JANUARY 2017 ‘HAPPY TO DO IT’ Area senior citizens volunteer at local senior centers, deliver TBY meals to elderly THE BEST YEARS Page 8

Area native Bruce Qualls has worked as assistant director of local Christmas tournament for 15 years. Page 12

BINGING ON BASKETBALL WARM-WEATHER WINTER ESCAPES. PAGE 16 2017

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2 • TBY JANUARY 2017 in this issue FEATURES

Model citizen 10 Local veteran Harold Illers has built to-scale models of area buildings, landmarks Binging on basketball 12 Area native Bruce Qualls has worked as assistant director of local Christmas tournament for 15 years Lifelong passion 14 Emil Brase, 97, shares rich history as coach and spectator of area Christmas tournament DEPARTMENTS

5 things to do this month 5 health & wellness 6 • Be ready: Simple preparations to ensure winter weather doesn’t catch you by surprise philanthropy 8 • ‘Happy to do it’ travel 16 • Warm-weather winter escapes home & garden 18 • Cheerful chirps columnists 20 • Steven Bender • Jo Ann Bock PAGE 14 a look back 22 out & about 23

ADVERTISING DIRECTOR FEATURES TEAM ACCOUNT REPRESENTATIVES TBY Donna Denson [email protected] Ashley Aufdenberg, Jennifer Berti, [email protected] Emily Colbert, Elizabeth Gooch, THE BEST YEARS PUBLICATION DESIGN Laura Hulcy, Glenda Mayberry, is a Rust Communications publication published in Nadir Hussein Samantha Mlot, Jody Seabaugh, January 2017 ©2017 Southeast Missourian, P.O. Box 699, Cape Girardeau, MO 63702. Phone: 573-335-6611 [email protected] Debbie Stoverink and Paul Walker

TBY JANUARY 2017 • 3 MAGAZINE WOMEN’S SUMMIT A Leadership and Empowerment event SAVEM DATE MAYMAY 4, 2017 • OSAGE CENTRE IN CAPE

KEYNOTE SPEAKER

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ABOUT ADRIENNE ROSS

Adrienne Ross is an author, columnist, editor, speaker, and former teacher and coach. Author of an illustrated book of humorous quotations and stories, #AuntAlma: Raising a Little Hell Heaven on Earth is filled with common sense, comedy and a little bit of crazy, straight from the mouth of her real-life aunt Alma.

Adrienne is the owner of Adrienne Ross Communications, through which she works as a speaker, writer, and entrepreneur. She aspires to encourage others to embrace their destiny and pursue their dreams through her work and community involvement. She serves on the editorial board of the Southeast Missourian; speaks at churches, schools, and political functions, and has been interviewed numerous times about politics, education, and the overall cultural climate.

Adrienne has learned the power of perseverance through faith and hope through life’s challenges, and is a firm believer that every person has a unique calling.

TICKETS ON SALE FEBRUARY 2017 For more information or sponsorship opportunities, contact Donna Denson Must be 21 years old to attend at 573-388-2751 or [email protected]. Purchase Tickets at www.women.semissourian.com notredamehighschool.org

4 • TBY JANUARY 2017 COMPILED BY LOGAN YOUNG 5 things to do this month

JAN. 20: ‘The Bartered Bride’ to show at River Campus he Bartered Bride,” a comic opera written by “T the Czech composer Bedrich Smetana, will be performed at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Jan. 20 and 21, and at 3 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 22, in the Bedell Performance Hall at the River Campus, 518 S. Fountain St. in Cape Girardeau. Tickets cost $18 and may be purchased at the River Campus box office, by phone at (573) 651-2265 or online at www.rivercampus. org/tickets.

JAN. 21: Our Big Year event planned at nature center kickoff to the birding year will be from 1 to 3 p.m. JAN. 15: Steve Hess & Southern Salvation to present A Saturday, Jan. 21, at the concert Cape Girardeau Conservation he gospel group Steve Hess & Southern Salvation will Nature Center, 2289 County perform a concert at 6 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 15, at Fellowship Park Drive in Cape Girardeau. T Baptist Church, 430 Koch Ave. in Cape Girardeau. The trio Attendees will be able to pick of Steve Hess, Jay Arview and John McCall will present spiritually up a bird sighting book and join uplifting Christian music and ministry. The concert is free and open the staff to compete for Birder of to the public. the Year. The event will include activities and a craft, and there will be a drawing for a beginner’s birding bag. No registration is required, and the event is free. JAN. 18: Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration Dinner set he annual Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration T Dinner will begin at 6 p.m. JAN. 26: Bread-making class to be offered Wednesday, Jan. 18, at the Show bread-making class Me Center, 1333 N. Sprigg St. will be offered from 6 in Cape Girardeau. This year’s A to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, featured speaker will be Dr. Mary Jan. 26, at the Shawnee Park Frances Berry, a respected voice Center, 835 S. West End Blvd. in the nation’s civil rights, gender in Cape Girardeau. Attendees equality and social justice will be able to learn the basic movements. Tickets for the event techniques, chemistry and will cost $20 per person or $160 for a table. To purchase tickets or superstitions behind making for more information, contact Sia Sharma or Deborah McKee at great bread with confidence. (573) 651-2626 or [email protected]. The class is free and open to the public.

TBY JANUARY 2017 • 5 Have a story idea? Contact the features team health & wellness at [email protected].

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BY BRANDPOINT valid cause for concern. According to the United Nations, When severe weather hits this extreme weather and natural winter, the difference between disasters have killed more than BE READY: being safe and stranded can often 600,000 people and left behind come down to how prepared you trillions of dollars in damage over SIMPLE PREPARATIONS are. the last two decades. A recent survey by AccuWeather While you can’t control the TO ENSURE WINTER found that the No. 1 weather- weather, predictive tools can help related concern Americans have people better prepare for weather. this winter is being caught by Knowing when inclement weather WEATHER DOESN’T surprise by inclement weather. is going to arrive, and what to People also worry about being expect, can help people avoid CATCH YOU BY stranded while traveling or weather-related damage to their experiencing heat or power outages homes and vehicles, and stay safer at home. What’s more, weather and healthier throughout the SURPRISE damage statistics show they have winter season.

6 • TBY JANUARY 2017 AGE SPOTS | JACKIE DOVER Looking back, According to the United Nations, looking forward extreme weather and natural disasters The year 2016 has finally come to a close, and it was a rough have killed more than 600,000 people year for many. We have seen a very contentious election and and left behind trillions of dollars in the death of several beloved entertainers and many personal losses. The passing of the old year into the new is a great time damage over the last two decades. for reflection and the making of life changes or “resolutions.” The new year gives us a new start and is the perfect time to reflect back on the things we did well and the places we need Winter weather damage you by surprise: to improve. Snow, ice, wind and extreme • Create emergency kits for I am not a good resolution maker. I set my expectations too high cold are common causes of winter your home and car. Your home kit and usually quit before January ends. This year I have set smaller weather damage. Accumulated should include water for drinking goals for myself, ones that I feel are truly attainable. I will let you snow and ice can cause roof and cleaning, at least a three-day know how I progress. collapses, and bring down trees supply of non-perishable food, a A popular resolution for many is to save money. That can be or power lines. Heavy snowfall flashlight with extra batteries, first hard on a fixed income, when it seems everything is rising except can force road closures, leaving aid kit, basic tools like a wrench or the income. Luckily I have some programs that could help. people in rural areas isolated for pliers, a manual can opener and a The Missouri Property Tax Credit or Circuit Breaker program long periods of time. Even a small solar charger for your cell phone. returns a maximum of $750 for renters and $1,100 for owners who amount of ice can cause roads and Your vehicle kit should include a owned and occupied their home. The actual credit is based on walkways to be slick and dangerous warm blanket, ice scraper and/ the amount of real estate taxes or rent paid and total household for vehicles and pedestrians. or liquid de-icer, a shovel, bottled income. Extreme cold also can cause water, non-perishable food, LED To qualify for the Circuit Breaker, you or your spouse must be pipes to burst and make furnaces flashlights, flares, spare clothes, 65 as of Dec. 31 or 100 percent disabled. Also, those who are 60 work harder to warm homes. It can a first aid kit, basic tools, jumper or older and receiving surviving spouse Social Security benefits cause car batteries to fail and even cables and an additional source of could qualify. You must be a Missouri resident with a total create cracks and fissures on paved traction, such as sand you can pour household income of $27,500 or less for a single renter, or $29,500 roads and walkways. under the tires. or less for a married couple who rents. If you own your home, your • Have a family emergency income must be below $30,000 if single and $34,000 for a married Preparedness tips communication plan. Inclement couple. If you are a veteran with 100 percent service-connected The top thing you can do to weather that moves in quickly disability, your VA payments are not counted as income. prepare yourself for inclement can leave loved ones separated. Another way to save is with the Missouri Rx Program (MoRx). weather is to be informed and Discuss how everyone will contact This program will pay 50 percent of your copayments on medicine. ready, monitoring local weather each other if you’re separated, and The monthly income to qualify for a single person is $1,805 and information and updates. where family members caught $2,428 for a couple, and there are no asset guidelines with this AccuWeather’s new preparedness away from home will go for shelter. program. You must be enrolled in a Medicare prescription drug program, AccuWeather Ready, • Winterize your home and plan. provides weather preparedness vehicle to ensure both are in top These are just two easy ways to keep money in your pocket for tips and tools, including in-app condition to weather the winter. 2017. If you have questions or think you might qualify, please call push notifications when bad • Keep backup materials on hand, Aging Matters at (573) 335-3331 or (800) 392-8771. weather is coming, personalized such as extra clothing and blankets, I hope 2017 is a very happy, healthy and peaceful year for all weather preparedness plans and non-perishable food, bottled water of us and that your New Year’s resolutions are kept — at least for tailored emergency kits with and a backup generator with plenty a while. detailed shopping lists, adding of fuel in case the power goes out. to forecasts all available on the Winter weather is nothing to 24/7 AccuWeather Network, overlook — taking easy, proactive About Jackie AccuWeather.com/Ready and the steps to prepare before bad weather Jackie Dover is public information director AccuWeather app. arrives, in addition to monitoring at Aging Matters. In addition to monitoring the the weather, is critical to keep you, weather, take these steps to ensure your home and your loved ones inclement weather never catches safe throughout the season.

TBY JANUARY 2017 • 7 philanthropy

ANDREW J. WHITAKER ~ [email protected] Brenda Pender prepares desserts Thursday, Dec. 29, at the Jackson Senior Center in Jackson. ‘HAPPY TO DO IT’ Area senior citizens volunteer at local senior centers, deliver meals to elderly

8 • TBY JANUARY 2017 BY MARYBETH NIEDERKORN really contributing. We do get a lot of people in here who are lonely, The holidays are a great and it’s very rewarding to help time of year to give back to the make people’s day. We try to have community, and that’s just what a lot of fun.” senior volunteers at two area Lloyd Summers volunteers senior centers are about. at each meal, reading Brenda Pender has been announcements and saying the volunteering at the Jackson blessing over the meal. Senior Center for about a year, she “I’m happy to do it,” he says. says. “Happy to do something for the “When I retired, I wanted community and for the Lord.” something to do, and I thought this At the Cape Girardeau Senior sounded good,” she says. “And Center, site administrator Susan it really has been. Just getting McClanahan says there is always to know people and helping out, a need for more volunteers, giving back to the community, especially at this time of year. it’s really nice this time of year “We see a need for more people ANDREW J. WHITAKER ~ [email protected] especially.” around the holidays, and deep in Virgil Green reaches for his lunch tray Thursday, Dec. 29, at the Jackson Adela Moore echoes this the summer — when the weather’s Senior Center in Jackson. sentiment. more extreme,” she says. “The “I started volunteering here volunteers we have are so great, when we were in the old building they really work well together “This is my 10th year,” he says. over on Oklahoma Street,” she and truly care about the people we “My aunt received meals, and says. “It’s been 14 or 15 years now, serve.” after she passed I asked if they and I enjoy it. I’m mostly behind Linda Tansil has been had a need for volunteers. Turns We see a need the scenes, working in back in the volunteering with the home- out they did, so here I am.” kitchen three days a week, but I’m delivery meal service for a few He says the best part of for more people on the desk up front two days a years now. volunteering at this time of around the week, too. It’s easier when more “I taught at Southeast Missouri year is wishing people a merry hands are in, just like anything State University for several years, Christmas. holidays, and else. Really means a lot to the but I retired from that when “We each take something a little deep in the people who come here for a hot my schedule got too full,” she extra for people right now, too,” meal and some friendship.” says. “So now I work delivering he says. “One lady crochets, so summer — when Lois Pierce has been meals and helping out with on- she brings little blankets. A lot of the weather’s volunteering at the Jackson site technology, like our menu us have candy. We help with little Senior Center for 12 years. She board.” things around the house, too, like more extreme. helps pack meals for the meal Tansil says the best part of this changing light bulbs, things like The volunteers delivery program offered to job, for her, is seeing the people that.” Jackson residents and takes care she delivers meals to. Matzen says Flora Clemons, we have are of the beverages served at lunch. “They’re so sweet,” Tansil says. another volunteer, taught him so great, they She volunteers at parties and “They worry about us in the bad the phrase he keeps in mind with dances held at the center and is on weather, asking if we’re sure we every interaction: “Be nice! Be really work well the foundation board. should be out in this, but what are cheerful! You never know whose together and “I really like working here,” they going to do, not eat? If I could, day you’ll brighten.” she says. “I give a lot of hugs. I’d take some of them home and Those wishing to volunteer truly care about It might seem a little odd at my keep them.” may contact the Cape Girardeau the people we age, but this is really a growing Mike Matzen has been Senior Center at (573) 335-1352 or experience for me. It’s made me volunteering with the meal- the Jackson Senior Center at (573) serve.” more outgoing, and I feel like I’m delivery service since 2006. 243-4241.

TBY JANUARY 2017 • 9 MODEL CITIZEN Local veteran Harold Illers has built to- scale models of area buildings, landmarks

BY TYLER GRAEF

The model building Harold Illers first built stands out from the rest of the dozen or so on display at the Missouri Veterans Home in Cape Girardeau. While most of the models he’s built are log cabins, the little barn with the silos and ranch house are different — they are the only models he decided to paint. He says they still hold a special place in his heart. “What inspired me was making my folks’ barn and silos and stuff like that that I was familiar with since I was a boy,” he says. The Illers Dairy, which he says dates back to the 1930s in Jackson, reminds him of where he grew up. Since he retired in 1989, he’s begun building other models of buildings, some landmarks, others just personally significant. There’s one of Old McKendree Church and one of a seminary building in Altenburg, Missouri. Another depicts a house built by his uncle. “Out the road about half a mile down, my uncle had a house that I stayed at as a boy, but I had no idea I was staying in a log cabin at the time,” he says with a laugh. At 90 years old, some of his models are ways to remember places fondly, while others, like the one of Old Bethel Baptist Church, are just places he found interesting. But all of them, he says, are meticulously reproduced. “These are all made by scale,” he says. “If you don’t make them by scale, they FRED LYNCH ~ [email protected] don’t turn out what they should be.” Model buildings built by Harold Illers are displayed at the Missouri Veterans Home in Cape Girardeau. His wife Becky calls him a perfectionist.

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FRED LYNCH ~ [email protected] John R. Kinder, Harold Illers shows the miniature buildings that he made on display Monday, M.D., F.A.C.S. Jan. 2, at the Missouri Veterans Home in Cape Girardeau.

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She says she’d get worried when “The corners you have to saw Ask The Audiologists he used to stay out in his shop into out, and that takes a while to do.” the morning hours. He says he’s Now that he doesn’t have access just always enjoyed making things, to the same tools he once did, he especially for the grandkids. doesn’t do a whole lot of building, “It’s something I could leave but even in his prime, he says, the when I passed on,” he says, “and process wasn’t fast. I’ve kept busy. When you retire, be “Some of them might take a sure you have a hobby. If you don’t, couple weeks to build,” he says. “If it won’t be very amusing.” I get tired and quit ... then [I] have

And in his hobby, precision is to start up all over again.” Trent Essner, Au.D.Cathy Willen, Au.D. Steve Brown, Au.D. key. And if he had to pick a favorite, IMPROVE YOUR MARRIAGE BY difficulty understanding what people say or mishearing “First thing you have to go out he says his tastes differ from most what was said. and do is go out and measure the people’s. TREATING YOUR HEARING LOSS Individuals struggling with untreated hearing loss may height, width, depth, windows, “A lot of people like the one I Ask any happily married couple or marriage counselor what accuse others of talking too fast, mumbling, or not steps that come out and all of that built of my grandpa’s house,” he the key to a successful marriage is and it wouldn’t take speaking clearly – when it is actually their untreated long to see a common answer – the answer will almost before you even get started,” he says while pointing to the largest hearing loss that is keeping them from hearing always be good communication. says. “Then you got to figure out model, standing at the back of the appropriately. When one or both of the spouses are living with untreated We have had great results improving speech understanding what scale you want, either 1/8 of display. “But they just like it ’cause hearing loss (not wearing hearing aids), communication an inch or 1/16 of an inch.” it’s big. I’d have to say my favorite with the latest hearing aid technology at the Brown and tends to be more difficult and relationships may suffer. Willen Audiology Center. Give us a call From then, he says, the rest is one would be that barn and silos It is hard for individuals with good hearing to understand (573-651-3404) if you suspect that you or someone just putting in the work. and house.” the communication struggles that untreated hearing loss you know is struggling to hear and is having difficulty “The hard thing about making And although the land the Illers can cause. The most obvious communication obstacle for communicating effectively with these things is the corners,” he dairy farm once stood on has been individuals with untreated hearing loss is not being able others. We are here to help! says, pointing to the hundreds of sold, he says, that barn is still to hear people speak; but a more common complaint is tiny half-lap joints that run up standing. 262 South Mt Auburn, Cape Girardeau, MO 63703 along the edges of the models. “And in good shape,” Becky adds. (573) 651-3404

TBY JANUARY 2017 • 11 BINGING ON BASKETBALL Area native Bruce Qualls has worked as assistant director of local Christmas tournament for 15 years

LAURA SIMON ~ [email protected] Bruce Qualls runs the halftime contest during the 2016 Southeast Missourian Christmas Tournament at the Show Me Center.

12 • TBY JANUARY 2017 BY JEFF BREER

Binge-watching is popular these WE’LL TAKE YOU THERE days. Players that go Bruce Qualls was ahead of his time, starting it 30 years ago, and on to play at the with popcorn, no less. next level, what’s Qualls is the assistant tournament director of the kind of neat, we Southeast Missourian Christmas get to see them Tournament, a position he has held for about the last 15 years after a as a freshman, more humble start. sophomore, junior “My first trip was my employment as the popcorn popper,” Qualls and senior, that says with his laid-back, dry humor progression.” delivery about his first encounter with the tournament in 1986, the final year it was held at Houck Field House. Convenient home He previously was familiar but I’m a baseball, softball guy, with the Bloomfield Christmas obviously.” Tournament, which he played in While binge-watching he has pickups in most areas before graduating from Malden taken in some of the best players High School in 1980. He went on to from the area throughout the years, catch for Southeast Missouri State, ranging from Charleston’s Lamont (573) 388-2844 • 1(800) 284-2278 and was a graduate assistant with Frazier to Scott County Central’s the Southeast baseball program Marcus Timmons and Otto Porter. when he crossed paths with the “Players that go on to play at www.bartshuttle.com tournament. the next level, what’s kind of neat, “Basically I was trying to earn a we get to see them as a freshman, little bit of money over Christmas sophomore, junior and senior, that as a college graduate student,” progression,” Qualls says. Qualls says. As assistant director, Qualls He graduated to scoreboard oversees officials, runs the halftime operator his second year for a little shootouts, helps the student extra cash, and held that role for sections get in place before games, more than a decade. He moved up to assists in peacekeeping among assistant director when Tom Allen fans and is a general handyman for CAN'T GET ENOUGH became the tournament director anything that arises. and has stayed in that capacity ever “My wife calls it my social since, first under Mitch Wood and event of the year,” Qualls says LOCAL SPORTS? now under Matt Asher. with a smile. “I get to see people “It pays my taxes for the year, that I haven’t seen since last year, plus I get to see all 16 teams,” Qualls people that come back that have says. played, even some of my former NEITHER CAN WE. For one week, Qualls gets away teammates from SEMO will come from his business, Real Baseball back or they’re coaching now. It’s a Instincts. fun time of the year to revisit and “For four days, I’m here,” Qualls see people.” says, stressing the latter part. “I’m And after his binge-watching, out of the shop.” Qualls, who also is a managing Keep up with your favorite teams on a site that Other than operating the partner for Modern Woodmen of works across all devices. You can check stats and scoreboard in some games for America financial services, is ready scores on mobile without missing a beat. Southeast, it’s the only basketball to fully turn his attention back to Experience the best in sports anytime, anywhere. he watches all year. his first love. Join the conversation today “As far as high school basketball, “It gets me rejuvenated for at semoball.com. this is it,” Qualls says. “I enjoy it, baseball and softball,” Qualls says.

TBY JANUARY 2017 • 13 LAURA SIMON ~ [email protected] Emil Brase, 97, takes in the action during the 2016 Southeast Missourian Christmas Tournament at the Show Me Center.

BY JEFF BREER He was 25 years old and seven years LIFELONG removed from his senior year at Emil Brase likes to attend the College High when the tournament annual Christmas tournament made its debut. played in Cape Girardeau, and he’s The tournament, now known as PASSION even led teams in the tournament the Southeast Missourian Christmas when he coached high school Tournament, just celebrated its 72nd basketball at Delta and Jackson. year. Brase will be celebrating his Emil Brase, 97, shares rich history The one thing that escapes 98th birthday in February. as coach and spectator of area his checklist is playing in the Brase was in attendance for tournament, and that’s no fault of several games wearing a Jackson Christmas tournament his own. Indians hat, spryly rising from his

14 • TBY JANUARY 2017 seat with each playing of the pretty high. He beat us pretty national anthem and alertly bad all the time. We played them following the action. about three times ever year.” DELICIOUS READING | BROOKE CLUBBS “I’ve been here for a few He took over the Jackson boys games [every year] ever since it program in 1956 and coached originated,” Brase said before the them for five seasons, and later start of Jackson’s quarterfinal became the first assistant for ‘With a flourish’ victory over Bell City. Ron Cook and his successful Delta appeared in the first girls’ program. playing of the tournament at Brase eventually retired after “Imagination and ingenuity go hand in hand when you the old Houck Field House in serving 44 years as a physical are planning a party menu. And the canapes you serve to 1945 before disappearing for two education teacher. He lives in whet guests’ appetites should be given free reign on both seasons and returning in 1948. Jackson and remains a loyal counts. Here is a delightful development in the ‘dunk and dip’ By that time, the Bobcats were follower of basketball, getting department. ... It is an original hors d’oeuvres that combines under the direction of Brase, out to see games when he can. a package of onion soup mix and a pint of sour cream, both who began a nine-year run as “I usually got up to St. Louis available at the corner grocery store. And it takes but a coach in the 1946-47 season. and see a few baseball games, but minute to mix — happy news for the harried hostess! She can The 1948 tournament also was I was never much of a baseball either mix it up at the last minute or make it a bit before the the first of three played at the man,” Brase says. “We liked party and then tuck it away in the refrigerator. This mixture A.C. Brase Arena in the wake basketball.” should be kept chilled until you use it. To make a sizeable of a fire that destroyed the old bowl of this delicacy called ‘California Dip,’ stir a package Houck Field House earlier in the of onion soup mix, just as it comes from the package, into a year. pint of commercial sour cream and blend thoroughly. Place “Twice I got up to play in the the bowl in the center of a big round wooden platter and semifinals, and I never got over Twice I got up surround it with a piquant variety of cheese crackers, corn that hump,” Brase says about his chips, melba toast and potato chips. Give it a gay garnish of teams playing in the Christmas to play in the snipped parsley for looks and serve with a flourish. This basic tournament. semifinals, recipe can also be varied by blending a 3-ounce package of His time at Delta coincided cream cheese thoroughly with the onion soup mix and half with a legendary basketball and I never a pint of sour cream. The subtle blend of flavors and creamy era in Southeast Missouri. His got over that consistency make this dip a delightful beginning to the rest of teams made annual trips to play the menu. Try it once and see how it adds to your laurels as in the log cabin gymnasium in hump,” Brase a hostess.” Puxico, Missouri, which housed says about his — ”Onion Soup Aids Party-Hostess,” Pittsburgh Courier, the high-scoring powerhouse April 23, 1955 (p. A10) teams of Arnold Ryan that were teams playing I don’t know if my mom and her mother served this with a documented in Matt Chaney’s in the Christmas gay garnish or a flourish when they first tried it in the early book “My Name is Mister Ryan.” ’60s, but I know that this — or Dean’s French Onion Dip — Ryan’s teams routinely posted tournament. was served at every party of my childhood, so it must have 100-point nights with their fast- added to their laurels as hostesses. break and pressing styles that The early winter months bring several opportunities for featured future NBA player Win festive snacking, from New Year’s Eve to the Super Bowl. In Wilfong, future Missouri Sports honor of these occasions, I wanted to find a way to elevate this Hall of Fame coach Carroll classic, though I worried I could ruin it with such an attempt. Cookson and, later, coaching I’ll never forget the Thanksgiving my mixture of fresh green legend Ronnie Cookson, who led beans with sauteed mushrooms and onions was overlooked Scott County Central to 15 state in favor of the traditional casserole made with canned green titles. Brase says his team played Puxico within a point in a CONTINUED ON PAGE 22 regional game in the 1948 season, but was a regular victim of Ryan’s teams. About Brooke “He never did score 100 points Brooke Clubbs is a Jackson mom of three, a on me, that was my goal,” says freelance writer and a communications instructor. Brase, noting he kept his guards back to thwart the Indians’ long outlet passes. “He got up there

TBY JANUARY 2017 • 15 Have a story idea? travel Email [email protected].

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BY MARYBETH NIEDERKORN important to decide just how warm you’re looking to get. WARM-WEATHER Temperatures drop, sleet and “For semi-warm, you can snow fall, and Missouri weather typically stay in the southern U.S., is generally less pleasant all like Florida or Gulf Shores. But WINTER ESCAPES around this time of year. What’s if you want to get really warm, a person to do? Well, several your best bet will be Mexico or Local travel agents shed light on popular escape routes are available to a more exotic, tropical location,” wintertime vacation destinations seniors looking to get away for a she says. “I love Missouri, but this few days. is not a place that is pretty in the Carolyn Sandgren (Kempf) winter. We don’t have evergreen of Elite Travel Inc. in Cape trees and pretty snow. Traveling Girardeau said it’s most can help counter depression. The

16 • TBY JANUARY 2017 EXTENDED CARE … WHAT’S YOUR STRATEGY? You may think you’ll never need extended care. But what would cold can make your body hurt. she typically sees people looking happen if you did—and didn’t have a plan to pay for it? I think anytime you can go to a for shorter-term vacations that Extended care may affect your family members: spa and sit in hot springs, that’s still provide relief from the worst • Emotionally, as they juggle time between you and their families. just so nice. Arts, theater, music, of winter. • Physically, especially if they’re your caregivers. fine dining or just relaxing and “Even going for a week or two • Financially, by potentially depleting your savings and their reading a book — warm climates has great benefits for physical inheritance. are so nice for that. Having and mental health,” Segraves A strategy for your care could be the best gift you’ve ever given someone else take care of the says. “Gets people out of the your family. Contact me today to learn more. details is really helpful, too.” cold and damp, there’s a change Semo Heartland Associates • 573-803-4010 Sandgren said that while of scenery, and what’s great is, 2907 Independence St, Suite E cruises remain popular, she’s the winter isn’t as touristy as Cape Girardeau, MO 63703 seeing an upward trend in mobile summer since families would Linda A Bauwens coach touring, or chartered have kids in school. You just have FIC, RICP®, CLTC® buses that take passengers on a very different environment in Financial Associate pre-planned tours. winter.” [email protected] “We see this one a lot for people Susan Berghoff, also of 1st Joseph L Bauwens who aren’t wanting to drive Class Travel, adds, “I always Financial Associate necessarily, but who want to get recommend travel insurance [email protected] Insurance products issued or offered by Thrivent Financial, the marketing name for Thrivent Financial for Lutherans, Appleton, WI. Not all products are available in all states. Thrivent Financial representatives are licensed insurance agents/producers of Thrivent. For additional important information, visit Thrivent.com/disclosures. out of town and see some sights,” for trips in winter. Insurance is This is a solicitation for insurance. A Thrivent Financial representative may contact you. she says. “Still, cruises are very always important, but there are Appleton, Wisconsin • Minneapolis, Minnesota popular in the winter months, weather concerns in winter. Any Thrivent.com • 800-847-4836 because everything you need is flight anywhere along your route right there on board, and it’s very that gets delayed or cancelled, attractive to people to spend time you could get stuck. It’s also a relaxing and meeting new people good idea to plan to stay near the on a cruise liner.” airport the night before, just so SECOP supports the Sandgren suggests booking a you’re close in case you have a non profit membership trip as early as possible. storm come through.” as they realize growth “Your rates are typically lower Berghoff says she thinks and cultivate hope in January,” she says. “There are Panama is an exciting destination www.secoponline.org all kinds of reasons for this, but this year for several reasons. it’s a good idea to remember that.” “They accept the U.S. dollar, Phoenix also is a popular which is nice, so people don’t destination. have to be concerned about “Incredible weather, extremely currency exchanges,” she says. affordable, nonstop flights, great “It’s also kind of a new spot, one spa destinations,” Sandgren that maybe people haven’t been to says. “For golfers, there’s a great yet, so I think anyone looking for variety of courses there.” someplace interesting to go might Right now, she says, the hottest look at Panama. It’s seasonal — a destination is the Panama Canal. lot of cruise lines will shift their “For years, the canal wasn’t entire fleet depending on the time wide enough for cruise ships, but of year, so if you want to make it they’ve done a lot of work to it to the canal, now is the time.” in the last few years, and now it Above all, she says, what’s can accommodate cruise liners,” important is factoring in all the tickets at Sandgren says. “It’s really details to make for a smooth trip. notredamehighschool.org opened up the opportunity, and “Traveling in winter doesn’t people are flocking to it.” need to be any more complicated To request additional information regarding SECOP and its activities, Leigh Segraves of 1st Class than in summer,” she says, “and please write to: Southeast Council On Philanthropy Travel in Cape Girardeau says I think it’s a great idea.” PO Box 1435, Cape Girardeau, MO 63702

TBY JANUARY 2017 • 17 home & garden

Stock photo CHEERFUL CHIRPS Brighten your yard this winter with the help of wild birds

18 • TBY JANUARY 2017 BY BRANDPOINT Inclement weather and pesky predators aren’t the only harrowing threat to birds. A Bright colors aren’t often associated with dirty feeder can harbor many deadly illnesses, winter — but they can be. In fact, a backyard so you’ll want to get in the habit of regularly full of beautiful colors and cheerful chirps scraping off bird droppings and disinfecting may be just a few feedings away. the feeding area. Make a quick and easy at- If you’ve never fed wild birds before, winter home solution by using one part vinegar and is the perfect time to get started. Opening up 20 parts water — just remember to wait until your backyard to birds during the coldest the feeder is completely dry before refilling. months of the year means you are helping sustain them during a time when food and Types of food water are scarce. When it comes to wild birds, there are many “The winter months are especially tough varieties of feed to choose from. To attract on birds,” says Seth Estep, vice president and a wide array of birds, consider black oil divisional merchandise manager at Tractor sunflower seed. You can also mix things up by Supply Company. “By providing them with Stock photo using multiple feeders to serve different types a clean water source and food to eat, you’ll of mixtures and blends. One option to consider not only enjoy seeing far more of them in is Royal Wing TotalCare, which is available your garden, but you’ll also be helping them in four blends and specifically formulated survive and thrive at a time when their natural to attract all types of species, including resources are being threatened.” The winter months are woodpeckers, nuthatches and chickadees. If you’re interested in turning your backyard especially tough on Another option is to buy feed products into a hotspot for birds this winter, consider containing suet. Feed containing suet acts as these tips from the experts: birds,” says Seth Estep, a substitute for natural fat, which is not only vice president and difficult to find during colder months but, The basics upon consumption, provides birds with the Just like any other living creature, the divisional merchandise calories and energy they need to endure the survival of birds depends on their ability to find manager at Tractor harsh winter elements. food, water and shelter. But as temperatures drop and winter months approach, the Supply Company. The importance of water availability of these resources dwindles. Finding fresh, unfrozen water can be even on the species of bird you’re dealing with. more difficult for birds than finding food That’s where you come in If you’re not sure what types of wild birds during winter. One or two bird baths arranged Attracting wild birds to your backyard is as are native to your area, visit the National around your yard can help ensure birds have simple as creating a space that includes these Audubon Society’s website to find out. Once an ample source of water for drinking and three essential elements. But remember, birds you familiarize yourself with the specific types bathing — which is essential to help them keep are quick learners and it won’t take long for of birds that reside in your neighborhood, you their feathers clean for flying. them to grow accustomed to your generosity. can tailor your menu to serve their favorites. When temperatures fall below freezing, a In other words, if you’re going to open up First, focus on the feeder; Tractor SupplyCo. birdbath with a built-in heating element can your backyard to birds, it’s important to and other local home improvement stores help ensure birds are able to find the water continue providing them with food and water carry a number of different style bird feeders, they need. If you already have a birdbath but it throughout the season. but before making your selection, consider doesn’t have a heater, consider buying a drop- where your feeder will be located. For instance, in heating element that sits in the bottom of the Feeding feeders should be positioned approximately basin. Another option suggested by the Cornell No two birds sing the same song; different 8 to 10 feet away from shrubbery where Lab of Ornithology is to place an incandescent types of wild birds prefer different things. predators may hide. They should also be placed light bulb inside a flowerpot and sit the basin Everything from the food you serve to the in a sheltered area that’s less exposed to harsh on top of the pot. The heat from the bulb will feeders you serve it in will vary depending weather and strong winds. help keep the water in liquid form.

TBY JANUARY 2017 • 19 columnists

COLUMN | BY STEVEN BENDER COLUMN | BY JO ANN BOCK Graham Cave points found Three cheers for from early archaic period ‘the funnies’

Just a hill or cutting tool. Beginning the new year two north of I-70 This year’s artifact searches on a light touch, I’m off and in Montgomery turned up another partial running with nostalgic County rises a Graham Cave with a 2-inch memories of comic strips — dolomite and base remaing. This multi-colored we used to call them “the s a n d s t o n e gray, side-notched piece was funnies” in the 1930s. From outcropping that on the northeast slope of a our front porch on Good became known as Graham Cave. hill that borders a creek, a hill Hope Street, we would watch for the Early native people used the cave approximately two miles north of Cape Girardeau Southeast Missourian’s for shelter, and as their hunter- last year’s find. afternoon delivery. I’d try my best to outrun gatherer lifestyle drove them on, Naturally, finding an ancient my brother and sister to get first dibs on the they left behind tools of their time. manmade artifact (even a broken comics. Archaeologists in the early 1950s one) still brings a butterfly feeling Yes, I grew up following the daily antics discovered pottery, bone needles to my chest. The questions always of Tillie the Toiler, Alley Oop, Little Orphan and stone tools associated with come to mind: what did the Middle Annie, Boots and Her Buddies, Andy a culture dating to 10,000 years to Early Archaic people use this Capp, Blondie, Dick Tracy, Li’l Abner and ago, give or take a few hundred tool for? Who was the person who Brenda Starr. This is merely a random list; years. One of the artifacts they made it? Why was it left behind? dozens more entertained readers through uncovered was a side-notched What happened to the family unit mulptiple decades. point that in 1951 became known that owned the knife? Where did In addition to these popular strips, single- as the “Graham Cave”-style they go next? panel cartoons also gained popularity. point, and finding even a piece of Finding a portion of or a whole Past favorites include Williams’ “Out Our one today can be exciting. artifact is always exciting, as it Way” and Freyse’s “Our Boarding House.” Last year I was in a Cape places another time, another Present-day single-panel toons sure to Girardeau County farm field culture, another family trying to bring a chuckle (or not) are Bil Keane’s looking for arrowheads, and as I survive, on this spot, and right in “Family Circus,” Wilson’s “Ziggy” and made it to the break of the recently my hand. When a new artifact Anderson’s “Marmaduke.” disked hill, not 10 minutes into my surfaces it’s as if two eras come The comic section always has been a trip, I found the bottom 2 and 3/4 together in one single moment. popular draw with fans. The switch from inches (the base) of a Graham The moment is fleeting, but black and white to color was dazzling. I Cave point. moments like that will cause my recall the page reduction to tabloid size Possibly made of Burlington return for future searches. during the paper shortage of World War chert, the tan-colored, side- Each piece I’ve found — in II. A few decades later, 1967 to be exact notched artifact was on a part or whole — all have a story: (I’m looking at the Missourian issued on hill less than a mile from the the Kampsvilles, the Dovetails, Aug. 17 of that year), I notice the page Mississippi River. Eight thousand the Daltons, the Apple Creeks, size is 17x23 inches. Today’s comic page to 10,000 years ago, before river the Table Rocks. And now the measures 11x21. channelization, backwater would Graham Caves. What’s next? On this ’67 comics page I see Alley have been on the opposite hillside Maybe one day a Clovis. (Right!) Oop, Dick Tracy, Andy Capp and Orphan giving convenient access to To comment on this story Annie are still around for laughs. Other water. The point has prominent or submit an idea for a future features are a crossword puzzle, television serrations and would have been column, email Steven Bender at schedule and a dress pattern. I’m pleased a wonderful knife, a necessary [email protected]. to report today’s Missourian still offers a crossword puzzle along with a sudoku grid

20 • TBY JANUARY 2017 NOW READ THIS | BETTY MARTIN ‘Last Bus to Wisdom’ by Ivan Doig The main character in “The Last Bus to Wisdom” is an 11-year-old boy named Donal who, when the story begins, lives on a Montana ranch with his grandmother. In the summer of 1951, she must have an operation that will require an extensive and good ole Beetle Bailey, Lola, Peanuts, period of recuperation, so she sends him to live with her sister Garfield and Dennis the Menace. and sister’s husband in Wisconsin. Donal takes his autograph Once upon a time (probably during book with him and, on the two and a half-day Greyhound bus my grade-school years), I treasured the ride, collects autographs, almost has his luggage stolen and Sunday papers that offered paper dolls misses a connection. The first third of the book recounts this trip with complete wardrobes for Boots, to Wisconsin. The second third details his time living with his Brenda Starr and Jane Arden. My sister relatives. Aunt Kate is not happy about hosting him, makes him Kitty and I spent many hours cutting sleep in the attic, gives him only a jigsaw puzzle to play with them out and playing like they were real. and serves him limited amounts of food. You know, it was “plack, plack, plack” With no other children to play with, he spends long hours (interpretation: “play like this” and “play with his uncle, Herman. They sit in Herman’s green house, like that”). constructed with old tin-types, where he grows all manner If I had to pick a favorite comic strip, I’d of vegetables. When one of her weekly card-playing friends settle for “Blondie” by Young. She’s been leaves for an extended vacation, Aunt Kate teaches Donal how around even longer than I have. Most to play canasta so the weekly card game can continue. The final comic characters do not age, but some do. third of the book begins when a misunderstanding over money The Bumstead children, Alexander and between Aunt Kate and Donal convinces her to send him home. Cookie, grew up, survived their teens and Uncle Herman is fed up with Aunt Kate and, believing she has moved on with their lives. Blondie and been unfair to Donal, meets up with him at the bus station and Dagwood are still in their house coping takes him on an adventure out west. with life’s daily challenges (Dagwood They head to a Native American festival where Donal meets colliding with the mailman, running late his bronco-riding hero Rags. At this point, they are both fugitives and keeping his carpool waiting and from the law. It’s in Yellowstone that they take the last bus to the building monstrous sandwiches in the town of Wisdom, meet a busload of hoboes and find work in middle of the night). Wisdom harvesting hay. This book, Doig’s last one, is filled with Dagwood still has those twin cowlicks vivid characters, great details (i.e. S&H green stamps), and, best and bow tie, he continues to nap on the of all, a happy ending. One of the reviewers called him “a great job and wonders why he never gets a American storyteller,” which is probably why I enjoyed it so raise from tightwad Mr. Dithers. Then much. I love a great storyteller. there’s Blondie with the same curly hair The library owns this book in regular and large print and style, miraculously keeping her girlish many of Doig’s other books in a variety of formats. NoveList figure with curves in all the right places. compares “The Last Bus to Wisdom” to Jojo Moyes’ book The family pet, Daisy, keeps pace with “One Plus One” (another trek across country with some very this hectic family, and her reactions entertaining characters). Reading “The Last Bus to Wisdom” and expressions mirror the humorous will make you smile. homespun predicaments of the Bumstead Happy reading! household. Not everyone appreciates the comic section of the newspaper. Some people About Betty never even look at the funnies. This Betty Martin is director of the Cape Girardeau column is definitely not for them. For those Public Library. of us who daily check out our favorite comic characters, I offer a resounding “three cheers for the funnies!”

TBY JANUARY 2017 • 21 columnists

A LOOK BACK | FRED LYNCH DELICIOUS READING CONTINUED FROM PAGE 15

beans, condensed mushroom soup and french fried onions. I looked at several different recipes, which all seemed to be derived from one created by Ina Garten, Food Network’s “Barefoot Contessa.” I gave one of the lightened up versions a try and took it to a holiday party, where at first the light brown mixture was largely ignored. I then began asking partygoers if they had tried it, stressing that it was onion dip made with caramelized onions. I got a few to sample it and soon folks were asking me for the recipe. So, here it is, dear readers — with a flourish.

Caramelized Onion Dip Inspired by the Barefoot Contessa and lightened by Rachel at simplegirlathome. blogspot.com.

Ingredients: 2 large or 4 small onions (about 3-4 cups), preferably Vidalia 1 tablespoon butter 1 tablespoon olive oil 1/8 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper 1 teaspoon kosher salt G.D. FRONABARGER ~ Southeast Missourian archive 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper Martin Milner, star of the television series “Route 66,” stopped in Cape Girardeau briefly Tues- 4 ounces light cream cheese day, Nov. 13, 1962, to eat lunch at the Colonial Restaurant. He and eight members of his trav- 1/2 cup light sour cream eling party all were driving sleek sports cars similar to the one Mr. Milner was sitting on and 1/2 cup light mayo drove off moments after the picture was taken. The other star of the series, George Maharis, who plays “Buz,” also stopped there later in the day with the majority of crew members and ac- Instructions: tors traveling by bus. They were on their way to Memphis, Tennessee, to film another program Cut the onions in half and then slice them after shooting in St. Louis. “Route 66” was sponsored by Chevrolet and featured new Corvettes into 1/8-inch thick half rounds. Heat the butter each year. In the show, Martin Milner played Yale graduate Tod Stiles. After his wealthy father and oil in a large saute pan over medium heat. dies, Stiles ends up with one possession, a powder blue Chevrolet Corvette. He meets up with Add the onions, cayenne, salt and pepper Buz Murdoch and the two hit the road in search of adventure. and saute for 10 minutes. Reduce the heat to medium-low and cook, stirring occasionally, for 20 more minutes until the onions are browned and caramelized. Allow the onions to cool. About Fred Place the cream cheese, sour cream and mayo Fred Lynch is a photographer at the in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the Southeast Missourian. Keep up with his paddle attachment and beat until smooth. Add “F8 and Be There” photo blog at the onions and mix well. Taste for seasonings. www.semissourian.com. Serve at room temperature.

22 • TBY JANUARY 2017 PHOTOS BY LAURA SIMON & ANDREW J. WHITAKER out & about How locals live their 'best years' in Southeast Missouri

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1. A live Nativity display was held outside Emanuel United Church of Christ on Thursday, Dec. 1, in Jackson.

2. Robert Neal helps plate Thanksgiving dinner on Thursday, Nov. 24, at the Salvation Army in Cape Girardeau.

3. Janie Smelser, right, helps put gloves on her granddaughter, Lily Smelser, 5, left, during the First Midwest Bank live Nativity display on Thursday, Dec. 15, in Cape Girardeau.

4. Train enthusiasts Herb Sanders, left, and Paul Davis, right, look at the model train set belonging to Arnold Kistner on display Friday, Dec. 16, at Purcell Tire in Fruitland.

5. Bill Nelson, left, John Boyd, center, and Marshall Patterson, right, socialize during the Happy Slapowitz 4 5 Toy Bash at The Rude Dog Pub Thursday, Dec. 8, in Cape Girardeau. The event raises money and collects toys for Toys for Tots. TBY JANUARY 2017 • 23 Best friends welcome.

Pack up your pet—and join us at the Chateau!

Pets are an important part of life. They teach us how to love, how to laugh and even how to live in the “now.” Owning a pet is linked to great health benefits in seniors, like lower blood pressure, less depression and fewer doctor visits.

At the Chateau, pets are welcome whether you choose a suite or an estate home. Retirement here means no compromises—especially when it comes to your best friend.

3120 Independence St. | Cape Girardeau, MO 63703 | 573.651.8112 | 800.428.0069 | chateaugirardeau.com

24 • TBY JANUARY 2017