Currents 2022

Highlighting the people and places of OurRiverBend

2022

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Highlighting the people and places of OurRiverBend

PROJECT COORDINATOR Debbie Hagen EDITOR Nathan Grimm DESIGNER Missy Long WRITERS Frank Prager Nathan Grimm Suzanne Slaughter PHOTOGRAPHERS Jeff Helmkamp Frank Prager Nathan Grimm This is an Big Z Media publication created and produced for the RiverBend Growth Association.

JOHN KELLER

Growth Association President Thank you for viewing our 20212022 Currents magazine!

This publication serves as the RiverBend Growth Association’s opportunity to highlight the people and places in the communities that comprise the Riverbend Region of Southwestern Illinois. We hope that you will share the same enthusiasm for our area as we do, as you share this publication with others in the office or business where you picked it up, or with houseguests on your coffee table at home.

This year we highlight our area educational institutions, administrators and others who help develop our area youth into the next generation of leaders.

We take pride in our strong educational institutions in the Riverbend that complement the quality workforce, neighborhoods, recreational activities and tourism attractions that make our Riverbend communities such a great area to live, work and play.

arise to site selectors that want information on the area on behalf of their clients, while striving to develop and maintain programs and events that give value to our membership and communities. As the COVID-19 restrictions swept through our area and nation, we pivoted with programs held via Zoom and continued to meet and stay relevant to our membership.

We are fortunate to have so many businesses that support our Riverbend communities. The Growth Association strives to help our member businesses, large and small, new and old, who in turn make this a great area in which to do business.

Thank you again for your interest in Currents magazine, showcasing our Riverbend communities.

We are proud to share this publication with our visitors, business owners, residents and future residents alike!

Sincerely,

We continue to promote development opportunities that 5800 Godfrey Road - BGM (mailing) 6722 Godfrey Road (physical) Godfrey, IL 62035 618-467-2280 growthassociation.com facebook.com/RiverBendGrowthAssociationIL

2 GROWTHASSOCIATION.COM

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Contents

Advertiser Index 1st Mid America Credit Union ����������������30 AdVantage �������������������������������������������������42 Alton Little Theater �����������������������������������36

EAST ALTON-WOOD RIVER HIGH SCHOOL | 4

Alton Memorial Hospital ������������������������� 14 Alton MultiSpecialists �������������������������������26

MARQUETTE CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL | 6

Andy's Auto Body �������������������������������������40

ST. AMBROSE CATHOLIC SCHOOL | 8

Asbury Village �������������������������������������������40

LEWIS AND CLARK COMMUNITY COLLEGE | 10

Auto Butler �������������������������������������������������25

EDUCATION | 12

Bethalto, Village of �����������������������������������30

CRISIS FOOD CENTER | 13

Beverly Farm Foundation ����������������������� 16 Brown Bag Bistro ��������������������������������������� 19

DR. WENDY ADAMS | 14

Busey Bank �������������������������������������������������35

AMY GOLLEY | 17

Centerstone ����������������������������������������������� 14

AL WOMACK | 20

Colman's Country Campers ������������������� 19 Country Financial - Jeffrey Lauritzen ���38

DALLAS MARTZ | 23

Elias, Kallal and Schaaf ���������������������������30

TAMMY ISKAROUS | 26

First Mid Bank & Trust �������������������������������38

ALTON MEMORIAL HOSPITAL | 31

Gent Funeral Home ���������������������������������42 Godfrey Meat Market �������������������������������38

MUNICIPAL MAYORS | 32

Godfrey, Village of . . . . . . . . ������������������� 18 Hayner Public Library District ����������������22

OSF HEALTHCARE SAINT ANTHONY’S HEALTH CENTER | 39

Hillcrest Apartments ���������������������������������30

ILLINOIS AMERICAN WATER | 43

Illinois American Water ���������������������������20 Liberty Bank A United Community Bank �����24 Midwest Members Credit Union �����������22 Missouri Baptist University at LCCC �����26 OSF HealthCare ����������������������������������������� 19 OSF HealthCare �����������������������������������������44 Plumbers & Pipefitters Local Union �����25 Professional Hearing Associates �����������35 Quality Buick GMC Cadillac �������������������34 Republic Services �������������������������������������28 Riverbend Kitchen and More �����������������38

On the cover

Children play at the new splash pad in Alton's Riverfront Park

Roberts Motors �����������������������������������������22 Scheffel Boyle �������������������������������������������42 Senior Services Plus ���������������������������������25 Simmons Hanly Conroy ���������������������������40

What 's My Story? 14

St. Peters Hardware and Rental �������������34 Town and Country Bank �������������������������42 Villa Rose Senior Living Community ���28 WBGZ Radio �����������������������������������������������28 Werts Welding & Tank Service ��������������� 14

2022 CURRENTS 3

E A S T A LTO N - W O O D R I V E R H I G H S C H O O L

New face, W

hen Timothy (Rob) Miller started his job as superintendent of the East Alton-Wood River High School District (EAWR), he brought with him a record of administrative experience and success.

Miller served as principal and athletic director for the Madison junior and senior high schools for 18 years and most recently was superintendent at Sandoval Unit School District 501. On July 1, 2021, he replaced former EAWR superintendent Dr. John Pearson, who retired.

Miller has a bachelor’s degree in sociology and a master’s degree in school social work from the University of Illinois, as well as an administrative and specialist’s degree from SIUE. His wife, Mary, is an assistant principal at Edwardsville High School.

4 GROWTHASSOCIATION.COM

familiar place

Their daughter, Mia, is a freshman.

In addition to managing operations and collaborating with faculty, the school board and the community, Miller’s responsibilities include overseeing finances, building and grounds activities and transportation for the district.

His role also includes creating an environment that sets high expectations for academic success and encouraging parent, teacher, staff and community involvement in school improvement. His job is key in helping students develop high integrity and a positive character that values family, community, leadership, hard work and service to others.

Miller looks forward to the opportunities as well as whatever challenges overseeing the high school district brings with it.

“I started in education as a school social worker,” Miller said. “My intent was to work with what are sometimes the most challenging situations a school district presents. That’s just who I am. I enjoy that.”

The school district has a long and storied legacy. Wood River and East Alton together formed a high school district in 1918, shortly after the United States entered World War I. It became chartered in 1919, celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2019. The school building was first erected in 1921 in spite of strong protests from citizens at the time who wondered why it was being constructed "way out in the country." That location is now in the heart of the East Alton-Wood River community.

At the time it was created more than 100 years ago, the high school had 63 students.

It now has an enrollment of 570 students in grades nine through twelve. Remodeling and expansions over the past century have seen the original building grow into a robust complex which includes a library, cafeteria, vocational building, gymnasium and athletic facilities. Facilities were again upgraded over the past two decades to include a robust Wi-Fi network, security cameras, classroom and office computers and building labs.

Miller explained the school provides educational tracks for both college-bound students as well as those preparing to directly enter the workforce.

“We offer a balance of opportunities for kids on the college track as well as kids in the vocational lane,” he said.

“We have class resources in such areas as building trades, welding, metal shop and printing. A lot of high schools don’t even have those courses.”

He noted the school has a strong counseling department to assist students in determining their educational path.

The school offers not only a fine arts curriculum but also performance arts.

Timothy (Rob) Miller

POSITION Started July 1, 2021 as superintendent of the East Alton-Wood River High School District

“Students can be involved with theater and plays,” Miller explained. “We are extremely fortunate to have the art instruction we have here. You don’t find it everywhere.”

BACKGROUND More than two decades experience in education

and administration; degree in sociology, school social work and administration, and special education KEY FOCUS Listen and learn this coming year to identify key

challenges, then work with the school board to create a working strategic plan that addresses the opportunities ahead Security extends not only to technology but to the physical safety of the staff and students.

“We have threat assessments and do training with our staff and students,” Miller said.

Security cameras monitor the buildings and grounds and entry to the school is protected by buzz-in locks.

Dual-credit courses are offered in conjunction with Lewis and Clark Community College. Miller also noted the district is part of a cooperative with the Region III Special Education Cooperative to provide resources for students within a broad spectrum of special needs.

Miller said the district had the advantage of being in good shape from a technology standpoint before the COVID-19 pandemic, which helped them address the challenges presented during the 2020-21 school year.

“The school was already a one-to-one school in having a Chromebook for each student,” he said. “When covid hit,

the teachers and students did really well at making that shift because they were already familiar with the practices of using that technology as instructional tools.”

He said that while the pandemic has added layers of challenges, the school has risen to what has been required.

He explained the school continues to enhance its technology infrastructure to make it faster and more secure. He points out cyber security is important and that ransomware and hacking are real issues schools need to address proactively instead of waiting until an incident occurs.

Noteworthy alumni from the school have gone on to exceptional careers in fields of endeavor including business, education, medicine, law, athletics, government, media, the arts, finance, science, engineering, the church, the military and community service. The school has a Hall of Fame in which alumni who have attained extraordinary achievements in their areas are inducted every other year.

Looking to the future, Miller says the school will continue to improve and maintain excellence from both a student resources point of view and a facilities perspective.

Athletics have always been a hallmark at East Alton-Wood River High. The school colors of maroon and gold have been cheered by generations of fans. Legendary coach Chick Summers coached for 42 years throughout the ’40s, ’50s and ’60s, and took the school’s basketball and baseball teams to conference and regional championships as well as state tournament appearances.

“We are putting together a five-year building improvement plan,” he said. “There are things we will address in regard to the building and grounds that I think the community will appreciate.”

The presence of oil refining as a major industry in years past influenced the high school’s sports teams’ nickname, the Oilers. The school offers students the opportunity to participate in football, baseball, basketball, tennis, volleyball, golf, wrestling, soccer and cheering.

Looking both forward and back, Miller said he is grateful for the work former superintendent Pearson did for the past 21 years.

“The legacy he leaves is what we now have for us to carry forward.”

eawr.net 777 N Wood River Ave • Wood River • (618) 254-3151

2022 CURRENTS 5

M A R Q U E T T E C AT H O L I C H I G H S C H O O L

Four generations

of graduates in new principal’s family

W

hen Dr. Barbara Fleming began the job of principal at Marquette Catholic High School in Alton on July 1, she brought with her not only a passion for education and solid credentials for the position but also a long family association with the institution.

Her four children are fourthgeneration Marquette alumni.

A graduate of Marquette herself, Fleming explains her children’s grandmother and great-grandfather also attended the school. Three of her children are Marquette graduates. The youngest is a sophomore there this year.

Fleming was born and raised in Alton and currently resides in the city.

Her credentials include bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate degrees in education as well as certification as a principal and as a superintendent. Her

extensive work experience in education includes serving as adjunct professor for the past six years at the University of Missouri St. Louis.

She was employed by the Special School District of St. Louis County and served as director of special education for the Parkway School District for the past eight years.

Prior to that, she worked in the Ferguson-Florissant and Hazelwood school districts in St. Louis as well as worked as a principal and assistant principal at other schools for 10 years.

Established in 1927, Marquette Catholic High School observes its 95th anniversary during the 2021-22 school year.

Serving 29 feeder schools throughout the area, the school has a long, historic

legacy of outstanding academic excellence. Ninetynine percent of its graduates go on to attend college, and its honor students score in the top 15 percent nationally in ACT testing. The school has a 12:1 studentto-teacher ratio, Y E A R S providing focused attention on the education of every student. Average teaching experience for instructors at the school is 18 years.

Marquette has an enrollment of 431 students for the 2021-22 school year.

Fleming says the school achieves success by holding to high standards.

“Catholic identity is our focus, and with that comes high student learning outcomes,” she explains. “With a Christian education comes the expectations of a high work ethic.”

Fleming’s focus coming into her new role is on the aspects of the school which will make her students successful.

“Our focus is to ensure our students are college-bound and are prepared for life after high school,” she says. “It is important that we continue to challenge our students academically and are careful not to water things down to make it easy for them.”

6 GROWTHASSOCIATION.COM

She says she is impressed with the quality of the teaching she has witnessed during her time so far as principal.

“As I’ve been visiting the classrooms and seeing the level of instruction going on, high standards for student outcomes are evident,” she says.

She also emphasizes the importance of student participation in the educational process.

“Learning is not just about ‘sitting and getting,’” she says. “A high level of student engagement is an important part of the outcome.”

Fleming says she considers herself the instructional leader for the school. She conducts regular observations to make sure the quality of education remains at a high level.

Technology is an important consideration for any educational institution. Fleming says what drives technology considerations is whatever is important for students to access curriculum.

“Technology in schools expands beyond just doing Word documents or reading email,” she notes. “It also includes things like making sure our theater department has the tools they need to put on amazing shows, as well as

Dr. Barbara Fleming

POSITION Started as principal of Marquette Catholic High School in Alton on July 1, 2021 BACKGROUND Bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate degrees in education. Director of special education for the Special School District of St. Louis. Ten years’ experience in assistant principal and principal roles.

KEY FOCUS Maintain high levels of academic excellence and make sure students are safe and happy.

having the technology needed to do our student radio broadcasts. In addition, we need to put infrastructure in place to livestream our athletic events as well as having the tools to provide remote access if students are home and need to Zoom into classroom sessions.”

She points out that student safety is obviously a high priority. Students are issued electronic passkeys. Access to building facilities cannot be obtained without them.

Fire, intruder, earthquake, and tornado drills are regularly conducted to keep students familiar with procedures

required in the event an emergency situation occurs.

Marquette Catholic High School provides students with a robust arts curriculum.

Music, visual and performing arts are all offered. The drama club and the choir perform regularly, and students involved in the drama club and theater classes put on two plays per year. The school hosts a theater camp during the summer for younger kids in which camp attendees are given instruction in singing and performance.

“It helps highlight an aspect of the school for future students many may not be familiar with,” Fleming says.

Sports are a prominent part of the school’s storied legacy. Explorers teams bearing the white and royal blue school colors regularly excel across multiple sports, repeatedly having sent teams to championships throughout the school’s history. Both boys and girls can select from more than a dozen sports. Alumni in sports including football, baseball, softball and golf have gone on to outstanding college careers, with some advancing to the pro ranks.

Fleming says her priorities in the coming year are to keep kids safe, keep them learning and make sure there are high

expectations for academic performance.

“Our standards are important outside as well as inside the school,” she says. “Every time our students walk out our doors, they are representing Marquette Catholic High School.”

A learning institution does not last 95 years without strong traditions. Fleming says an important one is the regularly conducted all-school Mass.

She notes they have added a weekly Mass this year in the middle of the school day.

“I think that’s an important part of our identity and our culture,” she says.

Fleming looks forward to the coming year and her new responsibilities.

“I really enjoy working with the students,” she says. “For me, this job is not as much about supervising as it is about learning as well as making sure our students look forward to coming to school and are happy.” marquettecatholic.org 219 E 4th St • Alton • (618) 463-0580

2022 CURRENTS 7

S T. A M B R O S E C AT H O L I C S C H O O L

Love, growth S

and high-quality education

t. Ambrose Catholic School in Godfrey has been a cornerstone of the community ever since it was established in 1947, providing a quality Catholic education to students for generations. The school is observing its 75th anniversary during the 2021-22 school year.

Principal Bob Baird’s enthusiasm, vision and leadership are evident in the knowledge and energy he brings to his job. Principal since July 2020, Baird took over in the middle of the pandemic and guided the school successfully through the ever-changing guidelines and requirements brought about by the virus.

An Alton native, Baird has been a parishioner at St. Ambrose most of his life.

“I grew up in the pews of St. Ambrose,” he explains.

St. Ambrose Catholic School began in 1947, holding classes in a log cabin

8 GROWTHASSOCIATION.COM

He and his wife, Jennifer, were married in 2009. His son, Eli, is 7. They are all currently active members of the parish.

Baird has a bachelor’s degree in history and education from Illinois State University and a master’s in education administration from SIUE. With 17 years’ experience as an educator in both elementary and secondary schools, he credits a lot of the values he brings to his job to the people he has worked with.

“I’ve had a number of excellent

mentors over the years,” he says.

The school was founded in 1947 in modest surroundings. Some classes were in the home of the John Springman family, while the seventh Y E A R S and eighth grades met in a nearby log cabin. Catholic education was a priority to the community and the school grew over the years.

Expansion, upgrades and redesigns over time have resulted in the current facilities at 822 West Homer Adams Parkway in Godfrey. The school provided education

to 236 students from prekindergarten to eighth grade during the 2019-2020 school year.

“Our legacy was, is and will continue to be that of being a place and environment where children have the opportunity to grow and be loved and cared for, and a place where parents can feel confident that their kids are getting a quality education,” Baird says.

He says several factors contribute to the ability of the school to consistently provide a high-quality education.

“First and foremost, God is present in our environment,” he explains. “Also, we have that sense of community

Bob Baird

POSITION Started as principal at St. Ambrose Catholic School in July 2020 BACKGROUND 17 years' experience as an educator in both elementary

and secondary education, including 11 years in administration.

KEY FOCUS Providing an environment where children have the

and belonging that are the hallmarks of Catholic schools.”

He also attributes much of the success of St. Ambrose students to the quality of educators at the school.

Baird explains it is important an administrator feels a sense of ownership in the school. “When you feel you have ownership, you expect to see your investments return rewards,” he says.

“In a business environment, those rewards are financial, but in an academic situation, those rewards are obviously something very different.”

He emphasizes the importance of maintaining and improving curriculum in line with the goals of the church and the expectations of the community.

He points out that involving stakeholders like the school board and faculty in decisionmaking is key to success.

“The more people you have invested in your decisions, the better the outcome will obviously be.”

He explains staying abreast of technology is critical, especially in light of the developments of the past year.

opportunity to grow and be loved and cared for, and a place where parents can feel confident their kids are getting a quality education.

“The pandemic forced us to go to a virtual environment in some instances,” says Baird.

“We put a Chromebook in every child’s hands. The goal was to have a platform to provide the kids the content needed to learn.”

In addition to an outstanding academic curriculum, Baird says the school also has strong athletics and arts programs. Basketball, baseball, volleyball, track and field, and cheering are all available, depending on the age of the student.

He notes the faculty at St. Ambrose is outstanding and highlights the fact its arts program is one of its key differentiators. He says the fine arts teacher, Karie Preston, is phenomenal.

“Beyond the fact she is the day-to-day fine arts and music teacher, she provides all kinds of opportunities for the students to be creative and to really grow their interests and abilities in art and music,” he says.

Baird also credits the parishioners with the excellent quality of the school.

“We have such a generous group of parishioners,” he says. “I have found that if you provide them the information about what is needed, we usually get what we need to move forward.”

Students’ safety is a top priority. The school installed security cameras and regularly conducts fire, weather, earthquake and lockdown drills. He says the drills are done in a sensible way so their importance is emphasized without unnecessarily frightening the children.

Tradition is also a hallmark of St. Ambrose. A custom on the last day of school is for the eighth-graders to run down the hill at the school. It is symbolic of leaving the school for high school. Parents come and decorate their cars for the day, wishing the students success in their high school careers.

The May Crowning is also a tradition. Every May, students crown a statue of Mother Mary with flowers and bring fresh flowers that surround the statue.

The May Crowning is an annual tradition at St. Ambrose.

“It connects with the symbolism of spring and honors the mother of Jesus,” Baird says.

Moving forward, the sense of family and focus on highquality education will continue at St. Ambrose. As the school celebrates its 75th anniversary, Baird says he is confident in the future success of the school.

“We’ve learned a lot this past year and are looking forward to a bright future and another successful school year,” he says.

stambrosegodfrey.org 822 W Homer M Adams Pkwy • Godfrey • (618) 466-4216

2022 CURRENTS 9

LEWIS AND CLARK COMMUNITY COLLEGE

Changing lives U

pon meeting Dr. Kenneth Trzaska, what first strikes you is his energy and enthusiasm for education.

Even a brief conversation with him leads you to understand there is no limit to the possibilities people can achieve by communicating and working together.

Trzaska became the sixth president of Lewis and Clark Community College in September 2020. He holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in English and a doctor of education degree in education policy and organization leadership. He also holds an Institute for Educational Management Certification from Harvard University’s School of Education.

Trzaska lives in Godfrey with his family. They were happy to return to the Godfrey area after having resided there previously during his career. His wife, Anupana, is a chiropractic physician. His daughter, Ishani, is a graduate of Alton High School and recently graduated

through education

from Washington University in St. Louis.

The recipient of numerous awards throughout a distinguished career, Trzaska directs credit for them elsewhere.

“They’re a nice pat on the back,” he says. “But I think they are more of a reflection on the quality of the people I have had around me.”

Trzaska explains his philosophy and approach to leadership was largely formed through his life experiences.

Born in Buffalo, N.Y., his family followed his father’s job to Germany when Trzaska was 6 years old. He joined a group of kids playing soccer one day, many of whom turned out to be refugees from other countries. Despite coming from a different background, he quickly bonded with them.

“Building friendships with kids who spoke broken English, looked different and had different stories is where I learned it’s not so much about speaking the same language or seeing the world in the

exact same way that you see it,” he says. “It’s about respect and communication.”

Trzaska returned to the United States when he was 19 to attend State University of New York. He says he realized he wanted to make a difference in the area of college education when he was walking across campus one day and experienced a certain “vibe” seeing the interaction between members of the campus.

“There was an inside voice that said, ‘I want to be part of a college,’” he says.

Established in 1970 on the historic Monticello Seminary campus, Lewis and Clark Community College started with 450 students. It now has an enrollment of over 5,000, utilizing multiple campus locations. It serves a 220,000-person college district which reaches into seven counties. Students can earn degrees and certificates in 20 different fields of study.

The college also offers adult education and GED classes, high school partnerships, transfer degrees and workforce education.

Trzaska has a clear vision for the future of the college.

“The school has a really strong legacy of empowering people and along with it, tremendous opportunity to broaden that,”

10 GROWTHASSOCIATION.COM

he says. “The question I ask is, ‘How do we broaden access to Lewis and Clark through technology, innovation, training and support systems; connection with our community; and building a culture on this campus that inspires that?’”

He notes that during the past year, the college became the first institution in the state to be approved for Competency Based Education.

Competency Based Education allows students to advance through curriculum at a more rapid pace when they are capable. Trzaska says the approach focuses on real work performance and often aligns with external workforce expectations.

Another program introduced this past year is Blendflex education. It combines faceto-face learning with virtual and remote classes to give students a level of flexibility they previously have not had.

Trzaska says these are examples of where the school is leading the way and not simply keeping up with the competition.

“It doesn’t mean we’re moving away from the traditional approach to education,” he says. “That’s always going to be part of the balance. But the future of education is going to look very different. It’s going to require an approach involving

Lewis and Clark Community College was founded in 1970 on the campus of the historic Monticello Seminary. innovation, entrepreneurship and literally changing the options through which education can be delivered.”

Passionate about the college being a leader in the field of education, Trzaska initiated a fund called The President’s Disruptive Innovation Fund.

If employee team members have an idea they want to explore which could fundamentally change and improve the work the college does, they can gain access to part of that fund to pursue it.

He also introduced the concept of mover teams.

If anyone on campus – administration, faculty or student – recognizes an opportunity to improve the college, they can pull together a team to work toward it. He notes ideas do not need to come from the top – anyone in the campus population can facilitate change and have the support system to do it.

He says there are more than 40 mover teams with several hundred team members.

Trzaska has also worked to develop a new strategic plan for the school. The plan is grounded in four key directions: building and enhancing enrollment and retention, building a transparent and collaborative culture, curriculum and

Dr. Kenneth Trzaska

POSITION Started as the sixth president of Lewis and Clark Community College in September 2020 BACKGROUND Twenty-three years executive leadership and faculty

roles at small, medium and large colleges in urban, suburban and rural communities. Holds a doctor of education degree as well as educational management certification from Harvard University’s School of Education.

KEY FOCUS “For me, it’s about trying to connect people and make a

program development, and community collaboration and connection. He says all the elements of the plan are driven by the goals and aspirations of the college.

Trzaska points out athletics are also an important part of the culture at the college. Students participate in baseball, softball, basketball, golf, soccer, tennis and volleyball at the school.

“We need to constantly examine how we can enhance the relevance and the place that athletics play in a growing, dynamic campus culture,” he says.

He also emphasizes the importance of technology in moving the school forward.

difference, change lives and bring people together.”

“In the past, we’ve had to invest in physical infrastructure.

The future challenge is going to be matching that with technology infrastructure.”

He says finding the balance between programs like Blendflex and traditional learning is going to take a very careful investment in the technology that allows the college to maintain a level of relevance as an educational institution.

Trzaska says continued investment in technology via Blendflex and Competency Based Learning, continuing to enhance athletics and the campus experience, and

strengthening the bridge between the college and area high schools are priorities for the coming year.

When asked to sum up his philosophy and vision in a single sentence, Trzaska says, “The next generation of

education is going to require a mindset of growth, an elevated approach to collaboration and connection, and a whole new degree of being willing and able to take risks that will change people’s lives for the better through education.”

lc.edu 5800 Godfrey Rd • Godfrey • (618) 468-7000

2022 CURRENTS 11

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 (overall)

4-year Graduation Rate

Dropout Rate

Alton CUSD 11

55.0

0.6

1.6

13.6

22.7

23.4

80.2

5.2

Bethalto CUSD 8

37.6

0.7

1.4

6.7

14.3

21.0

91.9

2.4

East Alton SD 13

67.9

0.3

3.6

21.0

18.4

22.0

n/a

n/a

East Alton-Wood River CHSD 14

64.2

0.2

9.3

13.6

21.4

20.0

86.6

5.3

42.9

0.3

2.5

6.4

12.8

23.8

89.1

1.9

48.3

0.2

2.0

12.1

16.3

21.0

91.8

4.2

wrh15.org • 618-254-0607

69.5

0.3

12.2

9.8

19.3

21.4

n/a

n/a

State of Illinois

48.5

12.5

2

11

17.8

21.7

85.9

4.2

altonschools.org • 618-474-2600 bethalto.org • 618-377-7200 easd13.org • 618-433-2051 eawr.org • 618-254-3151

Jersey CUSD 100

jersey100.org • 618-498-5561

Roxana CUSD 1

roxanaschools.org • 618-254-7544

Wood River-Hartford SD 15

*Eligible to receive special education services. **Eligible for transitional bilingual programs.

source: illinoisreportcard.com

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

Connect Christian School, South Roxana connectcs.org • 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

12 GROWTHASSOCIATION.COM

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

CRISIS FOOD CENTER

‘Center’ stage, F

still helping those in need

or the last 45 years, Crisis Food Center has been a beacon of hope for Riverbend residents experiencing financial hardship.

The founder of the center, Frances Jackson, started it in the basement of Alton’s Elm Street Presbyterian Church in 1977 after observing more residents struggling to put food on their tables.

“Frances noticed an increase in food insecurity within the community and decided to do something about it,” Director Nick Kessinger says. “After outgrowing Elm Street Presbyterian’s basement, Crisis Food Center purchased our current location, at the corner of Alby and 6th Street, from what was then the Methodist Church next door, for a dollar.”

Crisis Food Center may be best known for providing food to those in need in the Riverbend, but the center does not want to limit its outreach to short-term assistance only.

“We are starting to form new partnerships and connections with other agencies that we believe will help us not only do what we do, but also help provide assistance to those in our community, with the intention of providing long-term results,” Kessinger says.

From 9 a.m. to noon Mondays and Thursdays, area residents can find free clothing at Nearly New, a clothing store located in the new building addition at Crisis Food Center. The addition will also provide space for the center they can utilize in other ways.

“This multipurpose area will also be

used for extra food storage, so we can purchase food from St. Louis Foodbank for pennies on the dollar, as well as provide an area to host other partnering agencies, job fairs, and so on,” Kessinger says.

Fortunately for those in need, there are no restrictions Y E A R S regarding where a person resides to receive help from Crisis Food Center.

“We will serve anyone from anywhere,” Kessinger says. “Our founder (Frances Jackson) always said, ‘If people are willing to come in for food, we will serve them.’”

Of course, it takes hard work from dedicated individuals to make Crisis Food Center’s vision a reality. The center has two employees on staff, whose responsibilities include picking up food from St. Louis Foodbank and Operation Food Search, as well as grocery stores like Schnucks, at both the Godfrey and Wood River locations. Employees also attend to day-to-day tasks such

as cleaning, and are responsible for organizing the center’s volunteers.

There are currently 25 volunteers at the center, who are also instrumental in making things run smoothly and efficiently to make sure those experiencing financial hardship get the assistance they need.

Some of their tasks include checking expiration dates on food, building food boxes, and distributing those boxes to the clients.

“Ruth Wilson, the second director of Crisis Food Center, said Frances’ (Jackson) faith and compassion for people inspired volunteers at the center,” Kessinger says.

“Almost 45 years later, this still rings true.

Without the help and dedication of our volunteers, we couldn’t do what we do.”

People experiencing food insecurity can call between 8:30 a.m. and noon on the day they would like to pick up food. The size of each food box is based on the size of the family in need of assistance. facebook.com/crisisfoodcenter 21 E. 6th St • Alton • (618) 462-8201

2022 CURRENTS 13

Paying it forward G

ADAMS HELPING SHAPE FUTURE FOR ALTON YOUTH

etting Wendy Adams to sit still for half an hour is an accomplishment in itself.

Adams, 50, doesn’t have many free hours built into her schedule, a fact that she says is a feature, not a bug. The human resources director for the Alton School District, Adams is also a board member for the Alton YWCA, sits on the YWCA’s Racial Justice Committee, and is a member of the Elijah P. Lovejoy Memorial and Rotary Club of the Riverbend, among others.

That’s not to mention the work she does with her church and many other organizations to which she contributes, either with her time or donations.

Even as she waits in the lobby of Alton’s Post Commons on a Friday morning in July to talk to a reporter for this piece, a community member bends her ear about a soccer camp he’s organizing. She’s happy to help in whatever way she can, of course – in this instance, volunteering her daughter, 29-year-old A’Kya Adams, to help with the camp.

“I think it’s honestly my love for my community, and just all kids,” she says of her reasoning for being so involved. “I just think we all have a responsibility to make our community the best that it can be. I think when God puts you in certain positions

or places, we all have a responsibility to put in work to help the collective good as a whole. I think we were all just born to be servants, and we all have a responsibility to do some of that work. And the more of us that do it, it puts less on everybody else. But I just think we have to.”

She comes by it honestly.

Adams was raised in Alton and graduated from Alton High School in 1988. After high school, she got a job at McDonnell Douglas in St. Louis, but a few months after the company was bought out and she was laid off, she found out she was pregnant with A’Kya.

Supporting the Riverbend for almost 85 years!

It was then that Adams got busy – literally. As a 21-yearold, she began working full time at Riverbend Head Start & Family Services, part time at the former Alton Belle Casino and taking classes at Lewis and Clark Community College.

“OK, now life has to get real,” she recalls of her mindset back then. “I have a child to take care of. We’ve got to eat.

We’ve got to live.”

After Lewis and Clark, Adams attended Southern Illinois University Edwardsville for her bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate degrees in education. She began her teaching career in Alton and

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My goal with my involvement in the community or in organizations that are important to me is that I want kids to know that regardless of what their environment tells them or what society tells them, that they are enough to do and be anything they want to be. I think sometimes if you come from this circle, you’re not supposed to achieve past a certain level.

And that’s not true... I want everybody to know that they’re enough.”

Dr. Wendy Adams

went on to teach 15 years in the Edwardsville School District, eventually ascending to the role of assistant middle school principal. Four years ago, the chance to come back to Alton as the district’s HR director presented itself, and Adams jumped.

“This was my dream job, in my community, in a position where I felt like I would be able to make some differences that I wanted to make that I thought our kids deserved,” she recalls.

“So, I threw my name in the hat and went for it, and it was the best decision I’ve made.”

If it was a good move for Adams, it was an even better move for Alton’s youth. In college, Adams’ capstone research project was titled “Educator Bias and Disproportionate Discipline,” and she’s spent her first few years in the job working to level that playing field for the disadvantaged.

Her work comes at a time when bias and prejudice is a conversation being had by society as a whole, but Adams says her interest in the topic has been a through line over her entire career, not just lately.

“Even as a classroom teacher, there would be certain students that would have a reputation, and I would always say, ‘Put them in my room,’” she recalls. “It never mattered to me what other people said – I’m going to get to know this kid, I’m going to build a relationship with this kid so that they can have a successful year, try to break whatever this negative stereotype that’s following this student. So, it’s always been a passion of mine.

“And then when I got into being an assistant principal at the middle school it was even more glaring, because I’m looking at a bigger picture.

There was one particular classroom down the hall, I

would see the same kid sitting in the hall every day. What is he learning? Kids, if they’re out of the classroom, they’re missing classroom instruction, and then when you go back in and you don’t know what’s going on, you don’t know how to do the work, you show out to save face. A lot of times you want to get kicked back out because you don’t want other people to know that you don’t know what you’re doing. It’s a perpetual cycle.”

A focus on student discipline has to include the teachers and staff doing the disciplining, too, Adams says, which is why she has also put much of her energy and attention into the district’s hiring practices in her first few years in the role.

“The biggest thing is trying to diversify our staff more to look more like our student population,” Adams says. “It’s not an easy task, because there’s just not a ton of people of color going into

education. So, that is always a challenge. But even with trying to diversify our staff, being able to hire individuals who understand and appreciate the importance of diversity in the classroom, inclusion in the classroom, students being able to see themselves in this space, that’s one of the things that’s important to me when I am looking at hiring people. I include diversity questions in the interview because I want to know what your thought process is. Our kids deserve the best. And I feel strongly that it’s my job to try to get the right people in those positions that are going to help our kids be successful.

“I’m proud of the fact that we have been whole-heartedly looking at breaking down some barriers that have been in place in policies that have affected our kids for years. We’ve been looking at the barriers of having more continued next page

2022 CURRENTS 15

minority representation in our honors course work at the high school, dual-credit classes.

I’ve been proud of being part of that team.

We’re surveying kids, talking to them, trying to understand why they don’t see themselves in those classes – and also why some of the teachers don’t. Because a piece of that puzzle is you have to have a teacher recommendation. Well, if a teacher doesn’t think you’re going to achieve, how do you ever get there?

Dr. Wendy Adams

POSITION Human Resources Director, Alton School District BACKGROUND 20-plus years in education,

including as assistant middle school principal and human resources director. Received her bachelor's, master's and doctorate degrees in education from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville.

KEY FOCUS "I want everybody to know that

they’re enough.”

“Just being able to include some implicit bias training with all of our new hires, keeping that conversation going, knowing it’s a safe place to talk.

Nobody is judging you for your thoughts and opinions. We’re all going to learn from this together and grow together.

Those are probably the things that I’m most proud of.”

Continuing to train staff regarding diversity and inclusion, and have intentional conversations about those topics more often than the occasional training workshop day, are among Adams’ biggest goals moving forward.

“The other biggest piece that I’m committed to over the next couple years is changing our school discipline data. It has to improve,” she says. “There

has to be some changes there, because everything that was in my dissertation, you see in our data. That’s where my focus is.”

In what limited free time she does have, Adams says she likes to travel to stay balanced and keep perspective. When A’Kya turned 16, Adams applied to be part of a Group Study Exchange team through the Rotary Club to travel to Thailand. Those six weeks were life-changing for her, Adams says.

“It was one of the best experiences that I probably could have ever been a part of,” she says. “You have to look at things through a different lens, and you realize we’re not the only place with this class system. It was a humbling experience, it was an experience that made you grateful for the things we do have, and how important it

is to expose our kids in our communities to the much bigger, broader world. There’s so much more out there. If you don’t travel, you’re only reading one page of a book. I travel because I keep wanting to grow and evolve as a person, and I feel like it always refocuses me and helps get me more centered.”

Looking out, Adams is happy to be in the community where she grew up, seeing friendly faces and, of course, giving back.

“It’s home,” she says of Alton.

“I think it’s a great place to raise kids. We have our crime; every place does. But it’s home. You know people, you go to the store and see people you know. For the most part, people are friendly.

I feel safe in my home. I feel like this community did great by me, so it’s my job to pay that forward.”

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A sign to remind

EDUCATOR AMY GOLLEY WORKS TO HELP KIDS AND COMMUNITY

A

my Golley has a sign above her school office whiteboard displaying “My Y…” in large letters.

“I keep it there to remind me daily of why I do what I do,” she explains.

What Golley does is work on multiple personal and professional fronts to make life better for her neighborhood, her community and especially the kids in her life. Golley is district administrator for education equality and alternative programing at Alton High School. She was born and raised in Alton and is an Alton High graduate herself.

She holds a bachelor’s degree in special education and a master’s degree in educational leadership. Her career in education started in 1995 as a teaching assistant.

She started teaching at East Middle School in 2002 and moved from there to Alton Middle School, working with behavior disorder students at both schools. Her career took her from there into education administration. She has worked at Alton High School since 2011.

She and her husband, Benjamin, have been married 28 years. They have two sons, Jonathan and Jordan.

A 2019 Women of Distinction honoree, Golley serves as an inspiration and role model not only for the kids she works with but for everyone around her. She says her myriad of activities both at the school and in her public life reflect

"

Kids are stressed and have a lot to deal with.

National events of the past several years have awoken kids to many problems, and they need to know we support them and are there for them. Adults have to change their behavior as much as the kids do.”

Amy Golley

a lifelong desire to help and improve the lives of others.

Among her many areas of community involvement, she is an active member of the Elijah P. Lovejoy Committee.

The committee provides scholarships to students in need of financial assistance to continue their education.

Golley also provides leadership and guidance to students through the Empowered 2B Me program at the high school. She mentors young women through the

program in helping develop self-esteem and achieve success in life.

“I work with them to provide a role model and help them identify ways to deal with issues and achieve goals,” she explains.

She says the mentorship ranges from highlighting appropriate behavior to providing guidance regarding proper dress for school, work and social environments.

Golley collaborates with social

workers and others at the school in what she describes as a think tank environment to come up with ways to work with the students in the Empowered 2B Me program.

She says there have been years when as many as 25 girls were involved in the program.

Her work in the community also has included assisting with the National Council of Negro Women’s annual continued next page

2022 CURRENTS 17

cotillion ball. The organization, founded in 1935, works to lead, advocate for and empower women of African descent, their families and communities.

Amy Golley and her husband, Benjamin, own Today’s Beauty Supply on Central Avenue in Alton.

Golley and her husband own Today’s Beauty Supply on Central Avenue in Alton and do extensive work to improve the community. The business was featured in the 2018 Small Business Revolution streaming show.

They also own the adjacent Today’s Place, a venue where students can receive tutoring, have access to computers to do homework and just relax away from their regular outside environment. The Golleys host open house events at Today’s Place where they foster communication between children and the Alton Police Department.

“It’s important for kids to be able to interact with police

in a nonconfrontational manner in order to build those relationships,” she says.

Lulu’s Shaved Ice is adjacent to Today’s Beauty Supply and is operated by the couple’s sons. The beauty supply store, student area and shaved ice store serve as examples for the community of the success that can be achieved by Blackowned businesses in the local area.

“A lot of relationships have been built throughout the community because of the location in which the businesses are located,” Golley says.

When asked what motivates her to do the work she does, Golley explains simply, “Alton is home.”

“When I am at home, I am at peace,” she says, “and I want it to be that way here in Alton.”

She says she wants to see that kids are treated fairly and given the same opportunities as every other child, no matter their situation. She explains that she wants children, especially Black children, to be able to look at her and know they can achieve and have purpose in their lives.

“I want my kids to be successful,” she says.

She says her inclination to

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improve the lives of those around her was ingrained in her as a child from both her parents and her grandparents.

She recalls her grandmother feeding and providing shelter for people who were otherwise living on the street.

She notes they provided people with clothes and food when they were in need.

Golley says none of her activities is about publicity or being out in front. She says she would personally prefer to be in the background and fervently wants the kids she works with to be the ones out front. She emphasizes respect is a two-way street and one should not expect kids to respect you simply because you are an adult.

“Kids are stressed and have a lot to deal with,” she explains. “National events of the past several years have awoken kids to

many problems, and they need to know we support them and are there for them. Adults have to change their behavior as much as the kids do.”

Golley says she reminds herself daily of the things she wants to do to improve the world around her.

“That’s why I keep ‘My Y…’ up on my wall,” she says.

Amy Golley

POSITION District Administrator for Education Equality and Alternative Programing at Alton High School BACKGROUND Bachelor’s degree in Special Education. Master’s degree

in Educational Management. 2019 Women of Distinction honoree.

Educator, mentor, role-model, entrepreneur.

KEY FOCUS Improve the lives of those around her and make sure kids

know they can achieve and have purpose in their lives.

“My Y…” reminds Golley daily of why she does what she does.

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2022 CURRENTS 19

Passion project

A

WOMACK FINDS JOY IN MOLDING ALTON’S NEXT GENERATION

l Womack was barely older than the kids he was mentoring when he first took the reins at the Boys & Girls Club of Alton.

After attending Central State University in Wilberforce, Ohio, on a football scholarship and graduating with a degree in business administration, Womack, a 1989 Alton High School graduate, moved back to the Alton area in the fall of 1994. After two years coaching football at Alton High School and working at the club on a part-time basis, Womack became the club’s executive director in 1996 at just 25 years old.

“Challenging,” he recalls of

the task of running the club at such a young age. “Nobody really knew who I was. What I’ve learned, when you run a not-for-profit, it’s all about transparency and community trust. And that doesn’t just happen – you have to build it. So, in the beginning, it was almost like a sales job, with people telling you, ‘No’ when you’re trying to get donations and support. They gave because of the last person that was in this position. So, it took some time.

“You hear people talk about paying their dues? I feel like I paid my dues, but never gave up or even got frustrated. I just knew that it comes with

the territory. But I felt like we had a product that would be tough for people to say no to, kids and their future. So, that’s what’s kept me here, the mission of the organization, working with kids. That keeps me getting up and coming in here every day.”

Now 50, Womack is no longer short on experience. On the contrary, he’s guided the club through lean years and tough times, including when funding has fallen short at the state level and through outside organizations. In those times, he says, it’s the surrounding community that comes to the club’s aid and ensures it stays afloat. Most recently,

the community stepped up to fund a $100,000 all-inclusive playground for the club.

“My biggest fear has always been losing that major source of funding, and would that be the end of our organization?

And we’ve faced those times, and we came through them because of the community support,” he says. “The community carries us, because when the funding dries up, people take note of that and they say, ‘We need to step up.

We need to chip in.’ And that’s happened a number of times.”

He and the club have also celebrated plenty of successes, of course. Womack recalls one club member who

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"

I was in a position to further my education through football, but what about those kids that don’t play sports? How will they further theirs? I wanted to be a part of creating that opportunity for young people to pursue their education further.

I was probably that child that didn’t have goals because that challenge wasn’t placed in front of me. So, having adults in young people’s lives that can challenge them and help create a vision … I’ve always said, hope and opportunity.”

Al Womack had an entire undergraduate education and most of a graduate education paid for through scholarships earned through the club.

It’s those moments that keep Womack driven in the face of obstacles. One of the more notable obstacles in recent memory has been the COVID-19 pandemic, which has forced the club – which would see approximately 250 kids per day and roughly 1,300 kids annually come through its doors – to limit its services. It’s a challenge Womack hopes is short-lived.

“How can we reach more kids, has always been the mindset,” he said. “Covid has definitely changed that. Now it’s, ‘We know all you guys are interested, but we can only take this portion of you.’

“We started registration for our

after-school program; noon we were going to start registration, and we had parents parking at 10 a.m. and forming a line with lawn chairs waiting for the doors to open. And one parent said, ‘This shows you how important you guys are to us, and how much we need you.’

That one parent’s words to me is the value that the Boys & Girls Club has in the families.”

Womack extends that helping attitude beyond the work he does for the club, serving on the Alton School District’s Wall of Fame Committee, OSF Saint Anthony’s Community Needs Assessment Team and Diversity Committee, and the Alton Memorial Hospital’s Community Benefits Committee, among other volunteer activities.

“Anything I can do to give back and help support the health of our community, our young

people as well as our seniors, I’m on board,” he says.

One of the ways in which he’s contributed to the community’s mental health is through his ongoing “uncomfortable conversations,” hosted weekly via the Zoom video conferencing platform. Topics range from race to gender to community policing and more, and Womack says, “there’s emotion, there’s energy, there’s excitement, there’s crying, there’s tears, there’s a little bit of everything in those conversations.”

“Now more than ever we need to focus on our young people. Now more than ever we need to start addressing the uncomfortable things that are taking place in our society.

Because if we’re ever going to grow and heal, you have to address what’s hurting and what’s holding us back,” he

says. “I’ve probably been more vocal in this past year than I’ve ever been, but me being quiet was actually slowly eating me up. To be quiet was like … things aren’t going to go away.

They don’t get better when you don’t speak up.

“We talk about politics. We talk about race. We talk about education. We talk about policing. Some of the key topics that have people divided in our country and in our communities. Being able to have those conversations and agree to disagree is still healthy, and to hear a different person’s perspective based on their experiences, not based on what we think their experience was or what it should be. I’ve grown so much just through those conversations, sitting and talking with people who have continued next page

2022 CURRENTS 21

had a number of different experiences, and then also people who have had some common experiences. I love that. I think the personal growth for me the last year has been unmeasurable.”

Al Womack

POSITION Executive Director, Boys & Girls Club of Alton BACKGROUND 25 years as the club's director.

Majored in business administration at Central State University in Ohio.

When he does sneak in some personal time, Womack has found a passion for taking walks to clear his mind.

KEY FOCUS "If I’m in a position to help create

hope and opportunity for young people, that’s what I want to do. That’s been my driving force is being able to create hope and opportunity in as many young people as I possibly can.”

“Personally, just for my own mental health, what I enjoy doing is walking,” he says. “I found this saying on social media where you start worrying about older people and how they’re doing, and then I realized I’m that older person. I fit that demographic now. I never thought that taking a daily walk would be me, because I’ve always been into weightlifting.

“So now, I have to take a daily

walk for my own mental sake.

If I don’t get my walk in, my days typically go in a different direction. As well as still going to the gym. Therapeutic is lifting weights and walking for me. And I enjoy a healthy lifestyle. I’m a big guy, but I gave up eating meat two years ago. So, I love cooking and being creative with meals, studying plant-based eating and whole foods, things of that nature.”

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Womack says being a dad is also paramount in his life.

“I love the role I play as a father,” he says. “I think it’s so important, especially as a Black father, to be in our kids’ lives. So often you hear of an absentee dad, and I don’t understand how anybody can be absent when it comes to their kids. So that’s probably my biggest pleasure is being a dad.”

Despite having now been at it for the better part of three decades, Womack says he doesn’t see a change for him on the horizon.

“I don’t really see myself doing anything else,” he says. “If they’ll have me 25 more years, I’m going to be here 25 more years. Being able to contribute to our community and contribute to the development

of our young people, that’s important to me. So, as long as I’m able to be here and I’m welcome here, that’s where I’ll be.”

And as far as the club itself, Womack says he believes it, too, under his guidance with the help of a tireless staff made up mostly of volunteers and part-time workers, is on solid ground heading into the future.

“I think we’re in a great position,” he says. “That’s important to me. I always take the mindset that this club was here before me, but I want to leave it in a better position whenever my time is up. I want to make sure that we are a strong, private organization. I think we’ve earned the respect of the community. I want to make sure that the club is in a position to last for years to come for our young people.”

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ALTON RIVER DRAGONS FIND SUCCESS IN INAUGURAL SEASON

or all the glamour and spectacle of major league baseball, there remains no family experience quite like attending a hometown amateur game.

Sitting a stone’s throw from the crack of the bat, getting autographs from and talking to the players, being so close to the game that you can smell the grass on a warm summer’s evening. There is nothing that brings out the real heart of America like local, hometown baseball.

When the Alton River Dragons brought collegiate league baseball to the Riverbend area this year, a mutual love affair began between the team and the community.

Despite the challenges of having an inaugural season during a pandemic year, the team sometimes drew crowds of more than 1,000 people and provided exciting, hightalent sporting entertainment at prices a fraction of the

premiums charged to see professional sports.

Dallas Martz is the general manager of the team. He relocated from Des Moines, Iowa, in September 2020 to take the job and live in downtown Alton. He has long been a sports enthusiast and says baseball was always his favorite sport to watch.

Throughout a long career in marketing, advertising and sales, Martz kept one foot in the business of sports.

“I first got involved doing radio play-by-play for the University of Northern Iowa,” he explains.

“That’s when I really got to know college baseball.”

Later, his job took him to Wichita, Kansas, where he was on the board for the summer collegiate team there.

Martz says he has known team owner Steve Marso for about 20 years. When he learned Marso was putting together the team, he realized his own professional experience made Head coach Darrell him a good fit for Handelsman has more the job, and he than 20 years’ threw his hat into experience coaching the ring. collegiate teams.

The Alton River Dragons are part of the Prospect League. Collegiate summer baseball leagues are amateur baseball leagues in the United States and Canada featuring top-talent collegiate players. The

"

The whole community here has been fantastic to work with. The city really got behind the idea of bringing collegiate baseball to the town.”

Dallas Martz season runs from the end of May through the playoffs in early August.

He says the sponsors, fans and players have all been great, and says Alton turned out to be the perfect location for a team.

“The availability of a ballpark was essential, and Lloyd Hopkins Field at Gordon Moore Park turned out to be a great facility,” he says.

The city worked with the team to make improvements to the field, also jointly installing a new electronic scoreboard.

An artificial infield is being installed for the 2022 season.

One of the league’s purposes is to expose the collegiate players to a prolike atmosphere. The league

plays 60 games in 66 days and requires ongoing travel by the players throughout the summer, similar to playing in the minor leagues. Martz says while some will go on to play baseball professionally, those who do not still build relationships that will last the rest of their lives.

“It’s pretty neat to watch these young men grow as both players and as men,” he says.

“It was more than just baseball that happened with the River Dragons this summer.”

Martz says a key to garnering the level of talent the team displays is its head coach, Darrell Handelsman.

Handelsman has 20 years of summer collegiate head continued next page

2022 CURRENTS 23

coaching experience with 720 career wins, two summer collegiate league championships, and was named manager of the decade in both the Northwoods League and the Coastal Plain League.

“College coaches who send players have to have trust in you. The more trust you have with coaches around the country, the more likely they are to send you their better talent, and Handelsman has those relationships.”

“He has relationships with coaches from all over the country,” Martz explains.

The roster this past year represented all four time zones, 13 states and 10

The River Dragons play at Lloyd Hopkins Field at Gordon Moore Park. universities. Six players from the team were from the Riverbend.

Martz says coming to a game is some of the best, most affordable family fun available.

Frequent special events feature musicians and fireworks. Fans can interact

with the players before and after the games, getting autographs and taking photos.

He says the price of a night out at a River Dragons game for a family of four is about the same as the price of a single individual attending a major league game.

“You don’t necessarily have to

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Dallas Martz

POSITION Alton River Dragons General Manager BACKGROUND Professional marketing,

advertising and sales experience. Extensive involvement with collegiate baseball.

KEY FOCUS Bringing top-quality collegiate

baseball to the Riverbend area at prices families can afford. be a big baseball fan to have a good time at a River Dragons game,” he says.

The 2022 schedule will be available in the coming months. Information and tickets for the games can be obtained online at altonbaseball.com.

Tickets can also be purchased at the gate on game nights.

Information is also available on social media platforms Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

Martz says everyone is looking forward to another successful season in 2022.

“This past year was a great success and not just from an

Fans can get close up to more than just the players. organizational standpoint. I mean that from the standpoint of the whole community,” he says. “From business sponsors

to families coming out for games to the experience of the players. We cannot wait for next summer to get here.”

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The story so far T

ISKAROUS KEEPS RFM ASKING THE RIGHT QUESTIONS

ammy Iskarous just wants to know your story.

It’s a theme that comes up repeatedly as she tells hers.

It’s a story that starts in Granite City by way of Texas, growing up as part of a “refinery family,” and continues into the Riverbend, where she’s been the executive director of Riverbend Family Ministries for the past 14 years.

Riverbend Family Ministries (RFM) is a collaborative, holistic nonprofit organization concentrating on children, youth and families who have experienced trauma, most often due to violence, addiction, poverty and

homelessness. In August 2021, eight nonprofit organizations were housed under RFM’s roof.

Before RFM, Iskarous, 61, and her husband, Reda, were in the food industry, opening and running TR’s Café in 1995. The café, which was known for its bagels and gourmet coffee, was a destination — Iskarous likens it to the “’Cheers of the Riverbend” — but it wasn’t her final stop. It was in that building, 144 E. Ferguson Ave. in Wood River, that the concept of RFM was born.

“A couple of girlfriends — one did a women’s ministry, the other did benevolence at

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their church — said, ‘What if we stepped out and did that together under one roof?’” she recalls. “God just never let that leave my spirit. Fourteen years later, this is what RFM looks like.”

Even before RFM, charity and giving back was part of Iskarous’ DNA. At the café, some employees had taken to calling it “Tammy’s halfway house” for her penchant for giving a sandwich or a cup of coffee to someone in need.

“The moment you walked in the door, you were family,” she says. “I believe that that’s important, that everyone

should feel valued and important.”

It’s that concern for others that almost precluded RFM from coming about. While she felt a calling to move toward a mission-oriented profession, TR’s Café had employees whose livelihood depended on the café staying open and in good hands. Iskarous felt she couldn’t make the leap without some assurance that it was a higher power facilitating the change.

“This was a calling, that I’m like, ‘God, I need to know for real that this is you calling me out of this boat.’ Because I knew that if I was to step out

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and do this, it had to be God. It had to be his calling, not mine,” she recalls. “Because I thought, ‘What’s going to happen to all of these people that we employ?’ Single moms that are struggling, college students, families that we employed that we were their source of income. God, what’s going to happen to them?

“Reda is from Egypt, and we’d go to Egypt at least once a year to see family. Reda usually tried to get me away a couple times during that visit … and this one time, it was in February 2007, and I was like, ‘OK, God, I need to know.’

“My church family here was reading chronologically through the Bible in one year.

We had started that at the beginning of the year. Being gone for three weeks, I didn’t want to get behind, so I took my Bible, I took my notes.

Reda had taken me to this resort, my feet are in the water, I mean, I am in heaven. I love water, I love the beach. That’s my deep breath.

“I was sitting there, Reda had gone to get lunch, and I was just praying, ‘God, I just need you to reveal to me that I’m making the right decision.

Because I’m worried about them. I’m worried about all of our employees. If I do this, what’s going to happen to them? Where are they going to go? Is it going to be the same?’

All of those things. Because it was in a time where small businesses weren’t being bought.

“And so, I opened my Bible, and I opened it to where my church family was reading. And they were reading of Moses standing at the edge of the Red Sea, the Egyptians coming toward them, and God parting the Red Sea so the Israelites could walk across. And in that voice that my grandma used to

say, ‘You know that you know that you know’ — my feet were in the Red Sea. I was standing in the same water, and in that still-small voice, I heard God speak to me, ‘Tammy, if I can part the body of water that you’re looking at, what makes you think I can’t take care of them?’ And at that moment, I knew that God was in the details of the journey that was about to happen.

“Poor Reda, he gets back with sandwiches for lunch, and I look like a glazed doughnut.

I had my Jesus moment with tears, I’m wiping my nose — he’s like, ‘What happened?

I left you here in your happy place.’ And I’m like, ‘It’s good.

It’s done.’ And I have never looked back.”

By June, the café was sold; by July, Iskarous had purchased the building that has served as RFM’s headquarters all these years.

While that is what RFM looked like as Iskarous sat in her office in August 2021, it’s not what the organization will look like for long. In recent years, RFM began to outgrow its 7,000-square-foot building in downtown Wood River, prompting Iskarous to begin the process of looking for a new home for the ministries.

"

I lean into you and I talk to you as a human and say, ‘What’s your story?’ Not, ‘Why did you do that?’ or, ‘That was a dumb decision.’ But, ‘What’s your story?’

And to be able to sit and speak to someone and have them share their heart with you is such an immense privilege that I don’t take lightly.”

Tammy Iskarous

Iskarous and her board of directors looked high and low to no avail, until one day the answer was right in front of them — literally.

thought, ‘We’ll just build on and attach the two buildings, call it the Bridge of Hope,’” she recalls. “After we realized that that wasn’t going to completely meet the needs of what we needed, we walked out of that building and one of my board members said, ‘Wouldn’t it be cool if that building was available,’ pointing to Madison’s, which was a tea room that was up and operating. This was the first of August. I never talked to them, never said anything to them.

“We held a meeting in the bounce house (next door). We

“The middle of August, two weeks later, there was a sign

“They won’t give me a hammer anymore,” she jokes. “I’ve knocked out as many walls as I can, rearranging this building in so many ways. Now they’re telling me something about load-bearing walls. So, I went to the board and said, ‘I have to have more space.’”

on the door that said, ‘We are closing.’ We were like, ‘OK, what do we do?’ So, we looked at the building, and we contacted the owners, who we knew. They were very gracious in allowing us to buy that space but gave us time and different ways in which we could purchase that building as a nonprofit. They were very generous and very gracious to us.”

The new, 24,000-squarefoot space will allow for RFM to expand to include two additional organizations while continued next page

2022 CURRENTS 27

also keeping the existing services intact.

Iskarous said the hope was to be moved into the lower level of the building — which is, incidentally, the former home of TR’s Café — by late October 2021.

Tammy Iskarous

POSITION Executive Director, Riverbend Family Ministries BACKGROUND 14 years as director of RFM, which has

eight trauma-focused nonprofits under its roof.

KEY FOCUS “What if all of our educators, our first

responders, our social workers, our health workers, all of those that work with our families in crisis, what would happen if from the very first contact to the time that child or their family has found good services, were we all speaking the same language? And so, I want my legacy to be that Madison County speaks the same language.”

“Not only will we serve more families, we’ll have more services, we’ll have more educational and training components — I just believe that if we really take care of our families and really give them the tools to be safer, our communities become stronger,” she says. “And that’s my hope for Madison County.

I love Madison County. I could have gone to any area of this Riverbend looking for services.

But I love this area, and I wanted to stay right here.”

“Mission has always been in my heart,” Iskarous says.

“I love mission work. And I see that population as being thrown away. People step over our homeless. People step over our addicts. People don’t bend down and say, ‘How can I get you out of this? How can I help you? What’s your story?’

And that’s been my heart for years.”

It’s a care that wasn’t afforded to her as a child, a fact that she’s now open about after

"EXPERIENCE A PLACE YOU CAN CALL HOME."

years of keeping it hidden away. As a response to the trauma she endured, Iskarous as an adult wrote a letter to her younger self, telling her, “Your actions didn’t cause that abuse,” and, “I am sorry you didn’t feel you had any adults you could trust enough to tell.”

“I wish a teacher would have said, ‘What’s your story?’” she recalls.

The letter also offers hope, saying, “One day you will break this cycle of violence and abuse and have amazing children and grandchildren,” referencing her now-grown children, Joe, 40, and Kristi, 37, and their children. Along with spending time with family and friends, Iskarous said she enjoys traveling and reading,

NEWS/TALK/SPORTS

ON THE BIG Z

with her faith playing a huge part in her life.

While RFM continues to grow and change, some things stay constant. Iskarous will continue to ask, “What’s your story?” so that she might afford the same future to the children that pass through Riverbend Family Ministries’ doors every day.

“It’s my life story,” she says.

“As a child that grew up in a home of dysfunction and as a child that grew up with violence in my home … this building has healed me in so many ways. The tools I’ve learned in the last 14 years to put that childhood in its place and to know that … just to know. Just to know. I know the healing that took place in my life because of RFM. And just to be able to interact with the curriculum and to see our therapists pour into the lives of kiddos over time, my life has healed.”

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2022 CURRENTS 29

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SIU family residency program kicks off

T

he first residents of the Southern Illinois University School of Medicine Alton Family Medicine Residency Program began their three-year training at Alton Memorial Hospital on July 1, 2021.

A ribbon-cutting was held in the program’s new offices on the first floor of Medical Office Building B on the AMH campus.

Representatives from AMH, BJC, Southern Illinois Healthcare Foundation (SIHF) and SIU School of Medicine attended.

“We are excited to be partnering with Alton Memorial Hospital and Southern Illinois Healthcare Foundation in this program,” said Rebecca Hoffman, MD, MSPH, director of the program. “These organizations have a long and rich history of providing education, care and service to the populations of the area. Our shared vision for education, and patient and community care allow for many opportunities throughout our service areas.”

Dave Braasch, president of Alton Memorial Hospital, reflected on several years of planning and thanked everyone for their diligence and patience.

“Today is a momentous day in the history of the hospital,” Braasch said. “I really want to thank Dr. Hoffman for her persistence and commitment throughout what has ultimately been a seven-year journey, particularly in the midst of a pandemic. It’s a great day for our community as well, as we are training these physicians in Family Medicine.”

The residents will also be doing pediatric rotations at St. Louis Children's Hospital as part of the partnership with BJC. “Our partnership with BJC and Alton Memorial goes back more than 20 years to our first health center in Madison County,” Larry McCulley, president and CEO of SIHF, said. “Today expands our partnership, through a new Family Medicine Residency with SIU School of Medicine, in developing tomorrow’s

The first six residents of the SIU School of Medicine Alton Family Medicine Residency Program are Dr. Christina Govas, Dr. Tyler Wright, Dr. Nazanin Kheirkhahan, Dr. Jonathan Klarich, Dr. Andrea Ramos Richards and Dr. Torry Pledger. workforce. It is a pleasure to welcome the inaugural six residents into our SIHF Healthcare Alton Health Center as we look forward to a successful residency program for many years to come.”

Jerry Kruse, MD, MSPH, dean and provost of SIU School of Medicine, marveled at the new space for the program and thanked everyone for the collaboration.

“Effective healthcare always involves collaboration — between the patient and the physician, the medical team in the clinic, and the staff behind the scenes,” Dr. Kruse said. “We’re fortunate to be a part of this team effort. We are very grateful for all the groundwork you have done to get the right people and pieces in place to expand SIU Medicine’s outreach.

“You are helping our young residents become more confident, compassionate and highly skilled clinicians. And they in turn can practice medicine that will benefit the community’s residents of all ages — which is why SIU School of Medicine was founded.”

Dr. Hoffman said she recognized the need for the program after her experience working in express care and private practice.

“There simply weren’t enough family physicians around, and patient access was poor,” she said. “Those family

physicians with thriving practices were also planning retirement within the next 5-10 years. I was hoping to re-establish a relationship with the School of Medicine — an organization near and dear to my heart as an alumnus and a former faculty member.”

After years of planning, the green light was given in August 2019. The round of interviews for the first class was all virtual because of the pandemic.

“I would like to recognize these fine resident physicians and their hard work as partners in the success of this program,” Dr. Hoffman said. “I wish you a hearty congratulations for all you have accomplished to get to this point and all that you will accomplish and experience over the coming three years of your journey with us as partners in education and training, service, outreach, and scholarship.”

SIU School of Medicine’s Department of Family and Community Medicine has four other Family Medicine residency programs in Illinois – in Springfield, Quincy, Decatur and Carbondale, which have collectively graduated more than 900 Family Medicine physicians since the first residency program started in 1971. altonmemorialhospital.org

2022 CURRENTS 31

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Municipal mayors – some new, some not – discuss past, present and future in their towns

T

he only constant is change.

The mayoral seat is no exception, and it was illustrated when six new mayors were elected in local municipalities in the spring 2021 election.

New mayors took office in Alton, Wood River, East Alton, Bethalto, Grafton and Hartford, marking a new wave of leadership in the Riverbend.

One thing they all share, regardless of service time, is no shortage of challenges. With COVID-19 still presenting obstacles at every turn and local economies still struggling to cope with the pandemic’s effects, every mayor has a full plate as we approach the new year.

Not every chair has a new occupant, though.

Mayors in Godfrey, Roxana, South Roxana and Elsah represent familiar faces to area community members.

The six new mayors and four existing ones took the time to answer a few questions about who they are, where they’ve been and where they hope to go in the near future.

Alton DAV I D G O I N S

RELEVANT EXPERIENCE I am a retired police officer and

I am proud of the legacy I will be able to leave behind for this city – and even more importantly, for my family.

IF A STRANGER ASKED YOU WHY YOU'RE PROUD TO BE YOUR TOWN'S MAYOR, WHAT WOULD YOU TELL THEM? I would tell

IF THERE'S ONE THING YOU'D LIKE TO GET ACCOMPLISHED IN YOUR FIRST TERM, WHAT IS IT? There are so many

currently serve as a pastor, which I’ve done for nearly 20 years. I also served five years on the Alton School Board.

them, first of all, I am proud because the citizens of Alton put their faith and trust in me to vote me in as mayor of this fine city.

Secondly, I am proud of the historic implications of being the first African-American to be elected as the mayor of Alton, and

things I would like to see accomplished, but I guess if it is one thing it would be the increase of jobs in our city coupled with increase in economic development, and even more recreational opportunities for our children.

Wood River T O M S TA LC U P

RELEVANT EXPERIENCE Previously, I served on the City Council

for six years.

IF A STRANGER ASKED YOU WHY YOU'RE PROUD TO BE YOUR TOWN'S MAYOR, WHAT WOULD YOU TELL THEM? The people!

I’ve lived here for nearly 30 years; I’ve learned that the people of Wood River are great neighbors who love their city and want to see it thrive and grow to make good homes for the future for their families. They instill the community pride it takes to look to the future and build a wholesome atmosphere for all.

32 GROWTHASSOCIATION.COM

IF THERE'S ONE THING YOU'D LIKE TO GET ACCOMPLISHED IN YOUR FIRST TERM, WHAT IS IT? We have an aging city that

needs to invest in the infrastructure, roads, sidewalks, water lines and sewer lines. Also, to revitalize our downtown area. That’s more than one thing, but that’s the goal.

East Alton DA R R E N C A R LT O N

RELEVANT EXPERIENCE I am a former East Alton Police

Department officer, working my way up to assistant chief and ultimately police chief for two different stints, most recently from 2015 until 2021.

IF A STRANGER ASKED YOU WHY YOU'RE PROUD TO BE YOUR TOWN'S MAYOR, WHAT WOULD YOU TELL THEM? I was born

and raised in East Alton and have always loved this village.

The village offers a lot of advantages to families who wish to call East Alton their home. The small-town atmosphere brings the community together at different events during the year and allows people to get to know each other and help out

when needed. I would like to continue this atmosphere and continue to make East Alton a vibrant place to live and visit.

IF THERE'S ONE THING YOU'D LIKE TO GET ACCOMPLISHED IN YOUR FIRST TERM, WHAT IS IT? SURVIVE! I would like to

continue the great services the village provides for their citizens.

The services the village provides dates back to several mayors ago, and being able to continue these services is utmost due to the financial hardship which has hit all communities.

Bethalto G A R Y B O S T

RELEVANT EXPERIENCE I am 20 years retired from Madison

County Sheriff’s Office, with 14 years in supervisory/leadership roles. I am also a 10-year member of the village of Bethalto Board of Trustees.

IF A STRANGER ASKED YOU WHY YOU'RE PROUD TO BE YOUR TOWN'S MAYOR, WHAT WOULD YOU TELL THEM? Our town

provides a sense of community like no other – that makes me proud to be the mayor. It has driven me to raise my family here, be a village trustee and now the mayor. I can’t imagine living anywhere else.

IF THERE'S ONE THING YOU'D LIKE TO GET ACCOMPLISHED IN YOUR FIRST TERM, WHAT IS IT? Road improvement – our roads

have taken a back seat the past several years to other projects, and the wear and tear is really showing. We have $3 million in road improvements scheduled to be completed in 2021, and that only scratches the surface.

Grafton M I K E M O R R O W

RELEVANT EXPERIENCE I served 32 years in the U.S. Army

Corps of Engineers, retiring in 2004 at the rank of colonel. I was the St. Louis District Engineer for the Corps of Engineers from 1999 to 2002; CENTCOM engineer for the Afghanistan and Iraq wars and reconstruction from 2002 to 2004; self-employed as a consultant to support industry CEOs from 2004 to 2009; and president of an aerospace manufacturing company from 2009 until 2015.

IF A STRANGER ASKED YOU WHY YOU'RE PROUD TO BE YOUR TOWN'S MAYOR, WHAT WOULD YOU TELL THEM? I am proud to

be the mayor of our city because we have so many caring citizens that come together in times of crisis to help one another.

IF THERE'S ONE THING YOU'D LIKE TO GET ACCOMPLISHED IN YOUR FIRST TERM, WHAT IS IT? I would like to bring to fruition

my top three priorities: infuse our historic business district with new retail business; expand our current ferry service to seven days a week; and dedicate our new veterans monument.

Hartford B I L L R O B E R T S O N

RELEVANT EXPERIENCE I retired from Hartford Police

Department after a total of 37 years – 31 full-time and six parttime – which gave me a good insight to the village. I was also on the Madison County Board for four years, serving on several committees from the Safety Committee to the IT Committee and the Highway Committee. I spent the last two years on the village board in Hartford.

IF THERE'S ONE THING YOU'D LIKE TO GET ACCOMPLISHED IN YOUR FIRST TERM, WHAT IS IT? We, as a community, need

business growth to keep our financial security strong. My goal is to build our Route 3 corridor around the Lewis & Clark Confluence Tower, to bring attention to the several hundreds of acres of prime land in the Route 111 area and New Poag Road area, and to spread the word the Ameren has declared our properties a "super site," which can only increase the interest and opportunities of those lands.

2022 CURRENTS 33

Godfrey M I K E M C C O R M I C K

RELEVANT EXPERIENCE I have held many jobs, voluntary and

paid, and feel that each experience has helped to prepare me for my job as mayor. In particular, though, I owned a small business for many years. During that time, I gained profound knowledge of the financial aspects of owning a business, and, probably most importantly, I was thoroughly educated in the area of customer service.

IF A STRANGER ASKED YOU WHY YOU'RE PROUD TO BE YOUR TOWN'S MAYOR, WHAT WOULD YOU TELL THEM? I am most

proud of reducing Godfrey property taxes for seven years and

keeping it flat the remaining years during my tenure as mayor. I’m also proud of the expansion and beautification of our parks and the ongoing work to improve our roads.

IF THERE'S ONE THING YOU'D LIKE TO GET ACCOMPLISHED IN YOUR TERM, WHAT IS IT? The completion of Lars Hoffman Crossing out to Pierce Lane,

and the completion of roundabouts at the intersection of Pierce and Delmar.

South Roxana B A R B A R A A . O V E R T O N

RELEVANT EXPERIENCE I have been the South Roxana village

president for five years. Previously, I retired after 20 years as Chouteau Township Clerk, an elected position. I also served for three years as president of the Clerks Division of the Township Officials of Illinois-Board of Directors, president of Madison County Township Officials for six years, a Madison County Board member for six years, and South Roxana Board of Trustees for four years.

IF A STRANGER ASKED YOU WHY YOU'RE PROUD TO BE YOUR TOWN'S MAYOR, WHAT WOULD YOU TELL THEM? Our village

has a country atmosphere and a growing sense of community that has helped to attract several new businesses, excellent

schools and a safe place to raise a family.

The new Jurjevich Park and improved Memorial Park are now available for family outdoor leisure activities.

IF THERE'S ONE THING YOU'D LIKE TO GET ACCOMPLISHED IN YOUR TERM, WHAT IS IT? Infrastructure is our working goal, in part from federal and

state grants for electronic water meters, sewer, drainage and road improvement. Another goal is construction of a community recreation building aside our village hall.

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Elsah M I C H A E L P I T C H F O R D

RELEVANT EXPERIENCE I am a retired Ameren Key Account

Executive responsible for resolving issues that arise between industrial customers and company responses.

IF A STRANGER ASKED YOU WHY YOU'RE PROUD TO BE YOUR TOWN'S MAYOR, WHAT WOULD YOU TELL THEM? I have lived

here for 40-plus years and have never wanted to invest my life anywhere else. Over the years, there have been ups and downs, but at the end of the day, I’m comfortable with the record of accomplishments we have been able to present.

IF THERE'S ONE THING YOU'D LIKE TO GET ACCOMPLISHED IN YOUR TERM, WHAT IS IT? 30 years ago, the village tried and was

unsuccessful in obtaining a sewer system, for not only the village but the development occurring in our area. The realization that this is a possibility would be a great accomplishment. We have initiated the process. While I may not be here when finally complete, that would be a worthwhile goal for any mayor.

Roxana M A R T Y R E Y N O L D S

RELEVANT EXPERIENCE I am beginning my second term as

mayor. I had the privilege of being an employee of the village for 36 years, retiring in 2013. I was public works director the last 16 years of my employment with Roxana.

IF A STRANGER ASKED YOU WHY YOU'RE PROUD TO BE YOUR TOWN'S MAYOR, WHAT WOULD YOU TELL THEM? During my

employment, the size of Roxana’s incorporated boundaries more than quadrupled. The planning of I-255 was underway and it was exciting times in the Riverbend. I was fortunate to work for several progressive mayors and their vision for the future of our community has paid off with Roxana’s economic security.

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IF THERE'S ONE THING YOU'D LIKE TO GET ACCOMPLISHED IN YOUR TERM, WHAT IS IT? A specific goal and promise of my

second mayoral tenure is to bring new residential development to Roxana. We are actively working on two locations for new housing. Now is a tough time for any governmental body, and it seems there are more obstacles to overcome than ever. Times will get better when we get this pandemic behind us, and we will keep working to provide the best services and opportunities to our citizens.

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2022 CURRENTS 35

TOP EMPLOYERS - RIVERBEND REGION, ILLINOIS Elementary and Secondary Education

altonschools.org

Alton Memorial Hospital

Health Services

altonmemorialhospital.org

Beverly Farm Foundation

Home & Training Center for people with developmental disabilities

beverlyfarm.org

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cuinc.org

Mechanical contractors

grpwegman.com

Home health care service

helpathome.com

Lewis and Clark Community College

Higher education institution w/ multiple campuses, a river research center, community education centers & training centers

lc.edu

Olin Corporation

Manufacturer of chlor alkali products and Winchester ammunition

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osfhealthcare.org/saint-anthonys

Petroleum Refining

p66.com

Airframe and engine repair and maintenance, complete FBO for St. Louis Regional Airport

weststaraviation.com

Manufacturer & Distributor of copper and copper-alloy sheet, strip, plate, foil, rod and fabricated components

wieland.com

Alton Community Unit School District #11

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OSF Healthcare Saint Anthony's Health Center Phillips 66 Wood River Refinery West Star Aviation Wieland Rolled Products North America Compiled by RiverBend Growth Association 08-2020

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36 GROWTHASSOCIATION.COM

Evenings 7:30pm | Matinees 2:00pm Box Office: Monday - Friday 10:00am to 2:00pm (618) 462-3205 | www.altonlittletheater.org

AROUND THE ’BEND Fireworks captivated Alton and Grafton every Thursday all summer long, courtesy of Great Rivers & Routes Tourism Bureau. “Our region continues to shine as a destination for travelers,” said Cory Jobe, President/CEO of Great Rivers & Routes Tourism Bureau. “The weekly fireworks show is a celebration of the return of summer travel.”

Youth athletics remain a vital part of what makes the Riverbend’s heart beat.

(Top), an AstroTurf playing surface was installed at Roxana’s Charles Raich Field ahead of the 2021 football season. Officials gathered in late August to cut the ribbon on the new turf field.

Alton’s Public School Stadium has also recently undergone a facelift, receiving new turf, bleachers and stadium renovations.

Two new artificial-turf soccer fields at Godfrey’s Robert E. Glazebrook Community Park get some use after recently being installed.

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

2020

2019

2018

2017

2016

Labor Force

164,249

169,168

168,648

167,454

169,262

Employed

151,749

162,399

160,902

159,650

159,285

Unemployed

12,500

6,769

7,746

7,804

9,977

Unemployment Rate

7.3%

4.2%

4.8%

4.7%

5.9%

source: Illinois Department of Employment Security

2022 CURRENTS 37

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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

It’s personal at OSF Moeller Cancer Center

W

hen you’re diagnosed with cancer, a herd of questions stampedes into your mind.

Am I going to live? How long? Is it curable? Can I get a second opinion?

What are the treatments? What are the side effects?

The Alton community is blessed to have the OSF Moeller Cancer Center, part of OSF HealthCare Saint Anthony’s Health Center. There’s great comfort in knowing you have access to the highest levels of care. But there are important questions you should ask yourself about your cancer treatment. The answers can play a significant role in determining your treatment plan and how your survivorship journey unfolds.

“Ask yourself, ‘What is important to me?

What are my goals?

What are my priorities?

How should I make every day count?’” said Manpreet Sandhu, MD, a medical oncologist and hematologist for OSF in Alton.

Sandhu

Your answers to these questions will help you define yourself, as opposed to letting the cancer define you. That’s an important part of taking care of your health.

When you know yourself and are tuned in to what you want, your doctor can use the information to help build your treatment plan. Knowing what you want also can help you maintain the focus necessary to get through the roughest parts of your treatment.

Cancer treatment has evolved from the days when doctors made all the decisions. Today, you’re encouraged to ask questions, arm yourself with as much information as possible and become actively involved in deciding your treatment plan.

“If somebody says, ‘You’re the doctor,

you tell me what I should do,’ I give them statistics. And I say, ‘This is what you can expect, based on the statistics,’” Dr. Sandhu said. “I want you to have all the facts on the table. I am not going to impose my wishes on you. I am going to encourage you to determine what is important to you, and we will try to make a decision that meets your goals.”

Those goals vary from one individual to another.

Some people might want to do whatever is necessary to extend their life, even if it means receiving treatments that will leave them feeling ill a lot. Others might prefer to avoid treatments with severe side effects in order to remain physically active, even if that shortens their life expectancy.

Perhaps a grandchild has plans to be married next year. One person might want to ensure being able to attend the wedding, while another might be inclined to spend more quality time with that grandchild now.

“Once you come to grips with what’s most

important to you, it’s easier on all parties,” Dr. Sandhu said. “As the physician, I can treat you according to what you want.

And it helps the caregivers in your family, because they know this is your choice.”

Some of your decisions will be driven by the type of cancer you have. Is it aggressive or slow-growing? What stage is it in? Is it curable, or will it have to be managed more like a chronic disease?

Will the cancer or treatment prevent you from working, and if so, for how long?

It’s important to consider what gives you mental peace. The better your state of mind, the better you will be able to handle your journey.

“If your mind is feeling good, you’ll eat better, be more physically active and you might be able to fight the side effects better,” Dr. Sandhu said. “If your apprehension is under control, the time you have becomes more meaningful and enjoyable.” osfsaintanthonys.org

2022 CURRENTS 39

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40 GROWTHASSOCIATION.COM

WHAT A

difference A YEAR MAKES!

The new Roxana village hall and public safety facility was a work in progress in fall 2020, and the bones of the facility graced the cover of the 2021 Currents magazine. Now, the nearly 29,000-square-foot facility, an undertaking that cost the village roughly $11 million to complete, is finished and functional, bringing village officials and public safety personnel under one roof in the center of Roxana.

Roxana Mayor Marty Reynolds said staff moved into the new building on March 26, 2021, ahead of schedule due to an emergency situation regarding a major utility failure at the old police and fire department building.

“All of our departments did a great job with the transition, and we are getting acclimated to our new village hall,” Reynolds says. “The building is beautiful, and the more we learn about it, the more functional it becomes in meeting the needs of the community. I’m proud of the employees and the past and present village administration that had the vision and ability to follow through with this facility, and I’m confident it will meet the needs of the village far into the future.”

RETAIL SALES - RIVERBEND REGION, ILLINOIS

2020

2019

486,344,947

$

105,878,367

$

Alton

$

Bethalto

$

494,905,360

56,766,459

$

East Alton

$

50,418,671

$

618,843

215,529,704 18,620,166

$

15,031,270

$

Hartford

$

37,601,009

$

36,128,432

$

Roxana

$

13,742,083

$

15,304,484

S. Roxana

$

10,650,507

$

13,617,294

$

334,314,590

TOTAL

338,253,880

1,280,110,679

$

1,283,330,546

$

52,963,969

$

955,884

$

193,516,946

185,003,273

$

$

18,938,548

$

17,937,312

$

27,347,584

$

17,232,353

$

$

11,333,641

$

12,067,736

$

10,606,418

$

$

1,217,606,813

$

54,168,946

783,708

316,486,553

$

90,491,687

$

202,761,085

$

$

$

$

$

Grafton

Wood River

94,777,166

1,035,181

$

505,081,048

$

$

$

216,428,999

$

2016

497,609,943

52,182,988

$

2017

$

98,817,759

$

662,847

Godfrey

478,097,056

$

102,623,313

$

Elsah

2018

17,424,607 15,138,450 11,132,852

9,696,670

$

10,006,852

298,760,877

$

295,171,238

$

1,195,346,680

$

1,184,574,837

$

source: Illinois Institute for Rural Affairs

2022 CURRENTS 41

A FAMILY TRADITION

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I L L I N O I S A M E R I C A N WAT E R Like the water they provide to Riverbend residents, Illinois American Water kept the projects flowing in 2021.

The water company, which has served the Riverbend for more than 145 years, undertook large-scale infrastructure projects in Godfrey and Alton during the last year, totaling more than $5 million in work.

That didn’t include Illinois American Water’s partnership with the city of Alton, American Water Charitable Foundation and the National Recreation & Park Association on the new Alton Splash Pad unveiled in 2021.

In fall 2020, work began on installing ultraviolet (UV) disinfection at the Alton water treatment plant.

According to Brent O’Neill,

director of engineering for Illinois American Water, UV technology is effective in inhibiting infection-causing microorganisms and adds another layer of protection for customers. When used to treat drinking water, UV disinfection addresses chlorine-resistant pathogens and microorganisms that could be present in surface water sources. The Alton water treatment facility uses the Mississippi River as its water source.

“There is nothing more important than the quality of the product we deliver to our customers’ taps,” O’Neill said.

“This is why we continuously work to upgrade technology and treatment processes to deliver safe drinking water.

We are excited to incorporate UV disinfection into our treatment process for particular water sources.”

By early spring, the water company was on to two separate undertakings in Godfrey and Alton. In Godfrey, upgrades to the wastewater infrastructure included replacing two sections of a 24-inch wastewater effluent main. Work was also completed to protect the existing wastewater force main which runs from the La Vista lift station to the Godfrey wastewater treatment plant.

The infrastructure, located along La Vista Creek, was reinforced, and protected from

the natural shifting of the creek and potential creek bank erosion.

“Whenever possible, Illinois American Water incorporates green infrastructure and practices into our operations and capital investments,” Senior Design Engineer Ric Cooper said. “The La Vista Creek project focuses on protecting the environment and enhancing the beauty of La Vista Creek, La Vista Trail and the Village of Godfrey, while supporting reliable service.” amwater.com/ilaw

2022 CURRENTS 43

CANCER. What will happen to my children?

Will I see my daughter get married?

How can I improve my chances?

We’re here to navigate you through the uncertainty that comes with cancer, providing treatment in a safe environment designed to reduce stress. You’ll have an experienced team, including a nurse navigator, focused on your physical, mental and spiritual needs throughout your individual journey.

We’re ready to fight with you. Because for all of us – it’s personal.

Hear Brandie’s story and connect with a nurse navigator at osfhealthcare.org/personal BRANDIE, OSF HEALTHCARE CANCER PATIENT