Riverbend June 2023

New tour to focus on local Black History

Take a journey through Black History in the historic river town of Alton on the new ‘Freedom to Equality’ tours offered by the Great Rivers & Routes Tourism Bureau. Tickets are available now for tours which begin in May and run through November.

The tours kicked off in May with remaining tours scheduled for June 17, July 15, Aug. 19, Sept. 16, Oct. 21 and Nov. 18. All tours take place on Saturdays at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Jared Hennings, an instructor at Lewis & Clark Community College, will lead each tour.

The 20-passenger shuttle tours begin at the Alton Visitor Center, 200 Piasa St. Tickets are $32.50 per person and must be purchased in advance and online at: riversandroutes. com/things-to-do/buytickets.

“The Alton region has an impressive Underground Railroad history coupled with a powerful and inspiring quest for AfricanAmerican equality over the years,” Cory Jobe, President/CEO of the Great Rivers & Routes Tourism Bureau noted. “We believe in honoring that history and preserving its place in our storytelling efforts. These new tours bring that part of the region’s history to life and people are able to see for themselves the places and people who left their mark on Alton.”

The tours highlight Black History in Alton beginning with the famed Underground Railroad and following history through the fight for civil liberties and includes the cultural contributions that shaped not only Alton but the United States. Stops include Rocky

Fork Church where the history of this large-scale Underground Railroad station outside of Alton is uncovered. This community is now part of a registry of verified Underground Railroad locations. The shuttle will also stop at the Alton Cemetery, the final resting place of many notable abolitionists and African-American leaders in the community. It is also home to the iconic Elijah P. Lovejoy monument, the tallest monument in Illinois, honoring this famed abolitionist minister and newspaper publisher. The tour highlights notable African-American Alton residents including Charles Newton, the first Black graduate of Alton High School in 1873, Scott Bibb, a former slave, who battled for public school integration in Alton and Josephine Beckwith who fought to secure equality for AfricanAmerican youths and adults. The tours end with a look at the life of jazz great Miles Davis who was born in Alton.

As the guide for the tours, Mr. Hennings brings the historical figures to life with re-enactments, stories and through song.

For more information on the Freedom to Equality Tours, please contact the Great Rivers & Routes tourism Bureau at 618-465-6676 or go to RiversandRoutes. com. 3

Final stretch for fundraising efforts at Old Cathedral

For Big Z Media

The highlight of Beverly Farm’s Spring Family Weekend 2023 by most accounts was the Beverly Farm Resident Prom. Beverly Farm staff transformed the Groves B. Smith Recreation Center into a beautiful party space where residents, friends and family members could dance the night away.

‘The best Family Weekend ever’ at Beverly Farm

There was singing, dancing, a party bus, and even some very happy horses... Beverly Farm’s Spring 2023 Family Weekend was called “the best ever” by many who were fortunate to be a part of it.

“We are thankful to the community, our staff, and the families who joined us for the weekend,” said Beverly Farm CEO Crystal Officer. “Life is about creating moments with the people who matter in your life, and the joy on our campus was palpable.”

Beverly Farm is the largest employer in Godfrey and is currently celebrating its 125th anniversary.

Top representatives from the community showed up to take part, including members of the Riverbend Growth Association, leaders from Liberty Bank, and Alton Mayor David Goins with his wife, Sheila.

Highlights included:

• A family-favorite concert performed by residents

kicked off the weekend and set the tone for the fun ahead.

• The team hosted a retirement party for three of the horses – Red Rock, Junior, and Ebony – who are part of Beverly Farm’s Equestrian Center team. The horses will enjoy their senior years at loving homes.

• Beverly Farm’s staff transformed the Groves B. Smith Recreation Center on campus into a beautiful space where residents, friends and families could dance the night away at prom. The community came together to donate dresses so everyone could feel their best and the evening included limo rides, a DJ, and a property van that served as a party bus.

“I am so proud of our staff and the loving, caring home we create for residents. This weekend demonstrated the wonderful things that can happen when we work together with families and the community,” said Officer. 3

Atticus Kane Weigler

May 15 2023, 4:40pm

7 pounds, 9 ounces, 19 inches Anderson Hospital, Maryville

Son of Randy and Chrystal Weigler of Rosewood Heights. Siblings are Killian Weigler, Chimaira Weigler, and Arabella Weigler.

A capital campaign continues to restore the exterior structure of Saints Peter and Paul Church in Alton, also known as the Old Cathedral. The church needs repairs to stonework and tuckpointing with a total project cost of $800,000 with more than $658,000 donated so far! Preserving the Past for the Future Campaign will help continue to be a viable and integral place on Christian Hill as we proclaim the Gospel of Christ in our Catholic Tradition.

After meeting in homes in Upper Alton since 1838 and constructing a temporary church, the Catholics of Alton and Fr. Michael Carroll, pastor, built a new stone church in 1843 on the north side of Third Street between Alby and Easton Streets named St. Matthew. The building was destroyed by fire ten years later. For the next three years Masses were offered in a large hall over a livery stable. On April 7, 1854, property at 717 State Street was purchased from Peter and Harriet Wise for the price of $600. The current church building, constructed with local native limestone, was begun in 1855 and completed two

years later. One can see the date carved in stone at the pinnacle of the wall above the main entrance and rose window. The architecture of Ss. Peter and Paul is a beautiful specimen of pure Gothic. The interior of the church, with its graceful arches, clustered columns, and capitals and hoodmolded windows and spacious choir loft attracts many lovers of art. The church is a hundred and twentyfive feet long and sixty feet wide and includes two sacristies with attics.

A most significant part of the church’s history occurred while the church was under construction. On January 9, 1857 the Episcopal See was transferred to Alton from Quincy. The diocese comprised the southern half of the state while the Diocese of Chicago comprised the northern half of the state. Rt. Rev. Henry Damien Juncker became Alton’s first bishop. Rt. Rev. Peter Baltes became the second bishop of Alton in 1870 at the death of Bishop Juncker. Bishop Baltes, died in 1886, and both are buried in a crypt below the church.

The third and last Bishop of Alton was Rt. Rev. James Ryan, who died in 1923 and is buried in St. Patrick Cemetery.

On July 21, 1949, a terrific

lightning bolt struck the belfry, shattering the Hook and Hastings pipe organ. A valiant effort by the Alton Fire Department saved

the church from complete destruction. A fire resulted in over $75,000 in damage. Unfortunately, 2 of the 3 original bells were lost in the fire. The smallest bell in honor of St. Brigida, cast in 1871, was saved only by recasting. Two larger bells were obtained and now complete the ringing trio. They now sound the Angelus and the announcements for daily Mass, funerals, and weddings. It was at this time the installation of new space-age steeples appeared to top off the towers! On September 25, 1950, Mass was offered in thanksgiving for the reconstruction of the church. For more information on supporting the fundraiser, go to ssppalton.com. 3

See ya at the Showplace

Alton little Theater is growing, stretching & embracing the celebration of 90 years of continuous productions in the Riverbend. Yes, the theater was organized as a young educator’s dream in 1933, and has now produced over 800 live theater plays, musicals & concerts as of this year. Of course, we hope that everyone in the Riverbend will attend a production, or many productions, and become part of the theater’s legacy story! Under the stewardship of Kevin Frakes and myself, the ALT Showplace has become a destination location for 17+ municipalities and draws actors, musicians, dancers and artists from both sides of the river.

For the 90th season, we wanted to honor all people who have a dream of performing and make sure that both productions and

extra concerts celebrate the talents of youth and mentors. Summer classes for youth have filled up quickly and will become a mainstay in ALT’s programming - and in January of 2024, ALT will launch its first “Studio Series” when three plays written by national artists for intimate studio audiences will be cast with up to 20 actors who will perform all three scripts back-to-back in 30 days!

ALT wants to make sure that the place we’ve called home for decades produces the finest theatrical opportunities - so that everyone can experience the love, the laughter, the relevance that only live theater can create! Be a part of the 90th season — at low prices — and tell your friends, so they don’t miss out on the little jewel of a theater that is just getting started!

— Lee Cox

#RacingForBeverlyFarm raises over $700k in 24 hours

It was a race to raise funds, and generous friends of Beverly Farm made sure the results were a photo-finish.

#RacingForBeverlyFarm

is a 24-hour giving event where staff and donors come together to support the nonprofit’s work of providing loving, caring homes for adults with developmental and intellectual disabilities.

This year’s total of $709,760 raised surpassed the original goal of $650,000 for the fundraiser.

“We are overwhelmed by the generosity demonstrated during #RacingForBeverlyFarm,” said Beverly Farm CEO Crystal Officer. “Our mission is to provide emotional security, a dignified quality of life, and opportunities for growth to our residents. These funds enable our team to continue pushing for excellence in

Beverly Farm CEO Crystal Officer (front right), Chief Development Officer Taylor Justice (front left) and the Beverly Farm choir celebrate the end of the #Racing4BeverlyFarm 24-hour fundraiser with a balloon drop after which the choir performed a closing song which was live streamed on social media. All told, the campaign raised $709,760.

everything we do.” There were 587 total donors who participated in

#RacingForBeverlyFarm.

The theme of #RacingforBeverlyFarm was

inspired by the Equestrian Center at Beverly Farm’s equine therapy horses that trot through the beautiful, historic farmland where the organization is located.

Beverly Farm has been a part of the Godfrey community for 125 years and is now dotted with cottages and homes made specifically to address residents’ needs plus a rec center, a Development Center where residents can learn skills and earn their own money, and dining and retail at The Shoppes at Beverly Farm.

“This event demonstrates the commitment of our friends and community to creating a meaningful life for Beverly Farm residents,” said Chief Development Officer Taylor Justice “Their gifts are a crucial part of providing the exceptional services that make Beverly Farm a loving, caring home.” 3

Pizza and poker night 1st & 3rd

Musical Bingo & karaoke

“Television, the drug of the nation, breeding ignorance and feeding radiation.” — The Disposable Heroes of Hiphoprisy - 1992

What happened to my television? Or as some call it now, streaming?

Earlier in May, the popular NBC series Seinfeld marked the 25th anniversary of the series finale. 25 years? The passage of time marked by a show about nothing, but it WAS about something.

The day to day lives of 4 characters I liked to watch but probably wouldn’t have been friends with.

No one ever thought Seinfeld would be the end of civilization, leave that to The Simpsons. Or was it Bevis and Butthead. No wait, Married with Children. Hang on…I think it was South Park. All funny shows with funny moments, but also shows that held up a mirror on the viewer and the country. The

TOWN OF THE

By Mark Ellebracht

shows poked fun at society, politics, big business, celebrities and themselves.

The actual downfall of TV (news) appears not to have been caused by cartoon characters as some were warning, but with the talking heads on the 24 hour news channels. I stopped watching cable news a few years ago because it was less about news and more about opinion and the slant. Talking to other people, reading several differing opinions, watching lesser known news programs and (at least in my job) going to work helps shape my opinions.

But, back on topic. Do you sit in front of a TV and actually watch it? Do you watch a laptop, a tablet, or simply on your phone?

I sometimes wonder what my grandparents would think about not just talking on your cell phone, but watching the Tonight Show

SALOME’S STARS

ARIES (March 21 to April 19) Single Lambs looking for love could find Cupid aiming at someone you thought (wrongly) was uninterested. Paired Sheep could soon make plans to move into new pastures.

TAURUS (April 20 to May 20) Level that sharp Bull’s eye of yours directly at the target you’re after. Don’t let yourself get sidetracked by any misleading or deceptive attempts to distract you.

GEMINI (May 21 to June 20) Early enthusiasm gives way to a more reflective attitude, as you assess the potential of a new job. Avoid questionable advice. The ultimate decision should be yours.

CANCER (June 21 to July 22) You might need to reassess the responsibility you’ve taken on. Consider delegating some of the tasks to people you trust and focus on those things you do best.

LEO (July 23 to August 22) Don’t be shy about sharing new ideas with your workplace colleagues. Their warm reception and trusted support will soon have you purring with satisfaction.

VIRGO (August 23 to September 22) That uneasiness over a potential commitment should be confronted and dealt with realistically. Find out why you’re delaying an important decision.

on the Carson Channel on something called PlutoTV on something called an app… which is on your phone!?

Oh yeah, which is also your camera and your day planner and your road atlas.

Currently, I’m watching the Diplomat on Netflix. I don’t binge watch many shows, it usually takes me a few weeks to get through a season. I like that I can go back and pick it up where I left off.

I do like the Disney+ “old school” formula of releasing an episode a week. (Novel idea, huh?)

What are you watching right now? I’m always looking for suggestions.

Email me your line up at markellebracht@bigz.media. 3

Mark Ellebracht is News/ Content Director at Big Z Media, co-host of The Big Z Morning Show, and host of Let’s Talk weekdays 10amNoon on 107.1FM The Big Z.

Turn your Everyday Purchases

LIBRA (September 23 to October 22) Your business venture gets back into high gear after a brief period of sputtering. Don’t be discouraged. Stay with it. Your hard work and patience will pay off.

SCORPIO (October 23 to November 21) Watch out for a tendency to let things slide in hopes that a problem will correct itself. You need to be more proactive than reactive if you want to see change.

SAGITTARIUS (November 22 to December 21) A wilting relationship could recover and be coaxed back into full bloom, as long as there is a strong commitment to your partner to make the relationship your priority.

CAPRICORN (December 22 to January 19) Before you accept a new job offer, check on the status of a promotion you were promised in your current workplace. Then, make a decision.

AQUARIUS (January 20 to February 18) Expect to find yourself in a teaching situation on the job, which you will no doubt enjoy.

Don’t be surprised if you get to learn a few things as well.

PISCES (February 19 to March 20) You’d love to make a big splash with your new project. But you’d be wiser to introduce it to your colleagues in a more restrained way and let it speak for itself.

FLASHBACK

By Mick Harper

1. Who had a hit

2. Which artist wrote and released “Runaround Sue”?

3. Name the artist most likely to intentionally smash guitars on the stage during performances.

4. Which group changed their name to Sugar Ray?

5. Name the 1969 song that contains these lyrics: “I love you so, I always will, And in your voice I hear a choir of carousels.”

(answers in puzzle solutions)

This is a simple

in which

By Fifi Rodriguez

1. ANATOMY: What is a common name for lateral epicondylitis?

2. GEOGRAPHY: What was the country of Portugal known as in Roman times?

3. MOVIES: What are the

My local bakery has plans to start making deliveries with drones. Sounds a bit pie in the sky to me.

Why did the tomato turn red?

Because it saw the salad dressing!

TRIVIA TEST

final words spoken in the movie “The Shawshank Redemption”?

4. LITERATURE: Which novel series includes a fictional place called Godric’s Hollow, England?

5. SCIENCE: What is

What do you call the lady who sets fire to all her bills? Bernadette.

I am trying to write a book on how hurricanes are formed. Currently it’s just a draft. What kind of cheese is the most introverted? Prov-alone.

Dad Jokes.

cytology?

6. TELEVISION: What is the name of the ranch in the 1960s western show “Bonanza”?

7. U.S. STATES: Which state has the longest cave system?

8. FOOD & DRINK: In

which country were bagels invented?

9. HISTORY: What kind of beetle was revered by the ancient Egyptians?

10. ANIMAL KINGDOM: What is the largest lizard on Earth?

substitution cipher

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.

CryptoQuip

SECRET DINER

By Bill Roseberry

Family style destination

I traveled a bit for this latest dining adventure, but it’s well worth it for the food, the experience, the price and the camaraderie.

In south central Greene County you’ll find this destination joint and staple restaurant smack dab in the middle of this rural community. It sits on the town square and features street parking.

The small town, nostalgic feel is apparent quickly here, as well as this place’s popularity.

There was a line on the visit for my mom’s birthday. Fortunately due to the business model here, the wait is short.

A large green awning stretches over the front of the main entrance donning the restaurant’s name very prevalently. It hangs over red wood paneling at the doorway with red brick at the bottom.

There is a small vestibule once you enter, which opens into two large dining rooms.

There are round and square tables with red and white table cloths.

Old pictures of the area hang all over the walls, chronicling that long tradition and rich history of the restaurant and the community’s relationship through the years.

Now the reason why the wait is minimal even though it’s a bustling business is because they utilize the family style model. If you aren’t familiar with this, it means all you can eat for your main course and your sides. It just keeps on coming, which is a welcomed plan for a growing boy like myself.

I was there to celebrate my mother’s birthday with my dad and my best friend along for the experience. It was easy to figure out what we were eating, because we all got the same thing, the signature and destination dish for this joint

— fried pork chops. Sides for these awesome golden pork treats include, green beans, mashed potatoes, white gravy, cole slaw, applesauce and buttermilk biscuits.

I’m going to start with the pork chops. They are GBD (golden, brown, delicious), boneless, tender and chocked full of deliciousness. You can eat them with just a fork because they are so tender. The other nice touch is they are only lightly breaded, so not super heavy on the stomach. Of course the knowledge that they just keep coming until you tell them to stop is a fantastic characteristic, too.

As for the sides, I would put the applesauce at the top. It’s practically a puree because it’s so smooth. It was popping with a rich, fresh flavor also, a perfect companion for the pork.

The cole slaw was also pretty addicting. It was vinegar based and super fresh. It was finely chopped and delicious. The vinegar base had an almost bittersweet taste combination which I loved.

The green beans and mashed potatoes were just classic comfort sides. The green beans were mixed with finely chopped onions, while the mashed potatoes were awesomely creamy and melted in my mouth. Since I’m not a fan of gravy, I didn’t try any,

Overall:

Cleanliness:

Service:

Food:

Price: Any idea of the name of this restaurant? Check the

but the rest of my crew raved about the rich white stuff and its great flavor.

Finishing things off were the biscuits, which were fluffy and tasteful and yet another comforting companion for the all-star pork chops.

Price is king here, too. It’s really affordable for the amount of food you get. Hours are limited. It’s only open from 4-9 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday. There is a fully stocked bar for those wanting to partake in adult libations, as well as other food options besides the pork chops. There are also family style fried chicken, fried catfish and prime rib dinners. You can order from a traditional menu too, with burgers, steaks, Italian fare, seafood and a selection of appetizers. 3

FRAY BEYOND THE

By Sam Stemm

My Grandma was a saint. A lot of people probably say that about their grandmas, but in this case it’s true. Grandma had to quit school in the sixth grade because her mother died and as the oldest child it fell to her to raise her siblings. Thus, her teenage years were spent mothering her two brothers and two sisters. She then raised her own family, two daughters and four sons, one of whom died as a toddler. When she was widowed at 48 she had two teenagers at home and nine of her eventual 18 grandchildren had already been born. She was the ultimate caregiver: for her siblings, children, grandchildren, and an elderly aunt and uncle who she cared for like they were her own parents. Her door was always open to anyone in need. Grandma never complained. She always counted her blessings. She had a hard life, but you’d never know it by her demeanor. She was all about family and was surrounded by love. I never knew of or heard of anyone who had a bad word to say about her.

I have enduring memories of Christmas Eve at Grandma’s house. It was a family tradition. The entire family gathered at Grandma’s: multiple generations and

oftentimes distant relatives I only ever remember seeing at Grandma’s on Christmas Eve. There were snacks and libations; gag gifts and fashion shows put on by the young granddaughters who donned grandma’s clothes and put on a show; and Christmas carol sing-alongs led by grandma’s Uncle Albert, who was a professional musician – the only musically inclined member of the family even all these generations later. And there was laughter, plenty of laughter; and nobody enjoyed a good laugh more than grandma. There were gifts from grandma for each of her grandchildren. How I fondly remember Grandma gathering us grandchildren around and handing out the gifts, each of which had been lovingly placed in a brown paper bag, because you see, Grandma had no time nor the desire to to wrap gifts for 18 grandchildren. No, it was just fine to place them in brown paper bags which brought no complaint from those of us on the receiving end. Grandma was not much of a drinker, but on special occasions like Christmas Eve she would have a high-ball, or maybe two. And after all the gift-giving, and singing, and eating and drinking, and the girls’ fashion show,

somebody would say, “Grandma, are you going to recite your poem?” And everybody would gather around and a hush would fall over the room as we all waited eagerly to hear Grandma recite her poem. Up until a few years ago I would have been hardpressed to remember that poem, but I stumbled across it on the internet. Turns out it wasn’t “Grandma’s” poem at all. No, it’s a traditional nursery rhyme that Grandma learned as a young school girl many years previously, and it goes like this:

I know a little pussy

Her coat is silver gray

She lives down in the meadow

Not very far away.

She’ll always be a pussy

She’ll never be a cat. For she’s a pussy willow.

Now what do you think of that!

Never once in all those Christmas Eves did Grandma make it all the way through the entire poem because long before the end she’d get tickled, overcome by the double entendre and once she started laughing, so did everybody else. It wasn’t until I had advanced in age to my teenage years that I was in on the joke. And the same was true for all my cousins. It was a rite of passage, a coming of age, to be in on the joke about Grandma’s poem.

It’s been decades since the last Christmas Eve gathering at Grandma’s house. But there hasn’t been a Christmas Eve since that I haven’t wished I could hear Grandma recite her poem just one more time. 3

Sam Stemm is the President of Big Z Media.

By Ty Bechel

Supporting another with interest

We all understand interest regarding mortgages, credit cards, and car loans. Financial interest can keep us locked in an agreement for years while we work to stay afloat in our daily lives. I always find it interesting to see people post pictures about the new car they “bought.” A little voice says, “No, you are buying a vehicle for five to seven years while dealerships and lending entities reap the real benefits.” As we feel proud of having a nice and reliable vehicle, the work many of us do to pay for it can drain our energy while we try to keep up with interest.

A similar energy-draining phenomenon can happen when we support, love, and care for another person, whether in a romantic relationship or a seemingly revered friendship. No matter how often you help or carry water for them, there are

always conditions to the relationship that must be met just to be within reach of their good graces or approval. This is where the relationship interest gets tricky (and exhausting).

Let’s face it, relationships do come with certain agreements, primarily that are unspoken. Expectations like honor, loyalty, reliability, and respect are just a few we see in relationships. In fact, many of us demand someone meets our expectations, or we will label them a bad friend or a narcissist, one of the biggest and overly used buzzwords this century. Lopsided relationships happen when two parties need help finding a balance in their interactions and support systems for each other. Some may say this is friction, which is how relationships begin to go up in flames.

Many of us have been on both sides of the spectrum, but as we navigate living

a healthier and more purposeful life, how do we examine this everdemanding relationship that requires interest? It can be a mind-numbing experience when it feels like we’re looking through a kaleidoscope of the relationship, which can be daunting. As we sit in our thoughts of reflection, we think of the things we did for the person out of support and kindness for them. We think about how we were thoughtful and tried hard to help whatever person was charging us interest and ever reminding us that we must be the ones doing wrong.

When restoring our soul so we can find purpose, reasonable happiness, and balance, relationships can feel like a leech, sucking all of our energy dry. Some relationships are incredibly healthy and beneficial, while others are taxing and confusing. As friction builds when one party is unhappy with themselves or the world around them, it is almost too late to diffuse the walking timebomb.

We usually try to go out of our way and not purposely harm anyone we care about

unless we are entirely spiteful people and like to watch the world burn when our feelings hurt. It’s easy to develop a passion for resentment and revel in the chaos it can bring. Looking through our lens can produce a reality that can be far-fetched.

When we begin to put

demands on a relationship and dissect it piece by piece, it becomes troublesome because we feel we are owed something like interest. Our job is to examine where we are and what kind of relationship investment we want. Like a house guest wearing out their welcome, it comes time to show some

relationships the door, which is always challenging. Sometimes our sanity depends on it. 3

Ty Bechel, father of six, is an author and journalist that focuses on wellness and community. He is a podcast and radio host for Recovery Uncensored and Recovery Uncensored LIVE! on 107.1FM

Trust National Leaders With Your Breast Health

Gala to celebrate 50th anniversary of SSP

Senior Services Plus is hosting its inaugural gala on Saturday, June 10, from 6-8pm at the Commons at Lewis and Clark Community College to celebrate its 50th anniversary. Join emcee

Sheila Goins and celebrate the support of Community Partner Honorees Argosy Casino and Liberty Bank, Corporate Partner Honorees AARP Illinois and Ameren Illinois, Community Hero

Honorees BJC Alton Memorial and OSF St. Anthony’s Hospital, and Volunteer Honoree Zeke Jabusch

Funds raised will go to support the 14 programs

and services that Senior Services Plus provides throughout 8 counties that benefit nearly 30,000 older adults annually. These programs include Meals on Wheels, Information and Assistance, and Congregate Dining. The gala is replacing SSP’s previously held Feed the Need Concert as its major fundraising event.

The event will include a cocktail hour from 6-6:30pm with dinner to follow and a presentation of awards to the honorees. A quartet of students from the Alton High School orchestra will provide dinner music.

The United Methodist Village is now Asbury Village! Here, you’ll find a countryside neighborhood that bustles with activities and opportunities. Along with our new name comes a fresh focus on good health and wellness, and exciting, new services, amenities and programs. We invite you to come be a part of it all, to discover what’s next for you. Call us at (618) 466-8662 today to learn more!

be purchased online at seniorservicesplus.org/ gala. Tickets are $75 per person or a table of 8 can be purchased for $600.

SSP thanks event sponsors 1st MidAmerica Credit Union, AARP Illinois, Asbury Village, Phillips 66 Wood River Refinery, EmpowerMe Wellness, Roberts Motors, Scheffel Boyle CPA’s, Quackcom, Helmkamp Construction, The Rome Group, United Healthcare, US Foods, Midwest Flower Shop, and Daniel and Henry Insurance and Risk Management for their support of this inaugural event.

Service League honors groups and volunteers

Alton Community Service League, at the final meeting of the year, lived up to their mission statement: Women volunteering individually and collectively for the betterment and beautification of the Alton-Godfrey area. Total hours volunteered by all members was 2,517 hours with a total market value of $75,384.15. This year’s Silver Bowl recipient, the member who has volunteered the most hours, is Sandra Goeken

The United Methodist Village is now Asbury Village! Here, you’ll find a countryside neighborhood that bustles with activities and opportunities. Along with our new name comes a fresh focus on good health and wellness, and exciting, new services, amenities and programs. We invite you to come be a part of it all, to discover what’s next for you. Call us at (618) 466-8662 today to learn more!

A silent auction will open Wednesday, June 7, and will run until 7:30pm the night of the event. Proceeds from the gala and silent auction will help support Senior Services Plus programs and services.

For more information, please call 618-465-3298 ext. 117.

For more information on how you can volunteer or donate to Senior Services Plus, visit seniorservicesplus.org.

3

Tickets or tables can

New name, new amenities, same great community!

New name, new amenities, same great community!

The United Methodist Village is now Asbury Village! Here, you’ll find a countryside neighborhood that bustles with activities and opportunities. Along with our new name comes a fresh focus on good health and wellness, and exciting, new services, amenities and programs. We invite you to come be a part of it all, to discover what’s next for you. Call us at (618) 466-8662 today to learn more!

5201 Asbury Avenue Godfrey, IL 62035

New name, new amenities, same great community!

5201 Asbury Avenue Godfrey, IL 62035

5201 Asbury Avenue Godfrey, IL 62035

fight.

The ACSL has again, through the help of the community, raised funds totaling $12,106.48 for area beautification and non profits, including: Girl Scouts of Southern Il., Alton Youth Symphony, Alton Area Animal Aid Assoc., Seasons of Life, Thrive Metro East, Riverbend Head Start and Family Services, Senior Services Plus, and more. 3

The television

LIFE HESTON ON

By Pat Heston

I don’t remember how old I was before my family got a television. I’m pretty sure it was around the year I was in the fifth grade. It could have been earlier, but it wasn’t much later. In other words, I was ten or so when we got a small black-andwhite set with rabbit ears and relatively small screen. We picked up channels 2,

4, 5, and 9 out of St. Louis, sometimes 11, and — on rare occasions barely worthy of note — channel 30.

We thought we had hit the television jackpot — you know, front lines, cutting edge stuff, taking the invention as far as it could go. I mean, after all, six channels on a really good day.

I cut my viewing teeth on

Wrangler’s Cartoon Club, Cookie & The Captain, Howdy Doody, and family favorites such as Your Show of Shows, What’s My Line, I’ve Got A Secret—all in glorious, shadowy, noncolor.

I remember the first time I ever saw a show on a color television. Our neighbor’s, the Clarks, phoned my mom one Saturday morning. Their new color TV had just been delivered yesterday, and they wondered if younger brother John and I might like to traipse down the alley and watch cartoons in color. We wanted. We went. It was wonderful. It was, however, several years before our

family actually became proud owners of a state-ofthe-art color television set … still with the same handful of channels, of course. Television has fascinated, even captivated me, since I was a kid. Now, of course, we get a gazillion channels and could lose our retirement paying for big-time options, streaming services and the like. Why my interest in television, you ask?

Simply this: An ancestor of mine — the first to set foot on the North American continent — invented television. Would I lie to you? In print?

Well, you be the judge.

The date was April 22, 1783. The place was Wrightstown, Bucks County, Pennsylvania. The occasion was yet another invention by a friend of William Penn, my ancestor Zebulon Heston.

I would guess that most people do not know that Zeb invented the TV. I’m not sure Zeb even knew it. He was just fooling around in his basement with whatever he had lying around.

Anyway, Zebulon Heston invented the first television set. He gathered family and friends in his humble living room, set his invention in front of them, plugged it into the socket he had invented

in the fall of 1782 (to cover a mouse hole above the baseboard), and turned the knob on the TV.

As fate would have it, nothing happened, much to the chagrin of his guests. It should be pointed out that it was not Zeb’s fault. After all, electricity had not yet been harnessed. On the upside, nothing good was on television that night anyway. Some things never change. 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.

BY Liberty Bank A United Community Bank

Melanie Parker Alton High School

SPONSORED BY Liberty Bank A United Community Bank

Madison Ross Alton High School

Peter Malenic Alton High School

Simon McClaine Alton High School

Ryan McNamee Alton High School

Caitlyn Neely Alton High School

Cecilia Parker Alton High School

SPONSORED BY SImmons Hanly Conroy

Wesley Patridge Alton High School

SPONSORED BY SImmons Hanly Conroy

Kathryn Saenz Alton High School

SPONSORED BY SImmons Hanly Conroy

Claire Paule Alton High School

SPONSORED BY SImmons Hanly Conroy

Eleanor Schuler Alton High School

SPONSORED BY Fischer Lumber Company

Noah Perkins Alton High School

SPONSORED BY Quality Buick GMC

Gabrielle Peuterbaugh Alton High School

SPONSORED BY Auto Butler

Kathryn Stark Alton High School

SPONSORED BY SImmons Hanly Conroy

Kennedy Stephens Alton High School

SPONSORED BY SImmons Hanly Conroy

Juliana Rensing Alton High School

SPONSORED BY SImmons Hanly Conroy

Aaron Swanson Alton High School

SPONSORED BY SImmons Hanly Conroy

SPONSORED BY SImmons Hanly Conroy

SPONSORED BY Quality Buick GMC

SPONSORED BY Auto Butler

SPONSORED BY SImmons Hanly Conroy

SPONSORED BY Fischer Lumber Company

TOP SCHOLARS

2023 SENIORS - TOP 8 PERCENT

L&C’s College for Kids offers loads of summer fun

Lewis and Clark Community College’s Community Education division is helping to keep kids busy this summer with more than 20 week-long College for Kids classes.

College for Kids is an academic enrichment program designed to keep young minds active as they engage, connect and learn. This year’s line-up of classes includes the popular Junior Explorers Summer Camp, lead by L&C Adjunct Faculty Member and Lewis and Clark State Historic Site Superintendent Bradley Winn.

“The Junior Explorers Summer Camp is absolutely one of our favorite projects we do at the Lewis and Clark State Historic Site,” Winn said. “The camp provides a hands-on perspective about the extraordinary journey of the Lewis and Clark Expedition. Our camp activities encourage kids to explore a love of history in a fun and team-building environment, setting them on their way to becoming a full-fledged member of the Corps of Discovery.”

The 2023 Summer Camps list is as follows:

Magic: Pulling Rabbits out

of Hats and Other Animal

Tricks!

Using Color, Shape and Texture in Art

Galaxy Far Away (Star Wars)

Balloonatics

Understanding Proportion, Scale and Space

Story Magic

Exploring Different Art

Techniques

Lewis and Clark Junior Explorers Camp

MathMagic

Exploring Dimension in Art

Magic to Amaze Your Family, Friends and Pets

Art of Journaling

Minecraft BRICKS

Camp Waterschool

Kids Comedy

Say It with Hands (Sign

Language)

Yoga for Children

So, You Want to be a Magician

Junior Robotics

Magic Mystery Camp

Self Defense for Kids

This year’s camps begin on June 5 and run through August 4.

For a full list of camp dates, descriptions and fees, visit lc.edu/C4K.

For more information, contact Becky Moore at 618-468-5701 or bmoore@ lc.edu. To register, call the Enrollment Center at 618468-2222. 3

LOCAL EXPERTS

INSURANCE

As I’ve started my summer traveling this year, it seems road rage is still happening. How can I keep away from this?

It is definitely an issue most of us have experienced. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) suggests the following to help avoid becoming an aggressive driving victim or offender:

Tom Lane

• Don’t tailgate (use the “2-second rule’ when following another driver)

• Avoid eye contact with an aggressive driver

• Use your horn sparingly

• Don’t block passing lanes or a right-turn lane.

• Signal before switching lanes or when turning

• Realize that you can’t control traffic – only your reaction to it. Plan ahead so you have extra time if traffic is busy.

• When parking, don’t take up more than one space. Don’t allow your door to hit the car parked next to yours. We are all responsible for what happens on the road so next time someone provokes you, take a deep breath and remember that how you react could impact whether or not you and everyone around you reaches a destination safely.

Can a bankruptcy stop a garnishment?

YES.

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

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

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.

116 W. Bethalto Blvd, Bethalto 618-377-8912 tomlaneagency.net

our area high schools’ graduating seniors. And thank you to our local businesses for their support of these graduates.

By Gary Bost Bethalto Mayor

Here’s what’s going on in Bethalto

It’s hard to believe we’re already talking summertime in Bethalto. School will soon be out, and we’ll be witnessing the Class of 2023 walking the stage at Civic Memorial High School. Congratulations to all our local graduates—and remember, no matter how far you travel you can always call Bethalto “home”.

At our May meeting, we brought back two incumbents and welcomed one newcomer to our Village Board. Trustees Jeff Mull, Maria Perkhiser, and Rachel Sontag were sworn in by Village Clerk Sue Lowrance on May 8. I’d like to thank former Trustee Tim Lowrance for his four years of service on the Village Board and wish him the best as he lives retirement life to the fullest. We have a lot of exciting things on the horizon in Bethalto and I know that these folks, along with board members Brady Dugger, Tim Tweedy, and Terri Keister, will achieve great things over the next four years.

Bethalto Splash Landing, our splash pad, will open for the season on Saturday, May 27. Open daily from 10am-5pm with free admission, you can bring the kids out for a splashing good time! Concessions are available as well. Looking to book a private splash pad party? Visit our website Bethalto.com, on the home page under “Quick

Links”, for more Splash Pad information and how to reserve your date. Looking for more free family entertainment?

Bethalto Spirit is sponsoring Music in the Park every Thursday in Central Park beginning May 25. This year will see the return of Elvis, Flip the Frog, and a visit by the Scott Air Force Base band as well as many other great entertainers. Be sure to follow Bethalto Spirit on Facebook for more details on all their events. Their weekly Farmers Markets are set to start June 4, and will run from 9am-1pm each Sunday through October 15. We look forward to hosting their great local vendors!

Several roadway projects are underway or planned in the coming months. Crews have been working on resurfacing Oak Street between Plegge Boulevard and Central Street, and bids will be coming in soon for repairs to the Stadium Drive bridge. You’ve likely noticed tree work along Prairie Street— the old, overgrown bradford pear trees will be removed and replaced with smaller trees soon. Work is also continuing in preparation for the multi-use trail project that will eventually connect the path through Central Park with the west end of Plegge Boulevard at Old Bethalto Road.

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 always seeking volunteer drivers & dispatchers—anyone interested can contact Bill Ambrose at 618-7928971.

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. Monthly committee meetings are on the fourth Monday of each month, as needed, and begin at 6pm in our Council Chambers. We encourage residents to attend and to stay informed of all the happenings in town. Also be sure to follow our Village Facebook page (Bethalto Village) and visit our website Bethalto. com.

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

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

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

SMALL BUSINESS OF THE MONTH Freer Auto Body & Accessories

The RiverBend Growth Association has chosen its May 2023 Small Business of the Month award honoree to be Freer Auto Body & Accessories, Inc. of Godfrey.

Located at 4512 N. Alby Road, Freer Auto Body has been a business mainstay now for 31 years with 16 employees who all have a part in supporting “the dream.” This dream had been launched into reality by a young 19-year-old entrepreneur back in 1991, with help from his grandfather, his brother, and his whole family. David Freer was that young man with a vision. His grandfather was Arnold Freer, an auto body man with a genuine talent.

Freer Auto Body remains a true family-owned business today.

“We lost David in 2008,” noted Margaret Freer, David’s mother, who helps in keeping his vision going as a part of the family business. “But we have continued his legacy of quality repairs and excellent customer service. We have never forgotten our meager beginnings, and we truly feel the community has made us what we are today.”

Tim Freer, David’s brother and founding co-owner, now leads the business and its team forward.

Freer Auto Body is rated in the top one percent of auto repair facilities throughout the United States for quality and service. It is an I-CAR Gold Class facility and continues to keep on top of the constant changes in the industry. Today, its facility occupies three buildings,

roughly 13,000 square feet.

“We are constantly investing in our business and upgrading facilities and equipment,” said Margaret. “We have the most modern equipment and products in the industry.”

Further investments in the community from Freer Auto Body can be witnessed through their ongoing community service.

Bakery/restaurant opens in East Alton

Sweet Little Things has set up shop in East Alton at 611 E. Airline Drive. Its owner, Rose Badasch, is a familiar face to many throughout the Riverbend.

Badasch shared that she has opened Sweet Little Things “to share the love of cooking and baking with every single person that walks in the door.

“We want to give you food that will fill your bellies, put a smile on your face, and make you feel as if you’ve come home,” she added. “Why?

Because each person that comes in will be treated like family. Food is not just meant to be nourishment. It’s a way of bringing people together and sharing a common experience. So when we say, ‘come taste what you’ve been missing,’ it’s not only about the food. It’s the friendships as well.”

In joining the RiverBend Growth Association, Badasch noted, “I believe in what the RBGA stands for. For years, I’ve watched the leadership skills of the individuals within help to grow not just their companies, but also the community

as a whole. To me, the RBGA stands as a consolidated force to help move businesses forward and to keep this area a place where people will want to visit, shop, and be a part of. Who wouldn’t want to be involved in a group so dedicated to the Riverbend?”

“I would love to be profitable, but I also want to learn from the RBGA, to create a company that everyone wants to be a part of,”

Badasch further noted. “I’ve stated on my social media: I believe that food can be a real communal experience. Perhaps in the near future, I could expand the bakery/ restaurant. I also want to give back to the community I’ve grown up in and continue to show the Riverbend how food can bring us all together.” sweetlittlethings.us | 618-215-6259

The Salvation Army, Crisis Food Center, and the North Alton Godfrey Business Council are just a few of the local nonprofits supported by the Freer family business.

“We founded Christmas in July and Cookies and Cocoa for Community Christmas, which raise thousands of dollars each year for our area needy. Without these events, many in our area would not experience the magic of Christmas,” Margaret said.

“We have painted golf cars, rescue boats, ambulances, fire trucks and watering buggies free of charge for local charities and organizations,” she added. “We sponsor soccer, basketball, baseball, and just about every nonprofit in our area with a mission to help our area and its people. We genuinely believe we have made a difference in our community, helping to make it a better place to live, work and play.”

“We spend between $20 and $25,000 on certifications and training for our staff a year,” Freer further shared. “I-CAR Gold Class is the highest level of training you can accomplish in our industry, and we have had those

Freer Auto Body & Accessories 4512 N. Alby Road, Godfrey 618-466-6151 freerautobody.com

credentials since 2004. We pay all fees for training and certifications; employees are required to complete so many classes in their areas of expertise.”

“Our newest challenge is inflation and trying to pay the $6,300 a month electric bill, increasing health insurance fees and skyrocketing material costs, all while being regulated by insurance companies that are facing some of their own challenges.”

“We have worked long and hard to get where we are today. Nothing was given. We opened with faith and grown with support. We are proud of our success and our accomplishments, which our customers and the community have made possible. We truly give back daily, and we are grateful for our ability to give and to help make our community shine,” Margaret noted.

The RiverBend Growth Association is the Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development organization for the 11 communities known as the Riverbend. For more information about the Growth Association, visit growthassociation.com or call 618467-2280.

NEW MEMBERS:

AP Cigar Co. Alton apcigar.co | 202 State Street, Alton | 618-631-3645

Kona Ice of Alton kona-ice.com | 314-580-0955

Mississippi Valley Christian School mvcs-il.org | 2009 Seminary St., Alton | 618-462-1071

Rachel & Co. Coffee House LLC

rachelscoffeehouse.com | 84 E Ferguson Ave., Wood River | 618-593-5594

RE/MAX Alliance

metroeastliving.com | 809 W. Delmar Ave., Alton | 618-466-7100

Tara Barber, Joi Barragan, Jenni Beck, REALTOR, Susan Cameron, Lisa Funk, Nick Funk, Rick Owens, Broker/Owner, Tammy Owens, Jill Schulz, Chris Seniker, Sarah Seniker

RiverBend Records

riverbendrecords.com | 2720 Grovelin St., Suite B, Godfrey | 618-433-1673

Sloan’s This & That

FB @ Sloan’s This & That | 401 W Bethalto Dr., Bethalto | 618-717-6053

Summers-Port Inc.

summersport.net | 3120 Greenwood Lane, Godfrey | 618-401-6738

Thrivent

thrivent.com | Lindsay Waters, Market Director | 618-670-9544

TUS Productions

theunseenstars.com | 2464 Woodland Lane, Brighton | 618-444-4799

RBGA page sponsored by 1st MidAmerica Credit Union

Freer team Margaret, Mike, Tim, Carrie

Sweet Little Things team members are Rose Badasch, Heather Humphrey, David Mundy, Zachary Mundy, and Kaitlin Pickett (not pictured)

Good Luck this Season!

We’re proud to support all of the Riverbend’s high school athletes this season. Stay safe and have fun!

AdVantage Athletes sponsored by Simmons Hanly Conroy

Marquette volleyball senior night

Alton vs. Marquette in girls soccer Annaleigh White clears the ball for the Oilers against Belleville Althoff

Roxana Sophomore Landon Sitze pitching in a regional playoff game

CM Senior Hannah Meiser out front [photo courtesy of Dan Cruz]

CM Freshman Kaylee Shields in the pole vault [photo courtesy of Dan Cruz]

4. The “Harry Potter” series by J.K. Rowling.

5. The study of cells.

6. Ponderosa.

7. Kentucky.

8. Poland.

9. Scarab.

10. Komodo Dragon.

Flashback

1. Dean Martin, in 1964. Written 20 years before, the song never got much attention until Martin’s version. It became his signature song on his television show from 1965 to 1974.

2. Dion, in 1961 after his break with the Belmonts. Dion was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame for the song in 2002.

3. Peter Townshend of The Who. At last count, the number of guitars smashed topped 80. Legend says that he always collected the pieces of the guitars and glued them back together.

4. Shrinky Dinx, after a lawsuit by the toy manufacturer of Shrinky Dinks.

5. “Wedding Bell Blues,” by the 5th Dimension. The song, written and recorded in 1966 by Laura Nyro when she was only 18 years old, soared to the top of the charts when the 5th Dimension version was released.

Tourism Bureau and two area communities receive state tourism promotion grants

The Great Rivers & Routes Tourism Bureau of Southwest Illinois along with the cities of Grafton and Collinsville were awarded a total of $135,000 in Illinois Travel and Tourism grants from the Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity and the Illinois Office of Tourism.

The grant funds will be used to market the region and the individual cities in tourism promotions spearheaded by the Tourism Bureau.

“This is the first time we’ve applied for and received marketing grants for individual communities,”

Cory Jobe, President of the Great Rivers & Routes Tourism Bureau remarked.

“The grants call for a 50 percent match, so effectively we will be spending $270,000 on paid targeted marketing efforts, in addition to our normal marketing budget. We’ve seen a surge in interest in our region in the last several years from key markets in St. Louis, Chicago, Indiana, and Central Illinois-and that can be directly attributed to our strong marketing efforts.”

The Great Rivers & Routes Tourism Bureau received a $50,000 grant. The City of Grafton received a $35,000 grant and Collinsville received a $50,000 grant. The Tourism Bureau will create and place all marketing collateral for both cities.

Travel and Tourism Grants are funded by the federal Economic Development Administration to help reinvigorate tourism in Illinois. Grants were available from $10,000 to $100,000. The grants are designed to provide funding for promotional efforts by local governments, municipalities, nonprofits and Certified Convention and Visitor Bureaus. The goal is to attract visitors to destinations, attractions and events in Illinois. 3

Today’s

by Mike Ostresh