Friday, June 24, 2011 — www.theintelligencer.com Page 3 Regional War between north and south — in literature The very idea of North and South has writer, so it was based on his own fam- ways that respond to and often reject expec- played a large role in American history and Aldemaro Romero ily experience,” said Seltzer. “In fact, the tations of a larger society.” politics. Yet few people realize the impact novel was used as evidence in the divorce By teaching how literature conveys issues that literature has had in this national discus- College Talk trial between his parents. He has a rich of race and gender, she hopes that students sion and debate. on the American literary scene. personal history with a painful past that he will open their minds. “We are now more A scholar who understands the cultural She has also been looking at the connec- addresses.” aware of listening to all voices, whether importance of literature is Catherine Seltzer. tions between Irish literature and American Another of Conroy’s books is “The Lords gender, immigration, or class differences,” Born in Detroit, Mich., Seltzer grew up in Southern literature, an interest that began of Discipline,” in which he addresses issues Seltzer said. northern Virginia, outside the District of while staying in Dublin, Ireland, and seeing of harsh discipline, racism and sexism in “I think we are moving in the right direc- Columbia. All of her higher education took the many associations between the two. a Southern military academy. “One of the tion. Yet, sometimes literature is ahead and place below the Mason-Dixie line. “We can see ourselves as a culture tied to questions of my research is how a male sometimes it is behind the reality of our Her bachelor’s degree is from the College the world because of immigration,” Seltzer author tackles issues that affect women,” times.” of William and Mary in Virginia. She has said. said Seltzer. How does she see her work affecting her a master’s degree from the University An important point that Seltzer has learned Another famous book by Conroy is “The students at SIUE? of Georgia and her doctorate is from the from her studies is just how large the divide Prince of Tides,” whose cinematic version “I don’t know how many of them will University of North Carolina. Today she is is between the literature and the intellectuals with Barbra Streisand and Nick Nolte was become writers or scholars, but I hope that an assistant professor in the department of of the North and the South. highly acclaimed. “You can get disappointed they will see the world as a more compli- English language and literature at Southern “There are real and profound differences when you see a movie based on a novel you cated place than what they initially thought, Illinois University Edwardsville. between the two with real differences of have read, but the movie creates a wider regardless of what they do,” said Seltzer. “Growing up in northern Virginia was a opinion, from simple things such as making audience that’s good for literature,” she And what about the future of reading? real experience for me,” Seltzer said. “On barbecue sauce to conflicting views on liter- said. Will new generations, with their fascination one hand I was fascinated by the accents, ary history," she explained. "Southern litera- Since Conroy is still alive, one wonders with electronic devices, stop reading books on the other hand, while at the College of ture like ‘Gone with the Wind’ has addressed what are the advantages and disadvantages on paper? Seltzer said she doesn’t think so. William and Mary, I took a history course questions of race more brutally and directly. of writing a book about an author who is “A large part of the population will con- about how the Civil War was labeled as ‘the At times, they call into question their own Catherine Seltzer at work; photo by still around. tinue wanting to experience the feeling of Northern aggression.’ In many ways it really understanding of issues of race." Kristine Hildebrandt. “The main advantage is that he or she is having a book in their hands,” she said. captivated me in a way that captivates non- Not only does the vision of race differ there to answer your questions. The main Southerners.” between North and South, Seltzer said, but Seltzer is currently working on a book disadvantage is that you are always afraid of Aldemaro Romero is the Dean of the College of One of the areas of her research is also that of gender. “The role of gender about Southern author Pat Conroy, who hurting that person’s feelings,” Seltzer said. Arts and Sciences at Southern Illinois University “Southern renaissance,” a period between between North and South in literature has wrote “The Great Santini,” the film version “Conroy has been very open with me.” Edwardsville. His show, “Segue,” can be heard the 1920s and 1930s when a great number been different. The iconoclastic Southern of which starred Robert Duvall as the abu- At SIUE, Seltzer researches and teaches every Sunday morning at 9 a.m. on WSIE, of writers from the South, such as William Belle image is still happening in the Southern sive father and Marine. feminist literature, which she defines as 88.7 FM. He can be reached at College_Arts_ Faulkner and Tennessee Williams, appeared literature,” she said. “He (Conroy) is a very autobiographical that which “depicts women’s experiences in [email protected].

day as another race in St. Louis. CITY Morrison said they will provide attendees information about hotels in Edwardsville, and the city will be Continued from Page 1 considered a sponsor of the event. Art Risavy, Ward 7 alderman and It also gave $5,000 to American a member of the Finance Committee, Legion Post 199 for half of the cost said it was a great event last year. “I of fireworks at the Independence was there,” he said. “It was fun.” Day celebration at the Legion on Stamer added, “And I think this July 2. will only get bigger and better.” The Rotary requested $10,000 for The Finance Committee also the Criterium, and the Friends of heard about Parkfest from its coor- Leclaire asked for $2,000 for Parkfest. dinator, Cindy Reinhardt. The council’s Finance Committee Reinhardt said the organization agreed to the funds for Parkfest, but has been hosting the event for 20 recommended approval of $5,000 years. The event is the third Sunday for the Rotary. in October at Leclaire Park, and this “Even though the event is a two- year it will be from noon to 5 p.m. day event, we have a cap of $5,000 on Oct. 17. per event,” Barb Stamer, Ward 1 The Friends of Leclaire started alderman and the finance chair, the event to share the story of the This is the artist's rendition of what Edison's bowling alley and entertainment complex is going to look like. explained to the council. historic neighborhood, a cooper- Stamer said that is the same ative village founded in 1890 by The arena will include custom-made obstacles of the facility and McSparin said he has talked to amount the city gave the organiza- N.O. Nelson. It became nationally EDISON'S to hide behind and will be themed with painted possible tenants. tion last year for the event. and internationally known for the effects on the walls and facede – the theme has yet A bar and lounge complete with flat screen TVs “Last year, it was a well-attended way in which Nelson operated his to be determined. and couch pits will be included as will an outdoor event. It was their first year,” she company, providing housing, edu- Continued from Page 1 McSparin said a lot of research went into the patio with fire pit overlooking the fifth hole tee at said. “They are anticipating this cation, competitive wages, ideal laser tag arena and it was decided to add black Sunset Hills Country Club. year it will be even larger and better working conditions and more to his The site selected is also close to Southern light and fog effects to enhance the experience. Edison’s will offer five different private party than last year.” employees and their families. Illinois University Edwardsville and closer to Located near the laser tag arena will be an areas including one at the mezzanine level that Race Director and Rotarian SJ The village, which later merged Edwardsville High School. arcade featuring Skee Ball, electronic basketball, overlooks the bowling lanes. Morrison presented the club’s with the city of Edwardsville in But the young crowd is only part the facility’s driving simulators, fishing simulators, crane The Power House room, which will feature flat request to the finance committee 1934, was placed on the National target audience. games and more. The arcade will have a redemp- screen TVs and soft seating, will cater to adults last week. The event is to be called Register of Historic Places in 1979 Edison’s will offer a high-end, boutique bowl- tion center for those games in which tickets are while lanes nine through 12 of the bowling alley the “Stifel Nicolaus Edwardsville and is still recognized today for its ing experience, McSparin said. awarded for prizes. may be curtained off for private functions. Rotary Criterium,” and it will be unique history. Four 12-foot by 16.5-foot projection screens, Edison’s is also in the process of contracting a McSparin and Rujawitz are joined in their effort Aug. 6 and 7 beginning in down- Parkfest includes live entertain- called Media Masks, will cover the wall at the local restaurant that will be in line with the overall by four other partners: Mike Schiber and Kurt town Edwardsville. ment, festival food, children’s activ- back of the 12 bowling lanes and allow patrons atmosphere. Hylla of Edwardsville and Doug Lascody and Morrison said the event will ities and games, vendors, narrated to watch sports, music videos or other program- “We are currently in the final stages of an agree- Tom Ray of Sherman. again feature a kick-off event with trolley rides through the historic ming. ment with a local restaurateur who will become McSparin said the name, Edison’s, suggests an live music, wine and beer sales and district, historical displays, vintage McSparin said leather couches and coffee tables our tenant,” McSparin said. “We think everyone “electrifying good experience, a surge of excite- a carb-loaded dinner on Saturday tractors, farm equipment, pony rides will replace the plastic wrap-around benches so will be excited and pleased with our choice of ment, and a place to reinvent yourself.” night, followed by the pro-am bicy- and a book sale by the Daughters of common in bowling alleys and food and beverage restaurant partner, I know we are. Keep your eyes One of the company’s tag lines will be, “Edison’s cle race on Sunday, plus a free bike the American Revolution. service will be offered directly to the lanes. open for an announcement soon.” — What a Bright Idea,” and will be accompanied race for children. In addition, Reinhardt said the At night, bowlers will find a different experi- In addition to the restaurant, Edison’s will host by a light bulb. Last year, the club estimated that majority of food vendors are com- ence with black lights and other effects, McSparin what McSparin is calling a premium frozen yogurt “We discussed several different names, and nearly 7,000 people came to the prised of local not-for-profits, and it said. bar. this name seemed to capture the classy and rich downtown area just on Saturday helps them raise needed funds for “We have plans to offer special nights to cater to “To add to the fun and to satisfy those inter- presentation of our place with some underlying night alone, and hundreds of their organization. “It is a nice after- leagues, college students, teens, church, business ested in cold treats, we have a commitment from meaning to the name,” McSparin said. cyclists and spectators came from noon at the park, and it is enjoyed and other groups,” Rujawitz said. “We will feature two local families teaming up to open a self-ser- “We expect Edison’s to become synonymous across the region and as far away as by a lot of people,” Reinhardt said. specials that fit every patron’s budget.” vice premium frozen yogurt bar. We are excited to with good times and getting recharged from the Chicago, Kansas City and Louisville Stamer said the organization also Edison’s will also feature a 3,700-square-foot have them on board as they have previous experi- daily grind.” for Sunday’s events. has invested its money in improv- laser tag arena that McSparin said will be like no ence in the frozen yogurt business,” he said. McSparin said Edison’s is currently working on Morrison said the event was ing Leclaire Park, a city park, over other in the area. That will leave one leasable space at the front a website, www.edisonsfun.com. meant to be a fundraiser for the the years including nearly $1,000 of non-profit service organization, but electrical work that others who use they only made $167 last year. He the park may access now. Molly went to the vet recently and, at Carpenter’s Molly, he said. said the goal this year is to attract Reinhardt said the organization MOLLY command, jumped on the scales. She weighs 50 Carpenter led Molly out of the car and the more professional cyclists. Last would like to purchase new picnic pounds, which is surprising since Carpenter says pair walked over to the sidewalk for more pho- year, they mailed out information tables for the park before Parkfest he has never fed her a shred of dog food. tos. Soon Molly licked his face. Once in a while, only to Illinois and Missouri riders this year. Continued from Page 1 “When I go to Arby’s, I’ll get her a roast beef on Carpenter said, he’ll playfully let on that he’s but this year they will include eight To learn more about the Friends of a tray,” he said. “If I see a barbecue place, I’ll stop about to shoot her. He points a finger in her direc- states. Leclaire, historic Leclaire or Parkfest, On this day, he had driven to Edwardsville and get her a barbecue. The sauce gets all over.” tion and says ‘Bang!’ In addition, last year's event was go to www.historic-leclaire.org or from his home in Granite City and dropped off his Often when Carpenter pulls up to the pick-up “Then I’ll say, ‘You’re supposed to lay on your in September, after the cycling sea- about the Edwardsville Criterium, son at the courthouse. window, he’ll suggest that a restaurant sure might side,’ and she’ll lay on her side,” he said. son had concluded, and on the same go to edwardsvillecriterium.com. Molly stared out from Carpenter’s Buick wait- want to use a dog with sunglasses and visor in So far, no one has offered to put Molly in a ing for him to return. their advertising. Same with car dealerships. commercial, and Carpenter is aware of how some “Her eyes were watering one day, and I bought able to park at the Legion until the “With her sunglasses and hat on she’s ready to people feel about humans putting glasses and a her a hat,” Carpenter explained. “I put the hat lot is full, and then parking will be sell some cars,” he said. visor on their pets. CELEBRATE on her and she left that on, so I went to Dollar available at Lincoln Middle School Before he got Molly, Carpenter had another dog He led Molly back to the car and let her get in. General and bought her a pair of kids’ sunglasses across the street. Golf carts will be that also declined to eat dog food. When his wife “You know, people say I’m crazy having the and put those on her.” Continued from Page 1 ready to bring people who need passed away five years ago, Carpenter vowed he dog like this, but you know what? I really don’t Most dogs, he said, wouldn’t tolerate that. But help getting up the hill. Guests are would take good care of Molly. care," he said. unless she inadvertently shakes her head the The concert will be followed by asked not to bring pets or personal Pit bulls, he offered, have gotten a bad rap. "To me, they’re just like human beings. It’s just glasses and visors always stay put. a message from the mayor and fireworks for safety reasons. Treated right, they’ll turn out to be as loving as how you treat ‘em.” American Legion commander at The golf course will open for play 9:05 p.m. and a professional fire- from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m., but holes 5, 6 The average interest rate on the bonds is 2.7 works display at 9:20 p.m. and 7 will close at 10 a.m. to set up BONDS percent. In the months since the bonds were WWII bomber lands Event Chairman Malcolm Ahrens the fireworks. After that time, golf- purchased last year, they have earned $563,409 said the celebration has been a tradi- ers can play the remaining holes in interest paid to the county. The interest over tion in the city for many years, and twice for the cost of one round. Continued from Page 1 a year was projected to have been more than $1 with wing on fire the city has once again provided City Park is at 101 South Buchanan, million, Dunstan said. OSWEGO, Ill. (AP) — The pilot of a World War II funds for the fireworks. “Come join adjacent to the Edwardsville Shortly after taking office in December, “Madison County government depends on bomber made an emergency landing in an Illinois us up on the hill,” he said. Public Library, and the American Prenzler fired Foley and assistant investor investment returns from interest to offset the cornfield after another plane radioed that there was a Ahrens said the fireworks have Legion is at 58 South Route 157 in Nathan Lewis. cost of operating county programs and ser- fire on one of the aircraft’s wings, according to a report been moved from the west side of Edwardsville. Prenzler said he was monitoring the invest- vices,” he said. from the National Transportation Safety Board. the golf course to the center of the For more information about Arts ment during the spring and noticed that at one Foley had purchased the bonds from a bond All seven people aboard the B-17 bomber exited the course this year. “This was done in the Park events, go to www. point, they had lost — on paper — more than dealer in Little Rock, Ark. Prenzler claims the plane safely as the fire spread to the rest of the aircraft, to provide a larger buffer area for cityofedwardsville.com or call the $3.5 million. The county was fortunate that purchase was made without "competitive pric- according to the report released late Wednesday. safety and to provide a better view Edwardsville Park Office at 692- long-term interest rates declined in the spring, ing" from other firms. Crew from another plane, a North American SNJ, out of the way of trees,” he said. 7538. The American Legion can be he said. Prenzler said that when he learned of the radioed the B-17 about the fire on the wing after take- Ahrens said guests will still be reached at 656-9774. “The market gave us an opportunity to exit investment, he approached Madison County off from Aurora Municipal Airport on the morning these risky and illegal investments for a mini- State’s Attorney Tom Gibbons and urged him of June 13. The B-17 pilot was able to land the plane mal loss, and we took it,” he said. to take legal action to try to recover the coun- about 8 miles away from the airport. Quinn promises budget changes Dunstan said Thursday that the bonds were ty’s losses. The B-17 crew already smelled smoke when they SPRINGFIELD (AP) — Illinois vices, health care and public safety. sold before their maturity, which is similar to On May 24, Gibbons petitioned Chief Judge heard from the other aircraft, the report said. B-17 crew Gov. Pat Quinn is promising “some The budget lawmakers approved what happens when an individual sells a CD Ann Callis to appoint Edwardsville attorney shut down the plane’s second engine and discharged changes” in the state budget law- imposes the biggest hits on educa- early. Gordon Broom as a special state’s attorney to fire extinguishers. makers sent him. He said he is tion, human services and the work- Had the bonds been held until maturity — or provide legal services for Miles. The report didn’t say what caused the fire on the working on the budget in advance ers who deliver them. as called by federal government issuing agency, Broom is a partner in the HeplerBroom law plane’s wing. That information could be included in of the state’s new fiscal year that Quinn acknowledged it was “a which often happens — the county would have firm, and on June 2, Callis appointed two more another report that could take months to finish. starts July 1. tough budget time” but promised received full face value as well as the interest HeplerBroom attorneys, Gary Meadows and The plane, known as the Flying Fortress, was built He says his priorities include to do the “best we can” for those earned on the bonds during that time, Dunstan Jason Johnson, to assist Broom, according to in 1945. It was in Illinois giving tours to vintage plane education, job creation, human ser- priorities. said. court documents. enthusiasts.