Rock Spring Park
Nov. 29 - Dec. 29, 2019
M-F 6-9PM • S-S 5-9PM
$7 suggested donation per vehicle
A shining example
For nearly 30 years, the “Grandpa Gang” has decorated Rock Spring Park for the enjoyment of the community and to raise money for worthwhile causes.
Beginning as a small group of dedicated volunteers, the group designs, constructs, and erects displays and places lights throughout the park. Through the years, the displays have been maintained and expanded to continue the visual experience of the season. This has now become a welcome tradition, and hundreds of vehicles pass through the park on most nights.
Most of the volunteers are retired and willing to work primarily during the morning hours to set up and dismantle the event, beginning around the second week of September and continuing through the end of February. We always welcome new volunteers and encourage new ideas to improve or expand. Our group, with six new volunteers added this year, comes from many communities throughout Madison and Jersey counties.
Last season, approximately 38,000 people passed through the park, stationed by 450 volunteer workers. Their generosity, and that of our sponsors, resulted in Christmas Wonderland Inc. being able to return $50,000 to different organizations, charities and community projects.
More than 2.5 million lights await the public for viewing again this year, along with a few new displays and light creations using LEDs. Our walk-through night this year is Monday, Dec. 2, with a suggested donation of $1 per person. The other nights from Nov. 29 through Dec. 29 are drive-through nights, with hours from 6 until 9 p.m. Monday through Friday and 5 until 9 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, with a suggested donation of $7 per car and $1 per person on buses or larger vehicles.
A well-organized security presence also ensures the safety and security of the visitors during and after operating hours. Christmas Wonderland Inc. wishes to thank the volunteers, our sponsors, and you, the public, for making our efforts worthwhile. Now, turn off your lights, turn on the holiday music at 87.9 FM on your radio, and enjoy!
2019 Christmas Wonderland GRANDPA GANG MEMBERS
Rhonda Lewis
Christine Croxton
Tim Croxton
Harry Kulp Joseph
Dan Bolin
Chris
Pat Spahr
Al Cowgill, President
Rhonda Lewis, Vice President
Ruthene Ele, Treasurer
Brett Stawar, Board Member
Mike Haynes, Board Member
Dick Alford, Board Member
Mildred Davis, Board Member
Tom Spahr, Board Member
Ken Aldridge, Board Member
Bud Rain
TJ Thornton
Al Cowgill
Allan Watson Bill Hiller
Bert Mary
Dick Alford
Gary Sanders
Jerry Oglesby
Jim Heinemann
Tom Spahr
Nathan Edsel
Will Patridge
George Winterberg
Ken Aldridge
Tom Hohenstein
Marvin Bock
Earl Gill
Robert Garrisson
David Davis
R L Christeson
John Scoggins
Phil Whitaker
Jim Witt
Richard Mandry
Jon Fosha
Joe Pendt
Gary “Shep” Sheppard Allen Coalson
Away in a Manger
Corporate Sponsors
• 1st Mid America Credit Union
• AdVantage
• Alton Community Service League
• Alton Fire Dept.
• Alton Police Dept.
• Alton Refrigeration
• Anderson Trees
• Carrollton Bank
• Cedarhurst of Bethalto
• Christenson Information Svcs.
• CNB Bank & Trust
• Davis Apartments
• Dugan Tool & Die
• Evergreen Place
• Gent Funeral Home
• Global Brass
• Hamilton Fabricating
• Hayner Public Library
• Homestead Financial Mortgage
• John Hopkins Family
• Kiestran-Chiapelli-Hinthorne
• Liberty Bank
• Maneke Jewelers
• Nautilus Fitness Center
• Olin Corporation, Winchester Div.
• Phillips 66
• Piasa Motor Fuel
• Principia College
• Robert Sanders Waste Systems
• Roberts Motors
• Sheppard, Morgan & Schwaab
• Sign Magic
• Stutz Excavating, Inc.
• Tangled Tinsel Christmas Tree Farm
• The Telegraph
• Wegman Electric
SENIOR CITIZEN APARTMENT COMPLEX
Renee Manley, Agent 3768 Humbert Road
Alton, IL 62002
Renee Manley, Agent 3768 Humbert Road Alton, IL 62002
Renee Manley, Agent 3768 Humbert Road
Bus: 618-462-0417
Bus: 618-462-0417
renee.manley.ceui@statefarm.com
renee.manley.ceui@statefarm.com
Alton, IL 62002
Bus: 618-462-0417
renee.manley.ceui@statefarm.com
Renee Manley, Agent 3768 Humbert Road
Alton, IL 62002
Bus: 618-462-0417
renee.manley.ceui@statefarm.com
renee.manley.ceui@statefarm.com 3768 Humbert Road • Alton
State Farm Bloomington, IL
O Christmas Tree
Deck the Halls
Volunteer Groups
• 1st Mid American Credit Union
• 1st Presbyterian Church
• Alton CVB/Friends of Haskell
• Alton Educational Foundation
• Alton High Class of ‘64
• Alton Juneteenth Committee
• Alton Optimists
• Behavioral Health
• Boy Scout Troop 101
• Bright Hope Chapter Eastern Star
• Christmas Wonderland Board/ Grandpa Gang
• Community Volunteers
• Cub Scout Pack 3001
• Dunbar Lodge 97
• East Alton Rotary
• East End Improvement
• Friends of the ’60s
• GFWC Wood River Women’s Club
• Grafton Methodist Church
• Ladies Order of Hibernians
• Mississippi Valley Christian School
• Otter Creek Historical Society
• Power of the Giraffe
• Phi Tau Omega Sorority
• Riverbender Community Center
• Scheffel Boyle
• St. Peter Lutheran Church
Enchanted Forest
Food Providers
• Cedarhurst of Bethalto
• My Just Desserts
• Village Inn Cafe
• Fazoli’s
• Papa John’s
• Jimmy John’s
• lmo’s
• Subway (West Delmar)
• Taco Bell
• Senior Services Plus
• Fast Eddie’s Fried Chicken
• Godfrey Meat Market
• Josephine’s
• Johnson’s Corner
• Castelli’s Restaurant at 255
• Alton Sports Tap
• Julia’s Banquet Center
• Decaro’s
• Evergreen Place
• Joe K’s
• Applebee’s
• Best Western Premier
• Regal Beagle
• Bluff City Grill
• Argosy
• Mac’s Time Out
• Chubby’s
Merry & bright
Family Features
Nothing captures the spirit of the holidays quite like the glow of bright, colorful lights. Few things, however, can put a damper on holiday decorating quite like seeing a section of those freshly hung lights go dark. With these pro tips, you can keep your holiday lights bright and spirits merry:
• Measure: When planning the number of lights you will need for your tree, estimate using at least 100 lights for every foot of tree height.
• LED vs. Incandescent: LEDs are more expensive than incandescent lights, but typically last longer. When it comes to energy usage, a tree with 1,000 incandescent lights can cost $10 over an average holiday season while the same tree using LEDs costs around $1.50.
• Indoor vs. Outdoor: Commercial-grade light
sets are more reliable for outdoor use because of their durability and thicker insulation.
• Inspect: Before stringing lights, check for broken bulbs and sockets, frayed cords, burned out lights and loose connections.
• Connect: For best results when using incandescent lights, connect no more than three strands of mini-string sets together. LED light sets can handle connecting more than 30 strands together.
• String: When stringing lights on a tree, begin at the top of the tree with the light set plugged in. If a light set blinks during stringing the tree, you may have a loose bulb.
• Replace and repair: Occasionally check for any bulbs that aren’t working and replace them as soon as possible to get the most of your light sets. Two burned out bulbs can decrease the lifespan of the light set by 39 percent; four burned out bulbs by 67 percent.
Silent Night
Happy holiday gift-giving
Family Features
It’s nearly inevitable to go through holiday shopping season without that one person on your gift list who seems impossible to buy for. Rather than spending countless hours meandering through aisle after aisle, try this array of gift options to fit just about anybody on your list.
Find more gift ideas and tips for the holidays at eLivingToday.com.
A New Way of Notetaking
Save your hand-written notes, ideas and sketches digitally with Bamboo Folio, a smartpad that allows you to write naturally with a pen on any paper. Push the button to save your handwritten notes as digital files. With the Wacom Inkspace app, you can organize, edit and share your notes on your smartphone and tablet. Don’t worry if you’re not near your mobile devices - you can store up to 100 pages on the smartpad and sync later. Find more information at bamboo. wacom.com/smartpads.
assortment of dishes has something for almost everyone, including tender Filet Mignons; juicy Top Sirloins; naturally lean, yet juicy Boneless Pork Chops; Potatoes au Gratin; and homestyle Caramel Apple Tartlets. It’s a craveworthy holiday gift, at a special, limited-time low price. Find more delicious holiday gift ideas at omahasteaks.com.
Cook with Innovation
Cook with ease and confidence this holiday season with the GE Cafe front control slide-in ranges with an industry-first six burners and a double oven. Make cooking less of a chore and add that “wow” factor to your kitchen with convenient Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity that allows you to heat, set timers and even change temperatures through automated home gadgets. With the double oven and 50 percent more burners, you can maximize every inch of kitchen space. Learn more at geappliances.com.
The Gift of Gratitude
A Stylish Stocking Stuffer
When searching for stocking stuffers or a practical present for a relative, friend or workplace gift exchange, consider a Zebra Pen option. With a wide variety of pen types, styles and ink colors, there’s a high-quality pen for nearly everyone on your list. From the Steel Series line perfect for the professionals in your life to Sarasa colored gel pens featuring rapiddrying ink technology that make planning and journaling a breeze. Find more budget-friendly gift ideas at zebrapen.com.
A Tasteful Gift
With the holidays just around the corner, give your loved ones a gift that keeps giving - the Omaha Steaks Tasteful Gift combo. This
This holiday season, spread the gift of gratitude and say “thank you” to the people in your life with merci Chocolates, a thoughtful collection of European chocolates. Each slim, stylish box contains eight unique, individually wrapped flavors, making it the perfect gift for nearly everyone on your holiday list. Find more information at merci.us.
Serving Up Pancakes for Good
Make a morning meal that gives back. For every Pampered Chef Pancake Blender Bottle sold, the company will donate 11 meals to Feeding America(r). As a bonus for the home chef, the recipe printed on the side of the container makes 6-12 pancakes or crepes. Simply add the ingredients with the cap that doubles as a measuring spoon and shake for an easy holiday breakfast - no extra dishes required. Find more information at pamperedchef.com/feedingamerica.
TRICKEY’S SERVICE INC.
When it’s cold outside, start up the fireplace, get your favorite slippers on, wrap up in a warm blanket and snuggle on the couch with this delicious WHITE HOT CHOCOLATE
3 cups Half & Half
2/3 cup white chocolate baking pieces
1 3 inch cinnamon stick
1/8 tsp ground nutmeg
1 tsp vanilla
1/4 tsp almond extract
Crushed candy canes (optional)
Whipped Cream (optional)
In a medium saucepan combine 1/4 of the half & half, white chocolate baking pieces, cinnamon stick and nutmeg. Stir over low to medium heat until white chocolate is melted.
Add remaining half & half. Stir and cook until heated through. Remove
Family Features
from heat. Discard cinnamon stick.
Add in vanilla and almond extract. Stir until mixed through.
Pour into your favorite mugs. Top with whipped cream and sprinkle with crushed candy canes.
We Wish You a Merry Christmas
Get ready to sparkle
Tips for being the ultimate holiday host
Family Features
‘Tis the season for holiday gatherings. Decorating and preparing to host a festive party or get-together can be stressful, but with these tips, you can add a seasonal sparkle that makes guests feel welcome and ensure that you - and your home - are ready to look and play the part.
Brighten up your home
Seasonal decor and holiday lights enhance both the interior and exterior of your home to create a welcoming atmosphere for family and guests alike. Further set the mood with a seasonal soundtrack that plays softly in the background throughout your gathering and strategically place holidayscented diffusers and candles throughout your home. Give careful attention to lighting overall, adding task lighting where needed to keep every room cheery and bright.
your smile white can be convenient and affordable, so go ahead and indulge in your favorite red wine and holiday treat.
Set a shining table
Dress up the dining room table with elegant place settings, including fine china or crystal dishes and glassware. For a more formal gathering, consider placing name cards in stylish holders so guests know where to take
Look your best
The holidays are a time when you can’t stop smiling as you gather with loved ones, attend holiday parties and seasonal work events, or pose for those annual family photos. It’s important you look and feel your best, which starts with your smile, along with choosing the right outfit and accessories that add a festive touch. When brushing twice daily for six weeks, a toothpaste such as Colgate Optic White Platinum High Impact White can deliver four shades visibly whiter teeth, starting in just three days, so your smile is at its whitest for those holiday moments and photos. Keeping
their seats. Adding seasonal-colored accents throughout the table can also help set the mood, as can displaying desserts on tiered serving trays. Even if the center of the table will be filled with food, look for creative, subtle ways to infuse the elegance with a pretty centerpiece that brings the whole spread together.
Give gifts that sparkle
Whether gifting for family or assembling gift bags for party guests, look for shimmery wrapping paper or gift bags in vibrant, cheerful colors. Include small seasonal trinkets, such as ornaments that reflect the theme of the party or bejeweled photo frames to capture memories of the celebration for years to come. For more ways to make your holidays shine, visit colgateopticwhite.com.
Creative gift ideas for kids
Family Features
Few things compare to the joy and excitement on the faces of children on Christmas morning as they rush to the tree in search of packages bearing their names.
Though it may seem many of the items on your child’s list require tech savvy, getting back to basics with crafty gifts can allow your kids to explore their artistic sides and foster imaginative play. From options like coloring books and jewelry-making kits to glitter activity sets and color and wash collectibles, there are a variety of present ideas out there meant to get those creative juices flowing.
Whether searching for a gift for the animal lover, aspiring scientist or DIYer, you can find gifts to spark your child’s imagination and leave him or her with a colorful, memorable surprise at Crayola.com.
Rethink arts and crafts time
While many children love to play with glitter, traditional glitter and glue can be messy. This holiday season, opt for a less-mess solution like Crayola Glitter Dots, which are recommended for children 5 or older and available in 13 sparkly colors and three color palettes: classic, tropical and bold. Each innovative dot features a special coating so all the glitter is contained inside and a unique adhesive that sticks to multiple surfaces including paper, wood, felt, papiermache, fabrics, plastic foam and more. They are available in single packs or as part of larger
activity kits that can be used to conceive custom creations as well as keychains, stickers, mosaics, sparkly signs and more.
Customizable creativity
In a matter of minutes, kids can be transported to an imaginative safari where they can create, nurture and collect colorable and washable figures with the Crayola Scribble Scrubbie Safari, intended for ages 3 and older. Using the included kid-powered Oasis Tub with a slide attachment, kids can wash off their pets, customize their appearance using six different Scribble Scrubbie Ultra Clean Washable Markers and create brand new designs again and again. In addition to the four safari pets included - monkey, elephant, giraffe and lionadditional expansion packs are available that can bring your child’s collection to a total of 12 adorable animals.
Christmas Greetings
We hope the holidays ring in the best of everything for you! At this joyous time, we’d like to take this opportunity to thank you for your loyal patronage throughout the past year and we look forward to serving you again in the years to come.
Sam Roberts
John Roberts
Jack Phegley
Tom Tavolacci
Pam Bick
Johnny McClennan
Rachel McHugh
Teresa Klos
Tony Michelon Jr
David Chandler
Brent Cleveland
Paul Coleman
Kelsey Murphy
Bryan Collins
Mike Jacober
Jacob Rau
John Cook
Rachel Dooling
Tim Cunningham
Tony Schomburg
Jeremy Darr
Bob Schuman
Tony Skalnican
Sylvia Skinner
Bobbi Steinkuehler
Cindy Edwards
Fred Steinmann
Kelly Freeman
Danny VanMeter
Rudy Goheen
Becky Wayman
Curtis Winder
Sally Woolsey
Bob Hausman
Shannon Hedin
Jim Holman
Mike Fischer
Ralph Hall
Sean Cobb
Dennis Gobble
Anna Henschen
Jeremy Judge
Tomas Lira
Bob Reynolds
Travis Reynolds
Ryan Boyd
David Chapman
Je rey Eby
Ryan Field
Sonny Irvin
Chris Pfei er
Patrick Havlin
Terry Lockyer
Alexander Taylor
Robb Best
Taylor Brown
Paul Butler
Andrew Goeken
Kevin Grillion
Paul Hull
Conner Lafser
Jimmie Overholtzer
Tamara Sherrill
JaQuail Townser
Konor Yates
