THE BEST YEARS Page 19

NOVEMBER 2019

"EVERY VETERAN HAS A STORY" Perry County museum illustrates community's TBY military history THE BEST YEARS Page 19

MAKING APPLE BUTTER PAGE 6

WHAT ARE YOU THANKFUL FOR? | PAGE 15 This holiday season we are thankful for time spent making memories together.

www.SaxonyVillage.com 2825 Bloomfield Rd. www.TheLutheranHomeCape.com (573) 986-6290 Cape Girardeau, MO 63703 (573) 335-0158

2 • TBY NOVEMBER 2019 in this issue FEATURES PAGE 6 PAGE 16 5 things to do this month 4

Making Apple Butter 6 • Parishioners carry on tradition in Apple Creek A Shared Bond 12 • Judy Cureton hosts Warm Showers for bicycle tourists What Are You Thankful For? 15 • With Thanksgiving approaching, we asked community members what they are thankful for. Transpac 2019 Yacht Race 16 • The Sailing Trip of a Lifetime

PAGE 12 "Every Veteran Has a Story" 18 • Perry County museum illustrates community’s military history

Columnists • Burton Bock 20 • Steven Bender 21 A Look Back 22 Out & About 23

ADVERTISING DIRECTOR FEATURES EDITOR ACCOUNT REPRESENTATIVES Donna Denson Mia Pohlman Logan Clippard, Courtney Corbett, TBY [email protected] [email protected] Elizabeth Gooch, Laura Hulcy, Glenda Mayberry, Don McConnell, THE BEST YEARS PUBLICATION DESIGN Jody Seabaugh and Debbie Stoverink is a Rust Communications publication published in Greg Dowdy November 2019 ©2019 Southeast Missourian, P.O. Box 699, [email protected] Cape G irardeau, MO 63702. Phone: 573-335-6611

TBY NOVEMBER 2019 • 3 5 things to do this month

November 11: Honor our veterans

Pay your respects to veterans living and deceased at Missouri’s National Veterans Memorial, 1172 Veterans November 5: Tune up your medical equipment Memorial Pkwy in Perryville, Missouri. The museum will host a ceremony at 2 p.m. conducted by Rev. Bruce Head to The Cottages of Capetown Clubhouse at 2857 Cape Lacroix Road in Cape Girardeau Owens, a Vietnam veteran. An Honor Guard will from 8 to 11 a.m. to have your walker, wheelchair and/or cane tuned up. This event is conduct a presentation of the colors. The event is free co-sponsored by Healthcare Equipment & Supply Co.; to RSVP, call (573) 382-1978. The event and open to the public; for more information, contact is free and open to the public. (573) 547-2035.

November 16: Make a purse

In honor of America Recycles Day on Nov. 15, the Cape Girardeau Public Library November 14: Volunteer will host a recycling-themed Saturday with the SEMO Food Bank Crafternoon from 2 to 3:30 p.m. At this month’s session, learn how to make a November 17: Escape the Crisp Help the SEMO Food Bank through Help purse out of recycled books. Space is Museum More, Feed More Volunteer Days, a new limited for this event, and registration volunteer opportunity that will occur the is required at capelibrary.org/event/ From 1 to 4 p.m., test your mental and physical skill in second Thursday of each month at 1 p.m. saturday-crafternoon-upcycled-book- the escape room at The Rosemary Berkel and Harry Head to the SEMO Food Bank Distribution purses/ or by calling (573) 334-5279 x113. L. Crisp II Museum in Cape Girardeau. The event will Center, 600 S. Hwy H in Sikeston, Missouri, Participants should bring with them two include a series of problems and obstacles participants to help sort donated food, label cans, pack fat, quarter-sized pieces of fabric to use will have to navigate to get out of the museum. For more boxes, do clerical work and clean. in making their purse. information or to register, visit semo.edu/museum/.

4 • TBY NOVEMBER 2019 AGE SPOTS | JACKIE DOVER Notre Dame Regional High School Presents The Gift of Giving Reginald Rose’s I know it’s still early, but I like to begin my Christmas shopping as soon as possible. Spending time searching for the perfect present is so much fun. The look of joy on the gift recipient’s face when they open something they know was chosen especially for them gives most gift givers a great amount of happiness. I truly enjoy the hunt for the “perfect” present. For many non-profits such as Aging Matters, the perfect present could be the gift of a donation. Around the holidays, we feel especially generous and many give donations to causes that are important to us. Giving monetary gifts enables many nonprofits Adapted by Sherman L. Sergel to survive to do their good work. If you like the idea of giving but Produced by special arrangement with do not know where to start, try finding a cause you personally THE DRAMATIC PUBLISHING COMPANY OF Woodstock, Illinois care about. If you find an organization that helps a demographic or services a group you care about, you then feel even better about donating. There is an organization out there for almost everything: veterans, animals, children, seniors and the environment are some common groups that benefit from your philanthropy. Before you give, it is a good idea to check out how your money is spent within an organization after it is donated. How much of each donated dollar goes to direct services to benefit the cause, and how much goes for administrative costs? There are many resources on the internet to help look into charities and how they spend donated dollars. Once you find a cause you are passionate about and you check it out to make sure it is a legitimate organization, then you can give freely. Remember, money is not the only thing you are able to give. Many organizations depend on volunteers to assist them year- round. Our senior centers are always looking for help to deliver meals, assist with paperwork or organize events. If you have a talent for the computer or dancing or clipping coupons, you can always volunteer to teach others. Some people find joy working with children; there are programs that allow you to volunteer to help children learn to read or help those with a limited income November 7, 8, & 9, 2019 do their taxes. King Hall - 7:00 p.m. If you want to volunteer your time and do not know where to start, the Retired Senior Volunteer Program Volunteer Inter- All Seats $10 generational Center (RSVP/VIC) could help you find a fulfilling Purchase tickets online: volunteer placement. RSVP/VIC’s mission is to help people, help www.notredamehighschool.org/fallplay people. Short-term or long-term, there are always organizations or by phone at 573-335-6772 ext. 311 looking for help. The joy we get from assisting others is like nothing else. Personal biases are revealed and tensions run high in this For those who may not have time or money to donate, do not suspenseful drama as the twelve jurors re-examine evidence, fret — several resale and thrift shops would happily take your re-enact the crime and attempt to reach a verdict in the case CONTINUED ON PAGE 22 of a young boy accused of murdering his father. Twelve Angry Jurors takes the audience into the jury room where twelve nameless jurors with very different personalities and prejudices About Jackie deliberate, debate and try to define reasonable doubt. Various Jackie Dover is public information director testimonies are re-examined, the murder is re-enacted, at Aging Matters. tempers get short, arguments grow heated and the cast becomes twelve angry jurors.

TBY NOVEMBER 2019 • 5 MAKING APPLE BUTTER

Parishioners carry on tradition in Apple Creek

BY MIA POHLMAN | PHOTOS BY BEN MATTHEWS

6 • TBY NOVEMBER 2019 It’s 2:15 in the afternoon, and Herman Erzfeld is The group uses four kettles to cook the apple Left: Clarence Meyer, left, talks to Herman stirring apple butter in an iron kettle over a wood butter in; each of the kettles belong to a different Erzfeld, right, while stirring a kettle of apple fire outside St. Joseph Church in Apple Creek, parishioner. Erzfeld says some of the kettles were butter at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Apple Missouri. He’s been stirring since 6:45 that morn- used by the parishioners’ grandparents; Buchheit Creek, Missouri. Top: Bernie Meyer feeds the ing, and he still has approximately 15 minutes to says the kettle she contributes to the event each fire beneath a kettle of apple butter. Below: go before the water has evaporated from the apple year was her father’s. A dishwasher pulls a kettle from a washing butter and it’s thick enough to take off the fire. The parishioners have been making apple trough. The kettle is believed to be more “We trade off for lunch and a coffee break every butter for approximately 20 to 25 years, Buchheit than 100 years old and has been passed once in a while,” Erzfeld says of the stirring. It estimates. They began making it as a fundraiser down between generations of apple butter gets tiring, he says, but he enjoys helping the for the church; they sell it at each of the break- preparers in the church. church, and at 83 years old, “What else is there?” fasts and dinners the church puts on, as well as There is a group of approximately a dozen men at their annual picnic each Labor Day weekend. and a dozen women assembled to make the apple They also serve it at church breakfasts. The wood butter on this afternoon; most of them — if not for the fires under each kettle comes from East all — are lifetime members of the parish, which is Perry Lumber Company in Frohna, Missouri. the southernmost parish in the Archdiocese of St. Although they used to make the apple butter Louis. The church was founded in 1828 by German from whole apples, the parishioners now use immigrants from the region of Baden, Germany; applesauce since there are no orchards in the some of the older members of the parish grew area. They use 108 gallons of applesauce, and as up speaking German and can still understand it. such, Buchheit has been at the church since 5:45 Shirley Buchheit comes over and scoops a spat- a.m. opening jars of it. ula full of apple butter from the kettle, tapping it Buchheit has been making apple butter for onto an aluminum pie plate she holds perpendicu- most of her life; she learned how to make it from lar to the ground. The apple butter runs down the her parents while she was growing up. plate a bit; she says that means it still has water “It’s work, but it’s nice to have the people here,” in it and needs to cook longer. she says.

TBY NOVEMBER 2019 • 7 It goes back to your grandparents and parents. You know, somebody’s got to keep it going. I enjoy it, just sitting here. Group of people, get out and visit, might as well sit. It’s a [beautiful day], you betcha.”

– Herman Erzfeld, as he stirs a pot of apple butter

Above: Pictured from left, Vennie Leuckel, Toni Ponder, Doris Balsmann and Fran Scholl fill Mason jars with freshly-cooked apple butter at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Apple Creek, Missouri.

8 • TBY NOVEMBER 2019 Clockwise from bottom left, Lunette Erzfeld, Norma Lauck, Vennie Leuckel, Toni Ponder, Doris Balsmann, Fran Scholl, Shirley Buchheit, Zelma Wibbenmeyer and Dolores Meyer fill Mason jars with apple butter.

Since the parishioners get together to make scorch. They stir it with a cherry, walnut or oak and do all that, listen to one another, tell jokes apple butter only one time each year, they make wooden stick so it doesn’t get resin in it. and things. That’s fun. That makes it fun. To be enough of it to last the church throughout the Once the apple butter is taken off the fire, the with people.” entire year. They make approximately 300 jars men who stir it outside take it inside the church Enjoying the community of people making in various sizes, including pints, quarts and half hall so the women are able to can it. The women apple butter is a general theme echoed by many gallons. With this amount of ingredients, it takes make quick work of the job, working together to of the people at the event. It’s a way for them to 25 pounds of sugar to sweeten it to perfection. The pour it into jars, put the lids on and process it in carry on the tradition of their church, as well as sugar, Buchheit says, also helps the apple butter boiling water for three to five minutes. Then, they their families’ heritages. thicken. set it on a countertop to cool. “It goes back to your grandparents and parents. When the applesauce turns from yellow to Toni Ponder jokes she doesn’t enjoy making You know, somebody’s got to keep it going,” a darker red, it is ready for the cinnamon and apple butter. She also says she “doesn’t care for” Erzfeld says as he stirs. “And I enjoy it, just sitting sugar to be added, Buchheit says. The parishio- eating it, either. More seriously, though, she says here. Group of people, get out and visit, might as ners don’t use a recipe; instead, they do it by taste. it is the people who make the activity worthwhile. well sit. It’s a [beautiful day], you betcha.” All together, the apple butter must be cooked for “I can’t say I don’t enjoy it. I like to be with the eight to nine hours, constantly stirred so it doesn’t people to help out,” she says. “We get together

TBY NOVEMBER 2019 • 9 Sound Advice Do You Have Difficulty Understanding Speech In Trent Essner, Au.D. Background Noise? Cathy Willen, Au.D. Have you noticed that it is getting already have trouble hearing some harder to communicate with others speech sounds of language due to when background noise is present? their loss. Background noise further If this describes you or someone you complicates the issue by taking away know, listen up… even more of the speech sounds Difficulty understanding speech in the necessary to understand speech. presence of background noise or in If you or someone you know challenging listening environments is struggles to understand speech in often one of the first warning signs restaurants, crowded places, or in of an underlying hearing loss. Don’t other challenging situations, you may CANCER ignore this important warning sign! consider having a thorough hearing The root of the problem lies in the evaluation completed by Don’t let it take you away fact that individuals with hearing loss an audiologist. from the care and love you need. 201 South Mt. Auburn Road Cape Girardeau, MO Call today at (573) 651-3404

SECOP supports the non profit membership as they realize growth www.secoponline.org and cultivate hope

The Cancer Institute at Saint Francis brings world-class expertise, deep experience and state-of-the-art technology — right here at home. Accredited by the Commission on Cancer (CoC), we are committed to providing you with high quality, patient-centered care. This accreditation allows you access to the services needed from initial diagnosis through remission — close to the love and support of your loved ones.

Saint Francis Cancer Institute HEALTHCARE To request additional information regarding SECOP and its activities, please write to: Southeast Council On Philanthropy PO Box 1435, Cape Girardeau, MO 63702

10 • TBY NOVEMBER 2019 DELICIOUS READING | BROOKE CLUBBS

Serving Our Community for Over 30 Years! Submitted photo Your St. Louis Airport Connection Life Skills Recipes When I was about to start my freshman year of high school, I looked Bartshuttle.com with excitement at the descriptions of electives in the student hand- book. The problem was: because I was in the orchestra and choir, 573-388-2844 • 1-800-284-2278 my counselor told me if I was college-bound, I wouldn’t have time for additional electives like Foods. My locker that year was right next to the home economics classroom, and every time I smelled them baking, I felt a little pang of regret. I was lucky my mother, grandmothers and aunts all helped me practice my cooking skills and I could check all kinds of cookbooks out of the school library, but I missed the chance to learn more about the chemistry of cooking, practice knife skills and obtain other culinary knowledge in an educational setting. So I have been thrilled all of my children have been given the opportunity to take a family and consumer science (FACS) class — FACS is the new Home Ec — while in middle school or junior high. My youngest, Lily, is the most recent student, taking Stephanie Martin’s life skills class at Jackson Middle School. While all three of the kids became more active participants in the kitchen after taking their classes, Lily is probably the most eager and conscien- DISCOVER THE tious pupil. She brought home 10 recipes we could make at home. If we wrote about the results, she could get extra credit. She made UNEXPECTED several of them after school at my mom’s house, and one Saturday Shop the Teen Challenge Thrift Store morning, she and I set out to create this pancake recipe together. this holiday season.

The Teen Challenge Thrift Store is supported CONTINUED ON PAGE 22 100% by donations. If you would like to make a donation call the Teen Challenge Thrift Store at (573) 651-4510 or simply drop 61 N Clark Street, Cape Girardeau About Brooke off items during hours of operation. 1985 E Jackson Blvd, Jackson 1035 E Malone, Sikeston Brooke Clubbs is a Jackson mom of three, a free- lance writer and a communications instructor. teenchallengemidamerica.com/thrift-store

TBY NOVEMBER 2019 • 11 12 • TBY NOVEMBER 2019 A SHARED BOND

Judy Cureton hosts Warm Showers for bicycle tourists

BY MIA POHLMAN PHOTOS BY TYLER GRAEF

Judy Cureton, cyclist and resident of Cape Girardeau, has cycled on all six continents that are not covered in ice. It’s an impressive feat, incorporating a passion Cureton doesn’t keep to herself: she uses her love of cycling as an excuse to open her home to cycling tourists riding through the area who need a place to stay for the night and for whom a warm shower might be just what they need to unwind after a long day of cycling. Cureton says she learned to ride a bicycle when she was eight years old, after receiving a bike she had asked for on her birthday wish list. Throughout high school and college, she didn’t ride as much as she did during childhood; she picked the pastime back up again when she had a child of her own, putting a seat on the back of her bicycle for her daughter to ride along in. She also put a basket on the front, so she and her daughter could do their grocery shopping and go places on the bike. With her renewed interest in biking, it was in 1975 that Cure- ton decided she would ride the Bikecentennial the next year, a cross-country ride in celebration of America’s birthday. “I had no clue about any of that stuff, but I had just gotten my 10-speed. I thought I was really uptown,” Cureton recalls. “But I decided I was gonna do it, so I started working towards it.” Since then, she has ridden on bike tours in Germany, England, Cross-country cyclist Cliff Cantrell, right, prepares a second helping South Africa, New Zealand, Canada, Mexico, Brazil, Bhutan and of eggs while having breakfast with his wife, Sherry, far left, and the other states in the U.S. couple's host, Judy Cureton, at Cureton's home in Cape Girardeau. And it’s not only something she’s done in the past: as a lung cancer survivor, Cureton still rides 15 to 25 miles most days. She Opposite page, Top: Judy Cureton, right, chats over breakfast with also does weight machines and plays pickleball. It’s all because cross-country cyclists Cliff and Sherry Cantrell, whom she hosted at she loves to stay active, and specifically, because she loves cycling. her home in Cape Girardeau. Bottom Left: Judy Cureton,left, chats with “There’s just a real freedom there with a bike. And I enjoy the Sherry, before seeing the Cantrells off on their journey. Bottom Right: pedaling,” Cureton says. “And it’s a good way to tour. It’s a good Judy Cureton, right, leads cyclists Sherry and Cliff Cantrell toward way to see the place; if you’re going to go somewhere, you’ll see the Emerson Bridge to continue the Cantrells' journey to Florida from it. You’ll feel it, you’ll smell it, you’ll get rained on, you’ll see it.” Cureton's home in Cape Girardeau. Cureton opens up her home in downtown Cape Girardeau to cyclists who are biking through Cape through the Warm Show- ers program. While cyclists are staying with her, she often does their laundry for them, offers them a beer and helps them with any mechanical help they need for their bike in her basement mini bike shop — she learned to work on bicycles by taking her bike apart and putting it back together during her early days of riding with the help of a book; then, after she retired from teaching high school art in Kelly, Missouri, she worked part-time at Cape Bicy- cle. In the morning, she cooks breakfast for the Warm Showers

TBY NOVEMBER 2019 • 13 riders and sometimes rides out of Cape with The Cantrells are looking forward to swim- them, to show them the way. ming with manatees, staying on a boat with Cureton’s home is a cool place for cyclists a Warm Showers host who is a boat captain to stay for the night: known locally as the J. and taking an airboat ride. And of course, Maple and Grace Senne Wilson house, Cure- dipping their bicycle tires “on both sides of ton’s home has been on the National Register the rock in Key West:” in the Gulf of Mexico of Historic Places since August 2015. Built in and the Atlantic Ocean. 1904, the home features a central staircase “This is my fifth crossing of the U.S., and skylight designed by Cureton’s grandmother, it’s always about the people. The people you Grace Senne, to act as air conditioning in meet. The interchange between them,” says the home. The island in the kitchen was Cliff, who is 79. “You meet some incredible designed for Senne, a shorter woman, so the people. It’s not the people you read about in countertop is two to three inches lower than the news. It’s the people who go out and go the average height. Family heirlooms from to work and take care of the family and take the early 1900s decorate the house, from a care of their kids. They’re not out to get rich pump teapot to her grandmother’s doll to a or change the world; they just are the world. mustache cup — a teacup with a protective That is pretty amazing to talk to people like cover over the drinking area so as not to wet that everyday.” one’s mustache. In addition, Cureton has a Sherry, for whom the trip is her first master’s degree in art, and her work hangs cross-country cycling tour, although she throughout the home; for her master’s show, has cycled the Katy Trail across Missouri she made prints of her Bikecentennial ride. and cycled from San Francisco to St. Louis, Cureton has been hosting cyclists at her also learns from the people she meets along home since she came back from that ride the way. in 1976 and began getting more involved in “We stopped at a Warm Showers in Lewis- the League of American Wheelmen, now ton, Idaho, and we got to talking about it, and known as the League of American Bicyclists. our hostess said, ‘Well, I never think about Cyclists contact her online when they will be it as I’m going to be there in 41 days. Every coming through the area and need a place to day is a new day trip, and when I’m done, stay; she hosts approximately a dozen people I’ve got 41 day trips,’” Sherry recalled. “So each year. now, I’m building 100 day trips. And it really “Having been a bicycle tourist and enjoy- helps, because there’s some days you’re like ing bike riding, you always enjoy other ‘Oh, I don’t know.’ And there’s some days Cross-country cyclist Cliff Cantrell dons his bicyclists,” Cureton says of why she enjoys where you say, ‘OK, today’s not going to be helmet as the morning sun peeks through hosting bicyclists at her home. “You like to like yesterday, and it’s not going to be like the trees in the backyard of Judy Cureton's hear about their tales and their adventures tomorrow, so this is my day trip.’ And so I’m home in Cape Girardeau. and where they’re going and where they going to have compiled 100 day trips.” came from and what they’re doing and all Sherry is also encouraged by Cureton. about ‘em. So it’s a common interest that you “I’m inspired by this lady right here,” enjoy knowing about.” Sherry says, gesturing towards Cureton. It’s a feeling shared by Sherry and Cliff “She’s done some amazing things.” Cantrell, from just outside of Huntsville, Cureton doesn’t miss a beat. “Well, you just Alabama, who, stop at Cureton’s house do stuff,” she says. in Cape Girardeau for the Warm Showers Between meeting cyclists by opening her program, as they cycle from Surrey, British home through the Warm Showers program Columbia, to Key West, Florida, in 100 days. and her own local cycling and cycle touring, Sherry says all their hosts through Warm Sherry is right — the “stuff” Cureton chooses Showers — 30 in all — have been gracious, to do is pretty amazing. “salt of the earth” people.

14 • TBY NOVEMBER 2019 What are you thankful for? With Thanksgiving approaching, we asked community members what they are thankful for. Here’s what they said:

I’m thankful that my kids are well and I’m just thankful for my family, that God is healthy, and that everything is going for me and he’s with me, and I just thank good right now, and there’s no compli- him that things are as well as they are. cations that have been going on lately. — Martha Turner — Michelle Turner

For being saved. Is it cliché to say my Daddy, ‘cause he’s — Leonard Wright family? I think that’s what tall and he can I’m most thankful for, that reach things. they’re safe and healthy. — Brooklyn Merryman — Kayla Thompson

I’m thankful to have such a I’m thankful that I’ve got plenty of people helping me. I’m all great family that supports by myself now, and I’m glad I’ve got plenty of helpers and agen- me in everything and to cies that’s helping out and also for the center here, too. I’m able be blessed with all my to come and we have fun here, just do different things, exercise friends in my sorority. classes. We do bingo and just all kinds of things that we like. — Shelby Bauwens — Paula Grimme

Opportunities, I’m thankful for God. Probably my family because they help — Lucian Zielinski and friends. further my future. — Lindsey Bauwens — Sydney Merryman

I’m very thankful for my I’m thankful that we My family. family and friends, to have have a place like the — Brock Alspaugh them in my life and be Senior Center to come. able to share with them. — Janet Chamberlain — Deanna Ware

TBY NOVEMBER 2019 • 15 Transpac 2019 Yacht Race The Sailing Trip of a Lifetime

WORDS AND PHOTOS BY TERRY L. BURKE

As I sit down to tell the tale of my experiences in the Trans- pac 2019 Yacht Race, it is hard to believe it actually happened. A few short days ago, I was still on the water racing to Hono- lulu, completely immersed in the moment and mentally focused on the task at hand of getting across the finish line ASAP. I wasn’t thinking about the typical things in my land- based world, just sailing as fast as possible. I placed myself in a completely foreign environment like nothing I have felt, seen or heard before, and therein lies the exceptional beauty of the experience and indeed makes the experience an adventure. To me, it was truly an adventure of a lifetime. People ask me why I wanted to do this. My reasoning is somewhat complicated with multiple factors, but here are a few. I enjoy an adventure. Doing something I haven’t done before. Something that is interesting to me with a little risk and a bit of the unknown. Part of my motivation was the desire to fulfill a fantasy of sailing from the security of a known shore and venturing off into the uncertainty of a vast ocean in a small sailboat and landing on a tropical island in the Pacific Ocean. Most of all, I wanted the experience. The experience of seeing the ocean for real, with nothing between me and this powerful force that is all around us. The Transpac Yacht Race is held biennially sailing from Los Angeles to Honolulu on the island of Oahu, Hawaii, some 2,225 miles of open ocean. With any adventure of this type, you are at the mercy of nature, which can have both pleasant and unpleasant aspects. In this case, the pleasur- able far outweighed the uncomfortable and caused me to see things in this watery world differently. For example, the sea is a beautiful place. The color of the water was completely different in the open ocean as opposed to near shore. When the sun was shining, the water lit up with a deep, rich cobalt blue color. The sunsets and sunrises were incredible. Starry nights were something special on the ocean. At times before the moon came up at night, it was as if there was a dome of stars placed over my head. From horizon to horizon in any direction, I had a ringside seat for the most spectacular star show imaginable. Submitted photo Submitted Race, Yacht 2019 Transpac seen during the yacht L. Burke’s Terry from A view Honolulu. to Angeles Los from 2,225 miles of open ocean which covers

16 • TBY NOVEMBER 2019 Expectations? Experiencing the beauty of the ocean was the payoff for me. The depth of sensory inputs was greater than I expected. The magni- tude of power in the swells, the sound and fury of a squall, the feeling of solitude which came with the vastness of the ocean landscape. The intensity of sensory inputs seemed to be heightened, perhaps because of the lack of worldly distractions such as cellphones, the internet and television. Eliminating contact with these, at least for a short time, can be a wonderful thing. Colors were more vivid, sounds more alive, the smell of the ocean more noticeable. All senses were heightened. I felt everything more acutely. I received far more than expected. What did I learn about myself ? I learned I can do more than I think I can. I can endure discomfort to attain a desired goal. It is OK to take a calculated risk occasionally when the potential payoff is worth it. These are the thoughts I would like to pass to my children and grandchildren. Go for it! How was I changed by this experience? I really am the same guy I was before the trip. But, for a brief moment in time, I was completely free of all distractions and was keenly aware of the beautiful world that surrounded me. I could give total atten- tion to the experience before me at the moment and be totally in the moment. And what an experience it

was! Truly, the trip of a lifetime! Submitted photo Terry L. Burke relaxes on his yacht while sailing in the Transpac 2019 Yacht Race. Terry L. Burke grew up in Sikeston, Missouri, and graduated from Sikeston High School in 1966. In 1970, he earned his Bachelor of Science degree in speech pathology from Southeast Missouri State University, and from 1981 to 1987, owned a private audiology practice in Sikeston. He currently lives in Glenwood Springs, Colorado, and returns to South- east Missouri periodically to visit his wife’s mother and his old friends.

Onsite Wound Care Nurse Transportation is available (from local hospitals and to physician appointment) In-Patient & Out-Patient Therapy Amazing Resident Activities that everyone loves 710 Broadridge Drive Above Standard Cleanliness Friendly Staff Jackson, MO 63755 • 573.243.3101

TBY NOVEMBER 2019 • 17 “Every Veteran Has a Story” Perry County museum illustrates community’s military history

BY NICOLETTE BAKER | PHOTOS BY TYLER GRAEF

He was a member of the Navy. She worked at a law office. He was stationed on a ship headed for Vietnam when he received a tele- gram: “Birth. Daughter. Mother and daughter fine.” She delivered their first child. Decades later, the couple still keeps that military history alive through curating exhibits at the Perry County Military History Museum in Perryville, Missouri. Curator Carlene Rauh and assistant curator and Vietnam veteran John Rauh manage exhibits, collect artifact donations and lead tours at the Perryville museum. The military museum initially began as part of the Perry County Museum in the city’s park before the county’s collective military history began to outgrow its home, Carlene says. When the city’s mayor offered a space on the St. Mary of the Barrens Seminary Campus for a military-exclusive museum, the curators say they jumped on the location. The museum opened its doors on Veteran’s Day 2012, just six months after it began the move from its former location in the park. Now, visitors can stop by the museum on the second floor of the Higher Education Building, where it has expanded to not only include a gallery of local military exhibits but an aviation-focused room, as well. As nota- ble aviator Charles Lindbergh often stopped in Perryville to give airplane rides, John says, information on him as well as other Perry County pilots is included in the museum. Mostly volunteer-funded and staffed, the museum relies on residents’ donations for new exhibits. Above: John Rauh discusses historical artifacts during a picnic One of the museum’s featured exhibits is a kiosk filled with photos and hosted by members of the The Perry County Military History names documenting some 1,950 Perry County residents who served in the Museum at the City Park in Perryville. Below: Marlene, left, and Dave military. A donation by the Rotary Club and an expanding project, Carlene Van Matre visit a memorial during a picnic hosted by members of The says this part of the museum is a favorite among visitors. Perry County Military History Museum. Marlene's brother, Michael H. “It seems to be one of our biggest draws, especially with the young kids Flood, served in the Army during the Vietnam War and was killed on who come in,” Carlene says. “They want to see if they have any family Good Friday in 1969, when he was 20 and Marlene was 12 years old. members there.” Perry County residents also donate documents, photographs and clothing to the museum, all illustrating a long history of military service. Exhibits feature war artifacts ranging from the Civil War to current conflicts and Want to go? contain anything from original letters to weapons to foreign currency. One featured item is an original Civil War militia roster, donated by a resi- The Perry County Military History Museum, 108 South Progress Drive in dent who found the document tucked away in their attic. It was restored by Perryville, Missouri, is open for tours three days a week and by appoint- the State Historic Preservation Office, Carlene says, and sealed in Mylar to ment. Visitors may stop by on Tuesdays from 1 to 3 p.m., Wednesdays protect the historic document. from 6 to 8 p.m. and Thursdays from 1 to 3 p.m. For more information, Among historic memorabilia, the museum also offers a model of a World call (573) 517-2463. War II battlefield, created by a local 9-year-old and composed entirely of Legos.

18 • TBY NOVEMBER 2019 NOW READ THIS | SARAH VOHSEN “The Dream Peddler,” by Martine Fournier Watson Robert Owens is a travelling peddler who roams from one town to the next selling his wares. And in many ways, he is simply ordinary, just one of the many salesmen who pass through Evie Dawson’s unnamed town. But Robert’s merchandise is unlike anything this town has seen before: he deals in dreams. For a small fee, he will concoct a vial of any heart’s deepest desires. For just one night, almost any dream can come true, and satis- faction is guaranteed. Top: A memorial is seen However, just as Robert arrives in during a picnic hosted town, Evie Dawson’s son goes miss- by members of the The ing. And Robert’s carefully laid plan Perry County Military of slowly drawing people to his stock History Museum at the of dreams without seeming like a City Park in Perryville. charlatan may go awry. The town Bottom: Jim Lawrence, is busy searching for the missing left, and Lloyd Lintner boy, and there is little time to think socialize during a about entertaining the dreams Robert picnic hosted by claims to sell. But after a disaster members of the The like the one that befell the Dawson Perry County Military family, people slowly begin seeking History Museum. out the desires they set aside during the tragic winter. Some come to him for love, others for a glimpse of the future, but Evie seeks him out to avoid dreams altogether. And while Robert never intends for any harm to come to this town, the dreams he sells begin to affect more than Veteran volunteers such as purple In addition to interacting with visi- the townspeople’s slumber. heart recipient Dale Monier lead visitors, Monier also has coffee with I wasn’t sure if I was going to enjoy “The Dream Peddler” when tors through the military museum. fellow Vietnam veterans every Tues- I first opened it, since magical realism isn’t a genre I favor. But Monier entered the military imme- day at Missouri’s National Veteran’s the story itself sounded interesting, and I was surprised when diately following his high school Memorial in Perryville. Monier also Martine Fournier Watson’s prose captured me from the very first graduation in 1967. Following his attended a Sept. 28 veterans’ picnic line: “The light of the gold harvest moon woke Benjamin Dawson service in Vietnam, Monier says he hosted by the military museum. from his dream.” Much of this book has small snippets of detail returned to a country unhappy with Many of the items also feature that are like this, and each description gives life to the characters the war and says working at the a personal element — the focus is and the scene, dropping this magical idea of made-to-order dreams museum has been a healing experi- on families and a local connection, into an overly realistic world. This contrast between the magical ence for him. Carlene says. aspects of the story and the realistic power of desires made the “I think it’s honestly made me “When people talk about the military, premise easily believable. a better person; I’m not as bitter,” they sometimes forget the families,” Although this novel moves slowly, Watson used this pace to Monier says. Through greeting visi- Carlene says. “Families serve too, in create a vivid world that I fell into before I realized what had tors, explaining the history of the a different way.” happened. I would definitely recommend this book because of its museum and answering questions, he The Rauhs kept the original tele- well-developed characters and unique writing style. says he has not only gained a better gram to recall the experience of their perspective but a better appreciation child’s birth during John’s military for preserving military history, as service. For the couple, it’s important well. to remember all military history and About Sarah “I really do enjoy history,” Monier especially the history that is local. says. “After being in the service, it “Every veteran has a story,” John Sarah Vohsen is a member of the Adult Services really changed it for me.” says. department at the Cape Girardeau Public Library.

TBY NOVEMBER 2019 • 19 COLUMN | BURTON BOCK A 1950s and 1960s Quiz for People In Their 50s and 60s (But everybody’s welcome to give it a try.) Check your answers on page 22 to see how smart you are.

TV SHOWS 7. Which singer’s signature song is “I Left My Heart In 1. Name the sitcom that featured the Kramdens and San Francisco?” Nortons. 8. “The Singing Nun” had a number-one song in 1963. 2. What was the name of the actor who played Ricky What was it? Ricardo on “I Love Lucy?” 9. Who played the female lead in the movie version of 3. Who was the first host of Saturday Night Live? the musical “Oklahoma?” 4. Mr. Green Jeans was a character in which children’s 10. Name the song these lyrics belong to: “Ridin’ along show? in my automobile, my baby beside me at the wheel.” 5. Who played Chester in “Gunsmoke?” 6. In “The Man From U.N.C.L.E.,” what was the lead char- SPORTS acter’s name? 1. Who was the first African-American man to win at 7. Clint Eastwood played which character in “Rawhide?” Wimbledon? 8. Who was the host of “The Twilight Zone?” 2. Who retired from boxing in 1956 with a career record 9. Who starred in “Branded?” of 49-0? 10. Elizabeth Montgomery played Samantha in which 3. Who was the starting quarterback for the Kansas City show? Chiefs in the first Super Bowl in 1967? 4. Name the St. Louis Cardinal who won the National MUSIC League Most Valuable Player award in 1964. 1. Name the song these lyrics belong to: “Give me a ticket 5. The St. Louis Browns moved to what city after the 1953 for an airplane. Ain’t got time to take a fast train.” season? 2. Who wrote the Monkees song “Another Pleasant 6. Who was the last Major League player to hit at least Valley Sunday?” .400? 3. Whose last number-one hit was “Suspicious Minds?” 7. Who holds the record for most career hits but is not in 4. Fill in the blanks: “Kinda broad at the shoulder and the Major League Baseball Hall of Fame? narrow at the hip, and everybody knew you didn’t give 8. In 1967, which professional basketball league used a no lip to ______.” red, white and blue ball? 5. What was the name of Petula Clark’s number-one song 9. What did the Cleveland NFL team, its coach and star in 1964? running back have in common in the late 1950s and 6. “Those Were the Days” went to number two for which early ‘60s? female singer in 1968? 10. Who challenged the Celtics in the 1957 NBA Finals? BY BURTON BOCK

Burton Bock has transitioned from RATING YOUR SCORE middle-aged man 27-30: Congratulations. You’re right up there with the 11-14: You’ve fallen. And you can’t get up. to retired man. He president of Mensa. 7-10: Your score doesn’t go to 11. enjoys reading, writing 23-26: Train kept a-rollin’! Less: …We love you anyway! and sometimes even 19-22: It’s got a good beat. You can dance to it. 'rithmetic. 15-18: Where’s the beef !?!

20 • TBY NOVEMBER 2019 COLUMN | STEVEN BENDER

Decorating for Christmas

To say my interest in putting out Christmas yard spruce tree we had in the front yard. A year or two ornaments and outdoor lights is an obsession would later, he lit up a second tree, then later a third. be an overstatement. But putting out a manger By 1996, Dad got patterns for Christmas yard scene and stringing up four dozen or more strands ornaments: manger, Mary, Joseph, crib, angels and of lights has become the norm. the three wise men he always jokingly called the Perhaps I wouldn’t remember it on my own, but “three wise guys” while we were setting them up. photos from my childhood help me “remember” Dad passed away in 2007, and every year since, that our family had a Christmas tree early on. Those I’ve been putting out a manger scene. It’s changed, were the days when we had silver tinsel and the though. His original cutouts he hand-painted have original colored ceramic lights one can now find become old and are falling apart. In keeping with in antique stores. this tradition, about eight years ago, I started The decorations in our house during those days replacing the old scene decorations with new ones. were simple. Possibly a cedar tree or later on, an There’s a reason I work on decorations during the artificial one. We still have an early version of hot summer. I’m even working on some plywood angel chimes, the table piece with lighted candles trees at the moment. that spins an angel on top. And one of my favor- So each year, I try to add something to the yard. ite pieces of indoor decorations we still have is the Plywood snowman. Plywood deer couple. Tons of white plastic wind-up organ and angel that play lights. Just something different or fun. “Silent Night.” For two nights this winter, I’ve been asked to One of my favorite memories, however, comes move the manger scene to my church, Trinity from going to town with my parents and being in Lutheran in Egypt Mills. The church will partic- the Town Plaza shopping area. In those days, the ipate in the Christmas Country Church Tour, and parking lot light poles were all decorated with they want my manger scene on the hillside. It’ll be colored tinsel Christmas trees. Blue, red, yellow, a chore to move everything just for Dec. 12 and 13, etc. I wish they still did that! Whatever happened but it’ll be fun to see. to those trees? Maybe this winter I’ll head to Gatlinburg, Tennes- At some point, my dad decided to put some of see, to see their displays up and down the streets and BY STEVEN BENDER the colored ceramic bulb lights in a Colorado blue get some more inspiration for future yard additions.

TBY NOVEMBER 2019 • 21 A LOOK BACK | SHARON SANDERS AGE SPOTS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 5

gently-used items to sell. If you have clothes, furni- ture or household goods still in good shape that you no longer need, please consider donating them. These stores sell the donations you give and use the money to support their efforts. You get rid of stuff you do not need, and people get the help they need. It’s a win-win! As the holiday season approaches, remember to take time for yourself, and enjoy the season of giving.

DELICIOUS READING CONTINUED FROM PAGE 11

Pancakes seem so easy, but I inevitably live up to the (G.D. Fronabarger ~ Southeast Missourian archive) French proverb: “la première crêpe est pour le chien” Drivers for Cape Transit Company, which operated the Cape Girardeau city bus line, were — “the first pancake is for the dog.” I was about to given safety awards in December 1954. Left to right are manager Eddie Mitchell, Roy learn why maybe it makes sense to take a little more Brunkhorst, George Strange, Murrell Strange, Lee Hartle, Willis Pind, S.V. Estes, Milford time, even with seemingly easy recipes. As we prepared Crites, William Webb, Don Fadler, Harrold Green, Harley Langston and Don Anderson. the batter, I pulled out a pyrex glass measuring cup, and Lily said with horror, “Mommy! That’s a liquid measure! We can’t use that for the flour!” I realized then I would not be able to do my usual About Sharon “eyeballing” of the measurements, and that we would Sharon Sanders is the resident historian at the probably make more dishes than I am wont to create Southeast Missourian. Visit her “From the Morgue” on a weekend morning. However, we created beautiful, blog at semissourian.com/blogs for a look at more fluffy and tasty pancakes. By taking my time, the first local history. one wasn’t too doughy or too burnt. I only had to give one to the dog because Violet looked up at me so piti- fully. Of course, then Lily only ate half of one pancake, admitting she doesn’t really like them; she just wanted to make them with me. I guess figuring out compro- BURTON BOCK QUIZ ANSWERS mises like that is another important life skill. CONTINUED FROM PAGE 20 Life Skills 5’s Best Pancakes! 9. Shirley Jones; 10.“No Particular Place • 1 egg TV SHOWS To Go,” by Chuck Berry • 3 tablespoons melted butter 1. “The Honeymooners;” 2. Desi Arnaz; • 1 ¼ cups milk 3.George Carlin; 4. “Captain Kangaroo;” 5. • 3 tablespoons sugar Dennis Weaver; 6. Napoleon Solo; 7. Rowdy SPORTS • 1 teaspoon salt Yates; 8. Rod Serling; 9. Chuck Connors; 10. 1. Arthur Ashe; 2. Rocky Marciano; 3. Len • 3 ½ teaspoons baking powder “Bewitched” Dawson; 4. Ken Boyer; 5. Baltimore; 6. Ted • 1 ½ cups flour Williams; 7. Pete Rose; 8. American Basket- In a large mixing bowl, combine and whisk ingredi- MUSIC ball Association (ABA); 9. Each of their ents together. Spray a skillet or griddle with non-stick 1. “The Letter,” by The Box Tops; 2. Carole names contained the word “brown” (Cleve- spray and ladle out one spoonful for each pancake. King and Gerry Goffin; 3. Elvis Presley; land Browns, Paul Brown, Jim Brown); 10. When small bubbles appear, the pancake is ready to 4. Big John; 5. “Downtown;” 6. Mary St. Louis Hawks flip with a spatula. Hopkins; 7. Tony Bennett; 8. “Dominique;”

22 • TBY NOVEMBER 2019 PHOTOS BY JACOB WIEGAND, TYLER GRAEF AND BEN MATTHEWS out & about How locals live their 'best years' in Southeast Missouri

1 3

1. Karen Bain, right, makes cornmeal with the help of Brad Uelsmann during the Scott City Railroad Heritage Day celebration at the Scott City Historical Museum in Scott City.

2. Pat Edwards of Cape Girardeau rolls up a bed roll during an Ugly Quilt Weekend event at St. Vincent de Paul Parish's De Paul Center in Cape Girardeau.

3. Pro-life activist and event organizer Cheri Adcock, right, helps Sheryl Kula sign up for an email list at the Cemetery of the Innocent in Cape Girardeau. Adcock said her dream is to have a group of pro-life supporters reaching all the way to Highway 74.

4. South Florida resident Dermot Bowden observes a pink salamander beneath a bluff 4 near Snake Road in Wolf Lake, Illinois.

TBY NOVEMBER 2019 • 23 LIVE YOUR BEST LIFE! Enjoy your independence your way with a worry-free, maintenance-free lifestyle in The Suites or Estate Homes

Life in The Chateau Suites and the Estates combines the Learn more about life at freedom of retirement with the comfort and convenience of The Chateau Girardeau by calling our worry-free lifestyle. Our independent living residents 573-335-1281 or visiting have several home options, including our One- or www.chateaugir.com. Two-Bedroom Suite or a single-family Estate Home, all with around the clock security for your peace of mind. Whatever your needs, Enjoy your independence with our many wonderful The Chateau Girardeau can amenities, including housekeeping, maintenance and full help you live your best life! service dining.

3120 Independence St. Cape Girardeau, MO 573-335-1281 | 800-428-0069 2015 2017 2019 2018 2016 www.chateaugir.com

24 • TBY NOVEMBER 2019