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2 Thursday, November 1, 2012 The Southern Illinoisan

SPOTLIGHT ON HERRIN

If there’s anyone who reallyknows Herrin, it is probablyCheryl Ranchino Trench.

Not only has she, for 37 years,written “The PaperTelephone” column, whichnow appears in The Southern’sPlus edition, she is a lifelongresident of the WilliamsonCounty community.

She says her town is unique.“I know that the people

make every town in America,but I think we have some ofthe best people right here in

our home of Herrin,” she says.“Many people come back here,even after leaving, and dosome great and wonderfulthings. That means we’redoing something right.”

She says there is a particularspirit of community in Herrin.

It’s a strength that localbusinessman and past-president of the HerrinChamber of Commerce alsosees.

The Southern Illinoisan (USPS 258-980) ispublished daily for $178 per year at 710 N.Illinois Ave., Carbondale, IL 62901. The SouthernIllinoisan is owned by Lee Enterprises, Inc. ofDavenport, Iowa.

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Spirit, resiliencyand commitmentThese are the things that make Herrin

a special place to live and work

THE SOUTHERN FILE PHOTOParticipants bow their heads as Gary Hernbeck leads a prayer during National Day of PrayerMay 3 outside city hall. Churches play a large role in the daily lives of Herrin residents.

THE SOUTHERN FILE PHOTOKamera Smith, 4, of Herrin peers out into the pond at Herrin City Park where she and her father, Kody, had gone tofeed the ducks. The welfare and education of its children is one of Herrin’s priorities. SEE HERRIN / PAGE 3

The Southern Illinoisan Thursday, November 1, 2012 3

SPOTLIGHT ON HERRIN

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“Herrin is a very uniquecommunity in that there is areal sense of community that isunusually strong. People inHerrin just seem to pulltogether to do things that othercommunities just can’t seem todo,” says Kevin Frost, presidentof the Herrin Chamber ofCommerce. Frost has lived inthe community since he was 7.

He points to events such ascampaigns by the United Wayand other charitableorganizations as one example.

Of course, there also is theannual Herrinfesta Italiana.

“How many othercommunities can pull togetherthe hundreds of volunteers ittakes to put together a festivalof that magnitude?” he askswith pride.

Not bad for a city that manyin the region would call a“bedroom community” toneighboring Marion.

“Even if we are a bedroomcommunity,” Trench pointsout, “what a better place to bethan here? We have a greatlocal culture and businesses,plus we have the rest of thearea — Carbondale, Marion,the arts, the wine trail,everything — right at ourdoor.”

The spirit of communitylends itself to frequentcooperation, as well, she says.

“I would say the positivity ofour civic clubs and churches isgreat. We’re all doing things tokeep Herrin alive and workingtogether to find solutions.”

The community has evenbanded together to withstandtough economic times, but

many would say Herrin hasemerged stronger.

“I thought we were in for arough time when Maytagclosed,” Mayor Vic Ritterrecalls. “But the next year, wehad record enrollment in everyschool in the city. The 2010census actually showed a

population increase of morethan 10 percent. I’ve said manytimes that Herrin is theresilient town in the state ofIllinois.”

The mayor says Herrin’sability to bounce-back is atestament to the resilience ofthe community and its people.

HERRIN: Spirit, resiliency and commitment make it great

THE SOUTHERN FILE PHOTOGreat places to relax and unwind are part of Herrin’s charm. Herrin CityLake provides that and more for its residents and visitors.

Tiger Pride. Unless youare a graduate ofHerrin High

School or alongtime residentof Herrin, thatmay seem like asimple slogan orcatchphrase. Forthe faithfulfollowers of HerrinHigh School athletics,however, Tiger Pride is away of life. And TigerPride shows in the studentbody, local residents andthe Herrin businesscommunity alike.

“I think it’s at a high level across theboard,” says Herrin High School Athletic

Director MikeMooneyham. “We

have greatattendance at

games and get alot ofcontributionsfrom

businesses.”The Southern’s

Sports Editor LesWinkeler says thepeople of Herrin

are passionateabout high school

sports, and thatmeans the Tigers can count on a strong

base of support within the community.That support carries over to the fields,

courts, mats and tracks.

“Any time you play before a lot ofpeople, the atmosphere is great,”Mooneyham says. “We have almost aplayoff atmosphere at our home games.It’s a great thing with lots of thingshappening before, during and after thegames.”

Herrin has seen its share of athleticsuccess, too, having won the men’sbasketball state championship in 1957,three state championships in track inrecent years and a history of strongfootball and softball programs.

“Herrin has had a lot of success insports over the years,” says John Homan,who has served as the Tigers’ publicaddress announcer since 2001. “Thecrowds have been very good, and Herrinhas always been very supporting of theirsports teams.”

The teams have been very supportive ofthe community, too.

“We always make it a point to goaround and visit businesses,”Mooneyham says. “We send our athletesand cheer and dance teams. We visit theschools in our district and help withspecial events. It’s a good thing for ourpeople to get out and see the people ofthe community.”

The boosters and supporters of Tigersports even go to other communities tocheer on their teams.

“Herrin is seen as a community thattravels well with their sports teams,”Homan says, adding that even as thevisiting team, the Tigers can count on alarge cheering section. He says that forthat reason, Herrin High School is indemand for invitational tournaments.


SPOTLIGHT ON HERRIN

Showing their Tiger prideFor the team’s faithful following, high school football is a way of life


SPOTLIGHT ON HERRIN

THE SOUTHERN FILE PHOTOThe Herrin football team (at left) emerges from the mouth of aninflatable tiger before the start of its game against Massac County onAug. 24; members of the marching band perform on the same day. ‘...Herrin has always been very supporting of their sports teams,’ saysJohn Homan, Tigers’ public address announcer since 2001.

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Only open for less than amonth, The Villas of HollyBrook, a new assisted-

living apartment complex onRushing Road, is already nearing50 percent occupancy. KimberlyKemp, executive director of thefacility, says the response to thelicensed assisted-living complexhas been great.

The Villas of Holly Brookoffers one bedroom, two-bedroom and two-bedroomdeluxe apartments for retirees orothers who may need help withdaily living or who are looking tolive in a modern facility withpeace of mind.

“Each resident has his or herown story,” Kemp explains, “butI think the biggest reason peoplechoose to live in The Villas isthat it offers carefree living in asafe environment.”

Kemp says in addition to the50 residential units, the complexalso offers three prepared mealseach day, laundry service,transportation and otheramenities including scheduledprograms and events,

hairstylists, a movie theater,interior courtyards and anexercise room with classesoffered three times each week.

Additionally, The Villas hascertified nursing assistants onsite to help with daily living orspecial situations. Eachapartment has an emergency

call system to summonimmediate help.

Kemp says residents simplyenjoy the lifestyle that the Villashas to offer.

“They don’t have to worryabout mowing the lawn or goingto the grocery store when theweather is bad,” she says. “They

can come and go as they please,and they can bring their pets. Itis just like any apartment withthe added bonus and safety ofknowing that someone is alwayshere.”

Herrin Mayor Vic Ritter sayshe is impressed with The Villas,and, while he hasn’t yet made a

reservation, he hasn’t ruled itout.

“The Villas are beautiful,” hesays. “I’m not ready yet, but if Iwas I’d seriously consider TheVillas or Hurricane Creek. We’revery fortunate to have severalgreat living communities inHerrin.”

The $4.5 million center wasdeveloped by Unique Homes &Lumber Inc., a Charleston-based company.

“We love being in thislocation,” Unique HomesPresident Reggie Phillips saidduring groundbreaking for thecenter.

The facility is adjacent to theLogan Professional Park, hometo a number of physicians,specialists and medical offices.Phillips says that company,which owns similar facilities inEffingham, Newton, Marshalland Shelbyville, has plans todevelop a second residential unitas well as a specialized facilityfor those suffering fromAlzheimer’s disease anddementia.


SPOTLIGHT ON HERRIN

The Villas at Holly Brook

THE SOUTHERN FILE PHOTOCity and state officials participate in a ceremonial groundbreaking for the Villas of Holly Brook in October 2011.

THE SOUTHERN FILE PHOTOOpen less than a month, The Villas of Holly Brook is an assisted-living apartment complex in Herrin for active retirees or people who might need help with the challenges of daily living.

New assisted-living residential complex provides a place to enjoy the golden years

SPOTLIGHT ON HERRIN


Marie DeLaney doesnot have to look veryfar to be reminded of

the importance of thework of the Robert N.Brewer FamilyFoundation. DeLaneyserves as president of theorganization andsurrounding her desk andthroughout the interior ofthe Foundation’s buildingin downtown Herrin aresenior portraits of dozensof area students whom thefoundation has assistedwith college funding.

Since its inception in2001, the Brewer FamilyFoundation has awardedscholarships to 484 Herrinand Marion graduates toput toward their expensesfor college, university ortechnical school. As manyas 50 awards are presentedeach year.

“It makes a bigdifference to thesestudents,” Linda Lutz,guidance counselor atHerrin High School says ofthe scholarships. “Thereare many students thatwant to go to college, butmay not be able to becauseof finances. Thesescholarships make itpossible.”

The awards, which are$4,250 per year, are foreducation at approved andaccredited post-secondaryinstitutions includingfour-year colleges, two-year colleges, technicalprograms and tradeschools.

The awards arerenewable for up to fouryears as long as studentscontinue to meetrequirements of theaward. The specificcriteria was established byRobert Brewer.

“He was the mostamazing man that I willever meet,” DeLaney says.“He was a very visionaryman who could foreseeraising the bar ineducation and what thatwould return to thecommunity.”

DeLaney says Brewerappreciated students whowere able to manage theirpriorities by balancingboth work and studies.For that reasonscholarships are awardedto students whodemonstrate a strongwork ethic, have financialaid and make grades of Cor better.

“He just knew that kidswho are working whilethey are attending schoolwon’t be A-plus students.”DeLaney, who worked forBrewer for more than 20years, explains. “We’reliving in the real world; weknow students are busy.”

The Foundation wasestablished shortly afterthe death of its namesakein 2001. During his life, hebuilt, owned and operated35 Best Inns of Americaand Best Suites of Americain 13 states, before sellingthe hotels in 1998.Proceeds from the saleprovided much of thefunding for thefoundation.

Applications for theawards are available in thefall at Herrin and Marionhigh schools.

“Students start askingfor the applications assoon as school starts,”Lutz says.

DeLaney says thatscholarship recipientshave entered a variety offields.

“We have doctors,

lawyers, diesel mechanicsand business people whohave all received thescholarship,” she adds.“They’re all amazingstudents.”

Lutz says one formerrecipient is not a teacherat Herrin High School, sothe Foundation’s workcontinues to impact evenmore students in thecommunity.

She adds that receivingthe Brewer scholarship ismore to students thansimply receiving a check.

“The Foundation followsthe students,” she says.“They send birthdaycards, Christmas cardsand always ask if thestudent need any help.”

And, DeLaney — andanyone else who acceptsan open invitation to comeby the Foundation’s office— recalls every student,thanks to the portraits onthe wall.

“Those students arewhat this is all about,”DeLaney says. “When I seethe photos, hear theachievements and thesuccess stories, it gives mecold chills.”

Making a differenceFUNDRAISERThe Robert N. Brewer

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The Robert N. Brewer Foundation building is a beautiful and familiar architectural landmarkalong Park Avenue in Herrin. Since its inception in 2001, the foundation has awarded 484Herrin and Marion high school graduates money to put toward expenses for college.

Brewer Foundation helps students with college cash

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SPOTLIGHT ON HERRIN

A good readHerrin City Library maintains

tradition while moving into realmsof modern technology

THE SOUTHERN FILE PHOTOLike many students, Tera Meeks uses the peace and quiet of Herrin Public Library to study for upcoming tests.

THE SOUTHERN FILE PHOTOLibrary Director Mike Keepper works in his office at the libraryat 120 N. 13th St. and is open Monday through Saturday.

If you think a communitywith such a strong senseof history such as

Herrin is content to live inthe past, you’re wrong.Herrin’s sights are set onthe future and, thanks to aseries of town hallmeetings, that future iscoming into focus.

Under the banner of“Happening in Herrin,”four open forums havebeen hel for communityinput on the future of thecommunity. The meetingsare a joint project of thecity and the HerrinChamber of Commerce.The goal is to develop astrategic plan for the city.

“I think the driving forcebehind this is we look atour community and realizethat we are not the samecommunity as we were 30years ago,” says KevinFrost, past-president ofthe chamber. “We don’thave the manufacturingbase that we had even 15years ago and we don’thave some of the sameretail, so ‘Now what?’becomes the question.”

Frost, who serves on thesteering committee for thegatherings, sayseveryone’s input isimportant.

“We realized that weneeded to involve theentire community in thisdiscussion,” he explains.“It goes beyond thechamber. We’re trying todetermine as a city, whatdo we want to be when wegrow up; where are wegoing next?”

Liz Lively, executivedirector of the chamber,says response and inputhas been good.

“We had 24 people atour first meeting,scheduled for 7 a.m. the

day after the ColumbusDay holiday.”

She says the meetingsand the resulting strategicplan will focus on fourareas: the city’sinfrastructure, a vision forgrowth, bringingprosperity to thecommunity and how tomake Herrin a city withmore vitality.

“We’re coming up withsomething new; decidinghow do we market ourcommunity and how dowe tell our story,” she says.“Our priorities areinfrastructure for Herrin,branding and marketing,how to revitalizedowntown and how we

can bring prosperity toHerrin.”

She says discussionabout downtownrevitalization couldinclude everything fromnew lighting and greenspaces to attracting newbusinesses. Lynn adds thata focus of the strategicplan will be finding waysto encourage existingbusinesses to locate inHerrin and means toencourage entrepreneurswithin the community tostart new businesses.

Frost says the ongoingdiscussion is one of energyand ideas.

“I don’t really knowwhere this is heading.

While the framework islaid out, we’re asking forhelp from the community,”he says. “This is whereHerrin is so fantastic. Thepeople are obviouslyexcited about this. I expectwe’ll go in a direction thatI haven’t even thought ofyet.”

Lynn says the citizeninvolvement is key.

“We’re putting ourselvesas a community in a goodplace with citizenengagement to take us tothe next level. We’recreating a vision for whatwe can be and you have tohave a vision, otherwiseyou can’t take steps to getthere.”


SPOTLIGHT ON HERRIN

Michael Keepper hasseen a lot ofchanges at the

Herrin City Libraryduring his 20 years there.He’s watched countlesspatrons move from thechildren’s section toreading books forteenagers beforebrowsing for titles amongthe adult stacks. He’switnessed new genres ofpublishing develop andseen the lending of audioand video materials reallycome into its own. Butperhaps no change in thelibrary has had as great ofan impact as technology.

“The only electronicthing we had then was anelectric typewriter,”Keepper recalls. “Now,we have six public accesscomputers for Internetuse, and we’re tied inwith a regional catalogsystem and interlibraryloan with about 150libraries on thatnetwork.”

Keepper explains thatthrough a computernetwork, the Herrin CityLibrary can access otherlibraries’ holdingsthroughout the state andnation.

“The biggest advantageis that we are not astandalone libraryanymore,” he says. “Wehave access to librariesacross the country. Ifsomeone comes in with arare title they are lookingfor, we’re able to find itabout 99 percent of thetime. We even borrowed abook from the Universityof Toronto a few yearsago.”

Of course, the systemmeans that patrons inother places can alsocheckout materials fromHerrin. He says thelibrary has loanedmaterials to users inalmost every state, evensending one item toAlaska.

With the advent of

electronic readersincluding Kindles, Nooksand iPads, electronicversions of books arebecoming more popular.In fact, a cooperativeeffort of more than 20libraries has more than7,000 titles available forelectronic development.Keepper says it has beenvery popular.

“In September 2011, weloaned 78 e-books. ThisSeptember, it was 253,” hesays.

Of course, he adds, thelibrary will continue toacquire and loantraditional books as well.

“Libraries have beenloaning books forever andwill continue to do that aslong as we have space,” heexplains. “We have about52,000 volumesincluding books, videos,newspapers andmagazines.”

The Herrin City Libraryalso serves as a center forhistory. The facility’sHistory Room is filledwith resources pertainingto genealogy, the HerrinMassacre, WilliamsonCounty history and thehistory of the communityitself. A communitymeeting room is oftenused for area historicalenthusiasts.

“We try to haveeducational programsoften. The Herrin AreaHistorical Society hasregular meetings hereabout Herrin andWilliamson County. Thelast one, on the HerrinMassacre had a standing-room-only crowd,” hesays.

Keepper says even withthe available technology,library staff memberscontinue to serve as avaluable resource.

“Librarians continue tobe information specialistsand we try to be proactivein finding out things forpeople and helpingthem,” he adds.

It’s ‘Happening in Herrin’Town hall meetings are an opportunity for input into the future

Thursday, November 1, 2012 The Southern Illinoisan

SPOTLIGHT ON HERRIN

In an era when many once-thriving municipal businessdistricts are full of dilapidated

buildings and shuttered windows,Herrin is different. Business is goodin downtown Herrin. Not only arelong-running businesses doingwell, entrepreneurs are finding thecity’s business district to be a greatplace to start and grow a newenterprise.

“We’re very pleased,” says HerrinChamber of Commerce ExecutiveDirector Liz Lynn. “Park Avenuehas very few empty spaces. It’salmost to the point that we don’thave any space for those looking tolocate a new business.”

There’s a nice mix of businessesalong Park Avenue, says BruceSteh, owner of Baldwin Piano, afixture in Herrin for 75 years.

“It’s a nice, wide street and itaffords all of us nice storefronts andsuch,” he says. “Plus, many of usown our own structures, and, asstand-alone structures, that givesus uniqueness and flexibility.”

Steh says the downtown benefitsfrom having both new and olderbusinesses; nearby residents,including people who live inapartments above some of theshops; and niche retailers.

DowntownLongstanding businesses

and entrepreneurial effortskeep Park Avenue thriving

THE SOUTHERN FILE PHOTOThe Annex Theater on Park Avenue has beenrenovated and is now a coffeehouse and deli.

How Jimmy Ray’s Came To BeMy husband Mike and I purchased Pizza Mike’s in Herrin in September 2011. Soon after, we decided to make it more personal. We wanted to edit the menu and change the name.The main thing we wanted to change was the pizza crust. It was a par-baked traditional crust. Many of our customers said they really liked the crust and didn’t want it to change. However, we had many people tell us that because they did not like the crust, they didn’t order from Pizza Mike’s. I really wanted something that didn’t taste like the pizza from the chain restaurants. We fi nally decided that home made crust was the only way to go. In January of 2012, we began experimenting with different dough recipes. Finally, in July, we had a recipe that I was happy with. We do still offer the Pizza Mike’s traditional crust in the 14” size for the customers that prefer it. New items have also been added to the menu. We now offer Calzones and Stromboli, plus a chicken BLT sandwich, which is one of my favorites. The new products are selling well!In choosing our name, I considered quite a few but Jimmy Ray’s Pizza kept coming back to mind. Jimmy is for my husband’s father, James Bird (called

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SPOTLIGHT ON HERRIN

THE SOUTHERN FILE PHOTOBaldwin Piano is a familiar site to anyone who visitsHerrin. ‘I wouldn’t dare think of moving,’ says ownerBruce Steh. ‘It’s a good place to do business.’

THE SOUTHERN FILE PHOTOSBryan Furniture (left) is one of Herrin’s most successful and longstanding businesses, drawing shoppers from throughout Southern Illinois, along with the Merle Norman store (above).

“We have some very select shopsor what you might call specialtystores,” he adds. “It makes for adowntown that is unique andquaint.”

Lynn says all of the businesseshelp one another.

“There’s a really neat mix oflongtime businesses supportingnewer businesses,” she explains.“Many have weathered the storms,while others are making a verystrong first impression.”

They also benefit from location.“With so many of our businesses

being on Park Avenue or near ParkAvenue, everything is easy to find.It’s easy to give people directions toyour store and having businesseslocated close to each other or acrossthe street from one another makescross-marketing very, very easy.”

Steh says even the location of thecommunity itself is a benefit toHerrin businesses.

“We’re very central to I-57, I-24and I-64,” he explains. “Ourlocation near the highways and theRoute 13 corridor makes it very easyfor people to access us. I wouldn’tdare think of moving. It wouldn’tbehoove us. Herrin has always beengood to us. It’s a good place to dobusiness.


SPOTLIGHT ON HERRIN

Herrin is a growingcommunity. Every censustally taken since 1960 hasshown more people livingin the community than inthe prior decade, and it isa trend that continues.The availability of quality,affordable homes hasgrown along with thepopulation.

From apartments andrental properties toluxurious houses, Herrinhas somewhere forpractically anyone to call“home.”

“We have new, activesubdivisions in alldirections,” says MayorVic Ritter. “There arehomes going up to theeast, south, north and

west. They’re buildingeverywhere.”

In fact, Ritter says thereare five or sixhomebuilders activelyengaged in newconstruction now —homes that will be placedon the Herrin real estatemarket as soon as theirfinished.

“There are somebeautiful new homes,” hesays.

Real estate agent TeresaCamarato of PropertyWith TLC says there arehomes for every need andbudget.

“In Herrin, there is awide range of homes onthe market, from the verylow end around $20,000

to upper-end homes.”See says she sees a need

for even more homes inHerrin, especially thosepriced above $175,000.

“There almost needs tobe more upper-endhomes. I think thereactually are more peoplelooking for those types ofhomes in Herrin thanthere are homes. That’s agood sign for ourcommunity.”

She adds that peoplelooking to rent a house orapartment have lots ofchoices in Herrin, too.

“There is a lot ofpotential in the rentalmarket, also,” she says. “Ithink we are a communitythat is growing.”

Growth = HousingProviding affordable, quality homes becoming a priority

THE SOUTHERN FILE PHOTO

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SPOTLIGHT ON HERRIN

With a strong sense ofcommunity as a guidingprinciple, residents and

businesses of Herrin often goout of their way to help outcharities, causes and individualsin their community. In essence,it’s a way of making Herrin aneven better place simply bygiving back.

“Herrin is an easy communityto give back to,” says KellyGreen, senior vice president ofoperations and cashier forHerrin Security Bank. “As awhole, I think the communityhas a volunteer spirit. Here, it’seasy to help your neighbors, andwe understand that if we can’tor won’t help each other, wewon’t succeed in the future.”

From churches to communityorganizations and elementary

school classes, Herrin is alwaysdoing something.

“The people of Herrin willhelp anybody,” explains MayorVic Ritter. “The churches arealways willing to helpindividuals and each other.”

He points to the efforts amongreligious congregations todevelop a communitywide soupkitchen that will have a realsense of community outreach asone example.

“There is a sense of givingback in Herrin, and it seems tobe above that sense in othercommunities,” explains TeresaCamarato of Property with TLC,a Herrin-based real estateagency.

“I think the spirit just catcheson, and there are a lot of peoplewho just get involved. They

don’t do it for personal reasonsor gain, they do it just for thebenefit of Herrin. Period,” shesays.

Camarato points to the boccecourts as one example.

“The courts were donated tothe community, and theyprovide a great place for non-profit organizations to holdtournaments that raise funds forcharities,” she says. “It goesfull-circle.”

Green says there is a sense toinvolve all ages in giving backwithin Herrin.

One of her favorite projects isefforts by advanced placementhistory classes at Herrin HighSchool to interview local warveterans and then sharing theirstories in published books.

The group has completed two

works and is not beginning tocompile a list of interviewees fora book on memories of theVietnam War.

She says she understands thedifficulty some veterans mayhave in talking about theirexperiences, but it is one way forthe community to say thankyou.

“It is important that thesemen and women have theopportunity to tell their stories,”she says. “We know that maybethey weren’t treated right whenthey came home, but we are adifferent generation. We’re theirchildren and grandchildren, andwe do care for them. Weappreciate them.”

She says the efforts benefiteveryone.

“Of all of the things I’ve done

with the bank, this is the mostrewarding and satisfyingexperience in working with thecommunity. It’s been wonderfulto watch a younger generationmeld with an older generationand see both of them respectingeach other.”

She says veterans whowould like to be interviewed forthe new book may call her at618-942-3151.

Green points out thatbusinesses and individuals giveback to the community in lots ofways.

“It’s not just that we givemoney, we also givecontributions of time,” she says.“We are a bootstrap community.It is up to us to make sure thatour city is what we want andneed it to be.”

A volunteer spiritExample after example: ‘Here, it’s easy to help your neighbors’


SPOTLIGHT ON HERRIN

Space — or a lack of it — atHerrin Middle Schooldoesn’t allow students to

get as much exercise as theyshould.

In fact, only half of thestudents in the school are ableto participate in physicaleducation classes at a time;the other 50 percent dohealth-related classroomwork.

In an effort to keep kidsactive, physical educationinstructor Maura Ingelestablished a daily intramuralsports program nearly 10years ago. Today, more than100 students are involved inthe activities, which can rangefrom soccer to whiffle balland kickball, even bocce.

Each sport lasts about three

weeks and any students whowish to participate can signup. Those in sixth and eighthgrades take part in theintramurals after they havefinished their lunches.Seventh-graders participateduring their home roomperiod, if they’ve completedtheir school work.

“It’s another 20 or 30minutes of exercise a day,”Ingel says.

She says she polls thestudent body to see whatsports they want offered forintramurals. Students areplaying intramural soccer forthe first time, and it’s provento be very popular. Thatmeans Ingel will probablyoffer it again.

“If they want to play an

activity, and they love thisactivity, and I can get 300kids to do it, I’m going to dothat activity again,” saysIngel.

The intramural sessions arefun for the students, she says.

“The students don’t evenrealize that they areexercising,” she says. “Theydon’t think about it that way.To them, it’s just runningaround with their friends,having fun.”

But Ingel and other teacherssee the benefits of the extraexercise.

“Just the mental part of it isimportant,” she says. “Theirgrades are better and they feelbetter. Honestly, they want todo something and be active.That’s the whole goal.”

Keeping kids healthyMiddle School students benefit from daily intramural sports program

THE SOUTHERN FILE PHOTOThe Coal Miners Memorial on North 14th Street is a memorial to minersthroughout Southern Illinois. Families purchased bricks to honor loved ones,living and dead. The inscription reads ‘In memory of coal miners who gave somuch that future generations may benefit with a better life. They labored,served their country, sacrificed for their families and some lost their lives. Wehonor and salute them so that they will never be forgotten.’

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• To prepare students to be successful in their career/technical training or higher education and in the workplace.

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SPOTLIGHT ON HERRIN

Italian touches and influences are common in Herrin,especially given the community’s annual celebration ofHerrinfesta Italiana. A large population of Italian

descent is one of the things that makes the communityunique. It is a heritage that can be traced to the 19thcentury and one that parallels the growth of coal mining inSouthern Illinois.

“Coal mining is what brought the Italians to Herrin,” saysLinda Banks, Herrin librarian. “In the very late 1800s,mines were opening, and jobs were available. That’s whenthey came.”

Local historian Gordon Pruett says while no one isexactly certain who the first Italian to arrive in Herrin tomine was, he — and he says it was almost certainly a male— must have found the area and work to his liking becausehe started a wave of immigration to St. Louis and Herrin.

These men, who were mostly from the small towns ofCuggiono and Inveruuno in the Lombardi area in northernItaly, came to America in search of a life different from thepoverty and travails the faced as tenant farmers.

“They came to Herrin, became miners and did better forthemselves,” Pruett explains. “Initially, it was an all-maleexodus from Italy to Herrin, but later they sent for theirfamilies, their wives and girlfriends.”

He says Herrin grew from a town of 1,000 in 1900 toabout 12,000 in 1920. Pruett estimates a third of theresidents were Italian, at that time. Many were employedin the mines in the areas surrounding the community.

Banks says during the heyday of the mines, a personcould stand in the city and hear the whistles from 27 minesevery morning.

“I remember my father telling me that many of theworkers didn’t have any transportation, so they all walkedto the mines,” she explains. “He said there were wornfootpaths from the city going out every direction to themines.”

The Italian immigrants not only brought a new laborforce to Southern Illinois, they brought their heritage andculture along with food items, faiths and other traditions.

“They brought their culture with them,” Banks says. “Wehave a very large population of Italians, and many of theirdescents are still here. They’ve helped to make Herrin whatit is today.

“Even though mining is much smaller here now, many ofthe descendants of those immigrants and the culture theybrought remains,” she continues. “Mining and the Italianimmigrants are a very definite part of the history of Herrin,and it’s still going on. They both are very much here, andthey are certainly intertwined.”

A rich Italianheritage

Large part of Herrin’s population claimsits roots in early 19th century immigration,

and the whole region celebrates it

HerrinFesta Italiana is thebest-known celebration ofHerrin’s immigrant history.Celebrating during theannual event, overMemorial Day weekend, are(clockwise from left):Harley Hardin rides histricycle, decorated for theKids Bike and Pet Parade;Steven Tacchi collectsbocce balls from the courtduring play in theInternational CampionshipDivision BocceTournament; contestantsgive it their best footworkduring the grape stompcompetition; and JulieMohr and Zoe Williams,both of Herrin, scream asthey ride the giant slide.

THE SOUTHERN FILE PHOTOS


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SPOTLIGHT ON HERRIN

‘It’s the people.’“The primary thing that makes us grow

and attract business is the people ofHerrin,” says Mayor Vic Ritter. “I thinkthe people here are friendly and will helpanybody. It’s a town of good people whoback up what they say.”

Kelly Reed, owner of Bling It On, saysthere is a lot of community spirit withinthe Williamson County city.

“We have a lot of community support,both with school spirit and with peoplein general.”

She adds that many people who havegrown up in Herrin and whose careershave taken them elsewhere often find away to come back home. In fact, she saysshe is one of them.

“There are a lot of us who have left andcame back,” she adds. “There’s nothinglike being around people you’ve knownyour whole life.

‘Herrin is for Herrin.’“The number one thing, I think, that

makes business strong in our communityis that Herrin supports Herrin,” says LizLynn, executive director of the HerrinChamber of Commerce. “People inHerrin want Herrin to be successful, andone way they make that happen is byshopping in our stores and eating in ourrestaurants.”

‘A Strong Chamber of Commerce.’

Many people point to the activities ofthe Herrin Chamber of Commerce as areal plus for business.

“The membership and the board of thechamber really has a desire to try newthings and our business owners have lotsof great ideas,” Lynn says. “Themembership is never afraid to give usinput. There is a lot of flexibility in boththe chamber and the businesses inHerrin.”

Reed adds, “I think the chamber doesan excellent job. Plus, community leadershave been very supporting of business.”

‘A Spirit of Cooperation.’Businesses in Herrin tend to work

together.“There is a 100 percent spirit of

cooperation among the businesses inHerrin,” Reed says. “It spans all ages ofpeople and all ages of business. It issomething that I, as a relatively newbusiness owner, am enjoying.”

Bruce Steh, owner of Baldwin Piano,simply says that businesses in Herrintend to be “very kind, congealed andconsiderate.” He says that approach isgood for the bottom line as well as thecommunity as a whole.

“I think we’re a good, cooperativebunch: government, the chamber, retailand our citizens,” Ritter explains. “We allwork together and that makes usdifferent.”

Business is good, thanksWhat makesHerrin such

a great place todo business?It depends on

who you ask; butthe answers are

always a positivereflection of the

community

THE SOUTHERN FILE PHOTOJoe Leenerts smiles after being surprised by his children and grandchildren after he receivedthe President’s Award at the annual Herrin Chamber of Commerce awards banquet Jan. 27.A strong chamber is one reason people feel Herrin is heading in the right direction.

THE SOUTHERN FILE PHOTOBlint It On features unique jewelry and accessories. KellyReed, the owner of the shop is one many people who leftHerrin and came back because of all it has to offer.

Issa Abed, M.D.Board Certifi ed in Endocrine and Diabetes treatment.

Heather Holden Registered Dietician and Certifi ed Diabetic EducatorAvailable to help you better manage your condition.

Autumn Wills, P.A. has also received further educationand is now our diabetic educator, to assist with questions

and training related to managing your diabetes.

Specializing in Diabetes, Thyroid, Adrenal, Calcium,Pituitary and other hormonal related diseases.

Satellite clinics in Herrin, Carbondale, & Du Quoin.

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SPOTLIGHT ON HERRIN

An unassuming area ofHerrin near thejunction of Illinois 13

and 148 is becoming adestination of sorts for allthings medical.

Logan Professional Park,a collection of medical andother professionalfacilities is a sort of “one-stop-shop” for everythingfrom preventative healthcare to specializedpractices, evenrehabilitation andsurgeries.

“There are doctorsof every sort out there,”says Herrin Mayor VicRitter. “It has become

a sort of communityof health care.”

The park, whichincludes large practicessuch as the OrthopaedicInstitute of SouthernIllinois and Logan PrimaryCare, as well as offices forvery specific care, hasproven to be veryaccessible.

“This location is moreconvenient for ourpatients,” explainschiropractor Angela Baxterof Alternative HealthCare. Baxter recentlymerged tow officelocations into a singlefacility inside Logan

Professional Park. “This issuch a great location withgreat visibility.”

Baxter added thatpatients benefit not onlyfrom the ease of getting toher new office, but alsofrom the presence of all ofthe nearby providers.

“If I need to refer apatient to anotherphysician or if I needimaging, patients can justgo across the street,”Baxter says. “Right here,we have almosteverything. When apatient drives into LoganProfessional Park there isalmost nothing that is not

Page 1188 Thursday, November 1, 2012 The Southern Illinoisan

THE SOUTHERN FILE PHOTOLogan Professional Park is home to many health-care professionals, including thegroundbreaking practice of Orthopaedic Institute of Southern Illinois physicians and surgeons.

Caring for communityLogan Professional Park is making Herrin

a destination for a myriad of needs

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Joint Camp, a newprogram at HerrinHospital, is giving joint

replacement patients moreinformation about theirsurgeries, faster recoverytimes and a sense ofcamaraderie as theyrecover.

The program is apartnership among thehospital and its acuterehabilitation program, aswell as the OrthopaedicInstitute of SouthernIllinois. Since beginningearlier this year, almost200 patients have gonethrough the camp, and theresults have been nothingshort of extraordinary.

The program, whichmixes thorough educationbefore surgery and grouptherapy after, was broughtto the region by Dr. BretMiller of OISI. Miller hadworked with a similarprogram in Texas.

“Joint Camp is acomprehensive course oftreatment that is geared tothe patient and family, sothey all get involved in thecare while they are in thehospital or undergoingtherapy,” says StephanieBanks, orthopedicprogram coordinator atHerrin.

For patients facing kneeor hip replacement, JointCamp involves a new way

of educating patientsabout their upcomingsurgery.

Patients and a familymember or other “coach”participate in a one-timeeducational class beforeadmission.

“They learn the ins andouts and things they cando to prepare, as well aswhat to expect duringtheir hospital stay,” Bankssays. “They learn aboutprocedures, equipmentand discharge planning. Itrelieves a lot of anxiety.”

The informationpresented in the class isalso provided to patientsin a binder that they cankeep.

“Patients in the pasthave had hospital stays offour to five days, nowwe’ve reduced that to twoor three days,” Banks adds.“The educational classgives them a mindset thatthis is the expectation, notthinking that it will be aweek.”

Banks says a second keycomponent to Joint Campis the way two-times perday post-operativephysical therapy ishandled.

“The difference now isthat therapy is in a groupsetting,” she says.“Everybody’s learningtogether, and they see

other people who have hadthe same surgery, whattherapy they’re having andhow they’re doing.”

Miller says this aspect ofpost-operative treatmentleads to fasterimprovement. Patients arescheduled in grouptherapy sessions withothers who also haveundergone jointreplacement. In thetherapy sessions,friendships are formed,and there is some level ofhealthy competition.

Miller says thefriendships are even moreimportant.

“The camaraderie isprobably the biggestthing,” he says. “When yougo through something likethis, it can be veryisolating. It helps to knowthat other people are goingthrough it and knowingthat you are not alone.”

Miller says Joint Camprequires a large amount ofcoordination amongphysicians, nurses andhospital staff, but he has

been very pleased with theresults and with HerrinHospital’s eagerness toadopt the new program.

“Herrin has been theperfect place for this,” hesays. “The hospital hasstepped up to the plate anddone what they needed todo. I am very impressedwith the hospital’s forwardthinking.”

Miller adds that as theprogram continues togrow, the hospital isconsidering assigningJoint Camp its own set of


SPOTLIGHT ON HERRIN

Joint Camp joint venture: OCSI, Herrin Hospital

We work with you to provide a tangible plan that includes•Education Savings Planning•Investment Management

•Retirement Planning•401(k), Pension

THE SOUTHERN FILE PHOTOHerrin Hospital continues to grow and expand its services, including Joint Camp. The programis a partnership among the hospital, its acute rehabilitation department and the OrthopaedicInstitute of Southern Illinois. Since it began this year, almost 200 patients have participated.

available here.”The development also

is a benefit to Herrin,says Kevin Frost, pastpresident of the HerrinChamber of Commerce.In addition to beingconvenient for patients,the park brings jobopportunity andbenefits the communityin other ways.

“Logan ProfessionalPark is helping putHerrin on the map as amedical destination.With pharmacies anddozens of doctors, thearea I a center piecethat — along withHerrin Hospital — ismaking us a largemedical community inSouthern Illinois. It is agreat resource and assetfor the community.”

Frost adds that thereis an economic boostfrom LoganProfessional Park aswell, as the medicalfacilities draw inpatients and clientsfrom throughout theregion.

“Economically, it is atremendous asset,” hesays.

Baxter says she’slooking forward tobeing a part of thedevelopment for a longtime.

“This is a wonderfularea, and I think it isgoing to be a great thingfor us,” she says.

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