Riverbender 🕸

Did you know that over 80% of the world’s population relies on herbal remedies for primary healthcare? Herbal teas, a simple yet powerful way to harness the healing properties of plants, have been consumed for millennia. Beyond their soothing flavors, these infusions can support digestion, reduce stress, and boost immunity. But why settle for store-bought sachets when you can create your own blends from fresh, vibrant ingredients right at home? This article explores the art and science of making homemade herbal teas using fresh herbs, flowers, and roots, empowering you to craft personalized brews tailored to your taste and wellness needs. Understanding Herbal Teas: What Sets Them Apart? Herbal teas, also known as tisanes, differ from traditional teas because they do not contain leaves from the Camellia sinensis plant. Instead, they are made from a variety of fresh or dried herbs, flowers, seeds, or roots steeped in hot water. This distinction means herbal teas are naturally

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O’FALLON, Ill. — HSHS Medical Group is pleased to welcome Allison Harris, PA-C, to HSHS Medical Group Multispecialty Care – St. Elizabeth’s at 3 St. Elizabeth Blvd., Suite 5000, in O’Fallon, Illinois. Harris is a certified physician assistant with a clinical focus in gastroenterology. She provides compassionate, patient-centered care through open communication, trust and individualized attention. Harris takes time to listen, educate and partner with her patients to develop care plans tailored to their unique needs and long-term health goals. She earned a Master of Science in physician assistant studies from Franklin College in Franklin, Indiana. She holds a Master of Science in biology from Indiana University–Purdue University Indianapolis and a Bachelor of Arts in biology from Anderson University in Anderson, Indiana. Harris resides in O’Fallon. In her free time, she enjoys strength training, reading, meal prepping and exploring the local

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ALTON — Alton Pride is proud to announce the recipients of its 2025 High School Scholarships, awarded to four outstanding students who have demonstrated a deep commitment to community service, leadership, and advocacy within and beyond the LGBTQ+ community. This year’s scholarships are awarded as follows: Roadecker “Roe” Watts Award ($1,500) – Bailey Rardin, Alton High School Debbie Paynic Award ($1,000) – Jamie Postlewait, Alton High School Harvey Milk Award ($750) – Adelia, Sandifer, Alton High School RuPaul Charles Award ($500) – Jake Sims, Civic Memorial High School Applicants were evaluated by the Alton Pride Board of Directors through an anonymous review process that considered a written essay, demonstrated volunteerism (20+ hours), and overall alignment with the organization’s mission. The 2025 awards mark a new milestone with a record number of applications submitted, reflecting the growing impact and reach of

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BETHALTO - Paula Howell loves children, plain and simple. Howell is a special education teacher for second and third grades at Parkside Primary School in the Bethalto Community Unit School District #8. She has taught in a variety of classrooms since 1992, and she is the mother to five boys who she and her husband adopted through the foster care program. This Teacher Appreciation Week, she’s reflecting on her decision to devote her life to caring for kids. “I love seeing a child’s face light up when he or she makes accomplishments that they’ve worked diligently on. In my classroom, I have the privilege to work with my students for two years, which allows me to build very special relationships with both students and their families,” she shared. “It’s so rewarding seeing the accomplishments they make in a school year.” Howell didn’t always want to become a teacher. When she went away to college, she wasn’t certain where

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May 10 and 11 hold a significant place in history, marked by events that have shaped nations, influenced cultures, and changed the course of human events. Going back in time, May 10, 1775, is notable for the convening of the Second Continental Congress in Philadelphia, which would eventually lead to the drafting of the United States Declaration of Independence. Delegates from the thirteen American colonies gathered to discuss their response to British policies and the escalating conflict that had erupted at Lexington and Concord. This assembly marked a critical step toward American independence and self-governance, laying the groundwork for the birth of a new nation. Historically, May 10, 1869, was the day the First Transcontinental Railroad was completed in the United States with the driving of the "Golden Spike" at Promontory Summit, Utah. This monumental achievement connected the eastern and western parts of the country by rail for the first time, revolutionizing transportation,

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Did you know that over 85% of mothers in a recent survey said that the most meaningful gifts they receive are those that show thoughtfulness and personal connection rather than material value? This statistic challenges the conventional approach of relying on flowers, chocolates, or generic cards and invites us to reconsider how we celebrate the incredible women who have shaped our lives. Honoring mothers in ways that resonate deeply can strengthen bonds and create lasting memories. Rethinking Traditions: Moving Beyond Conventional Gifts Mother’s Day has long been associated with standard gestures—bouquets, breakfast in bed, or spa vouchers. While these are appreciated, they often lack a personal touch that reflects the unique relationship between mother and child. To truly honor moms, consider what makes her unique: her interests, her passions, and the moments you share. For example, instead of buying a generic gift set, one family created a personalized cookbook featuring

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SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Erica Harriss (56th–Glen Carbon) is pleased to announce that House Bill 1237, the proposed School Mascot Ban, has failed to advance in the Illinois Senate following Friday’s Senate committee procedural deadline for moving House bills out of committee. “This is a great win for schools across Illinois that were faced with the uncertainty of having to erase longstanding traditions and absorb yet another unfunded mandate from out-of-touch Chicago politicians,” said Senator Harriss. House Bill 1237 would have required schools to prohibit the use of names, logos, and mascots referencing Native American tribes or terms such as “Braves,” “Chiefs,” “Chieftains,” “Tribe,” “Indians,” or any similar terminology. The bill also sought to ban imagery depicting Native Americans, including feathered headdresses, tomahawks, and arrowheads. Under the bill, any school wishing to retain

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SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) is kicking off National Women’s Health Week 2025 with a video message from Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton encouraging women in Illinois to take control of their health and well-being. Observed annually starting on Mother’s Day and running this year from May 11 to May 17, the theme for 2025 is: “Let’s Talk about Women’s Health: Uplifting Women in Their Health Journey.” “The goal of National Women’s Health Week is to highlight women’s health issues and priorities and encourage women of all ages to prioritize their physical, mental, and emotional well-being,” said Lt. Governor Stratton. “Here in Illinois, under the leadership of Governor JB Pritzker, focusing on women’s health is not something we just talk about – it is a priority we are committed to throughout the year.” “Women’s health is public health and the foundation

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EDWARDSVILLE – There’s no better way to get to know Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE) than by seeing it for yourself, and summer is the perfect time to do just that. Prospective students and their guests are invited to schedule a relaxed, personalized campus visit that will give them a real feel for life as a Cougar. “Summer is a great time to visit campus before school starts up in the fall and life gets busy,” said Alicia Taylor, associate director of admissions in the Office of Undergraduate Admissions. “Prospective students can get a jumpstart on their college planning and refine their lists of schools once applications open in the fall.” Daily campus visits are offered Monday-Friday and on select Saturdays throughout the summer, giving visitors flexible options for planning their trip to campus. During the visits, guests will be guided by a current SIUE student who will show them where Cougars live, learn, and connect across

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JACKSON, Tenn. - 326 students have been named to the Union University Dean's List for the spring 2025 semester, including the following local student: Eliana Snyder - Godfrey, IL The Dean's List includes full-time students who achieve a 3.5 grade point average on a four-point scale. Founded in 1823 and affiliated with the Tennessee Baptist Convention, Union University is characterized by quality Christ-centered teaching and learning. Union offers liberal arts training in more than 100 majors and programs of study along with professional programs in business, education and nursing.

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ALTON - Siteman Cancer Center, Alton Memorial Hospital and Senior Services Plus (SSP) are once again hosting a Bingo Lunch and Learn with free cancer screenings in SSP’s School House Grill on June 17, 2025. Siteman is based at Barnes-Jewish Hospital and Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis. The event aims to promote preventive cancer screenings, but in a unique way. Passionate health professionals from Siteman and Alton Memorial Hospital are collaborating to share facts about cancer screening and eligibility through fun activities and conversation. New this year is Siteman’s Health on the Move mobile health unit, a 40-foot van operated by Siteman's Program for Elimination of Cancer Disparities (PECaD). It will bring cancer screenings directly to event attendees from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. The van also offers a motorized lift to ensure accessibility for all. Available services include: Fecal Immunochemical Tests (FIT kits), which are take-home stool screening

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SPRINGFIELD - 10 small Illinois nonprofits are receiving a combined $200,000 in grants through the Charitable Trust Stabilization Program, which is managed by State Treasurer Michael Frerichs’ office. “Throughout our state, small nonprofit organizations provide hot meals, job training, and other vital services to people who need a helping hand,” said Frerichs at a news conference at Christian Care in Rock Island to announce the grants. “This good work benefits individuals, and it makes our communities better places to live and raise a family. I’m proud to support nonprofits through the Charitable Trust program.” Charitable Trust grants help nonprofits fulfill their missions to serve people in need by providing housing, food, and workforce and economic development assistance. For the fall 2024 grant cycle, funds were awarded to nonprofits in two categories: organizations with food programs and organizations with workforce and economic development programs

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ST. LOUIS - United Way of Greater St. Louis (UWGSL) hosted its annual Run for the Roses Derby event at the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center. The event served as a precursor to UWGSL’s community fundraising campaign, and thus, nearly 200 Leadership Giving Society members committed early campaign donations that will be used to invest into UWGSL’s efforts to support the St. Louis region. The Derby event included a fashion show where participants sported Kentucky-Derby themed attire that included a best hat contest for women and dapper gent for men. Attendees also enjoyed popular traditions like the Bourbon Pull, Mint Juleps, Derby-themed appetizers, games, and watched the Derby race on the big screens. “Thank you to our leadership donors for making our third annual derby party a grand success! Their generosity and early pacesetting pledges continue to propel us forward each year as we prepare for our upcoming fall fundraising campaign,” said Michelle D. Tucker,

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SPRINGFIELD – A new exhibit coming to the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum will let visitors explore history using their eyes, ears and hands. It transforms images from Lincoln’s life into three-dimensional objects that visitors can touch while listening to audio presentations explaining his accomplishments and enduring legacy. “Lincoln: Sight, Sound & Touch” opens May 23 and runs through Aug. 24. Everyone can enjoy its unique features, but they offer an especially powerful experience for visitors with impaired vision. This traveling exhibit was created by Tactile Images in cooperation with the National Federation of the Blind. The ALPLM is supplementing the exhibit with touchable facsimiles of artifacts, such as Lincoln’s briefcase, a life mask and Tad Lincoln’s model cannon. Authentic Lincoln artifacts from the ALPLM collection will also be on display, including many commercial items with Lincoln’s image. Many of them

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EAST ALTON - Local women have the chance to enjoy a “Mom Prom” while supporting a good cause. On Saturday, June 28, 2025, community members can come out to Julia’s Banquet Center in East Alton for “A Night to Remember” prom. This ladies-only, 21-and-up event encourages attendees to enjoy the prom while raising money for Dream Home Charities. “It’s like we're high school girls again, going to go to the prom,” said Sherry Gilleland, founder of Dream Home Charities. “We’re really hoping that this is very successful and people are very generous with their donations and we can just all have ‘A Night to Remember.’” Tickets to the Mom Prom cost $50, and attendees are encouraged to sell raffle tickets for the chance to be crowned Prom Queen. Tickets include dinner, dancing, karaoke, and more fun. There will also be carriage rides and photo ops available throughout the night. Gilleland said they are “in

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RIVERBEND - Local community members, nonprofits and businesses have new opportunities to receive training in Mental Health First Aid. The Community Mental Health First Aid Collaborative, founded by Kristina and Isaac Sandidge, will provide discounted or free Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training to Riverbend residents. Businesses or nonprofits can send their staff members to the trainings while providing free seats for community members. Isaac Sandidge explained that MHFA is an important skill for anybody to learn. “Statistically, you’re far more likely to encounter somebody experiencing a panic attack than you are someone experiencing cardiac arrest. You’re more likely to need the Mental Health First Aid skills than you are to need your CPR skills,” Sandidge said. “We want Mental Health First Aid to be just as common and just as accessible as CPR to the general population.” MHFA teaches people how to recognize worsening mental health an

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BETHALTO - Kasey Hardester always wanted to be a teacher, and she has loved every second in her dream career. Hardester teaches special education at the pre-K level at Bethalto East Primary School in the Bethalto Community Unit School District #8. This Teacher Appreciation Week, she is proud of every student she has ever taught, and she can’t wait to see what comes next. “My brain rarely shuts off from ‘teacher mode,’ but I wouldn't change it,” Hardester said. “There is literally never a dull work day! These kids brighten my day every single day I come to work. I may be exhausted by the end of the day, but I still always wake up ready to be here again.” Hardester knew early on that she would one day become a teacher. She enjoyed playing “school” with her little sisters, and she started babysitting at 12 years old. The decision to work with kids was a natural one for her. Because she teaches pre-K, she sees the same students

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GODFREY - Crews from Illinois American Water are repairing a water main break Saturday evening just south of 3043 Godfrey Road in the Village of Godfrey, affecting approximately 144 local customers. The repair is expected to be completed Saturday night. Traffic remains open in both directions on Godfrey Road, though one northbound lane is partially closed between Pleasant Valley Drive and Crestwood Drive. Motorists are advised to drive slowly and follow all traffic signs while passing through the area. A boil water order will be in effect once water service is restored. Illinois American Water will notify impacted customers by phone about the order. The boil water advisory is mandatory when water pressure drops below 20 pounds per square inch in the system. During this time, customers should bring water to a rolling boil for five minutes before using it for drinking or cooking. Water remains safe for bathing, washing, and other common uses. After water tests confirm all regulatory

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ALTON — The Alton Police Department responded to a reported domestic hostage situation at an apartment complex in the 2400 block of Mills Avenue at approximately 11:56 a.m. on Saturday, May 10, 2025. Officers arrived after receiving a report that a female had been battered by a male subject and was being held against her will. Upon arrival, no one answered the door, prompting officers to continue attempts to make contact while requesting tactical assistance from Metro East SWAT due to the potential severity of the situation. Before a court-authorized search warrant could be executed, the female occupant exited the apartment. The male suspect later surrendered to police without incident. He was taken into custody and transported to the Alton Police Department Jail pending criminal charges. The incident remains under investigation by the Alton Police Department.

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SOUTH ROXANA — A house fire broke out Saturday afternoon, May 10, 2025, in the 400 block of Indiana Avenue in South Roxana. Flames scorched the back of the home when firefighters arrived rapidly. South Roxana Fire Department Lieutenant Michael Cherry, who was on the scene, said the homeowner had left the residence approximately 30 minutes before the fire began. Upon arrival, firefighters encountered fire through the roof on the corners of the house and the entire back porch. Fire crews from South Roxana were assisted by personnel from Roxana, Edwardsville, Rosewood Heights and Wood River fire departments. Cherry said the teams worked to contain the fire primarily to the affected house, with only minor heat exposure reported to the neighboring property. “The fire was through the roof on the corners and the entire back porch when we got here,” Cherry said. “We did the best we could when we got here and we contained it mostly to this house, a little heat exposure

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