Jersey County September 2023

Flock provides wide variety of food, drink

By Frank Prager Big Z Media

Food trucks have become immensely popular over the past decade. The large mobile vehicles are equipped to cook, prepare and serve restaurantquality food. On-board kitchens allow many to prepare menu items from scratch, often rivaling the taste of food prepared in brickand-mortar commercial kitchens. Their mobility lets them come to special occasions, parties and celebrations, providing great dining for events which otherwise would be limited to cold food, catered food or outdoor grilling.

A unique business in Alton is providing the community a venue at which they can meet with family or friends for planned events or impromptu get-togethers, and enjoy food truck quality dining along with their favorite drinks in a convenient, comfortable atmosphere.

Flock & Food Truck Park opened in May of last year and has seen great success, bringing a dining experience to Alton unlike any

other in the area. The business is owned and operated by the husband and wife team of Matt and Laura Windisch. Both have extensive experience in the food service business. They each began working at restaurants as teenagers and first met when they were working at a restaurant together. Laura attended culinary school and the two have operated Stacked Burger Bar in St. Louis for years. “In the thirteen years we’ve been together, we’ve never not worked with each other,” says Laura.

Living previously in the Tower Grove neighborhood of St. Louis, they came to Alton looking for a house and decided to stay and start the business. The two have a daughter, Leni, and have lived in Alton for over five years now.

“When we saw what was going on with the AltonWorks initiative, we got excited about the idea of opening a business in Alton,” she explains.

Flock provides a great dining atmosphere, both indoor and outdoor, for enjoying the food truck

Flock & Food Truck Park

service. A bar in the venue serves a wide variety of both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks for any gathering from families to business events to casual get-togethers for friends. The outdoor seating allows people to enjoy the bridge and the riverfront scenery as well as regular entertainment. The heated indoor dining area lets people enjoy the venue regardless of the weather.

The food trucks provide a wide variety of dining options. They include bar-b-cue, Thai food, Mediterranean cuisine and Soul food. Other options are tacos, chicken, hot dogs, Mexican street corn, smoothies, Icees and sweet treats. Anywhere from one to six trucks are on site at a time. The food truck schedule along with dates for special events can be found on Flock’s Facebook and Instagram pages. The bar provides a wide variety of

drinks to fit anyone’s tastes. It sells house-crafted cocktails as well as non-alcoholic cocktails. It serves cold beer, draft beer and wine, as well. It also serves seltzers, nonalcoholic brews, soda, water, tea and apple juice.

Laura says the name of the business was inspired by the flocks of birds she and her husband would see along the river when they commuted back and forth from St. Louis. “We would see them on our daily drives and wanted the name of the business to highlight the region. 3

through the month

teachers and faculty!

Guild:

MEETINGS PROVIDE LEARNING, ACTIVITY AND FRIENDSHIPS

By Frank Prager Big Z Media

Quilting is that rare artform that sits at the intersections of creativity, functionality and heartwarming sentiment. Shapes, textures and colors transformed by the originality and imagination of quilters result in unique and moving artwork. At the same time, quilts are functional and often serve a practical role in providing comfort and warmth on chilly evenings in bed or while curled up on the couch watching a favorite television show. Perhaps above all, quilts can serve as valued heirlooms, handed down across generations, nurturing precious memories of the loved ones whose hands crafted them with love and care.

The Heartland Quilters’ Guild was founded in 1984. For almost 40 years, it has been dedicated to the preservation of quilts and the art of quilting. The local group consists of over fifty quilters who meet monthly to work on quilting projects, learn new skills, enjoy

socialization with others with similar interests and take part in activities which benefit the community around them.

Jan Mercer has been a member of the guild for over twenty years and is currently its president. She explains the guild is a great activity for anyone interested in quilting, regardless of their skill level. “I’ve learned so much from the ladies at this guild,” she says.

“Everyone here is willing to share knowledge.” She says whether you are just starting or have been quilting for years, the Heartland Quilters’ Guild is the perfect group to attend.

Many people associate quilting with their mothers or grandmothers but the cherished craft has realized a resurgence in recent decades. There are over 21 million quilters worldwide, testament to the immense popularity of the beloved pastime and its capacity to provide fulfillment to those who practice it as well bring generations together through its enduring appeal.

“It’s a great activity for mothers and daughters to do together,” says Mercer. She explains her own grandmother taught her to sew when she was a teenager. “It’s something you can do with your daughter or mother or grandmother, regardless of your age,” she says.

The guild holds both a day and a night meeting each month. Day meetings are usually hands-on, with members working on specific quilting projects. Day meetings also sometimes feature speakers or classes about specific techniques. The night meetings usually focus on lectures and instruction presented by both members of the guild and by outside experts in the field. While many members attend both day and night meetings, Mercer explains the night meetings are particularly convenient for those who work during the day. The guild undertakes many activities benefiting the local community. It has made pillow cases and

everything from design to cutting, piecing, fabric selection, backing, binding and sewing. In addition, guild members attend local overnight quilting retreats where they can simply get away to relax, work on projects and enjoy time with friends.

The list of projects a quilter can create is limitless. In addition to quilts in an entire spectrum of sizes, colors, varieties and designs, quilters can make handbags, placemats, tote bags, backpacks, notebook covers and tee shirts. “Personalized tee shirts are easy and something kids love,” says Mercer. “They make a great graduation gift.”

Mercer notes the guild has members who do hand sewing as well as machine sewing. Modern sewing machines can provide stateof-the-art capabilities such as computerized stitches and automatic hemming and button-holing. However, many prefer more traditional machines or even antique machines such as the Singer Featherweight, or simply stitching by hand like

quilters have for generations. The guild provides an environment where everyone can learn and work on whatever projects they like best.

The Heartland Quilters’ Guild meets at the St. John United Church of Christ located at 228 North 6th Street in Wood River. Day meetings are the last Tuesday of each month and begin at 9am. Night meetings are held the second Monday of each month and start at 7pm. Anyone interested can email Mercer at jen2mercer@ gmail.com or simply stop by one of the meetings. 3

preemie quilts for children’s hospitals, place mats for Meals on Wheels and quilts for Sleep in Heavenly Peace, an organization that provides beds for children in need. Mercer notes many members also donate quilts to Quilts of Valor, which awards quilts to Armed Services veterans.

Every Christmas season, both the day and night meeting groups hold a banquet and auction at which donated items are sold to raise money for local charities. The events raise over a thousand dollars every year for the worthwhile causes supported.

Members also enjoy activities outside of regular meetings such as the guild’s three-day Quilt Away where quilters attend classes and learn new techniques in

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PHONE 618.465.3535

FAX 618.465.3546

EMAIL

ContactUs@BigZ.media

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!

By Sean Grennan

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.

TRIVIA TEST

By Fifi Rodriguez

1. MOVIES: In which U.S. state does the movie “Field of Dreams” take place?

2. FOOD & DRINK: What is sauerkraut?

3. ACRONYMS: What phrase does the acronym GPS stand for?

4. GEOGRAPHY: The country of Guyana lies on which continent?

5. TELEVISION: What is the pub where characters in “The Office” gather after work?

STRANGE BUT TRUE

By Lucie Winborne

• A microwaved baseball will fly much farther than a frozen one, as warmer balls weigh less and move faster due to less air resistance.

• Each strand of a human hair can contain traces of 14 elements, including gold.

• During a period in his artistic career, Pablo Picasso primarily used shades of blue in his paintings, reflecting his melancholic state at the time.

• It’s not just humans who use “baby talk” with their offspring: Mother bottlenose dolphins have been observed altering their whistle pitch and range when communicating with their calves.

• Hawaii had no mosquitoes until the 19th century, when they were accidentally introduced by trading ships.

• A law student at Spain’s University of Malaga once etched tiny notes into the sides of blue Bic pens before taking an exam. While points could perhaps be awarded for the learner’s creativity, it also resulted in a repeat of their entire academic year.

• The world record for nonstop video gaming -- 138 hours and 34 seconds -- was set by Carrie Swidecki in 2015, when she beat her own previous world record.

• Hamburger University, established by McDonald’s to train restaurant managers and owner-operators, has a lower acceptance rate than Harvard University and awards its graduates a Hamburgerology degree.

• A Eulachon’s flesh is so oily that this fatty fish will burn like a candle when dried.

• From the “too much of a good thing” files: A 41-year-old man from the Netherlands referred to only as “Jonathan” was banned from donating sperm after fathering over 550 children.

• Cheetos were invented by USDA military scientists during World War II as a result of their being tasked with finding a way to utilize surplus cornmeal. 3

6. SCIENCE: How many karats are in pure gold?

7. PSYCHOLOGY: What is the fear represented by autophobia?

8. ANIMAL KINGDOM: How big is a newborn kangaroo?

9. AD SLOGANS: What product is advertised as “the snack that smiles back”?

10. LITERATURE: Who wrote “The Canterbury Tales”?

(answers in puzzle solutions)

FLASHBACK

By Mick Harper

1. What is “Big Yellow Taxi” about?

2. Name the group that released “Gimme Three Steps.”

3. Who released “Secret Lovers”?

4. Where and when did the Stray Cats get their first and only No. 1 song?

5. Name the song that contains these lyrics: “You want to trust her, Then somebody hangs up when you answer the phone.” (answers in puzzle solutions)

Word Scrambler

only the numbers below the diagram to complete its blank squares and use each of the nine numbers only once.

By Sam Mazzotta

Dog’s Food Guarding Aggression Is Getting Worse

DEAR PAW’S CORNER:

I adopted an energetic, bouncy little Terrier mix a few months ago from a friend who had found him abandoned and wandering near his farm. Eddie is around 1 year old, and

according to the vet he was likely abused or in a puppy mill situation. He’s now caught up on his shots, neutered, has put on weight and is pretty happy. However, he is an absolute terror if anyone, including me, approaches him while he’s eating. He snarls and snaps. And he’s gotten worse. He even nipped my hand once, and ran off in

CryptoQuip

This is a simple substitution cipher in which each letter used stands for another. If you think that X equals O, it will equal O throughout the puzzle. Solution is accomplished by trial and error.

PAW’S CORNER

fear when I yelled. How can I stop this behavior?

-- Jack H. in Newton, Massachusetts

DEAR JACK: Resource guarding is certainly an undesirable behavior, and it is sadly a common one in dogs coming from stressful, overpopulated or abusive situations. Because Eddie is really aggressive, even toward you, consider

I recently went to the, “World’s tiniest Wind Turbine” exhibit.

Honestly, not a big fan.

Why did the poor man sell everything but his yeast?

He needed to raise some dough.

Why did the Italian chef get locked out of their restaurant? He had gnocchis. There’s a new dating site for lumberjacks. It’s called Timber. A Buddhist walks into a sandwich shop. He says “make me one with everything.”

Dad Jokes.

contacting a professional trainer and working with the vet to develop a long-term solution. Training along with a prescribed antianxiety medicine can work wonders, but it will take time.

In the short term, you’ll need to make sure Eddie won’t bite you or anyone else. Feed him in a location away from foot traffic and other pets. If

you use a kennel cage, you can feed him in the cage. Feed him at consistent times each day. Don’t let anyone else attempt to feed him, even with treats.

The ASPCA has a helpful article with training exercises to start helping Eddie relax when you’re near him during feeding time. Find it here: www.aspca.org/ pet-care/dog-care/common-

dog-behavior-issues/foodguarding

However, they also recommend working with a trainer. Resolving a resource guarding behavior can be tricky, but the long-term benefit is a happy, healthy companion. 3 Send your tips, comments or questions to ask@pawscorner.com.

Miles for Meso Run and Walk returns September 26

Registration is now open for this summer’s 15th Annual Alton Miles for Meso 5K Run and 3K Fun Run/Walk hosted and produced by Simmons Hanly Conroy and Metro Tri Club of Edwardsville, Illinois. The in-person and virtual event will take place Saturday, Sept. 23, in honor of National Mesothelioma Awareness Day held Sept. 26. Registering at milesformesothelioma.org/ mesothelioma-race-walk/ alton-illinois.

First held in 2009, Miles for Meso has impacted thousands of people’s lives by bringing those affected by mesothelioma together and raising more than $890,000 to support mesothelioma research and awareness. The event is held outside the Simmons Hanly Conroy national headquarters in Alton. Simmons Hanly Conroy is one of the nation’s largest mass torts firms and a national leader in the legal representation of mesothelioma patients and

their families.

“We are thrilled to once again partner with Metro Tri Club to present the Miles for Meso 5K Run and 3K Fun Run/Walk to benefit people affected by mesothelioma,” said John Simmons, Chairman of Simmons Hanly Conroy. “We look forward to welcoming back all our friends and neighbors for this fun event that is so important for helping to continue providing resources to support critical mesothelioma research and awareness.”

Proceeds from Miles for Meso will benefit the Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO), the largest independent asbestos victims’ organization in the United States. ADAO was founded in 2004 to give asbestos victims and concerned citizens a united voice, raise public awareness about the dangers of asbestos exposure, and work toward a global asbestos ban. The 2022 Alton race raised $40,000 for ADAO.

Race day festivities begin at 7:30am at One Court Street in Alton, across from Marquette High School. The 5K Run and 3K Fun Run/ Walk kicks off at 9am.

Participants can register until Sept. 8 for $40, or until Sept. 17 for $45, or pay $45 to register on the day of the event. Virtual event attendees may register for $40 by Sept. 8 to receive a race packet prior to race day. Registered virtual attendees can record race results using the Runkeeper app.

The overall top five men and women 5K finishers of the in-person race will each win cash prizes of $500, $250, $200, $100 and $50, respectively. Additionally, the first, second and third place finishers in each of the 14 age groups will receive custom Miles for Meso medals. The top fundraising team and individual each will be recognized as well. Any student athletes who place in the top five but are ineligible to receive cash prizes will receive alternate prizes. 3

Girl Scouts to host gala on September 9

Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois will host the 5th annual United We Lead Gala on Saturday, September 9 at Gateway Convention Center in Collinsville. The United We Lead Gala, themed “Lead The Way” in 2023, brings together a wide range of people who share the same

desire – to be a difference in girls’ lives.

If you are a fan of jazz music, you will be in for a treat by attending the United We Lead Gala. Pianist Mel Goot is sure to entertain the crowd. Guests will also have the opportunity to participate in

live and silent auctions, as well as other opportunities to give.

Individual tickets are $100. Guests also have the option of purchasing a table of 8 seats for $750. Registration deadline is September 1. For more information, visit gsofsi.org/gala. 3

‘Discover’ Monticello Sculpture Gardens Show Underway at L&C

Coming on the heels of a successful launch of Lewis and Clark Community College’s newly refreshed brand this past winter, the Monticello Sculpture Gardens’ 11th annual curated summer garden show is dedicated to “discovering” all the gardens have to offer.

Aptly named, Discover Monticello Sculpture Gardens presents the opportunity for the campus community and visitors alike to reintroduce themselves to the college and get to know the Godfrey Campus in its role as a destination botanical garden.

This year’s show is taking the gardens to new heights, honoring the historic campus of Monticello College through the Victorian gardens in Fountain Court to highlighting Lewis and Clark’s rich color palette –comprising Trailblazer blue, white, grey and black, along

with the addition of a yellow/ orange called Sunglow –throughout the popular Rivers of Color garden.

“Always a fan-favorite, the Living Wall garden is embracing its role as a popular selfie spot as our #nofilter pocket garden this year,” said Garden Designer

and Horticulturist Katie Piper. “The garden holds three varieties of begonias in eye-popping colors, enhanced by beautiful white caladium and show stopping spillers. Don’t forget to post your photos to social media and tag us @lewisandclarkcc, #gardenshow.”

Other attractions this year include a stunning cutflower garden in the Bosque, and College for Life’s edible garden, which is moving from The Bosque to Fobes Circle this year.

“At Wade Circle, a perennial garden showcases native plantings to highlight the college’s efforts in

sustainable horticulture and responsible gardening,” said Ethan Braasch, Manager of Sustainability and Campus Environment.

Interested in visiting the gardens? Half-mile guided walking tours are available by request on weekdays

(9am – 3:30pm Monday –Friday when the campus is

open), and self-guided tours are welcome anytime. The show is currently open, please email ebraasch@ lc.edu for to request a tour. To learn more about the Monticello Sculpture Gardens or the 2023 Summer Garden show, visit lc.edu/gardens. 3

SECRET DINER

By Bill Roseberry

Small in stature, big on flavor

I traveled to a small community in northeastern Madison County for my latest culinary adventure, visiting a place fairly small in stature but big on flavor.

You drive down the main road in this quaint country town and you’ll encounter this unassuming neighborhood bar. It appears to be a big yellow house, but on further inspection you’ll realize you’ve arrived at the right place.

There is street parking in the front and more on the side near the entrance. You enter at an old white door and through a small vestibule.

Once inside you’ll see dated decorating, a worn wooden floor and old wooden tables.

A long bar is situated in the front of the joint with yellow stools and opens into the kitchen. Several slot machines line the back wall. Strategically placed on the wall near the entrance is a giant white board with the food and drink specials.

A hallway leads you out of the dining room past the restrooms and to a large outdoor patio with tables, chairs and a white picket fence. It’s great for nice days and features live music on the weekends.

One major aspect to note when visiting here is it’s cash only.

Once you get your mitts on a menu you see why this place stays busy. I visited with a group recently and while the rest went with the daily specials, I didn’t stray from the everyday menu.

I started my experience with an appetizer of sweet corn nuggets and then went with 10 chicken wings with two different unique flavors, the signature dog wings and the blackberry dijon.

Beginning with the corn nuggets, these tasty treasures are an awesome app that I’m starting to see more of in the area. Taking sweet corn and presenting it

MOMENTS IN TIME

The History Channel

• On Sept. 4, 1925, laws were enacted to ensure that farm wagons would be equipped with lights for traveling at night, due to an increase in the number of accidents the wagons were involved in during peak corn-packing season.

Overall:

in a fried cocoon is an ingenious idea.

Here these treats were super creamy, perfectly fried and featured a slight crunch, but I wish they would have been a little sweeter. They were still a satisfying starter for my quirky wing selections though.

I dove into the dog wings first. They were sweet and spicy which is a great flavor clash in my book. It was like a sweet Buffalo sauce. The wings had a great crunch and the sauce was so addicting. It offered a nice tickle to the tongue and lips, but not an inferno overload.

Now I saved the best for last.

I was intrigued about this blackberry dijon flavor and it was outstanding; definitely a destination dish. There was the overwhelming sweet flavor from the blackberry up front, but then you got the slight bitterness on the backend from the dijon to really drive home the taste.

I applaud this place for a fantastic flavor pairing and they get an A+ for creativity.

Ranch was provided for dipping my wings and I washed all the savory goodness down with a couple of Blue Moons. You can’t go wrong with the Belgian-style witbier to polish off a good meal. There are plenty of other adult libations to choose from here, too.

As for my dinner mates, they all went with the daily special options. Two of them ordered the fried chicken. They both raved and said it was like a homemade

ACCEPTING APPLICATIONs FOR HOUSING

The Housing Authority of Greene County will be accepting applications for 1, 2 & 3 Bedroom Apartments

• Rent based on 30% adjusted monthly income

• All utilities furnished

• Lawn mowing &

•

Cleanliness:

Service:

Food:

Price:

Any idea of the name of this restaurant?

Check the puzzle solutions to see if you are right.

meal. The chicken was accompanied by green beans, mashed potatoes and gravy and a biscuit, which came with high praise. The other member of the party picked the grilled pork chop with mashed potatoes and gravy and corn. He was super happy with his choice also.

For a bar setting the menu is extensive. There are soups, salads, sandwiches, dinners, burgers, hot dogs, pizza, wings and the specials, including options like fish, tacos, pizza, meatloaf and steak kabobs to name a few. Try some interesting offers like a line of horseshoes, the colossal garlic lime shrimp skewers, a shrimp po boy sandwich, a jalapeno burger, or the signature hot dog with bacon, cheddar cheese, onion and topped with that tasty dog sauce. 3

• On Sept. 5, 1969, U.S. Army platoon leader Lt. William Calley was charged with premeditated murder in the death of 109 Vietnamese civilians at My Lai, where Calley had led his men in a massacre that included women and children. Though hushed up at first, the event was made public a year later.

• On Sept. 6, 1997, an estimated 2.5 billion people around the world watched the four-mile funeral procession of England’s beloved Princess Diana as her coffin was carried to Westminster Abbey. After the formal service there, a private ceremony was held in which she was laid to rest on an island in the heart of her family’s estate at Althorp.

• On Sept. 7, 1907, the RMS Lusitania set sail on her maiden voyage from Liverpool, England, setting a new trans-Atlantic record when she arrived in New York City a mere five days later.

of Greene

325

call 217-374-2128

Shelly K. Mason • Executive Director

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.

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

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

Weather station stationed on NGRREC roof

Visitors to the National Great Rivers Research and Education Center’s Jerry F. Costello Confluence Field Station will notice a new addition atop its iconic green roof.

A weather station, specifically called a Mesonet station, from the Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences at Saint Louis University, was recently installed by NGRRECsm Post-Doctoral Research Associate Teresa Baraza, PhD, and Doctoral Student Ryan Kelly

“We are excited to be able to bring this collaboration to fruition,” Baraza said. “The NGRREC field station is a great location for a Mesonet station that can yield useful and reliable weather data,

so this is a great opportunity for both institutions”. The goal of this weather station is to continuously collect real-time data on temperature, pressure, moisture, rain fall, solar radiation and wind speed. The station will record each of these metrics every minute, giving researchers a more complete picture of weather fluctuations in the area. These data will contribute to an ongoing weather observation project, which consists of a larger network of Mesonet stations placed across the greater St. Louis area.

For more information about the station and data access, please reach out to Baraza at tbarazapiazuelo@lc.edu. 3

Doctoral student Ryan Kelly sets up the Mesonet station on the roof of NGRREC’s Field Station in East Alton.

Goldfish.

10. Geoffrey Chaucer.

Flashback

1. The song, written and released by Joni Mitchell in 1970, addresses environmental problems. It was written while on a Hawaiian vacation when she looked out the room window and expected to see tropical sights, and instead she saw a paved parking lot.

2. Lynyrd Skynyrd, in 1973. The song is about a guy asking for a head start in escaping out of a bar after he’s caught dancing with another man’s girlfriend.

3. Atlantic Starr, in 1985. The Barbara Weathers and David Lewis duet topped the Billboard chart in 1986. A cover version was done in 2008 by Alexander

O’Neal and Mica Paris.

4. In Finland in 1980 with “Runaway Boys.”

5. “When You’re in Love With a Beautiful Woman,” by Dr. Hook, in 1979. The group was called Dr. Hook & the Medicine Show until 1975. Their first hit was “Sylvia’s Mother” in 1972.