Riverbend December 2022

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OF THE

TOWN

By Mark Ellebracht

I would never describe myself as an athlete. I played sports as a kid, but wasn’t considered a jock in high school. I played slow pitch softball as a younger man, picked up golf along the way, played sand volleyball on summer float trips, and have even tried curling… on ice, not with weights. I also completed a Wood River Triathlon, not first place, but not last.

My first official coaching job was when I taught pre-schoolers the basics of soccer, then in the spring, baseball. I later coached my girls in t-ball, then machinepitch and kid-pitch ball.

That was comfortable for me because I knew the sport, the kids had fun, and there was usually a snack at the end of the game.

I also coached girls basketball for five years (4-8th grade) and that was eye opening. Parents and other coaches take that stuff seriously, I soon found out.

I never played the game on a team and my only frame of reference for coaching basketball was Bobby Knight tossing chairs across the floor. While over those five years we had a winning record, had a few really good games and made great memories. No chairs were broken, although at one tournament I did pull the ref to the side and tell him it was OK if he kicked any of my team parents out if they got out of hand. Didn’t happen.

Somewhere along the way, I discovered that I could also coach volleyball. I didn’t seek it, but the game found me and I was blessed to help coach my girls at the high school level too. What a great experience it’s been! Not just because it’s a fun game to be around, but it’s a pretty cool community of players not only in high school but at the club level too.

This past season was my sixth coaching high school JV girls and assisting the freshman and varsity teams at Marquette Catholic in Alton. I also get to coach the boys team that plays in the spring. (That could be another article…boys vs girls sports…hmmm) What I found was the enjoyment of working with kids and helping them realize their potential while guiding them through the

disappointments of one day and the celebrations of the next. In volleyball, those highs and lows happen in seconds and watching those kids adapt is amazing. I had a moment this year that will stick with me for a while.

Our team was trying to get back into the game and we had a few good serves in a row and were within a point of tying it up. I said something like “keep it up” to my server and then looked over at the fans who were cheering her on. Parents, grandparents, a few students.

I glanced at her before looking away (I usually don’t watch my servers) and noticed she took a big deep breath. As I turned to watch

At that moment, I had this realization that my player, this 15 year old girl, was about to serve the ball in front of her family and friends and coaches, and hopefully tie the game for us. She was willingly putting herself in a pressure situation that could make or break the game. Three things will happen…ball goes over the net, ball goes out, ball goes in the net.

parents, their friends, their teachers. And yes, it’s only a sport and there are WAY more important things to do and serious issues in life, but at that moment, this young person was trying to achieve something in the game, and I got to witness it.

Back to the game…serves up, it goes over, we get the point and we go on to win the match! We didn’t win them all, but we did win that night and they learned to never give up. 3

I don’t know if we truly appreciate what kids try to do in their lives every day.

The pressures they face to impress a coach, their

Karl came to my parents’ house to fix an old cinder block basement foundation which leaked like a sieve for years. It’s been bone dry ever since.

—Dale Chamberlain

Mark Ellebracht is news director for Big Z Media, is co-host of The Morning Show weekdays from 5-9am, and is host of Let’s Talk, weekdays at 10am on WBGZ (107.1FM/1570AM)

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DECEMBER 2022 | 3

Christmas 4 Our Kids

BIRTH

By Mark Ellebracht - Big Z Media

James Phillip Gulash October 30, 2022, 3:33pm 7 lb, 11 oz, 20 in Alton Memorial Hospital Son of Eric and Christine Gulash of Moro. Elder child, William, 4. Grandparents are Joe and Cathy Gulash of Edwardsville and Ed and Cindy Lindsay, both of Godfrey.

Students in need in the Alton School District have had a little extra help from a group called Christmas 4 Our Kids. Recently, two district administrators Jordan Anderson and Sonja Collins spoke to me about how it works.

How did the group get its start?

The Alton Administrators Association started the group in 2014 as a way

to collect donations for Christmas and adopt kids within the district. After a few years, some of the other staff…teachers, assistants, cafeteria workers…wanted to help too, so it grew to any staff member. Then a few years ago, some outside groups wanted to help too, so we have this larger group of folks who just want to help our kids.

How do you find out which students need help?

Pretty much in the day to day work of the staff, our teachers and social workers, principals, get to know the kids and their stories and we start putting a list

together on students we can help. We also might see a kid without a jacket or needing a new jacket as the weather turns colder, or hear of another challenge a family is facing and try to keep tabs on them so when Christmas comes around we can help the family a little.

Do you just focus on helping the kids or are the families included?

Primarily the students. We do try to coordinate with the other school buildings and help an entire group or family of kids, siblings for example, and make sure they are taken care of. Our group is really set up to

help the parents provide a nice Christmas for their kids to take a little of that burden off the families. If we have outside groups, like a church, we might have them reach out and help the family with food or clothing or some other need, but Christmas 4 Our Kids is about helping the kids get something nice for Christmas.

Do you collect money within the group, or do some of you do the shopping?

We do it both ways, we have some staff that love to go find that perfect gift so they will shop for students. In

fact there was a student who wanted a specific type of jacket a few years ago and one of our administrators was on a mission to get him that gift and was able to find it. A few of us got to see him wear it around school and he was so happy, and that’s what it’s all about.

Can outside groups help out too?

Yes, we will always accept help. If you’re outside of the school please contact us by the first of December since we will be on winter break in a few weeks and we’d like all the gifts to be out before we leave. Call the district office at 618-467-2600 or email christmas4ourkids@ altonschools.org and someone will be in touch. 3

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Hartford resident Jan Copeland, who heads the Southern Illinois Quilts of Valor Foundation, said the quilts serve as a hug from all of us when no one else is around.

“I usually keep 20 to 30 quilts on hand and when I get a call about a vet with PTSD or any veteran that needs a quilt, I can make a call and connect with them.”

Copeland said more than 1,150 have been delivered to veterans this year in Southern Illinois and 175 in the metro area. The ceremony was noticeably moving to many members of the audience and Copeland said she isn’t immune to the

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Honorees Wilbert Saul and Henry Studnicki congratulate each other after receiving Quilts of Valor Friday in a ceremony honoring veterans at the Wood River Round House. emotion.

“I have a great committee that helps me, and the girls know that sometimes I lose it a little because I might know the veteran, or I know the unit they were with and

what they experienced and it can get a little emotional.” 3 Jeff Allsman is a stringer reporter for Big Z Media and hosts the Country Church on 107.1FM/1570AM Sundays from 6-9:30am.

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Family recipes continue to impress

By Bill Roseberry Big Z Media

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.

This restaurant in southern Madison County has been a staple around here for a long time, although its original location is closed now.

While this might be the only spot left, it still holds onto those great traditions and the excellent fare we’ve all grown accustomed to through the years.

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by Mike Ostresh

You’ll find the current restaurant back off the main road, but not far from the interstate in this community.

There are lots of other restaurants and businesses sprinkled around the winding business district, but when you find this joint you’ll notice the large paved parking lot for its patrons and the sign prevalently displayed.

Once you enter the building you’ll have to wait to be seated at the host/hostess station. There is a takeout window right next to it, too.

When the host/hostess greets you, follow them down a short, winding hallway past an extensive wine collection displayed in the wall. There is open seating to the right in the bar area also; all tables.

Keep strolling and you’ll come to the giant dining room a little further back in the establishment.

The large dining area is full of booths and tables.

The outside walls are brick, while the inside walls are painted a light tan. There is even a fireplace built into the wall and more wine racking displayed. The flooring is

a combination of a tan tile and dark wood laminate. It features booths and tables.

I love the ambiance here. It’s great for family meals, small get-togethers with friends or work colleagues and intimate enough for a date night.

But what really gives this place its bravado is of course the mouth-watering menu.

That’s really why I was here.

Chicken, steak and pasta are the specialties here and I decided to stick to the latter on my dinner visit. I went with my mom and she stayed in the pasta zone, too.

We got started with an appetizer of toasted ravioli.

They were so plump and bursting with flavor from the beef and pork combo inside. The meat sauce that accompanied them was super rich and sweet to add an exclamation point to the start of the dinner experience.

For my main course I ordered the king pasta pie, which got me soup and salad to boot. I got tomato basil soup and a house salad with poppyseed dressing.

The salad was pretty straightforward, nothing to stand out, but still very good. As for the soup though, it was so incredibly creamy and had a hearty taste from the tomato and basil. It was also chocked full of homemade croutons which added some great flavor.

As for the king pasta pie, I was filling up by the time it arrived, but when I saw

Overall: it I hit my second wind; wow. The dish featured rigatoni noodles tossed in a sweet marinara sauce and baked with pepperoni, Italian sausage, mushrooms, onions, peppers, black olives and meatballs. It’s then topped with a three cheese blend and baked to a golden brown which creates an awesome cocoon to hold in the heat on this bad boy.

It was actually hard to eat because it was so hot, but I powered through. It was chocked full of sausage in every bite, as well as chopped green peppers and onions. That trio of flavors really drove the taste. Of course those giant meatballs swimming in the rich and sweet sauce were a delicious discovery when I found them. It was a scrumptious scavenger hunt.

There were plenty of leftovers to enjoy the next day also and they didn’t disappoint.

As for mom, she ordered the fettuccine alfredo, which included a house salad with ranch dressing and a cup of creamy chicken soup.

She absolutely raved about the soup. It was stuffed with chicken, corn, peas, potatoes and carrots and was super creamy.

By the time she got to the

Cleanliness: Service: Food: Price: Any idea of the name of this restaurant?

Check the puzzle solutions to see if you are right.

pasta she was already enjoying the experience and her main dish kept that going. She loved the richness and heavy flavors from the alfredo sauce, but did give a nod to the soup as her favorite portion of the evening.

There are plenty of other options here. Look for the signature sandwich which is a combo of Italian beef and Italian sausage with peppers, onions, marinara sauce and a three-cheese blend to top it off. With pizza, steaks, seafood, more pasta selections and a family chicken recipe that dates back to the 1960s, you can’t go wrong with anything here. 3

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DECEMBER 2022 | 7

SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY:

OPEN HOUSE

Alton Little Theater is hosting a Small Business Saturday

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Sierra Club Illinois’ Three Rivers Project and Alton Main Street to host 20th annual Green Gift Bazaar on Small Business Saturday Sierra Club Illinois’ Three Rivers Project and Alton Main Street are celebrating Small Business Saturday by hosting the 20th annual Green Gift Bazaar. On Saturday, November 26, this event will give community members the opportunity to purchase eco-friendly gifts for upcoming special occasions while supporting small businesses during the holiday season. The

bazaar will feature over 40 vendors selling homemade jewelry, art, ceramic pottery, clothing and accessories, herbal products, and much more. Plan a day of shopping with your friends and family to celebrate Small Business Saturday and pick up unique, locally-made, “green” gifts for everyone on your list!

Both locations will feature vendors selling a variety of environmentally-friendly gift ideas that are made from recycled or upcycled materials, Fair Trade, or hand crafted in the United States. In addition, shoppers will receive information about sales from downtown Alton retailers and restaurants.

Join us in Downtown Alton between 10am and 4pm at two different locations — Jacoby Arts Center (627 East Broadway) and Post Commons (300 Alby Street).

There is no entry fee to shop at either location.

“The Three Rivers Project works to preserve the rivers and natural areas of the Piasa Palisades region by empowering community members to act as citizen scientists. The Green Gift Bazaar offers the community

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The Perfect Gift

NOVEMBER 26 a chance to lean into that role by making eco-conscious purchases ahead of the holiday season,” said Christine Favilla, Co-Coordinator of the Three Rivers Project of Sierra Club Illinois. “Sierra Club will also offer a kids’ holiday make-and-take craft booth and feature alternative gift wrapping ideas for folks who want to wrap their gifts with recycled materials. We look forward to welcoming the community to the 20th annual Green Gift Bazaar to kickstart the holiday season with Mother Earth in mind!”

“Instead of hustling through crowds on Black Friday or scrambling to buy holiday gifts last minute, join us at the Green Gift Bazaar on Small Business Saturday!” said Sara McGibany, Executive Director of Alton Main Street.

®

“We’re proud to provide eco-friendly gift options to the community while also giving friendly local artists, independent businesses, and restaurants a boost for the 20th year in a row. We’ll also provide shoppers with ‘sales and specials’ information from downtown retailers and restaurants. We hope to see you on November 26!” 3

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Winter on the River photography contest returns to National Great Rivers Museum The National Great Rivers Museum (NGRM) in partnership with Meeting of the Rivers Foundation (MTRF) is now accepting entries for their second annual “Winter on the River” photography contest.

MTRF is looking for artists to capture the beauty of winter along the river for a community photo contest that will be exhibited at the

NGRM beginning January 7, 2023. All entries will remain on display as part of this exhibition through the end of the winter season.

Artists will be able to submit up to three photos for a one-time entry fee of $20 that will benefit the mission of MTRF in promoting and inspiring lifelong, environmental stewardship for the Mississippi River and

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BJC Outpatient Center Coming to Godfrey BJC HealthCare will make it easier for families to access BJC’s world-class care in the Godfrey area in 2023.

BJC will develop a 14,000-square-foot outpatient care facility with additional shell space for future expansion at the corner of Godfrey Road and Celesta Street.

The BJC Outpatient Center will offer care for patients of all ages, with space for primary and specialty care, laboratory and radiology services. Additionally, BJC Medical Group will relocate its Alton Memorial Convenient Care to this new Godfrey Road location.

The building is within the Alton Memorial Hospital EMS coverage area, and an ambulance post will be established at the location.

“Alton Memorial Hospital is excited to expand our array

of outpatient services in Godfrey with our colleagues from the BJC Medical Group,” said Dave Braasch, president of Alton Memorial Hospital. “We believe this will add even more convenient access to highquality health care for those people who live and work in that area.”

The building’s design will be warm and inviting for patients of all ages, with easily accessible parking and amenities.

“BJC Medical Group is excited to bring our friendly, personal primary care and specialty services to Godfrey in a new facility that is convenient and close to home,” said Dr. Douglas Pogue, president of BJC Medical Group. “We very much look forward to investing in the Godfrey community and growing BJC’s services here.” 3

SALOME’S STARS ARIES (March 21 to April 19) This is a good time to speak out on a difficult situation. You’re known for your honesty, so people will listen and, perhaps, begin to make long-needed changes.

TAURUS (April 20 to May 20) The Bovine’s sharp business sense alerts you to question the positions of those trying to push the Bull into a deal. Demand to see proof of what they profess.

GEMINI (May 21 to June 20) Your quick thinking helps you get out of a troubling situation that was suddenly thrust upon you. Later on, you can expect to learn more about why it happened.

CANCER (June 21 to July 22) You might feel you’ve dotted all your i’s and crossed all your t’s regarding that upcoming deal. But there might be some facts you’ve ignored. Check again.

LEO (July 23 to August 22) Time for the Lion to be more physically active. It will help shake off any lingering Leonine lethargy and restore your energy levels so that you’ll be prepared for what lies ahead.

VIRGO (August 23 to September 22) Helping those in need at this time is laudable. But don’t ignore your own needs, especially where it concerns your health. A medical checkup is a wise move.

LIBRA (September 23 to October 22) Good news: Your outspoken views

about a controversial on-the-job situation could find unexpectedly strong support from a most unlikely workplace faction.

SCORPIO (October 23 to November 21) You might have to draw on your reservoir of spiritual strength to help someone special through a difficult time. Your loving attitude makes all the difference.

SAGITTARIUS (November 22 to December 21) Your proven leadership qualities make you the perfect person to take on an important workplace task. Don’t shy away from the challenge.

CAPRICORN (December 22 to January 19) Although some compromise might need to be reached regarding your stand on an important issue, you’ll still be able to get the most crucial points across.

Smile

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AQUARIUS (January 20 to February 18) A chance to make a career change carries both positive and uncertain possibilities.

Best advice: Check it out thoroughly, and don’t be rushed into a decision.

PISCES (February 19 to March 20) You’re still a staunch supporter of one side of an important issue.

But be prepared to deal with new information that could cause you to question your current stand. 3

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Geno’s 140 Club serving area for 80 years Family restaurant provides variety of time-tested recipes

By Frank Prager Big Z Media The legacy of Geno’s 140 Club in Bethalto dates back to 1937 when Julio Florini, his wife Delfina Florini and their son Geno Florini opened a grocery store in Bethalto on Spencer Street near Route 140. In 1942 they turned the store into Geno’s 140 Club bar and restaurant.

Dennis and Sandy Cooper purchased Geno’s in 1983.

Their son, Shane Cooper, now owns and operates the establishment.

Cooper is a lifelong resident of the Bethalto area, having graduated from Bethalto high school. He explains that generations of families have patronized the restaurant over the years. “When I was a kid I would see their parents, then I saw them and now I’m seeing their kids and grandkids come in,” he says. The business’ website explains that, “The tradition of excellent food and friendly service were begun the day the Florini’s opened the restaurant in 1942 and have continued to this day.”

From that one-room business started in 1942, the restaurant has undergone numerous expansions and updates over the years. It currently consists of a full bar with an adjacent dining

area, two separate full-sized dining rooms and outdoor patio seating perfect for fairweather dining. Last year, Cooper had the outside of the restaurant remodeled, updating the façade and signage.

He attributes the success and longevity of Geno’s to the good food, the restaurant’s consistency and to the excellent staff.

“I’ve been working here 38 years,” he says. “A couple of the servers have been here 25 years and there are other servers who have at least 10 years here. We have an excellent staff.”

Cooper says the taste and quality of the food come from the recipes and the ingredients. “The vast majority of our stuff is fresh,” he explains. “All of our sauces are made from scratch. Much of the food is prepared from the original recipes the Florini’s started with.” He says the old-world recipes are unlike those found in most modern restaurants. “All of the sauces – spaghetti, pizza, chili – the vegetable beef soup, the clam chowder; they’re all recipes that have been here from the beginning,” he says.

He also points out that the restaurant uses fresh chicken tenders rather

than processed meat for all entrees which include chicken. “We go through about 800 pounds of chicken tenders a week,” he says. “It’s all fresh.”

Geno’s 140 Club 140 West Bethalto Blvd., Bethalto 618-377-9394 genos140club.com Sun, Mon, Wed, Thu 11am - 9pm Fri, Sat 11am - 10pm

Geno’s has a full menu of steaks, strombolis, fried chicken, pepperloin, salads and sandwiches, with generous portions to satisfy any appetite.

The restaurant’s popular weekday $8.99 luncheon specials provide quick, economical lunches for people working and on the go. “On Wednesdays, we serve meatloaf with mashed potatoes and a vegetable,” says Cooper. “It’s my mom’s original meat loaf recipe and we always sell out.

The restaurant offers a children’s menu with chicken strips, mini pizza, spaghetti, macaroni and cheese, corn dogs and mini tacos. They also

Shane Cooper owns and operates Geno’s 140 Club in Bethalto.

Geno’s 140 Club has a full bar, several indoor dining rooms as well as outdoor dining. [photos by Frank Prager]

accommodate parties and group gatherings. Cooper says the restaurant offers carry-out family meals that provide a great, economical way to feed the entire family.

Family meal menu options include twelve pieces of mixed fried chicken, 20 chicken tenders, baked mostaccioli, fettuccine or pulled pork. “It’s a great way for families to eat at a reasonable price,” he says.

In addition to inside and outside dining, carryout is available on all menu items.

Customers can order online or call to place their orders.

Cooper explains delivery is being planned and will soon be available. He notes all restaurants have been challenged in recent years with the pandemic and the economy but that Geno’s continues to innovate and modernize in order to keep customers happy and the business successful. He points out that even during the pandemic, Geno’s kept curbside carryout going and never completely shut down.

Their website has a complete listing of all of their menu items. Gift cards can also be purchased at the website or at the restaurant.

On the website, customers can also place online orders as well as sign up to receive updates on exclusive events, secret menus, special offers/discounts and loyalty rewards. Geno’s Facebook page provides updates and menu specials as well as information on special events and job opportunities at the restaurant.

Known as an area tradition for many families across the southwestern Illinois region for generations, Geno’s has been providing excellent food and friendly service for 80 years. Their website notes, “We’ll be happy to see you and you’ll be glad you came.” 3

Merry Christmas, neighbors.

Renee Manley, Agent 618-462-0417

3768 Humbert Road Alton, IL 62002 renee.manley.ceui@statefarm.com

Individual premiums will vary by customer.

All applicants subject to State Farm underwriting requirements.

12 | DECEMBER 2022

I wish all my neighbors peace, joy and love this Christmas season and beyond. I’m blessed to be part of such a wonderful community.

Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there.®

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Local driver gains experience, earns Rookie of the Year

By Doug Jenkins Big Z Media A young man from Godfrey not even old enough to have a driver’s license has become a championshipwinning race car driver. Eric Braundmeier is 15 years old, and just completed his rookie season with the Heartland Auto Racing Tour, winning not only the Rookie of the Year honors, but the overall season championship as well out of more than 200 racers competing throughout the course of the year.

Eric races in the micro sprint division, which is basically a scaled down sprint or midget race car powered by a 600cc motorcycle engine. EB1 Racing has been a family affair since the beginning several years ago in the quarter-midget division, with father Paul acting as crew chief and mom Sarah the team statistician and the glue that holds it all

together.

Eric raced in 37 events in 5 different states in 2022 with two feature wins and a second-place finish in the season standings at Highland Speedway.

One of the early season highlights was a five-night series in Indiana in which he competed against many professional racers and beat 2-time NASCAR Cup series champion Kyle Busch two out of three nights.

Like most race teams, EB1 Racing relies on the help

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of sponsors to compete at the high level he does and has produced “hero cards” listing his sponsors alongside the driver biography. You can read more about EB1 Racing and Eric Braundmeier through their Facebook page. Just search for EB1 Racing. 3

in dsville!

Edwar COMING SOON!

Doug Jenkins is a news reporter and Let’s Talk host for Big Z Media. Doug is a local track announcer at TriCity Speedway and Highland Speedway, and at the former Godfrey Speedway.

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DECEMBER 2022 | 13

SENIOR LIVING Flu season may impact Red Cross blood supply, healthy donors needed to give now The American Red Cross urges blood and platelet donors to give now and help fight the potential impact of seasonal illnesses and a potentially severe flu season on the blood supply.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention predicts a serious spread of flu this year and is already reporting an early spike in cases in several states.

When seasonal illnesses

increase, the number of healthy donors tends to decrease, leaving the Red Cross blood supply vulnerable to a potential shortage over the holidays.

Donors − especially those

with type O blood and those giving platelets − can help bolster the blood supply now by making an appointment to give in the coming weeks.

There is no waiting period to donate blood or platelets after receiving a flu shot.

H E L P I N G YO U T H R O U G H L I F E ’ S T R A N S I T I O N S.

Schedule an appointment by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). Learn more about flu safety and prevention at redcross.org/

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All who come out to help Nov. 28-Dec. 15 will receive a $10 Amazon.com Gift Card by email, thanks to Amazon.

Details are available at rcblood.org/together. 3

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“Current” events

not all my dad got done.

My parents once bought an electric blanket. Had it for years. Used it nightly. It had separate controls enabling both sleepers to manage their own comfort level.

Mom and dad loved it. After the first night anyway.

He was top-of-the-line practical joker. In his little trailer that served as his office, he hooked up an electric chair.

My dad always seemed to get into trouble when electricity came into play. Oh, he never burned down the house or anything like that.

He was a capable albeit amateur electrician—a skill he developed while with the US Army during World War II. At the end of the fighting, he was put in charge of rebuilding bridges and railroads in the country of Austria.

When his commanding officer gave him that task, my dad respectfully suggested that he had the wrong man for the job; he needed was an engineer. “Lieutenant,” said the officer, “the last thing I need is an engineer.

An engineer will give me all the reasons why what I want done can’t be done. You, on the other hand, will simply get it done.”

Give the gift of HEARING this holiday season

Army logic all the way. And my dad got it done. But that’s

Perhaps I should explain that.

He was not electrocuting people. He was simply shocking people. He had rigged a wooden chair with electric current so that when someone was seated in that chair, my dad could—if he wished—throw a switch which would send just enough current to make the unsuspecting person jump from the seat, but not enough to hurt them.

There was a girl—9 or 10 at the time—from the nearby village of Seekirchen, who hung around the trailer and was kind of “adopted” by my dad. She would go on to become a longtime family friend, living out the reset of her life in Seekirchen, before dying a couple of decades ago.

Of course, the young girl quickly discovered the secret of the shocking chair. My dad gave her a shock once.

In the process, she learned how to make it work. One day, a pregnant woman

in need of minor medical attention showed up. My dad seated her in the chair. The young girl was seated on a nearby couch. My dad went to get the medic.

He and the medic arrived just as the girl was ready to throw the switch … and maybe produce a baby on the spot. My dad intervened to avert disaster.

So, the cold winter night my dad and mom first used their electric blanket, they snuggled under it for a comfortable night’s sleep. It never happened. My dad, who was cold, kept turning his control “up,” but got even colder.

My mom, who was hot, kept turning her control “down,” but got even hotter. Not until the next morning did they realize that each had the other’s control.

Like I said, electricity and my dad were a bad mix. 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.

The United Methodist Village is now Asbury Village! Here,

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The Methodist Village is now that Asbury Village! you’llUnited find a countryside neighborhood bustles with Here, activities and opportunities.neighborhood Along with our that new bustles name with you’ll find a countryside comes a fresh focus on good health and wellness, and activities opportunities.

Along with Village! our new name The Unitedand Methodist Village is now Asbury Here, exciting, new services, amenities and programs.

We invite comes a fresh focus on good health and wellness, you’ll find a countryside neighborhood that bustles withand you to come be a part ofamenities it all, to discover what’s next activities and Along with new name exciting, newopportunities. services, andour programs.

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Call us at (618) 466-8662 today to learn more! comes a fresh focus on good health and wellness, and you to come be a part of it all, to discover what’s next exciting, new services, amenities programs. invite for Call us amenities, at (618) 466-8662 today toWe learn more!

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RESTORING THE

BEYOND THE

By Ty Bechel

By Sam Stemm

SOUL Resentments gone right It has been said, “resentments are the number one offender.” The offense caused by resentment can be detrimental to our mental health, potentially even our physical health. We are all familiar with resentments, especially those we have about people. We think about them when they probably have no idea they have rented space in our thoughts rent-free. These thoughts can cause us to speak ill of them and even their friends and family because we somehow managed to cast a shadow of guilty by association.

But, if we allow it, we can use the disruption in our life that resentments cause for our own good and personal growth. And I want to be clear; this article is not geared toward profoundly rooted trauma caused by any abuse by another person.

We can write down at least a few people we resent – a coworker, significant other, family member, or an old friend. A resentment is usually part of something bigger than just someone mistreating us or someone we thought violated our boundaries somehow. It is effortless to talk badly about someone we do not like because, as much as this may hurt, our maturity has not reached a level of understanding we need to maintain tranquility in our day-to-day lives. Through resentments, we literally give our power of happiness and focus away to another person. An excellent ingredient for resentment is our own insecurities.

“I hate that dude. I wouldn’t splash water on him if he were burning.” Think about that for a minute. Many of us have said something similar. Resentments conjure hate followed by chaos.

Chaos does not have to be a big event. The disorder can disrupt how we drive, talk to others, or even treat ourselves. The whirlwind of mixed-up feelings causes us to abandon our deeply revered morals and values.

This is how wars have begun – the misunderstanding

of the human condition. I do not think there is any way to get away from being human, but we can pledge to become more mindful and understand ourselves and how our thoughts affect us.

This is where we can use resentments for personal growth.

Here are 8 suggestions to help lessen any resentments we may hold. I am cutting straight to the point, so please, do not resent me after reading them.

Step down from the pedestal you find yourself on.

If prayer is your thing, pray for that person you resent.

Ouch. I know this can hurt.

Write down something good about the person you resent.

It still stings, I know.

Write down the times you hurt others and how they may resent you.

Study forgiveness and learn to forgive yourself for how you have treated others.

FRAY

I wonder if there’s a scientific explanation for our perception of time?

Why is it that a much anticipated event seems to take forever to roll around, while a dreaded deadline (such as the deadline for submitting this column) is upon us in the seeming blink of an eye?

Christmas is nearly upon us. Or is it? I remember my anticipation of the big day as a child. It seemed to take forever to roll around.

I’m sure my mother tired of the oft-asked question, “How many more days ‘til Christmas?” And even when her responses had been reduced to single digits, it seemed the day of Santa’s arrival would never get here.

But as adults, it seems the day arrives well before we’re really ready for it. I guess that’s because as adults

we carry the burden of all the preparations without the child-like wonder of the magical day.

It seems anything that involves preparation sneaks up upon us in a flash. I can’t recall ever being totally ready for tax-preparation day. There’s always that one elusive document I’m scrambling to locate at the very last moment. Luckily, there’s always the prospect of an extension, but that only delays the inevitable.

The new deadline sneaks up on me before I know it.

But then, how do you explain the fact that a long-planned vacation can’t get here fast enough, just like the Christmases of my youth? We plan, and anticipate, plan some more, thrill to the prospect of a great adventure, and it always seems to be way down the road. That is, until it’s time to start packing.

And what about our perception of the past?

Where has all the time gone? Did I really graduate from high school 50 years ago? It’s not possible. Not a half-century ago. No way!

When I turned 65, my mother was nearly apoplectic. She said she couldn’t believe she had a child who was that old.

I understood her angst, but it didn’t make me feel any better about being 65. Actually, I couldn’t believe it either. Of course, I pointed out to her that the only reason I was 65 was because she was 85. That didn’t make her feel any better either.

And now I’m about 18 months from another landmark birthday. The one with a 7 and a 0 in it.

How can that be? Where

did my 20s and 30s and 40s and 50s and 60s go? How can I account for all those missing decades?

One thing I know for sure, the next 18 months will sail by seemingly quicker than the last 18 days before Christmas in my youth.

Then, I’ll blink twice and the next landmark birthday will be lurking.

Well, I can’t explain time.

Maybe science has an explanation for it. But, at this point let’s just move on.

We don’t have time to deal with it. Christmas is lurking and you’ve lost valuable preparation time reading my musings. Get busy, and merry Christmas. 3 Sam Stemm is president and owner of Big Z Media. He co-hosts Let’s Talk Special Edition on 107.1FM/1570AM Fridays from 10am-noon.

Limit your expectations.

For example, if you hold the door open for someone to be polite, avoid getting upset if they do not say thank you or acknowledge your presence.

We do not control other people’s thoughts. We held the door to be friendly, not for recognition.

The previous 6 suggestions are a way to look inward versus outward. Find an outlet to look inward to understand the world around you.

Remind yourself you are loved. It can hurt when we find out someone does not like us or wishes harm on us. And remember the other 7 suggestions.

It is not fun to be angry often, allowing that anger to dictate our happiness.

Life can be messy and challenging at times, but it is meant to be enjoyable while using the challenging times to develop resiliency to help the next person struggling.

Self-examination is key to understanding how we can let someone that hurt us carry our thoughts into the realm of confusion and darkness. 3

AMH Auxiliary seeking wheelchair sponsorships The AMH White Cross Auxiliary has a mission to replace all of the hospital’s old wheelchairs with newer Staxi wheelchairs. A mail-in fundraiser this summer led to four sponsors donating $1,200 each for a chair, which will feature the sponsor’s name on the back.

The Auxiliary is offering an opportunity until the end of the year to sponsor a wheelchair. The cost until the end of the year is $1,200, but the cost will be going up in 2023. Chairs can be purchased as sponsorships for your business or organization, or perhaps in memory of a loved one.

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If anyone is interested in participating, please contact Meg Dorris at 618-530-7006 or Irene McLaughlin at 618530-8589.

Sixteen of the chairs were purchased by the Auxiliary in 2019. The chairs are much easier to use than a standard wheelchair, with a handle that needs to be squeezed to make the wheelchairs move forward, and then let go to stop. The arms can be lifted and moved out of the way to make it easier for patients to get into the chair from the side, if needed. The footrests can be moved up and down but are non-removable. 3

DECEMBER 2022 | 15

V I L L A G E O F B E T H A LT O

By Gary Bost

Bethalto Mayor

Village of Bethalto page sponsored by Allstate - John Standefer and Tom Lane Ins and Fin Svcs, Inc

What’s happening around Bethalto?

The end of the year is quickly approaching, and all of us at the Village of Bethalto wish you a Happy Thanksgiving and a blessed holiday season. We have several exciting events happening for the holidays.

Volunteers have been busy transforming Central Park and the Arboretum into the wonderland known as Bethalto Christmas Village. The Village will open for the season the weekend after Thanksgiving—with a festive Christmas Parade led

by Jolly Old St. Nick himself on Saturday, November 26.

Parade line up will start at 3:30 at Rose Lawn Memory Gardens (participants should enter off Route 140).

The parade then steps off at 4pm and will travel east down Plegge Boulevard and empty into Christmas Village (Central Park), where Santa will flip the switch to light up the park for the season. Christmas Village will once again be home to our light display,

vendor tents, holiday treats, train rides, and more, and will be open weekends (Saturdays and Sundays) through December 18. For more information on the parade, follow their Facebook page, “1st Annual Bethalto Christmas Parade”; and while you’re there, be sure to follow the Bethalto Spirit and Bethalto Christmas Village pages for more details and updates on all the exciting things this group has in store.

Another Bethalto Christmas tradition is our annual Victorian Christmas Walk, which will be held on December 11 from 4-7pm in the downtown area of Prairie, Central, and Oak Streets. All activities at the Walk are free of charge and include snacks, horse-drawn carriage rides, and Victorian carolers. It’s fun for all ages, and we hope you’ll join us for this wonderful holiday event.

The Bethalto Police Department is once again sponsoring its Christmas for All event. Last year, the department was able to raise funds to assist 75 area

children and families and help give them a Christmas to remember. Donations are now being accepted for this program. For more information, contact Chief Mike Dixon at mdixon@ bethaltopolice.org or at the PD 618-377-5266. No donation is too big or too small, and we hope you can join us in making the holidays a little brighter for those in need.

Did you know that Bethalto offers a Senior Bus Program? Through a collaboration with Fort Russell Township, Wood River Township, and the Village of Bethalto, anyone aged 62+ can catch a free ride on the Senior Bus to doctor’s appointments, hair salons, grocery shopping, and more. The bus will pick you up at your door, safely drive you to your destination (specified distances within Bethalto, Alton, Godfrey, Wood River, East Alton), and get you home quickly and efficiently, all at no cost to the rider. All you need to do is call one day in advance between 9am-11:30am to schedule a ride; the dispatch

number is 618-377-5263.

The program is seeking volunteer drivers — anyone interested can contact Bill Ambrose at 618-792-8971.

It’s always a fun day when the village can welcome our young residents to Village Hall. Recently, Village Clerk Sue Lowrance and I welcomed the third grade classes from Parkside Elementary to the council chambers to learn about village government. The

classes also participated in their very own “board meeting,” where some very important discussions occurred and big decisions were made. It’s great to hear our young residents’ questions, opinions, and concerns, and we look forward to their visits each year. A big thank you to all the teachers and students who participated, and we look forward to welcoming you back any time!

As a reminder, all Village Board meetings are open to the public; regular meetings are the second Monday of the month beginning at 7pm and are held in our Council Chambers inside Village Hall. We encourage residents to attend and to stay informed of all the happenings in town. Follow our Village facebook page (Bethalto Village) and visit our website Bethalto.com.

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More information about the RiverBend Growth Association and all these events can be found at growthassociation.com

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Reservations are requested for all of our events so that we have adequate accommodations for our members. Call us at 618-467-2280.

FROM THE PRESIDENT’S DESK

SMALL BUSINESS OF THE MONTH

Helmkamp Construction

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The RiverBend Growth Association has recognized Helmkamp Construction Co. as the Small Business of the Month for November 2022.

Soon to mark its 85th year in business, Helmkamp Construction Co. has been building relationships based on quality, integrity and safety leadership throughout the St. Louis metro area since its beginnings in 1938. Over the years, Helmkamp has become the “builder of choice” for repeat, professional buyers of construction in the Industrial, Building and Life Science markets.

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Headquartered in East Alton, the company primarily serves corporate clients, offering pre-construction, construction, and design/build services as well as out-of-state capabilities.

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In February 2018, ownership of the company was acquired by long-time employee and Helmkamp President, Rob Johnes. The company currently has 51 employees.

“We have hired additional estimators and project managers so we can not only bid, but manage more work,” Johnes noted. “A couple of our senior project managers have also earned their way into leadership positions where they are helping the project management team on projects from a bigger picture, and improving processes, training and development.”

Senior leaders at Helmkamp utilize the Dale Carnegie programs to develop their skills. The company’s project managers annually take advantage of continued education opportunities. Helmkamp’s safety, accounting, and marketing departments have custom programs they take part in as needed. Field leaders come into the office monthly for safety and other relevant training and process improvement updates as well.

In 2019, Helmkamp was recognized as a “Best Place to Work” by the St. Louis Business Journal and a “Top Workplace” by the St. Louis Post Dispatch. “And we won the Business Journal’s Community Impact Award in 2020,” said Helmkamp Marketing Director Jen Jackson. “All this while having a record year of business, then going through a pandemic.”

As for the pandemic years, Helmkamp Construction worked through them like every other small business, rising to the many challenges. “But we were able to get through that without downsizing

Welcome to our newest members:

Helmkamp Construction Co. team members pictured are Rob Johnes, Mike Farrell, Jen Jackson, Kyle Runge, Logan Reynolds, Beth Abernathy, Linda Ingold, Alyssa Spa, Ryan Clay, Brian Bechard, Christian Smith, and Nathan Knackstedt. our staff and we were intent on coming out the other side stronger than ever,” Jackson said.

Jackson further noted that Johnes has been the driver behind structuring Helmkamp’s leadership team, expanding the staff, building a new and more efficient warehouse for field operations, building a fitness center at the home office for employees and updating the office.

He has also been the driver behind creating the Helmkamp Cares Foundation.

“The company sees the opportunities that continually lead them to success in a number of ways. One comes from allowing employees to take an active part in the success of the company,” said Jackson.

“Our goals are two-fold: One is that we are a safe company, and everyone goes home happy and healthy to their families every day.

And two, that we can give back. We are creative, hard workers who enjoy performing challenging construction projects. If we’re able to do that and at the end of the day, we are safe and able to give back to the community, that is what we call success,” she added.

“When Helmkamp employees are able to succeed in each of our

roles, achieve our personal and professional goals, and share in the company’s success, that is what makes the day-to-day exciting and all the hard work we do worthwhile,” Jackson said further.

“In our many years based in Wood River and East Alton, Helmkamp has always tried to support the community and be a good neighbor to charities in the area,” noted Jackson. “In July 2019, Rob put a more focused and organized approach into place for this, and created the Helmkamp Cares Foundation. The HCF is managed by an employee committee that represents the initiatives most important to our collective employees, which are primarily major health issues, children, and veterans.”

“We average $120,000 in charitable giving per year. This is distributed in the form of local sponsorships of events and non-profits in the RiverBend area,” Jackson explained further. “We also choose three organizations each year that receive $20,000 each in the form of what we call ‘maximum impact award’ donations. We are always open to learning about new causes and helping where we can do the most good.”

“We are about a month away from announcing our 2022 ‘maximum impact’ donation recipients,” said Jackson. “However, past recipients since the program’s inception have included The Restore Network, The December 5th Fund, Paralyzed Veterans of America – Gateway Chapter, Refuge 4 Kids, Midwest Children’s Burn Camp, Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, Alton Memorial Hospital’s local Cancer Patient Programs, and Got Your Six Veterans’ Support Dogs.

“And in 2020, we split our annual $20,000 donation to provide regionwide COVID-19 pandemic support,” Jackson added. “We donated $10,000 to help in Illinois through the Food Crisis Center of Alton and in Missouri through Kindness Meals STL.” RBGA’s Small Business of the Month Committee recognizes a different member business each month for its outstanding efforts and leadership in the community. Committee members include Brenda Eardley, Adrianna Lock, Amy Roady, Kristen Ryrie, Martha Schultz, and Amy Smith.

To learn more about membership in the RiverBend Growth Association and the Small Business of the Month recognition, visit the RBGA website or call their Godfrey office.

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The East Alton Wood River Oilers fell to Coal City in the prep football playoffs Alton’s Logan Rynders battles Marquette’s Joe Brangenburg for the ball

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Martin’s proves innovation can overcome obstacles restaurant business, Mike knew that he had to overcome many hurdles to be successful.

While suppliers were trying to get him to opt for what others were doing to stay in the black, by utilizing quick fix, freezer-to-plate menu items, Mike wanted Martin’s to Watch Mike stand out. He needMartin on ed to give people a Big Z Media’s reason to come to “BUSINESS an establishment OVER A BREW” that was a bit out advnews.link/ of the way and not martins on a major thoroughfare. That’s when he decided to take a different, and more he found that our area is difficult path. Martin’s would filled with very talented specialize in handmade food musicians, so he teamed utilizing the freshest and with local musician Kenny best ingredients. They would McPeak, who suggested serve oversized portions having a Sunday Open Jam at a reasonable price. His Session each week from thought was, if people knew 3-7pm. they were going to get more He also partially enclosed the bang for their buck, they existing patio area enough to would come. And his hunch accommodate better climate was correct! control and make it a great, Mike also went against comfortable space for special the grain of the industry events, and hanging out with in other ways. While family and friends. many businesses were Another innovation Mike cutting back their hours added was family-style due to staffing shortages, dinners on Tuesday evening.

Martin’s added breakfast Each Tuesday martin’s offers to the menu and opened “all you can eat” chicken early, offering items like and pork chop dinner served homemade biscuits and family style, with platters gravy and home-cooked and bowls of food brought corned beef hash. They also to the table. Patrons can offer extended hours in the choose from fried, baked, or evening, staying open until barbequed chicken or pork 1am to accommodate shift chops. They also added workers and those who are chicken fingers as an option out late and wanted to end to accommodate kids. the evening with some food, Mike Martin is proving that without resorting to a fast innovation, great service, food drive-through. The and outside-the-box thinking idea seemed crazy given the can overcome obstacles, struggles other restaurants and bring success! To see were experiencing, but due to a dedicated staff willing to the menu and learn more about Martin’s Tunes and work long hours it has been Eats visit them online at a success. martinstunesandeats.com Martin says the business is or just stop by 575 S. 6th built on four pillars; music, Street in Wood River and sports, bikes, and of course experience it for yourself. 3 great food. As for music,

By Mike Adams Big Z Media When the pandemic was shutting down many small service businesses and staffing and supply chain issues caused many local restaurants to cut back on their service hours, Martin’s Tunes and Eats seems to have beaten the odds and continues to thrive in difficult times.

Restaurant owner Mike Martin is a native of the Riverbend area. His background is not primarily in the food services business, although he spent some time as a bartender at Don & Penny’s in Alton and a few other local establishments.

Martin actually got his start as a scale worker at Azcon Metals in Alton. Through connections he made there, he began to move into new roles and spent much of his time traveling around the world selling environmental programs to large manufacturers.

When the pandemic hit and businesses around the world began to shut down, Mike had time to contemplate whether or not what he was doing as a profession was what he really needed to do. That’s when he began looking for opportunities in the area to start his own business. During this time, Mike came across Chico’s. This long-standing establishment in Wood River was a neighborhood staple and had seen lots of success over the years. But why would anyone try to start a new career in the restaurant and entertainment industry at the height of a pandemic when many such businesses were struggling? Mike says his attitude was, “When the industry is at rock bottom it has no place to go but up!” And with that positive determination, he sat out as the new owner of Chico’s, soon to be transformed into Martin’s Tunes and Eats.

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Helping the disadvantaged for 40 years Operation Blessing provides food, household items to residents

By Frank Prager Big Z Media Humanitarian organizations play a vital role in the health and wellbeing of disadvantaged members of the community as well as those simply experiencing temporary setbacks and misfortune. They allow people to work together by accepting donations and they provide coordination for distribution of goods and necessities to those in need.

Operation Blessing has been providing help to people in the local area for 40 years.

Created with just $500 in 1982, it has grown to occupy a 10,000 square foot facility which provides help to

thousands of individuals and families every year.

The organization serves the Wood River, East Alton, Roxana, Hartford, Moro, Cottage Hills, Meadowbrook, South Roxana and Bethalto areas and provides vital help across a complete spectrum of needs.

past year have affected low-income families the most,” she says. She notes health inequality and food insecurity are experienced more acutely during times of inflation by those least able to absorb rising costs. continued on page 24

Karen Wilson has served as executive director of Operation Blessing since 2018. [photo by Frank Prager]

Karen Wilson has served as executive director of Operation Blessing since 2018. She explains the operation is run completely by volunteer help. Neither Wilson nor any of the 55 volunteers at the facility accepts compensation for the work they perform.

P R O P E RT Y M A N AG E M E N T

“The increases in prices we’ve seen over the

What is the best way to add value to my property?

HARTFORD PUBLIC LIBRARY DISTRICT HARTFORD IL LEVY ORDINANCE 2022-04 AN ORDINANCE FOR THE ASSESSMENT, LEVY AND COLLECTION OF TAXES WITHIN THE CORPORATE LIMITS OF THE HARTFORD PUBLIC LIBRARY DISTRICT, HARTFORD, MADISON COUNTY, ILLINOIS FOR THE FISCAL YEAR BEGINNING JULY 1, 2022 AND ENDING JUNE 30, 2023 BE IT ORDAINED BY THE PRESIDENT AND BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE HARTFORD PUBLIC LIBRARY DISTRICT, HARTFORD, MADISON COUNTY, ILLINOIS: SECTION I GENERAL LIBRARY PURPOSES That there be, and hereby is, levied and assessed upon all taxable property both real and personal, within the Hartford Public Library District, County of Madison, and State of Illinois, and the same assessed and equalized for state and county purposed, taxes sufficient to produce the sum of $118,549 which sum is levied together with $118,750 to be received and derived from other sources, being in the total amount appropriation legally made for general library district purposes for said taxable year, which sum is to be used for, and has been appropriated for purposes and the amount specified as follows, to-wit:

LOCAL EXPERTS Update the Interior. There is nothing like a fresh coat of paint to change the entire feel of a property. Brighten up as many areas of the unit as you can and consider changing the electrical outlets and plates to match the paint scheme. Paint is one of the cheapest components of any valueadd project and can bring a major appeal to the property.

INSURANCE What does a will do for me?

A will instructs how you want your assets (money, property, etc.) to be distributed after you die. If you die without a will, your probate assets will be divided according to state law.

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Flooring is the next major interior value-add item you should prepare to invest in. As a rule carpet in most cases are a waste of money as new carpet can be destroyed very easy. When possible, stay with vinyl plank flooring.

Hoping to add value to your property? Start with the interior!

Please give us a call for more tips and advice.

Here are some tips for preparing a will:

Tom Lane

• Have an attorney draft your will. By drafting it on your own, you risk being non-compliant with state law which makes your will invalid.

• Name an executor, who will handle such tasks as collecting assets, paying all debts and taxes and distributing your estate, according to your wishes.

• List personal property such as artwork, collectibles, jewelry and other personal property that you want to go to specific individuals.

• Do not include funeral preferences in your will since it may not be read until several weeks after your death.

• Review your will every few years and have your attorney make changes as appropriate.

A) General Fund Levy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87,620 B) Building Levy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11,941 C) Audit Levy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2,733 D) Liability Insurance Levy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16,255 118,549

A little advance preparation will help ensure that your final wishes are handled the way YOU planned them to be.

Additional Revenues A) Replacement Taxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23,000 B) Fines, Fees, Interest. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 750 C) Per Capita Grant and Other Receipts. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19,000 D) Cash on Hand. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76,000 118,750 Expenses A) Administration. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15,500 B) Building and Grounds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25,000 C) I.M.R.F. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4,700 D) Social Security. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7,400 E) Insurance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19,500 F) Library Materials . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11,150 G) Supplies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3,200 H) Activities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7,000 1) Utilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17,000 J) Salaries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115,000 K) Contingencies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7,100 L) Renovations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25,000 M) Equipment & Computer Usage Fees. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7,500 265,050 SECTION II This ordinance shall take effect and be in force ten (10) days after its passage and approval and shall be known as Ordinance 2022-04 of the Hartford Public Library District, Madison County, Illinois.

Passed by the Board of Trustees of the Hartford Public Library District at a regular meeting held on October 20, 2022.

Marvin R. Denton President Board of Trustees Hartford Public Library Passed by roll call this 20th day of October 2022 AYES: 5 NAYS: 0 ABSENT: 2

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There are a good portion of Americans who put off estate planning because they worry that it is difficult, expensive, and time-consuming, and we are excited to tell that portion that e-wills make estate Todd planning much easier! Some of the Sivia benefits associated with an e-will are electronic signatures, having one digital version, remote witnesses, and they are time-friendly.

YES.

Know that you have read that making an e-will does not have to be difficult and time-consuming, you can start by viewing our will plans on our website to get started. We start with some simple questions to begin drafting your documents to allow your wishes to be fulfilled should anything happen to you. For additional resources, contact us using the information below!

Then your employer notifies you that they have received a wage garnishment order and will begin garnishing your already-stretched-too-thin paycheck.

Approved this 20th day of October 2022 Marvin R. Denton President Board of Trustees Hartford Public Library CERTIFICATE STATE OF ILLINOIS ) COUNTY OF MADISON ) I, the undersigned, Secretary of the Board of Trustees of the Hartford Public Library District, do hereby certify that the above and foregoing is a true, perfect and correct copy of the Ordinance duly adopted at the meeting of the Board of Trustees of the Hartford Public Library District held on the 20th day of October 2022.

IN WITNESS WHEREFORE, I have here unto set my official signature below on 20th day of October 2022.

Brent Allen Secretary of the Board of Trustees Hartford Public Library District

22 | DECEMBER 2022

You go to work every day, you work hard for your paycheck and it still doesn’t go as far as you need it to.

Gas prices are rising, groceries prices are rising, the cost of living for everyone is more expensive than it used to be. In this economy, every penny counts.

Shari Murphy

Can bankruptcy stop the garnishment?

Bankruptcy is a legal proceeding designed to give you a fresh financial start by allowing you a “discharge” of most unsecured debts, including credit card debt, medical bills, and past due utility bills. Once bankruptcy is filed, all collection efforts by creditors, including garnishments, must stop.

Your paycheck will be restored and, without the burden of other, now-discharged debts, will go even farther than it did before the garnishment.

TODD SIVIA, Attorney at Law 217 S. Main St., 1 Terminal Drive, Edwardsville East Alton 618-659-4499 618-258-4800 sivialaw.com

SHARI L. MURPHY Attorney at Law • FREE CONSULTATION P.O. Box 136, Wood River 618-797-8888

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Up to six quarts of Motorcraft® oil and Motorcraft oil filter. Hybrid battery test excluded. Motorcraft® is a registered trademark of Ford Motor Company. See Service Advisor for details. Expires 12/31/22. Message & data rates may apply for text offers.

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Dealer-installed retail purchases only. Estimated value when combined with the Points earned as a member. $100 rebate by mail or 20,000 FordPass Rewards bonus Points on the purchase of four Motorcraft® or Omnicraft® tire pressure monitoring sensors.

Not valid on prior purchases. Must be enrolled in FordPass Rewards to receive FordPass Rewards bonus Points. Points are not redeemable for cash or check. See the FordPass Rewards Program terms and conditions at FordPassRewards.com for information regarding expiration, redemption, forfeiture and other limitations on FordPass Rewards Points. Points will be awarded within eight weeks of rebate submission. Offer valid 10/1/22 to 12/31/22. Submit rebate by 1/31/23 by mail-in rebate form or online at FordOwner. com. Rebate by prepaid debit card. Limit one offer per customer. See participating U.S. dealership for vehicle applications and offer details through 12/31/22.

639 East Airline Dr., East Alton

4350 N Alby St, Alton | 888-756-7713 QuickLane.com/RobertsMotors

618-259-3244

M-W-F 8am-5pm T-Th 8am-7pm • Early Drop Off

Shop work/maintenance to small engines (starters, alternators, radiators, brakes & more)

Visit these automotive businesses and service professionals for your vehicle maintenance.

• TIRES • BATTERIES • A/C REPAIR

24 HOUR TOWING

380 E. Edwardsville Rd, Wood River

HARTFORD PUBLIC LIBRARY DISTRICT 143 W HAWTHORNE HARTFORD IL BUDGET & APPROPRIATION ORDINANCE 2022-03 2022-2023 PART I CASH ON HAND Total Cash on Hand at Beginning of Fiscal Year. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $380,742.00 PART II ESTIMATED RECEIPTS Receipt from Tax Levy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $118,750.00 Fines and Fees . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 750.00 Replacement Tax . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23,000.00 Interest income. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4,000.00 Other Receipts (Per Capita, E Rate, etc.) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19,000.00 Total Estimated Receipts. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $165,500.00 PART III ESTIMATED EXPENDITURES

Personal Expenses: Salaries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$115,000.00 Social Security Tax . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7,400.00 Health/Life Insurance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5,300.00 IMRF . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4,700.00 Operating Expenses: Insurance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19,500.00 Supplies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3,200.00 Postage. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 700.00 Telephone. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1,000.00 Utilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17,000.00 Memberships . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250.00 Professional Development . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .100.00 Professional Services. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1,500.00 Equipment & Maintenance Agreement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7,500.00 Building Repairs & Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25,000.00 Library Promotion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2,700.00 Mileage/Conferences. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1,900.00 Books. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8,400.00 Periodicals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 750.00 Activities. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7,000.00 Projects. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25,000.00 Equipment & Computer Usage Fees. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7,500.00 Audio-Visual . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2,000.00 General Contingencies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7,100.00 Total Corporate Fund Expenditures. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $270,500.00 PART IV ESTIMATED TO BE ON HAND Total Estimated Cash on Hand at End of Fiscal Year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $307,175.00 STATE OF ILLINOIS ) COUNTY OF MADISON )

CERTIFICATE

I, Brent Allen, Secretary of the Board of Trustees of the Hartford Public Library District, do hereby certify that the attached hereto is a true and correct copy of the Hartford Public Library District Budget and Appropriation Ordinance.

IN WITNESS WHEREFORE, I have here unto set my official signature below to 20th day of October, 2022.

Brent Allen Secretary of the Board of Trustees Hartford Public Library District

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Mon-Fri 7am-6pm Sat 7am-2pm

618-254-0404 trickeystowing.com open and here to help with Tires to Transmissions We are all your automotive needs.

We Do It All! Let us be your one stop for quality full-service auto repair.

• Check Engine Light • Brakes • Shocks/Struts

PICKUP AND DELIVERY AVAILABLE (ask for details)

• Cooling Systems • Tires • Oil Change • Exhaust • Every car gets FREE 27pt. inspection

RISTER’S

AUTOMOTIVE AND TRANSMISSIONS

618-465-5591

1322 Milton Road, Alton • ristersauto.com

Trust only the best for your baby!

Your dealership alternative serving the area since 1980!

Complete Auto Service • All Makes & Models • Foreign & Domestic • Fast - same day service, always our goal • Honest - do only the work necessary • Professional - ASE Certified Technicians • On-site owner - you can talk to • Convenient - Free courtesy rides

• Priced right - highly competitive pricing for the most respected service in town • Extended warranty work encouraged and accepted

• 100% customer satisfaction - our most important goal • No surprises - on your bill. All prices must be approved by you before any work is done • Work done right - first time, on time

503 E. Vandalia (Rear) • Edwardsville 618-656-8447 • edwardsvilleauto.com DECEMBER 2022 | 23

PUZZLE SOLUTIONS Crossword

Word Search

Go Figure

What’s the Difference?

1. Fence is shorter.

2. Ears are different.

3. Dog is moved.

4. Helmet stripe is different.

5 Mouth is different.

6. Armbands are missing.

Word Scrambler 3. Stable 4. Loiter

Today’s Word: LOADED

CryptoQuip What would you call actress Tomlin if her home were on a narrow side road?

Lily of the alley.

Even Exchange 1. Spring, String 2. Plaid, Plain 3. Fright, Flight 4. Lunch, Hunch 5. Globe, Glove

Operation Blessing provides food, shoes, clothing, books, toys and other household necessities to those who are unable to afford them.

Anyone in their service area whose household income is less than 185% of the federal poverty level can come in once a month to get items they need for themselves and their families.

“We ask people to attest to their income when they come in,” says Wilson. She says clients can come in once a month and need to provide proof of address such as an envelope with a postmark or a utility bill showing their name and address from the past 30 days. She explains that people are largely honest and that their staff has few issues with anyone trying to get help they do not need.

Sudoku

1 . Delve 2. Induce

continued from page 22

6. Saddle, Paddle 7. Genie, Genre 8. Reveal, Repeal 9. Chore, Chord 10. Police, Polite

Trivia Test 1. Nathan Lane.

2. A pandemonium 3. Green, white and red.

4. Anemometer.

5. John Green.

6. Montana.

7. Metrology.

8. Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

9. Portugal and Spain.

10. Herbert Hoover.

Flashback 1. New Kids on the Block, an American boy band from 1984 to 1994. They were originally called Nynuk until Columbia Records insisted they make a change.

2. Van Morrison. The song appeared on his album by the same name in 1970, but he didn’t release the single until 1977.

3. The Beach Boys, in 1963. The Deuce Coupe was a 1932 Ford. The reference to the “flathead mill” in the lyrics means it had a 65 HP V8 engine.

4. Billy Joel, in 1976.

5. “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You,” by Frankie Valli in 1967. The song was used by NASA during the Endeavour space shuttle mission as a wakeup song for a crew member who was having a wedding anniversary. There was a different song for each of the 17 days of the mission.

Secret Diner Ravanelli’s Italian Steakhouse & Wine Bar 26 Collinsport Dr., Collinsville

24 | DECEMBER 2022

Foodstuffs available at the center include frozen and refrigerated meats, canned meats and vegetables, cereal, milk, pasta, sauces and other items. A large selection of seasonal clothes is available and is updated regularly as new items come in. Hygiene items as well as cleaning products are available. The center has a selection of bedroom linens along with toys and children’s items. Books, movies and DVDs are also provided. Individuals and families can select specific items or the volunteers will fill a cart with a preplanned selection of things for them.

Wilson points out that fresh produce is also accepted and people should keep the center in mind when they have surplus goods from their gardens during the summer.

The center relies solely upon volunteers, grants and donations. Wilson says anyone wishing to volunteer can call or come in to speak with her. “Volunteers can set their own hours and schedules,” she says. She explains that people are always needed to sort, pack and organize food and items.

“We have a large selection of clothing and it needs to be regularly changed out to accommodate seasonal needs,” she notes.

Financial donations are always accepted. Anyone wishing to donate can mail a check or drop it off directly at the center. Wilson says any amount helps and is greatly appreciated.

Operation Blessing is located at 18 East Lorena in Wood River. Hours are 10am until 1pm Monday through Thursday. The center can be reached by phone at 618251-5683. People can also email them at obrood@att. net. In addition, Operation Blessing can be found on Facebook.

Wilson says the pandemic and inflation have significantly affected many families in the area and that new families are coming in who have never needed to use the center before. She says need is greater than ever and the generosity of those who donate provides help to many who often have few other resources. 3

SERVICE DIRECTORY RYAN

For all your home remodeling needs

HOGGATT & SON ONSTRUCTIO

FREE ESTIMATES

CONSTRUCTION & ROOFING EST. 1985

NO JOB TOO BIG OR SMALL

Insured • References • Senior Discounts

618-462-2736

ryanconstructionroofing.com

618-792-1300 • ROOFING • ROOM ADDITIONS • SIDING • INTERIOR REMODEL

Insurance Claim Specialist

Painting • Remodeling • Custom Decks •

Fencing • Patios • Retaining Walls •

FULLY INSURED

618-570-9843

Quality design and construction you can afford General Contracting Complete Interior and Exterior Home Remodeling Room Additions Full Home Rehabs

PERFECT PAINTING & DRYWALL

•Painting FREE ESTIMATES •Drywall Over 25 years of •Carpentry professional experience •Textures •Plaster Repair •Insured

FULLY INSURED • FREE ESTIMATES

618-823-2125 @HampseyConstruction

618-467-8190

LANDRETH

Celebrating 45 Years of Service.

45 OFF any NEW garage door purchase with

$

install. Must present Ad at time of order.

Expires 12/31/2022

ELECTRIC

RESIDENTIAL ELECTRICIAN • New or Remodeled Homes • 100/200 AMP Service Upgrades • Audio - Video - Data FULLY INSURED EMERGENCY SERVICE NOW

618-465-9600 landrethelectric.com

DEN-SON

HEATING & COOLING A family-owned business since 1972 is looking for SERVICE TECHNICIANS and HVAC INSTALLERS Service Technician: 3 years’ experience preferred HVAC Installer: Experience preferred but will train the right individual Contact Rick at 618-372-8375 or send resume to service@densoninc.com

SALES • SERVICE • INSTALLATION 5501 Godfrey Rd, Godfrey 618-467-0050 dansgaragedoorservice.com

HELP WANTED

Relief Night Resident Manager Open position with benefits to provide overnight coverage one night per week on an on-going basis and occasional additional nights as needed in a residential facility providing domestic violence services. Other hours are as needed in shelter, evenings and weekends included. Training provided.

Please submit resume and three references by November 30, 2022 to PO Box 636, Alton, IL 62002

ORGANIST POSITION (part-time) available at Ss. Peter & Paul Catholic Church in Alton.

3 weekend Masses, holy days & special occasions.

Both traditional & contemporary hymnody.

If interested call Fr. Jeff Holtman at 618-465-4221 or email at jholtman@dio.org

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SERVICE DIRECTORY WE WILL FLOOR YOU! Lic #058-168998

CERAMIC TILE • BACK SPLASHES FULL BATH REMODELS • HARDWOOD

Scott Smith

References Experience Free Estimates

Godfrey

PLUMBER WITH A

SMILE

618-466-2199

UA Plumbers & Pipefitters Union WE CAN DO IT! H

H

Cleaning out the past, packing up the present, COMMERCIAL & preparing for the future.

RESIDENTIAL CLEANING SERVICE AmericaTheClean.com

CALL MIKE 314-580-6533

NO JOB TOO SMALL!

OLI OUTDOOR SERVICES

Commercial • Residential • Industrial Tested & Licensed

618-465-4573 618-781-6412

• Tree Trimming • Tree Removal • Power Washing • Bobcat Work

SERVING THE AREA FOR MORE THAN 30 YEARS

Licensed locally & insured

NOW OFFERING 100% FINANCING ACH

FREE ESTIMATES!

FAX H 618-259-7707 H 618-216-2014

618-254-7507

Call Allan

Affordable Rates • Insured, Bonded, OSHA Certified

A+

ROB’S

• Roofing • Remodeling • Siding CONSTRUCTION • Kitchen & Baths FREE ESTIMATES • Custom Decks FULLY INSURED • REFERENCES • Basements • Garages 618-258-9828 618-452-5009 • Windows • Doors @ROBCONSTRUCTION

VETER AN OWNED

DESIGN & INSTALLATION AVAILABLE

VETER AN DISCOUNT OFFER ED

34 YEARS IN BUSINESS

Kitchen & Bath Center kboutlet.com • 3518 E. Homer Adams Pkwy Alton

618-463-8818

(next to car credit city)

BATH & SHOWER, INC. 6001 Godfrey Road • Godfrey 618-466-1100 • encorebathil.com Free in-home consultations & estimates

CONSTRUCTION

FULL SERVICE CONSTRUCTION & REMODELING CO.

• KITCHENS • CUSTOM DECKS • BATHS • VINYL SIDING • BASEMENTS • WINDOWS/DOORS • GARAGES • ROOFING • ROOM ADDITIONS FREE ESTIMATES

VETERAN & SENIOR DISCOUNTS

 Storm Work

 Hedge Trimming

 Stump Removal

& Removal

 Chipping Services

 Bobcat Service

 Pruning

 Bucket Truck Service

CALL OR TE X T

@diversifiedconstructionserv

FULLY INSURED FREE ESTIMATES

618-407-TREE

(8733)

riverbendoutdoor@yahoo.com

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FULLY INSURED REFERENCES

618-972-3257

& STUMP REMOVAL

 Tree Removal

Trimming, Tree & Stump Removal BEST PRICE IN TOWN!

DIVERSIFIED

TREE SERVICE  Tree Trimming

ALTON TREE SERVICE

FINANCING AVAILABLE

CALL US TODAY!

• SIDING • DECKS • BATHS • KITCHENS • WINDOWS • PORCHES • SUNROOMS • POOL DECKS • BASEMENTS

618-251-8070

renownremodeling.com

Dennis Wallace

618-977-1413 WE SPECIALIZE IN

DECK

REVITALZIATION

• BUILD DECKS • POWER WASHING • INSTALL FENCING • EXT. & INT. PAINTING

Diaz & Sons

Family owned & operated

618-208-7443 618-581-5171

CONCRETE RAISING

Brighton 618-372-7077 Godfrey 618-466-1240 Edwardsville 618-655-1441

midwestbasementtech.com DECEMBER 2022 | 25

FOSTERBURG FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT ORDINANCE NO. 22

IMMEDIATE START

AN ORDINANCE ADOPTING A BUDGET AND MAKING APPROPRIATIONS FOR THE FOSTERBURG FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT, MADISON COUN1Y, ILLINOIS FOR THE GENERAL, INSURANCE, AUDIT AND PENSION FUNDS FOR THE FISCAL YEAR BEGINNING JULY 1, 2023 AND ENDING JUNE 30, 2024 BE IT ORDAINED BY THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE FOSTERBURG FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT AS FOLLOWS:

REFERRAL BONUS AND S SIGN ON BONU !

LE AVAILAB

PRODUCTION WORKER

1st & 2nd shift • up to $1750 per hour Immediate placements in Edwardsville • Paid weekly • Long term • Packaging products • Good attention to detail • Working in a team environment • Flexible start times NO EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

Apply in person:

3701 Nameoki Road Granite City, IL 618-876-3924

For sale two cemetery plots.

Great location in Rose Lawn Memory Gardens, Bethalto.

For more details call John Heinkel

618-447-3406

FREE REMOVAL

of anything metal, appliances, mowers, autos, etc.

Tips appreciated.

618-917-2620 or 618-259-6798

FIREWOOD

WILL DELIVER 618-466-2476

JUNK CARS BOUGHT 618-581-5430

BUYING USED MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS 618-977-5089

All types, all makes.

Paying high prices.

YOUR TEXT HERE

Reach every local household by advertising in AdVantage:

618-465-3535

HAWKINS PAINTING & REMODELING INC.

Painting, Drywall, Plaster Repair, Tuckpointing, Room Additions, Kitchens & Baths

618-463-0913

Free Estimates • Insured & Licensed

AARON’S RIVERBEND TREE SERVICE Licensed, insured, low rates!

618-410-8245

CATHOLIC WOMAN

Affordable Home Improvement

Specializing in 100, 200 amp service and repair. Decks, additions, roofing, handyman service, concrete, masonry, kitchens & baths.

Licensed and insured.

618-258-0809

28 years of experience.

Medical, daily living activities, rehab, hospice, respite, in-home nursing home visits, hospital stays, doctor appointments, errands, social outings, meals, light housekeeping.

Excellent references.

618-462-6580

Generac Generators HEATING

COOLING

Call for service.

barrettheating.com

500 Belle Street, Alton 26 | DECEMBER 2022 HEATING AND

COOLING

618-465-3731

SECTION I. That the following is an estimate, by source, of the expected receipts and revenues of the Fosterburg Fire Protection District General Fund, for the Fiscal Year beginning July 1, 2023 and ending June 30, 2024: $100,000.00 Estimated Cash Balance at July 1, 2023 180,000.00 Reserve Capital Pro-Bid & Equip 434,860.00 Real Estate Taxes -Corporate 108,715.00 Real Estate Taxes -Rescue 4,000.00 Real Estate Taxes -Social Security 17,000.00 Replacement Tax 700.00 Interest 5,000.00 Foreign Fire Tax 20,000.00 Grants 20,000.00 Donations 30.00 MetLife Dividends 7,000.00 IPRF Safety Grant 1,000.00 Miscellaneous Income $898,305.00 TOTAL ESTIMATED RECEIPTS AND FUND BALANCE SECTION II. That the following sums of money be and they are hereby budgeted and appropriated for corporate purposes for the Fosterburg Fire Protection District, a Fire Protection District in Madison County, Illinois, for the Fiscal Year beginning July 1, 2023 and ending June 30, 2024 for the following purposes: ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSE Bank Fees Pension Account Capital Expense from Reserve Pen Wh IPRF Safety Grant Grant Matching Funds Medical Services Training Officer Salary Assistant Fire Chief Salary Attorney Fees Bank Service Charges Contingencies Dues Maintenance Officer MCFA Death Benefits Meeting and Convention Expenses Office Expenses Payroll & Accounting Expenses Postage Publications Telephone Expense Training Trustees Fees Uniforms for Staff Volunteer Firefighters’ Expenses Payroll

$50.00 60,000.00 30,000.00 6,500.00 20,000.00 4,000.00 1,250.00 1,250.00 5,000.00 500.00 30,000.00 3,000.00 1,250.00 1,800.00 1,500.00 7,000.00 15,000.00 1,000.00 4,000.00 5,000.00 15,000.00 5,500.00 6,000.00 3,500.00: 361,872.00

Total Administrative Expense

$589,972.00

AUDIT FUND BUDGET AND APPROPRIATION Annual Audit of All Ledgers and Books of Account Maintained by the District by a Certified Public Accountant as required by Law

$4,500.00

TOTAL AUDIT FUND BUDGET AND APPROPRIATION

$4,500.00 $00.00

ANTICIPATED CASH BALANCE - AUDIT FUND AT JUNE 30, 2024

SECTION VII. That the following is an estimate, by source, of the expected revenues of the Fosterburg Fire Protection District Pension Appropriation Fund, for the Fiscal Year beginning July 1, 2023 and ending June 30, 2024: Balance of Pension Appropriation Fund at July 1, 2023 (Estimated) Anticipated Real Estate Tax Receipts

$00.00 $115,000.00

Total Estimated Receipts and Appropriation Fund Balance

$4,500.00

SECTION VIII. That the following sums of money be and are hereby budgeted and appropriated for the Fosterburg Fire Protection District Fire Fighters’ Pension Fund for the Fiscal Year beginning July 1, 2023 and ending June 30, 2024, for the purposes of establishing and maintaining a reserve to insure the payment of all obligations incurred under the said Fire Fighters’ Pension Plan as follows: PENSION FUND BUDGET AND APPROPRIATION Contributions to Fosterburg Fire Protection District Paid Fire Fighters’ Pension Fund

$115,000.00

TOTAL PENSION FUND BUDGET AND APPROPRIATION

$115,000.00

SECTION IX. The Trustees shall have the power and the authority during the aforesaid fiscal year from time to time, as in their judgment may be necessary, to make transfers among the various line-item appropriations for the purpose of meeting exigencies that may arise during the year to the extent permitted by law.

To the extent permitted by applicable law, all unexpended balances of any item or items of any general appropriation made by this Ordinance may be expended in making up any deficiency in any item or items in the same general appropriation made by this Ordinance. The sums herein appropriated are appropriated from all sources of income, including but not limited to all sources of income from property taxes, and all other revenues of the Fire Protection District received from all sources of revenue. Should a deficiency exist in any fund or line item other than the General Fund for a purpose for which money may be legally appropriated and spent from the General Fund, that deficiency may be made up from the General Fund. The amount of any such deficiency in any such fund or line item other than the General Fund is hereby appropriated from the General Fund.

SECTION X. If any section, subdivision or sentence of this Ordinance is held invalid, it shall not affect the validity of the remainder of this Ordinance.

SECTION XI. This Ordinance shall be known as Ordinance No. 22- and shall be published in a newspaper of general circulation in the Fosterburg Fire Protection District, Madison County, Illinois, within thirty (30) days of the date hereof. The newspaper shall furnish a certificate of publication to the Secretary of the Fire Protection District, which certificate shall be placed in the official records of the Fire District and this Ordinance shall be in full force and effect from and after ten (10) days of its publication.

EQUIPMENT EXPENSE Oxygen Bottles Equipment Purchases Turn Out Gear Tanker Truck Fire Truck Pumper Loan Payments Testing Equipment Repair and Supplies Gasoline & Oil Personal Protective Equipment Medical Supplies

$5,000.00 30,000.00 15,000.00 60,000.00 25,223.00 10,000.00 30,000.00 15,000.00 15,000.00 5,000.00

Total Equipment Expense

$210,223.00

BUILDING EXPENSE Maintenance and Repair Utilities Grass Mowing and Trash Collection

Approved by the President of the Fosterburg Fire Protection District Board of Trustees, this 26 day of October 2022.

$30,000.00 15,000.00 2,000.00

Mark Ellison President of the Board of Trustees of the Fosterburg Fire Protection District

Total Building Expense

$ 47,000.00

CERTIFICATE

TOTAL BUDGET AND APPROPRIATION - GENERAL FUND

$847,195.00

ANTICIPATED CASH BALANCE - GENERAL FUND AT JUNE 30, 2024

$ 51,110.00

The undersigned Secretary of the Board of Trustees of the Fosterburg Fire Protection District, a Fire Protection District organized and existing under the laws of the State of Illinois, certifies that on the day and date hereof, she wasthe duly appointed, acting and qualified Secretary of the said Fire Protection District; that in her capacity as Secretary she is the official keeper of the records, minutes and resolutions of said Fire Protection District and that the document attached hereto is a true and correct copy of Ordinance No. 22-_ entitled:

SECTION III. That the following is an estimate, by source, of the expected receipts and revenues of the Fosterburg Fire Protection District Insurance Fund, for the Fiscal Year beginning July 1, 2023 and ending June 30, 2024: $00.00 Estimated Cash Balance at July 1, 2023 110,000.00 Anticipated Real Estate Property Tax Receipts Total Cash on Hand Plus Anticipated Revenues and Receipts

110,000.00

SECTION IV. That the following sums of money may be and are hereby budgeted and appropriated for the Fosterburg Fire Protection District’s Insurance Fund for the Fiscal Year beginning July 1, 2023 and ending June 30, 2024, for the purpose of paying insurance premiums: INSURANCE FUND BUDGET AND APPROPRIATION Premiums for Package Insurance Policies for Liability, Casualty, Property Insurance Coverage, Worker’s Compensation Coverage and Unemployment Insurance Coverage $110,000.00 TOTAL INSURANCE FUND BUDGET AND APPROPRIATION ANTICIPATED CASH BALANCE - INSURANCE FUND AT JUNE 30, 2024

110,000.00 $00.00

SECTION V. That the following is an estimate, by source, of the expected revenues of the Fosterburg Fire Protection District Audit Fund, for the Fiscal Year beginning July 1, 2023 and ending June 30, 2024: Estimated Cash Balance at July 1, 2023 Anticipated Tax Receipts and Transfer from General Fund

$00.00 4,500.00

Total Anticipated Funds Available

$4,500.00

SECTION VI. That the following sums of money may be and are hereby budgeted and appropriated for the corporate purpose of preparing and filing an audit of accounts of the Fosterburg Fire Protection District, a Fire Protection District in Madison County, Illinois for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2023 and ending June 30, 2024, which audit is required by the statutes of the State of Illinois, specifically, 50 ILCS 310/1 through 310/10 and 70 ILCS 710/6.1 as follows:

PASSED by the Board of Trustees of the Fosterburg Fire Protection District of Madison County, Illinois this 26 day of 0ctober, 2022 and filed with the Secretary of the said Fire Protection District the same date.

Ayes: 4 Nays: 0 Angela Martin Secretary of the Board of Trustees of the Fosterburg Fire Protection District

AN ORDINANCE ADOPTING A BUDGET AND MAKING APPROPRIATIONS FOR THE FOSTERBURG FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT, MADISON COUN1Y, ILLINOIS FOR THE GENERAL, INSURANCE, AUDIT AND PENSION FUNDS FOR THE FISCAL YEAR BEGINNING JULY 1, 2023 AND ENDING JUNE 30, 2024 the original of which is part of the official records of the said Fosterburg Fire Protection District.

Dated this 26 day of October, 2022.

Angela Martin Secretary of the Board of Trustees of the Fosterburg Fire Protection District The undersigned certifies that on the day and date hereof, he was the duly appointed, qualified and acting President of the Fosterburg Fire Protection District; that on the day and date hereof JESSICA THOMAS was the duly appointed, qualified and acting Secretary of the said Fosterburg Fire Protection District and in such capacity was the keeper of the official records, minutes and resolutions of the said Fire Protection District.

Dated this 26 day of October, 2022.

Mark Ellison President of the Board of Trustees of the Fosterburg Fire Protection District The undersigned, being the duly appointed and acting Treasurer of the Fosterburg Fire Protection District, as chief fiscal officer of said District, certifies that the estimate of receipts set forth above in Ordinance No. 22-__, being the Budget and Appropriation Ordinance of the Fosterburg Fire Protection District for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2023 and ending June 30, 2024 correctly states the revenues, by source, anticipated to be received by the said Fire Protection District for the fiscal year indicated. This certification is made in compliance with the provisions of 35 ILCS 200/22-50.

Dated this 26 day of October, 2022.

William Varble Treasurer, Board of Trustees of the Fosterburg Fire Protection District

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1700 Storey Lane, Alton $26,000 535 N. 6th St., Wood River $3500/month Rt. 111 & I-255, Wood River $903,000 Steve Aud 618-789-2325 Steve Aud 789-2325 Steve Aud 618-789-2325 Three nice level building lots in Bethalto Recently remodeled inside and out. 2000 12 acres m/l prime commercial developSchool District. 70 X 110 each. Lots can be sq. ft. building sitting on premier corner lot. ment land. Frontage-entry road already in Currently a car lot, but the interior rede- place! Near Walmart and fast food restausold seperately for $9,500 each or as a sign allows for it to be used for a variety of rants. Can be divided into smaller parcels. package for $26,000. options. Owner pursuing other interests.

Offered at $75,250/acre.

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300 Mechanical Drive, East Alton $237,750 5400 W. Main St., Belleville $260,000 State Route 3 & 143, Wood River $274,500 Steve Aud 789-2325 Steve Aud 618-789-2325 Steve Aud 789-2325 Prime location on corner lot. Great oppor- Great commercial/business opportunity.

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1 BR/1BA apartment.

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