Welcome to the 'Dale!
How to Hit the Ground Running This Semester

by Chris Wissmann

We're rapidly approaching a time of year when a huge influx of new citizens are about to arrive in Carbondale, and as a result Nightlife would like to invite them in with our annual guide to our community and the surrounding region. Welcome to the 'Dale!

And for those who have already spent some time here, we all have a tendency to slip into convenient routines. We hope this issue will remind you of information and locations that you may have forgotten. And don't forget to pass it along to new neighbors to help acquaint them with Southern Illinois.

The most important thing to take from this issue is: While Carbondale and Southern Illinois don't have Chicago's or Saint Louis's huge concentration of things to do, it's hardly culturally impoverished. (In fact, we could never even come close to fitting all the information we wanted to place in this issue, so pick up Nightlife every Thursday and check out this website for much more.)

Sure, there's no Art Institute with Van Gogh paintings or King Tut exhibits, but there's no end to our great local artists and galleries, and you'll be impressed with the quality of the work they exhibit-- and the prices they charge for you to purchase it. You'll feel the same way about our incredible music and theater scenes, which probably produce more work per capita than any other city in the United States. You just need to experience it.

And few cities with Carbondale's great metropolitan features can also come close to offering our breadth of outdoor-recreation opportunities, from hunting and fishing to hiking, swimming, cycling, and rock-climbing.

If you're in college, for crying out loud, you're in college-- get out of the cinder-block dorm room and explore. Your five-year mission, more or less: to seek out new life and new civilizations, discover new destinations and activities unique to this region.

If you've been in Southern Illinois awhile, do the same. Get off the beaten path and renew acquaintances with old favorites, and try to find a few new ones.

We hope this issue will help all of our readers do just that.

Power to the People:
Local Government

by Chris Wissmann

Damn Right You Should Care!

SIU students constitute a large percentage of Carbondale's population. Most are here for only about five or six years, so what should they care about local politics?

Plenty-- that's a long time to spend in Carbondale. Even students who head back to their parents' for every break and holiday will still spend eight months a year in Carbondale-- a majority of their life. And while students are here, the city and other government bodies and agencies can and do pass laws that affect everything from entertainment opportunities (the city council in the near past drastically curtailed live music in beer gardens) to landlord/tenant relations (the city also adopted new protections for renters), to towing fees (in recent years the city raised the rates that tow-truck operators can charge) to public safety, pothole and water-and-sewer line repairs, and every other aspect of life in Carbondale.

Interest in and attention to these and other issues can dramatically improve students' time here.

Register to Vote!

Voting is the main power a citizen has over a public official. Why should a public official care about a citizen who hasn't even bothered to register to vote?

Those who wish to register to vote have many options. Prospective voters can go to the city clerk's office in the Carbondale Civic Center or the county clerk's office in the Jackson County Courthouse in Murphysboro. Before heading out, call the city clerk at (618) 549-5302 or the county clerk's voter-registration office at (618) 687-7366 to ask about identification and other required information that you'll need to bring with you.

In addition, members of various political parties (some of which are listed below) and civic organizations have deputy registrars-- members who can register voters. Want to get your dorm floor, registered student organization, or friends signed up to vote? The county clerk's voter-registration office has a list of about two-hundred of those people, many of whom are happy to help in voter-registration drives. Give the county clerk a call for that list.

Illinois voters can't exactly register to vote online, but the link on Nightlife's homepage, at <http://www.CarbondaleRocks.com>, will start the process. When they follow the link within the deadlines established by the state, voters must complete the registration process at the polls the next time they vote. Bring that information to the polls or your vote may not count. (Online "registration" in Illinois is actually kind of a pain. You're better off officially registering though a deputy registrar.)

Where Do I Vote?

Voters will receive that information on their voter-registration cards.

Who Represents Us?

Nightlife could offer its readers a guide to local political officials, but the League of Women Voters of Jackson County has compiled just such a document, so instead we'll just offer them a plug.

The League's Know Your County book, available as a PDF from the link at <http://JacksonCounty.il.lwvnet.org>, offers names, addresses, phone numbers, terms of office, and more information about many of the area's representatives. The League is frequently adding to and updating the book, so keep checking back for fresh editions. Download it now, and while on the site take a look at the other work the League does.

In addition, those affiliated with SIU have various constituency bodies and unions who represent them, including, but not limited to:

Undergraduate Student Government

<http://www.siu.edu/~usg>

Graduate Assistants United

<http://www.ieanea.org/local/GAUnited>

Graduate and Professional Student Council

<http://www.siu.edu/~gpsc>

Faculty Association/Illinois Education Association

<http://www.ieanea.org/local/siucfa>

Faculty Senate

<http://www.siu.edu/~facsenat>

Association of Civil Service Employees

<http://www.ieanea.org/local/acse>

Civil Service Council

<http://www.siu.edu/~cscounc>

Governments

City of Carbondale

(618) 549-5302

<http://www.ExploreCarbondale.com>

Jackson County

<http://www.co.jackson.il.us>

Political Parties

Jackson County Democrat Central Committee

Chairman: Shirley Booker

<http://jcdil.com>

<JacksonCoDems@hotmail.com>

Jackson County Republican Central Committee

Chairperson: Bruce Wallace

(618) 924-4849

<bruce.wallace@mchsi.com>

<http://www.JacksonCountyIlRepublicans.com>

SIU College Republicans

<http://conservatives.rso.siuc.edu>

Shawnee Green Party

Chairperson: Charlie Howe

(618) 457-4626

<http://www.ShawneeGreenParty.org>

Utilities:
Hooking up in Carbondale

by Chris Wissmann

Recycling

Some waste products are reusable or recyclable-- and some, like computer equipment, present environmental dangers when dumped into landfills. So do the right thing and sort those recyclables.

Carbondale makes things pretty easy after that.

Citizens can recycle plastic bottles marked with number-one or number-two symbols, glass containers, and aluminum cans with minimal effort-- call the city of Carbondale at the number below and ask for a recycling bin. When doing so, ask for the new mixed-paper recycling bins for office paper, newsprint, junk mail, cardboard, and paperboard. When the bins arrive, place recycleables therein according to instructions, set the bin out with the trash, and viola!

The city's curbside program also accepts certain large appliances and tires, as well as yardscape waste, affixed with Special Waste Stickers, which are available at city hall and at businesses throughout the city. Stickers are seventy-five cents apiece. Some items may require more than one sticker and a call to schedule pickup times-- call, or visit the website below for rates and other information.

Unfortunately, the program does not currently serve apartments. But the city maintains two community-dropoff centers-- on East College Street in the parking lot across from the police station, and on South Oakland Avenue in the parking lot behind University Baptist Church-- that allow citizens to bring in cans, glass, and newsprint twenty-four/seven.

The city does not at present accept other plastics or electronics in its curbside-recycling program. Southern Recycling (listed below) may take some of those items. Cimco (formerly Karco) accepts metals and old automobiles, not post-consumer recyclables. Call for details and requirements before schlepping materials to any of these three companies.

And for information about recycling other materials, visit Keep Carbondale Beautiful at <http://www.keepcb.org/recycle2.htm>.

City of Carbondale

(618) 549-5302

<http://www.ExploreCarbondale.com>

Cimco Recycling

(618) 457-6319

2622 New Era Road

<http://www.CimcoResources.com>

Southern Recycling Center

(618) 549-2880

300 West Chestnut Street

Water and Sewer

If you live in Carbondale, chances are the city provides your water, sewer, and refuse-collection services. (The city also offers online bill payment.) Three other districts serve the areas around Carbondale and even a few locations inside the city. Best bet: Call the city first, and if the city isn't your water provider, city personnel will direct you to the right place.

City of Carbondale

(618) 549-5302

<http://www.ExploreCarbondale.com>

Electric and Gas

Ameren serves most developed communities in Southern Illinois, and Egyptian Electric serves most rural areas.

AmerenCIPS

(888) 789-2477

<http://www.ameren.com>

Egyptian Electric

(618) 684-2143

Telecommunications

Note: One way to save money on the following services may be to bundle them: Get phone and internet and even television service from one provider and you may receive a bulk discount. Some providers may only serve specific geographic areas, or offer partial service (landline or cell-phone only, for example). Call for more information.

Telephone

Alltel

(618) 529-2355

Clearwave Communications

(877) 552-9283

Heartland Communications Internet Services

(800) 203-1853

MediaCom

(800) 874-2924

Nex-Phon

(877) 639-7466

Verizon

(800) 483-4000

Cable and Satellite

DirecTV

(800) DirecTV

DISH Network

(888) 284-7116

MediaCom

(800) 874-2924

Serves almost all of Carbondale

Galaxy Cablevision

(800) 365-6988

Serves rural Jackson County between Carbondale and Murphysboro.

Internet Service Providers

Alltel

(618) 529-2355

City of Carbondale/Carbondale Main Street

(free but time-limited wi-fi on the Strip and other select downtown locations)

Clearwave Communications

(high-speed DSL and naked DSL)

(877) 552-9283

Galaxy Cablevision

(800) 365-6988

(high-speed cable-internet in rural Jackson County between Carbondale and Murphysboro.)

Heartland Communications Internet Services

(800) 203-1853

MediaCom

(high-speed cable-access)

(800) 874-2924

Neon DSL

(high-speed DSL)

(618) 351-1776

ShawneeLink

(dialup and, depending on location, DSL and naked DSL)

(800) 461-3956

Verizon

(high-speed DSL)

(800) 483-4000

Renting and Housing:
Protect Your Stuff

Leah Williams Wright

Back to school can mean a change of surroundings. Those beginning their collegiate careers in Carbondale pack up their vehicles with lamps, furniture, bedding, and other possessions to help make their new homes a bit more cozy.

But what if something happens? In today's world, insurance is not only a commodity but a necessity. Renter insurance protects those personal belongings for that home away from your parents' home.

A landlord's insurance will only cover the house, apartment, or dorm room, leaving everything else inside subject to permanent loss.

Jim Simpson of Jim Simpson Insurance said the number-one reason for tenants to make sure their belongings are covered: "For theft coverage if anything else. It's a way to protect what you have."

Renters should not take too lightly the value of their possessions, because they could take a lot of money to replace. Renter insurance is relatively inexpensive, usually costing $200 or less for an entire year, or less than $17 per month. The cost varies depending on location and type of rental unit (for example, a brick house versus a mobile home).

A typical renter-insurance policy could likely include fire and smoke; snow, ice and sleet; explosions; volcanoes; aircraft and ground vehicles; windstorms; hail and lightning; riots; any civil disturbances; damages caused by electric surges; water damage caused by water utilities; and falling objects.

Renter insurance may also offer other advantages for policy holders in instances when rented properties become uninhabitable. The insurance company, under the terms of this policy, could pick up the tab for the displacement costs and rent for a specific amount of time.

A renter-insurance policy could also cover the insured's liability for injuries on the property, including medical costs and legal expenses if the injured party decides to sue.

Insured tenants need to know whether the insurance policy provides for repayment of actual costs or replacement costs. If the policy covers actual costs, the company will pay the price to replace possessions at the time of the damage or theft. If the policy covers replacement costs, the company will cover the amount at which the product was bought. Just as new cars lose value quickly, so too do many expensive products-- computers and furniture, for example-- which an actual cost-policy won't pay enough to replace.

Tenants should make lists of all their belongings and furniture and keep those lists in a safe place. This will become handy if an insurance company is weighing in on the damages and/or loss to an insured's property.

Renters should investigate different policies and comparison shop. The internet is a great way to get started, as many insurance companies offer free online quotes.

Buzzle.com also states that typical renter-insurance policies do not cover earthquake, hurricane, or flood damage because these are region-specific. Customers often must opt for separate policies to cover those natural disasters.

Simpson advises college students to look into their parents' policies to see if they are covered while away at school. If not, a rider may be available for an additional cost. "A lot of polices can be continued if the student lives in on-campus housing," he said.

Simpson said that renter insurance for college students may be hard to obtain for those who opt for off-campus housing. Some agencies, he adds, are wary of covering college students because their residences are temporary and likely vacant during times when school is not in session, such as spring break. If a policy costs $250 per year and six months later, a fire or burglary claims thousands of dollars worth of TVs, videogames, computers, textbooks, and clothing, then it's not a good investment for the insurance company.

Still, renter insurance has advantages for those who invest in proper research.

"It can be hard to get," Simpson said, "but worth it if you can find it."

Planes, Trains, and Automobiles...
And Busses and Bikes-- Oh, My!

by Chris Wissmann

Intercity Transportation:
Need to Go?

Those without vehicles have numerous options to get hither and yon.

Car

Carbondale has automobile-rental businesses, so getting home by car isn't a problem, even for those who don't have wheels. Drivers typically need to have valid driver licenses in their possession (traffic tickets may not count). Rental companies may have different age, insurance, and credit requirements; make sure to call first and ask whether you qualify as a renter, and ask what information they require you to have on hand before trying to pick up a car. Rates can be extremely low, though they vary according to special deals and the makes and models of different cars, which may range from subcompacts to full-size vans. Get a few people to ride along and pitch in for the trip, and offset rental and gas prices.

Enterprise Rent-a-Car: (618) 549-6995.

Vogler/Ford Rental System: (618) 457-8135.

Rail

Three Amtrak trains travel between Chicago's Union Station and Carbondale's Strip-- the Illini, the Saluki, and the City of New Orleans.

Pay attention: The schedule has recently and indefinitely changed for the Illini and Saluki.

The Saluki train leaves from Carbondale at 7:30 a.m. and arrives in Chicago at 1 p.m. It leaves from Chicago at 8:15 a.m. and arrives in Carbondale at 1:45 p.m.

The Illini leaves Carbondale at 5:15 p.m. and reaches Chicago at 10:45 p.m. (Those who need to take a Metra route to the suburbs will find their options limited at this time. The Saluki is a better train for making these connections.) It goes south at 4:05 p.m. and enters Carbondale at 9:35 p.m.

The City of New Orleans departs from Chicago at 8 p.m. and arrives in Carbondale at about 1:20 a.m. before heading south to the Crescent City. The northbound train stops in Carbondale at about 3:16 a.m. and reaches Chicago at 9 a.m.

All trains make numerous stops along the way; the Champaign depot is probably the most popular between Carbondale and Chicago.

Train departure and arrival times are notoriously arbitrary. Check the train status before leaving for the station, and bring homework, an iPod, a book, or a laptop with a DVD player to pass the time.

The base rate for a single-passenger round-trip ticket from Carbondale to Chicago is $166. But nobody really pays that much-- Amtrak offers so many steep discounts and promotions, including a Student Advantage rate, that actual ticket prices are usually a fraction of the full price-- $64 or far less is fairly common.

For more information, including complete schedules, call a local travel agent, call Amtrak at (800) USA-RAIL, or log on to <http://www.amtrak.com>. When booking trips, make sure to check with Amtrak to confirm that departure and arrival times have not changed.

Meanwhile, call your legislators in Springfield and Washington and lobby for true high-speed rail service to replace this nineteenth-century technology.

Bus

Greyhound Bus Lines offers daily bus service to Chicago, Saint Louis, and other locations. Chicago stops are at Ninety-fifth Street and the Dan Ryan Expressway, at Cumberland Avenue, and at the downtown Greyhound Station two blocks from Union Station. Saint Louis busses stop downtown and at Lambert International Airport.

Carbondale busses for both the Windy City and Gateway City depart at 10:10 a.m. and 10:55 p.m. They arrive in downtown Saint Louis at 12:05 p.m. and 12:50 a.m. respectively, for a standard one-way fare of $35. They make it to downtown Chicago at 7:10 p.m. and 9:15 a.m., for a standard one-way fare of $72.

Greyhound offers numerous discounts-- for students, veterans, advance purchases, and so forth.

Call your travel agent, or Greyhound at (800) 231-2222, for details, or visit <http://www.greyhound.com>.

The Rides Mass Transit District bus route no longer serves Jackson County, but those who can get to Williamson County can take Rides all the way to Harrisburg, and from there via the really cool Shawnee Queen River Taxi to the Ohio River towns of Golconda, Rosiclare, Elizabethtown, and Cave-in-Rock. The service runs four trips a day, seven days a week.

Twenty-four hour advance reservation is generally required. Same-day requests may be possible if space permits, but are not guaranteed.

For reservations or fare information, call Rides at (618) 253-8761 or visit <http://www.RidesMTD.com>.

Air

Assuming flights are on schedule-- a big assumption-- this is the fastest way to Saint Louis or Chicago. Great Lakes Airlines can rocket from the Williamson County Regional Airport (located ten miles east of Carbondale at Routes 13 and 148) to Lambert International Airport in Saint Louis in thirty-eight minutes. From there, fliers can pick up a connection to Chicago or other destinations. Flights depart thrice a day.

Expect airfare of about $179 for a last-minute roundtrip booking, or $69 with a month's lead time.

Unfortunately, Williamson County no longer provides direct flights to Chicago. To get to the Windy City, Great Lakes customers can take an American Airlines connection from Saint Louis to O'Hare. The last-minute fare is about $540, while booking the flight about a month in advance can cost as little as $333. Travel time can run as short as two-and-a-half hours.

Connecting to another airline, especially one that flies to Midway, might cost less, but that gets tricky. Great Lakes has baggage-handling agreements with a small number of other airlines, so fliers may need to exit security to pick up checked luggage, then go back through security-- or limit themselves to carry-ons. In addition, Great Lakes flies into and out of Lambert's east terminal. If the connection flies out of the main terminal or even another wing in the east terminal, fliers may need to go back through security checkpoints or simply cover an enormous distance between boarding gates, increasing the possibility of missing a connection. Caveat emptor.

All this could soon change, by the way, because an irritated federal government, which helps subsidize the service, is forcing Williamson Country to get a new airline. Great Lakes will continue to fly to Saint Louis until a new carrier is found-- hopefully one with more connecting and baggage-handling agreements, and that will also fly straight to Chicago.

Meanwhile, call a travel agent for more information.

For updates or information about other airport services, visit <http://www.WilCoAirport.com>.

Chauffeur Services

Those who need to get to or from Lambert International Airport but don't want to muck about with driving can call BART Transportation, at (800) 284-2278. This company provides to-the-door, one-way van trips to and from Lambert for about $65. Some restrictions apply. Customers should try to book rides at least three days in advance. For more information, see <http://www.BartShuttle.com>.

Also, see AA Blue Star Lines and Legacy Limos under the Intracity Transportation Chauffeur Services entry below.

Charter Trips

Big groups-- registered student organizations, fraternities and sororities, church groups, large wine-trail tours-- who want to take a collective trip can call one of two Carbondale bus companies. Their rates vary according to the distance and duration of the trip and size of the bus. Call for bus sizes and types, rates, and more information.

Beck Bus Transportation Company: (618) 549-2877.

West Bus Service: (618) 549-3913.

Intracity Transportation:
Getting Around Town

Pedestrian and Bicycle Traffic

Geographically, Carbondale is a small city-- you can bike across its length in less than twenty minutes, or walk it in an hour if you're really hoofing. The SIU campus and most student housing is within a few hundred yards of many restaurants, nightclubs, and shops.

First off, for the love of life, don't artificially inflate the city's mortality rate through high-risk behavior. Follow the rules of the road for cycling. Don't ride bikes at night without lights and reflective clothing, and don't ride or even walk while listening to iPods. The first makes you invisible to motor traffic, and the second renders you unable to hear it. Both activities express a deathwish.

The city has numerous dedicated and designated bike paths to help cyclists move through town. Free copies of the bicycle map are available at the Carbondale Civic Center, the Chamber of Commerce, and local bicycle shops, or through the Carbondale City Manager's office at (618) 457-3226.

SIU students who need a bicycle can check one out for free from the Rec Center Base Camp. The bikes come complete with helmets, locks, and lights for night riding, all courtesy of the Student Environmental Center and other sponsors.

Those who want to buy a bike, or who need their cycles serviced, should check out three locally owned businesses: the Bike Surgeon at 404 South Illinois Avenue, (618) 457-4521; the Carbondale Cycle Shop at 303 South Illinois Avenue, (618) 549-6863; or Phoenix Cycles at 300 South Illinois Avenue, (618) 549-3612. One of these places should have it, from expert repair to low-cost used cycles to cutting-edge high-end mountain and racing bikes. In addition, the staff will not only know their products and services in ways that wage slaves at general discount and big-box stores will not, these folks will have great insights into which area cycling destinations are worthwhile, which are overrated, and the experience, equipment, and conditioning levels required for them.

Bus

The Saluki Express bus service has several routes that run all over the city. SIU students have free, unlimited access to the service when they present their student I.D.s-- they've already paid for it through their student fees. The general public can also use the bus, either with a monthly pass or for $1 per trip (exact change only). For schedules, rates for monthly passes, and more, stop by the SIU Student Center, or get a brochure on any Saluki Express bus. For more information, call the Saluki Express at (618) 453-5749, or visit <http://www.SIUCStudentCenter.org/salukiexpress>.

Taxi

At least two cab services operate in Carbondale. Rates are regulated by the city of Carbondale and are based on distance. Hours of service vary-- but the cabs run later than the bus, so in late-night inclement weather they are figuratively lifesavers, and at closing time they are literally so. Keep their numbers in your cell phone's contact list.

Ace Taxi: (618) 549-8294.

Yellow Cab/Carbondale Cab Company: (618) 457-8121.

Chauffeur Services

The Jackson County Mass Transit District is a public entity that provides public transportation weekdays from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. within Jackson County. All Jackson County residents are eligible for the service, but customers should schedule rides by 5 p.m. the business day before the ride-- schedule Monday services on Fridays. Book rides as early as possible to ensure availability.

One-way fares: Senior citizens ride for $2, students ride for $2.50, and the general public rides for $3. Same-day rides, when available, are about twice as expensive. Customers must pay with exact change. They can also purchase passes good for ten rides.

To schedule a ride, call (618) 549-0304. For more information, visit <http://www.co.jackson.il.us/links/MassTransit.htm>.

Sometimes you gotta splurge and treat yourself right. Those who want to travel in style may rent a limousine or sedan. AA Blue Star is available for both short and long trips-- classy transportation to local formal events; safe, comfortable rides along the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail; and luxury shuttling to airports. Phone (618) 457-5466 for rates and more information. In addition, Legacy Limos and Sedans offers transportation to local wineries, bed-and-breakfast businesses, local nightspots, and fine restaurants. Call (618) 985-5363 for rates and other information.

Twenty-four-hour Party People:
Open All Night in Carbondale

Leah Williams Wright

Not everyone can keep the nine-to-five grind and be ruled by the timepiece. After all, things can get hotter when the sun goes down.

And for those who enjoy the nightlife and/or love to boogie, Carbondale has its fair share of round-the-clock options.

For you vampire-hour lovin' newcomers or other party-harders who need a fresh reminder, this list is for you.

Emergency Services: Believe it or not, there is a such thing as partying too hard, and it's always nice to have certain numbers on hand should those just-in-case moments arise. It'll help your parents sleep better at night if you follow the Boy Scout model and always be prepared.

Memorial Hospital of Carbondale (405 West Jackson, 618-549-0721 and also available in emergencies by dialing 911) is equipped with a twenty-four-hour emergency room. Jim Hunsaker, insurance administrator at SIU, said SIU students can be covered for emergency room visits under the university's insurance policy. Hunsaker said students need to visit in-network hospitals (Memorial Hospital of Carbondale is one, as is Saint Joseph Memorial Hospital in Murphysboro). After the student pays a $100 deductible, SIU will then kick in eighty percent of the cost. This policy works for both accidental and medical emergency situations. "We get a discounted rate for those services," Hunsaker said.

Domestic violence or sexual assault victims are provided a safe haven by the Women's Center (408 West Freeman, 618-529-2324). The center has served Southern Illinois for more than thirty-five years and is one of the oldest and most respected organization of its kind in the nation. Services include a twenty-four-hour crisis-intervention hotline, individual and group counseling, case management, and information and education outreach and materials. The Women's Center also needs community support, so interested persons could also contact the agency during business hours to offer donations of time, money, or other necessities and goods.

Restaurants: Unfortunately, there is no all-night local greasy spoon on the Strip to satisfy those pesky almost-dawn munchies, but elsewhere the 'Dale does offer a few spots for the meal between supper and breakfast. If your late-night craving surpasses the designated hours set by other eateries, hop on Route 13 and head to either side of Carbondale, where an all-hours eatery is always ready to accommodate the timing of your hunger. Denny's on the west side and Steak 'n' Shake on the east offer a bevy of breakfast and any-time mealtime alternatives.

Discount and Grocery Stores: So, if the kind of situation comes up where you need Cheetos, cherry cobbler, a can of creamed corn, and a pack of C-batteries-- hey, it could happen!-- and waiting for dawn is far too long, then some businesses keep the light on for just such an emergency.

Plenty of gas stations sprinkled throughout the town on both routes 51 and 13 are available for those late-night last-minutes and must-haves. Walgreens on Walnut and Wall Streets has a twenty-four-hour pharmacy, plus plenty of dry goods and a few groceries. Night-time grocery needs can be found at Kroger on Giant City Road and Schnuck's on the corner of Oakland and Main. For anything from Apple Jacks and Benadryl to yogurt and zucchini, these chain stores have you covered.

And there is Wal-Mart on the eastern corner of the city, if you are interested in that kind of place.

Towing: Dude, it doesn't have to turn into a horribly ketchy and unfortunate Ashton Kutcher flick to not find your vehicle after a long night of painting the town red. If you suddenly find yourself sans your automobile, check the Yellow Pages for the local towing services in the area. Any of the towing companies may also be able to assist with towed rides home or keys locked inside of cars. Make sure to ask if they take towing insurance, credit cards, or checks. Some services will only let your ride go if you pay in cash. If it does happen to you, live and learn. And watch where you park next time.

Transportation: If you don't have a ride but need one, the 'Dale has the hook up. New to the scene, Ace Taxi at (618) 549-8294 is located toward the east side, and Yellow Cab is available at (618) 457-8121 with its headquarters centrally located in town on the Strip. Even the foggiest of beer-goggles should still allow anyone to tell the difference-- Ace vehicles are painted in the limiest green known to man, while Yellow Cabs are, well, yellow.

Bacchanal Tidings:
Southern Illinois Wine

by Jennifer "Jay" Bull

The gorgeous, rolling hills of Southern Illinois are well known for awe-inspiring natural beauty. Becoming even more well-known are the wineries and vineyards nestled in the lush greenery of Southern Illinois. The Shawnee Hills Wine Trail, plus many other vineyards and wineries, has made Southern Illinois perfect for any wine lover. The wineries offer not just a variety of wines, but also a wide array of entertainment venues, festivals, and celebrations.

Alto Vineyards owner Guy Renzaglia began growing French hybrid grapes in the mid-1980s. Twenty years later, this section of Southern Illinois is home to more than a dozen wineries that have joined to form the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail, located in a thirty-mile designated federal American Viticultural Area that runs through Jackson and Union Counties.

Many of these wineries specialize in sweet wines that are especially popular among college students, and many host weekend festivals. They generally offer cheeses, fruits, and other culinary complements to their wines, and some even have full restaurants. In addition, most can cater and accommodate weddings, private parties, and other large gatherings, though some close for the winter months.

For more information about the locations on the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail, including directions, log on to the association's website at <http://www.ShawneeWineTrail.com>.

The Shawnee Hills Wine Trail is just scratching the surface of local wine, by the way. The Southern Illinois Wine Trail includes six other vineyards and wineries, mostly south of the Shawnee Hills. For more information about them, visit <http://www.SouthernIllinoisWineTrail.net>. The Heartland Rivers Wine Trail has twelve members north of the Shawnee Hills. Find out more at <http://HeartlandRivers.org>. Many other independent wineries reside in Southern Illinois as well.

Meanwhile, here's a rundown of Shawnee Hills Wine Trail members, plus two independent wineries in the immediate area. Look for more to open to the public by next year.

Alto Vineyards

Alto Pass

(618) 893-4898

<http://www.AltoVineyards.net>

Alto Vineyards is the oldest vineyard on the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail. The gorgeous setting of Alto Vineyards, in addition to excellent wines, makes it a popular destination for those looking to try new wines, or just enjoy wine with friends. In addition to the customary reds and whites, Alto also specializes in port-style dessert wines.

Pomona Winery

Pomona

(618) 893-2623

<http://www.PomonaWinery.com>

Pomona encourages picnicking on outdoor seating. Pomona was the Roman Goddess of fruit trees, so it is fitting that Pomona Winery specializes in wines made from fruit other than grapes, like Jonathan apples. Pomona recently won the 2009 Illinois Governor's Cup Award for a delicious Strawberry Dessert Wine.

Owl Creek Vineyards

Cobden

(618) 893-2557

<http://www.OwlCreekVineyard.com>

Owl Creek has a café during the weekends and music Saturday afternoons (weather-permitting) at 2 p.m. Owl's Leap is one of the best dry reds in the area. For those looking to plan ahead, Owl Creek's website lists foods that will complement the wine menu.

StarView Vineyards

Cobden

(618) 893-9463

<http://www.StarViewVineyards.com>

A diverse grape selection makes for wonderful boutique wines. With the idea that wine and food go well together, StarView has a menu and also encourages picnicking. StarView's gorgeous setting also includes an art gallery and gift shop full of wine-themed gifts, as well as T-shirts and wine accessories.

Inheritance Valley Vineyards

Cobden

(618) 893-6141

<http://www.InheritanceValley.com>

Inheritance Valley grows seven strains of wine grapes and three strains of seedless table grapes. The result: a diverse selection of wines sure to please a wide variety of tastes.

Hedman Orchard and Vineyards

Alto Pass

(618) 893-4923

<http://www.PeachBarn.com>

The Hedman winery and restaurant serves wonderful wines made from grapes and peaches grown on site. Guests can taste wines while browsing through the Scandinavian gift shop. The Peach Barn Café offers authentic Swedish cuisine. For those who want to simply enjoy the food and ambiance, fruit juice imported from Sweden is available along with a variety of soft drinks.

Blue Sky Vineyard

Makanda

(618) 995-9463

<http://www.BlueSkyVineyard.com>

Blue Sky is famed for its sangria and wonderful menu. With a large indoor area for tasting and dining, as well as a gorgeous outdoor area perfect for viewing an amphitheater stage, Blue Sky also features a reception hall perfect for special occasions. Blue Sky's award-winning wines are joined by many new ones, including a Vignoles and Norton Port.

Kite Hill Vineyards

Murphysboro

(618) 684-5072

<http://www.KiteHillVineyards.com>

Kite Hill is not just a beautiful winery, but also a wonderful bed and breakfast. The three-course morning meal is but one of many amenities for those staying at Kite Hill. In addition, Kite Hill offers a wide range of wines, including honey and fruit wines.

Orlandini Vineyards

Makanda

(618) 995-2307

<http://www.OrlandiniVineyard.com>

Orlandini has been growing grapes since 1988 and providing quality wines to Southern Illinois since 2001. The beautiful location enhances the wine tasting experience at Orlandini, which includes a Chambourcin-Cabernet Franc and a White Chambourcin.

Rustle Hill Winery

Cobden

(618) 893-2700

<http://www.RustleHillWinery.com>

Rustle Hill usually has a full concert schedule during the weekends, making it a perfect destination for scenery, wine, and music. The wonderful wines and the food menu will please the palate and keep guests coming back for a second taste of everything.

Hickory Ridge Vineyard and Winery

Pomona

(618) 893-1700

Hickory Ridge wines are made solely from grapes grown on the vineyard. Known for dry wines, whites, and rosé s, Hickory Ridge has a tranquil setting where visitors can enjoy the natural beauty of the region.

Von Jakob Vineyard and Orchard

Pomona and Alto Pass

(618) 893-4500

(618) 893-4600

<http://www.VonJakobVineyard.com>

Von Jakob serves award-winning wines that have received medals in national and international competitions. With two locations-- a vineyard in Pomona and a bigger orchard in Alto Pass-- Von Jakob is well-known for honey meads and a large variety of wines that range from red and whites to blushes and ports.

Cellars de Santom Winery

Ava

(618) 426-9900

<http://www.CellarsDeSantom.com>

Cellars de Santom Winery provides a peaceful setting for visitors, as well as an ideal place for picnics and a grill for cooking out by a scenic lake. Arrange private parties throughout the week. Including raspberries and cranberries in some wines, Cellars de Santom offers unique wine-tasting experiences.

Walker's Bluff

Carterville

(618) 985-8463

<http://www.WalkersBluff.com>

Walker's Bluff holds martini nights, movie nights, live entertainment, and family-activity days. The gourmet cuisine and 160-acre complex make Walker's Bluff an excellent choice for a relaxing evening or a large event.

Clothes-mindedness:
Finding the Right Threads in Carbondale

Leah Williams Wright

Ever since the expulsion from of Eden, human beings have been forced to wear clothes. But lucky for you newbie Salukis, Carbondale is more than outfitted with options to clothe you from head to toe.

Like other college towns of its size and larger, the 'Dale has a shopping center with popular well-known retailers. The University Mall has the usual mall standards in J.C. Penney, Old Navy, GAP, Macy's, Aeropostale, and Victoria's Secret, as well as others on the more eclectic side. International Fashions Women's Apparel offers attire from around the world while Romancing the Stone can equip both your wardrobe and apartment with Eastern-inspired accessories.

On the opposite side of the University Mall lies a strip mall with other stores that will likely make you shop 'til you drop. Cato specializes in women's fashions at modest prices, Dick's Sporting Goods has professional sports apparel and goods, and Shoe Carnival puts its best foot forward with footwear for the whole family.

Even if you are not feeling like a mall rat, there are options to peruse. Maroon is a color that looks good on anybody, especially one who resides in Saluki Country. Those who want to show their school pride on the outside have a plethora of Southern Illinois University couture. The three main college bookstores-- 710 Bookstore (710 South Illinois Avenue, 618-549-7304), the Saluki Bookstore (701 East Grand Avenue, 618-529-1900) and the University Bookstore in the SIU Student Center (618-536-3321)-- have racks upon racks dedicated to all things Dawg, including hats, sweatshirts, jackets, and T-shirts, as well as baby onesies and kiddie tees for the littlest Saluki fans. UniversiTees (819 South Illinois Avenue, 618-457-4695) and the Saluki Team Store (in the University Mall, 618-457-2300) offer much of the same apparel.

In addition to those stores, Attitude Designs (next to 710, 618-529-5606) carries the clothes for those who bleed Maroon and will also set up custom silk-screen options for customers' own designs to come to life.

Shoes make the woman as Walk the Line Shoes and Accessories (703 South Illinois Avenue, 618-351-1077) carries what its title suggests and then some, including handmade jewelry and other must-haves.

At Jane's Consignment (1124 West Main Street, 618-549-5645), a variety of purses, belts, and shoes are located just a mile or two northwest of the SIU campus. This merchant also offers well-known department designer clothing, like Abercrombie, J.Crew, Bebe, and Banana Republic. Exclusive Exposure (Campus Shopping Center, 210 West Freeman Street, 618-457-3320) is another upscale resale shop that carries women's, men's, and children's clothing and shoes as well as designer-inspired handbags and accessories.

For quality used pieces, look for Tropicana Vintage Clothing, located just off East Jackson Street behind Longbranch Coffee House. In addition to expanding your wardrobe for the school week with authentic 1960s jeans and vintage hats, you can also pick up excellent costume pieces-- Halloween will be here before you know it. You can reach Tropicana at 618-529-1791.

The Beauty Depot (102 South Wall Street, 618-351-8380) has a wide array of urban clothing selections and accessories, including those of the nail- and hair-care product variety. Urban 2 (215 North Washington Street, 618-457-8587) also racks stylish clothes for city dwellers on the go.

For those who like a little more function from their fashions, Shawnee Trails Wilderness Outfitter in the Campus Town shopping center (222 West Freeman Street, 618-529-2313) is able to aid rock-climbing enthusiasts with all your outdoor needs. This shop also sells quality winter-coat brands like North Face and Columbia to help keep the impending February chills at bay, as well as camping and outdoor supplies and comfortable footware.

Athletes can also take heart in Priority Sports (106 South Illinois Avenue, 618-529-3097) for their active footwear needs. From baseball and soccer cleats to shoes specifically geared for running and basketball, this shop's got your feet covered. It also carries a specific selection of other athletic accessories and sportswear.

For clothing repair and fixer-uppers, bring the damaged goods to Lynne Frett (700 West Main Street, 618-457-7638) or Barefoot Cobbler and Leather World (100 West Walnut Street, 618-457-8631). These merchants are ready to resew clothing or replace misplaced buttons and busted zippers. The latter also carries a line of leather goods, jackets, and other accessories for motorcycle travelers who like to dress the part.

Even those with the most modest budgets can check out these local spots, where some items are only $5 or less, and the proceeds go toward worthy causes. The homegrown community outlet, the Church Women United Thrift Shop, (215 North Illinois Avenue, 618-457-6976), sells donated items. The store also allows those living in poverty to take items of necessity free of charge. There's also Goodwill on Route 13 (701 East Main Street, 618-457-5290). Founded in Boston in 1902 by a young Methodist minister, the original Goodwill chapel provided a haven where goods could be exchanged, repaired, and refurbished.

No matter the budget, Carbondale offers an assortment of ways to update any closet. Dressing for success, a night on the town, or a class in Faner Hall could be met with ease. With a little ingenuity, a little thought, and a lot of luck, you too can pick up the perfect outfit, regardless of how much green currently lines your wallet.

Music, Sweet Music:
There's Music Everywhere in Carbondale

by Brian Wilson

Although a modest city in size, Carbondale contains a strong musical community that is reflected in its local businesses. While big-box stores are certainly available to supply customers with the latest CD releases, new arrivals to Carbondale would do far better to explore what the city's independently owned establishments have to offer. Here individuals can find everything from the newest popular CD releases to vintage 1970s vinyl to guitars and other musical equipment.

Plaza/Wuxtry Records

816 East Main Street

(618) 549-2651

Since the mid-1970s, Plaza/Wuxtry Records has supplied Carbondale residents with an excellent resource for new and used records and CDs. Located just off Route 13 East, the store carries thousands of items ranging from popular new releases to rare or out-of-print vinyl. Plaza/Wuxtry also places special orders, and buys, sells, and trades.

P-Mac Music

100 North Glenview Drive

(618) 351-9150

Touting itself as "Carbondale's only real CD store," P-Mac Music offers a wide selection of new and used CDs and a smaller assortment of new and used records and DVDs. P-Mac also places special orders, and buys, sells, and trades every day.

Mike's Music

816-A East Main Street

(618) 529-3444

Mike's Music buys, sells, and rents new and used musical instruments and gear. Mike's also offers experienced instruction for musicians of any skill level.

Sound Core Music and Video

122 South Illinois Avenue

(618) 457-5641

Sound Core Music and Video offers a large selection of new and used musical instruments. Here you can find not only the standard guitars, basses, and drum sets, but also keyboards, violins, and ukuleles. Sound Core also sells Apple computers and software, as well as home-recording equipment.

Practice Pad

201 South Illinois Avenue

(618) 549-2437

The Practice Pad is a unique space for practicing or veteran musicians. In addition to offering percussion lessons and drum repair/tuning, The Practice Pad buys and sells musical instruments and features a soundproof space for rehearsal or recording.

Talent Education School of Southern Illinois

705 West Main Suite B1

(618) 457-6300

<http://www.TESSIMusic.org>

TESSI provides outstanding professional instruction for those who want to learn how to play music, especially younger students.

In addition, many specialty CDs can be found at many far less-obvious locations throughout Carbondale. One is the Neighborhood Co-op (Murdale Shopping Center, 1815 West Main Street, 529-3533), which carries a modest variety of multicultural CDs and, on occasion, music by local artists.

Paperback Reader:
What a Wonderful World Carbondale Can Be

by Brian Wilson

Carbondale is home to a number of fine bookstores. In addition to Barnes and Noble, several locally owned resources for new and used books cater to a diverse clientele of readers. Whether your interests lie in historical fiction, romance novels, comics, or any number of other categories, rest assured that your reading needs will be well met here.

Book World

823 South Illinois Avenue

(618) 549-5122

Located within walking distance of SIU, Book World carries more than thirty-thousand new and used books and can special order anything still in print. Specializing in both fiction and nonfiction, the store offers a ten percent discount for all students and a free bargain book with any $5 purchase. In addition to books, Book World carries vintage videogames and a large selection of DVDs.

Bookworm

618 East Walnut Street

Eastgate Shopping Center

(618) 457-2665

<http://www.SIBookworm.com>

With upwards of fifty-thousand new and used titles in stock, Bookworm is the area's largest used bookstore. In addition to fiction and nonfiction, Bookworm boasts a big selection of books by local authors and books with regional interest. It is also one of the few bookstores in Carbondale to host author signings.

Campus Comics/World's Finest Comics

816 East Main Street

(618) 457-6011

Campus Comics is the area's resource for comic books and graphic novels. The store carries new titles, ranging from the most popular mainstream superhero fare to small-press independent work, as well as a huge selection of back issues. Campus Comics also offers twenty percent off graphic novels every day.

Castle Perilous

207 West Main Street

(618) 529-5317

<http://www.CastlePerilous.com>

Carbondale's resource for games and gaming accessories, Castle Perilous carries everything for casual or serious gamers. Although the store popular board games such as Monopoly and Risk, the real focus is on serious role-playing games such as Magic: The Gathering and Dungeons and Dragons. Castle Perilous features a large selection of books about gaming as well as strategy guides. The Castle also stocks a small selection of comic books and graphic novels.

Coram Deo Books

3249 North Reed Station Road

(618) 457-5282

<http://www.CoramDeoBooks.com>

Located in a renovated farmhouse, Coram Deo books is Carbondale's Christian bookstore. In addition to new and used materials, Coram Deo Books specializes in collectible, rare, and hard-to-find books. The store also carries a large selection of merchandise with Celtic themes. Coram Deo Books is open Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. or by appointment.

Country Goddess

520 South Illinois Avenue

(618) 457-4042

<http://www.TheCountryGoddess.com>

The Country Goddess is a metaphysical and multi-faith bookstore that caters to people of any religion. But Country Goddess offers much more than books, featuring two-thousand items in the store, six-thousand items on the web, and a catalogue with more than two-million items. Aside from texts about various faiths, the Country Goddess stocks everything from Catholic prayer candles to kosher soap. It also offers many other services, including licensed massage therapy, metaphysical classes, and psychic fairs.

Saluki Bookstore

701 East Grand Avenue

(618) 529-0122

<http://www.SalukiBookStore.com>

Located within walking distance from the dorms, Saluki Bookstore carries new and used textbooks, school supplies, and SIU gear.

710 Bookstore

710 South Illinois Avenue

(618) 549-7304

<http://www.SevenTen.com>

--and--

Logan Bookstore

209 West Commercial Drive Suite E.

<http://www.JALBookstore.com>

In addition to new and used textbooks, 710 Bookstore and the Logan Bookstore carry impressive selections of SIU and Logan gear. The stores also sell art supplies, computer software, popular fiction and nonfiction books, and magazines.

Provisions for the Platter:
Carbondale Groceries

by Chris Wissmann

In Carbondale, you can feed your face without feeding the Man at the city's many alternatives to international conglomerates. At these places, the food actually tastes like... food. Most of the following establishments specialize to some degree, but their quality can easily make the extra trips worthwhile, and often their prices are surprisingly competitive with, and sometimes much lower than, those of the big chains.

Arnold's Market

2141 South Illinois Avenue (Old U.S. Route 51)

(618) 529-5191

The region's premier meat counter can offer delectable custom cuts of fresh beef, pork, and poultry, in addition to cold cuts, deli sandwiches, cheeses, and more. Arnold's also stocks an impressive selection of locally grown produce, organic and international groceries, soft drinks, and household goods.

Carbondale Farmers' Market

Westtown Mall parking lot, Route 13 and Emerald Lane

Saturdays, 8 a.m. to noon, April through November

and

Carbondale Main Street Growers Market

Town Square parking lot, corner of North Washington Street and Route 13

Saturdays, 8 a.m. to noon, through at least the end of September.

(618) 529-8040

<http://www.CarbondaleMainStreet.com>

These markets allow shoppers to buy directly from those who raise or create their products. Local, fresh-picked fruits and vegetables join gourmet pickles, baked goods, honey, herbs, flowers, meat, and arts and crafts.

Doña Camila

100 West Jackson Street

(618) 457-0433

and

Tienda Mexicana El Paisano

100 North Glenview Drive

(618) 529-2352

These two stores carry exceptional arrays of Mexican spices, produce, pastries, desserts, drinks, and food and beverage mixes, all at shockingly low prices. Doñ a Camila is the larger of the two and sports a line of Mexican cookware, textiles, and videos.

Egyptian Corner

534 East Main Street

(618) 529-0151

Located in a Shell gas station, Egyptian Corner carries many Middle Eastern foods, especially halal meats (which are processed according to Islamic law).

Fresh Foods

Murdale Shopping Center, 1927 West Main Street

(618) 529-2534

Wondrous smells emanate from the doors of this fruit-and-vegetable-only grocery, which stocks an impressive inventory of in-season local produce. This is also an excellent source of fruits and vegetables used in Asian cooking.

Han's Market

863 East Grand Avenue

(618) 549-0152

Similar to International Grocery (see below), Han's specializes in foods from abroad, though the store does carry a few domestic beverages, cheeses, and other edibles, as well as dry goods.

International Grocery

Murdale Shopping Center, 1811 West Main Street

(618) 529-1206

This store contains several aisles of Mediterranean, Asian, Mexican, African, kosher, Middle Eastern, and South American foods. Items vary from the exotic to the mundane, from meat and seafood to produce to cheese and beverages to enormous and unique cookie and chocolate sections.

Lipe Orchards

3925 South Illinois Avenue

(618) 549-1263

<http://www.LipeOrchards.com>

Southern Illinois is home to a bounty of great orchards and ranches-- Bass Farms, Rendleman, Hedman, Rancho Bella Vista, and Flamm among them-- but the closest to Carbondale is Lipe Orchards, located on the corner of Old Route 51 and Boskeydell Road (that's the official address listed above). They're open this year until November, just a little after the last harvest. In addition to fruits, vegetables, and herbs, they carry local relishes, honey, and jellies. Check their website to see what's in season, and call ahead if you need special ingredients so they can make sure it's all there for you.

Neighborhood Co-op

Murdale Shopping Center, 1815 West Main Street

(618) 529-3533

<http://www.neighborhood.coop>

The Co-op specializes in organic and local products, including juices and milk (soy and cow's), frozen dinners, a terrific bakery, outstanding cheese selections, a deli, fruit and vegetables, supplements and spices, and even local and exotic meats. Cooking classes are also offered.

Save-a-Lot

301 East Walnut Street (corner of East Walnut and South Marion Streets)

(618) 529-8701

<http://www.save-a-lot.com>

Though the nation contains more than 1,200 Save-a-Lot stores, the Carbondale location is locally owned and operated. It's a great place to find steep discounts on quality name-brand and generic merchandise-- including custom cuts of meat.

Town Square Market

106 East Jackson St

(618) 529-2312

A fine source for local, natural, and organic groceries-- from vegan options to omnivores' delights. The Town Square Market also carries baked goods and eco-friendly dry goods for conscious consumers, and has opened a deli. The store focuses on local products, and lecturers and topical films are often featured during regular open houses.

Wherefore Art Thou?
Southern Illinois Galleries

by Jennifer "Jay" Bull

Carbondale and Southern Illinois have many destinations for art aficionados. The following galleries form a very brief list of the art offerings in Southern Illinois-- the Art Trail of Southern Illinois lists more than six-hundred artists, studios, and galleries in ninety-three communities within a seventy-five-mile radius. Those numbers should thrill art lovers, even if the Art Trail's website is down and its printed brochures are hard to find (look for the latter at the Little Egypt Arts Centre in Marion and Visions in Makanda), because those past efforts indicate how much great art is made in this area, and how much time people can spend searching it out.

Another great source for local art information is <http://www.HeartlandArts.net>.

The African American Museum of Southern Illinois is located in the University Mall in Carbondale. This museum displays historical information about Southern Illinois specifically, and about the often-overlooked progress and contributions of African Americans in this community. One goal of the African American Museum is to preserve and share this local history with the community-- many people are familiar with national history, but our local history is just as interesting and worthy of acknowledgement. With artifacts, quilts, historical documents, and much more, this museum shows how diverse the history of this area truly is. It's open Mondays through Thursdays from noon to 6 p.m., and Fridays and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. For more information, call (618) 457-2217.

A work in progress, the Buckminster Fuller Dome Home on the corner of West Cherry Street and South Forest Avenue was constructed by the legendary SIU professor R. Buckminster Fuller. The dome had fallen into serious disrepair, and the RBF Dome NFP organization was formed to restore it as a museum to honor and spread Fuller's futuristic teachings. This year, the RBF Dome NFP is working on making the dome a nationally recognized historic landmark. According to Cornelius Crane, a longtime member of RBF Dome NFP, the application process may take several months, but the organization is optimistic about the dome's chances. For a tour, call (618) 549-DOME or (618) 967-9679. For more information, visit <http://www.BuckysDome.org>.

The City Arts Corridor Gallery, located in the Carbondale Civic Center at 200 South Illinois Avenue, features work by local artists or artists with local connections. The exhibits, curated by Carbondale Community Arts, are placed in the open corridor of the building to enhance the appeal of the Civic Center. For more information, call (618) 457-5100.

The Douglass School Art Place at 900 Douglass Street in Murphysboro contains exhibit space, studio rentals, and a glass gallery called the Do U Glass Hot Shop. The latter calls itself the only non-academic offhand glassblowing shop in Southern Illinois; it also provides glassblowing lessons. For more information, visit <http://www.artapult.com> or call (618) 687-3791.

The John A. Logan College Museum is open Mondays through Fridays from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. and on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. With a focus on scholarship and cultural heritage, this museum serves the community at large as well as Logan students. Admission to this museum is free. For more information, log on to <http://www.jal.cc.il.us/museum> or call (618) 985-3741.

The front windows at the Law Office of Joni Beth Bailey on Walnut Street in Murphysboro always sport the work of great local and visiting artists.

The Little Egypt Arts Centre, run entirely by volunteers, is located at 610 Tower Square Plaza in Marion. The Centre strives to promote opportunities for artists and the public to experience art through exhibits and programs that include art classes. Centre hours are Mondays through Fridays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., with other hours by appointment and during special events. For more information, see <http://www.LittleEgyptArts.com> or call (618) 998-8530.

Longbranch Coffee House, at 100 East Jackson Street, features revolving exhibits by local artists, as well as an annual international art exhibit, Kids for Kids' Sake, that benefits an orphanage in Bangladesh. For more information, call (618) 529-4488.

Anyone who loves art should visit the Makanda Boardwalk, located at the foot of Giant City State Park in downtown Makanda.

Right on the Boardwalk is the Rainmaker Art Studio. With bronze and copper sculptures and waterfalls, jewelry, and much more, Rainmaker houses the work of David Dardis. The back of the studio has a beautifully constructed and pleasantly structured hanging garden in a truly breathtaking courtyard. For more information, call (618) 457-6282.

Also on the Boardwalk is Visions Art Gallery and Studio, which houses more than thirty Southern Illinois artists' works in media ranging from jewelry, photography, carvings, and paintings, to gourds, candles, photography, and cards. For more information, call (618) 549-5523.

Located directly across from the Boardwalk, Allan Stuck Studio offers original jewelry, wedding rings, and fine sculptured glass and prints. The work at Allan Stuck Studio is truly impressive in its originality. For more information, call (618) 529-2341.

The Science Center Museum specializes in hands-on activities for children that help illustrate fundamental scientific principles. In addition to the children's museum, the Science Center offers various workshops and learning opportunities for people of different ages throughout the year, and hosts birthday parties and conducts field trips. The Science Center is open Mondays through Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Sundays from noon to 5:30 p.m., and is located at the University Mall in Carbondale. There is a small admission fee to the museum-- $3.50-- but memberships include free admission for the entire family, children, parents and grandparents, plus discounts. Furthermore, all members receive discounts at other museums in the ASTC network (for more information, visit <http://www.astc.org>), which includes the Saint Louis Science Center. For more information, visit <http://www.YourScienceCenter.org> or call (618) 529-5431.

The Southern Illinois University Museum has a sculpture garden, guided tours, lectures, exhibits, and much more. Located on campus in Faner Hall on the first floor of the North Wing, the University Museum includes exhibits in the arts, sciences, and humanities from collections, touring exhibits, and local artists. Complete with a gift store, the museum's hours of operation are Tuesdays through Fridays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. It closes Mondays and during all SIU breaks and holidays. For more information, visit <http://www.museum.siu.edu> or call (618) 453-5388.

The Vergette Gallery, located on the first floor of the Allyn Building in room 107 on campus, is a great space for students in the School of Art and Design to exhibit their work. The naturally lit space is open Mondays through Fridays from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. when an exhibit is up. For more information, see <http://www.ArtAndDesign.siu.edu> or call the Art and Design office at (618) 453-4315.

The Glove Factory Surplus Gallery, often simply called the Glove, is located at 432 South Washington on the northwest corner of Washington and College Streets in downtown Carbondale. The Glove used to be the Good Luck Glove Company; the Glove Factory now provides instructional space for art students, including shops for woodworking, welding, and fabrication, in addition to housing a gallery. For more information, log on to <http://www.ArtAndDesign.siu.edu> or call the Art and Design office at (618) 453-4315.

One of the area's most easily accessible yet most-often taken-for-granted galleries is Art Alley in SIU's Student Center. Open during the Student Center's regular hours of operation, Art Alley shows exhibits curated by the SIU Student Programming Council, while much of the Student Center's other walls display work by former SIU students. For more information, call SPC at (618) 536-3393.

The Dunn-Richmond Economic and Regional Development Center has a gallery, Art Atrium, which periodically refreshes its space with new exhibits and opening receptions. It's open to the public Mondays through Fridays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Visit the Art Atrium online at <http://econdev.siuc.edu> and click on the Facilities link.

Green Thoughts:
Outdoor Treasures of Little Egypt

by Jennifer "Jay" Bull

Southern Illinois has a staggering number of parks, campgrounds, lakes, nature preserves, and refuges. The natural beauty of Southern Illinois can be awe-inspiring. To list every location could take an entire book. Instead, what follows is a brief description of the major parks located in Carbondale, along with a couple of popular areas located in greater Southern Illinois.

Due to the horrific windstorm in May that leveled thousands of trees in Southern Illinois, as well as an ice storm in February, some parks remain closed for downed-tree removal. Make sure to call the park before visiting to see what trails are open and which ones are still too dangerous to use. Because the closed sections contain trees that might still fall and cause serious injury, please heed any closed signs. Trail updates for the Shawnee National Forest are posted at <http://www.fs.fed.us/r9/forests/shawnee/StormDamage>.

Those who head into wooded areas should beware of poison ivy, ticks, mosquitoes, and chiggers. While they are somewhat rare, Southern Illinois is home to poisonous snakes, so avoid startling wild animals by watching where you step, sit, or put your hands. Dress appropriately for these and other hazards, and for the weather, and bring insect repellent, clean drinking water, and food as necessary. Cell phones may not work in some of the more remote areas described below. Don't take unnecessary risks in the wilderness, where emergency responders can take a long time coming. Always let friends know when you are heading into the woods or water and when you expect to return.

Protect and preserve the natural beauty of Southern Illinois. Irresponsible and unsafe activities have resulted in the closure of some popular areas to public use, or heavy restrictions placed thereupon. Take time to learn the rules for the places you visit, and follow them. Clean up after yourselves and try to pick up the trash left behind by others.

Those who truly love the outdoors and all that nature has to offer can find more information at the Illinois Department of Natural Resources website at <http://dnr.state.il.us> or the Adventure Illinois website created by the Southern Illinois Tourism Development Office at <http://www.AdventureIllinois.com>. There are also beautiful visitor guides available at the Carbondale Convention and Tourism Bureau office in the University Mall that contains maps to many of the best outdoor locations of Southern Illinois, including the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail and many of the locations covered here.

In addition, the Shawnee Audubon Society (online at <http://www.ShawneeAudubon.org>) and Shawnee Group Sierra Club (at <http://Illinois.SierraClub.org/Shawnee> and <http://ShawneeGroup.blogspot.com>) offer many programs. The former, of course, focuses more on ornithology, while the latter has a broader purpose that includes environmental activism and lobbying. Both, however, organize hikes and other events that explore our outdoors. And not just SIU students, but the public now too can use the equipment and resources of the SIU Recreation Center Base Camp (at <http://www.RecCenter.siu.edu/services/base_camp.html>).

Several locally owned and operated stores are great places to purchase climbing gear, packs, tents, books, boots, sleeping bags, and other items for outdoor use, as well as expert advice about the gear you might require.

Shawnee Trails Wilderness Outfitters at 222 West Freeman and (618) 529-2313 provide full lines of outdoor gear. Watershed Kayak and Canoe's custom-built people-propelled boats, by the way, are a great way to view the Little Egypt scenery from its lakes, rivers, and creeks. Call them at (618) 549-2562 to make sure the showroom on West Chautauqua Road is open before heading there.

In addition, these places boast staffs with an astounding breadth of knowledge about Southern Illinois's natural areas. In the space of a very brief conversation a few years ago, Shawnee Trails owner Rick Reeve was knowledgeably able to list trails, lakes, and parks with an ease born of true enjoyment of the area.

"Everybody here enjoys it down here [in Southern Illinois] and lives down here," Reeve said. "It isn't just a job-- it is what we are into."

Cedar Lake offers boating, fishing, swimming, and picnicking. Poplar Camp Beach is open from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays and 9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. on weekends during the summer. Single admission to the beach is $2, with free admission for children younger than six. The beach has lifeguards on duty and a picnic area. Docks are available along the lake for boating or fishing. For more information, call (618) 549-8441 or visit <http://www.ExploreCarbondale.com>. Under the Explore Carbondale link, click on Outdoor Recreation.

The Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge, between Carbondale and Marion, consists of Crab Orchard, Little Grassy, and Devils Kitchen Lakes and their adjacent areas. Generally speaking, the refuge allows boating, fishing, swimming (except at Devils Kitchen), and waterskiing (only on Crab Orchard), as well as camping and picnicking, though the rules vary from lake to lake. Hunting is also allowed during specified times. The manmade lakes draw more than one-million visitors a year. Fines for parking on refuge property without a permit are extremely stiff. For information about permits and the regulations specific to each lake, call (618) 997-3344 or visit <http://www.fws.gov/midwest/CrabOrchard>.

Lake Murphysboro State Park is a 1,022-acre area that boasts excellent boating, fishing, picnicking, camping, and hiking. Located on the western edge of Murphysboro, off Route 149, this state park is less than a fifteen-minute drive from SIU. It boasts more than twenty camping sites on which to set up tents or trailers, while picnic tables and restrooms encourage picnics and daytime outings. With dense forestry and gorgeous views of the lake, this a great place for family get-togethers, reunions, and camping retreats. For more information, visit <http://www.dnr.state.il.us> and follow the Parks and Recreation link to Lake Murphysboro, or call (618) 684-2867. As one of the parks affected by weather, many sections are still closed to the public. Call the park or check their website before visiting to see what areas are safe.

Little Grand Canyon, once listed as the number-two spot in Illinois for hiking trails at Trails.com, offers a fantastic loop trail with spectacular views of the bluffs along the Mississippi River. This rugged three-mile trail takes hikers through several ecosystems, and is breathtaking in the fall. Surprisingly close to campus, Little Grand Canyon can be found by driving seven miles south of Murphysboro on Illinois 127, turning right on Etherton Road, and taking the third turnoff to the trail entrance. (The winding, hilly country roads make this a far more time-consuming drive than it sounds.) No true nature lover should miss this fantastic trail. For more information or directions, visit <http://www.fs.fed.us/r9/forests/shawnee>. As one of many parks affected by the storms, sections of Little Grand Canyon are still closed to the public. To see which areas are safe, call the park or check the website before visiting.

Trail of Tears State Forest is located outside Jonesboro, Illinois, in Union County, about twenty miles south of Murphysboro. The lodge has a morel mushroom festival and hummingbirds galore every spring. The five-thousand-acre park allows fishing, camping, hunting, hiking, and much more. Consisting of one of the most rugged landscapes for a Southern Illinois park, the grounds include hills made of chert, clear streams with rocky bottoms, and rocky, dry, narrow ridgetops.

This diversity of soil quality allows for tremendous variation in plant life, from elm, sugar maple, redbud, oak, beech, and hickory trees to wild azaleas, farkleberries, and low-bush blueberries, from pawpaws, buckeyes, bladdernuts, and hornbeams to cane, holly, ferns, and 620 species of flowering plants.

The park sits along the site of a travesty that became known as the Trail of Tears-- in 1838 and 1839, American Indians were forced to move to Oklahoma through Illinois, near the present site of the park. They wintered in a makeshift camp four miles south of the park where hundreds died of starvation and bitter cold.

In 1929, the state purchased three-thousand acres, and during the 1930s the Civilian Conservation Corps constructed many of the stonework stabilization walls and shelters within picnic areas and along the forest roads.

For a map and more about park activities, visit <http://www.stateparks.com/trail_of_tears.html> or <http://dnr.state.il.us> or call (618) 833-4910. Because of storm damage, many sections are still closed to the public, but their campsites are still open for use. To see which areas are safe, call the park or check the website before visiting.

Giant City State Park is probably the most popular outdoor destination in the Carbondale area. Located minutes from Carbondale, it accommodates many activities in gorgeous natural settings. Named for the distinctive natural landscape, which looks as if it was constructed by giants, the park allows camping, fishing, and horseback riding.

These trails highlight the natural wonders of the park. Fat Man's Squeeze, one of the more popular (or notorious) features on the trail, consists of an ever-narrowing crevice between two rocks. Trails include Devils Standtable, Stonefort, Indian Creek, Trillium, and Arrowwood. Post Oak Trail has been specially designed for disabled visitors, and on the other end of the difficulty range is the twelve-mile Red Cedar Hiking Trail.

For those who enjoy nature, but not necessarily camping, Giant City Lodge and Restaurant-- with its cabins and clean restrooms-- is located in the park. Most trails are located near shelters, so those who are happier communing with nature under cover and near restrooms can wait in comfort for those who choose to explore the trails. Many shelters come equipped with barbecue grills and playgrounds.

As long as 1,400 years ago, humans used for shelter what are now parts of the park, with the remains of a prehistoric American Indian wall evinced atop an eighty-foot cliff. The area was also used to shelter soldiers during the Civil War. The lodge and twelve cabins were built in 1936 by the Civilian Conservation Corps. In 1970, a water tower was constructed with an observation deck from which the Makanda smileyface watertower and Bald Knob Cross in Alto Pass are visible.

For more information, call (618) 457-4836 or visit <http://dnr.state.il.us>. As the park perhaps most hurt by the storm, many trails, shelters and sections are still closed to the public. To see which areas are safe, call the park or check the website before visiting.

Ferne Clyffe State Park is located near Goreville, twelve miles south of Marion and accessible via Interstates 57 and 24. As its name suggests, more than a few ferns live among the park's foliage. Ferne Clyffe covers 2,430 acres of the majestic Shawnee Hills and more than two-hundred-thousand nature lovers visit each year. Hawks Cave (a 150-foot long shelter bluff) and an intermittent one-hundred-foot waterfall on the Big Rocky Trail are two of the park's most famous natural features. Hikers enjoy walking the trail around Fern Clyffe Lake. Fishing, picnicking, camping, horseback riding, and other recreational activities are allowed in the park. For more information, call (618) 995-2411 or visit <http://dnr.state.il.us> and follow the Parks and Recreation link to Ferne Clyffe. As another park hit by the storm, many sections are still closed to the public. To see which areas are safe, call the park or check the website before visiting.

Garden of the Gods is one of the more awe-inspiring sites in Southern Illinois. With trails leading through various rock formations, Garden of the Gods' popular Observation Trail is a quarter-mile stone trail that leads to an observation deck overlooking sandstone rock formations like Camel Rock, Anvil Rock, and Devils Smokestack. Part of the Shawnee National Forest, with the River to River Trail running through it, Garden of the Gods is a popular destination for nature lovers. According to the Illinois Tourism Bureau, Garden of the Gods ranks tenth in the United States for sandstone rock formation and high vista photography. For more information, call (618) 287-2201 or visit <http://www.fs.fed.us/r9/forests/shawnee>. While hit with storm damage, the Observation Trail, Pharaoh Campground, and Pharaoh Picnic Area are still open to the public.

Rim Rock, near Garden of the Gods, is a series of sandstone bluffs that surround and isolate a forty-acre area called the Pounds. One trail heads underneath the cliffs, while two others head up the bluff for beautiful views. A cave, a natural spring, and a small lake are among Rim Rock's features. For directions and more information, call (800) MY WOODS or visit <http://www.fs.fed.us/r9/forests/shawnee>. Rim Rock was another area hit hard by storms, but the Indian Rock Picnic Area, the Observation Trail around the bluff, and Beaver Trail from Rim Rock to the Pounds Hollow Lake are all open-- but the Pounds Hollow Recreation Area is closed, so those who hike from Rim Rock to Pounds Lake may need to return to Rim Rock to exit the hollow.

The Cache River State Natural Area is remarkable for many reasons, not the least of which are one-thousand-year-old trees-- these cypress trees, including the state-champion cypress, were ancient before European settlers even came to this continent. In 1996, it was dedicated as a wetland of international importance, only the nineteenth U.S. wetland to receive this distinction.

Visitors can also canoe on the Cache River, and there are hiking and biking trails as well. The Wetland Center hosts a large bird-watching festival every spring. Some activities may require permits. For information, call (618) 634-9678 or visit <http://dnr.state.il.us> and follow the Parks and Recreation link to the Cache River.

The Pomona Natural Bridge is located in Jackson County near Pomona off of Route 127. The hike to the natural bridge is only a one-third-mile loop. Caused by water erosion, the sandstone bridge was admired as far back as 1877. For driving directions and a sketch of the bridge from 1877, visit <http://illinois.sierraclub.org/Shawnee/sites/s-pomona_nb.htm>.

Green Earth Incorporated is sort of the Nature Conservancy of Carbondale, purchasing or receiving as donations various undeveloped properties and opening them to the public.

For more information, including directions to Green Earth properties, visit <http://GreenEarthInc.org>.

Another excellent resource for parks and recreation in Carbondale is the Carbondale Park District. People may rent shelters and pavilions in park-district properties for picnics, family reunions, and other activities. For more information or to make reservations, call the park district at (618) 549-4222 or visit <http://www.cpkd.org>.

Some Green Earth and Park District properties remain closed or dangerous due to storm damage. Call or check online for more information before heading out.

Socialized Medicine for the Saluki Sports Masses

by Chris Barron,
Doctor of Saluki Sports

Whether you are a Sarah Palin plutocrat or a Nancy Pelosi proletariat, it doesn't require reading a copy of Enjoying Yourself for Dummies to realize one seminal truth: Girls and guys just got to have fun.

True, most of you are entering a stage in your life when your parents' admonition "You'd better get serious!" seems set on an insufferable, continuous loop. But replying to their harassment with continuous sulking and passive-aggressive shows of angst, though self-satisfying in the short run, won't solve your problem. You must parry their verbal thrusts with indisputable facts.

And the facts are clear: Socializing is good medicine. UCLA researchers say so, so it must be correct, right?

"Social contact with others has effects on the body that are more powerful than cigarette smoking and your cholesterol level," says Shelley Taylor, a distinguished Bruin psychology professor, according to that school's Daily Bruin. The positive responses the body has to socializing help mitigate the release of cortisol, a chemical that increases blood pressure and destabilizes the immune system.

So when Mom and Dad try to verbally skewer you because you occasionally ditch Morris Library for some field research on the effects of Party Therapy, just ask them if the health and well-being of their baby is important to them-- or not?

A good place to begin your individual effort to assist President Barrack Obama insure the health of the entire nation this year is for you to immerse yourself completely in the Saluki sports scene. After all, most experts agree that the key to the salvation of our health system is preventative care.

The first line of defense for those suffering from the heartbreak of being fun-challenged is religiously attending Saluki football encounter group sessions.

The 2009 season will be the last one using McAndrew Stadium for football therapy sessions. But don't get anxious about that. In 2010, new multimillion-dollar football digs will be completed, located just north of the current McAndrew.

After socializing at the giant tailgate area south of the new stadium construction site, get ready for some of the finest live football action you'll ever experience. Head coach Dale Lennon's squad is rated the number three Football Championship Subdivision team in the country by football guru Phil Steele, and the defense is primed to put the hurt on any opponent sassy enough to think it can waltz into McAndrew and draw blood.

The Dawgs return ten starters from 2008, and four of them have been named to the 2009 Sports Network preseason All-American Squad.

Leading the way is hard-hitting linebacker Brandin Jordon (five-feet eleven-inches, 230 pounds) who had eighty-one tackles last season. Chauncey Mixon (six-feet one-inch, 221 pounds) a cat-quick outside linebacker, is also on Steele's team, as is cover corner Korey Lindsey (six-feet, 190 pounds).

The final All-American is punter Scott Ravanesi (six-feet, 196 pounds) who averaged 43.3 yards per punt in 2008.

The Dawg offense contains no pigskin chumps either, as it returns almost the entire 2008 offensive line, a big-time quarterback, and two great wide receivers.

Junior quarterback Chris Dieker (six-feet five-inches, 227-pounds) is big time both in production (2,083 yards through the air) and stature. The gun-slinger can also motor downfield like an Army Hummer when he so chooses.

Wide receivers Marc Cheatham (six-feet two-inches, 213 pounds) and Joe Allaria (six-feet two-inches, 190 pounds) present large targets and sport blazing speed. Also, look for two new receivers to push for some playing time this fall. Red-shirt freshman David Lewis (six-feet three-inches, 190 pounds) and transfer Cam Fuller (six-feet three-inches, 190 pounds) have the size and speed to make Dieker's arm even more dangerous.

Richard White (five-feet nine-inches, 188 pounds) and Deji Karim (five-foot eleven-inches, two-hundred pounds) will handle the running-back spot and will be complemented by incoming freshman Stevie Strother (five-foot seven-inches, 170 pounds).

Strother ran for 1,970 yards and twenty-six touchdowns, averaging an incredible 10.3 yards per carry. The team will count on him on to fill the kick-return spot left void by the graduation of All-American Larry Warner.

Men's and women's basketball are your second line of defense against boredom bacteria. Both teams had rough seasons last year, but both are ready to bust out.

Head coach Chris Lowery's men were troubled by injuries and inexperience last year, but the history of the program indicates that a big-time resurgence may be but a step away.

Lowery has taken teams to NCAA tournaments in three of his five seasons. His squad got edged by Kansas in the NCAA's Sweet Sixteen in 2007 after beating Holy Cross and Virginia Tech earlier, and Lowery's 2005-2006 team won the Missouri Valley Conference tournament crown.

Last year's freshman-laden club returns with its boatload of talent. The addition of junior-college All-American Jack Crowder (Cowley Community College) brings springy legs, a twenty-one-point scoring average and a winning attitude. Also of note is Iowa transfer Tony Freeman, a 6-foot tall, 185-pound dynamo from Chicago. He will bring maturity and even more talent to the SIU club. Freeman was named all-Big Ten at Iowa his junior year.

New women's hoops coach Missy Tiber comes from a winning tradition. Her Division II Tusculum College club was rated fifth in the nation last year. Tiber has accumulated a 167-70 record, and she is determined to rebuild the struggling lady Dawg program into one of her run-and-gun-style juggernauts.

Tiber has recruited three potential stars to help her complete that task. The best of the three may be Eboni Crayton, a five-foot eight-inch pre-season junior-college All-American from Northeast Mississippi Community College. As an N.E.M. sophomore, she averaged 16.3 points, 6.7 rebounds and 2.1 assists per game.

Also in the mix are five-foot nine-inch freshmen Terri Oliver (18.9 points per game) from Taylor High, Illinois, and Renee Reed (17.6 points per game), a five-foot eight-inch guard from Covington, Tennessee.

If you have any spare time between class, pregame football carousing, and hitting the pub before basketball contests, the fall-winter-spring slate also contains cross-country, swimming, golf, and indoor track.

These so-called minor-sports have historically experienced major success at SIU even though their budgets are nowhere near basketball's and football's.

Men's cross-country runners captured their second-consecutive Missouri Valley Conference championship last fall. Leading the way for the Dawg runners this year will be senior All-American Jeff Schirmer.

The women's cross-country team is a work in process, finishing ninth in the Valley cross-country championships-- but the young squad may be competitive this fall.

Schirmer will also perform for the Saluki indoor- and outdoor-track teams, running the distance events with fellow senior-to-be Mohamed Mohamed. One of the Valley's top sprinters, senior Stevie Warren, also returns for both squads.

The women's team is always competitive, finishing first in the Missouri Valley Conference, both indoor and outdoor, in 2008. Head coach Connie Price-Smith, a four-time Olympian, is a heck of a recruiter.

Long jumper Bianca Stuart earned All-American honors last year as a senior. However, her graduation doesn't leave the cupboard bare. For example, returning sophomore jumper Malaikah Love of Carbondale consistently jumped past the nineteen-foot mark as a freshman.

Women's swimming and diving finished third last year in the Missouri Valley Conference and has a promising squad returning. The men's squad was fourth in the Sunbelt Conference Tournament. Longtime head Rick Walker coaches both teams.

Women's golf is rebuilding after an off year in 2009 (ninth in the Missouri Valley Conference). Coach Diane Daugherty reloaded for 2010 with two new freshmen stars. At the top of the list is Shaina Rennegarbe (Okawville High School, Illinois). Rennegarbe finished in third place at the Illinois State Tournament-- which, incidentally, is held at one of many fine Carbondale-area golf courses. Jenna Dombroski of Champaign also signed last November. She too was a state qualifier in the Illinois tournament.

The men's golf team had more success than the women's last season, finishing third in the Missouri Valley Conference under head coach Leroy Newton.

Newton signed Jake Erickson (Springfield, Illinois) and Jeff Miller (Centralia, Illinois) to restock his team. Miller finished fifth and Erickson fourth at state last spring.

In the spring, there is plenty of socializing going on in the right-field Hill area of Abe Martin Field. On game days, fans can set up their grills and drink the liquid socializers of their choice while watching coach Dan Callahan's Diamond Dawgs play on sunny afternoons.

The men were only 24-28 last spring, but finished 11-9 in the tough Missouri Valley Conference. They competed well down the stretch given that they were a very young club.

The team returns Chris Serritella (.325 average), who was a member of the Missouri Valley Conference All-Conference team as a freshman.

Callahan has recruited a star catcher in Austin Montgomery (Marion, Illinois), who hit .370 last year, and six-foot one-inch pitcher Aaron Snyder (Grayslake, Illinois), so the future is bright for baseball.

Kerri Blaylock's softball team had an off-year last season, going 32-24 and not making the NCAA tournament for the first time in ages. They usually win near forty games a season and are in the NCAA big dance, so last year was an anomaly.

In nine years as head coach, Blaylock has a 345-156 record, and she looks to get her team back on track for 2010. Last spring she picked up two recruits who will help her softball choo-choo start barreling toward post-season again.

Natalee Weissinger, a 2006 high-school softball All-American, transferred in from the University of Tennessee. Weissinger's power and fielding ability will make her a sure-fire starter. Blaylock also picked up a quality junior-college pitcher in Alex Peters, who went 20-9 with a 1.09 earned run average for Crowder Community College. Peters will join two other starters for the Dawgs next April.

Whether Obama passes his national-healthcare bill, you can still get your own socialized medicine free of charge as an SIU student.

Just think of your student I.D. as your Sports Medicare Card. Show it and start socializing. I.D. Services on the second floor of the Student Center issues students with the SIU I.D. card, which will get students into almost each and every Saluki sporting event for free. (Some restrictions may apply. Students may not opt out of the athletic fee to qualify for free tickets. They must pick up free tickets at the SIU Athletic Ticket Office during designated times. Tickets are subject to availability-- certain games, like men's basketball against conference rival Creighton University, usually sell out, and do so early. The NCAA usually won't allow free tickets to playoff games.)

For more information, visit <http://SIUSalukis.cstv.com>.