Currents 2021

Highlighting the people and places of #OurRiverBend

Constructing.

Adapting.

Innovating.

2021

Copyright 2020 AdVantage

P.O. Box 867 Alton, IL 62002 618-463-0612 advantagenews.com Every effort has been made to assure the accuracy in this publication. The Association and AdVantage assume no responsibility for misinformation.

Please contact the Association with any additions or corrections. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission of the Association and AdVantage is prohibited.

VIEW A PDF ONLINE @

advantagenews.com or growthassociation.com

Highlighting the people and places of #OurRiverBend

PROJECT COORDINATOR Debbie Hagen EDITOR Nathan Grimm DESIGNER Missy Long WRITERS Frank Prager Danette Watt Nathan Grimm Alex St. Peters PHOTOGRAPHERS Jeff Helmkamp Frank Prager Danette Watt Nathan Grimm This is an AdVantage publication created and produced for the RiverBend Growth Association.

5800 Godfrey Road - BGM (mailing) 6722 Godfrey Road (physical) Godfrey, IL 62035 618-467-2280 growthassociation.com facebook.com/RiverBendGrowthAssociationIL

2 GROWTHASSOCIATION.COM

JOHN KELLER

Growth Association President Thank you for viewing our 20202021 Currents magazine!

It is with great pleasure that the RiverBend Growth Association presents its 2020-2021 Community Profile magazine — CURRENTS — as our opportunity to highlight the people and places that make the RiverBend Region of Southwestern Illinois so special.

This year we feature member construction related businesses with milestone accomplishments and entrepreneurs with compelling stories to tell. Please patronize and visit these local businesses when the opportunity arises!

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

We continue to promote development opportunities to site selectors that continually search the Midwest on behalf of their clients, while striving to develop and maintain programs and events that give value to our membership and communities.

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

Thank you again for your interest in Currents magazine, showcasing our RiverBend communities. We are proud to share this publication with our visitors, residents and future residents alike!

Sincerely,

Please recycle this product.

Contents

Advertiser Index 1st Mid America Credit Union ������������������ 8

AdVantage �������������������������������������������������40 Alton Little Theater �����������������������������������34

EMERGING INCLUSIVE LEADERS COUNCIL | 4

Alton Memorial Hospital �������������������������32

JUN CONSTRUCTION | 5

Alton MultiSpecialists �������������������������������40

ADAMS DEVELOPMENT CO. | 7

Andy's Auto Body ��������������������������������������� 8 Asbury Village ������������������������������������������� 12

ARROW SIGNS | 9

Auto Butler Car Wash & Express Lube �40

ENCORE BATH & SHOWER | 11

Bethalto, Village of �����������������������������������34 Beverly Farm Foundation . . ������������������� 19

RE/MAX RIVER BEND | 13

Busey Bank. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ������������������� 10

ZUMWALT CONSTRUCTION | 15

Clark Properties. . . . . . . . . . . ��������������������� 6

#OURRIVERBEND | 16

CNB Bank & Trust . . . . . . . . . �������������������34 Colman's Country Campers ������������������� 19

AMEREN ILLINOIS | 20

Country Financial - Jeffrey Lauritzen ���24

ILLINOIS AMERICAN WATER | 21

Elias, Kallal & Schaaf. . . . . . . ������������������� 12 First Mid Bank ����������������������������������������������� 4 Godfrey Meat Market. . . . . . �������������������24

OSF HEALTHCARE SAINT ANTHONY’S HEALTH CENTER | 22

Godfrey, Village of . . . . . . . . ������������������� 12

ALTON MEMORIAL HOSPITAL | 23

Hayner Public Library District ���������������� 27

JJ THERMO’S BAR AND GRILL | 24

Hillcrest Apartments. . . . . . . �������������������26

RIVERBEND AXE THROWING | 26

Illinois American Water. . . . ������������������� 10

CJ’S JUICERY | 29

Liberty Bank A United Community Bank �28

CC’S ICEES GALORE | 31

Midwest Members Credit Union ������������� 6 Missouri Baptist University at LCCC �����40

RUSHMORE | 33

OSF HealthCare ����������������������������������������� 14

BOHEMIAN ROAD BOUTIQUE | 35

OSF HealthCare �����������������������������������������44 Phillips 66 Wood River Refinery ������������� 14 Plumbers & Pipefitters Local Union �����25 Professional Hearing Associates �����������30 Quality Buick GMC Cadillac �������������������30 Riverbend Kitchen and More �����������������28 Roberts Motors �����������������������������������������25 Scheffel Boyle ������������������������������������������� 10 SCORE ���������������������������������������������������������26 Senior Services Plus ���������������������������������32 Simmons Hanly Conroy ��������������������������� 14

VILLAGE OF ROXANA | 36

On the cover

EDUCATION | 40 VILLAGE OF GODFREY | 42

36

The new village hall and public safety facility under construction

St. Peters Hardware and Rental ��������������� 8 Utiltra �����������������������������������������������������������28 Villa Rose Senior Living Community ����� 6 WBGZ Radio ����������������������������������������������� 27

18

22

42

Werts Welding & Tank Service ���������������32 West Star Aviation �������������������������������������32

2021 CURRENTS 3

RBGA starts Emerging Inclusive Leaders Council The RiverBend Growth Association (RBGA) is excited to announce the start of its Emerging Inclusive Leaders Council (EILC). Over the past year the RBGA has worked hard to start the EILC to help bridge the gap among generations in the workforce.

The EILC will consist of both emerging and established leaders from the Riverbend community learning from each other.

These leaders will explore inclusive leadership practices, and will help the RBGA continue to bring awareness to the importance of diversity and inclusion in the workplace.

The EILC will meet quarterly to

discuss important topics such as diversity, inclusion, generational differences, leadership tools, and more. The EILC will have a diverse membership of people coming together to have tough conversations that focus on race, gender identity, sexual orientation, and will center around the importance of these topics in the workforce.

Along with the EILC the RBGA continues to host its Community Conversations on Diversity and Inclusion series. This monthly series has been well received by the

community, accruing 50plus people per event. The Community Conversations series focuses on bringing awareness to the community about different topics such as diversity and barriers in childcare and healthcare, how to be an ally to LGBTQ+ folk, microaggressions and stereotypes in the workplace,

and other tough conversations that help bring community members together through inclusive practices.

To learn more about Community Conversations on Diversity and Inclusion please visit growthassociation.com/ diversity.

Financial Solutions for every step along the way.

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WOOD RIVER 1046 Madison Ave. 618-254-8445

4 GROWTHASSOCIATION.COM

firstmid.com

JUN CONSTRUCTION

Quality and reliability

F

ounded in 1946, Jun Construction in Godfrey has been a mainstay in the region for almost 75 years. Owner and operator Brad Jun is the grandson of founder Thomas C. Jun and the third generation of the family to run the company.

“My father, Thomas, took over the company from my grandfather and ran it with his brother, P.J. Jun,” Jun says.

“My son, Thomas, works for the company and is the fourth generation to be involved with the business.”

Jun earned a bachelor's degree in business and went to work for Jun Construction out of college.

“I grew up around the construction business and obviously learned a lot from that,” he says. “I worked in the field for several years after joining the company, so I have a lot of combined experience in the business.”

Jun Construction specializes in commercial, institutional and retail construction, as well as pre-engineered steel buildings. Jun says they do work within approximately a 100-mile radius of their location in Godfrey.

“We keep our projects close enough that we can maintain

good quality control over things,” he says.

The company takes pride in well-coordinated YEARS projects. They use union labor for much of their work.

“We have a pretty goodsized staff that works for us, but having access to union labor allows us, if a project requires it, to get additional resources quickly that we know are reliable and qualified,” he says.

Labor for activities such as drywalling, painting, flooring, HVAC, plumbing and electrical all work directly for Jun, so there is no middle man.

“The projects we work are seamless from the customer’s perspective,” Jun says. “The customer works with our project manager and does not have to worry about coordinating with multiple resources.”

Jun says the first thing they do is sit down with the customer to define requirements, review the site and develop a feasibility budget. If the customer is interested

Brad Jun owns and operates Jun Construction.

Jun Construction specializes in commercial, institutional and retail construction.

in moving forward, Jun’s architects and engineers develop a firm proposal and a detailed scope of work for the project.

Jun says they work on 100200 projects per year. He says Jun Construction is a good fit for commercial businesses looking to add on, remodel or do new construction. The firm has constructed buildings locally for Liberty Bank, 1st MidAmerica Credit Union and Shell Community Federal Credit Union, among others.

The company also builds pre-engineered steel buildings often used for light manufacturing and storage.

Jun says the business is known in the area for its fair,

honest approach and for the quality of the work they do.

He points out the company has had relationships with the contractors they have used for years, so there are no unknowns about the quality of the resources they bring in on projects.

He says Jun Construction makes sure it is available for customers during projects.

“We’re fully staffed here,” he points out. “When you call during business hours, you don’t get transferred around or have to talk to a recording. You talk to a person.”

The customer is also given the cellphone numbers of key individuals involved in any project. junconstruction.com 15209 U.S. 67 • Godfrey • (618) 466-1540

2021 CURRENTS 5

Retirement Living, Family Style.

ne O e th

go o t e Plac

Join our Villa Rose family!

Experience A Place You Can Call Home Be Our Guest Have a Look Explore Our Community Stay For Lunch!

618-377-3239

Serving the Riverbend Since 1935

Villa Rose Senior Living Community 401 S. Moreland Rd. • Bethalto

villaroseslc.com

Fully Furnished Office Space!

UP TO

1420 Discovery Parkway Alton, IL 62002 • Coming Available November 1st

24,740 SQ. FT.

Fully Furnished, Great Condition Formerly Service/Call Center Space Conference and Training Rooms Large Kitchen and Breakroom Space Multiple Private Offices and Numerous Workstations Outside Patio with Paved Walk Path on Campus Attractive Campus with Ample Parking Landlord will Consider Modification and/or Subdivision of Space

PLEASE CONTACT

Mike Clark

(314) 409.1464 mclark@clark-properties.com

Wayne Weidemann

(314) 378.9289 wweidemann@clark-properties.com

www.clark-properties.com

6 GROWTHASSOCIATION.COM

A DA M S D E V E LO P M E N T C O.

Y

Homer’s world

ou’d be hardpressed to find an area of Alton or Godfrey that didn’t have the imprint of Homer Adams. He was responsible for developing thousands of acres of land for churches, shopping centers, subdivisions and restaurants, starting in the late 1950s.

Adams dabbled in real estate early in his life, buying homes and renovating them into apartments, but running Adams Printing Co. was his main job. His first venture into land development was in 1956, when he developed D’Adrian Gardens subdivision from land he’d purchased from the Oblates. Soon after, Adams started Adams Development Co. Shortly after his death in 1983, the Beltline Parkway was renamed Homer M. Adams Parkway. Adams was instrumental in much of the development along the highway, including Alton Square Mall and North Port Industrial Park.

Today, the company Homer and Juanita Adams founded 60 years ago is still going strong under the leadership of their son, Scott Adams.

“Dad passed away too early.

He was only 64,” said Scott.

Juanita became president,

and he became vice president of operations. When his mom passed Y E A R S away in November 2001, Adams began serving as president.

Adams’ siblings, Vicky, Matt and Carol, live in the area and are involved with other businesses.

Scott Adams was drafted into the Army during the Vietnam War. When he was discharged in 1973, he became a real estate broker with Gallery of Homes in Godfrey. In 1978, Adams made two decisions that had lasting impact for him and Adams Development Co. He opened his own brokerage company, S. Adams Agency Inc., and he started working full time at his dad’s company.

21 years later, in 1989, Adams Development Co. developed Raging Rivers Water Park.

The company’s land holdings include 100-plus acres in Grafton and Godfrey as well as a number of 5- to 10-acre parcels “here and there.” It’s developing West Ridge at The Palisades, where the lots are nearly sold out.

“Alton-Godfrey is a great place to live,” Adams said. “It’s a medium-size community with a small-town feel.”

He ticked off a list of the benefits of the Riverbend: good private, public and

Scott Adams and his wife and business partner, Lori, stand in the lobby of the offices of Adams Development Co. parochial schools, Lewis and Clark Community College, and access to two major hospitals.

“You can’t replace that kind of infrastructure,” he said. “We are comfortably in the middle (of the country). It’s an affordable place to live, a wonderful place to have a bedroom community for St. Louis. You can live here and commute in all directions.”

Adams echoed other Realtors when he said it’s a seller’s market.

“There’s a real need for additional listings,” he said.

“With interest rates so low, residential sales are palatable for all ages, either through refinancing or for first-time buyers.”

Adams and his wife, Lori, who is also his business partner, have two sons, Avery and Aaron, and five grandchildren.

“One of our sons lives in Godfrey, the other in Brighton, so when I say it’s a great place to live, I know it,” he said. adamsdevelopmentco.com 215 E Center Drive • Alton • (618) 465-8900

2021 CURRENTS 7

YOUR HOMETOWN AUTO STORE

GoToAndys.com

Now offering License Plate Renewal and Emissions Testing See our website for information.

ANDY’S AUTO BODY Proudly serving our community for 73 years.

ANDY’S TIRE & AUTO

618-465-7006 Mon-Fri 7:30am-5:30pm Sat 8am-12pm Closed Sunday

618-465-6272

Both businesses in the same great location!

3001 Washington Avenue, Alton Locally owned & operated

2502 State Street Alton • 618-466-6931 stpetershardware.com 804 Southwest Place Edwardsville • 618-692-6960 truevaluerental-il.com

Mon-Fri 7am-7pm Sat 7am-5pm Closed Sunday

MARK ANDERSON owner More than 110 years’ combined experience

YOUR ONE STOP SHOP FOR ALL YOUR COMPLETE AUTOMOTIVE SOLUTIONS!

Personalized home loans to fit your needs

We’re your home loan partner!NMLS #458701 Low downpayment options • Variety of terms • Competitive rates • Local service

NMLS #458701

8 GROWTHASSOCIATION.COM

618-258-4575 • 800-345-4216 www.1stMidAmerica.org

Credit Union

A R R OW S I G N S

Hitting the target

R

unning a business and growing it over a period of nearly 40 years takes more than simply showing up for work. Talent, creativity and an ability to adapt are crucial. Lance J. DeMond Sr. says you also have to keep your nose to the grindstone.

DeMond owns and operates Arrow Custom Signs, Lighting & Outdoor Advertising.

He says working hard and keeping his nose to the grindstone was how he was raised.

“My father owned the Star Sign Company here in town and I worked with him starting when I was 10 years old,” DeMond says. “I grew up working.”

DeMond’s grandfather, Chief Red Bull, was full-blooded Oglala Sioux. He explains the name of his father’s company came from his mother’s name, Two Star Eagle. Family is also an important part of Arrow Signs. Demond’s wife, Nancy Demond, worked as a graphic designer at the company for 37 years before her retirement in 2018. His son, Lance Arrow DeMond, is the operations manager for the firm.

Demond Sr. found he had a natural talent for graphic design and started Arrow

Signs in the basement of his house in 1981.

“Everything was Y E A R S designed and painted by hand back then,” he explains.

When he started the business, his primary focus was billboards and small signs.

Billboards are still a big part of the company’s work. Hard work and flexibility soon led to a growing business.

“We would often work until two or three in the morning in order to be able to meet with clients during the day,” DeMond says.

In 1982, he moved the business from his house to a standalone location in Godfrey.

Few industries have evolved technologically over the past decades like the sign business. Computerization, evolving materials and new fabrication methods have enabled the industry to create more flexible, power-efficient, eye-catching types of signage and advertising.

The bucket, boom and service trucks used to install billboards worked well for installation of outdoor lighting and it became a line of business the company has now been successfully involved in for years. Arrow Signs is a Registered Ally of the Ameren Efficiency

Lance J. DeMond Sr. owns and operates Arrow Custom Signs, Lighting & Outdoor Advertising.

Program and in 2019 was in the top 10 list of companies in the program in Illinois for the number of projects completed.

“We can retro-fit existing outdoor lighting with LED lighting, saving customers substantial ongoing costs,” he says.

In 2007, the business moved to a 15,000-square-foot location on Alby Street in Godfrey. The building has facilities for all of its trucks as well as areas for its graphics and fabrication departments.

Professional design and fabrication can be completed at one location.

DeMond says Arrow Signs can create virtually any type of signage or outdoor advertising. Billboards and stationary signs of any size as well as electronic messaging centers are available. Services such as rotation and storage of displays are also offered.

The company does everything

from community to commercial and industrial projects.

DeMond says they do work for companies within a 100-mile radius and can accommodate any size project.

“We work with schools, churches and community organizations such as the Boys and Girls Club,” he says. “We also work with businesses ranging from small companies to large industrial enterprises.”

He notes the company’s reputation brings it a lot of repeat business. He emphasizes that diversity of products and services has always been a mainstay of his business approach.

“In the old days, you could make a living from painting signs,” he says. “Now you have to be creative, you have to innovate and you have to change with the times.” arrowsignsinc.com 4545 North Alby • Godfrey • (618) 466-0818

2021 CURRENTS 9

BUILD. 322 STATE STREET, ALTON | 618.465.4288

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You’ve developed the idea and found the space. Now you need the capital.

Let’s set up commercial financing that positions your business for long-term growth.

Since 1868, Busey’s tradition of supporting community business ensures that you—and our local economy—thrive.

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CARROLLTON busey.com Member FDIC

w w w . s c h e f f e l b o y l e . c o m

COMMITTED TO THE RIVERBEND Illinois American Water is dedicated to providing high-quality, reliable water and wastewater services to the communities of the Riverbend.

We are proud to have provided service to our neighbors and local businesses for more than 140 years. We remain committed to keeping the water flowing now and in the future.

WE KEEP LIFE FLOWING™

10 GROWTHASSOCIATION.COM

E N C O R E B AT H & S H OW E R

Experience and selection

R

easons for upgrading or remodeling a home bathroom can range from aesthetic to practical. Often, the general appearance of fixtures and facades becomes dated over time and needs to be updated with items more appropriate to modern styles. Wear and tear can also take a toll, chipping away and tarnishing cabinetry and surfaces which were once new and attractive.

Many times, physical needs require bathroom components to be rearranged or replaced.

Senior citizens often find stepping over the high rim of a tub more difficult. Expanded shower areas with built-in bench seating, handrails and handheld shower heads can provide those with limited capabilities the ability to bathe while using walkers or other medical equipment and can bring confidence back into their lives.

Owner Allan Morse says regardless of the reason, Encore Bath & Shower in Godfrey has the expertise and resources to accommodate any bathroom remodeling need. The business opened in 1991 and will celebrate 30 years of helping Metro East customers with bathroom alterations and modernizations.

Morse’s father and grandfather were in the construction business. Having YEARS grown up around the industry, he found himself particularly interested in the possibilities that enhancing and remodeling bathrooms presented.

“A lot of the houses around this area were built before 1980 and the fixtures are past their useful lives,” he explains.

“Many people expand their shower areas from the old 32or 34-inch spaces to roomier 60-inch enclosures. They often add bench seating, hand showers and water jets.”

New materials for cabinets, tiling and area surfaces are continually evolving and people often simply want to bring things up to date, he says.

Morse says Encore Bath & Shower can work with any size bathroom and within a variety of budgets.

“The first step is for the customer to make an appointment for us to come in and give them options,” he says. “So many choices and options can be overwhelming.

We work with customers in helping them understand and make decisions on products and spaces.”

He says design is especially important when working with

Owner Allan Morse started Encore Bath & Shower in 1991. smaller spaces and making fixtures and areas accessible is important.

Morse says all of the materials and components he uses are made in the United States, many of them manufactured locally. Lifetime warranties are available on many products and surfaces. He points out that Encore Bath & Shower makes safety an important consideration in every design, as 45 percent of all household accidents resulting in serious injury nationwide occur in the bathroom.

Encore Bath & Shower can do projects quickly and perform emergency installations if a customer’s current bathroom environment requires immediate modification, he

says. They are a VA-approved contractor.

“We’re truly a service business,” Morse says. “We go above and beyond in trying to accommodate our customers.

We will work with people to make sure the pricing, financing and scheduling meet their needs.”

The company includes the office and field staff of Michael Guccione and Mary Guccione as well as field crew leaders Robert Baum and Daryl Shields. encorebathil.com 6001 E Godfrey Road • Godfrey • (618) 466-1100

2021 CURRENTS 11

•Respect •Honor •Remember

Elias, Kallal & Schaaf Funeral Home

Caring for those you care for...

eliaskallalandschaaf.com

2521 Edwards Street Alton 618-465-3571 1313 W Delmar Ave Godfrey 618-466-3573

The United Methodist Village is now Asbury Village! Here, The United Methodistneighborhood Village is nowthat Asbury Village! you’ll find a countryside bustles with Here, activities and Along with our new you’ll find a opportunities. countryside neighborhood thatname bustles with comes a fresh on good health andwith wellness, and name activities andfocus opportunities.

Along our new The United Methodist Village is now Asbury Village!

Here, exciting, services, programs.

We invite comes anew fresh focusamenities on goodand health and wellness, and you’lltofind a countryside that bustles with you come be a part ofneighborhood it all, to discover what’s next exciting, new services, amenities and programs.

We invite activities andus opportunities.

Alongtoday with our new name for you. Call at (618) 466-8662 to learn more! you toacome be a part of ithealth all, toand discover what’s comes fresh focus on good wellness, and next New name, new sameand great community! for you.

Call usamenities, at (618) 466-8662 today toWe learn more! exciting, new services, amenities programs. invite you to come be a part of it all, to discover what’s next New name, new amenities, same great community! for you.

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www.godfreyil.org l (618) 466-3324 l 12 GROWTHASSOCIATION.COM

RE/MAX RIVER BEND

Real estate equation

T

he success of RE/MAX River Bend is a testament to the solid working relationship of longtime friends Sharon Pratt and Dennis Dugan.

the two have made changes over the years. They expanded their Y E A R S facility, giving each agent their own office, which is unique in the real estate business, according to Dugan.

“We were friends before we went into business together,” Pratt said. “It’s a better way to start a partnership.”

A core group of people has been with RE/MAX River Bend 20 years or more. There are now 15 agents, but at times there have been as many as 25. Even as it has grown, the agency has retained a closeknit atmosphere.

Pratt earned her real estate license in 1975. Dugan was a loan officer in Clayton, Mo., when they met in 1990.

That’s the year Gary Gamrath established RE/MAX River Bend. 10 years later, Pratt and Dugan bought the business.

Together, they’ve continued to build RE/MAX River Bend into one of the area’s most successful real estate companies.

Pratt’s focus is on residential real estate. She’s been a Realtor more than 40 years and is respected for her integrity and knowledge of the business, guiding buyers and sellers throughout the sales experience. Dugan also sells residential properties but is the go-to Realtor for prime commercial properties.

Both are members of the RE/ MAX Hall of Fame, made up of Realtors who have earned $1 million in sales.

Like many business owners,

“We don’t want to be huge,” Dugan said.

One approach to growing their business has been to invite people interested in becoming Realtors to join, and then nurturing them through the process. In 2006, they began a mentoring program for agents.

“We have in-house training and bring in mentors,” Dugan said. “We also brought on a full-time manager-trainer to help us create new agents.

Think of it as ‘homegrown RE/ MAX.’” The atmosphere is conducive to growth and cooperation, rather than undermining one another to get the big sale.

“We’re like family,” Pratt said.

“We share listings and fill in

Sharon Pratt and Dennis Dugan co-own RE/MAX River Bend in Alton. for each other when there’s a need. There’s a synergy.”

In addition to expanding their physical space, the partners expanded the company’s offerings and turned RE/MAX River Bend into a full-service agency. They partnered with lending company Preferred Mortgage, making it convenient for clients to manage the financial aspect of buying and selling. But Dugan said it’s more than having an on-site lender.

“It’s the idea of going from putting signage in the yard to signing the papers. In between we evaluate the property and help with staging. We help manage what to do or not to do for the value of the sale,” he said.

It’s a seller’s market and the partners agreed the Riverbend

has much to offer buyers besides low interest rates. At one time, the Riverbend was considered out of the way and few bothered to come across the river from Missouri to Alton.

But not anymore.

“There’s still a lot of land available, which is drawing St. Louis folks into the area,” Dugan said. “Travel time plus value are to be considered.

That’s what draws people in.”

People are at the heart of their business and RE/MAX River Bend has always had a strong commitment to the community.

Agents have volunteered for a number of community projects, such as the annual Bucket Brigade, food and toy drives, and charity walks. rbproperties.net 2375 B Homer Adams Pkwy • Alton • (618) 462-5300

2021 CURRENTS 13

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Because for all of us – it’s personal.

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14 GROWTHASSOCIATION.COM

Z U M WA LT C O N S T R U C T I O N

Expertise and reputation

A

successful construction company relies on its expertise and reputation to stay in business.

Zumwalt Construction in Godfrey has rested its reputation on the quality of its work and the skill it brings to its projects for almost 30 years. The company is operated by the husband and wife team of Mark and Beth Zumwalt.

Started in 1991, Zumwalt Construction has done new construction, remodeling and additions for customers throughout the Riverbend, keeping the business on solid ground through the many economic cycles over that time.

“During the housing bust, construction really slowed down,” Mark explains. “But we’ve always had enough work to make it through. We’ve been around for a little bit and people know us. We get a lot of repeat business.”

Zumwalt says his grandfather was instrumental to instilling his work ethic in him and in helping him learn construction.

“He had rental property and I helped him work during the summers,” he says. “I started by pulling and straightening bent nails. He reused everything.”

He explains that even though he was young, his grandfather

held him to high standards. “When you worked with my grandfather – Y E A R S you worked,” he emphasizes.

Zumwalt completed four years of apprenticeship with Worcester and Bell Construction in Wood River and credits a number of mentors with providing him the skills, expertise and focus he needed to go into business for himself.

“I learned a lot from them,” he says. “Those guys were in their 60s but could work an 18-year-old into the ground.”

Performing residential and light commercial work, Zumwalt Construction can do expansions, remodeling and additions as well as new housing and other building construction. Zumwalt explains the various components of a new house or other construction project are made seamless to the customer.

“We take care of all of the aspects of the project from breaking ground to concrete, plumbing, electrical, insulation, carpet-laying, whatever is

Mark Zumwalt stands inside a former bedroom he remodeled into a walk-in closet.

Zumwalt talks to his grandfather, whom he notes as influential in Zumwalt pursuing a career in construction.

required to get to the point where people can move in,” he says.

“There’s a lot to be said for the talent we use,” Beth adds.

“They’re good people.”

The Zumwalts use professional designers who are able to create exactly what the customer wants and give them multiple options.

Beth Zumwalt handles all of the bookkeeping and back-office functions of the company. “She’s been there since the beginning,” Mark says. “She’s a big part of all of our success.”

As construction materials and methods have changed over the past several decades, Zumwalt has participated in continuing education to keep current.

He is a certified installer for a number of materials manufacturers and attends training and seminars regularly to keep up with the latest technology.

“We take a lot of pride in our work,” Zumwalt says. “That’s important. You get a lot better results when you take that approach rather than working with someone who is only doing it for the money.”

8205 S Branch Drive • Godfrey • (618) 466-5414

2021 CURRENTS 15

#OurRiverBend

ISS

IP

IV

Bethalto

IS

SO

UR

I

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16 GROWTHASSOCIATION.COM

The village of EAST ALTON is centrally located in the Riverbend and is a short distance from many key educational facilities and businesses, including Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, Lewis & Clark Community College, and St. Louis Regional Airport. The village is also home to a wide variety of businesses including two of the largest employers in the region: Olin Corporation and Wieland Rolled Products North America.

Fischer Lumber Company is a family owned business that has been providing building materials to the community for more than 75 years. Located in the newly redeveloped Eastgate Plaza, the East Alton Ice Arena is the only ice rink in the region. Eastgate Plaza is also the home of the AMC 6-plex movie theatre, the

MISS

R

The village of BETHALTO is quiet and unassuming, but don’t mistake it for boring. This growing community is home to the St. Louis Regional Airport, a general aviation reliever airport averaging 80,000 operations a year. Bethalto also boasts a recently renovated public library, a Boys and Girls Club, a new modern splash park, tennis and basketball courts, numerous parks and playgrounds, historical museum with an original log cabin circa 1860 on

site, and an arboretum with a new trail and lighting system.

The annual Labor Day Weekend Homecoming in Central Park was created more than 90 years ago to celebrate the return of military service members from World War I, and the holiday season is highly celebrated with the Bethalto Spirit’s Victorian Christmas Walk and Concert, The Kiwanis Club’s breakfast with Santa, and Christmas Village in Central Park that provides breathtaking displays, live entertainment, a petting zoo, and the kiddies Christmas Train.

Godfrey

M

history and culture. Alton businesses include the area’s major employers such as Argosy Casino, American Water, Alton Memorial Hospital and OSF HealthCare Saint Anthony’s Health Center, both continuing to improve their respective campuses. The $25 million Alton Regional Multi-Modal Transportation Center solidifies Alton as a transportation hub in the area and serves the residents of the St. Louis Metropolitan area north of Interstate 270. Liberty Bank Alton Amphitheater offers everything from community theater productions to food festivals to concerts by national acts, and 16 city parks comprise more than 1,400 acres of ball fields, soccer fields, tennis courts, and playgrounds. 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.

Elsah

PI

ALTON is a diverse town steeped in

Grafton

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East Alton Wood River Roxana Hartford S. Roxana

St. Louis

new 30,000-square-foot Club Fitness, and Riverbend Axe Throwing. In addition to these recreational and entertainment facilities, Eastgate Plaza features eateries like Mr. Pancho’s Mexican Restaurant and Grill, JJ Thermo's Bar and Grill, and the Blue Ice Creamery.

Located on the Great River Road between Alton and Grafton, the village of ELSAH offers scenic views paired with a vibrant history. The village is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The 19th century buildings located in the valley are truly a sight to see. Because of local zoning and a dedicated commitment to

Featuring history reaching back for generations and plenty of 19th century architecture, GRAFTON lies between the Illinois and Mississippi rivers, with majestic limestone bluffs running the length of the National Scenic Byway along Route 100. The drive through Grafton has been named one of the 10 greatest drives in the nation, and the city has been the recipient of two Governor Home Town Awards for quality of life. Visitors can fish, boat, bird watch, shoot photography, visit a water park, drink and dine, or zip line. Grafton even offers an ice skating rink when the

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$

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28.6

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eastaltonvillage.org

32.68

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$

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7,394

2.38

$

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51.06

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42.65

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18.04

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hartfordillinois.net

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weather cools off. Lighthouse Park is a beautiful, kid-friendly attraction to the riverfront, offering an 18-foot long turtle sculpture and the largest flagpole on the Mississippi River and Great American Loop. The SkyTour, including open air and enclosed handicap accessible lifts, transports passengers from Grove Memorial Park on a 10-12-minute ride to the beautiful Aerie’s Resort. A citywide trolley is Grafton's first form of public transportation.

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See your future in a community presenting the conveniences of a major metropolitan area, while enjoying the small town charm for any stage of life in GODFREY. Godfrey’s natural vistas, bike and walking trails, excellent park system, educational opportunities and quality of life make the village a place you’ll never want to leave. Adorned Alton 25,392 with trails, lighted fields, lakes for fishing, pavilions for family getBethalto 9,553 togethers, extensive multifunction East Alton 6,301 playground equipment, disc golf course and family-based activity Elsah 645 programming, Godfrey’s four Godfrey 18,116 parks are at your doorstep and beckon you to refresh your body Grafton 683 and soul. For the golf enthusiast, Hartford 1,408 three professional-grade 18-hole courses are minutes away. If it Roxana 1,530 is boating, fishing or hunting, S. Roxana 1,905 Godfrey boasts of nearly five miles of shoreline along the Wood River 9,908 “Mighty Mississippi.” Whether young or “not-so-young,” you will appreciate the many amenities that Godfrey offers, a wonderful place to live, work and play.

on

the community for historic preservation, the appearance of the buildings and overall character of the village have remained unchanged. In fact, Elsah is often referred to as “the town that time forgot.” In 2018, Elsah was named the No. 1 Scenic Spot in Illinois in a statewide vote sponsored by the Illinois Bicentennial Commission and the State-Journal Register. The honor is evident in the limestone buildings, vibrant colors and narrow streets nestled between towering bluffs on the Mississippi River. Whether at the Elsah General Store, The Green Tree Inn or any number of other quaint shops and places to visit, Elsah is the perfect location to shop, stay, explore and plan your next event.

All data is 2020 estimate unless noted otherwise

2021 CURRENTS 17

The turtle sculpture in Grafton is among the newest additions to the already-scenic riverfront landscape. [ continued] at the confluence of the

Mississippi and Missouri rivers, makes a visit to HARTFORD a worthwhile endeavor in itself. The tower with surrounding acreage and the Lewis and Clark Commerce Center boasts amazing views and historical significance. Next to the tower, the 5 Diamond Campground, opened in October 2020, has 49 spaces, water, sewer and electric hookups, and a small convenience store located at nearby Colman’s Country Campers.

An amphitheater allows Hartford to host events offering local live music on Sunday afternoons during the fall season.

Jefferson Gardens, located on the grounds of the Lewis & Clark Confluence Tower, showcases plants discovered during the Lewis and Clark expedition as well as many outdoor activities. During the fall, the many colors of the falling leaves and evening sunsets over the water keep visitors coming back for more. As the winter air begins to chill, eagle watching is in its prime in January and February in Hartford. Spectators come from great distances to revel in their grace and beauty.

ROXANA is home to key businesses

including the Phillips 66 Refinery and the Roxana Landfill Authority. These big businesses help make Roxana a great place to find employment opportunities and settle down. The new Village Hall and community center is located on the Burbank Park property at Route 111

18 GROWTHASSOCIATION.COM

and Thomas Street. This new facility provides more space for the public safety departments and modernize the administrative services departments.

Raifort Commerce Park offers hundreds of acres of commercial and industrial zoned property that suits a variety of industries. Business lots are available offering full utility services, making Raifort Commerce Park just one more reason to appreciate the prosperous Roxana business community. Roxana offers a fullservice community library to the residents of the Riverbend with many additional amenities and events throughout the year.

A beautiful Roxana Park District Complex supports a wide spectrum of year-round sports and recreational activities for the community.

SOUTH ROXANA is a family-friendly

village that has a lot to offer. As a welcoming business community with two TIF Districts along Route 111 and Madison Avenue, the village offers 160 acres for business development, with some additional opportunities along Illinois Route 255 across from the Phillips 66 Wood River Refinery. Several grants in recent years have helped the village continue to improve and grow, including: a Madison County Park and Recreation Grant that helped the village create Jurjevich Park, named for former business owners and community leaders Charlie and Eva Jurjevich; a grant from Madison County Community Development Park

Grant that allowed for solar powered lighting, tables, charging stations and benches; a Madison County Community Development Block Grant that improved drainage; and a grant from Ameren that allowed for more cost-efficient lighting for village hall, among others. The 60-year old Dad’s Club is a 10-acre non-profit privately owned park that has bingo every Saturday night. Their mission is to further the village providing yearly scholarships and help disadvantaged residents.

The city of WOOD RIVER is an ideal place to live and work that offers residents and businesses the many amenities of a larger, urban oasis, but with a small-town vibe. Offering eight parks covering 273 acres, it’s easy to stay active all year long.

Belk Park continues to remain a popular destination for all ages. One of the newest attractions, the one-mile walking path with footbridge encircling Wright Lake, with accessible fishing dock, continues to impress outdoor enthusiasts and pet owners alike. The Veterans War Memorial in Central Park won the Governor’s Hometown Award. Belk Park Golf Course is visited by more than 50,000 people each year. With recently upgraded drainage improvements, clubhouse updates and new exterior fencing, Belk Park Golf Course is a perfect spot for your golf tournament, business meeting, or other event. Businesses continue to renovate, including a new playground and improvements at Emerick Sports Park.

RETAIL SALES - RIVERBEND REGION, ILLINOIS

2019

2018

494,905,360

Alton

$

Bethalto

$

478,097,056 $

50,418,671

$

52,182,988

618,843

216,428,999

Godfrey

$

15,031,270

$

Hartford

$

36,128,432

$

Roxana

$

15,304,484

S. Roxana

$

13,617,294

$

338,253,880

52,963,969

$

1,283,330,546

54,168,946

$

907,345

$

185,003,273

179,974,472

$

18,938,548

$

17,937,312

$

27,347,584

$

17,232,353

$

$

11,333,641

$

12,067,736

$

10,606,418

$

9,696,670

$

298,760,877

$

$

17,424,607

$

15,141,794

15,138,450

$

11,132,852

$

14,710,378

10,826,433

10,006,852

1,195,346,680

$

8,987,934

$

295,171,238

$

1,184,574,837

$

$

1,217,606,813

56,015,788

955,884

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$

96,677,415

$

$

$

$

$

783,708

316,486,553

$

514,776,155

$

90,491,687

$

$

Grafton

TOTAL

$

$

202,761,085

$

Wood River

94,777,166

$

2015

$

$

1,035,181

$

2016

505,081,048

$

98,817,759

$

Elsah

497,609,943

$

102,623,313

East Alton

2017

292,594,467

1,190,612,181

$

source: Illinois Institute for Rural Affairs

61,131

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DEMOGRAPHICS - RIVERBEND REGION, ILLINOIS

All data is 2019 estimate unless noted otherwise

We would like to thank our incredible staff for their hard work and dedication during the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. You are all more than essential. You are our heroes!

6301 Humbert Road Godfrey, IL 62035 618.466.0367 www.beverlyfarm.org

COMING SOON

5 Diamond Campgrounds, Hartford

#2 Fun Street, Hartford 618-254-1180

colmanscampers.com

2021 CURRENTS 19

AMEREN ILLINOIS

W

ith how busy Ameren Illinois was in the Riverbend area in 2020, it’s a good thing they’re an energy delivery company.

The power company completed nearly $9 million in improvements and upgrades geared toward keeping customers in the Alton area safe and productive now and in the future. Work included replacing vintage steel natural gas mains and services with new, corrosion-resistant polyethylene material in Alton and Godfrey, and updating the natural gas system in Alton.

The upgrades are to the company’s natural gas gate system, which included adding a new pressure control station, over-pressure protection equipment, remote monitoring equipment and odorization equipment. The local gate station is important to Alton because it is the point where natural gas is received from interstate pipelines and transferred into the local distribution system for safe delivery to customer homes and businesses.

“These projects are among hundreds we are implementing across Downstate Illinois to enhance the safety, integrity and reliability of our natural gas system,” Ameren Illinois Director of Natural Gas Operations Derek Cliff said.

“As we approach the winter heating season, we’re ready to provide reliable service for our customers.”

The pipeline project consisted of removing mechanically coupled steel and installing more than 47,000 feet of polyethylene pipeline. That included approximately

20 GROWTHASSOCIATION.COM

Before 20,000 feet of polyethylene pipeline in Alton and roughly 28,000 feet of polyethylene pipeline in Godfrey.

The high-impact plastic is less prone to shifting as a result of freezing and thawing.

In addition to the pipeline work, more than 700 Ameren customers in the Riverbend had their service lines upgraded.

The Riverbend projects were part of Ameren Illinois’ plan to replace nearly 600 miles of mechanically coupled steel natural gas distribution pipelines in central and southern Illinois.

Ameren Illinois also looked to brighten the Riverbend’s future with an LED streetlight project that replaced nearly 1,900 existing sodium vapor, mercury vapor and metal halide street lights in Madison County with LEDs to help communities save energy.

Among the communities that received new LED lights were Wood River, which saw 300 existing streetlights replaced, and Alton, which had 100 lights replaced.

A little farther south,

After the company was in the process of investing $2.2 million to prepare for future commercial growth in the Gateway Commerce Center along Interstate 255. As part of the project, Ameren Illinois expanded its local electric distribution service, while adding resiliency and redundancy to the local grid.

It wasn’t just large-scale projects the power company undertook, though. After the historic flood of 1993 receded into the riverbanks, Ameren Illinois engineers spent many hours looking for a solution to safeguard its natural gas and electric infrastructure near the Mississippi River. For one Alton business customer, the solution was to install its natural gas meter high onto a utility pole – an uncommon practice – to avoid future flood damage.

27 years later, Ameren Illinois gas and electrical co-workers were together again at the business site to install a new technologically advanced gas meter. The natural gas meter set is mounted on the utility pole at a height above the flood level of 1993, requiring a

bucket truck to access it. Steel lines run up to the inlet of the meter set and are connected to the inlet of the meter set using industry-approved, braided, flexible hoses. These hoses allow for movement of the meter and related facilities during inclement weather.

Natural gas co-workers worked alongside linemen inside bucket trucks to safely construct and install the gas meter set to ensure the safe, reliable natural gas service to the customer for many years to come.

“Even though Ameren Illinois is a combination natural gas and electric utility, it’s rare for the two energy delivery units to share the same infrastructure,” Ameren Illinois Director of Electric Operations Kim Voypick said. “In fact, it’s the first time any of us can think of when a natural gas meter set was affixed to a power pole.”

Just another example of how Ameren Illinois continues to go above — sometimes, way above — and beyond for their Riverbend customers. ameren.com

(front row) ILAW Sr. Supervisor Alton Wastewater Plant Matt Woulfe, ILAW Director of Operations Karen Cooper, City of Alton Mayor Brant Walker, City of Alton Chief of Staff Kim Clark (back row) ILAW Operations Manager Central Division Ethan Steinacher, ILAW Sr. Supervisor Alton Wastewater Steve Gibson, ILAW Sr. Manager Production Fred Campbell, RiverBend Growth Association President John Keller

I L L I N O I S A M E R I C A N WAT E R

I

t was a year of celebration for Illinois American Water in 2020.

Along with celebrating 145 years serving the Riverbend, the water company also celebrated its one-year anniversary of providing wastewater service in Alton.

Illinois American Water purchased the Alton Regional Wastewater System — which serves customers in Alton, Bethalto and Godfrey — in June 2019, and in its first 12 months of ownership the business invested more than $3.7 million in improvements to the sanitary sewer system.

“We made a commitment to our customers to upgrade the system and address requirements set forth by the city’s long-term control plan,” Illinois American Water Director of Operations Karen Cooper said. “We’re proud of the progress we’ve made in a short period of time.”

A significant portion of the first-year investment included completion of the design phase for separating the combined sewer system in the Turner Tract, Piasa Valley and

Shields Valley service areas.

This project in part helps to address Long Term Control Plan requirements outlined in Alton’s National Pollution Discharge Elimination System permit.

Additional projects completed in the collection and treatment systems include: ∙ Approximately 3,500 feet of sewer main and 16 manholes were installed along Washington Avenue, Kendall Avenue and Krug Place. ∙ The wastewater treatment plant chlorine injection equipment was replaced.

This equipment helps to disinfect the water that leaves the plant before entering the Mississippi River. ∙ Five aeration blowers and motors were rebuilt including the installation of new variable frequency drives (VFD). VFDs minimize pumping output to match process demands, rather than pumping at one constant speed, reducing energy use while decreasing Illinois American Water’s environmental footprint.

∙ The grit removal system was upgraded with two new classifiers for the separation of organics.

Two sludge pumps and two scum pumps as well as a screen compactor were replaced at the wastewater treatment plant. In addition, the team also rebuilt three effluent pumps and motors that transport treated wastewater away from the plant during high river stages. Security upgrades were also made to allow remote operation and monitoring of the plant. According to Cooper, these investments support uninterrupted service even during an emergency.

“Wastewater service is often taken for granted, but is so important to the health of a community, especially during an emergency,” Cooper said. “This is why many of our upgrades not only focus on optimal operation, but continued operations during flooding, natural disasters and more. We want to be sure our customers can continue to dispose of waste and to do so safely. The service we provide is critical.”

These measures are among the reasons the company was also recognized as ranking highest in customer satisfaction among large water utilities in the Midwest, according to the J.D. Power 2020 U.S. Water Utility Residential Customer Satisfaction Study. In addition to ranking atop the Midwest Large region — the second time the company has received the honor in the last five years — Illinois American Water also achieved the highest score in the region for five of the six factors measured within the 2020 study — price, conservation, billing and payment, communications and customer service.

“Delivering safe drinking water to our customers is very personal for our entire team,” Illinois American Water President Justin Ladner said.

“Families and businesses are counting on us to provide safe, reliable service. We're proud of our track record and thank our customers for the confidence they place in us.” amwater.com/ilaw

2021 CURRENTS 21

O S F H E A LT H C A R E S A I N T A N T H O N Y ’ S H E A LT H C E N T E R

T

ime for a check-up. At least we thought it might be good to let you know OSF HealthCare Saint Anthony’s Health Center has scored high marks for improvements to access and patient experience that are impacting the health and wellness of the Riverbend.

Once again, we received an “A” rating for safety from the Leapfrog Group, a non-profit organization that advocates for quality health care and a Gold ranking for stroke care from the American Heart Association.

That kind of recognition help us know our promise to expand care and add providers is making sure we provide care where and when it’s needed. Our start-of-theart medical office building in Godfrey with primary care and a walk-in PromptCare office for minor illnesses is busy. As a designated Rural Health Clinic, it offers a care team approach to ensure all patient needs are met and Medicaid and Medicare patients are welcome. Popular OSF Medical Group-Alton Pediatrician Dr. Ameera Nauman moved her practice to Godfrey full-time because of demand.

Along with several other new surgeons and specialists at OSF Saint Anthony’s main campus, OSF has extended care in Bethalto by welcoming into our family, longtime provider Dr. Raj Patel who offers preventative care, chronic disease management and other family medical needs.

A new, 12,000 square foot Rehab Center on the upper level of Alton Square Mall

22 GROWTHASSOCIATION.COM

provides a centrallylocated, convenient option for care with ample parking. It includes a new integrated pediatric gym, special adaptations for concussion rehab, a more expansive gym with walking track, a specialized pelvic floor room, private treatment rooms and a conference room for public education.

When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, OSF responded quickly – setting up a testing site in Godfrey and accelerating innovation with our Pandemic Health Worker program to digitally support patients at home, where they are most comfortable.

We partnered with state government to deliver no-cost comfort kits with software for monitoring and two-way communication so individuals quarantined at home could be connected 24/7 to a health provider.

Focused on Health Equity OSF HealthCare is also addressing health disparities in comprehensive cancer care

through a year-long grant that will allow OSF Saint Anthony’s to screen low-income patients for social needs such as transportation and financial insecurity that are barriers to receiving mammograms.

“OSF is committed to the ideal that all people deserve to fulfill their fullest potential, and that health equity plays a central role in that goal,” according to Saint Anthony’s President Sister M. Mikela. She adds, “We are doing everything we can to help people we serve be more involved in their own health and wellness through digital tools, improved access, and convenient

patient-centered care. That is key to helping us live up to our Mission to serve with the greatest care and love.”

That “greatest care” includes enhanced cancer care with the opening of the Moeller Cancer Center which has brought the latest technology and expertise to the Riverbend.

The bright and comfortable atmosphere has improved patient experience and allowed individuals to receive treatment closer to home and the individuals supporting them on their road to recovery. osfsaintanthonys.org

A LTO N M E M O R I A L H O S P I TA L

S

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

Today, AMH is a full-service, acute-care hospital, accredited by the Joint Commission with approximately 900 employees, more than 200 physicians and 120 staffed beds serving patients in a fivecounty area. The hospital has been on the frontline of the battle against the COVID-19 pandemic since early in the year, and appreciates the community’s support during these unprecedented times as it stresses the importance of wearing masks, washing hands and social distancing.

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, 24hour emergency care, and ambulance services.

To underscore the hospital’s trust from the public, Alton Memorial won four prestigious honors at the 2020 PRC (Professional Research Consultants) National Excellence in Healthcare Conference.

The Digestive Health Center earned a Top Performer award for 2020. This Award recognizes health care outpatient service lines, inpatient units, outpatient clinics, and physicians/ providers that score at or above the 100th percentile compared to PRC’s national client database for the prior calendar year. The Women’s

Health and Childbirth Center and the Human Motion Institute received 5-Star Awards, which are awarded to health care facilities, outpatient service lines, inpatient units, and outpatient clinics scoring in the top 10 percent of the PRC national client database for the prior calendar year.

The Emergency Department earned a 4-Star Award, which is awarded to inpatient facilities and emergency

departments scoring in the top 25 percent of the PRC national client database for the prior calendar year.

Since 1993, Alton Memorial has been a member of BJC HealthCare, one of the nation’s largest health care organizations. AMH is a member of the Siteman Cancer Network, designed to improve the health of River Bend residents and

neighboring communities through cancer research, treatment and prevention.

New physicians this year include Dr. Sisay Abraham, a primary care physician with Family Physicians of Alton; and Dr. Daniel Berg, a primary care physician with Family Physicians of Bethalto. altonmemorialhospital.org

2021 CURRENTS 23

JJ THERMO’S BAR AND GRILL

Beginnings in the Blues

East Alton mainstay found its foothold during championship NHL run

B

etween a wall lined with hockey jerseys and the unique bar top consisting of hockey pucks, it's only fitting that JJ Thermo’s Bar and Grill be forever linked to one of the defining moments in the region’s hockey history.

The timing was no accident, either, as Jessica Gerber will tell you.

“The Blues were going to win,” Gerber, 26, recalls about the team's run to their first-ever Stanley Cup championship in June 2019. “And I was like, ‘What better day to open a hockey bar than the day the Blues won?’

“Once (the Blues) lost Game 6, I go, ‘We have to open. We’re done picking a date. We have to open right now.’”

And so began a restaurant that has quickly become a staple in

the East Alton food scene.

Or, so began the latest chapter, at least. The story begins much earlier, whether from Gerber's high school days at Civic Memorial High School when she would work in restaurants in the Ozarks over the summer, or working at a restaurant while going to school at Southern Illinois University Carbondale, or helping her mother at the Dairy Queen franchise she owns in Bethalto.

After college, Gerber was working as a statistical analyst at Gateway Regional Medical Center — she received a degree in healthcare management and administration from SIUC — but she missed the nightlife, the busyness, the chaos, “basically something new and different every day” that only

the restaurant industry could provide.

So in late 2018 Gerber began thinking about owning her own restaurant, and shortly thereafter she, along with former business partner John Dehner and her parents, Kelley and Chad Gerber, signed on to join the budding business community at the renovated Eastgate Plaza.

“It was one of those things; it all just kind of fell into place,” she said. “One of those things that you talk about with your friends. We had some friends that run Elite (Hockey Facility) next door, Tyler (Elbrecht) and his friends, and they knew about (Eastgate) before it started coming up and running.

We met with Todd (Kennedy) and it was one of those things that you still didn't really think was going to happen, and it just kept falling into place. I got very lucky.”

By the middle of summer the following year, work on the restaurant was nearing completion as the Blues continued to advance deeper into the postseason. After a loss in Game 6 of the finals forced a deciding Game 7, Gerber also made a decision — come hell or high water, the bar was going to be open for the clincher.

“When I say I was up for, like, 29 hours, I was taking naps in the booth,” she said. “We were going to open that night. I was

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Jessica Gerber stands behind the bar at JJ Thermo's Bar and Grill in Eastgate Plaza. doing everything possible to open that night.”

Despite the hockey motif and the historic opening night, Gerber hesitates to call JJ Thermo’s your typical sports bar.

“We're a sports bar per se ... I don't consider us just a sports bar, though,” she said. “I don't think our food is your typical sports bar food. We might have your burgers and wings and stuff, but none of our meat is ever frozen; our burgers are certified angus beef. Nothing is just frozen meat in a package.

Everything is really fresh.”

And while the COVID-19 pandemic had an effect on restaurants across the region — Gerber rattles off, without hesitation, the 14 weeks, 12 days and seven hours her restaurant was closed to the public — the light at the end of the tunnel includes a new menu, more live music on the back patio, catering and possibly even a second location in a neighboring locale in the coming years if things continue to go well.

For now, though, Gerber said she’s just thankful for a community that's supported

the restaurant from the first puck drop.

“I'm really just grateful,” she said. “I think a lot of people, when we first started this, I don't want to say necessarily laughed at us, but definitely were like, ‘What are you doing?’ And when we built here, this plaza ... when we signed the lease, there was nothing in here. Blue Ice Creamery opened up before us, but when we signed, nobody else had signed in here besides Elite.

“I would think the quarantine was very, very hard on

everybody, not just us, and I was very blessed that people were coming here still as much as they did. It definitely helped us, and it will help us get through. It’s been a lot of fun. I work probably 90 hours a week, and I don’t feel like I work a day. I think I got super, super lucky to do that at 26.

I don’t think there’s many people my age that could say they love their job. So I’m very fortunate, and I'm very blessed.” jjthermosbarandgrill.com 17 Eastgate Plaza • East Alton • (618) 251-8039

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RIVERBEND AXE THROWING

S

Making its mark

ome caution against mixing business with pleasure, but it's a recipe that's been quite successful for Dan and Erika Brynildsen.

Dan, 33, and Erika, 35, are the owners of Riverbend Axe Throwing, the newest date-night getaway nestled between Dollar General and Blue Ice Creamery at the renovated Eastgate Plaza in East Alton. The axe-throwing haven opened in September 2019.

Opening something like an axe-throwing bar and lounge wasn’t on the couple’s radar

just a few years ago. That was before the Alton natives saw firsthand — on more than one occasion — the fun such a place could bring to an area they believed was in desperate need of it.

“We both grew up in Alton,” Dan said. “We know this area well, we have family here, we’re tied into the community pretty well. There’s just not a lot to do in Alton right now.

There’s just bars.”

After visiting a few different axe-throwing locations — first on his birthday on New Year’s Eve 2018, then later as part of a few different work trips for his day job as an IT manager for TD Ameritrade, once for an extended family outing, and

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26 GROWTHASSOCIATION.COM

sometimes just to scope out the would-be competition — the idea was floated: what if they opened one of their own?

“We felt like it would be a good fit,” Dan said. “I grew up playing ice hockey down here at the ice rink — I still play every Sunday night — so of course I was seeing what they were doing with (Eastgate), seeing the money they were putting into it. So at this point we’re talking about it, we’re like, let’s just put some numbers together and see what it would cost to get started, what it would cost to be profitable, just get numbers.

Ultimately, it (presented) a good opportunity.”

Having seen how other places operate, it gave the couple an idea of how they didn’t want their bar and lounge to be. If they were going to have their own business, it would be,

as Dan put it, “more than just wood on a wall.”

“We want to be more than just the traditional axe-throwing place,” he said. “We want to be a cool place to hang out. We want to be more like a sports bar that does axe-throwing.

We’ve got TVs, we’ve got a lounge, we’ve got a pool table.

People will come in and just hang out, have a beer or two and just watch what’s going on. So it’s a cool place to hang out and to throw axes. That’s what we wanted it to be, and I feel like we’ve really hit that, that people appreciate that, they appreciate the design.”

To be more than just wood on a wall also meant being part of the community — not just the Riverbend community, but also the Eastgate Plaza community.

“I feel like being part of this plaza is really big,” Dan said. “It’s kind of a family of

Dan and Erika Brynildsen own Riverbend Axe Throwing in Eastgate Plaza. business owners, and we all try to work with each other really well. There's a lot of momentum around the plaza itself, the revitalization that was happening. So that really helped. I don’t think you could get the same thing we’ve got just anywhere, just because of the whole plaza, all the foot traffic from the restaurants is just ideal. You could do dinner and a movie, or dinner and axe-throwing, or ice skating and axe-throwing, ice cream, Mexican — it's a whole date night right here at Eastgate.

“One of the things that we did all along through this, in the process of getting started, we

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wanted to be about giving back to the community,” he continued. “In our business model on our website from the very beginning we’ve said we want to take 10 percent of our profit and give it back to a local charity or community organization that’s doing good things, whether that’s a ministry or a food pantry, and we’ve done that. Every month that we’ve been profitable we’ve given 10 percent of that back to charities doing good things in the area. So that was big for us. That's how we do our personal finances — we tithe, we give 10 percent to our church, so we said with this we

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want to honor God with our business, too, so 10 percent of all our profit goes back out to people doing good in the community.”

With the one-year anniversary in the rearview mirror, the couple has its sights set on big things for the bar and lounge on the horizon. The business launched a 20-footlong, 8.5-foot-wide mobile axe-throwing unit this summer, and the Brynildsens have discussed partnering with a local restaurant to introduce some food — mostly graband-go snacks, not a full-scale kitchen — among other new features in the works.

No matter what the future brings, the couple will relish having fun helping their Riverbend neighbors have fun.

“One of the things we take the most pride in is being able to provide something that is fun to do, and people have a blast doing it,” Dan said. “It might sound corny, but we take a lot of joy in seeing other people getting joy out of what we've put out there. Enjoying it the way that we thought they would.” riverbendaxethrowing.com 205 Eastgate Plaza • East Alton • (618) 471-9050

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CJ’S JUICERY

Worth the squeeze

I

Juicery a passion for Alton native

f you don’t like something, change it, they say.

So, Courtney-Jean McLaughlin did.

McLaughlin, 24, is the owner and operator of CJ’s Juicery in Alton. The Alton native opened the shop in January 2020.

After graduating from Alton High School in 2014, McLaughlin took a year off before she got a job in the cafeteria at OSF Saint Anthony’s Health Center in Alton. She stayed there for a few years but wanted a change of scenery, so in 2017 she moved to Florida.

While there she worked at a Planet Smoothie, and when she moved back home she wanted to continue pursuing healthy eating. After being rebuffed by a local juicery, McLaughlin just decided to open her own.

“I was like, ‘I’m not going to let this stop me,’ and I just told my mom, I’m going to open a juice bar,” McLaughlin said. “I didn’t have a lot of money at

the time, but she was super supportive about it. We’ve just never looked back from there.”

McLaughlin began looking around for potential locations in September 2019, and by October she’d secured the Ridge Street space. Without much to do in the way of renovations save for installation of a few sinks and some personalized decor — fruitthemed, of course, with the shop sporting a watermelon motif — by January she was ready to open the doors.

Courtney-Jean McLaughlin prepares a smoothie in her shop, CJ's Juicery. changes and grows as she does.

“It took us a little while, but it happened in good time,” McLaughlin said.

might have hurt her potential revenue but said she was fortunate to have been able to keep serving the public throughout the summer, despite the restrictions.

Good time, but also an inopportune time. A few months after its opening, the juicery was faced with catering to a grab-andgo clientele as COVID-19 forced limitations on small businesses.

“It’s not like I know how many people were going to be here from the get-go,” she said. “Luckily, I haven’t been shut down at all, so I didn't ever have to stop what I was doing. I feel like I have a lot of regulars.”

McLaughlin said that being a new business she didn't know how much the pandemic

Looking ahead, McLaughlin said she is excited to continue to tweak recipes and keep adding to a budding menu that

“I just started juicing last June, but it completely changed my life,” she said.

“It makes me feel good. It gives me the motivation to do stuff every day, whether that be for the business or actually just drinking the juice.

“I really like to cook. That’s my one thing I like to do. I hope for this to be like a cafe — I don't know if I want to be like a big restaurant, but I hope to maybe be a cafe where there’s a handful of entrees, a handful of sides, a handful of desserts, a handful of snacks, things like that, hopefully within the next few years. I’m getting there, but it's not what I want it to be.

Hopefully one day.” facebook.com/cjs-juicery 415 Ridge St. • Alton • (618) 419-3684

2021 CURRENTS 29

TOP EMPLOYERS - RIVERBEND REGION, ILLINOIS Elementary and Secondary Education

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C C ’ S I C E E S G A LO R E

No meat, no problem

Vegan spot grows into new location

R

esearch indicates a vegan diet can provide health benefits such as reducing weight, lowering the chance of heart disease, protecting against certain cancers and even reducing the pain associated with arthritis.

Trezel Brown, owner and operator of CC’s Icees Galore in Alton, says since she started eating a vegan diet four and half years ago, it has improved her health and eliminated the migraine headaches that plagued her for years.

A vegan diet eliminates meat, fish, poultry, eggs and dairy products from one’s daily food intake. Brown says she has always loved to cook and had a background in the food and beverage industry. After

beginning a vegan diet, she found ways to bring flavor to meals she made and became such a proponent of veganism that she started CC’s Icees Galore in May 2019. The restaurant proved so popular that it outgrew its quarters on Main Street in Alton. She moved the operation to its present location on Delmar in Alton in April 2020.

“When I first started it, we just served genuine Italian icees imported from the East Coast.

I loved those and you couldn’t get them anywhere around here,” she explains. “I had also come to love vegan food and you couldn’t get it anywhere in this area.”

Her love of cooking and innovation in creating flavorful vegan dishes soon led her to expand her menu. She first added broccoli cheddar soup and vegan chili. Popular items now include vegan nachos, chicken bites, fish bites and fish sandwiches as well as wraps, cheesesteaks and pretzels.

The restaurant is also developing

Trezel Brown started CC’s Icees Galore in 2019. a complete menu of vegan burgers, like the Unbeatable Beet burger, as well as dogs and sandwiches.

Brown explains the restaurant is designed to be a familyfriendly environment. It consists of both a restaurantstyle area and a café area.

The restaurant side is a full sit-down dining area. Brown is setting up a karaoke area in it and installing televisions so families can relax and enjoy time together while they eat.

The café side of the restaurant also doubles as a grocery store, and is a more casual environment with traditional café tables and chairs with concessions available. Brown says the vegan fare is popular with all age groups and demographics and people come from neighboring towns for the popular menu items.

An online curbside menu permits customers to order online and pick up their food at a predesignated time,

thus avoiding going into the restaurant.

“You can specify a time as well as any special instructions for your meal,” she says.

Brown puts veganism in perspective.

“There are healthy alternatives,” she says. “People tend to go on diets rather than adjust their choices to more healthy, long-term eating habits. Eating a vegan menu is a long-term, healthy lifestyle change.”

She also has a response for anyone concerned about the price of vegan food.

“You can pay now or pay later,” she says. “The benefits you realize in the long term in reducing diabetes, alleviating allergies and avoiding chronic illnesses such as asthma and bronchitis end up saving you money in the long run.” ccsiceesgalore.com 231 East Delmar • Alton • (618) 433-8300

2021 CURRENTS 31

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32 GROWTHASSOCIATION.COM

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RUSHMORE

A ‘Rush’ of excitement

S

Brighton native celebrates a year in business in Downtown Alton

ydnie Rushing saw the sign. Well, not at first. But eventually, she saw it.

“In the morning — I would drive down Broadway — I didn't see the (for sale) sign,” Rushing, 27, said. “On my way back, I threw on the brakes, I took a picture and I called my boyfriend and I was like, ‘Oh my gosh, I can’t believe it. That building is for sale.’”

The building in question is 11 E. Broadway in Alton, formerly Wish & Wear dress rentals. It's the building that now houses Rushing's women's clothing boutique, Rushmore.

It was a dream that started early for the Brighton native. After graduating from Southwestern High School in 2011, Rushing attended Eastern Michigan University and, after starting out in the entrepreneurship track, switched gears to study apparel, textiles and merchandising — “fashion in a nutshell,” as she called it.

“I like to sew, I’m interested in clothing, why not?” she recalls thinking at the time.

She got into the industry working at Ann Taylor LOFT, and proceeded to work her way up and through the industry. The last job she held was at Madewell in Frontenac, Mo. Around the same time, a friend who was going to be in town asked Rushing if there was a place to shop for women’s clothes in Alton. That planted the seed in Rushing’s mind that

Sydnie Rushing stands inside her women’s clothing boutique, Rushmore. the community had a need for such a store.

It was on her way to work one day in December 2018 that Rushing saw the sign that said it was time to make her dream a reality. “‘Can we buy it?’ basically was the big question,” Rushing said of the conversation she had with her partner, Steve Smith, in the wake of spotting the sign. “He said, ‘Come home and we’ll talk about it.’

So I go home and I’m ecstatic, I’m bouncing up and down, I couldn't believe it. He said, ‘Let me talk to my Realtor, we'll see what we can do.’

“Either that night or the next morning he talked to the Realtor and it wasn’t even on the market yet. She had to talk to the Realtor of the building in order to get keys. So we came in here and there was so much potential that it felt meant to be.”

They closed on the building shortly thereafter and went to work rehabbing both the retail space and the apartment above it. The couple moved

in May 2019, Rushing quit her retail job in July and Rushmore opened in August.

Before reaching its first anniversary, the shop had to deal with COVID-19 and the complications it posed to small business owners, but Rushing and the store recently celebrated the one-year anniversary in August. It was a milestone that Rushing said wouldn't have been possible without the patronage and support of the Riverbend community.

“Thank you for being so supportive and continuing to see this as an important place in our town,” Rushing expressed to the community, “and making sure that we can keep our doors open.”

The front window of the shop trumpeted the achievement while keeping one eye on the future, reading, “One year down. Many more to go!”

A sign, if you will, of things to come. shoprushmore.com 11 E. Broadway • Alton • (618) 433-9623

2021 CURRENTS 33

LABOR FORCE - RIVERBEND REGION, ILLINOIS Madison, Macoupin & Jersey Counties

2019

2018

2017

2016

2015

Labor Force

169,168

168,648

167,454

169,262

168,007

Employed

162,399

160,902

159,650

159,285

157,742

Unemployed

6,769

7,746

7,804

9,977

10,265

Unemployment Rate

4.2%

4.8%

4.7%

5.9%

6.2%

source: Illinois Department of Employment Security

ALTON | 200 HOMER ADAMS PKWY. | 618.465.5656

www.cnbil.com

87th Season

Take a peek at just part of the live theater performances at Alton Little Theater 2450 North Henry Street | Alton, IL THE MIRACLE WORKER

October 23rd – November 2nd

BROADWAY SALUTES AMERICA

ERMA BOMBECK: AT WIT’S END February 12th - 15th, 2021

THE FULL MONTY

November 7th & 8th

(Musical) March 19th – 28th, 2021

THE RED PLAID SHIRT

SEX, DOGS & THE FULL CATASTROPHE

(NEW SILVER THEATER) November 13th - 15th

SISTER ACT

(Musical) December 11th – 20th

SING IN THE NEW YEAR CONCERT January 3rd, 2021

TERMS OF ENDEARMENT January 22nd – 31st, 2021

34 GROWTHASSOCIATION.COM

April 8th - 11th, 2021

DREAM-WORKS IN PROGRESS May 1st, 2021

KONG’S NIGHT OUT

(Comedy) May 14th – 23rd, 2021

CALL the Box Office at 618.462.3205 or go ONLINE at altonlittletheater.org for tickets that entertain!

B O H E M I A N R OA D B O U T I Q U E

The winding ‘road’ Roxana grad pursues goals despite personal setbacks

F

ew would call it ideal timing to open a clothing store in the months before a global pandemic put the world at a standstill.

One thing Kayla Logan has learned, though, is that there’s no time like the present.

Logan, 31, is the owner of Bohemian Road Boutique, a women’s retail clothing store in East Alton. A 2007 Roxana High School graduate, Logan works as a teacher in the Alton School District by day.

She began selling clothes first in an online boutique in 2018, and a year and a half later she decided she was ready to “take it to the next level.” After a few months of looking, Logan settled into her digs in the newly renovated Eastgate Plaza shopping center in December 2019.

Little did she know that a few short months later the shop would have its doors closed by the COVID-19 pandemic, but the East Alton native is no stranger to hardship. Logan lost her husband, former Alton High School tennis coach Robert Logan, to a rare form of liver cancer in 2016, a sickness that persisted through much of the couple's married years after they wed in 2012.

It was that experience, and Robert's lasting words of encouragement, that helped convince her to try her hand at operating a brick-and-mortar store.

“With Robert passing away, it put some things into perspective, like life is too short,” she said. “If you dream or you want to do something to just do it. He passed away when he was 30. One of the last things he said to me, and I take this to heart, he told me the only thing he wanted out of his life was for me to be happy, whatever that is.

“And so at the time I was like, you know what, he’s right. This will make me happy.

It’ll make me happy to make those relationships and to provide this service to people who also enjoy clothes and fashion, and giving back to my community because the community did so much for Robert and me when he was sick.”

In some ways the timing of her opening was fortuitous. As Logan was looking for a place to call home, Eastgate Plaza was in the midst of a major facelift and was in the market for tenants.

“I kind of got to thinking in the back of my head, being from East Alton, really thinking that we needed a store around here,” she said. “I love clothes. I’ve always loved clothes. I’m a teacher in the Alton School District, and there’s just nowhere that we could really go to get affordable clothing. So I was kind of at the very beginning stages of Eastgate being renovated, and I actually looked into putting something else here, but I was like, ‘No, we need clothes.’ So here I am.”

In other ways, the timing was disastrous. After being open only a few months, the virus caused Bohemian Road Boutique and countless other businesses to prohibit in-store shopping. As weeks turned into months, Logan found ways to keep busy, and the Riverbend community responded by keeping her busy as well.

“It was a little nerve-wracking

Kayla Logan stands inside her shop, Bohemian Road Boutique, in Eastgate Plaza. at first,” she said. “I was a little unsure about how everything would go down.

Obviously, I wasn't doing the sales that I could be. But I ended up starting to do more online, and I was actually making home deliveries, too. Obviously I didn’t hit what I had been doing money-wise, but it was enough to where I could at least continue and not have to shut down. The community has really been amazing.”

With her one-year anniversary on the horizon, Logan said her main focus is continuing to build the store to her original, pre-COVID vision. She runs the store with the help of three college-aged employees who, in Logan's words, “keep me in check and keep me with the times.”

If it was her vision that made the boutique a goal and Robert's words that pushed her to take the leap, it was the support of her boyfriend, Chris White, that has also helped Kayla make the boutique a success in its first year.

“I have a really good, supportive boyfriend, and without him then this probably would have never happened,” she said. “He was like, ‘What are you waiting for? Do it. You know more than anyone that life is too short, and you just have to go with what you want to do.’” facebook.com/bohemianroadboutique 625 Eastgate Shopping Center • East Alton

2021 CURRENTS 35

The village green C OV E R S TO R Y

The new village hall and public safety facility under construction

F

Roxana marks milestone with construction of municipal facility

or the better part of a century, the land that is now Roxana’s Burbank Park has served as the central hub for the village of roughly 1,500 people.

Education. Gatherings.

Homecoming. Situated between the Roxana Public Library and Nazarene Community Theater along the South Central Avenue thoroughfare, the villageowned ground is prime real estate.

Village officials think so, too, and as they celebrate a century since Roxana's incorporation they also look ahead to a brand-new village hall and public safety facility being built on the property that will serve the community well into the new century. The roughly $11 million project began in October 2019 with

36 GROWTHASSOCIATION.COM

Burbank School was built in 1936, a Works Progress Administration (WPA) project under the guidance of President Franklin Delano Roosevelt. 10 years earlier, at the south end of the lot, Edison School, a two-room junior high school that was later converted into a primary grade school, was constructed.

A rendering of the future village hall and public safety facility, courtesy of Village of Roxana. an eye on village officials and public safety personnel moving in by the end of 2020.

“We’re moving the center of Roxana four blocks north,” Roxana Village President Marty Reynolds said. “The principal thing is, it’s going to be within a block of the high school, it’s on the same property as the library — it’s kind of bringing the village

all together into a one-block area. Now, we’re scattered out with the park district, the library, the village hall ... this will consolidate, basically, the school, the parks, the library, and the village hall all within a one-block area.”

A PLOT WITH A PAST Before it was Burbank Park, it was Burbank School.

Reynolds’ history with the village well predates his days as mayor, and he recalls walking the strip of blacktop between the schools to get to the cafeteria located in the Burbank School.

“It was the social center of the education system in Roxana at that time,” he said.

As time went on, schools consolidated and Edison School was demolished in the late 1960s. The Roxana Public

Library was built on the site of the former school in 1970, where it stands today.

The Burbank School, what Reynolds described as a “monstrous brick structure,” was added onto around the time the Edison School was demolished. It, too, closed in 1983 and was sold to chiropractor and former Wood River Mayor David Ayres.

Ayres had many hopes for the building, Reynolds recalled, but none ever came to fruition.

Eventually, the structure was donated to the village and razed in 2009.

Even before the building was village property and earmarked for demolition, Reynolds — who prior to becoming mayor in 2017 spent 36 years as a village employee, retiring as public works director in 2013 before being elected as village trustee in 2015 — said the village had an intention of possibly one day making it the future home of village hall.

“This project has been in the works since, really, 2006,” he said.

CROWDED CHAMBERS Meanwhile, the current village hall has only gotten older and more crowded.

Constructed in 1937, the building at 400 S. Central Ave. originally housed village council chambers, a one-office police department with a jail,

Beautiful Roxana Park is among the many reasons people love to call Roxana home. one short fire truck and an emergency vehicle. Reynolds still remembers the white 1945 Chevrolet Woody Wagon that served at the village’s ambulance in those days.

Over the years the building evolved to house the village clerk’s office, the water billing office, and whatever else was needed from a village hall. As need for space grew, the building did, too, but as Reynolds notes, “when you try to squeeze it all into one building, it's tough.”

“There’s been numerous additions, offices partitioned, and one of the real issues we have right now is the

The current Roxana Village Hall building, which the village has outgrown in recent years.

safety factor for our police officers,” he said. “We have police officers working in closets because of the space.

Especially with the COVID situation right now, if it's here for a while we’ll Y E A R S be able to spread people out and not have to be concerned with social distancing with our employees.

So it’s kind of a turnkey for the future and for the existing conditions as well.”

The new, nearly 29,000square-foot facility will house police and fire personnel and will also have a multipurpose room for council meetings and other community functions. The building will be

approximately three times the size of the current village hall.

'IT'S HOME’ In his brief time as mayor, Reynolds has already overseen various projects aimed at the beautification and betterment of the village, the village hall construction being the latest.

And as the village turns 100 years old in 2021, Reynolds feels fortunate to be in a position to look back on where Roxana has come while helping guide it into an exciting future yet to come.

“Roxana, it’s been home to a lot of people,” he said. “A lot of kids have left; a lot of kids come home. [continued ]

The Rox Arena community building in Roxana Park is the center of the park district universe.

2021 CURRENTS 37

[ continued] It’s a tough area to live in. We

don’t have new residential homes that are upscale for kids in this day and age, but some kids have come back here and thought, ‘This is not a bad town.’ And it’s really not. When you leave somewhere and you come back and think, ‘What am I coming back to?’ Well, it’s home. That’s what you're coming back to.

“We would still like to do some residential development. That’s always on our radar.

We're looking daily, because we’d like to have some housing to offer people. But to sit back and say I grew up playing in these alleys, which was something ... in the day I was younger, kids played ball in the street, played in the alleys. Now, you never see that — it’s a computer or it’s in a park. But yeah, it’s something to be able to say I played in these alleys.”

A wall inside the present Village Hall commemorates the village's history over the past century.

roxana-il.org

“Achieving Excellence with Passion, Pride, and Partnership” A

s the village of Roxana celebrates its centennial and looks forward to a new village hall facility on the site of a former educational axis, the village’s current educational hub also marks a milestone anniversary in 2021.

ROXANA HIGH SCHOOL

has been in use for 80 years, having been built in 1941 after the citizens of Roxana and eastern Wood River voted to form a new high school district, Roxana School District 156. Now part of Roxana Community School District 1, the high school serves as the school building for more than 500 district students annually.

“We are proud that the Roxana School District has a rich 80-year history,” Roxana Schools Superintendent Debra Kreutztrager said.

“The original construction for what is now a part of our existing high school was completed in 1941 and has

38 GROWTHASSOCIATION.COM

stood the test of time. Our district is extremely fortunate to have beautiful facilities, but the people who are united by a vision to make a positive difference in the lives of others is the true legacy of the Roxana School District.

Buildings have been updated and grade levels reorganized, but the district's vision of Achieving Excellence with Passion, Pride, and Partnership will carry on through the generations.”

Back then, the 1941 fall semester began with just 155 students. The original school plant consisted of 12 classrooms, a library, a gymnasium, and an office.

Today, the facility includes the Birdine Groshong Auditorium, The Larry Milazzo Gymnasium, a wrestling room, tennis courts, Charlie Raich Field, baseball and softball fields, a S.T.E.A.M. Room, Cafe de Shell and more.

Among those is The Jeff Welker Wellness Center, which was recently remodeled.

Kreutztrager said the district was kept busy with the implementation of remote learning to start the fall semester due to COVID-19 but that a ribbon cutting ceremony for the updated facility could be in the plans for spring 2021.

That ceremony could also coincide with an 80th anniversary celebration for the long-standing high school.

“All attention, energy, and complete focus is on keeping our doors open while meeting the needs of our students who are working remotely,” Kreutztrager said. “With the current restrictions, we may coordinate to celebrate the anniversary in the spring.”

roxanaschools.org

117 E. Sixth Street Built by Herbert Murphy Chief of Police 1924-1950

Burbank School Built in 1936

Roxana Theatre Opened Labor Day 1940

Roxana Village Hall Built in 1938

Roxana High School Built in 1941 Old Harbke Grocery Store 1926-1960 Radcliffe Barber Shop and Former Post Office

Drawings a citizen created as a village collage of history years ago [source: Village of Roxana]

2021 CURRENTS 39

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Riverbend Area Education LOCAL PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICTS Percent Low Income

Percent English Learners**

Percent Homeless

Chronic Absenteeism Rate

Percent Students with IEP*

Average Class Size

Postsecondary Enrollment

Alton CUSD 11 altonschools.org • 618-474-2600

55

0.8

1.7

23.5 15.2

21.1

62.7 85.7

6

29.4 29.9 6,218

Bethalto CUSD 8 bethalto.org • 618-377-7200

45.1

0.9

2.2

14.4 12.2 23.2 68.7 93.5

3.3

23.6 16.8 2,440

East Alton SD 13 easd13.org • 618-433-2051

63.1

0.1

2.6

30

17.4 23.6

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

775

East Alton-Wood River CHSD 14 eawr.org • 618-254-3151

62.2

0.2

6.4

26

28.2 22.6 59.3 85.1

3.9

20

12.8

606

Jersey CUSD 100 jersey100.org • 618-498-5561

44.7

0.3

2.6

12.4

11.2 23.5 68.5 86.9

3.1

35.9 34.6 2,561

Roxana CUSD 1 roxanaschools.org • 618-254-7544

51.8

0.2

2.7

21.4

14

21.3 64.2 89.3

4.6

18.9

17.1 1,867

Wood River-Hartford SD 15 wrh15.org • 618-254-0607

68

***

12.4 19.9

20

22.1

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

48.8

12.1

2

9.6

21.9 72.5 85.9

4.2

36.7 34.8

State of Illinois source: illinoisreportcard.com

17.5

(overall)

12 month

n/a

n/a

4-year Graduation Rate

Dropout Rate

SAT ELA testing

(% meeting or exceeding)

SAT Math testing

(% meeting or exceeding)

Total District Enrollment

710

*Eligible to receive special education services. **Eligible for transitional bilingual programs. ***Indicate either non-reported data or suppressed data due to privacy concerns. Student counts reported are counts out of groups 10 or greater.

PRIVATE SCHOOLS (by city) Marquette Catholic High School, Alton marquettecatholic.org • 618-463-0580

Our Lady Queen of Peace School, Bethalto olqpbethalto.org • 618-377-6401

Montessori Children’s House, Godfrey mchgodfrey.org • 618-467-2333

Mississippi Valley Christian School, Alton mvcs-il.org • 618-462-1071

Zion Lutheran School, Bethalto zlsbethalto.org • 618-377-5507

St. Ambrose Catholic School, Godfrey stambrosegodfrey.org • 618-466-4216

St. Mary’s Catholic School, Alton stmarysalton.com/school 618-465-8523 elementary 618-465-9719 middle

Evangelical Schools, Godfrey evangelical-school.org • 618-466-1599

Bethel Christian Academy, South Roxana bethelfwbsroxana.org/BCA • 618-254-0188

AREA COLLEGES & UNIVERSITIES Illinois College, Jacksonville ic.edu • 217-245-3000 Kaskaskia College, Centralia kaskaskia.edu • 618-545-3000 Lewis & Clark Community College, Godfrey, Edwardsville lc.edu • 800-YES-LCCC McKendree University, Lebanon mckendree.edu • 800-BEARCAT Missouri Baptist University at Lewis & Clark, Godfrey mobap.edu/lccc • 618-468-2621 Principia College, Elsah principiacollege.edu • 618-374-2131

Children’s Tribe, A Montessori Academy, Godfrey childrenstribe.org • 618-466-0399 Southern Illinois University Edwardsville siue.edu • 800-447-SIUE Southern Illinois University School of Dental Medicine, Alton siue.edu/dental • 618-474-7170 Southwestern Illinois College, Belleville, Granite City, Red Bud swic.edu • 618-235-2700 Fontbonne University, St. Louis fontbonne.edu • 800-205-5862 Harris-Stowe State University, St. Louis hssu.edu • 314-340-3366 Lindenwood University, St. Charles lindenwood.edu • 636-949-2000

Maryville University, St. Louis maryville.edu • 314-529-9300 Missouri Baptist University, St. Louis mobap.edu • 314-434-1115 Ranken Technical College, St. Louis ranken.edu • 866-4-RANKEN Saint Louis University, St. Louis slu.edu • 800-758-3678 University of Missouri – St. Louis, St. Louis umsl.edu • 314-516-5000 Washington University, St. Louis wustl.edu • 314-935-5000 Webster University, Webster Groves webster.edu • 800-981-9801

2021 CURRENTS 41

It takes a village The beauty of the Lewis & Clark Community College campus is matched only by its contribution to the outstanding education community in the Riverbend.

Godfrey celebrates growth — in various ways — over past 30 years

T

he incorporation of the village of Godfrey in 1991 shaped the village, quite literally, over the past 30 years.

Godfrey Director of Economic Development Jim Mager believes the move was the beginning of a reshaped perception of the village as well.

“You talk about the 30-year anniversary of the village, our community really has evolved,” Mager said. “If you look at the early stages of Godfrey, it really was a community that evolved from people who were living in the major metropolitan areas, the commercial centers — be it Granite City, St. Louis, Alton, when you had all the factories and all the mills running — and people wanted to live out here, and they would drive out here, they would commute out here because they didn’t want to live in those environments.

They liked the clean, fresh country living, and so they worked in the densely populated areas and they came out here to live.

“That happened in the ‘50s and the ‘60s, but since we incorporated in ‘91 the village really has evolved. It’s becoming more

42 GROWTHASSOCIATION.COM

of its own community. It’s not necessarily now just a drive-through community.

We’ve got a great park system. We’re very focused on creating business and we’ve got some plans to really develop some commercial sites. So, it really has evolved into more of its own municipality — it’s not just the township, it’s not, ‘Gee, this is where somebody comes to sleep at night, but they’re going back somewhere else to work.’ It’s evolving into its own identity and its own community.”

The village will celebrate a milestone anniversary on the heels of one of the more challenging years in its existence, what Godfrey Mayor Mike McCormick called a “kind of a shoot-from-your-hip kind of year.” The year did bring some productivity to the village, with McCormick saying they undertook a lot of road construction work, among other projects.

Mager said that in spite of the economic downturn associated with the COVID-19 global pandemic, the village had issued nearly $5 million in new building permits as of September.

With the pandemic also came hardships for small businesses, prompting the

village to spring into action with a gift card program that injected $400,000 into local businesses, including $200,000 from the village’s coffers alone.

“The fiscal condition of the village is extremely sound,” Mager said. “When we decided to provide some assistance to our local businesses, we were able to put $200,000 into that program and it wasn’t a problem for us.

“There were very few communities who Beverly Farm is a planned community that nearly 400 individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities call home.

could have stepped up to the plate with that level of support for the local businesses. The mayor, the trustees, myself, all of us here at village hall are very pro-business and supportive of our small businesses.”

That fiscal soundness is one of the things of which McCormick is most proud over the 11 1/2 years he’s been mayor.

“I’m probably most proud of the fact that for 7 of the 11 years I have lowered Godfrey’s tax levy — and the other 3 years we kept the levy equal, which is actually a reduction to people because of the growth — and yet enhanced the services that we are doing,” McCormick said. “We’re doing more roads than we ever have done, we’ve grown the parks tremendously. I think our main concentration is taking care of our roads and growing the parks.”

Growing the parks includes the recent $400,000 Open Space Land Acquisition and Development (OSLAD) grant given to the village by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources for further improvements to Glazebrook Park. The money is anticipated to go toward multiple athletic fields, parking and playgrounds at the park, among other amenities.

“We’ve started working with a consulting firm to lay out a design and move forward on that project,” Godfrey Village Engineer Richard Beran said.

Also as it relates to parks, the village is working on designs for a bike trail connecting La Vista Park to Glazebrook Park and, ultimately, Lewis and Clark Community College and the Great River Road. That project will be done in phases, officials said.

“With the increase in the fuel tax in the state, we’re getting additional (Motor Fuel Tax) money,” Beran added. “We’re going to put that toward maintaining the roads better and reconstructing a couple of them.”

After its success on Broadway in Alton, Germania Brew Haus opened a drive-thru location in Monticello Plaza.

Glazebrook Park, already a favorite for Godfrey residents, will be receiving a facelift in the near future after the village received a $400,000 grant from the state for improvements to the park.

“We actually have it in our comprehensive plan to have that corridor be a commercial development corridor,” Mager said.

“There’s lots of pieces that go into that, but we actually are engaged in a recruiting campaign to try to create an environment and get businesses to come.

Now that we’ll get that road completed, that really is going to provide us a very attractive corridor to try to recruit some national brands because they’ll come in off 255 and we’ll have that nice street with the signals all the way through.”

“The plan years ago was to have a cross-town road,” McCormick said. “But when they got into researching it, going across country out toward Clifton Terrace there were a couple creeks, a couple big bridges would have to be built, and a couple property owners were going to fight us going through their property. So that kind of got thrown by the wayside.

Now, this is going to bring a variation of that dream from 35-40 years ago.”

Like that dream, the village itself has continued to change and grow in the decades since its incorporation. Godfrey officials like McCormick, Beran and Mager look forward to the challenge of ushering the village into the next 30 years of prosperity.

“The demands of the residents have changed,” Mager said. “If you would have gone back 40 years ago, people were very content to just come out here, live in a working-class neighborhood and drive back into town and go to work.

Our residents now are looking for more community living, being able to stay here, being able to shop, being able to live and play, so we’re working toward that.” godfreyil.org

That includes improvements to Pierce Lane, a project the village is excited about after it agreed to give ownership of Lars Hoffman Boulevard to Madison County in exchange for Airport Road. McCormick said he has hopes the county will have a project extending Lars Hoffman Boulevard to Airport Road completed as early as 2021.

The new sidewalk at Glazebrook Park looks nice, but it isn't the real story — the sidewalk will surround a brand-new turf field, just one of the upgrades coming to the park in the near future.

2021 CURRENTS 43

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