618 Hometown Magazine, February 2020

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(618) HOMETOWN MAGAZINE FEBRUARY 2020 3

table of

CONTENTS

February 2020

PHOTO BY: COLYER COFFEE HOUSE

6

WHO LOVE LOOKS LIKE Residents of the 618 area tell us who love looks like to them

9

THE WAY TO A HEART Kim Bayless shares her take on an elegant, tasty Valentine’s dinner

12 CAPTURING MEMORABLE MOMENTS

Allie Silvernale steps into her calling

15 ALL THINGS CHOCOLATE

Constant Cravings Chocolate Festival

holds memorable chocolate experiences

17 WHATEVER YOU DO

Colyer Coffee House

offers coffee and community 20 SAVING SCRAPS IN TIME

Erin Zinzilieta-Pennington reminisces about

her grandmother’s style

22 SPOTLIGHT: ATHLETES OF THE MONTH

30 SENIOR CHAT

(618)

from the

EDITOR

EDITOR Andrea Howe

We’re thrilled to present the first of our free editions of (618) Hometown Magazine coming to your mailbox every month.

We truly love what we do, and we want to share it with you. In these pages you’ll see stories about your friends and neighbors, written by people with some deep ties to your communities.

In my 40-or-so years of journalism, I’ve been privileged to share stories of the (618) area. We picked the name (618) Hometown Magazine to feature some of our favorite topics in our favorite places in Edwards, Wabash and White Counties about some of our favorite people and some of our favorite people we’ve yet to meet.

I say favorite people yet to meet today, because I have many friends and loved ones in these three counties, but this adventure connects me with many more favorite people! I just met a 98-year-old treasure who made me laugh and cry at the same time. As you read the stories we’ve selected, you’ll see why!

Mona Taylor Warrick is a longtime friend and colleague who has written about our communities over the years, and tells a story like only she can. She contributes two special pieces in this edition that you will love. One is a story about love reunited. Another is a beautiful pictorial showcasing foodie Kim Bayless in the kitchen, creating a culinary Valentine gift. Our cover shot, taken by Mona, features White County State’s Attorney Denton Aud and wife Alex sharing a spoon of a luscious chocolate mousse Kim created.

Mount Carmel photographer Allie Silvernale shared her passion for capturing special moments, carving out some time for me to visit her studio. Meredith and Justin Miller allowed me to learn about how their vision for a commu-

The Way to a Heart PAGE 9

nity gathering place came to fruition in Albion.

I nearly had a chocolate attack just being in the presence of all the treats at Constant Cravings at Backyard Market in Mount Carmel. I don’t bet, but I would bet you won’t find a greater variety of ways to satisfy a sweet tooth in three counties than her shop offers.

Erin Zinzilieta-Pennington, Carmi, shares her love for saving works of needle art and making them into new treasures. Her work is beautiful!

You’ll find some reoccurring features in (618) Hometown Magazine. We offer a monthly calendar of events and we invite all organizations to take advantage of the free opportunity to come into all the homes in our coverage area.

Each month we put the spotlight on local athletes, we ask neighbors to share their views in interactive opportunities with our reporters Corey Woolsey and Evan Merrill, and we especially treasure the time we are allowed to spend in short interviews with people “of a certain age” who have seen and done more than any of the rest of us.

Have a look at what’s inside. We hope you love it as much as we love producing (618) Hometown Magazine.

About Andrea: Emma Township (White County) native Andrea Holtzclaw Howe is an award-winning hard news and feature writer, columnist, photojournalist and editor who began her professional career in White County in the early 1980s. She is the editor of (618) Hometown Magazine, Mount Carmel Register and Princeton Daily Clarion newspapers. Husband Stan, a combat veteran of the Vietnam War, honors veterans in military burials through Edwards County VFW Post 8222. Son Robert Andrew “Drew” Howe, named after grandfathers Robert Howe and Andrew Holtzclaw, studies history at the University of Southern Indiana. She loves her extended family living in the 618 and beyond. She loves big dogs and all things purple. Most importantly, she loves and follows her Savior Jesus Christ.

Andrea Howe Editor

ahowe@mtcarmelregister.com

CREATIVE DIRECTOR Maegan Saalwaechter

DESIGNER Sydney O’Hearn

CONTRIBUTORS Mona Warrick Erin Zinzilieta-Pennington Corey Woolsey Evan Merrill

TO ADVERTISE Courtney Shuttle courtney@pdclarion.com 812-220-4861

CONNECT WITH US Find us on Facebook (618) Hometown Magazine P.O. Box 550 Mt. Carmel IL 62863 618-263-1005 Email: news@mtcarmelregister.com

ON THE COVER

age 9

See story on p

Who love looks I would say my son John Walter Martin is the one who exemplifies love to me. He is always there for me. He was the one that held my hand when I lost my Daddy, my Momma and my best friend and when the surgeon came out and told me my sister had cancer. His hugs give me strength. He is my son and my strength.

Cheryl Jenny — Carmi

When someone asks me who I think of when I think of love, my answer is my wife Rachel. She puts her family first and foremost in all things, and her support for all of us is unwavering. Rachel also goes out of her way to make sure all people feel included in any activities big or small. Her constant support and always being there mo matter what are why Rachel exemplifies love to me.

Jeremy Stoneberger — Mount Carmel

My step mother Amber Berberich. She lost her son Matthew Hughes in 2008 in a car accident.

She is the strongest woman I know. Losing a piece of her heart but showing love, compassion and grace to everyone she meets. She works at Health Insurance Associates in Mount Carmel, helping everyone in the community with their health care needs. But on a personal note, she is the most loving, giving, selfless and caring woman I know. She puts family first and foremost.

She is the exemplifies love in everything she does. She knows how much life is precious.

Stacey Berberich — Mount Carmel

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like

We asked our random 618-neighborhood friends the question: “Who in your life exemplifies love, and how do they demonstrate it?”

TO YOU

WRITER: COREY WOOLSEY

My husband is the person that shows love to me. We have been married for 18 years now and together 23 years. No he doesn’t buy me flowers (which are a waste of money anyways) anymore or surprise me with chocolates or stuff like that. As I have grown older I have realized that showing love means making Saturday morning breakfast together (which we literally just did), making supper because he is the first one home, going grocery shopping together (because we both hate it), bringing me a Diet Coke from McDonald’s, a random I Love You and Have a Good Day text, taking such amazing care of me for six weeks after I had little acts of kindness that show love....not the material items. I hope every person gets to experience these feelings in their lives.

Gena Hawkins — Carmi

I would have to say my mom. She shows that she loves us through her commitment to us and everyone that she comes into contact with.

Haley Jolley — Carmi

BE IN THE MAGAZINE Look for monthly reader-interactive opportunities to share your thoughts with us in our print magazine. Visit our (618) Hometown Magazine Facebook page.

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731 West 9th Mt. Carmel, IL

Fred & James McGee Owners

618-262-2578

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THE WAY TO A WRITER: MONA L. WARRICK

heart

Valentine’s Day falls on a Friday this year. If you plan to go out for

Kim Bayless, 618’s resident foodie, shares her take on an elegant,

dinner, hopefully you’ve already secured reservations at your favorite

tasty dinner that can be prepped and served in under an hour. She

restaurant.

also includes a decadent dessert that can be made ahead, it’s ready

Dinner reservations, for the most romantic of holidays, are often

when you are!

difficult to get. According to the National Restaurant Association,

While it looks impressive, the meal is easy to prepare. Gentlemen,

February 14 is second only to Mother’s Day when it comes to busiest

want to really wow your significant other? Make this delicious meal!

days to dine out. That’s because few things are more romantic than a

There’s no need to be intimidated. A quick stop at the grocery store to

special dinner with your love.

pick up a few fresh ingredients, and you’re ready to cook.

But, why bother making reservations, dressing up, and going out

Bayless shares her homemade Fettuccine Alfredo, make ahead

when you can stay home and create a delicious dinner for two (with

ready-to-ser ve salad, store bought French bread, and for dessert,

leftovers) for around $20? Sometimes staying in is the best idea.

Cocoa Cappuccino mousse. You can always ser ve the pasta with

(618) Hometown Magazine photo/Mona Warrick Alex Aud of Carmi feeds husband Denton a spoon of Kim’s chocolate mousse.

(618) HOMETOWN MAGAZINE FEBRUARY 2020 9

another side, perhaps a green vegetable.

In a saucepan, over medium heat, melt the but-

“There is no shame in purchasing items, such

ter and blend in the parmesan cheese. Stir in the

as bagged salad mix, to cut down on prep time,”

whipping cream; heat almost to a boil, stirring

said Bayless. “I love to cook and anytime I can find

constantly with a whisk. It’s important to stir con-

a time-saver, I’m on it!”

stantly so the sauce will not burn. Reduce heat. In

Always thoroughly wash bagged salads, regard-

a small bowl, beat eggs slightly and add slowly to

less of the ingredients. Leafy greens, such as those

mixture in the pan; stir constantly for five minutes.

in prepared salad mixes, are big offenders when it

Stir in parsley. Toss with hot pasta. Serve imme-

comes to food poisoning. Spinach harbors norovi-

diately. If you like, you may add grilled chicken or

rus, a common stomach bug marked by vomiting

shrimp.

and diarrhea… talk about a romance killer!

Kim added shrimp for this Valentine’s meal. She

Bayless adds a few simple ingredients to dress

placed fully cooked, frozen shrimp on a greased

up bagged salad mix, and tops the salad with a

cookie sheet. Slices of lemon and Italian herbs

simple, homemade dressing. “I guarantee you will

were added to the cookie sheet. The shrimp were

enjoy this meal as well as any meal you could order

cooked in a preheated oven at 350 degrees. Keep a

dining out,” said Bayless.

close watch on the shrimp as they warm up quickly.

You’ll want to prep the salad first and place it

When you place the shrimp in the oven, you

in the refrigerator to chill. For Kim’s salad, you’ll

should also warm the French bread. If desired, but-

need a 16 ounce package of ready to serve salad

ter each slice and sprinkle with garlic salt. Either

mix. Pick your favorite, and always check the

way, wrap the French bread in aluminum foil and

use by date for freshness. You will need: one 11

place in the oven until the bread is warm and/or

ounce can of mandarin oranges, drained; one cup

the butter has melted.

of shredded mozzarella cheese; eight bacon strips,

The pièce de résistance for this meal is the des-

cooked and crumbled; ½ cup chopped red onion;

sert! It’s fabulous. Kim prepares one of her favor-

and ¼ cup sliced almonds.

ites, the Cocoa Cappuccino Mousse. It can (and

For the dressing, you need: two tablespoons of vinegar, ½ cup oil of your choice; two tablespoons sugar; and ¼ teaspoon salt.

should) be prepared ahead of time and left in the refrigerator until after the meal.

For the dessert, you will need: one 14 ounce can

Directions: In a large bowl, combine salad mix,

sweetened condensed milk; 1/3 cup cocoa powder;

mandarin oranges, bacon, onion, and almonds.

three tablespoons butter; two teaspoons instant

Reser ve the cheese until you are ready to ser ve

coffee granules; two teaspoons hot water; two cups

the salad. Cover with plastic wrap and place in the

heavy cream, chilled.

refrigerator. In a jar, combine dressing ingredients,

Combine sweetened condensed milk, cocoa,

shake well before serving. When you are ready to

butter and coffee (coffee granules dissolved in hot

serve the salad, shake the dressing well, pour over

water) in medium saucepan. Cook over low heat,

salad and toss to coat. Then top the salad with the

stirring constantly, until butter melts and mixture

shredded mozzarella cheese.

is smooth. Remove from heat; cool.

Now, we can begin preparing the Fettuccine

Beat whipping cream in large bowl until stiff.

Alfredo. You will need 12 ounces of uncooked fet-

Gradually fold chocolate mixture into whipped

tuccine. Fill a large pan with water. Bring the water

cream. Spoon into dessert dishes. Refrigerate until

to a boil. Cook the fettuccine for 11-13 minutes.

set, about 2 hours. Garnish as desired. A nice

If you enjoy your pasta al dente (firm to the bite),

garnish for this dessert might be a few espresso

remove from heat at 11 minutes. Drain the pasta

beans, or a nice, plump raspberry.

and set aside.

For the Alfredo sauce, you will need: ½ stick

Chocolate is complemented by a variety of flavors.

butter (four tablespoons); ½ cup grated parmesan;

Isn’t that easy? It’s delicious and looks wonder-

½ cup whipping cream; two eggs; two tablespoons

ful once it’s plated. After dessert, there’s only one

of fresh parsley.

thing left to do, stream video and chill! Enjoy!

KIM BAYLESS, a native of Carmi, graduated from Carmi Community High School in 1978. She has a son and daughter-in-law Seth and Ally Owen, and is looking forward to the birth of her first grandchild in May. Kim works as a paraprofessional at Carmi-White County High School. She has a passion for food, cooking, gardening, canning, reading, and spending time with her family. Kim and Kirk live in rural Carmi.

10 (618) HOMETOWN MAGAZINE FEBRUARY 2020

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CAPTURING MEMORABLE MOMENTS

Silvernale Photography owner Allie Silvernale, seated, with interns Alexa Price, Kaleigh Fisher and Madilyn Piper at her studio west of Mount Carmel.

12 (618) HOMETOWN MAGAZINE

Silvernale steps into her calling WRITER: ANDREA HOWE PHOTOS: ANDREA HOWE & SILVERNALE PHOTOGRAPHY We keep mental images of those memorable life moments — the look on someone’s face — the sunset or the clear blue sky.

Allie Silvernale captures the moments and preser ves them.

And sometimes it’s easier said than done. A beautiful outdoor

photography, doing free headshots for a friend who wound up winning a modeling gig and commercials.

“I’m self-taught,” she said, explaining how she learned photography and photo editing skills.

wedding venue can be a disaster if the weather doesn’t cooperate.

While her skills were growing, she was still determined to have

But the Silver nale Photography owner makes those moments

a career in the field for which she earned a degree. She worked in

some of the most beautiful a bride could wish for.

marketing and other jobs.

Her studio on Maud Road near Mount Carmel is dotted with canvas por traits of some of those memorable moments. Engagements. Weddings. Graduations. Anniversaries. Children. All those

And then, after her fiance was injured just before she got married — she stepped out in faith.

“I put it all on God. He gave me a natural talent and pretty much said, ‘Do it.’” she smiled.

moments where people can see

Starting her own small busi-

what love looks like in color. Or

ness was more than a little

black and white, if you prefer.

ner ve-wracking, she admitted.

Silver nale does her par t to make the moments sponta-

Her business has gr own

neous. “Sometimes I give a guy

and she’s teaching her skills to

a code word to tickle her to get

interns who go on assignment

her to relax,” she grins. “I tr y to

for practice shots with her, cap-

find a couple’s natural ability to

ture behind-the-scenes shots

fall into one another.”

and promote Silvernale Photography’s social media presence.

Making the photo subjects

Silver nale’s assignments

feel at ease is the key. “I let them see the photos as I’m shooting,” she said. “I talk to them and

are planned, but she’s open to the moment — to capture those

ask them to tell me about how they fell in love. Some people can

moments. “I wing it a lot,” she laughed. She’s shot after having

be ver y timid at first, but I work to make it easy and quick and fun,

surger y, handled rainy outdoor weddings, New Year’s Eve “sur-

to get them to relax and be in their element.”

prise” nuptials and just about any other assignment ranging from

Capturing special moments wasn’t her original career plan.

“I’ve been taking photos since high school,” she said. But she

senior photo sessions to engagements, weddings, family and artistic whimsy work.

earned double bachelor degrees at Southern Illinois University in

The nature of the work means lots of scheduling and communi-

fine ar ts/communication design and in speech communications/

cations with clients, booked weekends behind the lens, traveling

public relations.

and then hours and hours in the studio, editing hundreds of imag-

In her senior year at SIU, as she worked on a thesis project

es. Silvernale said she’s pleased that clients have the confidence in

that involved photography, a professor saw some of her work and

her skills to know what she can do in the moment and in the edit-

asked her, “Why are you not doing photography?”

ing process preser ve their most memorable moments.

Silvernale took the professor’s advice bought a Canon Rebel camera as a graduation gift to herself. She played around with

Her work and business contact info is featured at https://www. silvernalephotography.com

(618) HOMETOWN MAGAZINE FEBRUARY 2020 13

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DINE AROUND THE

Bas Tiaan handles the daily operations of Constant Cravings at Backyard Markets, 522 Market Street in Mount Carmel.

All things chocolate at Constant Cravings WRITER + PHOTOS: ANDREA HOWE Remember your first box of Valentine sweets?

I do. I saved the box for some time. What was in it, I couldn’t tell you. It was the thought that counted.

confection, varietytrays of treats are available.

BELOW: Constant Cravings at Backyard Markets offers candy by the bulk, small selections or custom Valentine trays, according to owner Constance Folsom.

to Chicago for a candy show

Street in Mount Carmel, might

where they taste-test and make

make your head spin with all

their picks of the creations

the offerings.

from 800 vendors from across

“The chocolate will flow,” laughed owner Constance Fol-

the world to bring to the local store.

som, as she detailed her plan

There’s loaf fudge in 15

some memorable chocolate

for the store’s anniversar y.

flavors, ar tisan hand-crafted

experiences to be had during

Ever y day you can drink hot

truffles, Turtles, hand-dipped

Constant Cravings Chocolate

chocolate, tr y chocolate dips,

chocolate pretzels, cookies,

Festival, Feb. 1-14. The candy

chocolate soaps — all things

fresh-roasted nuts, gourmet

shop, located in Backyard

chocolate.

cof fee, hard-to-find vintage

But let me tell you, there’s ABOVE: If you can’t settle on one specific chocolate

Markets at 522 North Market

It’s a sugar (and sugar-free)

candy and gum, sour candy,

sweets emporium, gearing up

gummy candy, a complete Jelly

for Valentine candy pre-orders

Belly selection. The varieties

( ranging from $5 kids Valen-

go on and on, all displayed in

tine candy and balloons special

vintage candy store cases that

delivered free to Mount Carm-

Folsom said bring back child-

el schools or $5 cash and carry

hood memories to many of her

from the store, or custom trays

customers.

or heart boxes of your choice

The store is open Tuesday

of candy) from a selection that

through Friday from 10 a.m. to

probably can’t be matched out-

6 p.m. and Saturdays from 10

side a big city.

a.m. to 5 p.m. To order, stop in

Folsom and Constant Cravings staff make the pilgrimage

the store or phone (618) 2637750.

(618) HOMETOWN MAGAZINE FEBRUARY 2020 15

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16 (618) HOMETOWN MAGAZINE FEBRUARY 2020

whatever

YOU DO WRITER: ANDREA HOWE

A plaque on the wall of a commercial kitchen

student in Louisville, Kentucky, needed a wi-fi spot

where all the goodness happens for Colyer Coffee

and found a sweet spot in a coffee house. And the

House at 13 East Elm Street in Albion shows steam-

Christian coffee house atmosphere gave them food

ing cups of goodness and goodies, with some well-

for thought.

known words found in 1 Corinthians 10:31: “Whether you eat, or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glor y of God.” “That’s our verse,” grins Meredith (McDaniel)

“We wanted to create a space for our community for people to come in and sit and talk,” he said.

It was a thought, a dream that might happen in 10 to 15 years.

Miller, who par tners with husband Justin in an

But then, things fell together. “Doors star ted

adventure that has grown from a thought into a

opening,” and the Millers couldn’t say no to the pur-

passion.

chase of the historic brick house facing the brick

It’s one of those “meant to be” things that grew

street just nor th of the Edwards County Cour thouse.

out of necessity.

The necessity: Grayville native Justin, a medical

“We loved the look of the building,” Justin

Photo contributed | Bliss artisan ice cream is served in a variety of flavors.

(618) HOMETOWN MAGAZINE FEBRUARY 2020 17

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explained. And it really grew on them when they learned after buying

Photo courtesy of Colyer Coffee House

the 1908 structure, known locally as the Colyer House, that it was built

by Morris and Walter Colyer. Meredith Miller is the great-great-great-

LEFT: Valentine cookies, one of the many baked good varieties served seasonally at Colyer Coffee House.

granddaughter of Morris Colyer.

Over the years, the Colyer House has housed an abstract office, medical offices and a boutique. The Millers acquired the building in pretty good shape in the fall, and with the ser vices of local craftsmen and contractors, they made it sing a new song star ting in 2016 as a cof fee house featuring baked goods, ice cream, cof fee and other drinks and a lunch menu on the ground floor.

BELOW: Fresh-baked scones in a variety of flavors, such as this chocolate mint rendition.

The baked items are made fresh daily and var y from danishes and scones and cream horns and muffins to the occasional savor y hand pies. Bliss Artisan ice cream created by Mike and Angie Woodburn is offered in a rotating roster of flavors. And there’s just about any coffee drink you can imagine created by Coyler Coffee House baristas.

“It’s been a learning process,” Justin says. “The Woodburns told us that it’s a good thing to sell out of something.”

Colyer Cof fee House’s items focus on a variety combination of small-batch flavors, with new flavors introduced seasonally. For Val-

entine’s Day ideas, there are $5 gift cards and first-come, first-ser ved cupcakes and heart-shaped cookies planned on the mornings of Feb. 13-14.

They outsource their daily lunch menu, envisioned and created by Jennifer Greathouse.

Customers can stop in and have breakfast or sit and sip coffee or have lunch, or call ahead for orders to go. With large orders, it’s good to call ahead with plenty of notice. “It takes time to make what we make. We make it good and we make it fresh,” said Meredith.

More than the merchandise, Colyer Coffee House is fulfilling the Millers’ wish for the community to have a place to sit and talk. Within its first year, the coffee cafe set the atmosphere for one young man to ask a father’s permission to marr y his daughter.

The second floor of the building had the makings of use as an apar tment rental unit, but the Millers make it available for group gatherings. It’s the spot for weekly Bible study sessions for some local churches, as well as other meetings (CEO Club), fellowship and not for profit small events. (Call to reser ve space!)

Colyer Coffee House’s community engagement extends outside as well, hosting the annual Hot Chocolate run following Albion’s Christmas parade and some other family-oriented events.

“We want what’s best for our family and what’s best for our community,” said Justin.

Colyer Coffee House owners Meredith and Justin Miller chose some of their favorite prints of Albion landmarks as a focal feature in their coffee house.

To order or to make a reser vation for meeting space, call (618) 4452800.

(618) HOMETOWN MAGAZINE FEBRUARY 2020 19

Photos courtesy of Erin Zinzilieta-Pennington

Saving scraps in time WRITER: ERIN ZINZILIETA-PENNINGTON

My grandmother always said I was an “old soul.” She would often quiz me to prove the point.

She would ask, “Erin, what would you rather have…a new house or old house?” Invariably, I chose the old house. She continued, “Would you rather play with Grandma’s buttons or paper dolls?” I’d go for the buttons ever y time. I have

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Slay’s Carpet Shop

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always been very moved by color and texture and design.

My maternal grandmother, Della Dreon, influenced my personal style. While she was a no-nonsense type of person, there were items in her home that I treasured. She always had lace curtains that danced over the heat vents in the winter. There was always an embroidered dresser scarf in her bedroom. She had a few select glass pieces in the kitchen including a Gay Fad fruit cookie jar from the 1950s and a Lefton “Heritage” glass tea cup and saucer. Grandma always smelled like Jergens cherry almond hand lotion that she kept in a white milk glass jar with a pump dispenser.

My memories of her home and belongings have stayed with me all my life.

When I see vintage linens at thrift stores or auctions, I think of Grandma. She herself sat for hours and embroidered at one time.

When I find linens they are typically being mistreated; wadded into balls and falling in the floor. If they are wrinkled, stained, or discolored, people discard them as “unworthy.”

It is heartbreaking to see the handiwork that took hours and days to make being treated so disrespectfully, so I have decided to repurpose linens to breathe new life back into them.

This mission happened by chance. One day I came across a beautiful table runner that had huge pink roses embroidered on either end. However, the middle of the runner

$45.Since 2015, I have sold almost 100 pillows.

was stained and had holes. The idea came to

In my opinion, the cushions are successful

me to cut off “the good parts” and upcycle

because they trigger memories for people.

the runner into pillows. I remembered the

Saving the embroidered scraps reminds us

envelope pillows that were popular in the

of a different day in age when life was much

early 90s and decided to try and reconstruct

slower and less complicated. I enjoy old linens

that design. I was so pleased with the overall

because they remind me of my family mem-

result that I made more pillows to sell.

bers that I deeply loved who have passed.

I wash and press the linens. Next, I cut

My pillow creations can be seen on Face-

away the best part of the design, sew it into

book and Instagram and they can be ordered

a pillow and then embellish it with buttons,

in my online store http://cottagedesignsby-

ribbons, and lace. My online store Cottage

erin.etsy.com. Cottage Designs by Erin is a

Designs by Erin, on Etsy, was derived from

store on Etsy dedicated to unique handmade

the pink rose pillow. That first pillow sold for

items with cottage charm.

ERIN ZINZILIETA-PENNINGTONT is a 2010 graduate of McKendree University and a 1994 graduate of Eastern Illinois University. She possesses a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership and a Bachelor’s Degree in Secondary Education English. She has been an educator since 1994.

Ms. Pennington is from Benton, Illinois, but has been a resident of Carmi since 2000. Her first book of poems Something to Say was published in March 2019.

When I see vintage linens at thrift stores or auctions, I think of Grandma. She herself sat for hours and embroidered at one time.

(618) HOMETOWN MAGAZINE FEBRUARY 2020 21

FOUR DECADES TWO CONTINENTS ONE LOVE (OR HEART) WRITER & PHOTO: MONA L. WARRICK

“An invisible thread connects those who are destined to meet, regardless of time, space, or circumstance. The thread may stretch or tangle, but it will never break,” — Ancient Chinese Proverb

The love story of Maureen and Frank Speller spans not only decades, but continents. Theirs is a heart-warming story of a love that would not be denied.

In 1961, Maureen Allen was a 16-year-old schoolgirl at the Chase Cross School for Girls in Collier Row, Romford Row, Essex. Maureen and Frank were both born in England, Maureen in County Durham in the Northern part of the country, and Frank in Leicester.

Frank and Maureen carved their initials in a tree years ago, and the carving is still visible.

“At school, I befriended the school’s janitor, a lovely woman named Edith,” said Maureen. “There was something so special about Edith, you were drawn to her, As our friendship grew, Edith became a second mother to me. She mentioned that I should stop by her house for tea. One day, I did.”

Courtesy of Frank and Maureen Speller

On that day, Frank, Edith’s eldest son, was home for lunch. Frank said,. “I heard the bell, ding-dong,

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and headed to the door. I opened the door and there she was! Fair haired, blue eyes… and I fell in love with her straight away! The sight of her hit me like a thunderbolt. It changed my life.”

Maureen’s memories are as vivid, as she recalls, “I instantly liked him. He was tall, blonde, and blue-eyed.”

Frank, who was 20, was working as an electrical engineer. He had already graduated from the all-boys school. His father ill, and Frank acted as “man of the house.” He helped his mother with household responsibilities, and helped raise his two younger brothers.

“I invited Maureen in,” said Frank, “and handed my lunch plate to my mother. I couldn’t finish my lunch. Maureen stopped me right in my tracks, love at first sight.”

Maureen began spending more and more time at the Speller home. With Frank and his two brothers, Maureen said she was “always fighting for a seat at the table.” Maureen was spending more time with the Speller family than she did with her own.

One day, as Maureen was leaving for school, Frank handed her three letters. “He asked me to mail them for him,” Maureen said. “I noticed the top letter was addressed to me! In the letter, Frank told me what a special person he thought I was and wrote that he would like to take me out. I was thrilled!”

“I wrote the letter because I was desperate,” Frank said.

That evening, Maureen told her parents about the letter and asked if she could go out with Frank. My parents said, “Absolutely not! They thought Frank was too old for me.” Maureen’s parents agreed, Frank was “a man of the world.”

Maureen’s parents met Frank at Christmastime in 1962. “My brother had an electric train set that was not working, so Frank came to the house to see if he could repair it,” said Maureen. “I knew they would like him once they met him, and from that point on , he was a frequent visitor. However, we were still not allowed to date!”

“The magic year,” said Frank “was 1963. Maureen was 18 and she was finally allowed to date. That was the year everything changed.” By this time, Maureen’s parents were “absolutely head over heels in love with” Frank.

“They thought he was wonderful,” Maureen said. “My boy is a term of endearment, and that’s what my father called Frank.”

The couple spent as much time together as they could. They visited old ruins and old abbeys. “We would spend a lot of time in Bower Woods,” Frank said. “We would listen to the nightingales, and in the spring, the woods was

Reunited loves Frank and Maureen Speller.

In 1963, Frank proposed to Maureen at the Priory, an old monastery in Southend on Sea. “It is such a beautiful place, with secret gardens,” said Frank. Maureen declined the proposal, but the couple continued to date.

On a visit to local Bedfords Park, the couple carved their initials into a Hornbeam tree. “We carved F.S. loves M.A.,” said Frank. The tree, with their initials intact, still stands.

“In 1964, there was a lot of building going on in the area,” Maureen said.

“Frank took me to a cottage he had found for us. He took me to a jewelry store to show me the ring he had picked out for me. He was ready to settle down.”

Maureen, still a teenager, was not ready for marriage.

“I didn’t intend to scare her off,” Frank said, “but I did.”

Maureen told Frank she thought they should stop seeing one another.

“I was devastated, absolutely crushed,” Frank said. “I told her I would wait for her.” The break-up, for Frank, “was a life-changing event.”

rich with the heady perfume of the magnificent bluebells. It is a magical

Maureen was constantly chided by her mother for the break-up. “She

place,” the place where the couple shared their first kiss “and maybe a cud-

would not let it go!” And her father would often say, “you silly girl.” Neither

dle or two,” Frank admits.

parent understood why she ended her relationship with Frank. And, to

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(618) HOMETOWN MAGAZINE FEBRUARY 2020 23

A New Chiropractor Offering A New Technique to the Tri-State!

Dr. Aileen Delacruz

“My chiropractic education was completed at the prestigious Sherman College of Chiropractic in Spartanburg, South Carolina in 2017. After graduation, I worked at a chiropractic office in Evansville, IN, which then led me to the Tri-State Clinic, where I worked with Dr. Tara Horrall before taking over the practice. I have been examined and licensed in both Illinois and Indiana.

While in chiropractic school, I served as the student representative for Sherman College’s Admissions Council, and did student teaching as an intern in the x-ray department at Sherman College’s Health Center. I completed additional coursework in Upper Cervical Advanced adjusting and the Activator Methods. I have also completed extensive studies in the Orthospinology technique, which is a gentle technique to align the upper cervical spine that enhances health, reduces pain, and eases chronic health problems and complex cases.”

ly was literal , elacruz, I n see Dr. D , nec k pai n to ai e p m g ca le ain, “W hen I is sues, ad bac k p in h I sk t. s, ar ie falling ap es s, allerg A IR LOSS! I d n umb n dH tingling an ck jaw, an and lo , es su is l the time, n al o ti ed es ss ig d re en st ev r as o w ct I o t, yd barely slep g depressed. M in el fe an e.

I b eg ts nm op erate o regular adjustmen ed wanted to d get ting as chang h te e ar lif st I re enti Since er y!!! I am rg acruz, my el su D d r. ee D from nger n ress, ter. I no lo I feel no st for the b et king medic ations, ain is p y M ta . er ed no long depre ss I am so nger feel dif ferent. and I no lo ! My entire life is ” e. lif y m E! N z in gone -GO r. D elacru to have D e C. thankf ul

- E vangel

in

229 W. 2nd St., Mt. Carmel (618) 262-2222

“I origin all I was ha y c ame to see D ving num r. bnes s in D elacruz b e c au sure wh se at w my finge rs “Wow, so as c ausing it, I was jus . I wasn’t me thing t like chiropra is really c ti w really en c exp erienc e at rong.” I had no all but m c ourage d me to y d augh my overa see Dr. D ter ll elacruz going nu health even b e for fore my mb. I wis fingers b h I would daughte e gan r th have lis tened to Sinc e s ta en. my rt my life h ing regular chir oprac tic as treatme level is a changed in so nts, m mazing!

My overa any ways . My e a n d my nergy shoulde r tightne ll achines s is b e n umb n e tter ss h s s in my fingers is as sub sided. T he c omple te - L inda L ly gone!“ .

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SMALL TOWN GIANT! MT. CARMEL • ( 618 ) 262-5161 24 (618) HOMETOWN MAGAZINE FEBRUARY 2020

complicate matters, for two years

“What are your intentions with

following the split, Frank sent Mau-

my Nana?” Frank told Morgan, “I

reen beautiful bouquets of flowers

intend to marry her.”

When Morgan and her sister,

every week.

At the Of ficer’s Club on an

McKenzie, visited England in the

American Air Base, Maureen met

summer of 2004, they insisted

a soldier. She married him and

Frank propose in front of them. He

planned to return to the states with

did. Little did Frank know, there

her new husband. “I didn’t want to

was one more proposal to come.

leave without telling Frank and his

Maureen’s dearest friends, from the

family, so I went by their house on

States, visited anxious to witness

New Year’s Eve 1965,” Maureen

the proposal.

said. “There was no one at home.

Maureen and Frank were mar-

Had there been, this might have

ried on June 3, 2005 in St. Mary’s

been a different story.”.

Church, a 900-year-old church in

On January 1, 1966, Maureen

the quaint fishing village of Burn-

left England and Frank, to begin

ham on Crouch. Morgan was

her new life in the United States.

the maid of honor, McKenzie the bridesmaid.

Frank remained close to Maureen’s parents. “I made arrangements to meet her father, Roy, for a drink. I said, tell me Roy, how is

Maureen’s children grown, the

Courtesy of Frank and Maureen Speller

couple decided to stay in England.

“However, I was lonely for my fam-

Maureen? He told me they received

for several weeks. “I had to return

worry because Frank was going to

ily and my friends,” Maureen said.

letters from her often. Letters?”

home for work,” she said. “After I’d

take care of me. My dad opened his

“Frank knew that and told me he’d

Roy broke the news of Maureen’s

been in Illinois for about a week,

eyes, took one breath, and he was

never seen me as happy as I was

marriage, and move, to Frank.

Frank called telling me I should

gone. Dad got what he had wanted

when my friends were visiting.”

The news came as quite a shock

return, so I did.”

all along.”

That was all it took. They moved to Carmi in October of 2006.

to Frank. “I had no idea she had

Now divorced, Maureen began

Soon, Edith’s health began to

absconded. I had to drink my beer

to rekindle her relationship with

decline and Maureen became her

The Spellers, who still act like

straight down.”

Frank.

caretaker. In 2004, exactly one year

newlyweds, stay busy with their

Frank continued to pine for

The health of Maureen’s father,

to the day of Maureen’s father’s

family. Maureen’s children, Karen

Maureen, “but her marriage pro-

Roy, was in decline. Roy asked the

death, Edith died. Maureen’s moth-

Shorb and Mark Allen live in

gressed, the children came, and

couple to take him to the Horn-

er died in 2005.

Carmi. They also relish time spent

that was that.”

beam tree where they had carved

Frank proposed to Maureen, a

Years passed, and In 1974,

their initials decades earlier. Unfor-

second time, at the Priory, the site

Frank married. After 10 years, his

tunately, Roy died the day before

of the first proposal in 1963. This

marriage ended.

the couple planned to take him to

time, Maureen said, “Yes!”

When Maureen visited England,

the tree.

with their three granddaughters and their great-grandchildren.

Until recently, Maureen didn’t know Frank had kept souvenirs

“We picked right back up,” said

from their past. He still has a

she and Frank would see one

“The day my father died,” Mau-

Frank. The only dif ference, all

Brownie box camera with which

another, “but we never discussed

reen said, “he told me he wanted

these decades later, “Maureen had

he took pictures during their

feelings,” said Frank. “You just

to see his boy. Frank came. My

two children, grandchildren, and

courtship, and “he even kept an

don’t do that.”

dad was struggling and he was

a dog.”

old perfume bottle of mine,” said Maureen.

Frank was with Maureen’s par-

worried about me because I was

Granddaughter, Morgan, who

ents daily. And, when their health

on my own. My dad was lying in

was 12 at the time, called and asked

“Ah, yes,” said Frank, “Here is

began to decline, Maureen visited

bed, eyes closed. I told him not to

to speak to Frank. She asked,

my Heart, a most wonderful scent.”

MONA TAYLOR WARRICK, a native of Grayville, lives in Carmi with her husband and two furkids. Warrick, a retired educator, still enjoys subbing in the Carmi-White County Schools. An avid photographer, Warrick is rarely seen without her Nikon in hand. Her passions include spending time with her family, rescuing animals, traveling, working crossword puzzles (in ink), reading, writing, working on presentations for her church, watching Jeopardy, and spending time outdoors… in the summer, that is! Warrick is obsessed with her eight-year-old nephew and has taken thousands of pictures of him. When he was two he learned to say “no more paparazzi!” Interesting fact, Warrick has been vegetarian since April of 2018, and recently began practicing veganism.

(618) HOMETOWN MAGAZINE FEBRUARY 2020 25

MOUNT CARMEL

COMMUNITY

TAGGED FISH CHALLENGE AT BEALL WOODS Beall Woods State Park is hosting its first-ever Tagged Fish Challenge. Forty-five tags are distributed among different species of fish in the park’s lake including largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill, redear, and channel catfish. The fishing frenzy has begun with only two of the tagged fish being caught.

There is still plenty of time for anglers to try and catch the fish. The challenge will continue until Aug. 31.

Anglers of all ages are encouraged to wet a line. Residents of Illinois must have a valid Sport Fishing License, with the exception of persons declared legally disabled or blind, under the age of 16, and a person on leave from active duty in the armed forces. Non-resident sport fishermen must purchase an Illinois Sport Fishing License before participating in the contest, unless under the age of 16.

All tagged fish must be caught in accordance with all state and local laws, codes, rules and regulations. Illinois Department of Natural Resources fishing regulations can be found at HYPERLINK “https://www.ifishillinois.org/”https://www. ifishillinois.org. Site specific size and creel limit can be found in the kiosk by the park’s boat dock. If an angler doesn’t comply with regulations, Beall Woods State Park staff and sponsors will have no obligation to award any prize to that angler.

He or she will be disqualified.

Fish must be caught on a rod and reel. Angler should take a photo of themselves with the fish (tag needs to be visible in the picture). The top of the tag can be removed from the fish (cut and leave the bottom portion in the fish). Angler will need to contact the park’s Visitor Center 618-298-2441 to inform the Interpreter that a tagged fish has been caught and schedule a time to meet with the sponsor to receive their prize. Any tagged fish caught after Aug. 31st, 2020 will not be eligible for a prize. One individual is only allowed to catch two prize specific tagged fish. There is no limit to the number of generic tags an angler can catch for the grand prize. Anglers catching tags for the grand prize will be contacted at the beginning of Sept. 2020 to meet at the park

for the drawing.

Twenty-five of the tags correspond with specific prizes donated by the following sponsors: Kenny Saxe – State Farm ($100), The Smile Center ($100), Nobbe – Albion ($100), Citizens National Bank ($100), Ingram Meredith Funeral Home ($100), Edwards County Concrete ($100 gift certificate), Zachry Industrial Inc. ($100), Wabash Valley Bass Club ($100), CTB Repair ($65 value – oil change and tire rotation), Hanging Rock Bass Club ($50), Wabash Valley Association (sponsored two $50 gift card fish), Kids Outdoor Zone – Little Prairie Christian Church (sponsored two $50 fish), Kids Outdoor Zone – Little Prairie Christian Church (sponsored four $25 fish), Brian Mewes – Edward Jones (Product Package), Gottman’s Jewelry ($25 gift certificate), Casey’s General Store (sponsored two $25 gift card fish), Darrin’s Collision (sponsored two $25 fish), and JUSTINERTAINMENT ($25).

The remaining 20 tags are not prize specific. Anglers catching generic tags 1514-1534 will be entered to win a grand prize.

The grand prize consists of a guided fishing trip at Rend Lake with BONEYARD Fishing and a gift card from the First Baptist Church of Mt. Carmel! The guided trip is sponsored by the Illinois Conservation Foundation.

MOUNT CARMEL CEO TO HOST TASTE OF THE TRI-STATE Mount Carmel CEO program hosts a food tasting event, called Taste Of The Tri-State, at which food and drink vendors from around the area provide a sampling of their goods for the public to taste and experience. The event, scheduled for Feb. 1 at the Eagles in Mount Carmel, will also have entertainment and activities for people of all ages to enjoy.

DISTRICT 109 CANDIDATE FORUM IN MOUNT CARMEL Candidates running for Illinois’ Legislative District 109 appear in a series of public candidate forums sponsored by the nine

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Big City Care Close to Home

EVENTS county Farm Bureaus in District 109 as well as Frontier Community College, Olney Central College, and Wabash Valley College.

The Mount Carmel forum is Feb. 6 at Wabash Valley College, Brubeck Arts Center Theatre.

Participating are candidates Andy Hires (R), Cory Musgrave (R), Adam Niemerg (R), and John Spencer (D). The forum begins at 7 p.m. and concludes at 9 p.m. It is free and open to the public.

Questions will be chosen by county Farm Bureau leadership. Candidates will not receive questions in advance of the forum.

For additional information about the District 109 Candidate Forum, contact Wabash County Farm Bureau.

SELF DEFENSE CLASSES FOR WOMEN Self Defense classes for women only. All ages welcome!

Young ladies under 16 have to have a parent consent and are encouraged to come with an adult.

Classes are three 3-hour sessions that include information to increase awareness and learn techniques to decrease opportunities for an attack along with hands on demonstrations and practice with a certified instructor for R.A.D. Systems.

Classes are Feb 10, 17th, and 24th from 6-9 p.m. Cost is $25 per person which includes a student manual.

Classes will be held at the Community Church of God in Mount Carmel.

WVC Foundation Hosting Crystal Ball February 15 Wabash Valley College Foundation Crystal Ball is Saturday, Feb. 15 in the Eagles Banquet Hall. Social hour will begin at 6 p.m., followed by dinner.

GET ON THE CALENDAR Share your community events with 618 Hometown Magazine readers by contacting us on Facebook or emailing

news@mtcarmelregister.com * Event listings are on a first-come, first-served basis

This annual fundraiser by the Foundation to assist Wabash Valley College offers an evening of dining, decorations, and music. Through the annual Crystal Ball, the foundation has raised over $300,000 with to help with WVC projects through the years. The foundation’s contributions to the capital development of the college include: Purchase of the site for the WVC Campus, Applied Arts Building, Student Center, Bookstore, Physical Plant, Indoor Pool, Tennis Courts, Valley Gardens Dorms, International Building, Parking Lots, Building Improvements, Athletic Fields, Vehicles, Library Security System, Fitness Center, Electronic Marquee, Scholarship Program, Administration/Foundation Building, Amphitheatre, and many ongoing projects.

ASWEARE PERFORMING IN MOUNT CARMEL AsWeAre has become known nationally for its message of hope and unity. Forming in early 2012, (AWA) has been active in the music industry nationally and internationally. From DIY tours, to big ticket festivals, AWA has kept a consistent tour schedule. The band’s feet on the ground approach, has gained them recognition world wide, and has helped them brand their own style and sound.

AsWeAre’s 2016 release, The Change, charted in the top 30 on the Christian Rock charts. In 2017, the band was listed, in several publications as one of the top bands to get to know in 2017.

AsWeAre will perform at the Little Egypt Arts Center at 500 N. Market St. in Mount Carmel on Friday, Feb. 28 at 7 p.m.

FMH Mobile Digital Mammography in Grayville Feb. 29 Fairfield Memorial Hospital’s digital mammography truck stops at Horizon Healthcare Grayville Clinic for a mobile mammography event Saturday, Feb. 29, with appointments starting at 8 a.m. at the Horizon Healthcare Grayville Clinic, 319 W. Commerce Street, Grayville. To schedule a mammogram for the event, call Fairfield Memorial Hospital Diagnostic Imaging Department at 618-847-8249.

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CRHPC CARMI HEALTH CENTER IS EXPANDING! CHRISTOPHER RURAL HEALTH PLANNING CORPORATION HAS PURCHASED THE CRHPC CARMI HEALTH CENTER BUILDING FROM PARTNERS IN HEALTH. CRHPC CARMI HEALTH CENTER LOCATED AT 103 COMMERCE STREET IS REMODELING AND EXPANDING TO BETTER MEET YOUR NEEDS! WE ARE VERY EXCITED TO OFFER ADDITIONAL SPACE AND AMENITIES TO THOSE WE SERVE. DRIVE BY AND WATCH OUR PROGRESS!

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CALL 618-384-5686 TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT! 28 (618) HOMETOWN MAGAZINE FEBRUARY 2020

spotlight of the month

S E T E L ATH

MOUNT CARMEL SELECTION: SENIOR ADEN GILL Aden Gill is a three sport athlete at Mt. Carmel High School who has lettered in football, basketball, and baseball.

Aden is a leader in the school and a top student in his class with a nearly perfect GPA. Aden was chosen as a captain on the football team and also was awarded the Golden Helmet Award. Aden is a leader in all the of the sports in which he participates as well as clubs and organizations at MCHS; including National Honor Society and Youth Advisory Board. Upon graduation Aden plans to go on to college to pursue a career in the medical field.

SUBMIT YOUR STUDENT ATHLETE Each month we ask athletic directors of the high schools in Wabash, Edwards and White Counties to nominate one athlete to spotlight in our edition. Coaches and athletic directors can nominate athletes from any sports. Send nominations, photo and a brief bio to Evan Merrill via message to 618 Hometown Magazine’s Facebook page or email:

emerrill@mtcarmel register.com * Compiled by Evan Merrill

EDWARDS COUNTY SELECTION: SENIOR CAMDEN COWGER Camden has started in football, basketball and baseball since his sophomore year. As a junior, he was elected All-Conference in baseball, and this season he was elected All-Conference in football as a wide receiver. After high school, he will attend Olney Central College to play baseball. He is the son of David and Tiffany Cowger of West Salem.

SENIOR CHAT: MY VALENTINE CRUSHES

I

thought I knew what I was doing. The plan: Every month, visit one of the local centers in Wabash, Edwards and White counties where some of the most interesting people in our area live. Ask them a question, get a picture and a quote from several people.

For this issue, the topic would be telling me about their first crush. It would be great!

But then I met them. And I joyfully went off the rails and developed a crush or two of my own. I visited Acorn Estates Supportive Living Center in Mount Carmel.

••• erneta Ross, 91, a native of Owensville, Indiana, is a die-hard Indiana University fan. Basketball, I’d bet. I asked her to tell me about her first crush.

“I’m not telling you his name,” she said. “I was in junior high, about 13. He played basketball and I’d go every night that he played, and he walked me home. We held hands and sat on the porch. He was just a friend and I liked him. We liked each other for a while, then he liked a dark-haired girl, and anyway, then I had a boyfriend from Johnson. He was good looking. Both of them were.”

And, in case you’re wondering, she added. “No, I don’t have any crushes now!”

••• ill McCorkle, 97, a native of Fox Island in White County, was waiting for Frances, 96, his bride of 78 years, to return from a hair appointment with their granddaughter.

Norma Slinkard of Crossville was his first crush when he was about 16. “I went with her for a good while,” he said. “Dad would let me drive to Crossville, but I always had to bring the car back home with a quarter of a tank of gas in it.”

But Norma wasn’t the true love of his life. “My wife is. Frances Grimm. We went to school together. Her folks lived in the river bottoms with us for about a year. My uncle married her sister.”

While we waited for Frances to return, Bill told me about his life farming along the Fox River since the age of 7. He worked many other jobs between farming seasons, hauling fuel, oilfield work, washing dishes at Robb’s Cafe in Crossville (where he tore his apron off and quit when he was chastised for coming to the front to lend a dollar to a friend).

“We lived in an old room on my grandma’s house when we were first married,” he said. “I had to prop the stove up with a box to get it level. Later we lived in a rent house in the bottoms.”

Turns out, Bill and Frances knew my Phillips Township grandparents, George and Thelma White.

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Acorn Estates

916 Oak Street, Mt. Carmel, IL • 618.263.4092

WRITER: ANDREA HOWE

They regularly attended Phillipstown Methodist Church (one of my many childhood Vacation Bible School experiences).

Eventually, the McCorkles moved to Wabash County, where he continued to farm and served as road commissioner. Bill talked about his woodworking hobbies, making toast-grabbers and painting wooden creations.

When Frances returned, I asked her. “Did you have a first crush other than Bill?”

“Oh, well, no. We’ve known one another since we were kids in school!” she said.

“Can I get a photo?” I asked, expecting to get a quick snapshot of them seated in their matching recliners.

Bill looked at Frances. “Come over here and sit on my lap!”

••• mogene Taylor, 98, remembers her first crush with a Lebanon School District mate. Growing up in the Four Dice Bottoms community between Bellmont and Lick Prairie, she said her first-grade teacher was also her seventh and eighth-grade teacher.

“She was keeping a relative,” she said. “He was my first crush. Until he was killed.”

Taylor said her beau was 18, working on a threshing crew when a steam engine-operated threshing machine exploded and killed him.

“We never really dated. He didn’t have a car.

He rode a bicycle. But we did a lot of writing notes to one another. He told me that when I was 19 he wanted to marry me. We thought it was real.”

The only other man she dated, she married.

Leland Siefferman, the father of her four children, passed away after 44 years of marriage.

“I was a widow for seven years,” she said. And then she wed her pastor’s son-in-law in a marriage that lasted 23 years. “He’s been gone eight years now,” she said.

She’s not looking to marry again. “I’m a happy person. I’m content. I have a wonderful relationship with my Heavenly Father!”

And then we talked about Jesus, her children who stay in close contact with her, books, and more matters of faith.

I took her picture and to me, her face just glowed with peace and contentment.

She had me laughing with tears welling up in my eyes all at the same time. Afraid that she would miss her lunch if we kept talking, I rose to leave, but she took my hand and we prayed together first.

Made my day. I can’t wait to do it again.

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Acorn Estates empowers you to live more independently, on your terms.

We are a community in Mt. Carmel, IL that welcomes the use of Medicaid should financial resources become low. Let our highly trained staff see to the housekeeping, maintenance, and cooking. Our residents enjoy the confidence of having nursing services and discreet personal assistance available whenever needed.

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Call us at 618.294.8696 www.wlcfirm.com

Imogene Taylor

Bill and Frances McCorkle

Verneta Ross

Oakview Nursing and Rehabilitation is Oakview Nursing & Rehabilitation a Medicare/Medicaid certified facility 1320 West 9th Street, Mt. Carmel, IL • 618.263.4337 in Mt. Carmel, IL. The facility is warm, inviting, and homelike. Families and visitors will notice how the residents spend time playing bingo, participating in activities and attending social events held in our large dining hall. Oakview has several private rooms and is as comfortable as it is friendly.

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