Currents 2016

Charting a course for the Riverbend

Copyright 2015 AdVantage News

NEWS

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Project Coordinator

Monica Bristow Research Coordinator

Debbie Hagen

Editor

Fred Pollard

Designer

Missy Long Writers

Louise Jett

Diane Cox

Bill Roseberry

Rebecca Steiner

Laura Reed

Photographers

Teri Dinnius

Diane Cox

GROWTHASSOCIATION.COM 2

Monica Bristow Growth Association President

It is with great pleasure that the RiverBend Growth Association presents its 2016 Community Profile magazine — Currents — as our opportunity to highlight the people and places that make the Riverbend special. We hope you’ll enjoy this new version and display and share it proudly in your business or home.

As both the Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development organization for the communities of the Riverbend, we take great pride in the area’s outstanding educational system, quality workforce, recreational and tourism attractions and, most importantly, our sense of community.

We continue to promote development opportunities in the Riverbend to the rest of the world through our website, www.GrowthAssociation.com and through economic development events and activities. We continue to build on our partnerships in the community that strengthen our workforce and educational system

and help small, mid-sized and large businesses compete in the local and global marketplace. We work closely with state, regional, county and local officials to develop new employment opportunities and keep our communities businessfriendly.

We are fortunate to have so many businesses with long histories that support the community. The Growth Association constantly strives to develop programs and events that will help our member businesses — large and small — and our community in general.

Thank you for your interest in the Riverbend, a community with so much to offer that we are proud to share it with visitors and future residents!

Sincerely,

Ad antage RiverBend GROWTH ASSOCIA TION Please recycle this product. | WELCOME Monica J. Bristow, President

LEWIS AND CLARK COMMUNITY COLLEGE

Lewis and Clark Community College is a two-year higher education institution with multiple campuses, a river research center, Community Education Centers and training centers dedicated to empowering people throughout the 220,439-person college district.

In addition to offering associate degrees and certificates in more than 40 career programs and numerous transfer options, the college has something for just about everyone, including College for Kids, a nationally accredited dual credit program for high school students, GED completion and Workforce and Safety Training. More than a dozen colleges and universities also offer bachelor and master degree programs on Lewis and Clark’s campus.

A national and state awardwinning standout among Illinois community colleges, L&C was founded in 1970 and currently serves approximately 20,000 students annually. The college employs more than 660 employees and adds $338.5 million in regional income annually, which represents 4.6 percent of the regional economy.

The Godfrey campus is also unique; known for its beautiful, historic location on the grounds of the former Monticello College, the second oldest all-female college in the nation. The campus features the Monticello Sculpture Gardens, which comprises 14 eye-catching sculptures and multiple fountains, and is a Signature Garden site for the Missouri Botanical Garden.

The historic N.O. Nelson campus was recently featured as one of Landmarks Illinois’ “20 Years, 20 Stories” to commemorate the 20th anniversary of its Most Endangered Historic Places program. The campus is now home to more than 1,500 students and numerous community events, as well as the St. Louis Confluence Fab Lab.

Lewis and Clark is dedicated to public engagement, from reducing

the college’s carbon footprint and encouraging sustainable practices and education, to delivering affordable healthcare to underserved populations through a Mobile Health Unit and an interprofessional, federally funded Family Health Clinic — still the only nurse managed clinic operated by a community college. 

FOR MORE INFORMATION: www.lc.edu/discover

MISSOURI BAPTIST UNIVERSITY ON THE CAMPUS OF LCCC

Missouri Baptist University (MBU) on the campus of Lewis & Clark Community College (LCCC) teaches, empowers and inspires students for service and lifelong learning!

MBU’s Regional Learning Center offers both select undergraduate and graduate degree programs on the beautiful and historic LCCC Godfrey campus. The MBU office, in stately Haskell Hall, enables meeting the needs of the students where they are. MBU is an active part of the LCCC community and activities.

Bachelor degree programs are available in Accounting, Business Management, Criminal Justice, Health Science, Human Services and Sports Management. Earn your associate degree with LCCC and bridge over to MBU to earn your bachelor degree

with maximum transfer credit. Attending MBU is financially smart as our students pay the lower LCCC tuition rate for up to 3 years of their bachelor’s program. The fourth year, students are granted a 59% tuition reduction from our main campus tuition schedule.

Graduate programs include the Master of Business Administration and the Master of Arts in Counseling. The MBA is a 36-semester hour program designed for continuing students and business professionals active in all disciplines. The MA in Counseling has two tracks — one leading to school counseling and the other to counselor licensure. Both programs prepare students to begin Psychological Examiner Certification.

Both undergraduate and graduate courses begin every 8 weeks. Classes meet one night per week on the LCCC campus.

Discover Saint Clare’s Villa

“Our location offers the special opportunity of a solid classroom education without traveling long distances each week, relocating or leaving your area employer. Pursuing your degree regionally with Missouri Baptist University is convenient, accessible and tailor-made to our Illinois lifestyle,” notes Dr. Loftin C. Woodiel, Director of MBU’s Regional Learning Center at LCCC.

Missouri Baptist University is a liberal arts institution and has as its purpose the offering of programs of study leading

to professional certificates, undergraduate degrees, and graduate degrees in an environment where academic excellence is emphasized. The University is committed to enriching its students’ lives and preparing students to serve in a global and culturally diverse society. Last year the university celebrated its 50th Anniversary. You’ve started the race, now “finish strong.” 

FOR MORE INFORMATION: www.mobap.edu/lccc

WE’RE GOIN’ UP AROUND THE BEND

By Diane Cox

Whether you’re a native of the Riverbend region or passing through, the Greater Alton area offers its variety of recreation, entertainment, dining and vacation options for locals as well as the occasional visitor.

If you have come to the Riverbend for a reason, a season or a lifetime, the Meeting of the Great Rivers offers amenities for long or short getaways for everyone.

What’s for dinner?

Whether you crave the unique menu at Jimmy the Greek’s Grecian Taverna or the home-style cooking of Geno’s 140 in Bethalto, the Riverbend is the place to visit to tickle the taste buds. Historic downtown Alton’s Third Street houses Chez Marilyn, Bossanova, Mac’s Time Out Lounge and

Tony’s Restaurant.

The Main Street Brewing Company came to Alton in the spring with beer lovers in mind. Catering to the desires of their fans and continuing to evolve their brews to attract new admirers is their top priority.

Old Bakery Beer Company rests in the footprints at 400 Landmarks Blvd., which served as the Colonial Bakery for nearly 100 years. Many of the finishings such as the original glazed brick of the bar’s backdrop from the bakery were kept, giving the space a rustic feeling.

Wood River’s Mama Mia’s rose from the ashes of a June 2014 fire to reopen during the 2015 summer, offering a wide variety menu at a reasonable price.

For the sweet tooth in all of us, Sweet Sisters Cakes and Confections and Good Knight Cupcakes and Cookies in Wood River and Alton’s My Just

Desserts continue to dazzle guests with their delectable preparations.

Shop till you drop!

July marked a new opportunity for the city of Alton as Hull Property Group announced its acquisition of Alton Square Mall, bringing stores like Ross to join Hibbett Sports and a newly renovated Maurice’s.

Another option ‘fore’ your celebration...

Another option ‘fore’ your celebration...

We now offer Banquet Facilities including:

We now offer Banquet Facilities including:

Along with Hibbett’s, Black’s Sporting Goods in Alton as well as Mallory’s in Wood River continue to provide sports supplies for young athletes and the young at heart in our region.

Family matters

• Sit-down or buffet style meals

• Sit-down or buffet style meals

• Onsite/Offsite Catering

• Onsite/Offsite Catering

During the past summer, the Alton Regional Convention

• Seating for up to 180 people

• Seating for up to 180 people

and Visitors Bureau, along with businesses throughout the community, joined together to create the first Kid’Cation as a way to say farewell to summer. Complete with a pirate cruise, scavenger hunts, haunted tours, cookie-eating contests and Raging Rivers Water Park

• Indoor/Outdoor Reservations

• Indoor/Outdoor Reservations

Another option “fore” your celebration...

Reserve your next birthday or anniversary celebration, bridal shower or reception...or any occasion with us and...

Reserve your next birthday or anniversary celebration, bridal shower or reception...or any occasion with us and...

We now o er banquet facilities including:

• Sit-down or bu et-style meals

• On-site or o -site catering

• Seating for up to 180 people

• Indoor or outdoor reservations

Reserve your next birthday or anniversary celebration, bridal shower or reception...or any occasion with us and...

Celebrate

Celebrate with a ‘view’!

Celebrate with a ‘view’!

Laura at Elijah P’s during the Rock the Hops event

free admissions, the 10-day event proved to be a success and offered a bounty of fun.

The village of Godfrey and The Fabulous Fox Theater mixed their magic to bring the Land of Oz to the Riverbend for the 16th season of the Great Godfrey Maze and welcomed weekend guests during September and October. The cornfield was fashioned into the iconic graphic image from the award-winning Broadway musical “Wicked.”

The city of Wood River hosted its seventh annual bike ramble and tallied record numbers for the family event. Riders enjoyed a special treat when the Wood River Aquatic center offered the pool to participants for a free evening swim after the ramble.

Night life

The Liberty Bank Amphitheater promised the 2015 season would be its best yet and it followed through with a star-studded lineup of locals and legends. Alison Krauss and Union Station featuring Jerry Douglas graced the stage to entertain a sold-out crowd.

The Wherehouse Project, a local Alton band, warmed the crowd before the United States Air Force Band took to the stage during the Alton Riverfront Fourth of July celebration. The flood waters may have been rising, but that didn’t keep record numbers from filling every available space at the river’s edge.

Country music recording artist Dwight Yoakam rocked

the crowd in July with his unique, rustic sound with songs like “Suspicious Minds” and “Second Hand Heart.”

The biggest surprise for the summer series was the huge success of Sauce Magazine’s Alton Food Truck Festival. The Liberty Bank Amphitheater overflowed with hordes of people ready to sample the tastes of more than a dozen food trucks from the region.

Legendary classic rock band Lynyrd Skynyrd left a sold-out crowd drenched after a hot Friday night performance on the riverfront in September. The band rocked well-loved songs like “Sweet Home Alabama” and “Gimme Three Steps.”

The Coors Light Music Fest welcomed local country band Broseph E. Lee to open for classic rocker Eddie Money.

The Alton Little Theater celebrates its 82nd season in 2015-2016 with a wide variety of shows for all ages. The performers had greased lightning in their veins in July when the company put on its rendition of Grease for a capacity crowd.

Haunted Tours

After decades of haunting stories whispered through the historic streets of Alton, a number of nationally known paranormal groups have taken shape to give experienced ghost hunters and rookies the thrill of a lifetime. Fans of the afterlife are offered a rare glance into the most famous haunted locations in the Midwest.

Alton’s Haunted Odyssey, formerly Antoinette’s Haunted History Tour, began in 1992 and consists of walking, trolley and dinner

tours. Guests are encouraged to attend with an open mind and take a trip back in time to the sites where spirits linger and psychic energy remains.

Alton Hauntings Tours offers an entertaining trip into unknown by taking visitors to the most authentic haunted places in Alton. The walking and bus tours are offered during the spring and summer and also the “Haunted Fall’ season and will visit locations such as The Old Alton Penitentiary, the First Unitarian Church and Enos Sanitarium.

The Mineral Springs Haunted Tours are headquartered at the Mineral Springs Mall, considered to be one of the most haunted locations in Alton.

The McPike Mansion continues to be a fan favorite in the area. 

Photo by Diane Cox

Lynyrd Skynyrd

HEAD START

2016 MARKS 100 YEARS OF EVOLUTION

By Diane Cox

In 1916 a group of civic-minded individuals created a family-oriented agency named Alton Public Welfare Council with a mission to help impoverished mothers care for their own children and provide care to people in their homes.

Beset by budget woes and the challenge of raising finances in a struggling economy, the council merged with the Alton Visiting Nurse Association in 1923, forming Associated Charities. During the onset of the depression in 1931, staff members from Associated Charities were borrowed by the Illinois Emergency Relief Commission and set up a warehouse to distribute clothes, shoes and blankets to area families. By 1936 the Associated Charities staff resumed their own mission of visiting nurses to senior citizens and mothers of newborn children. Continuing for nearly 20 years,

the organization became incorporated as a nonprofit and changed its name in 1954 to Family Service and Visiting Nurse Association to better reflect the services provided.

“As an agency we’ve encountered three major transitions over the last century,” Riverbend Head Start President Chuck Parr said. “Back in 1916 there were not social service agencies like we think of today. This began as a volunteer organization that had concerns and wished to work with mothers with newborn and young infants in their home.”

In 1978 the Family Service and

Visiting Nurse Association began providing counseling to adolescents and their families under contract with the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services, putting a focus on the family dynamic as a whole. In 1983, the association received a grant for the federal kindergarten readiness program called Head Start. Originally serving only eight communities and 380 families, it has extended to serve all of Madison County and more than 900 families.

Expanding in 1992, Head Start began a federal comprehensive child development program that broadened the kindergarten readiness services to include birth to 3-year-olds and expectant parents.

“Head Start is a family development program disguised as a child development program.”

Riverbend Head Start President Chuck Parr

“We focused primarily on Head Start and Early Head Start and became Riverbend Head Start and Family Services in 2000,” Parr said. “Head Start is working with low-income parents and children, so that brings us back to where we started 100 years ago to our original mission of working with impoverished families. We are not just a preschool; we offer so much more than that. A lot of children in low-income households also have health needs. We strive to make sure every child has physical and dental checkups as well as immunizations.”

The children enrolled with the

Head Start program follow a classroom schedule and curriculum to prepare them for the classroom experience when they reach kindergarten age.

The focus of Riverbend Head Start does not stop with the preparation and education of the children enrolled in the program; they also reach out to the parents, who are the focal point of the home.

“We try to work with parents to give them more tools to be successful,” Parr said. “A woman from the Bank of Edwardsville works with some of our clients to help them improve their credit so they can perhaps someday buy a home.

I think about 20 percent of our clients did not finish high school. We are working with Lewis and Clark College and SWIC to help those individuals get enrolled in the GED program as well as child training. Head Start is a family development program disguised as a child development program.”

Riverbend Head Start in Alton is located at 550 Landmarks Blvd. Anyone with questions concerning the program can call (618) 463-5946. 

OSF SAINT ANTHONY’S SISTERS’

MISSION OF PROVIDING QUALITY HEALTH CARE CONTINUES

OSF Saint Anthony’s has been rooted in the greater Alton community for 90 years.

Established by the Sisters of St. Francis of the Martyr St. George and now sponsored by the Sisters of the Third Order of St. Francis, the 203-bed health system operates with two main campuses — OSF Saint Anthony’s Health Center and OSF Saint Clare’s Hospital. And with a family of related services, River Bend residents count on the compassion and quality care that are unique to OSF Saint Anthony’s; where patients are treated with the greatest care and love in a community that celebrates the Gift of Life.

From a small infirmary to what is today a full-service, two-campus acute care health system, OSF Saint Anthony’s Health Center maintains its faith-based Mission by continuing to invest in medical and information technology and improve access for patients to primary care physicians and specialists — so individuals won’t have to travel miles to St. Louis for care and treatment.

On the OSF Saint Anthony’s campus near College Avenue and U.S. 67, stateof-the-art surgical suites, gastrointestinal center, medical/surgical units, cardiology services, pain management, a birthing center and advanced diagnostic and

imaging technology, highlighted by the accredited Breast Imaging Center of Excellence, are featured.

OSF Saint Anthony’s commitment to the community means providing quality care — day and night. At OSF Saint Anthony’s Emergency Department, ranked No. 1 in the nation by the Women’s Choice Award, the treatment team includes health care professionals who are committed to treating patients with the greatest care and love. A designated Primary Stroke Center, OSF Emergency Department utilizes teleneurology for individuals presenting with stroke symptoms and includes immediate access to board-certified, fellowship trained neurologists via telemedicine — day and night.

OSF Saint Anthony’s has also been acknowledged as a Top Performer on Key Quality Measures in the nation for delivering outstanding patient care by The Joint Commission, the nation’s leading authority on health care organizations. In addition, OSF Saint Anthony’s received an “A” grade safety rating from The Leapfrog Group for the fourth year in a row, which places the Alton hospital among the top-performing medical centers in the nation for its patient-safety standards.

OSF Saint Clare’s Hospital, a division

of the Health Center located near the Clark Bridge, has the area’s only inpatient acute rehabilitation unit that is accredited for stroke, plus an extended care unit, outpatient therapies which includes the area’s only certified lymphedema therapists, adult day services, sleep center, psychological and counseling services and wound care. The OSF Saint Clare’s campus is home to the Cancer Center of Excellence — the Alton area’s most experienced provider of cancer services.

OSF Home Care offers home health and hospice services, administered by a trained multi-disciplinary team of clinicians, that are offered to patients who are home-bound as well.

With a medical staff of 240 physicians, specialists and mid-level providers, OSF Saint Anthony’s Health Center provides local access to health care for area residents. Many physician offices are conveniently located on both the OSF Saint Anthony’s and OSF Saint Clare’s campuses, with same-day visits available for primary care.

The health system also offers simplified living for senior citizens at Saint Clare’s Villa, the area’s first hospitalbased supportive living facility. 

FOR MORE INFORMATION: www.osfsaintanthonys.org

SOUTHERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY EDWARDSVILLE

SIUE offers a vibrant campus life, outstanding faculty and easy access to the professional and cultural opportunities of metropolitan St. Louis. Built on the foundation of a broad-based liberal education, and enhanced by handson research and real-world experiences, the academic preparation SIUE students receive equips them to thrive in the global marketplace and make our communities better places to live. SIUE is home to a diverse student body of nearly 14,000, including students from 40 states and 45 nations.

The University awards

degrees in undergraduate and graduate programs encompassing the arts and sciences; nursing; education, health and human behavior; business and engineering. The Schools of Dental Medicine and Pharmacy award doctor’s first professional degrees in dental medicine (DMD) and in pharmacy (PharmD).

SIUE offers students the benefits and resources of a large university and the personal attention of a small, private college. SIUE is ranked nationally for the excellence of its programs:

• U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges of 2015 lists SIUE among the best Regional Universities Midwest for the

11th consecutive year and among the top 15 public universities in that category. The overall scores are based on the academic preparedness of students, graduation rates, faculty characteristics and the reputation of SIUE in higher education.

• U.S. News also lists SIUE among the 2015 “Up and Coming” among Midwest regional universities for making innovative changes in

the areas of academics, faculty, student life and campus/ facilities. A total of 20 regional universities made the list; SIUE is one of only five public institutions to be recognized.

• For the first time, SIUE climbed into Washington Monthly’s Top 40 for master’s universities in the nation. SIUE is first among all master’s institutions in Illinois on the national magazine’s list. This is the fifth consecutive year SIUE

has been listed. Washington Monthly evaluates an institution’s “contribution to the public good” in three broad categories: Social

Mobility, Research and Service.

• SIUE received the 2014 Higher Education Excellence

in Diversity (HEED) award from INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine, the oldest and largest diversity-focused publication in higher

education. 

FOR MORE INFORMATION: www.siue.edu

MARKING THREE DECADES OF INSTILLING INDEPENDENCE

By Diane Cox

IMPACT-Center for Independent Living recognized its 30th anniversary with a fundraising banquet celebration at Julia’s Banquet Center.

“We are a nonprofit organization that promotes pride and respect of people with disabilities by sharing the tools that are necessary to promote independent living and advocacy,” IMPACT Executive Director Cathy Contarino said. “We offer care counseling, mentoring, skills training and referrals. One major part of our organization is to teach self-advocacy so people with disabilities know their own rights so they can protect themselves.”

The fundraising celebration offered an opportunity to network, enjoy dinner, participate in a silent auction, see a video, hear success stories and socialize.

“We offer so many services and

provide so many options to people with disabilities or for families who have a disabled loved one,” Contarino said. “Many people don’t know that it’s required that 51 percent of our staff and board have some sort of disability. When we speak, we speak from our experience.”

Located in Alton, one service IMPACT offers is skills training for people who would like to be a personal assistant to a person with a disability. People interested in becoming a personal assistant can apply for training at IMPACT and if approved, would be trained to fulfill a client’s particular need.

“What’s great about the program is if we have a client in need, we can train a person for that particular need,” Contarino said. “It’s personalized and no prior education or experience is necessary. 

FOR MORE INFORMATION: www.impactcil.org

ALTON MEMORIAL HOSPITAL

Since 1937, Alton Memorial Hospital has cared for countless people in Alton and the surrounding communities.

Sisters Ellen Hatch and Eunice Smith donated funds and a portion of their family estate to build a community hospital that opened its doors Nov. 15, 1937. They were visionaries with the expectation that the hospital they founded would be “laid out according to the best modern principles.”

Sitting on 100 beautifully landscaped wooded acres in historic Alton, the hospital has continued to expand in size and services to fulfill its mission of improving the health of the people and communities it serves.

Today, AMH is a full-service, acutecare hospital, accredited by the Joint Commission with approximately 900 employees and 206 beds serving patients in a five-county area. More than 225 physicians in 32 specialties make up the hospital’s medical staff. Alton Memorial was named the safest hospital in Illinois and third-safest hospital in the United States by an

article in Consumer Reports magazine.

Alton Memorial offers patients a variety of inpatient and outpatient services, including surgery services, medical imaging, interventional and diagnostic heart services, cancer care, digestive health services, physical therapy, rehabilitation, 24-hour emergency care and ambulance services, including a full-time transport team on site from St. Louis Children’s Hospital with a mobile intensive care unit (MICU) and helicopter.

Earlier this year, Alton Memorial opened the Women’s Health and Childbirth Center. The $2 million renovation and expansion project was needed to accommodate more moms choosing the hospital as a location to deliver. In 2010, the hospital opened the Duncan Wing, which houses 76 stateof-the-art private rooms. The major $45 million expansion project quickly changed the face of how health care is delivered in the River Bend area. From the original building in 1937, which is now the Smith Wing, the hospital has also added the Olin Wing (1959), the Hatch Wing (1966), the Beeby Wing (1977) and

the Platt Wing (1994).

In addition to the hospital, Alton Memorial operates Eunice Smith Home, a freestanding, 62-bed long-term care and skilled nursing facility, on the hospital campus. The Cancer Care Center opened in 2005, providing the opportunity for radiation oncology without leaving the area. One medical office building opened in 1980 and a second one opened in late 2011, providing patients with several doctors’ offices on the campus, including the new Outpatient Cancer and Infusion Center.

Since the 1990s, Alton Memorial has been a member of BJC HealthCare, one of the nation’s largest health care organizations with annual net revenues of $3.2 billion and more than 26,000 employees in the greater St. Louis, southern Illinois and mid-Missouri regions. BJC HealthCare serves patients and their families in urban, suburban and rural communities through its 13 hospitals and multiple community health locations. 

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

RESIDENTS MARK 135TH BIRTHDAY OF HISTORIC BUILDING’S NAMESAKE

By Diane Cox

The 135th birthday of Lucy Jane Haskell, the daughter of Dr. William A. and Florence Hayner Haskell, was celebrated by more than 500 people at the Lucy Haskell playhouse on Henry Street in Alton. Lucy’s grandfather, John E. Hayner, built the playhouse in 1885 as a gift for her fifth birthday.

Part of the celebration included the 130th anniversary of the playhouse, which was in the final stages of renovations after months of fundraising and piece-by-piece work.

“We’ve been having these celebrations every year for the last 12 years,” Haskell

Playhouse Committee chairman Carolyn Dooley said. “We’ve enjoyed having a free community birthday party that resembles Lucy’s fifth birthday party with pony rides, lawn bowling and bean bag games. It’s amazing to me that today’s children enjoy those Victorian time period games as much as they do with all the technology they have today.”

Music, ice cream and lemonade were served along with a birthday cake donated by Duke Bakery. Ryan Hanlon helped organize and achieve the $50,000 fundraiser to restore Lucy’s playhouse and his daughter Audrey dressed in period clothing to represent Lucy Haskell and blow out the cake’s candles.

Battuello President

Lucy Jane Haskell died March 27, 1890, at the age of 9 of “black diphtheria” just four years after the playhouse was built.

Following the death of Florence Hayner Haskell in 1932, Alton city officials learned she had bequeathed the large house, the playhouse and 6.4 acres of ground to the city, to be used as a playground and facility for children. The playhouse is to be retained forever in memory of Lucy Jane Haskell.

“In many ways I believe that Mrs. Haskell would be pleased because the property is used as she hoped, for the joy of children in the community,” Dooley said. “We’re discussing options for the main house from time to time and have a lot of ideas for it.”

“So many people worked so hard to get the playhouse ready for the party and it looked beautiful. Lucy’s house is centered toward kids and families in memory of Lucy,” Dooley said. 

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

“Friends of Haskell Park” or playhouse tab at www.alton-il.com

ALTONIANS SHARE MEMORIES OF THE ‘GENTLE GIANT’

Sometimes, a heart is just too big to fit inside a regular-size body. Senior citizens who have fond memories of the “Gentle Giant” shared anecdotes with younger Alton residents during the Alton Museum of History and Art’s commemoration of Robert Pershing Wadlow on the 75th anniversary of his death.

The celebration began with visitors taking a tour of the memorial inside the museum before spilling out onto the site of the Robert Wadlow memorial statue on College Avenue. The exhibit looked into Robert’s personal life and childhood, featuring items such as the young man’s shoes and high school cap and gown as well as charts and photos chronicling his life. The photos of Robert towering over his family and classmates are just as striking and unusual as they were on the day they were taken.

A documentary, “The Story of Robert,” delighted guests as they took a journey through the story of the man who will forever be one of the most popular entries in the Guinness Book of World Records for his 8-foot-11-inch frame.

Robert was born Feb. 22, 1918, in Alton. Hyperplasia of the pituitary gland, which causes abnormally high human growth hormone, caused him to weigh in at a whopping 30 pounds by 6 months of age and tower over his father by age 8.

The film included interviews with some of Robert’s former teachers, who recalled how he had trouble fitting comfortably in his desk at Milton Elementary School.

Robert and his parents were given the option to correct the abnormality but decided against the surgery, as it had the potential to cause more dangerous

health concerns.

Although the disorder was impossible not to notice, it certainly did not prevent a normal and healthy life. As a child, Robert was a member of the Boy Scouts and later joined the Freemasons. He also earned his nickname of the “Gentle Giant” thanks to his easygoing nature, kindness and generosity, and positive outlook in the midst of challenge and chronic pain.

After graduating from Alton High School in 1936, he enrolled at Shurtleff College, intending to study law.

In 1940, a leg brace caused an irritation that turned into an infection, causing the young man’s death at the age of 22.

In 1986, a statue of Robert was erected across the street from the museum, further engraving his life and legacy indelibly into the story of Alton.

Following the film, visitors gathered at the statue to listen to guest speakers, including museum president Brian Combs and local author Dan Brannan, who penned the biography “Boy Giant” in 2003.

“I don’t think Robert will ever be forgotten,” Brannan said.

Pastor Debra Hoertel of Main Street Methodist Church, where Wadlow was a member, also spoke. Although the church is no longer in the same building as it was when Robert attended, it honors him with photos in the lobby and fellowship area, Wadlow Hall. Hoertel conducted a brief memorial service, followed by a prayer to honor Robert.

Following the service, several members of the Freemasons from the Franklin Lodge, where Robert was a member, spoke. They described how although his membership was not very long, it certainly was memorable. The lodge required that members be 21 to join, and his death at age 22 ended his time with the Masons rather quickly. Within that year, however, Robert attained the degree of Master Mason.

Robert is buried in the Upper Alton Cemetery alongside his father and brother.

Metropolis may have the claim as the birthplace of Superman, but Alton will always be the home to our own Boy Wonder. 

He earned his nickname of the “Gentle Giant” thanks to his easygoing nature, kindness and generosity, and positive outlook in the midst of challenge and chronic pain.

GENUINELY AUTHENTIC FILMMAKER KNOWN FOR CAPTURING

HEART AND SOUL OF SUBJECTS

By Diane Cox

Passion for filmmaking began at a young age for Alton native Ryan Hanlon when he visualized a scene and directed his friends while role-playing on the hill in the back yard of his parents’ home on Milton Road.

“It’s amazing looking at that hill now and how small it seems,” Hanlon said. “When we were kids, me and my friend Ben Alfred would be up on that hill that seemed like a mountain playing with toy guns. We didn’t just play, I would act like I was directing a scene. Ben would really get into it; he thought it was fun and played along. That was some of my earliest memories of acting or directing.”

After graduating from Marquette Catholic High School in 1995, he received

his degree in video production from Webster University in 1999. Hanlon quickly understood his dreams took him beyond the current technology.

“The Internet was just becoming more accessible,” Hanlon said. “DSLR cameras didn’t exist yet. I reflect on that now and how crazy I was to take that direction or that my parents let me. There were no jobs in that field at that time. I was trying to figure out what I was going to do with my life. Out of the blue, my brother Pat asked me to go with him to Ireland for eight days.”

During their time in Ireland, Hanlon’s brother encouraged him to take 90 days to experience life before entering the grind of the working world with the pressure to repay student loans. That conversation prompted his return to Ireland with childhood friend Ben Alfred for an additional six months.

“At the time his advice didn’t seem so profound,” Hanlon said. “When I look back on that now, what incredible, bigbrother advice to give. I began asking myself how am I supposed to become a filmmaker or an actor. I decided to give it six months. I’d take my head shots and demo reel and maybe I’ll be the young

American in Dublin that gets that one acting gig. I thought perhaps I’ll work for a production company over there and that would be a great conversation starter when I return to the states. I had to find something that was different and unique to make myself marketable.”

After returning home, Hanlon found audio-visual work in St. Louis in the hotel business, but still had the urge to act and direct film. Having the opportunity to transfer through his company, Hanlon made the move to San Diego while attempting a long-distance relationship with his girlfriend, Laura. She eventually joined him out west, but the two returned to marry in Dogtown with an Irish wedding that included bagpipes and Irish dancers. After the birth of their son Connor, they decided to return to the Midwest to raise their family.

Hanlon worked his way through the hotel business, landing at the Four Seasons in St. Louis when his daughter Audrey arrived. After talking with his friend Michael Gebben about the Ozark Trail Association, the pair decided to do a promotional video to help the organization. Thrilled with their first attempt as partners, the two ultimately joined forces under Gebben’s company, GebbTV.

After three years of working with Gebben, Hanlon felt the urge to break away to take his own leap of faith and go into business for himself and a brand that is all his own. Route 3 Films was born. Hanlon’s initial concept for his company was to help schools, non-profits, restaurants, hotels and businesses with promotional videos and marketing strategies.

“I came up with the concept of Route

3 because that is the road that leads from my parents’ home in Alton where I grew up to where I live now,” he said. “I’ve always loved the old classic shop trucks, old railroad signs that had reflective dots and highway signs and that’s how we came up with the Route 3 logo. Old Illinois Route 3, to me, is about going home.”

Throughout Hanlon’s career, he’s had the words genuine, real, unscripted and authentic surround his style of work. His methods in film production are designed to find the soul of the project and grasp life. Through taking the time to get to know his clients before the first interview begins, Hanlon is able to capture the true essence of his subject and share it with the world. 

FOR MORE INFORMATION: www.route3films.com

“Old Illinois Route 3, to me, is about going home.”

Photo by Diane Cox

BELLE STREET KEY SERVICE

A CUT ABOVE THE REST

By Louise Jett

For 60 years, Belle Street Key Service has been the go-to locksmith in the Riverbend area. Bonded, licensed and fully insured, the business continues to deliver in key areas, including expertise and customer service.

“We are the only walk-in locksmith storefront in the Alton-Godfrey-Bethalto area, but we don’t try to act like it,” Owner Joe Scyoc said. “We try to work

with our customers to provide services that are costeffective and convenient.”

Scyoc’s father and mother, the late David D. Scyoc and Mary E. Scyoc, began the business in conjunction with a Phillips 66 filling station in 1955. Over time, the business has slowly moved up Belle Street in Alton and once even shared a building with Astroth’s Cafeteria.

“Dad was an entrepreneur,” Scyoc said. “He stocked the store with keys, locks, fishing bait/equipment and ice cream. He liked to sell things. We moved to our current location at 620 Belle Street in 1963. We lived upstairs, above the shop, when I was a teenager. Eventually, I began to run the business, and we stopped selling bait and fishing equipment.”

Minus the fishing bait and ice cream, Scyoc continues to pride himself on the value of products and services he supplies, which include key duplication, lock repair, dead bolt installation, key repair, rekeying and more.

“Rekeying locks to have one key operation, for the home or business, is a priority of ours,” Scyoc said. “We have a mobile service truck that is capable of providing most of our services in one visit.”

Belle Street Key Services also sells hydraulic door closers and deadbolts, while housing a wide selection of in-stock, blank keys, including antique and rare key blanks. All of which can normally be cut while a costumer waits.

“You can be assured we will get the job done quickly and correctly,” Scyoc said. “The keys we cut typically work very well, and we are very sensitive to people’s needs and privacy.”

Scyoc employs an expert in auto opening, Mark Thomas, and also can duplicate automobile, motorcycle and RV keys. The business performs some safe combination services, too.

“Customers turn to us when they’ve exhausted other avenues,” Scyoc said. “We have the expertise and experience to provide a variety of key services based on our customers’ needs.”

Those wanting more information can call Belle Street Key Service at (618) 462-5855 or visit the business’s Facebook page.

“Family-owned and operated, we happily serve homes and businesses,” Scyoc said. “So, if you’re locked out or need to lock someone out, please give us a call or stop by.” 

PREPARING OUR FUTURE LEADERS

Despite state cuts and an ongoing need to come up with creative ways to save music, fitness and other valuable programs, school districts in the Riverbend continue to build a strong foundation for area youth and provide high quality education for our future Metro East leaders.

Elementary education in the area is vital, innovative and exciting, and children are taught respect, confidence, and how to turn their dreams into reality.

The Alton Community School District 11, the largest of the area’s districts, boasts 90 classrooms in its high school, along with a stateof-the-art auditorium, gymnasium, and athletic and marching band fields. Eunice Smith, Gilson Brown, Lewis and Clark, Lovejoy, North, West, and East Elementary, along with the Early Childhood Center and the Motivational Achievement Center, serve the Alton community with the shaping and molding of young minds.

Alton’s four parochial schools add Christian teachings and principles to the mix. Marquette Catholic High School, founded

by the Ursuline Sisters in 1927, has undergone a rebirth in the last year or two, with increased enrollment and renovations.

St. Mary’s, Ss. Peter and Paul School, and Mississippi Valley Christian School also continue to thrive. Godfrey adds Evangelical Elementary, Faith Lutheran School, and St. Ambrose Catholic School to the area’s parochial offerings, and Bethel Christian Academy in South Roxana provides a Christian-based alternative for students through high school.

Roxana and South Roxana are served by Roxana Community School District 1. Roxana High School has seen multi-million dollar improvements in recent years. The Jersey Community School District 100 serves all of Jersey County, including the village of Elsah and the city of Grafton. East Alton Elementary School District 13 and Wood River-Hartford School District 15 serves students living in East Alton, Hartford and Wood River. Bethalto School District 8 has seen extensive laptop initiative progression and renovations in recent years. 

MARQUETTE CONTINUES TO GROW

When it comes to Marquette Catholic High School, onward and upward continues to be the trend.

With this year’s enrollment number at 430, the school marks its eighth straight year of increased enrollment.

“That is an 83 percent increase from 2007,” says MCHS Principal Michael Slaughter, who has been with the school since 1979 and has served as principal since 2005. “For the fifth straight year, our ACT scores are up, and the average number of college credits our students graduate with continues to go up, as well.

Last year, the school also completed a fundraising program that generated $3 million for new restrooms, the commons area, air-conditioning units, electrical work and a renovated gymnasium. Continuing with the iPad program, three classes are working electronically, with plans to make the program available to the entire school by next year.

“We still use textbooks as well, so it is a blended curriculum,” Slaughter says.

MCHS was founded by the Ursuline Sisters in 1927 and was the first coeducational secondary school in the diocese. In 1992, the Sisters gave up their sponsorship of Marquette, Bishop Daniel Ryan bought the school under the sponsorship of the Diocese of Springfield in Illinois.

In 2007, Bishop George Lucas transferred ownership to the Marquette School Board, making Marquette an “independent” Catholic high school. 

FOR MORE INFORMATION: www.marquettecatholic.org

Roxana Community High School

Alton Community Unit School District #11

The Alton School District serves the communities of Alton, Godfrey and Foster Township. Touted for a tradition of academic and extracurricular excellence, the Alton School District offers an outstanding K-12 curriculum that focuses on the success of every student. Extensive fine arts, athletic and extracurricular activities also provide students with opportunities to build leadership and teamwork skills. For additional information on the Alton School District, please call 618-474-2600.

Alton Community Unit School District #11 1854 East Broadway, Alton IL 62002 618-474-2600

www.altonschools.org

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ALTON A SHINING STAR ON THE MISSISSIPPI

Following in the footsteps of the many great historical events that have put Alton on the map since its inception in 1837, the community continues to make history. Alton was chosen as the future stop and start location for the St. Louis region for high-speed rail from Chicago. A $20 million federal grant will make this dream a reality for the community, which is expected to see completion of the Alton Regional Multi-Modal Transportation Center in Dec. 2016.

Located at Robert Wadlow Town Centre, the goal of this new infrastructure is to build a modern, regional, multimodal transportation facility serving the residents of the St. Louis Metropolitan area north of Interstate 270. There is also an opportunity for development at the 30 surrounding acres at the site. A groundbreaking was held in 2014 and construction commenced in spring 2015.

Alton remains the most populous community within the Riverbend, with a population near 28,000, and continues to attract visitors from throughout the country because of its rich history and continually developed riverfront. Argosy Casino Alton and the Liberty Bank Alton Amphitheater on the Mississippi Banks attract visitors from far and wide. Alton boasts an always-bustling Marina. Alton is also a docking location for riverboat cruise ships, which is a boon for downtown merchants and restaurants.

Visitors also relish downtown and Upper Alton’s antique shops, which attract people from near and far to their quaint storefronts full of good finds. Restaurants are also an attraction in Alton. Added to the already popular and diverse selection of eateries is a new 33,000-square-foot microbrewery, restaurant and banquet area planned on Hwy 67.

In the last five years, Alton has witnessed hundreds of vacant commercial spaces put back into productive use, continual development at the Alton Center Business Park and

the completion of the $10 million SIUE Dental School update and lab expansion.

As new developments continue in Alton, the American Legion Regional Tournament came to town in 2015 and will return in 2016, bringing thousands of visitors to the community with an expected economic impact of $750,000. The city of Alton will be making modifications and improvements at Gordon Moore Park to accommodate the tournaments and their impact on the community as the ballplayers compete for a spot at the American Legion World Series.

Proving to also be a great place to raise a family, Alton offers both public and private school options and a wealth of viable housing choices. Continual infrastructure improvements are planned for Alton in the coming years, promising improvements to parks and public works.

Three hospitals continue to serve the community — Alton Memorial Hospital, OSF Saint Anthony’s Hospital and its affiliate Saint Clare’s Hospital.

Whether you live in Alton or are simply visiting, one of its proudest attributes is its history. Monuments mark the site of the final debate between Abraham Lincoln and Stephen Douglas in 1858; celebrate the life of Elijah Lovejoy, martyr of the freedom of the press who published a paper in Alton and was killed for his views; and show the stature of Robert Wadlow, the world’s tallest man who lived in Alton and was buried in Alton. The newest addition is a sculpture of jazz great Miles Davis located in Alton’s downtown entertainment district. 

Photo by Danette Watt

WELCOME HOME!

Athriving community in Madison County, Bethalto has been a chartered village since 1869 and today has nearly 10,000 residents that proudly call Bethalto home.

Boasting the St. Louis Regional Airport, Bethalto conveniently sits at the intersection of State Routes 140 and 111. Illinois 255, located on the west side of the Village, opened in 2006 creating a convenient route to nearby St. Louis or to the northern end of the Riverbend.

If you want to raise a family in a safe and nurturing environment, look no further than Bethalto. The police department provides one of the safest and lowest crime communities in the area. The fire department offers advanced life support services along with the best insurance grade available for a volunteer department, and the public works agency recently opened a state-of-the-art water plant. The Bethalto Community Unit School District #8 offers kindergarten through high school grade classes, and two parochial schools are available to preschool through eighth-grade students.

Bethalto has something for all ages. Amenities that make Bethalto so special include a fine public library, a Boys and Girls Club, public swimming pool, tennis and

basketball courts, numerous parks and playgrounds and even a historical museum complete with an original log cabin circa 1860 on-site!

Bethalto is known for its sports enthusiasts. Its sports complex consists of three soccer fields, a football field and nine baseball/ softball fields that provide a home to the Civic Memorial High School baseball and softball teams and our Bethalto American Legion Baseball Team. Additionally, there are four baseball fields and facilities at Southside Park that host Bethalto’s youth recreational baseball and football programs.

If you like to have fun, Bethalto is your place. It is famous for the Annual Labor Day Weekend Homecoming in Central Park. Established to celebrate the return of servicemen from World War I, the carnival-like event is filled with rides, food, drink and musical entertainment and is more than 90 years old. Another popular event is Family Fun Day which is held every September at Bryant Park in Bethalto. This is a family-oriented afternoon

consisting of bounce houses, children’s activities, music, food and loads of fun. Best of all, everything is free!

There are also several new, exciting developments underway in Bethalto. Construction has begun on a new facelift for the municipal pool and a splash pad, both of which will be ready for next pool season. Several new residential developments, singlefamily homes and condominiums are being developed with more growth anticipated in the future. A large commercial development is planned at the Illinois Route 140 and IL-255 Interchange. Housing is conveniently available for all income levels, ranging from apartment living to large single family homes. Options in senior living range from condominiums to a senior living facility.

Come and experience Bethalto . . . where it always feels like home. 

FOR MORE INFORMATION: www.bethalto.com

EAST ALTON A PIONEER IN PROGRESS

The Village of East Alton was established in 1893 and is home to more than 6,000 residents. East Alton covers approximately 5.7 square miles with a unique blend of residential, commercial and industrial properties. East Alton is located along the Mississippi River and provides great access to IL 255 and Interstate 270 for both commerce and travel.

Centrally located in the Riverbend, East Alton is a short distance from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, Lewis & Clark Community College and St. Louis Regional Airport. For the world traveler, East Alton is also located within an hour of LambertSt. Louis International Airport, an international airport serving the Greater St. Louis Area. It also has its own library, and fire and police protection.

Serving the citizens of the Village has always been a top priority for East Alton. The men and women of the East Alton Fire Department, Police Department, Public Works, Parks and Recreation, Village Hall, East Alton School District and Library District take great pride in serving the needs of their community.

East Alton is comprised of single-family homes, multifamily apartments and two multi-story high-rise dwellings. Housing has been a priority for

the past decade with 90 new single-family homes built, with 46 of those in Emerald Ridge and another 44 scattered throughout East Alton.

East Alton is home to several hundred businesses including Olin Corporation, Global Brass and Copper and Ameren IP, all of which are located on the banks of the Mississippi River adjacent to Lock and Dam 26, IL Rt. 3.

Recreation and community activities are a priority for East Alton. Its parks and Keasler Recreation Complex host multiple soccer and baseball programs for youth of all ages. The Parks and Recreations Department also places a high priority on adult and senior citizens services. The community has several programs catering to their needs and entertainment, including the popular Halloween Dinner Dances and Easter Luncheons. The East Alton Ice Arena is the only arena in town that hosts grade school and high school leagues, while also serving college games and adult leagues. The arena also offers figure skating and open sessions for the public to enjoy.

From the beautiful parks to blossoming economic developments, East Alton has a lot to offer. 

FOR MORE INFORMATION: www.eastaltonvillage.org

Keasler Complex

Emerald Ridge

Photo by Diane Cox

ELSAH A SPECIAL PLACE TO BE

Traveling the Great River Road to Elsah is an enjoyable, relaxing experience. The Village of Elsah’s entrance is in the valley at the base of Mount Radiance, one of the high limestone bluffs that form much of the Mississippi shoreline in the Riverbend area. Elsah’s municipal limits include the valley and the bluffs to the east, and although many enjoy the sights and sounds of the Great River Road to get to there, Elsah can also be reached from the north off Highway 3, as well as from the east on Beltrees Road.

Looking to relax and enjoy the surroundings? Elsah’s Fountain Square Park is a nice place to have a picnic with friends or take a stroll through the Village Historic District. You can also visit The Elsah Museum, open 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday from April through October to get a glimpse into Elsah’s past. Elsah also offers Farley’s Music Hall, owned and operated by Historic Elsah Foundation. Farley’s is a perfect venue for community dances, wedding receptions, speaker presentations and other community events. Rental information is available at www.historicelsah.org.

The Elsah Civic Center encompasses two buildings; the contemporary section to the north offers meeting space and a kitchen for Village meetings and community activities, while the Village Government offices and a smaller meeting room occupy the adjoining 1857 Elsah School Building. Rental information for the Elsah Civic Center

may be obtained from the Village Clerk at elsah.clerk@gmail.com.

Many residents enjoy the quality of life in Elsah, with quiet neighborhoods and a true sense of a close-knit community. With a convenient commute, residents have easy access to employment in Jersey County, the Alton area and St. Louis. Children in the area attend schools in Jersey Community School District.

People from near and far visit Elsah each year, soak up its charm and visit nearby Grafton or other area communities. Guests have the opportunity to stay at one of the Village’s two bed and breakfasts: The Green Tree Inn or The Maple Leaf Cottage Inn. Each bed and breakfast offers its own unique style, while both feature home cooking, free use of bicycles, beautiful gardens and excellent guest hospitality. The Green Tree Inn is the proud recipient of Trip Advisor’s Certificate of Excellence for the last two years. They also offer an on-site gift and antique shop. The Maple Leaf Cottage Inn has been providing comfortable and affordable lodging since 1949. The Garden House is almost 100 years old and The Wash House dates back to the 1800s. The ambiance of history engulfs your senses. The heart of Elsah resides here. Be sure to check out their websites for full details: www.greentreeinnelsah. com and www.mapleleafcottageinn.com.

A visit to the Elsah General Store is truly like taking a step back in time. This beautiful little store captures the feeling of a simpler time while offering an array of groceries, old time candies, vintage

bottled sodas, jams and jellies, nostalgic toys, collectibles and freshly baked items from the area’s favorite spots.

The Village of Elsah is such a special place to experience — you may never want to leave! 

The Maple Leaf Cottage Inn

population and continued improvements and expansions taking place at the campus, Lewis & Clark Community College is a beacon for growth in the community.

Godfrey is home to one of the nation’s premier leaders in care for people with disabilities — Beverly Farm. With more than 380 residents and nearly 500 area employees, it is one of the Village’s largest employers.

One of Godfrey’s biggest fall attractions is the Great Godfrey Maze. People from all over visit Godfrey each year for this exciting adventure — a giant maze of corn at Robert E. Glazebrook Park that visitors get lost in every fall for fun. The 2015 season of the Great Godfrey Maze was its 16th year in operation and was an overwhelming success as a joint partnership with the Fabulous Fox Theatre to promote the return of WICKED. During the season, the maze

was in the shape of the iconic WICKED logo and attracted maze-lovers from throughout the country to see this spectacular feature.

“The Fabulous Fox Theatre called us and asked about working together

mirror WICKED’s logo.”

Godfrey is also celebrating several other successes from the 2015 year, including a new Facebook page where the village can promote events going on in the community, communicate better with the community and coordinate better with their main website. Godfrey is celebrating several economic successes including bringing in new businesses, the progression of residential developments and hiring a new economic developer for Godfrey.

to create a promotional event for the return of the show,” explained Kimberly Caughran, parks and recreation director for the Village of Godfrey. “We were excited to get the call and to have the unique opportunity to promote an event with our Great Godfrey Maze. Our maze is a 7-acre adventure that was cut to

“Good things are happening in Godfrey. My hopes for the future are to continue to bring income to the village, and keep our developments progressing,” said Mayor Michael McCormick. 

FOR MORE INFORMATION: www.godfreyil.org

Photo by Daniel Leininger

A BEAUTY ON THE RIVER AND A BEACON OF OPPORTUNITY

Grafton is a picturesque small community nestled between the Illinois and Mississippi Rivers and beautiful limestone bluffs that runs the length of the National Scenic Byway along Route 100. Alan Solomon of the Chicago Tribune named the Great River Road “one of the ten greatest drives in the nation.” One U.S. Congressman visiting Grafton remarked, “I can’t believe that you have so many beautiful homes and condominiums, a marina, wineries, gift shops and restaurants. For a small city this place is unbelievable.”

Tourists come to visit

The Loading Dock

Grafton’s charming historic riverfront town to enjoy wineries, dining establishments, shops, canopy zip-lining and parasailing. Grafton is home to a variety of riverfront activities such as fishing, boating, water sports, bird watching, photography, hiking, Raging Rivers WaterPark and a “5 anchor” marina — the highest award given to a marina. If you’re visiting Grafton and find too much fun to leave, check out one of the charming overnight places to stay. They’ll make you feel like a friend of the family.

Adding to its charm, a new indoor ice skating rink will open in Grafton at the Loading Dock, giving families and groups another experience in a city that invites you to explore one adventure after another, all year long.

For those who love nature and want to share in all of Grafton’s glory, fall is one of its most magnificent times of the year. The trees steal the show with beautiful fall foliage that attracts thousands of people to this small community annually.

Grafton’s Main Street, which includes a self-guided walking tour, is listed on the National

Historic Register with many examples of 19th century architecture. The business community continues to grow and expand as does the residential community. Grafton was awarded two “Governor Home Town Awards” for their community’s quality of life. The friendly city located on the National Scenic Byway offers a variety of residential opportunities from upscale condominiums and villas to a beautiful residential community located in a park-like setting out of the flood plain.

Those who call Grafton home say it feels like they are on vacation because they live in such an attractive community. The quality and variety of real estate has attracted residents from all over. No matter where you travel, there is no experience like returning home to a serene, beautiful community.

Grafton is truly an exciting place to visit and a great place to live. Guests are invited to visit for a weekend, or stay for a lifetime. 

FOR MORE INFORMATION: www.enjoygrafton.com

The Stone Cottage, Grafton’s oldest original structure

HARTFORD

A HEARTWARMING PLACE TO LIVE!

The Village of Hartford is wonderfully located along Route 3 in Illinois, between the Lewis and Clark Historic Site #1 and the meeting of the Great Rivers Museum. Beautifully situated where the Mississippi River and the Missouri rivers meet, it’s only a short 30-minute drive northeast of St. Louis. There’s so much historical significance in Hartford, it’s easy to see why many call it “home.” The rich history and the spectacular views make the Village of Hartford a tourist destination and mecca for development opportunities.

Proudly boasting the 180-foot Lewis and Clark Confluence Tower perched at the confluence of the two great rivers, this 60-acre Lewis and Clark Commerce Center is not to be missed. Whether you reside nearby or within Hartford, anyone experiencing the Riverbend should take advantage of this amazing complex. Events are overflowing at the Confluence Tower throughout the year, including a magical “Frozen” journey that transported guests through Elsa’s ice castle, where Anna and Elsa delighted over 600 visitors. Classic car cruises, a Super Moon viewing party with a local astronomer and Halloween party are just some of the amazing events drawing over 75,000 visitors from all over the world.

Another example of prime real estate in Hartford is Jefferson Gardens, which is also located on the tower grounds. The garden showcases plants discovered during the Lewis and Clark expedition as well as an abundance of outdoor activities. As the seasons change, beautiful blooming trees set the stage for a variety of outdoor activities in the area. During the fall season, fantastic colors of the falling leaves and evening sunsets over the water keep visitors coming back for more.

Hartford’s downtown district is hoping to serve residents and visitors better with redevelopment. Bike riders along the Confluence Bikeway will appreciate the improvements and on the east side of the community, 375 acres are available for industrial development purposes. Enterprise zones and TIF district incentives make this area in the Village of Hartford a top priority. The site offers a truck route, rail access, electric and gas lines. Recently, companies have invested almost $40 million dollars in Hartford to support the oil industry.

Residents and businesses enjoy police and fire protection, not only enforcing the village’s safety but also aiding in the sponsorship of other community-wide events. Family-friendly fish fries, car shows, festivals, and cultural events make Hartford a place that everyone can enjoy. The Village of Hartford also has two school districts: Wood River-Hartford School District 15 with two elementary schools and a junior high school and East Alton-Wood River Community School District 14 with one high school in Wood River.

With a 17-acre community park that offers walking and jogging paths, as well as several neighborhood parks and a Veteran’s Memorial Park located on Route 3, it’s easy to get outside and enjoy the fresh air. Children of all ages will love “Movie in the Park,” a popular splash park to cool off on those hot summer days and a disc golf course … complete with a dog walking park!

The Village of Hartford is proud of its historical relevance, deeply rooted in the Riverbend community and its familycentered approach to fun. 

FOR MORE INFORMATION: www.hartfordillinois.net

SOUTH ROXANA

ANOTHER REASON TO LOVE THE COMMUNITIES OF THE RIVERBEND

ROXANA

A SMALL TOWN ENVIRONMENT WITH ROOM TO PROSPER!

Did you hear that? It’s opportunity knocking in one of the friendliest southwestern towns of the Riverbend. Roxana, Illinois, has many employers that call it “home,” including the Phillips 66 Wood River Refinery and the Roxana Landfill Authority. Employment opportunities are flourishing in Roxana, offering services to the Riverbend area and many surrounding communities. Whether you are looking to relocate your business or your family, Roxana is a hometown that offers many benefits for residents and businesses alike.

The expansive and newly constructed Raifort Commerce Park has commercial and industrial zoned property that suits many industries. Not only is this business park centrally located, the setting is beautifully nestled on hundreds of acres. Located on the east and west side of IL- 255, Raifort Commerce Park provides easy access to the north and southbound lanes of the IL-255 transportation system. Roxana conveniently links the Riverbend area to the heart of the St. Louis

Metropolitan area. Lots are still available offering full utility services, making Raifort Commerce Park another reason to appreciate the thriving Roxana business community.

There’s much to offer residents and visitors of Roxana, including a beautiful Roxana Park District Complex that supports a wide-spectrum of year-round sports and recreational activities for the community. Citizens of Roxana also enjoy a variety of public and utility services that include fulltime police and fire protection departments as well as water and waste water treatment that serves neighboring communities.

The Roxana Community School District offers an updated campus environment with quality education for its students.

The Village of Roxana is extremely proud of the beautiful renovations on its recently renovated main campus, making it not only appealing visually but academically.

FOR MORE INFORMATION: www.roxana-il.org

South Roxana, located in the southern end of the Riverbend area and home to approximately 2,000 residents, is a business-friendly community served by a full-time police department and the South Roxana Fire Protection District.

Located within the Roxana School District, South Roxana has an elementary school located within its village. There are two parks including the popular 10-acre South Roxana Dad’s Club, which offers weekly bingo as well as the annual homecoming.

The Village recently completed a water line renovation near its grade school and is providing new sidewalks with the Safe Routes to School Program for children to get to and from school safely.

The Village is nestled near the Phillip 66 Refinery that recently upgraded its facility with a 1.8 billion dollar investment. There are two TIF Districts to spur economic development along Illinois Route 111 and Madison Avenue. The village of South Roxana offers more than 160 acres for business development opportunities with some of the property located next to IL-255 and across Madison Avenue from the refinery. 

Diane Cox GROWTHASSOCIATION.COM 38

WOOD RIVER

QUALITY OF LIFE ABOUNDS

If you’re looking for a place to live only 15 minutes from the City of St. Louis, Wood River is located upstream on the Mississippi only a short drive away. A mere 7.15 square miles, Wood River has a population of over 10,000 residents. Blending together a small town feel with all of the amenities of a larger town, Wood River is a relaxing place to live and raise a family.

In Wood River, there’s always something exciting happening. What’s most exciting to see is the character behind the city. A high percentage of residents and businesses invest their lives and money into making Wood River a great place to live. It’s their caring attitudes that make Wood River stand out. In Wood River, you can enjoy the quiet comforts of a small town with the conveniences of big-town living.

The first thing you’ll notice in Wood River is the city’s excellent transportation

links within the St. Louis region. Wood River utilizes multiple transit services to aid residents with transportation to and from work and other locations. Visitors will also notice the housing opportunities Wood River offers. Whether you’re looking to buy a new home, rent a house or find an apartment that’s perfect for you, Wood River has the unique charm of small town living mixed with the luxury of an updated, modern lifestyle.

Wood River offers beautiful outdoor space, with 8 different parks and more than 273 acres of recreational property, including an Aquatic Center with an Olympic-size swimming pool, wading pool and twin flume water slides, and the popular Belk Park 18-hole Championship Golf Course. Belk Park not only is appealing to golf enthusiasts, but also includes a fishing lake, picnic areas, a children’s playground with equipment, picnic pavilions and a lot of open green space to enjoy. The Belk Park Golf Course

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by

is visited by more than 50,000 golfers each year and is recognized as one of the premier courses to play.

Several commercial developments are ready to begin in Wood River. Construction work will soon start on a $7.6 billion police facility thanks to the donation of land and cash by BP.

Popular restaurant Pump House expanded their facilities, and Jack Schmitt Chevrolet moved to a new, larger facility at Route 143 and Wesley Drive. The Public Services Department recently moved into the former Army Reserve Armory.

Changes are in store starting with the redesigned website, which supplies

user-friendly information for current residents, businesses and those considering a move to Wood River. It includes links to various city government departments, offers updated information on facilities procedures and forms, provides citizens with a “Reference Desk” filled with FAQs and even a “What’s New” section for community events.

It’s designed to help residents, business and community organizations find updated and necessary information about city government and services, and to keep the community well informed and up-to-date on the latest events in Wood River. 

FOR MORE INFORMATION: www.woodriver.org

COLD COMFORT

EAST ALTON ICE ARENA CELEBRATES PLATINUM ANNIVERSARY

By Diane Cox

Former Wood River Mayor Leroy

Emerick had his hand in the inception of the year-round frozen tundra known as the East Alton Ice Arena and is proud to call his involvement one of his top accomplishments during his time as a community servant.

Emerick, in his usual humble form, gives credit where it’s due when it comes to large community projects.

“I’ve really been fortunate to have good people around me,” he said. “I’ve been able to surround myself with a lot of people that helped me with projects and events.”

The arena has gone from the “little ice rink that could” to a roaring, crowdpleasing, standing-room-only venue for the Mississippi Valley Competitive Hockey Association, the Twin Bridges hockey club and home ice for the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville

hockey program.

“If things were based purely on population, the village of East Alton itself wouldn’t warrant such a large facility,” arena General Manager Larry Thatcher said. “We’ve become a facility that serves the entire Riverbend and St. Louis area. People would be surprised to know that only 49 percent of the income this rink brings is from the ice itself. The rest comes from programs we run, sales in the pro shop and our concessions. We are 100 percent supported by the people who come through our doors to support local ice sports.”

Thatcher said the arena already has shown in its 20-year history that the facility has made a large impact on the community and has opened doors of opportunity for students that were not available before the facility’s construction.

“We have legitimate, competitive hockey teams that play on this ice,” he said. “Jerseyville, Bethalto, Marquette,

Alton and Wood River never had hockey before, and those teams wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for the ice rink. We have kids who are now playing college hockey where this wasn’t an option 20 years ago. I know of several who are going on to further education through hockey scholarships that may not have gone to college if it weren’t for that opportunity.”

“Dakota Mermis will play for the Arizona Coyotes this season. Our first NHL player to make it to that level from our area — from this rink.”

The arena has three full-time employees and 20 to 40 part-time employees, depending on the time of year. The facility is open year-round and is equipped with a party or meeting room available for rent. Group pricing is available for field trips, schools, churches, families and businesses. 

Larry Thatcher and Dan Svezia

Photo by Diane Cox

By Bill Roseberry

For 50 years Rolling Hills Golf Course has served the Godfrey community.

Located at 5801 Pierce Lane in Godfrey, Rolling Hills opened in 1965 as a nine-hole course built by the Droste Family. In 1976 brothers Pat and Mike Kane purchased the course and, along with the help of their uncle Lou Miller, began to transform it into what it is today.

“As the boom in golf ensued during the following 15 to 20 years, so too did Rolling Hills,” Bob Kane, a proprietary member of Rolling Hills, said. “Pat and Mike purchased 120 acres of ground to the east of the existing course in the late 1980s, which allowed for a second nine holes and newly constructed clubhouse to open in 1992. Although there have been small improvements every year to the golf course, the last major expansion came in 1998, when our (par-3) executive golf course opened for play.”

In 2014, Tom Long and Vern Van Hoy purchased shares of the business from the families of Pat and Mike Kane, excluding Bob Kane’s shares. They also maintain management of Spencer T. Olin Golf Course and Rock Spring Golf Course in Alton.

Bob Kane said a typical day at Rolling Hills starts at sunrise and ends at sunset. Duties include maintenance, setting up the course, irrigation schedules, mowing and monitoring various agronomic programs.

Rolling Hills also houses morning and afternoon golf leagues each weekday, in-house events and charity tournaments.

“General manager Kyle Williams and his staff seek to reinforce our reputation as the ‘friendliest golf course in the Riverbend,’ as each player walks through the doors,” Bob Kane said.

As the golfing industry started to see cutbacks and the closing of area courses, Rolling Hills has continued to flourish. Kane said fantastic customer relations and pristine course conditions have helped Rolling Hills immensely.

“We have been very fortunate

ROLLING HILLS CELEBRATING 50 YEARS

over the years to have such a loyal customer base,” Kane said. “The owners have always been members of the local community, and our focus has always been to serve our community and maintain a quality facility in our area.”

Kane said with Long and Van Hoy in the mix, the plan is to continue to provide quality golf to the area for years to come.

Extending the course’s reach to youth programs is one great way of doing that.

“Going forward, one of our focuses is to do our part to assist national organizations like the USGA and PGA in growing the game by expanding our Junior Golf program,” Kane said.

Kane explained Rolling Hills is course-friendly for average and novice golfers too, which makes it appealing.

“Although Rolling Hills can be challenging from the back tees, the course is perfect for the mid- to high-handicap golfers,” Kane said.

“The staff and owners of Rolling Hills are very proud to be a part of this community for 50 years,” Kane added. 

FOR MORE INFORMATION: www.rollinghillsgc.com

OF GOLF

Photos by Diane Cox

PRINCIPIA COLLEGE MODERN EDUCATION IN A HISTORIC SETTING

Principia College is a private, coeducational college located in Elsah. As the only college in the world where all students, faculty and staff are Christian Scientists, Principia provides a liberal arts education to approximately 500 students from about 30 countries around the world. The 2,600-acre campus, designed by renowned

architect Bernard Maybeck, was named a National Historic Landmark in 1993.

The College offers 25 undergraduate majors and numerous minors. It also provides extraordinary opportunities to study abroad. Approximately 60 percent of all Principia College students study in another country or participate in a field program somewhere in the U.S. Recent

Virginia often visited friends here before she moved to The United Methodist Village, so she already knew how easy living in our community can be.

Virginia often visited friends here before she moved to The United Methodist Village, so she already knew how easy living in our community can be.

Virginia often visited friends here before she moved to The United Methodist Village, so she already knew how easy living in our community can be.

Virginia often visited friends here before she moved to The United Methodist Village, so she already knew how easy living in our community can be.

“The house was getting to be too much. Now I can focus more on taking care of myself. I also love the convenience of having the dining room right downstairs from my apartment.”

“The house was getting to be too much. Now I can focus more on taking care of myself. I also love the convenience of having the dining room right downstairs from my apartment.”

Virginia often visited friends here before she moved to The United Methodist Village, so she already knew how easy living in our community can be.

Virginia often visited friends here before she moved to The United Methodist Village, so she already knew how easy living in our community can be.

“The house was getting to be too much. Now I can focus more on taking care of myself. I also love the convenience of having the dining room right downstairs from my apartment.”

“The house was getting to be too much. Now I can focus more on taking care of myself. I also love the convenience of having the dining room right downstairs from my apartment.”

“The house was getting to be too much. Now I can focus more on taking care of myself. I also love the convenience of having the dining room right downstairs from my apartment.”

As a resident of our community, you too can have a more leisurely lifestyle—and you just might start a trend among your friends!

“The house was getting to be too much. Now I can focus more on taking care of myself. I also love the convenience of having the dining room right downstairs from my apartment.”

As a resident of our community, you too can have a more leisurely lifestyle—and you just might start a trend among your friends!

As a resident of our community, you too can have a more leisurely lifestyle—and you just might start a trend among your friends!

As a resident of our community, you too can have a more leisurely lifestyle—and you just might start a trend among your friends!

Come visit and stay for lunch. Call 618.466.8662.

As a resident of our community, you too can have a more leisurely lifestyle—and you just might start a trend among your friends!

As a resident of our community, you too can have a more leisurely lifestyle—and you just might start a trend among your friends! Come visit

Come visit and stay for lunch. Call 618.466.8662.

Come visit and stay for lunch. Call 618.466.8662.

Come visit and stay for lunch. Call 618.466.8662.

Come visit and stay for lunch. Call 618.466.8662.

5201 Asbury Avenue Godfrey, IL 62035 www.UnitedMethodistVillage.com

5201 Asbury Avenue Godfrey, IL 62035 www.UnitedMethodistVillage.com

5201 Asbury Avenue Godfrey, IL 62035 www.UnitedMethodistVillage.com

5201 Asbury Avenue Godfrey, IL 62035 www.UnitedMethodistVillage.com

5201 Asbury Avenue Godfrey, IL 62035 UnitedMethodistVillage.com

5201 Asbury Avenue Godfrey, IL 62035 www.UnitedMethodistVillage.com Independent

study abroad trips have gone to Spain, Trinidad, Vienna, Paris, Greece, Turkey, England, Prague, Tibet, Peru, India, Nepal and Japan.

The College offers both students and the wider community opportunities to hear noted speakers and performers throughout the year. In 2015, two Apollo 13 astronauts and their flight director came to campus. Principia College is also well-known for its solar car program. With a race team that includes members from a wide range of majors, Principia frequently places ahead of teams from renowned engineering schools. The College’s mediation team competes successfully as well, often earning awards. It won first place in Team Advocacy at both the Inaugural Dubai Invitational Mediation Tournament in 2013 and the International Intercollegiate Mediation Championship in Gainesville, Ga., in 2014.

Principia College fields 17 varsity sports teams for men and women and competes in the NCAA Division III. In 2017, Principia will host the NCAA D III Cross Country Championships. 

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

www.principiacollege.edu

Approximately 60 percent of all Principia College students study in another country or participate in a field program somewhere in the U.S.

HEITZ OPTICAL THREE GENERATIONS STRONG AFTER 60 YEARS

By Louise Jett

Heitz Optical has been focusing on the needs of individuals since 1956, when Chuck Heitz established the family eye care business dedicated to putting customer service first.

When Heitz Optical opened its doors for the first time March 1 of that year, Chuck Heitz already had 15 years of experience in the optical industry, five of which were spent with an optician in Alton.

Along with his son Joe Heitz and his grandson Drew Rinacke, Chuck Heitz proudly carries on his patron-first tradition within the business, which now has two locations: 519 South State in Jerseyville and 2415 Homer Adams Parkway in Alton.

“We continue to balance the future with the past,” Optician Joe Heitz said. “We are three generations strong and have been serving the community for 60 years now.”

With age comes experience, and Heitz Optical has both. Each member of its staff has been with the company for many years.

“We really try to personalize our services,” Joe Heitz said. “This extends

beyond our customers and to our staff, also. We have staff members who have been with us forever. We treat people the way we want to be treated. It is another symbol of the respect we have for trust and integrity.”

Heitz Optical is housed in a modern, progressive facility. It offers the full scope of examinations and a large inventory with more than 3,700 eyeglasses on display. It also has a variety of contacts, sunglasses, safety glasses and magnifiers available.

The business carries high-quality name brands in eyewear fashion, including Saks Fifth Avenue, Giorgio Armani, Tiffany & Co., Versace, Calvin Klein, Chanel, Diane von Furstenberg, DKNY, Liz Claiborne, Oakley, Ray Ban, Maui Jim, Candie’s, Bellagio and many more.

“We understand that you can buy eyewear from many sources,” Joe Heitz said. “Eye care and superior service are the values that matter most and keep our customers and their families returning for generations.”

Heitz Optical also offers LASIK corrective surgery, pediatric vision and vision therapy services. Optometric vision therapy is the portion of eye care devoted to developing, improving and

enhancing people’s visual performance.

Heitz employees aim to educate individuals about a variety of eye conditions and treatment options, including vision therapy, and the company’s thorough website, www. heitzoptical.com, features a database of videos, documents and other information on various conditions, treatments, glasses and contacts. There is even a page for optical illusions.

“We don’t want to be just order takers here,” Rinacke said. “We want to educate everybody on what is available and let them decide based on their needs.”

Heitz Optical customers receive a discount on their second pair of glasses: 25 percent off the lenses of a second pair and 50 percent off a second pair, if it includes the frames and lenses. The business is also currently offering children’s eyewear packages starting at $89.50. The package includes the frame and polycarbonate lenses, both with warranties.

Heitz Optical’s Alton location can be reached at (618) 465-1712. Appointments can also be made online.  FOR MORE INFORMATION: www.heitzoptical.com

SHELL COMMUNITY FEDERAL CREDIT UNION

CELEBRATING 80 YEARS OF PROVIDING FINANCIAL SERVICES

By Diane Cox

Opening its doors in 1935, Shell Community Federal Credit Union is celebrating 80 years of service to the local community, a reliable and friendly source for financial services in the Riverbend area.

“January 2015 was our actual anniversary date, but we’ve held several public service events to recognize the milestone,” President Greg Lyons said. “We had a children’s day, with more than 250 parents with their kids here. That was probably one of the biggest events we have had. We also have

the Halloween parades.”

In 1935, eight employees of the Shell Refinery in Wood River, now named ConocoPhillips, joined together to receive a charter to form Shell Wood River Federal Credit Union. The credit union was established to provide lowcost financial services to Shell employees and their families.

Those eight forefathers deposited a total of $57. Today, the credit union’s assets fall in the category of more than $110 million.

“In 2001, our board of directors charted a new course to become a Community Charter credit

union,” Lyons said. “We really expanded our membership by quite a bit. If you live, work or attend school in Madison County, you are eligible to be considered for our credit union. We are looking forward to the future; I believe it looks bright.”

Owned by the members themselves, catering to the needs of members is why the SCFCU is striving not just surviving.

“We are a not-for-profit cooperative,” Lyons said. “We are here solely for the benefit of our members. After all, our members are our owners rather than individual shareholders. We make decisions that are based around the needs of everyone as opposed to a specific group of shareholders and what their desires are for the institution. Credit unions seem to have survived the recent economic

downturns the best through those times.”

Celebrating 80 years of service in a community means the employees have been the difference in the Riverbend area.

“We’ve done the right things,” Lyons said. “In the case of a financial institution, if you’ve been servicing a community for 80 years, you have to be doing something

right. Our relationship with members comes from the staff ... the different people who have worked here over the years and the board of directors who volunteer their time for this organization.”

The Shell Community Federal Credit Union has done many things throughout the community in 2015 in honor of its 80th anniversary. The East Alton-Wood River Oilers are now displaying championship banners as well as a new electronic sign for Roxana High School. It also has developed a program for area schools named Mad City Money, where students are provided learning tools to teach and prepare them for what it means to live, managing their money, how to pay bills, balance a checkbook and understand financial situations they will encounter as a young adult. 

THE RIVERBEND GROWTH ASSOCIATION

SOMETHING FOR EVERY BUSINESS!

Whether a representative from your business comes to every networking opportunity or a business simply belongs to have a directory listing, the RiverBend Growth Association is worth the investment in YOUR business.

The Board and Staff have heard from members that they “don’t have time to attend” meetings or events. It doesn’t matter. Members don’t have to attend anything to still get value from their membership. The RBGA promotes its member businesses to other members, to residents and visitors asking for information, and to businesses new to the community. The RBGA promotes members’ events through a Member to Member newsletter. The RBGA staff

and volunteers help celebrate members’ anniversaries, grand openings, ribboncuttings, expansions and any other reason to celebrate.

The RBGA website is a comprehensive site with data that can be used by site selectors, realtors and businesses looking to expand or re-locate. It includes information on housing and building permits, demographics, traffic counts and much more.

Building YOUR business is about building relationships, and the Growth Association can help build those relationships.

The RBGA helped bring Bike MS to the campus of Lewis & Clark Community College in 2015, and this event will continue to have a positive economic

impact on the region for many years to come. Another new endeavor is the RBGA’s involvement in the startup and promotion of the RiverBend CEO Program (Creating Entrepreneurial Opportunities) with the Alton school district (including Marquette Catholic High School). This program will create awareness among high school seniors of the opportunities available in the Riverbend.

The RBGA is the largest business organization in the area. Let it help your business be the best it can be. 

Municipal

Municipal Wood River 618-251-3122

INVESTMENT AND GROWTH

Investment continues to be strong throughout the Riverbend. Both public funds and private investment are being used to foster improvements and job growth. Construction has just begun at the Alton Regional Multi-Modal Transportation Center (RMTC), which will create a new surface transportation hub at the passenger rail gateway in the northern portion of the St. Louis metropolitan area. It will create a seamless transfer between passenger rail service, regional transit, bicycle trails and pedestrian facilities. The center will increase the competitiveness of multimodal travel and will support a more regionally and modally balanced transportation system.

The RMTC project includes the construction

of a 9,000-square-foot train station, boarding platforms, Madison County Transit bus terminal and parking facilities with 225 spaces. Roadway improvements include the construction of a new access road, realignment of Golf Road and intersection improvements along Homer Adams Parkway at Golf Rd and Buckmaster Lane. Additional site amenities include extensive landscaping, bicycle/pedestrian trails, bicycle storage lockers, Call-for-Assistance devices and site surveillance. This $24 million dollar project is funded in part by a $13.8 million Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) grant from the Federal Railroad Administration. The Illinois Department of Transportation is contributing approximately $6.5 million

and the remaining project costs are the required local match of the City of Alton with anticipated contributions from Madison County Transit.

Alton has seen significant growth at the site of Alton Square Mall with Ross Dress for Less, Maurices, Hibbett Sports and 4204 Main Street Brewery. Homer Adams Parkway has a new AT&T store and a renovated MERS Goodwill.

Godfrey is seeing its share of new commerce with Factory Connection, a new Dollar General, Ruler Foods and a Walmart fuel station. In Wood River, both Good Knight Cupcakes and Sweet Sisters bakeries opened. Jack Schmitt relocated to a new facility within city limits, and the city wisely spends money on park improvements as well.

In Hartford, the Confluence Concourse will be built, which is a 300-seat amphitheater at the Confluence Tower. New construction will begin soon at the site of the Wayside Estates near Illinois 255, Illinois 111 and Illinois 140.

Ameren Illinois is investing heavily in new utility lines, poles and substations. Illinois American Water is replacing mains and connections. Each of the communities is investing in their park systems. A new flood memorial is being erected, and the Miles Davis statue drew a significant crowd for its unveiling. The hospitals and Lewis & Clark Community College continue to improve their facilities and services.

Investment in our communities not only means more jobs, but it draws more investment and growth. 

MS BIKE RIDE RELOCATES TO GODFREY

MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS FUNDRAISER IN 31ST YEAR

When the Bike MS: Express Scripts Gateway Getaway Ride needed a new home for its 2015 ride, Lewis and Clark Community College was happy to oblige.

“The college is very excited to be hosting this incredibly well-run and established fundraising event that not only impacts the lives of those living with MS through the nearly $2 million raised each year, but will also positively impact our region’s economy and introduce a new audience of the greater St. Louis metropolitan area to the Riverbend Region,” LCCC President Dale Chapman said.

The multiple sclerosis fundraising event is in its 31st year, but after 12 years in Columbia, Mo., the need for a change put Greater Alton on its radar.

Former Godfrey resident Randy Adler was event coordinator for the Gateway Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society and head of this event.

“Due to circumstances, we were forced to move the event and by choice, we moved it to Godfrey,” Adler said. “LCCC was actually on our short list for locations to host our event in the Gateway region. It is the first time this event will be held on the Illinois side of the river and Dr. Chapman has been so gracious.

“LCCC has been wonderful to coordinate with, as well as Monica Bristow and the RiverBend Growth Association.”

“We thank Monica Bristow and the RiverBend Growth Association for bringing this opportunity to our campus, and we are really looking forward to welcoming the more than 3,000 cyclists and 1,000 volunteers to the Riverbend this weekend,” Chapman added.

Route options included a 25-, 50-, 75- and 100-mile bike ride that begins and ends at the college, 5800 Godfrey Road.

“It is an honor and privilege to have such an important event here in Godfrey,” Godfrey Mayor Mike McCormick said. “Credit must be given to Dr. Chapman, president of Lewis and Clark Community College, who was instrumental in bringing this event.”

Multiple sclerosis involves an immunemediated process in which an abnormal response of the body’s immune system is directed against the central nervous system, which is made up of the brain, spinal cord and optic nerves. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle for individuals with MS is important, and research is key. Participation in this event helps support programs, services, and research that make a huge difference to the people who must fight MS every day of their lives. 

Cancer Center of Excellence

Throughout your journey...

Giving you more hope than ever.

Cancer is overwhelming. So much to deal with, even beyond the emotions. Appointments. Questions. What is so often needed, for the patient and family alike, is the steady guidance of healthcare professionals who understand what you’re going through in ways no one else really can.

At OSF Saint Anthony’s, you will have that support. Our Survivorship Care Plan is unique to the region. Customized for each patient, the program incorporates medical history, current diagnoses, ongoing care and follow-up, as well as social, psychological and spiritual needs, ensuring a smooth process throughout an individual’s entire journey. From the start to survivorship. OSF Saint Anthony’s. Giving you more hope than ever.

Hear stories of hope

Meet our Cancer Care Team

HopeIsHere.sahc.org

Sister M. Anselma, F.S.G.M. Chief Operating Officer

ALSO SHOWN: Nicki McRae, Breast Cancer Survivor; Michael Bonebrake, M.D., General Surgeon; Sue Paul, R.N., Oncology Certified Nurse