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TABLE of contents on the cover
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6 7
From the Publisher Carnegie Library
8 m a ki ng
PUBLISHER/OWNER Jim Muir
11 National Day of Prayer
22
CREATIVE DIRECTOR Stephanie Milligan
PHOTOGRAPHER Ceasar Maragni
Record Breaking
13
Sarah-Dippity
20
It's Fair Time
26
No Place Like Home
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 • Summer 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. Summer 2011 • www.marionlivingmag.com • 5
MARION LIVING G FROM THE PUBLISHER June & July 2011
reetings and welcome to the June-July issue of Marion Living Magazine.
June-July?? Certainly putting those two words together with a hyphen between them deserves an explanation, doesn’t it? So, let me explain. One thing I have prided myself on with this magazine during our time together is being honest with our readers. If we do things right and knock one out of the park I’ll tell you about it but on the other hand if we strikeout and make a blunder along the way I point that out also. Today, I’ll be detailing the latter.
Putting a monthly magazine together is somewhat of an imperfect art. There are numerous people and steps in place and from time to time that process lags. Whether it’s on my end with editing, story selection and writing or along the other various steps that include photography, sales, graphic design, writing and the actually printing and distribution the potential to fall behind exists each month. I suppose it might be looked at as the ‘perfect storm’ but in one aspect or another all those things – not just one or two – came into play during the past three or four months and we found ourselves fighting to try and get a magazine out on a timely basis. And with the effect of an avalanche one month rolled to the next and we continued to fall behind. Knowing the impossibility of putting back-to-back magazines together in a one-week span to get caught up we (I ran this by the people at ML that I use for a sounding board) decided to double up on June and July in order to get back on a first of month basis again. And with the dog days of summer on us it seemed to be the right thing to do at the right time. So, with that said let’s take a look at this issue that includes feature stories on this spring’s severe flooding in our region, the National Day of Prayer activities held in Marion, the quickly approaching start of the Williamson County Fair and another monthly installments of Making Marion Go, featuring Steve Williams, and Sarah-Dippity, our popular new column written by Sarah Anderson. Thanks again for your continued support of Marion Living Magazine and God Bless you. All the best,
Jim Muir, Publisher
MARION LIVING 6 • marion living magazine • Summer 2011
G
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MARION CARNEGIE LIBRARY
Odds & Ends
UPCOMING EVENTS
Regular Events
What’s in the Universe? • Thursday, July 7 • 6:30 p.m. Join us for a presentation about the wonders of the universe, followed by an outside viewing party! The Chronicles of Narnia: Voyage of the Dawn Treader • Monday, July 11 • 10 a.m. Lucy and Edmund return to Narnia where they meet up with Prince Caspian for a trip across the sea. Along the way they encounter dragons, dwarves, merfolk and a band of lost warriors. The 2010 movie is rated PG. Meet the Bard • Tuesday, July 12 • 12 p.m. Bard Ron Fry will thrill participants with his stories. Open to all ages. Pizza with the Police for Teens • Tuesday, July 12 • 1 p.m. A member of the Marion Police Department will have lunch with teens and discuss what it takes to be an officer. Babaloo the Wacky Musician • Friday, July 15 • 9:30 a.m. Babaloo is a one-man musical comedy act for kids of all ages. A Babaloo performance is a high-energy, fun-filled experience. Nova: Telescope • Friday, July 15 • 1 p.m. This documentary will take a comprehensive look at how a simple instrument, the telescope, changed our understanding of the universe. Running time is two hours. Lemonade Mouth • Monday, July 18 • 10 a.m. The 2011 movie tells kids and tweens that building your confidence rocks and finding your destiny rules. Approved for general audiences. Crafts for Teens • Tuesday, July 19 • 1 p.m. Fun craft projects with Stephanie Ninness. Star Trek • Thursday, July 21 • 5 p.m. A chronicle of the early days of James T. Kirk and his fellow USS Enterprise crew members as they travel the final frontier. The 2009 movie is rated PG-13. Running time is two hours. Rango • Monday, July 25 • 10 a.m. Johnny Depp stars as an ordinary chameleon who accidentally winds up in the town of Dirt, a lawless outpost in the Wild West in desperate need of a new sheriff. The 2011 movie is rated PG. Teen End of Summer Party • Tuesday, July 26 • 1 to 4 p.m. Prizes, snacks and a teen band. It’s a Mad Mad Mad Mad World Thursday, July 28 • 2 p.m. Lego Club • First and Third Monday • 6 to 7:30 p.m. This 1963 adventure/comedy stars Spencer Tracy and Come to the Children’s Department for a fun-filled evening of Legos. a star-filled cast in a race for treasure. Approved for Games Group • Tuesdays • 4 p.m. general audiences. Open to teens of all skill levels. Games include chess, checkers, Go. The Universe • Friday, July 29 • 1 p.m. Storyhour • Wednesdays • 10 a.m. The History Channel’s acclaimed series of man’s Stories, snacks and activities for pre-school age children. study of the cosmos. A mix of historical footage and Anime Club • Second and Fourth Saturday • 1 p.m. conceptual computer graphics, the subjects range from Open to teens. alien galaxies to the Big Bang Theory. Appropriate for all ages, this two-hour documentary will appeal to older children and adults. All programs are free and open to the public.
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. Summer 2011 • www.marionlivingmag.com • 7
not surprising that Marion firefighter Steve It’sWilliams names the Dallas Cowboys as his favorite NFL team and country as his favorite music style.
After all the personable Williams comes by it honestly. He was a lifelong Texan before moving to Marion in August of 2004 when he took as job as a clerk with the Marion Fire Department. While growing up in the Lone Star state Williams played football as a defensive lineman for the L.C. Bell Blue Raiders of Hurst, Texas. He recalls fondly, “Yes, football is big in Texas. The players are bigger, the crowds are bigger and it’s a different level of play. I really enjoyed it.” In 2007 Williams became a full time firefighter in the Marion department where he says he experiences a camaraderie with fellow firefighters not unlike what he enjoyed with his high school football teammates. “That’s one thing I like about being a firefighter here,” Williams said. “We spend a lot of our off hours getting our families together to barbeque, go to
8 • marion living magazine • Summer 2011
m aking
Sponsored by Southern Illinois Health Care Story & Photos by Ceasar Maragni
Story & Photos by Ceasar Maragni
movies, our children’s birthday parties and our kids sporting events.” Willams and his wife Kristen have two children, son Malachi, 10, and daughter Mckennah, 6. This summer finds them busy attending Malachi’s little league baseball games. Williams was asked about the biggest challenges he faces on the job, besides the obvious one of danger. “The biggest challenge is there’s always something to do and there’s always something new to learn about our job,” he said. “We spend a lot of time on training and we’re fortunate to have one of the better training facilities in the entire state. Our training tower is just one of six in Illinois capable of basic and certain advanced training options.”
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OLD FISHING TECHNIQUES STILL WORK
By Don Gasaway
Amid the hustle and bustle of modern life the return to cane pole bank fishing is seen as a return to fishing’s roots. It is a return to the time of Huck Finn and Tom Sawyer. Just the thought of cane pole fishing conjures up visions of a small boy in a straw hat headed for the river with a can of worms. Cane poles are most often used from the bank of a river, stream or lake. Williamson County contains numerous such waters. Once stuck in the mud, or placed on a forked stick, the long poles protrude out over the water in a set position. Because of its flexibility the slightest jerk on the line can be detected. The presence of a nibbling fish is betrayed. Cane pole anglers have had to contrive ways to catch fish within the limit of the pole’s reach. That reach is only the length of the pole plus the length of the line. Without a bobber, this distance could be as much as 20 feet. As the bait sinks the distance gets less. Without the bobber fishermen lower the pole until it is horizontal with the surface of the water. This places the bait roughly 10 feet deep. Cane-polers have to be quiet when approaching the fish due to the limits of their equipment. Knowing how to read the shoreline water, and where fish are to be found, is essential. The type of shoreline vegetation is often a clue to what kind of bottom structure can be found in the water. Since he is seeking a particular type of shoreline, the cane pole angler might look for short stretches of rock and gravel. If he is seeking bass, perhaps he will pick a weedy
shoreline in low places where black dirt and vegetation shows and where there are areas of lily pads, cattails and rushes. He might forgo an area below a bluff. It probably would have a drop off that could go to depths he cannot reach. In this type of fishing the angler must find areas of modest depth reachable by his equipment. It must also serve as home to forage fish upon which game fish would most likely feed. Stealth is important. The cane pole angler must be careful not to spook feeding fish. This is especially true in clear water. If the shallows are full of emergent vegetation fishermen have some concealment and a chance of getting in close. Cane pole fishing is an interesting and challenging way to fish. The short line can be kept tight with a couple of sinkers. When the fish nibbles one just jerks straight up on the pole. A quick jerk is best. It is nice to know that there are still some sportsmen and women out there who will use this antique of the angling past to catch fish. Many rivers still have sitters with a cane pole resting in a forked stick. They know that one gets a peace and tranquility of feeling our forefathers knew. Free information regarding motel accommodations and points of interest is available from Williamson County Tourism Bureau, 1602 Sioux Drive, Marion, Illinois 62959 or by calling 1-800-GEESE99. Information is also available online at: www.visitsi.com, the Williamson County Tourism Bureau website. Their e-mail address is: info@visitsi.com. Summer 2011 • www.marionlivingmag.com • 11
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Sarah-Dippity
a Marion High School Senior’s point of view
The big question: Is life after high school everything you expected and hoped for? Answer: I suppose. After the graduation ceremony and the parties have all ended, what is left is life. Many of the adults that asked me what I had planned next followed my response with, “Yeah, now you have the rest of your life.” It is similar to a wedding. After the honeymoon, all you are left with is each other and everyday life. Even though it is fun and exciting for the first year, it inevitably turns monotonous. The graduation ceremony was everything we expected. The rain made it perfect. It was a day that all seniors will remember. The days that followed made us feel even more special. Many had graduation parties and families and friends made sure to tell their senior congratulations. The week was about us. Now, graduation seems like such a long time ago. And life has returned to normal. The summer has not produced anything special. The daily activities are as to be expected, like years’ past. But this is the first year with out having summer homework or the upcoming year haunting every move. Sure, college is coming. But it is nothing compared to the five days a week, eight hours a day that high school is. The summer may seem comparable to those in the past. But the attitude is different. A release came after graduation. We all received a boost of self-confidence that moved us forward into the real world. Adults now give us respect, and we expect freedom from childhood rules. The saying, “With much power comes great responsibility” can be applied. We have been given the power to decide who and what we are going to be. And we have the responsibility to make sure it is a decision that will be beneficial to everyone, not only ourselves. I have a question for all adults. Why is your life called the
“real world”? Ours is not fake or pretend. It was may have been easy to some. But many times the stress that came with school, work, family, and friends matched our inexperience minds. We were always at the limit we could be. The trials may seem small to adults, but to us, they were huge. It was the only world we knew. Please welcome us kindly into your world, whatever it is called. This summer is our first and last – first summer of the rest of our lives and the last summer of our childhood. These will pretty much be the last times to lie next to the pool, stay out until 2 a.m. and sleep until noon and go on family vacations. We can still be kids. As the summer ends, college stress will arrive. However, I believe the anxiety will decrease and we will realize that life moves on, so it is best just to take a deep breath and go on with it. This is also an ending for parents. They must finally let go of their children. They have to have faith that they will do well. Although they will never stop being parents, their role changes from rule enforcer, to principle reminder. It may seem that they are being tossed to the side, but the to-be college students are wrapped up in excitement. They are not getting rid of you. Trust me. They will need you soon enough. And I hope you are right by their side when the time comes. The future of many seniors would be nonexistent without the help from the scholarships. I want to thank all of the foundations and families that have faith and confidence in my class to in trust them with their hard earned money. Without support from you, I would not be going to college, and neither would many others. Thank you. School starts in August. What will I possibly do until then? Spend my time enjoying being young and free. This feeling will disappear with time. But just like how married couples do not forget what it was like to be newly weds, I hope all seniors, and adults, will never forget what it was like to graduate and the memorable summer after. Summer 2011 • www.marionlivingmag.com • 13
National Prayer day of
14 • marion living magazine • Summer 2011
Master Sergeant Rob Lorimer USMC offered a prayer for our nation's military.
"Whenever you're in the media, I think you're called to a higher responsibility. Obviously, we're also in a position where we can take a stand. I'm honored to participate in this and pray for the media." -Kent Zimmer, River Radio on-air personality -
In a continuation of what has become an annual tradition in
Marion dozens of people gathered on Tower Square recently to observe our country’s National Day of Prayer. In doing so, the participants were part of a nation wide celebration of the power of prayer that was started 59 years ago when then President Harry Truman declared a National Day of Prayer and signed into law an annual national observance. In 1988 President Ronald Reagan signed a law making the first Thursday in May as the day for the Day of Prayer observance. This year’s downtown Marion observance featured over a dozen speakers with each praying for a specific area of life and work. One of them, radio broadcaster Kent Zimmer said of the experience, “Whenever you’re in the media, I think you’re called to a higher responsibility. Obviously, we’re also in a position where we can take a stand. I’m honored to par-
Story & Photos by Ceasar Maragni
Summer 2011 • www.marionlivingmag.com • 15
ticipate in this and pray for the media.” Marion Mayor Bob Butler was on hand. Following the service he told Marion Living, “I think it is a tremendous demonstration of the faith of the people of the city of Marion and our area. In these troubled times this is so important and the prayers that were given I thought were very appropriate and I’m sure the Lord was listening.”
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Middle Left: Reverend Bob Dickerson of Marion’s First Baptist Church read the Lord’s Prayer and doxology. Middle Right: This couple were unified in their silent prayer. Bottom: Those in attendance were bathed in sunshine during the service.
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Summer 2011 • www.marionlivingmag.com • 19
It’s Fair Time!! The Williamson County Fair – the longest continuous running county fair in Illinois will make yet another debut this July The Williamson County Fair will kick off year 156 on July 9 – the opening of eight days of fast and furious entertainment.
Eli. “We work hard every year to try and step up the entertainment and talent level of performers.”
Steve Eli, secretary-treasurer for the fair said organizers of the annual event take much pride in the fact that Williamson County can boast the longest running fair in the entire state.
Eli said along with a top-notch week of entertainment fairgoers this year will also see a much improved midway with the addition of Family Attractions Amusement.
“When you think about it this fair has survived times of world wars, the Great Depression … it’s just incredible that the Williamson County Fair has continued to thrive and get better each year,” said Ely. “And we are not resting on our laurels, we really try and step things up from year to year.”
“They have a real focus on safety and we feel fortunate to get them,” said Eli. “This is definitely a positive step up for us this year.”
And ‘get better’ is exactly what the thousands of visitors will see again this summer when another year of fair memories will be created during a wide array of events during the eight-day run.
As in past years, this year’s fair will feature concerts, a beauty pageant, demolition derbies, bull riding, teen night, motocross racing, a car show, a carnival, a tractor pull, a horse show and home show. The popular 80s group Brat Pack will also perform during the fair and Revis, a local group that has achieved success at the national level will also be a new addition to this year’s event.
“It’s really a year around job putting the fair together,” said
Below is a quick run down of the diverse musical entertainment along with the day-to-day activities at the Williamson County Fair. Saturday, July 9th Sunday, July 10th Monday, July 11th Tuesday, July 12th Wednesday, July 13th Thursday, July 14th Friday, July 15th Saturday, July 16th -
LoCash Cowboys 8:30pm Pleasure and Gaited Horse Show Motocross! Demo Derby I 7:00pm Justin Moore 8:00pm Tractor Pull: grandstand Awaken and City Serenade Brat Pack 8:30pm Beauty & the Beasts 7:00pm Battle of the Bands 12noon Revis
20 • marion living magazine • Summer 2011
2011 FAIR Schedule SATURDAY, JULY 9TH 5K Run-Registration 7:00 A.M./ 5K Run @ 8:00 A.M. Williamson County Fair Car Show- 9A.M.-2 P.M. Entry Day for Departments J, L,M,O,P- 10:00 A.M.-3:00 P.M. Truck Mud Bog -2:00 P.M. Admission-$10 per person East Side of Fairgrounds Entertainment Barn opens @ 5:00 P.M.LoCash Cowboys in Concert @ 8:30 P.M.-Admission $12 Advanced/ $15 at the door SUNDAY, JULY 10TH- Dairy Cattle on grounds by noon 1:30 P.M.-Little Miss and Mr. Williamson County Fair PageantsMarion Civic CenterAdmission charged at the door 4:00 P.M.-Gaited and Pleasure Horse Show 7:00 P.M.- Community Worship Service- Grandstand with LIFE CHURCH MONDAY, JULY 11TH CARNIVAL OPENS @ 5:00 P.M. FAMILY NIGHT- Free Parking Monday Only! 4-H Project Judging @ 1:00 P.M. ,display until 7:00 P.M.,Hanna Bldg. Miss Williamson County Fair Scholarship and Princess Pageant- 7:00 P.M.Marion Civic Center Admission charged at the door Grandstand -7:00 P.M- Motocross Racing-Timmy Hawthorne Fair Racers Production, General Admission $10 Ind. Box Seat $12 Pit Pass $15 Entertainment Barn- Teen Night with Radio Active Society 7:00 P.M (No Alcohol Sold that evening!) TUESDAY, JULY 12 Carnival opens @ 5:00 P.M. Grandstand- Demo Derby I- Whiplash Racing Productions-7:00 P.M General Admission-$10 Ind. Box Seat- $12 Pit Pass-$15 Entertainment Barn opens @ 5:00 P.M. WEDNESDAY, JULY 13TH Williamson. Co. 4-H Small Animal Show-9:00 A.M.-Sheep Barn Beef Cattle on grounds by noon Carnival opens @ 5:00 P.M. Grandstand- Tractor Pull- 7:00 P.M.-General Admission $10 Ind. Box Seat $12 Pit Pass $15 Entertainment Barn featuring JUSTIN MOORE in concert- 8:00 P.M.Admission $15/ Advanced $20 at the door -Advanced tickets available from advertised locations-Must be 21 to purchase and consume alcohol! THURSDAY, JULY 14TH HARNESS RACING 12 NOON-free grandstand CARNIVAL OPENS @ 5:00 P.M. Grandstand -Christian Rock Concert with AWAKEN and CITY SERENADE- 7:00 P.M. General Admission- $5.00 Ind. Box Seat $7.00 Entertainment Barn- Karaoke with Fast Eddie’s Karaoke Show- Karaoke Contest ! FRIDAY, JULY 15TH Williamson Co. 4-H Horse Show- Justin Eli Dodd Arena- 10:00 A.M. Harness Racing 12 Noon- free grandstand Carnival opens @ 5:00 P.M. Grandstand- Beauties and The Beasts-7:00 P.M.Barrel Racing and Bull Riding General Admission-$10 Ind. Box Seat $12 Pit Pass $15 Entertainment Barn- THE BRAT PACK -8:00 P.M.Admission $10 at the door must be 21 to purchase and consume alcohol
Story By Jim Muir Photos by Ceasar Maragni
SATURDAY, JULY 16TH Pick up day for entries in Depts. J,L,M,O,P10:00 A.M. Until 2:00 P.M. Entertainment Barn -12 noon- Battle of The BandsEvening Feature Band REVIS @ 8:00 P.M. Admission-$15 for the dayMust be 21 to purchase and consume alcohol Justin Eli Dodd Arena- Speed Horse Show- 6:00 P.M.free admission Grandstand- DEMO DERBY II- Whiplash Racing Promotions7:00 P.M. General Admission $10 Ind. Box Seat $12 Pit Pass $15
NOTICE: Fair Phone- 618-751-9318- Please leave a message williamsoncountyfair@yahoo.com Carnival Family Attractions Amusements will be open from July 11-16, 2011 Advanced Ticket Sales for concerts will be at advertised locations! Williamson County 4-H events- participants must be enrolled by May, 2011 Entertainment Barn- Must be 21 to purchase and consume alcohol
Summer 2011 • www.marionlivingmag.com • 21
Record Breaking...
History Making
The flood of 2011 has left a lasting impression on many parts of Southern Illinois
The biggest story of the spring for most southern Il-
linois residents has been the record flooding affecting most every county in the region. For many it meant sleepless days and nights spent sandbagging and moving furniture and other household items, in an attempt to keep floodwaters from the Mississippi and Ohio Rivers from destroying what they had worked and saved for most of their lives. Sadly, many lost the battle. But some were able to avoid the heartbreak wrought by the murky, muddy water, many because of geography and many others because enough friends, neighbors, volunteers and government agencies cared enough to help. Tom Lacey and his wife Rhonda of Hurst were among 22 • marion living magazine • Summer 2011
those blessed by the help of many of their Williamson County friends and neighbors. The Laceys have lived in their modest wood framed house in Hurst for 27 years and have never had to fear flood waters - until this year. In a three-day period they worked day and night placing sandbags around their home and used large water pumps to help save their home. But, they weren’t alone. Lacey said he could hardly find the words to thank the three dozen friends and neighbors who volunteered their time and energy in the successful effort to save Lacey’s house from waist high flood water. He said with the utmost sincerity, “I am very grateful for all the help. There’s no way Rhonda and I could have done this alone.” While the Laceys were able to save their home, so many others weren’t and seeing homes overtaken by
Story & Photos by Ceasar Maragni
the river water was depressing for other Williamson County volunteers like Gordon Gisy and Bob Burns who were among the dozens of area residents who donned the yellow T-shirts of the Williamson County Baptist Association’s Disaster Relief Team to try and help their neighbors to the south, primarily in Alexander and Pulaski counties.
Right Page: Tom Lacey seemed weary of all the water that seemed to be attacking his Hurst home from all sides recently as he, his wife Rhonda and over three dozen friends and neighbors kept busy sandbagging in an effort to keep backwaters of the Big Muddy River in check. Left Page Top: Crossroads Tabernacle in Hurst was nearly covered by floodwaters during the recent record flood. Middle: Williamson County’s Chief Highway Engineer Greg Smothers kept busy surveying the county’s 650 miles of roadway his office is responsible for. Smothers said, “We had to close off 41 roads in the county. In terms of the number of people and lives affected, this is the worst flooding I’ve seen in my lifetime in southern Illinois.” Bottom: Volunteers from left to right Jamie LaBotte, Gordon Gisy and Don Kragness, all of Marion and Gary Cooper of Carterville, spent weeks in Alexander County helping residents with sandbagging in an effort to keep backwaters of the Mississippi River out of their homes and businesses. The men were part of a mission team from several Southern Baptist churches in Williamson County who spent weeks helping the flood victims to their south. Here they were filling and placing sand bags around the home of Kenneth and Shirley Grundy of Hodges Park, north of Cairo. Mr. Grundy said of their new friends, “ Shirely and I are so blessed by their work. It’s hard to get help around here because everybody else is trying to save their own places.”
Summer 2011 • www.marionlivingmag.com • 23
Burns, who spent spent weeks sandbagging, said “It was so sad to help Olive Branch homeowners who worked day and night, only to see it all in vain as the river water came up so fast that it topped all the sandbags we had put up anyway. It just broke your heart to see their homes destroyed.� Gisy added, “Those people lost so much. It makes you realize just how blessed most of us are.�
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Federal, state, county, city and other branches of government were all involved in the relief response effort in helping southern Illinois residents cope with the massive flooding. This was the scene in the old Wal-Mart parking lot in Marion where tents, trailers and personnel were stationed to help.
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Summer 2011 • www.marionlivingmag.com • 25
There’s No Place Like Home For most avid baseball fans there’s not a better sound in late spring than hearing a home plate umpire shout ‘Play ball!’ at their favorite team’s home opener. For Southern Illinois Miners fans that moment came on Tuesday evening May 24th at Rent One Park against the Evansville Otters. Celebrating their fifth season of bringing professional baseball to Marion, the Miners hope to reward their thousands of loyal fans with another solid season of baseball. That’s one of their primary goals according to Miners executive vice president & C.O.O. Erik Haag, who was all smiles at this year’s opening night in Marion. “Opening night is always special, but this year is very speTop: Miners executive vice president Erik Haag, right, presented team Manager Mike Pinto with this framed piece honoring the dugout dean for notching his 300th minor league victory early this season with a win over the Gateway Grizzlies. Bottom: Frontier League Commissioner Bill Lee shared a warm pre-game greeting with Miners hitting coach Ralph Santana.
Story & Photos by Ceasar Maragni 26 • marion living magazine • Summer 2011
Marion Living Magazine Focuses on:
Southern Illinois Miner
Sean Harrell Is the adopted Grandson of Residents at Marion’s Parkway Estates.
Sean, a Georgia native, lives with a host family here in Marion. To the right, Sean gets a hug from Parkway Estates Resident Birdie Sims. At the Bottom, Sean with some of his Parkway Estates fans.
Summer 2011 • www.marionlivingmag.com • 27
Top Left: Miners crowd favorite outfielder Jerome Milions was greeted by Miners manager Mike Pinto, right, during player introductions. Top Right: Miners videographer Shane Dyel had his eye on action from the photo box along the first base line. Bottom: Diamond Girl Laurel Hall of Carterville helped keep the crowd in the game between innings.
cial for us because it’s our fifth anniversary, and it’s been such a great ride,” said Haag. “Great memories over the last four years and we’re ready to make some new ones.” Last year was pretty special indeed for the Miners as they used a 20 game consecutive winning streak to help them own the best regular season record in the Frontier League. Area fans are hoping for them to continue that success again this season. Frontier League Commissioner Bill Lee was among those on hand for the Miners home open and he spoke glowingly of the Southern Illinois entry in his league. “I get to as many of these home openers as I can, depending on the schedule and I’m happy to be here,” said Lee. “This is such a great ball park, such a great area. I think I’ve made four of their five Rent One season opening games and I love coming here. The Miners have set a bar pretty high for new franchises.” If the joyous atmosphere of the Miners management, coaches, players and fans early on are any indication of what’s in store for area fans again this summer, then get ready, because it’s going to be another summer full of fun at Marion’s Rent One Park. 28 • marion living magazine • Summer 2011
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Summer 2011 • www.marionlivingmag.com • 29
Our E.R. will take care of your family faster.
INTRODUCING THE 30-MINUTES-OR-LESS E.R. SERVICE PLEDGE
Emergency medicine is about three things: compassion, skilled care and speed. You’ll find these at Heartland Regional Medical Center. The experienced E.R. physicians and the entire team are committed to working diligently to have you initially seen by a clinical professional* within 30 minutes of your arrival. If you need an E.R. fast, try our fast E.R. Once you do, you won’t want to go anywhere else. For more information, visit HeartlandRegional.com.
*Clinical professional is defined as a physician, physician assistant or nurse practitioner. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911.
55747_HEAR_ERtc_6_5x9_5c.indd 1 30 • marion living magazine • Summer 2011
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Summer 2011 • www.marionlivingmag.com • 31
The power to make communities stronger and change the way you bank forever. WITH KASASA GIVING YOU CAN ENJOY: * HIGH INTEREST FOR YOU!
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Kasasa Giving makes paying it forward part of your daily life
As you rack up the interest for YOUR account, The Bank of Marion’s Kasasa Giving Debit Card is making a donation in your name to selected charities.*
* KASASA DEBIT CARD TRANSACTIONS PRODUCE DONATIONS TO PAY FORWARD.
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.
* NATIONWIDE ATM FEE REFUNDS * FREE ONLINE BANKING
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 • Summer 2011