011 • www.marionlivingmag.com • 27
Spring Cleaning The first-ever Beautify Southern Illinois Earth Celebration will be held on April 29 and 30 Even though Old Man Winter has had an icy grip on Southern Illinois for the last several weeks the folks at Beautify Southern Illinois are having warm thoughts about Spring Cleaning. During a recent press conference in Marion plans were laid out for a first-ever Beautify Southern Illinois Earth Day Celebration to be held on April 29 and 30 – a joint effort by area beautification organizations along with local recyclers. According to the two organizers – Beautify Southern Illinois and Recycle Williamson County – the goal of the event is to spruce-up the Southern Illinois landscape during the two-day celebration by removing litter and planting flowers. Paul Restivo, of Beautify Southern Illinois stressed during the press conference that littler and neglect can leave a bad impression for passers-by and give a bad and sometimes wrong impression of a community. 28 • marion living magazine • February 2011
Story by Jim Muir Photos by Ceasar Maragni
“Part of our goal is educating people about the positive impact of beautifying our communities,” said Restivo. Williamson County Commissioner Tracey Glenn, who heads up Recycle Williamson County, said excitement is growing already about the April event. “We hope that other organizations, municipalities and groups will jump on board,” she said. While recycling will be a major facet of the event an overall general cleanup of litter as well as flower-planting are in store for the event that has already gained the support of Keep Carbondale Beautiful, the Marion Chamber of Commerce, Marion Main Street and the SIU Beautify Southern Illinois Student Alliance. Glenn said she hopes to continue to add more groups to the quickly-growing list. Restivo said that event organizers have contacted local community colleges as well as business and civic groups throughout Southern Illinois including SIUC. Both Restivo and Glenn said that they hope to see the two-day celebration become an annual event in Southern Illinois.
February 2011 • www.marionlivingmag.com • 29
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Think about it. You have the purchasing power to change lives, even save lives. Every time you swipe your card your contribution grows. Your donations, when multiplied by other Kasasa Giving Donations, will take your personal giving to new heights.
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Opening a Kasasa Giving account is easy no matter where you live. Enroll online. The Bank of Marion will refund your transaction fees on other bank’s ATMs near you. Kasasa provides free direct deposit and free auto pay, so what are you waiting for? Start EARNING and start GIVING today!
* NO MINIMUM BALANCES
Ready to open an account?
* NO MONTHLY FEES
Go online to www.bankofmarion.com or stop in at any of The Bank of Marion’s 8 locations. Call 618-997-4341 to speak with a Kasasa representative.
www.bankofmarion.com
(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 • February 2011