Jersey County August 2023

Theodora Farms has seasonal produce throughout the year

By Frank Prager Big Z Media

The importance of purchasing and consuming locally produced organic food and consumer-safe products cannot be overstated. Locally grown food and produce are often much fresher than that shipped long distances. The reduction in the need to process, package and transport goods leads to less pollution and a healthier environment. Buying local supports the local economy and local employment,

and consuming organically grown produce provides the consumer peace of mind in knowing whether pesticides and herbicides were used in growing it.

Theodora Farms in Godfrey grows and sells USDA certified organic vegetables and herbs for the Illinois Riverbend and St. Louis metropolitan regions. Their onsite FarmStore is open to the public for grocery needs and stocked with fresh seasonal produce and other safe, healthy local food and products.

Megan Tyminski is the farm operations manager at Theodora Farms. She, along with the farm production manager Jeff Adams, oversees all activities related to crop production, sales and outreach at the farm. Tyminski holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Missouri in Agricultural Strategic Communications with a minor in Sustainable Agriculture and brings experience to the operation from her work at several farms across the state of Missouri. Adams

has a bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Public Policy and a minor in Nonprofit Management.

Organic production emphasizes natural processes and ingredients. The USDA organic certification requires strict compliance to standards for the growing, processing and handling of products. “The set of practices we are required to follow means the USDA organic certification is something you

George’s Local Brew brings Nashville atmosphere

By Frank Prager Big Z Media

You cannot help but like Chris and Brenda Lorton the minute you meet them.

Chris’ hearty handshake and friendly manner along with Brenda’s cheerful, upbeat energy make you immediately aware the couple brings something special to everything in which they are involved. That friendliness and energy are evident in the Jerseyville business they own and operate, George’s Local Brew.

The couple started the bar and restaurant in 2017, having been the entrepreneurs of many

businesses throughout their 36-year marriage. “Our four kids were in their 20s and encouraged us to open it.

They helped with getting it started,” says Chris. Chris and Brenda have extensive experience in the food and beverage service industry. They previously owned and operated Lorton’s Hotel, Restaurant, & Bar, which was prominent in the area during the ’90s.

George’s Local Brew occupies the building in Jerseyville which formerly housed the Eagles Lodge. Chris’ extensive background and experience in the construction industry allowed him to completely

renovate the building, bringing a similar style and atmosphere to it as that found in many Nashville bars and restaurants. The bar is equipped with slot machines, a state-of-the-artsound and lighting system and a small stage for live performers. The clean, spacious indoor seating is complemented by a large outdoor patio area ideal for relaxing to music on warm summer evenings. Exposed brick walls, a large wooden bar and a vibrant outdoor neon front sign make the venue both relaxing and exciting at the same time.

Brenda oversees the preparation of the food served at George’s and says she comes from a long line of family members who cooked excellent food. “We have only the highest quality food,” she says. Chris notes they purchase their meat products locally and that it is always fresh. They note that despite the variety and quality, the food is still reasonably priced.

The menu includes appetizers, salads, sandwiches, entrees, sides, pizza and pastas. “We make all of our pasta on site,” notes Brenda. The entrees include hand-cut New York strip steaks, eight-ounce filets and kabobs, ten-ounce butterfly porkchops, Boursin chicken and grilled Alaskan salmon. In addition to indoor and patio dining, the business provides carryout and curbside service.

Along with soft drinks, the beverage menu includes cocktails, frozen cocktails, mules, various wines and a wide variety of draft beers.

Mules are fizzy alcohol drinks and come in a variety of flavors, including blueberry, watermelon, cranberry, among others.

George’s hosts live entertainment Thursdays through Sundays. A stage and sound system in the main barroom allow musicians to plug in and provide music throughout the entire venue. A large wheel of chance up on the performance stage provides anyone celebrating their birthday a chance to come in, have a drink and spin the wheel to win a prize. Slot machines let patrons try their luck during their visits.

“There is always something going on,” says Brenda.

The Lorton’s explain the atmosphere is appropriate for any type of social outing,

including date nights, work group get-togethers, casual gatherings of friends, and family meals. “It’s a lively place but a safe atmosphere,” says Chris. “People know they can come here alone, with their families or in a group and have a safe, enjoyable time.” They explain that patrons are greeted at the door and helped to find seating. “It can be confusing walking into a place with a lot of activity,” says Brenda. “We help them get settled in and get comfortable.”

An upstairs event room is available for gatherings of up to 80 people for private events. The Lortons say it is perfect for birthday parties, anniversaries, wedding rehearsals, bridal and baby showers and business events. An upper private deck is also available for smaller parties. When weather permits, musicians use the upper deck to perform as the people in the patio below enjoy their food and beverages. 3

family....” - Susan T.

George’s Local Brew is owned and operated by Chris and Brenda Lorton.

can trust,” says Tyminski. “It’s agriculture that is based first and foremost in soil and ecological health. It also extends to human health because it means you are not getting herbicides and harsh chemicals on the food you eat.” She notes organic farming is a trend that is growing in agriculture and that it is something people want.

The spacious, wellmanicured acreage of Theodora Farms includes greenhouses, produce fields and the FarmStore. Most of the vegetables grown at the farm are started from seed in the greenhouses early in the year, then planted in the fields when the weather is ready.

The equipment used to till, plant and cultivate the farm is extensive as roundthe-year operations keep vegetables available within each’s seasonal timeframe. The farm was started in 2019 and began offering produce for sale both wholesale and to retail customers in the FarmStore in 2020.

The farming operations require detailed, year-round planning in order to keep produce available during the various harvest seasons. Adams oversees sowing, cultivation, tractor work and crop maintenance. Tyminski handles harvest operations, sales and distribution.

The two work together to do extensive planning during the winter months in preparation for the growing and harvest seasons.

All the crops are harvested by hand. While the farm employs a staff of regular employees, Tyminski explains that volunteer opportunities are available for anyone wanting to help with harvesting and maintenance in order to learn more about how to successfully grow the vegetables or to simply get fresh air, exercise and experience.

The FarmStore sells fresh seasonal produce from the farm itself directly to the public in addition to a variety of other healthy foodstuffs. Free range chicken eggs are available as well as pasture-raised chicken, pork and beef, all purchased from local farmers.

The FarmStore also sells cheeses, milk, yogurt, sauces, fruit butters and jams, hummus and kimchi. Rice, pasta and bread are

available as well as coffee, teas, tinctures, salsa, pickles, chips, pretzels, popcorn, ice cream and kombucha. The store also offers body care products, nontoxic cleaning supplies and vegan-friendly items. All products sold in the FarmStore are either raised on site, purchased locally or curated for the best flavor, quality and sustainability.

Elisabeth Millar is the retail FarmStore manager. She emphasizes that the products available are locally sourced and organic.

“The store focuses on reselling items from local businesses,” she says. She points out the nutritional benefits of items like the mushrooms, humus and microgreens sold there.

“Microgreens are nutrientdense and can be added to your regular diet and meals to provide concentrated nutrition,” she says.

Environmentally friendly items in the store such as laundry powders, soaps and surface brighteners are noted as having “People friendly ingredients” and “Planet friendly packaging”. Millar explains that in addition to providing healthier items which are free of artificial hormones and chemicals, another benefit of these types of products is the environment provided for any animals used in food production.

“They’re not raised in cages

or pens,” she explains. “The animals have a quality of life.”

Upick periods when customers can pick their own produce are available every year for strawberries. Customers can find out when produce is available for picking by calling or going to the farm’s website. Tyminski also notes the farm is open to any additional wholesale opportunities. Interested businesses can contact Theodora Farms through

their website or by phone. Theodora Farms is a unique and valuable resource to the community, providing healthy, environmentally safe, and locally-sourced produce and products and enhancing the local food

economy. The complex and challenging operations of the farm require the passion and dedication of the knowledgeable and dedicated personnel who work there. “I definitely love what I do,” says Tyminski. 3

NOTICE TO READERS: AdVantage does not have physical offices in Jerseyville. We can be reached by mail, phone, email or fax at the contact information below. PHONE

Megan Tyminski is the farm operations manager at Theodora Farms. [photo by Frank Prager]

SECRET DINER

By Bill Roseberry

All about home-cooked comfort

I was stoked to visit this comfort food mecca in northwestern Madison County. It’s been on my radar for awhile, but limited hours hindered my availability.

It was worth the wait.

This quaint, homey place is tucked in the back corner of a large shopping center in town. You won’t see it from the road, but travel to the corner of the complex and you will see the sign prominently displayed near the inconspicuous restaurant. There is a large patio out front for dining on nice days, which is shared with the restaurant next door.

There are two entrance doors with a white brick partition between them. Once inside the space is larger than expected. It features a concrete floor with a hodgepodge of different tables throughout the dining room. There is a menu chalkboard next to the counter to see what’s available, a drink cooler and an ice cream freezer. Grab yourself a drink and head to the counter to order. There is no alcohol here.

The chalkboard changes regularly so take note of food availability. There are daily regulars, but also specials and it’s all made to order. You won’t see microwaves or freezers in the kitchen. It’s all fresh all the time.

I went with a regular on my visit with the meatloaf, while taking a side of macaroni and cheese. It also included a slice of garlic bread. My mom was with me and chose the chicken pot pie with green beans. It’s all about home-cooked comfort here.

The customer service is outstanding also. The food

is delivered to you at your seat and there are no trash cans, so don’t buss your own table, it will be taken care of for you. Now I wasn’t much of a meatloaf kid growing up, but as an adult I’ve grown to enjoy it on occasion and I really enjoyed it here. It was served piping hot and when I took my first bite it was almost creamy in flavor. It was classically topped with tomato sauce, but conservatively so it didn’t take away from the taste of the meat, it complemented it. The fresh ground beef melded with onions, celery and green peppers had such a hearty taste and the slight sweetness of the sauce added to the overall sensational flavor. It was comforting indeed. The mac and cheese was also very good. It was super creamy with tender noodles to provide a perfect sidekick. Even the bread was tasty. It featured a nice crispiness and was not overwhelmingly garlicky.

My mom was fired up for her choice. She raved about the freshness of the pot pie and the green beans were spiked with sliced ham to gussy it up for another awesome side.

The pot pie featured slow braised chicken blended with fresh veggies and a veloute sauce tucked inside

Overall:

Cleanliness:

Service:

Food:

Price:

Any idea of the name of this restaurant?

Check the puzzle solutions to see if you are right.

a sensational pie crust. Veloute is a roux mixed with a light stock used in French cuisine.

It’s what I love about the concept here, it’s simple but with a subtle culinary elegance.

Some other daily regulars here include, roasted chicken quarters, chicken and sausage gumbo, beef tips and roasted turkey breast. Also look for the pot roast, Italian beef sandwich and chicken and steak kabobs when they’re available. Soups and salads routinely rotate on the menu, too. Like I mentioned in the beginning, the hours are limited. It’s closed Sunday and Monday and only open 11am to 7pm TuesdayFriday and 9am to 1pm on Saturday. 3

By Fifi Rodriguez

1. WEATHER: What is the name of the hot wind that blows from the Sahara Desert to the southern coast of Europe?

2. GENERAL KNOWLEDGE: What is the name of the condition of seeing human faces in random or ambiguous objects or patterns?

3. GEOGRAPHY: What is the only country that borders the United Kingdom?

4. THEATER: Which Broadway play features a helicopter on stage?

5. LITERATURE: Who wrote the novel “One Hundred Years of Solitude”?

6. MEDICAL: What is the common name for the ailment called epistaxis?

7. TELEVISION: Which TV comedy popularized the phrase “Yabba Dabba Do”?

8. MOVIES: What is the nickname that Steven Spielberg gave the mechanical shark in the movie “Jaws”?

9. HISTORY: When did the Boxer Rebellion take place in China?

10. MATH: Which number doesn’t have a corresponding Roman numeral?

FLASHBACK

By Mick Harper

1. Name the singer who released the most popular version of “Are You Lonesome Tonight?”

2. Which artist released “Run to Him”?

3. Where were The Proclaimers from and when did they get started?

4. Name the song Richard Marx wrote to his wife while she was in Africa on a film shoot.

5. Name the song that contains these lyrics: “I’ve cried through many endless nights just holding my pillow tight, Then you came into my lonely days with your tender love and sweet ways.” (answers in puzzle solutions)

STRANGE BUT TRUE

By Lucie Winborne

• Remember the stunning green Versace gown worn by Jennifer Lopez at the 2000 Grammy Awards ceremony? Not only was it a sartorial feat of engineering, it inspired the creation of Google Images: The search engine added that function because so many people were looking for pictures of the outfit.

• The beloved Sesame Street characters Bert and Ernie were named for a police officer and taxi driver in Frank Capra’s holiday classic “It’s a Wonderful Life.”

• Biologists named a species of ants unique to New York City “ManhattAnts.”

• Due to a shrimp’s open circulatory system, it has no arteries, and its organs just float around in its blood.

Word Scrambler

• Spain’s national anthem, the “Marcha Real” (“Royal March”), is one of only four such anthems in the world (along with those of BosniaHerzegovina, Kosovo, and San Marino) to have no official lyrics.

• British military tanks are equipped to make tea.

• The longest walking distance in the world, from Magadan in Russia to Cape Town, South Africa, is 14,000 miles. Be sure to take plenty of extra shoes!

• On the other hand, if you’re more in line for a much quicker journey, hop on the world’s shortest commercial flight, from Westray Island

to Papa Westray Island in Scotland -- it’ll take all of 90 seconds.

• IKEA rugs were used for the Night’s Watch cloaks in Game of Thrones.

• Hellmann’s, anyone? In some countries, mayonnaise is a popular pizza topping.

Unscramble the letters within each rectangle to form four ordinary words. Then rearrange the boxed letters to form the mystery word, which will complete the gag!

Go Figure

Arrive at the figures given at the bottom and right columns of the diagram by following the arithmetic signs in the order they are given (that is, from left to right and top to bottom). Use only the numbers below the diagram to complete its blank squares and use each of the nine numbers only once.

What do they do at the teddy bear factory?

Stuff.

I cracked a joke at a Zoom meeting and nobody laughed

Clearly I’m not even remotely funny.

What is Snow

White’s least

favorite store at the mall?

The Apple Store.

NASA is launching a mission to say sorry to all the aliens. They call it Apollo G.

Why should you take an extra pair of socks when you go golfing? In case you get a hole in one.

Dad Jokes.

What’s The Difference?

Find

Find the listed words in the diagram. They run forward, backward, up, down and diagonally. Unlisted hint: Little Red _ Hood

of the numbers from one to nine.

Place a number in the empty boxes in such a way that each row across, each column down and each small 9-box square contains all

Finding time

In college, I had a friend who made time for nothing but studying. What a waste of college, right? Why study when there were pick-up games of basketball to play, pizza joints to visit, and campus havoc to raise? But my friend studied.

Until.

Until the day he fell in love with a campus cheerleader. Voila! He now had time— time for her, for basketball games (at which she was cheering), for pizza, even for dates at swanky restaurants. He wasn’t in his room much after that. I occasionally saw him in the library … with her … sitting way too close to effectively study … staring google-eyed … and doing that kind of soft, seductive talk that is so not studying.

That’s when it hit me: We have time for what we want to do; it’s what we don’t want to do that we seldom find time for. At least for the most part. Certainly concerning our free time. As a pastor and lifeobserver, I know we have a tendency to be controlled by, rather than to control, our time use. That’s part of the problem with living in a clock-punching, deadline-

LIFE HESTON ON

By Pat Heston

meeting, appointmentkeeping, schedule-filling, overtime-seeking world. But, if we don’t seize some measure of control over such things, life too quickly zooms out of control. It’s the nature of the beast. It seems that even when we are not on the job, we are still tied to the clock.

Years ago, Max Gunther wrote in The Weekender:

“One blustery weekend I was strolling with my little boy on an Atlantic beach. We were scaling clamshells into the onshore wind and watching them curve back to us. I don’t know why this was fun. But on that morning, scaling clamshells seemed like the best of all possible things to do. After a while, I looked at my watch. It was lunchtime. We left the beach reluctantly. Only after we sat down to eat did I wonder why I had stopped the game. What is so important about noon? Why must we be hypnotized by the clock? My boy and I went back to the beach after lunch, but the mood was gone. The clamshells and the wind did nothing for us now but blow sand in our eyes.”

We can control time; we just don’t. That’s how we end up the losers.

Fill a bucket with baseballs. It is full; but will hold more. Pour in all the M&Ms it will hold. It is full; but will hold more. Pour in all the sand you can. It is full; but will hold more. Then pour in water to the brim.

When schedules are full, there are choices we can make, moments we can seize, things we can do to fill life with meaning and joy. Where big doesn’t fit, little does.

So, instead of blaming things we can’t control, why not start controlling things we can? We might find more time on our hands for the important things. 3

Pat Heston is co-host of Let’s Talk on Tuesday and Thursday on WBGZ 107.1FM/1570AM. He’s also the author of the book “Journey Into Newness: The Soul-Making Power of a Wilderness,” and a retired pastor.

•

Even Exchange

by Donna Pettman

Each numbered row contains two clues and two 6-letter answers. The two answers differ from each other by only one letter, which has already been inserted. For example, if you exchange the A from MA STER for an I, you get MISTER. Do not change the order of the letters.

MOMENTS IN TIME

The History Channel

• On July 31, 1703, author Daniel Defoe (Robinson Crusoe) was placed in a pillory after being found guilty of seditious libel for publishing a politically satirical pamphlet, but instead of mud or rotten food (or even worse), he was pelted with flowers, while his friends sold copies of the pamphlet nearby.

• On Aug. 1, 1971, race car legend Richard Petty won the Dixie 500 in Atlanta, Georgia, and became the first NASCAR driver to score $1 million in career earnings.

• On Aug. 2, 1909, the centennial year of Abraham Lincoln’s birth, the U.S. issued the Lincoln penny, designed by Victor David Brenner. It was the first widely circulating design of a U.S. president on a

coin, an idea that had in the past been seen by George Washington as too reminiscent of monarchy.

• On Aug. 3, 2004, the pedestal of the Statue of Liberty reopened after being closed for safety and security improvements following the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on New York City’s World Trade Center. The remainder of the statue stayed closed until July 4, 2009, when the observation deck in the crown was reopened to visitors chosen hourly by lottery.

• On Aug. 4, 1964, the bodies of civil rights workers Michael Schwerner, Andrew Goodman and James Chaney were discovered in a partially constructed dam near Philadelphia, Mississippi, after disappearing more than a month before. Before their

bodies were found, outrage over the KKK-perpetrated murders aided passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

• On Aug. 5, 2013, the first lab-grown hamburger, made from taking cow cells and turning them into the strips of a muscle, was cooked and eaten at a news conference in London, England. Tasters remarked that while it lacked some of a conventional burger’s juiciness, the flavor and texture were fairly similar.

• On Aug. 6, 1916, watermelons proved to be a major problem for Army officials in El Paso, Texas, to the point of actually being banned. Since their thick rinds couldn’t be burned or properly disposed of, they drew a plague of flies, which military experts warned could breed disease.

ACCEPTING APPLICATIONs FOR HOUSING

The

Applications may be obtained at the

Shelly

Walnut Estates

Now accepting applications for 2 and 3 bedroom homes in Carrollton & White Hall, IL. Mini-playground area, nice neighborhoods. Rent varies based on income. In addition, you may be eligible for rental assistance.

Homes include: Large landscaped lots, Paved driveways, Two (2) car attached garage, Patios in back. Washer/dryer provided, Fully equipped kitchens (stove, refrigerator & dishwasher), Central air & Garbage removal furnished.

may be obtained at the o ce of the Housing Authority of Greene County, 325 N. Carr St., White Hall, IL, or you may call 217-374-2128 between the hours of 8am and 4pm, Monday-Friday. Shelly

Alton Main Street, the Sierra Club Illinois’

Three Rivers Project and Jacoby Arts Center are announcing the return of the Mississippi Earthtones Festival to Liberty Bank Alton Amphitheater on Saturday, September 16, from noon until 10pm. The organizations are seeking exhibitors, vendors, artists, sponsors and volunteers for their 17th annual event. The festival attracts thousands of community members and tourists to Downtown Alton every year to celebrate our river through art, music, and conservation.

Wind-powered live music will fill the air throughout the day. The entertainment line-up on the main stage will feature: Mattie Schell & Friends (Americana) from noon-2pm, Loftys Comet (Alternative Indie Jazz) from 3-6pm, Jake’s Leg

(Grateful Dead Tribute) from 7-10pm, and between each act will be a performance by Jason “Gordo” Gordon (1-Man, 10-Piece Band) from 2-3pm and 6-7pm. New this year, ARTICA STL will team up with the Joia World Percussion Marching Band for two rousing performances through the festival grounds. Attendees are welcome to check in at the ARTICA booth and participate in these boisterous parades, one during daylight hours and one after dark. Dozens of local artists will offer nature-inspired, handmade, and environmentallyfriendly wares. Jacoby Arts Center is lining up an amazing day of performances and interactive art experiences, and all local artists are welcome to participate. Many creatives are being commissioned to

You focus on celebrating. I’ll focus on protecting your family and financial future.

design art installations that will enhance the festival grounds. The festival is free to attend, and delicious local food and beverages will be available for purchase.

A variety of fun and educational activities are planned for families from noon until 6pm, and there will be several agencies on hand to teach consumers how to incorporate more sustainable practices into their daily lives. Conservationbased organizations and environmentally conscious businesses are invited to apply for booth space or sponsor the event to showcase their products. Exhibitors will have the opportunity to promote their services to a large crowd while also supporting broad community commitment to protect the Mississippi River—our region’s most important natural resource.

Volunteers are needed on September 16 at the festival grounds, and anyone who pitches in will receive a free festival t-shirt. Volunteers can also participate in the MEF River Clean Up, which

GREENE COUNTY HOMES L.P.

325 NORTH CARR ST., PO BOX 33 WHITE HALL, IL 62092

Now accepting applications for brand new 1, 2, 3, and 4 bedroom homes in Roodhouse & Greenfield, IL. Homes include: Large landscaped lots, with front & backyards. Paved driveways, Two (2) car attached garage, Patios in rear of home. Washer/dryer provided, Fully equipped kitchens (stove, refrigerator & dishwasher), Central air & Garbage removal furnished.

Rent is based on income. In addition, you may be eligible for rental assistance.

Applications may be obtained at the o ce of the Housing Authority of Greene County, 325 N. Carr St., White Hall, IL, or you may call 217-374-2128 between the hours of 8am and 4pm, Monday-Friday.

Shelly K. Mason • Executive Director

will take place the following Saturday, Sept. 23; to date over 46 tons of trash have been removed from the river at MEF clean ups.

“The theme of this year’s Mississippi Earthtones Festival is ‘Love Joy Flow’, and we will fill Alton’s riverfront with art that interprets these subjects. We can’t wait to introduce attendees to the various entertainers and exhibitors who are committed to celebrating and protecting our beautiful Mississippi River,” says Sara McGibany, Executive Director of Alton Main Street.

This event is held annually on the third Saturday in September as part of the State of Illinois’ “It’s Our River Day” initiative to celebrate Illinois watersheds through education, recreation and conservation activities. To register as an exhibitor, vendor, sponsor or volunteer please visit downtownalton.com/ events. To stay up-to-date on announcements, please follow facebook.com/ earthtonesfestival. 3

HAWKLAND ESTATES

Now accepting applications for 2 and 3 bedroom homes in Carrollton, IL, close to hospital, grocery store and restaurant. Mini-playground area, nice neighborhood. Rent varies based on income.

Homes include: Large landscaped lots, Paved driveways, One (1) car attached garage, Patios in back. Washer/dryer hook-ups, Fully equipped kitchens (stove, refrigerator & dishwasher), Central air & Garbage removal furnished. Applications may be obtained at the o ce of the Housing Authority of Greene County, 325 N. Carr St., White Hall, IL, or you may call 217-374-2128 between the hours of 8am and 4pm, Monday-Friday.

Shelly K. Mason • Executive Director

Annual Back-to-School Celebration to give free school supplies to first 500 students

Thanks to the tremendous success of last year’s inaugural event, OSF Saint Anthony’s Health Center will host their 2nd annual

Back-to-School Celebration on Saturday, August 5, 10am to 1pm. Due to scheduled parking lot construction at the hospital, this year’s event will be held at Alton Square Mall on the upper level.

This year’s Back-to-School Celebration, sponsored exclusively by Dwight and Cheryl Werts, and Werts Welding & Tank Service, Inc., will distribute school supplies including (but not limited to) paper, pens, pencils, and crayons to the first 500 kids ages 4 to 12 – last year’s event provided school supplies to 300 students.

Admission is free and the event is open to the public. A hot dog lunch complete with chips, cookies, and bottled water will be available while supplies last.

“Last year’s Back-toSchool Celebration was an overwhelming success, so we wanted to make this year’s event bigger by providing free school supplies to the first 500

Rock the Hops returns to Downtown Alton August 12

A MULTI-VENUE CELEBRATION OF MUSIC, ART, AND CRAFT BEER

students,” says Jerry Rumph, president, OSF Saint Anthony’s. “Plus, we’ll have more vendors this year, along with prize and gift basket raffles, and fun games and interactive activities provided by OSF Mission Partners (employees) to educate attendees on a variety of health care topics and services.”

So far, a cumulative group totaling more than 22 that encompasses local dignitaries, businesses, service agencies and organizations have pledged their involvement.

And just like last year’s inaugural event, the overall objective of OSF Saint Anthony’s Back-to-School Celebration is to bring community resources together to support Riverbend region students and families. “All of the benefactors and partners that have joined us in this event have a vested interest in the success of local students and schools,” says Rumph. “We want this event to be an annual occurrence that everyone looks forward to participating and attending.” 3

After a few years off, Rock the Hops returns for “a celebration of music, art, and craft beer” taking place on Saturday August 12, from 2 to 8pm at multiple venues in downtown Alton. Attendees can “hop” around between the five official venues and catch as many as 25 unique and creative music performances. The lineup will include a wide variety of genres such as rock, jazzfusion, indie, folk, singersongwriter, Americana, psychedelic jam bands, ambient, electronic and more. There will also be artisan booths featuring visual artworks and handmade goods available for purchase. Each of the venues this year will play host to all three creative elements noted in the festival’s tagline, creating

a fun and celebratory atmosphere throughout the day. Ticket holders can choose from over 25 styles of craft beverages to sample, from seasonal summertime craft beers and citrusy IPAs, to refreshing ciders and seltzers.

Not just a festival, the event brings awareness to, and heightens engagement with, the burgeoning art and music community in the region, while also showcasing the area’s beverage and culinary scene. According to Rock the Hops co-founders Hope and Drew Mader, their mission is to uplift, engage, and encourage local creative culture, and honor musicians’ and artists’ contributions to the renaissance of our community at large. More information about

this year’s festival can be found at facebook.com/ RockTheHops.

“We want Rock the Hops to be a place where people can come together to celebrate the creatives in our community. It’s a chance to meet and mingle, and showcase all the talent in our area to visitors. There is so much good in Alton, and Rock the Hops is a great opportunity to see and be a part of some of that,” says Hope Mader. Tickets are available online at: rockthehops.bpt.me or at participating venues while they last. Thank you to our 2023 sponsors for their commitment to supporting the music and art scene in our community: Simmons Hanly Conroy, The Lodge at the Lovejoy, Alton Mission, Cope Plastics Inc., and Colman’s Country Campers.

PARTICIPATING

2023

VENUES:

Old Bakery Beer Company, Flock & Food Truck Park, The Conservatory, The Lodge at The Lovejoy, and Ragin’ Cajun Piano Bar 3