september 2010

September 2010 • www.marionlivingmag.com • 1

2 • marion living magazine • September 2010


Table of contents

Publisher/OwnerJim Muir

Creative DirectorStephanie Milligan

PhotographersCeasar MaragniChristopher Kays

Contributing WritersHarry BoydLila H. CollotonDon GasawayCeasar MaragniJim MuirJon MusgraveBernie PaulDixie TerryGeorge Trammell

Gone to the Dogs........................................16

5

All Roads Lead to Carterville........................................11

Deanna Smith........................................12

Southern Illinois Kids Got Talent........................................27

6

PublisherFrom the

Odds & EndsCarnegie Library

Cover Story

Other Features

For more information regarding Marion Living call Jim at 618-525-4744. For advertising information, call Cheryl at 618-353-8515.

154...and counting........................................22


September 2010

Jim Muir, Publisher

from the Publisher

Greetings and welcome to the September issue of Marion Living Magazine.

First things first … have you visited our new and revamped website – marionlivingmag.com? If not, give us a try and I’m certain you’ll love what you’ll find. In the coming weeks we will have a daily blog that will feature reader’s comments.

Our cover story this month shows that we have clearly ‘Gone to the Dogs!’ Well, not literally, but we have devoted a few pages of the September magazine to the American Kennel Club show that was recently held at the Williamson County Pavilion. The show is hosted by the Crab Orchard Kennel Club.

Another ‘must-read’ in the September issue involves Marion resident Deana Smith, an employee at John A. Logan. Simply stated, Smith is one of the many people that make the Carterville-based community college such a success and such a vital resource for Southern Illinois.

And for the second consecutive year (and hopefully many more to come) we’re happy to write about Southern Illinois Kids Got Talent – an event that is spearheaded by a group of area teens and is geared to raise money to help abused children.

Along with those features we also take a look at the Williamson County Fair as seen through the lens of photojournalist Ceasar Maragni. If the old saying, ‘a picture is worth a thousand words’ is accurate then we’ve got plenty to ‘say’ about this year’s fair.

Finally, let me encourage you again to visit our website (marionlivingmag.com) and then let us know what you think. We’ve got thick skin here at ML so bad or good we’ve love to hear feedback about the magazine and the website. The website is set up for comments or you can send an email to me personally at [email protected] or you call me at 618-525-4744. Also, if you’ve got a story idea please contact us.

I hope you enjoy this month’s magazine. All the best to you and God Bless!


Adult Anime NightWednesday, September 1 • 6 p.m.

Open to adults 18+ who are interested in anime.

Ameren RepresentativeThursday, September 2 • 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Ameren will be at the library to answer questions from the community.

Holiday • Monday, September 6The library will be closed. It will reopen on Tuesday,

September 7 at 9 a.m.

Elder Law • Monday, September 20 • 10 a.m.Have questions about elder law? Topics covered will include the DRA law.

Presented by elder law specialist Tiffanny Sievers.

Lego Club • Monday, September 6 and 20 • 6 to 7:30 p.m.Come to the Children’s Department for a fun-filled evening of Legos.

Storyhour • Wednesdays • 10 a.m.Stories, snacks and activities for pre-school age children.

MARION CARNEGIE LIBRARY

Odds & Ends

206 S. Market • 993-5935 • www.marioncarnegielibrary.orgHours: Monday-Thursday 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. • Friday and Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

SEPTEMBER EVENTS

All programs are free and open to the public.

Games Group • Tuesdays • 4 p.m. Open to teens of all skill levels. Games include chess, checkers, Go.

Cards Group • Thursdays • 4 p.m.Open to teens. Members are interested in playing card games.

Anime Club for teens on the second and fourth Saturday at 1 p.m.Regu

lar

Even

ts

Marion Carnegie Library’s new coffee bar, Carnegie Commons, is now open! The coffee bar is located on the library’s main floor. Carnegie Commons hours are Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The new addition features lemonade, cappuccino, coffee, tea and hot chocolate. Prices range from $.75 to $1. Snacks available include Special K bars, trail mix, danish, muffins, fruit bars and Rice

Krispies treats, all priced at $.50-$.75.

Carnegie Commons


Sponsored by Southern Illinois Health Care

im Dodd has worked for the City of Marion 18 years, most of that time as one of the water plant operators.

In recent months he and others in that department have been busy implementing the switch from pumping, cleaning and distributing Marion’s water to all the homes and businesses that make up the town, to receiving already clean water from the Rend Lake Intercity Water District. Dodd says that the change has been pretty smooth overall.

Dodd has been a water plant worker most of his adult life. He began his career at Lake of Egypt Water District before he took a job

m a k i n g

J


with the Rend Lake Intercity Water Plant north of Benton. When a job opening occurred here in Marion’s water department, he applied, was hired and has been here ever since.

The father of two grown children and one grandchild, Dodd says that he has lived here for over two decades, and was living here when he worked at his two previous jobs.

The U.S. Navy veteran grew up in Pinckneyville before his family moved to Murphysboro when he was in junior high. He graduated from Murphysboro High School where he was on the football and wrestling teams. He also used to enjoy riding off road motorcycles when he was young, a hobby he’s thought about taking up again, “I’ve actually been thinking about getting a motorcycle again.”


Bank of MarionMarion Civic Center

Marion City HallCarnegie Library

Wm. Co. Senior CitizensMarion Chamber of Commerce

SI Hospice17th Street Bar & Grill

Black Diamond H-DWilliamson County Tourism

EtceteraDoug’s Lock and Key

BenniesAdams Shoe Store

McDonalds (2 locations)Medicine Shop

Penn zoilNAPA

Bank of HerrinComfort Suites

Quality InnHoliday Inn

America’s Best InnDrury Inn

Country InnFairfield Inn

Mid Country BankUS Bank

Garden Gate Florists

Golds GymIdeal Lawn & Tractor

Hampton InnQuiznosSubway

CVS Marion Post Office

Triple E BBQEZ AutoDays Inn

Econo LodgeValvoline

WalgreensSuper 8

Marion Office CenterBorowiak’s

BanterraPit Road RacingPapa Murphy’s

Motel 6Alltel

Marion Health CareHeartland Regional

MedicalFifth Third Bank

ApplebeesRegions

Gray PlazaBest One Tire

Is available at these locations:

If you would like to be a distributor for Marion Living call

618-525-4744.

Check out our updated

WEBSITEwww.MarionLivingMag.com


For the past 23 years, families have traveled to the campus of John A. Logan College on the fourth Friday of September. They attend the southern celebration of National Hunting and Fishing Day, an event designed to teach hunting and fishing skills as well as the ethics, safety and conservation issues associated with them.

The event is arguably the largest of its kind in the nation. Upwards of 30,000 people attend the event in the southern Illinois community of Carterville. This years event will take place on September 25-26. The hours will be Saturday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm and Sunday from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. Admission and parking is free as are the activities. Some vendors will be present supplying food and outdoor products.

Children’s activities will include a youth goose calling contest at 8:30 am on Saturday as well as archery, shooting sports and fishing. Free bait and tackle for the later will be supplied. All activities will be supervised by adults and instruction provided.

Dogs and waterfowl activities figure prominently in the celebration. Demonstrations by dock dogs, agility dogs, retrievers, search and rescue dogs, police dogs as well as coon and fox hounds will be presented.

The waterfowl calling series will begin with the Don Gasaway Youth Goose Calling Contest on Saturday at 8:30 am. Lady youth callers are also welcome. There will be two divisions, 12 years and under as well as those 13 to 16 years of age. There is no entry fee.

The youth contest will be followed at 11:00 am by theFund “Team” Goose Pit Calling Contest where 3-man teams will compete for all of the $20 entry fee purse. At 1:00 pm the Illinois State Open Duck Meat Calling Contest will begin. First place will receive $1,000, Second $500 and Third $250. Entry fee is $40.

On Sunday at 1:00 pm the Tim Grounds Southern Illinois World Open Goose Calling Championship. Entry fee is $40. First Place will receive $1,250, Second $750 and Third place $250.

Other activities planned will include: wildlife and nature art show, seminars on fishing, game preparation and outdoor cooking as well as a buck skinner’s village with tomahawk throwing area. Displays will include: Taxidermy, ATV, RV, boats, deer antler measuring, trapshooting, archery, and a special fishing display.

This years activity is presented through the sponsorship of: John A. Logan College, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, Crab Orchard Refuge, AISIN, Marion Toyota and Toyota Tundra, Williamson County Tourism Bureau, and McDonalds. Others sponsors include: Southern Illinois Bowhunters, Sams Club, Winchester Ammunition, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Bank of Marion, Southern Illinois Bank, Illinois Department of Natural Resources, McKinneys Western Store Natural Gear, Tim Grounds Calls, Drake Waterfowl Systems, Higdon Decoys, Marion Chamber of Commerce, Budweiser Golden Eagle, and Farmers State Bank.

Further information is available on line at: www.sihfd.org or by calling Dwight Hoffard at 618-985-3741, ext 8208. Vendors seeking information can contact Ron Allen at 217-725-

7602.

Free information regarding motel accommodations and points of interest is available

from Williamson County Tourism Bureau, 1602 Sioux Drive, Marion, Illinois 62959 or by calling 1-800-GEESE-99. Information is also

available online at: visitsi.com, the Williamson County Tourism Bureau

website. The e-mail address is: [email protected].

All Roads Lead to CartervilleBy Don Gasaway

Southern Celebration of National Hunting and

Fishing Days


eana Smith received a service award from John A. Logan College President Dr. Robert Mees this past spring for 15 years on the job. Such an award fits Smith perfectly as her career at the Carterville campus

has been all about service to others.

Smith, who is the daughter of Lois and the late Joe DeFrank, presently works as the secretary to the dean for instruction, Dr. Deborah Payne. She is stationed at the Community Education Health Complex and has held that position for the last one and a half years. She had previously worked at the main building.

“John A. Logan College is a great place to work, learn, socialize and become involved in community efforts,” Smith said. “I have learned so many things and met many interesting people. My position as secretary to the dean is exciting – no two days are ever alike.”

Smith said she enjoys working with the patrons and students who visit the health complex on a daily basis.“I have been very fortunate to have strong mentor figures since my employment at the college, including my boss, Dr. Payne, and my vice president (for instruction), Dr. Julia Schroeder.”

By John D. Homan

Smith’s career at Logan all about service

Marion woman also has passion for writing

D


Smith is a 1975 graduate of Marion High School. She went to Logan immediately after high school, but then dropped out before completing her formal education. Little did she know then that she would later finish what she had started.

“When my nephew began school here a few years ago, he asked me why I had never graduated,” Smith said. “Since I couldn’t come up with a good excuse, I decided to finally kick it in gear. I began taking the necessary classes to complete my two certificates (business and secretarial) and proudly walked beside him in graduation two years later, and a week after the May 8, 2009 storm.”

Smith said she first met her husband, Rick, a Marion native, who works as night shift service supervisor for Fabick Caterpillar, when she was 14 years old at a wedding involving his cousin and her cousin.“I then re-met him 25 years later at the funeral of his cousin. The rest – as they say – is history. We will celebrate our 14th anniversary on Oct. 19.”

Smith stays busy when not on the job. She is a member of the Logan Operational Staff Association, where she serves as secretary; the American

Association of Women in Community Colleges, where she served as past president; and the Southern Illinois Writers Guild, where she serves as member and co-advisor.

Moreover, she volunteers for the Williamson County Child Advocacy Center in Herrin and Hands of Hope Clinic in Marion. She is also a member of the St. Joseph Catholic Church in Marion.It is her passion for writing, however, which intrigues and challenges her the most.

“It seems I’ve been writing forever,” Smith said. “I loved to write as a kid and was editor of the school newspaper in 1974-75. I currently freelance for Heartland Women and Antique & Collectible News. I’ve also written for

The Southern Illinoisan and have been published in the Washington Post, but that was like 100 years ago. I just enjoy writing about growing up in Southern Illinois and the people and places I come in contact with.”

Payne said Smith is not only an outstanding administrative professional, but a kind and compassionate person who takes great pride in helping all the patrons at the CHEC building.

“Deana is innovative and always willing to help with activities that promote healthy lifestyles,” Payne said. “She schedules massages, helps patrons register for classes and answers questions and concerns of patrons. She is a longtime supporter of the Williamson County Child Advocacy Center and regularly helps to coordinate college donations for the annual Santa House fundraiser there. She is presently organizing a drive for the Southern Illinois United Way’s ‘Stuff the Bus’ program.”

Aquatics director Chris Georgantas works with Smith on a daily basis. He said Smith helps him stay organized and has helped him change the way he plans his day and keeps him focused on the tasks at hand.

“Deana has a strong commitment to the community and people individually and that is what our society needs more of, which is always what we strive to accomplish at the health center.”

“It’s my hometown and where my family is. It’s also close to a lot of things we

like to do. I enjoy small-town living with larger cities like Chicago, St.

Louis and Paducah within driving distance. However, I am still waiting patiently for an Olive Garden here

in Marion. To me, Southern Illinois, and Marion to be specific, are great places to reside. I especially have

wonderful childhood memories.”


Georgantas added that Smith has dramatically expanded the positive influence of the center and all its programs on the health and well-being of the patrons.

CHEC Director Jerry Bechtel said Smith is “perhaps the most efficient, effective and hardworking secretary” that he has ever had the pleasure of knowing.

“Her innovations are unique to the health education complex and have vastly improved our services here,” he said. “Additionally, Deana’s personality and respect for people has made the general public aware of all the services and quality of education that we provide.”

Smith has a younger sister, Kim McCann, who resides in the Chicago area and a younger brother, Sam DeFrank, who is recently deceased.

“No kids or grandkids, just one very special cat…a calico called Bitsy Bug named for Rick’s favorite fishing lure, who I

found sleeping in a box of linens at an auction about eight years ago.”

Although she lived for a while in South Carolina and Washington, D.C., Marion has always been home for Deana.

“It’s my hometown and where my family is,” she said. “It’s also close to a lot of things we like to do. I enjoy small-town living with larger cities like Chicago, St. Louis and Paducah within driving distance. However, I am still waiting patiently for an Olive Garden here in Marion. To me, Southern Illinois, and Marion to be specific, are great places to reside. I especially have wonderful childhood memories.”

Smith said she wants to retire from Logan in good health, help pay off the couple’s mortgage and then purchase a classic two-seater convertible and head down Route 66.

“I would also like to take an Alaskan cruise someday, landscape our entire backyard (three acres), bake the perfect lemon meringue pie, make time to read and drag Rick along with me to the annual 400-mile yard sale

that begins in Kentucky. I know he can hardly wait for that one. We won’t be driving the two-seater on that excursion. I’ll need lots of room for my stuff.”

Deana Smith is shown here earning her associate's degree from JALC at commencement ceremonies in May, 2009. (Logan

Media Services photo)

“We’re Moving Back to the Square” Hilliard Lyons is proud to announce our new location at: 200 Tower Square | Marion, IL

It is our privilege to continue investing in the Southern Illinois communities and we invite our clients and friends to visit us at our new location. As ever, we stand ready to provide wealth management solutions. Our phone numbers and website remain unchanged.

Securities are offered through J.J.B. Hilliard, W.L. Lyons, LLC | Member of NYSE, FINRA & SIPC.

Hilliard Lyons618.997.4608 | 800.997.4608 www.hilliard.com

Ben Bruce, CWA®Senior Vice PresidentFinancial Consultant

Bill HartmannVice President

Financial Consultant

Roger TippyVice President



“We’re Moving Back to the Square” Hilliard Lyons is proud to announce our new location at: 200 Tower Square | Marion, IL

It is our privilege to continue investing in the Southern Illinois communities and we invite our clients and friends to visit us at our new location. As ever, we stand ready to provide wealth management solutions. Our phone numbers and website remain unchanged.

Securities are offered through J.J.B. Hilliard, W.L. Lyons, LLC | Member of NYSE, FINRA & SIPC.

Hilliard Lyons618.997.4608 | 800.997.4608 www.hilliard.com

Ben Bruce, CWA®Senior Vice PresidentFinancial Consultant

Bill HartmannVice President


Roger TippyVice President



GoneDogsto the

Photos by Ceasar Maragni Story by Cindy Gunnin


More than 500 canine cuties converged on the Williamson County Pavilion for the American Kennel

Club show hosted by Crab Orchard Kennel Club


or the third straight year the Williamson County Pavilion has gone to the dogs – more than 500 dogs that were strutting their stuff to be exact.

This is the third consecutive year the annual Ameri-can Kennel Club show has been held at the Pavilion, hosted by the Crab Orchard Kennel Club. Accom-panied by a heat wave better suited to late August, keeping pets cool was one of the top priorities of the weekend. Regular parking lot patrols helped to make sure no one, canine or human, was in a too hot vehicle.

Donna Davison of Du Quoin has been the show coordinator for more years than she will say, includ-ing all three years the show has been at the Pavilion and several years before that when the show was held at the Du Quoin State Fairground Exhibition Hall. Rodney Jones of Marion and president of the Crab Orchard Kennel Club acted as her second-in-command.

Davison said only about 25 percent of the dogs entered come from within two hours of Marion. The remainder travel from all over the United States in hopes of getting enough points to take their purebred pooches to the big name shows including Eukanuba and the Westminster Kennel Club show.

For anyone wanting to see an exotic dog breed or just learn a little bit more about purebreds, the AKC shows offer a chance to see something new and see the best the breeds have to offer. Davison doesn’t show her Canaan dogs at the Marion show because as show coordinator and club treasurer she hires most of the judges. But the dogs are one of the unusual breeds found in the region.

Jones’ Petit Basset Griffon Vendéens, affectionately known as PGBVs, are the only ones south of the St. Lou-is area and the Marion show had a huge turnout of Redbone Coon Hounds. The dog breed was holding its national convention in association with the show and is very popular, despite being a relatively new entry into the AKC. The sky terrier brought to the show is also a rare breed.

The show schedule is taxing for dogs and their handlers. Beginning early in the morning, dogs are judges in classes by their breed. The best of breed dogs then move up to their group competition, the best of herd-ing, sporting, etc. Each of the seven dogs that win in their group is then eligible to compete for best of show. Female dogs compete in a separate category.

Then, Davison said, they turn around and do it all again on Sunday. Judges are rotated among the breeds they judge, giving each dog a chance to be evaluated by fresh eyes. And, some handlers bring several dogs, opting to show them one day or the other instead of both.

F

Two trainers talk shop while a show dog naps on the grooming table in front of them.


Perfumes, sprays and candles for the pampered pooch.

This beautiful golden retriever named Mariner was a good sport as he waited for his owner, Cynthia Binder of Bloomington, to finish

trimming his nails. Binder said that Mariner was named one of the top ten dogs in the country last year in his class. When asked if she keeps

him indoors all the time, Binder laughed and said, “Are you kidding? His favorite thing is to swim in our lake

almost every day. He’s an outside dog. But, I do bathe him every day.”


Best of Show Saturday at the Marion show went to Vicki Meadows of Collinsville and her Yorkie, Champion Stinger’s Something’s Gotta Give. Brian Helvey, another assistant show chair from Marion, said the Sunday Best of Show winner was the Schipperke, GCH CH Dante's Fire When Ready HOF from Farmington, Minne-sota. If those dog names look a little crazy, blame the AKC.

Davison said the dogs must have a name that’s unique and then as they earn titles, they are added to the name. The kennel name or indications of the dog’s lineage may also be present in its name.

The show also provides an opportunity for novice handlers and junior handlers to get experience showing their dogs. Getting the dogs to behave and stand properly requires training the handler as well. Many of the local handlers take classes at John A. Logan College.

“It’s a very good way to bond with your dog,” Davison said.

The AKC works year-round, but especially at the show, to promote responsible breeding and animal health. For example, at the show, dog owners had the opportunity to make an appointment for dogs to see a veteri-nary ophthalmologist, something not generally available in the area. In addition, the club sponsors a micro-

A trainer patiently awaited her turn in competition with two standard poodles.


chip clinic at the show.

Jones said the AKC is a great source of information for people who are trying to make an educated choice about getting a dog. Getting involved with the national organization for your dog’s breed is also a good idea.

“Most of the exhibitors are more than happy to educate you about their dogs,” Davison said, making the show a great learning opportunity.

In addition, the Crab Orchard Kennel Club has 56 local members, and two ju-nior members (under age 18), who raise several dog breeds that are unfamiliar to many people.

“This is a good place to learn about responsible pet ownership,” she said.

The Crab Orchard Kennel Club can be reached by mail at

P.O. Box 2953, Carbondale, 62902 or

by telephone at 618-925-3314.

Dog handlers come in all ages as seen here with this young man spotted awaiting his turn at showing his hound.

22 • marion living magazine • September 2010 by Ceasar Maragni

154...and countingThe curtain has dropped on yet another Williamson County Fair and despite a brutal mid-August heat wave that may have curbed attendance somewhat,

organizers were pleased with the turnout.


Top: Gordon Gisy and his grandson Aaron checked out this restored 50-year old Chevy at

the Williamson County Fair Car Show. Right: Jamie Birchfield, left, was judging

vegetables while Palanita Eli kept track of the results at the annual Williamson County Fair’s

Agricultural Products & Craft Show.


From the Fair's opening event, the Queens Scholarship Pageant, to the final day's horse, dairy and cattle shows, for a week Marion was abuzz with activities related to the county fair. Fair organizers made a strong effort to spruce up the fairgrounds and promote the fair this year and the results were quickly apparent to those who enjoyed the many events surrounding the historic festival.

It remains the oldest continuous fair in the state and many of those involved say that they're already looking forward to next year.

One of the highlights for many visitors to the Williamson County Fair is the food and drinks available at the concession stands. Here Natalie Bishop, left, hands Ashton Plumer a cold

lemon shakeup. Bishop said, “We sell a lot of shakeups when it’s hot like this.”

They were off and running in the first annual Williamson County Fair 5K Race. Among the participants quickly out of the gate was Marion

High School track coach Eli Baker, above right, # 860.

Kelli Stigall kneeled to help prepare her nephew and niece, Drew and Lily Garrett, for the first annual Williamson County

Fair 5K Run. This year’s inaugural race was co-sponsored by Heartland Regional Hospital and Third Baptist Church of

Marion.


Kelli Stigall kneeled to help prepare her nephew and niece, Drew and Lily Garrett, for the first annual Williamson County

Fair 5K Run. This year’s inaugural race was co-sponsored by Heartland Regional Hospital and Third Baptist Church of

Marion.

County music star Josh Thompson was among the entertainers at the grandstand shows at the 2010

Willimson County Fair. The singer-songwriter was a big hit with fairgoers.

Emily Travis, center, was chosen as Miss Williamson County Fair 2010 during the pageant held at the Marion Cultural & Civic Center, the kickoff event for the annual fair. Travis, of Belknap, is a Shawnee College student.

She was named both Miss Photogenic and Miss Swimsuit in the competition.


Southern Illinois Kids Got Talent


Southern Illinois Kids Got TalentFor the third consecutive year a group of Williamson County young-

sters are spearheading an effort to show the talents of Southern Illinois ‘kids’ while at the same time lend support to abused children

Committee members Michaela Reel, left, and Paige Beuligmann, center, answer questions for broadcaster April Bennett following a recent press conference to announce plans for the third annual Southern Illinois Kids Got Talent show set for

September 25 at the Marion Cultural & Civic Center.

For the third consecutive year a group of area teens are spearheading “Southern Illinois Kids Got Talent,” an event that will highlight the talents of area youth while at the same time raise much-needed funds to help abused children.

SI Kids Got Talent will feature auditions at different area venues before culminating with a final show on Sept. 25 at the Marion Cultural & Civic Center with the winners advancing to statewide competition in Illinois Kids Got Talent.

Qualifying talent shows were held at Aug. 14 at Crosswalk Community Action Agency, 410 W. Main in West Frankfort, and Aug. 21 at John A. Logan College.

Spencer Gualdoni, a 15-year-old sophomore at Herrin High School said he got the brainstorm for “SI Kids Got


Talent” three years ago from watching a television show.“I was watching a television show called “Oprah’s Big Give” where each week they gave people money to help others and I was inspired by the program and I wanted to do something to help the needy in Southern Illinois,” said Gualdoni. “I thought because I’m a kid I want-ed to do something to help people my age so I decided to try and do something to help the Williamson County Child Advocacy Center.”

And in short order the idea became a reality as Gualdoni scheduled an appointment with representatives from the child advocacy center and as the old saying goes, the rest is history. Enlisting the help of other like-minded youngsters his age who also have a desire to help the less fortunate more than $4,000 was raised to help abused chil-dren the first year.

Williamson County Commissioner Tracey Glenn is part of a three-person advisory group that oversees the work of the youthful SI Kids Got Talent committee. Kurt Endenbrock, assistant superintendent

Lashonna Hicks of the Williamson County Child Advocacy Center says the money raised by the third annual Southern Illinois Kids Got Talent show will mean a lot to

the center, especially during these times of shrinking funding for non-profit agencies throughout the state and nation.


with Franklin-Williamson Regional Office of Education and Lashonna Hicks, with Williamson County Child Advocacy Center join Glenn in making up the adult advi-sory committee.

Glenn stressed that ‘advisory’ is the key word.

“We’re there to give advice when needed but all the work, the planning, just everything, they do,” said Glenn. “When they need a little guidance, that’s what we’re there for.”

Glenn said the Gualdoni and the group spearheading SI Kids are wise beyond their years.

“I think it’s great a group of kids between the ages of 11 and 17 are this conscien-tious and aware about the needs in their community,” said Glenn. “They chose the child advocacy center because of the budget situation in Springfield and I think that’s very impressive that these kids are on top of what’s going on and really try-ing to help. These are just very impressive kids when you meet them, they’re just phenomenal.”

Joining Gualdoni on the SI Kids committee is Paige Beuligmann, 16, and Michaela Reel, 15. Gualdoni said the youthful committee has handled every aspect of the planning from locations to ticket prices.

“We’re looking for any kind of talent,” said Gualdoni. “After the two auditions we’ll select the finalists for the Sept. 25 show. With this being our third year we know more what to expect this time. It’s been very rewarding for all of us to be involved in this.”

Anyone needing more information can contact Gualdoni at 889-7944.

Spencer Gualdoni of Herrin addresses the media at a recent press conference held at One Hot Cookie in Marion to kickoff the third annual Kids Got Talent fundraiser for the Williamson County Child Advocacy Center.


3333 West DeYoung | Marion, Illinois 62959618.998.7000 | www.heartlandregional.com

“Once treatment began, they not only helped me achieve full motion, but found that my

shoulder had been dislocated for over 15 years and corrected that too.

I choose Heartland Regional Medical Center.”- Keith Edwards, Marion

Rehabilitation Services


Ask your service representative for details.

APY*

on GIVING balancesUP TO $25,000on CASH

balances UP TO

$25,000

APY*

Nationwide

ATM fee

refunds*

Plus,with every qualified debit purchase

to give.*

Choose your charity:

september 2010

Documents

issue of marion

months magazine

marion resident deana

southern illinois kids

revamped website

good weve love

williamson county fair

deanna smith