March 2016 Limited Magazine

Limited Bloomington-Normal’s Premier Lifestyle and Business Magazine March 2016

Getting to know

Dan Brady

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Contributors & Staff

March 2016

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Dan Brady sharing some scheduling tips with me

Deanna Frautschi

Michael Escoubas

Thom Rakestraw

Deanna is a local naturalist.

She photographs, writes and makes presentations to help connect others with the natures in things around them.

Michael is a member of the Illinois State Poetry Society.

His recent submission took first place in the Free Verse category of the ISP’s annual contest.

Thom is an avid consumer of coffee, can usually be found photographing architecture around the Twin Cities. His down time consists of reading David McCullough books, and practicing his guitar skills.

elcome to the March edition of Limited featuring a face I’m sure most of you know. As Limited staff is out and about covering events in town, it’s inevitable that we will run into State. Rep. Dan Brady at 99 percent of them.

And whenever we see him, he’s already been to numerous events before us and has about 3 to 4 more events to go to after he leaves.

He’s dedicated and tireless (or perhaps the cloning rumors are true). Find out more about Dan on pages 14 and 15.

Inside this month’s pages you’ll see a Tale of Two Super Bowl parties, photos from the annual Martin Luther King Jr. dinner, the McLean County Chamber of Commerce annual gala, and one of our favorite features, Gala Gowns.

Next month, we’ll feature the honorary chairs of our Evening of Stars, Steve and Christel Denault. We’ll also be out and about at many of the charity events and functions that our community so generously attends.

If you have an event that you would like to be featured in our calendar and possibly on our photo pages, please email me at Jkehias@pantagraph.com Happy St. Patrick’s Day!

SPRING OPEN HOUSE Saturday March 26th, 2016

Carlos T. Miranda

Erin Woods

By day, Carlos is a network engineer at Integrity Technology Solutions. On nights and weekends, Carlos often indulges his other passion — photojournalism.

Erin is studying business administration at Lincoln College. Future plans including owning her own studio. In the meantime, Erin has three jobs to pay for that hobby.

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301 W. Washington St. • Bloomington, IL 61701 • 309-829-9000 Editor — Jonell Kehias | jkehias@pantagraph.com | 309-820-3350 Creative Director — Rick Milewski | rmilewski@pantagraph.com | 309-820-3319 Advertising Sales Director — Michelle Wojcik | mwojcik@pantagraph.com | 309-820-3362

Limited Magazine welcomes your submissions of photographs and feature ideas. Organizations must notify us of upcoming events at least six weeks in advance. All submissions will be considered for publication. We reserve the right to edit submit­ted material. Views expressed are those of the writers and do not necessarily reflect our publishing policies. No part of the magazine may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying for any purpose without the express written consent of Limited Magazine, 301 W. Washington St., Bloomington, IL.

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The Nature of Sanibel Island

Story and Photo by Deanna Frautschi

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anibel Island in Florida brings thoughts of sunshine, white sandy beaches and ocean waves lapping the shoreline to many. But sometimes people don’t think of its importance in preserving and monitoring coastal wildlife habitat and the educational resources to teach others about conservation.

Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge supports over 250 varieties of birds. After visiting the refuge nature center and learning about island ecology and wildlife, we enjoyed egrets, many heron species, pelicans, anhingas and osprey while driving its wildlife trail and stopping at various viewing points along the way. We even encountered American alligators in its roadside swamps.

Red Mangrove overlook is a short boardwalk allowing you to watch fiddler crabs scampering through the mangroves and view hidden wildlife like Roseate spoonbills and egrets fishing among the tree roots.

Conservation Foundation a hidden gem

A lesser- known nature education feature on the island is the Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation with walking trails through upland swamps and over a river. The nature center features turtles in aquariums and many educational exhibits and videos. They can also direct you to other nature viewing areas on the island to view specific habitats and the animals found in those locations.

The Clinic for Rehabilitation of Wildlife (CROW) also has an education center where you can view recovering wildlife cared for at the clinic and learn what it takes to be a veterinarian caring Roseate spoonbills and plovers in rain for island wildlife. at Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge

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Shell Museum one of a kind

The Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum is one of a kind with over two million shell specimens.

Displays and live presentations acquaint you with the history, ecology and uses of shells. There Naturalist teaching small group how to identify shells is a children’s science lab that provides hands-on learning experiences.

We also took advantage of a beach shell walk with a naturalist from the museum.

She identified and explained many of the various shells found on the beach as we walked along with her. The bonus was that we got to keep the shells she identified for our own collection.

Osprey (fish hawk)

White pelicans at low tide in gulf

INDEX

March 2016

Features

Photo Galleries

The Nature of Sanibel Island.............................. Pages 4 Bill Flick..............................................................Page 7

Tour de Chocolat..................................................Page 6 Terry Reid Super Bowl Party................................Page 8 Cold Roll: A Fat Bike Adventure...........................Page 9 Dobski Super Bowl Party............................ Pages 10-11 Chuck’s Mardi Gras............................................Page 12 ISU Play4Kay.....................................................Page 16 23rd Annual Integrity Bowl-A-Thon..................Page 18 “Cleopatra and the Plastic Surgeon”..................Page 19 2nd Annual Penny Social............................ Pages 20-21 Taste of Redbirds...............................................Page 24

Getting to know Dan Brady......................... Pages 14-15

2016 Martin Luther King Jr. Dinner............ Pages 26-27

Calendar............................................................Page 22

Gala Gowns................................................. Pages 28-29

Toddler (a poem)...............................................Page 25

Chamber of Commerce Gala....................... Pages 30-31

Business Barometer...........................................Page 36

Chocolate Tasting Event.....................................Page 33

Inspiration.........................................................Page 38

Business After Hours.........................................Page 35

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Tour de Chocolat Downtown Bloomington First Friday Downtown Bloomington Friday, Feb. 5 Photos by Thom Rakestraw

More photos at pantagraph.com/limited

Back: Lyndsay and Dan Withey, Front: Toni, Marie, Molly and Matthew Milewski, Sarai Withey Judy Neal, Joanne Dorneden, Dawn Ludwig

Evon Long, Christina Rogers

Lenny sporting his Valentine’s Day tie

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More photos at pantagraph.com/limited

Mary McAvoy, Jason Hudson

Cindy Lawson-Kester, Judy Barr, Gerti Clark

March 2016 — Limited

Jennifer Boddie, Maria C. Kemp, Jamie Ellis

Colleen Reynolds, Kris Williams, Megan Devlin

Bill Flick Your March 2016 BNI (Bloomington-Normal Index): A change not only of the times but State Farm, too: You can now get a life insurance policy if you not only smoke cigarettes or chewing tobacco but marijuana as well.

Hey, it’s Tommy!: Retiring after 57 years as a Franciscan priest, the last 23 at Bloomington’s St. Mary’s Catholic Church, is Father Ric Schneider who through the years has been a guiding influence to many.

a movie, began using his middle name as his last for screen purposes and became Tom Cruise. In fact, at a recent reunion of St. Bill Flick Francis alumni, the Columnist picture, says Father Ric, was shown on an overhead screen and other alumnus exclaimed, “Oh look — there’s Tommy!”

Happy birthday to the stoplight in B-N: Until 80 years ago this fall, there wasn’t a single stoplight in Bloomington-Normal. Instead, men manually swiveled signs that told drivers when to stop and go.

That would include back in 1976 when Father Ric helped 14-year-old Thomas C. Mapother IV with the building of a radio-controlled boat in a shop class at St. Francis Seminary, in a suburb of Cincinnati. That’s the photo of Mapother, left, and another St. Francis pal, that Father Ric snapped 40 years ago. Five years after the taking of the picture, having decided not to become a Catholic priest, Mapother landed a role in

Wisconsin an ISU lover?: It’s called Illinois State University and more than 80 percent of its enrollment is from there. But after that, it’s Wisconsin, 86 students; then Indiana, 80; then Missouri, 74; then Michigan, 72; then Iowa, 50.

A reminder of racial times gone by: Bloomington’s Evergreen Cemetery has a special section for blacks who also fought in the Civil and SpanishAmerican wars.

12 1/2 feet wide, 1,577 pounds each: The world’s largest tires — used on mining equipment — are birthed at the corner of Fort Jesse Road and Veterans Parkway in Normal.

Hours of the day Bloomington police say they have the least calls: 9 p.m. and 4 a.m.

Play ball!: As baseball’s spring training begins and the New York Yankees again proclaim they believe they have a chance to win a World Series, check out manager Joe Girardi — his “world” used to just be this area. He grew up in East Peoria, attended Academy of Our Lady/Spalding Institute and visited B-N often as his Girardi cousins were all here, at Metcalf and U High.

Meanwhile, Los Angeles Angels manager Mike Scioscia also is no stranger to B-N — his older brother, Rick, and sister, Gail, both live in B-N. Bill Flick is at bflick@pantagraph.com

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Terry Reid Super Bowl Party Home of Terry Reid, Bloomington Sunday, Feb. 7 Photos by Carlos T. Miranda More photos at pantagraph.com/limited

Some of the elaborate desserts provided by King’s Table Catering

High school friends Buddy Ludwig and Jonell Kehias

Annette and Pete Benjamin, Chris Rodgers

Terry Reid and Donny Schneider enjoying a drink at the fish tank

Anthony Atkinson with son Ean

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March 2016 — Limited

Terry Reid with Grayson and Izzy

Frogs hold a basket of ice cold beer

Donny Schneider, Marlene Woodruff, Buddy and Dawn Ludwig

Cold Roll: A Fat Bike Adventure presented by Easter Seals Timber Pointe Outdoor Center, Hudson Saturday, Jan. 30 Photos by Thom Rakestraw

Craig Fisher

More photos at pantagraph.com/limited

John Danenberger

Matt Wiser, Deb Townsend, Mark Wilkins, Scott Davis

Lauren Hardy, Gina Mandros

Lori Manuel with Mojo

Hope Hall, Corin Chapman

Limited — March 2016

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Dobski Annual Super Bowl Party Home of Bob and Julie Dobski, Bloomington Sunday, Feb. 7 Photos by Carlos T. Miranda

Seated: Jan Francois, Paula Weiland, Barb and Debbie Selzer Standing: Karen DeAngelis, Sheila Wright, Julie Dobski More photos at pantagraph.com/limited Collin Kendle, Ed, Jordan and Jon Voegele

Uma Kailasam with daughter Rhea Balakrishnan Cindy and Mark Segobiano

Tom and Karen Orrick

Aimee and Brock Spack, Dr. Ramsin and Jizet Benyamin

Erin Williams, Karen DeAngelis, Brittiany Jacobs

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March 2016 — Limited

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Chuck’s Mardi Gras Fun Nite Benefitting Neville House Chuck’s Harley-Davidson, Bloomington Tuesday, Feb. 9 Photos by Thom Rakestraw

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March 2016 — Limited

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Getting to know

Dan Brady Story by Jonell Kehias, Photos by Lori Ann Cook-Neisler

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is “Centrix” Central Catholic High School yearbook is typical of the late ’70s.

On page 91 of the 1979 edition, you’ll see Dan Brady’s official senior photo; he wears the requisite suit and tie. He sports bangs and a feathered haircut that tends to flip at the ends.

Classmates signed the front and back of Dan’s book, wishing him “Good Luck” at St. Ambrose University and hoping that he “stays in touch.” Perhaps what is most amusing (besides the haircut) is a handwritten addition to the Senior Class Prophecy page. At the bottom, beneath “Best Dressed,” “Most Likely to Succeed” and ‘Most Likely To Start His Own Cult” predictions, someone bestowed Dan with the legacy of “Most Enemies.”

From the many signatures and the candid pictures of Dan goofing around with classmates, it’s easy to see the “Most Enemies” prophecy was a facetious nod to Dan’s popularity. And that popularity has expanded exponentially throughout the years, Dan Brady’s senior class photo making state Rep. Dan Brady, R-Bloomington, one of the community’s most well-known and beloved celebrities.

It seems only natural to feature Dan in our March edition of Limited. His Irish heritage is something he celebrates yearly at his annual St. Patrick’s Day Party, which draws a crowd of more than 300. While it was tough pinning down the man famous for attending every event in BloomingtonNormal, Dan was kind enough to answer some questions for Limited: Why did you get into the funeral me for future service at Kibler-Smith business?

Memorial Home, owner of Brady Funeral Growing up, I served as an altar server Home, service as McLean County coroner for Catholic funeral masses. I was very and today as a partner in our firm of Kiblerinterested in the role of the funeral director. Brady-Ruestman Memorial Home.

I started helping Dan Carmody and Bill Any similarities in being a funeral McMeekan at the original Carmody director and a politician?

Funeral Home in seventh grade. These two Yes, every day you are in the public eye in funeral directors were a great influence both professions — working with people, through my high school years, allowing me letting them know who you are, and going Photo of Dan’s family he keeps in to work at the funeral home and preparing out of your way to inform them how you his office

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March 2016 — Limited

can help them — “funeral service” and “politics” can be similar.

name with something I can recall.

What made you want to be in politics?

My father, Frank Brady Sr., was very involved in local politics and was vice chair of the McLean County Republican Party and Dan and his parade posse, complete with bagpiper a judicial candidate Tom is 14 and in the eighth grade at Evans himself. My grandfather, Dan Dowey, served in Junior High School the McLean County Democratic Party. I come Favorite vacation spot? by my politics honestly.

Family vacations on the west coast of What is your biggest frustration with Florida. being a state representative?

When the system of red tape wins and a Favorite family memory? constituent who needs help and is on the The births of our children right side of a government-inflicted problem What do you do to unwind? does not get it properly resolved.

Swim at the YMCA What is the thing that gives you the most What book are you reading now? satisfaction from your job?

“Lincoln’s Lost Speech” Helping my constituents when they truly What is the last concert you attended? need it.

Sara Evans Christmas Concert — which was What are your thoughts on our governor? a benefit for The YMCA Strong Kids Program Do you have much interaction?

He is a man that takes things seriously and About your community presence: believes that he is a conduit for change in state On the average, how many events do you government, and that the people elected him attend in a week? to create that change for the improvement of Several events a day our state. He is passionate and I have a fair How do you pick what events you attend? amount of interaction with him.

It’s based on several factors — purpose, What’s your prediction for getting a location, size of event, the time, etc. state budget? How frustrated are citizens getting?

My prediction is only what’s in my control and that is that I will keep advocating and presenting compromises and proposal,s such as I have recently done with funding for higher education. The citizens’ frustration is very high and very understandable.

What time does your day start? And end?

Before the sun comes up and after the sun goes down! Actually, it all depends on the day.

About your family:

How long have you been married?

Twenty years to Teri (Koch), from Bloomington — a Bloomington High School alum.

How old are your children?

Danielle is 18 and a freshman at Illinois State University (a new voter).

What are the most events you have attended in one day?

Seven pancake breakfasts in one day (I did not eat at all of them but just donated to the cause!)

You’ve made cameo appearances in local productions where you sing and dance. Do you enjoy being on stage and performing?

Yes, it’s a great way to get involved and meet very talented people! Back in my high school years at Central Catholic High School, I was in various productions including “Guys and Dolls” and “Hello, Dolly!” I think I first got involved with these productions because I was flunking Spanish class. I needed extra credit.

Thoughts on the Twitter account @DanBradyWasHere It’s funny and tastefully done — wish I knew who produces it!

How many presidents have you met?

I’ve met four: our current president, both Bushes and President Gerald Ford. Of the four I met, I probably most enjoyed meeting George W. Bush. I was lucky to spend 15-20 minutes with him.

Personal:

Did you ever hold elected office as a kid?

Yes, I served as class president at Central Catholic High School, which I believe I won by campaigning on the platform of an extended lunch hour at Denny’s Spudnuts.

What historical figure do you most admire?

President Abraham Lincoln Who do you go to for advice?

Family and close friends who have helped in the past Do you have a favorite local sports team?

I like the Packers, the Bears, the Cubs and the Cardinals — except when they play each other!

Do you have a favorite “type” of event: (i.e., breakfasts, parades, galas?) Do you have a favorite event?

Parades; you get to see more folks and visit with them at one time! I really enjoy the events where kids are welcome.

Do you ever have a night off?

Yes, when I am out of town or on vacation.

What’s the busiest time of year?

During the spring session of the Legislature, January through May. How do you remember people’s names?

I try to focus on the name when I am first introduced, and I repeat it and associate the

Dan and family on vacation in Florida

Limited — March 2016

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Illinois State University Play4Kay Women’s Basketball Team vs Indiana State Redbird Arena, Normal Friday, Feb. 5 Photos by Thom Rakestraw

Julie Smith running hard

More photos at pantagraph.com/limited

McKayla Hanson, Jenny Quinn, Phil Roth

Mary Ann Webb, Maureen Lyons, Barb Nathan, Joan Guenther

LB Lyons, Leanna Bordner

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March 2016 — Limited

Jill Savage gives Reggie a high five

Greg Cook, Mary Bennett Henrichs, Grant Anderson

Student Nurses Association officers: Marnie Johnson, Nicole Norris, Spencer Simpson, Rebecca Harris

Tricia Hayden

Paul Downey with daughters Lydia and Jillian

Miah, Joelle, Emma, Abbey, Cathy and Joe Bachtold