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This weekend offers a delightful array of events that cater to diverse interests, from festive holiday gatherings and creative workshops to live music performances and community celebrations, ensuring there's something for everyone to enjoy. For a complete listing of all upcoming events, visit Riverbender Events . If you want to make sure even more of the region is aware of your event email cj@riverbender.com and explore our range of Event Promotion Services! Featured 30th Annual Community Tree Lighting at Lincoln-Douglas Square is set to take place on Friday, November 22nd in Alton. This festive event, hosted by Alton Main Street, promises to usher in the holiday spirit with a variety of activities starting at 6:00pm with the arrival of Santa Claus. Attendees can enjoy caroling, cookies, and hot cocoa, culminating in the lighting of the beautiful tree at 6:45pm by Mayor David Goins. Families are encouraged to take photos with Santa and other holiday characters, while carols

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GODFREY - The Village of Godfrey will use Business District funds to make improvements to Pierce Lane as the road proves “critical” to supporting Godfrey businesses. Trustees at Tuesday’s Village Board meeting unanimously approved a resolution declaring “Pierce Lane improvements critical to the preparation and function of the Godfrey Business District Plan.” Trustee Rick Lauschke asked if this was being done solely to use Business District funds for the road improvements, which was confirmed. According to the resolution , Pierce Lane is “partially located within the Godfrey Business District, directing traffic to the Godfrey Business District, and serving as a vital corridor for the promotion of vehicular and pedestrian traffic entering and safely exiting the Business District.” It adds that the ongoing Pierce Lane Reconstruction Project aims to expand the Business District and its associated corridor, bringing increased sales

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GLEN CARBON – The Village will be hosting its first Heritage Winter Market at the Glen Carbon Heritage Museum located at 124 School Street on Sat., Nov. 30. Happening from 5pm-8pm, the winter market kicks off the holiday season with shopping, food, drinks, caroling, horse-carriage rides and more. The event is free to attend and open to the public. Doors open at 5pm with vendors, a food truck, drinks and caroling. Grab a delicious coffee or sandwich from Rachel & Co. Food Truck, or a specialty drink from The Nomad Mobile Bar. The Claddagh Carriage Co. will be offering free horse and carriage rides around the Village (tips encouraged). A community tree lighting ceremony will take place at 6 pm in front of the museum. Inside, you will find Tessitura Music singing Christmas carols, Earth Candy serving mocktails, Forever Always permanent jewelry and a variety of vendors selling holiday décor and more. You can find a complete listing of vendors by visiting

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EDWARDSVILLE - Mojo’s Music has holiday discounts going through Christmas Eve, but their personalized customer service is year-round. Located at 144 N. Main Street in Edwardsville, Mojo’s Music sells a wide variety of instruments and accessories for aspiring and experienced musicians. They also offer repair services and lessons. Owner Tom Pullen explained that they take an “interactive” approach to customer service and do everything they can to support local musicians. “We really try to work with people to make sure they get the exact right thing at the right price to make sure that they succeed at playing music,” Pullen said. As the holiday season approaches, there are several specials available for customers. In addition to the Black Friday and Small Business Saturday discounts that will be available next week, all of the Christmas deals are currently in effect. The big deal is one you won’t want to miss. You can choose any guitar

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ALTON - Mississippi Valley Christian School (MVCS) is thrilled to announce a generous $20,000 donation to support our ongoing #FundThe50th campaign. This incredible act of generosity marks a significant milestone as we celebrate 50 years of excellence in Christian education. The #FundThe50th initiative was launched to commemorate our half-century legacy by ensuring our school remains a beacon of Christ-centered education in the community. "We are deeply humbled and profoundly grateful for this extraordinary gift," said Tim Lee, Administrator of MVCS. "This donation is not just an investment in our school but also in the lives of our students and the future leaders they will become. It reflects the generosity and shared vision of those who believe in our mission to build the premier Christian school in our community." Thanks to this contribution, MVCS will advance several key projects creating an environment where students can thrive academically, spiritually, and socially. As we move

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ALTON - As the Consolidated Election approaches, the race is heating up between candidates in the City of Alton. Though the election isn’t until April 1, 2025, candidates had to file their petitions by Nov. 18, 2024, to be included on the ballot for Election Day. There are several contested races, including a three-way mayoral race and competition for the City Clerk position and several aldermen seats. Incumbent David Goins is running for reelection against former mayor Brant Walker and current Ward Three Alderman Ray Strebel. Goins was elected to the mayoral position in 2021. Walker previously served as mayor from 2013 until Goins’s election. Strebel has been the Ward Three alderman since 2021. The City Clerk position also sees some competition, as incumbent Cheryl Ingle has been challenged by current Deputy City Clerk Lauren Wilson. Following current Treasurer Cameo C. Holland’s decision not to seek reelection , Elizabeth “Betsy” Allen is

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Lavender Zarraga, APRN , a behavioral health provider at OSF HealthCare, says it’s not uncommon for her patients to ask for a medication that isn’t the right fit. The culprit? She says symptoms of common mental health issues like depression, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and bipolar disorder can overlap. So, it’s important to stay in contact with your provider to make sure you’re on the best treatment plan. On depression mimicking ADHD: “You have changed executive functioning. You can’t decide. You feel dull. You can’t concentrate,” Zarraga says. “You have a hard time learning new things. You can’t remember things or forget things easily. Attention and concentration are low. You think ‘Why am I processing everything so slow?.’” Zarraga adds that she’s seen people with depression take prescribed medicine and feel better, but then residual symptoms that mimic ADHD creep in. And, she

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ST. LOUIS - Today, Mayor Tishaura O. Jones signed Board Bill 114, sponsored by Alderwoman Alisha Sonnier (7), which amends the city’s zoning code to make the process for opening shelters and transitional homes clearer, a crucial component in the city’s continued effort to reduce our unhoused population. “As we work to implement a regional housing strategy, this legislation helps support the interim needs of residents getting ready for the rehousing process,” said Mayor Tishaura O. Jones. “We have been working on this legislation for a long time, and I want to thank our departments, the Board of Aldermen, and particularly Ald. Sonnier and President Green for their significant efforts to help us make this positive change for St. Louis.” The bill creates a clear and transparent process for shelters to apply for operation within the city, including opportunities for neighborhood input through a community notification requirement and public hearings fo

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WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, today questioned Mr. Bill Sheedy, Senior Advisor to the CEO of Visa, Inc., during a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing entitled “Breaking the Visa-Mastercard Duopoly: Bringing Competition and Lower Fees to the Credit Card System.” The hearing examined the lack of competition in the credit card market and its impact on interchange fees, as well as legislative solutions like Chair Durbin’s Credit Card Competition Act to help protect consumers. Durbin first highlighted the skyrocketing cost of interchange fees in the U.S. verse the European Union (EU). In the EU, credit card interchange fees are capped at 0.3 percent of the payment value for most transactions, and in Australia they are capped at 0.8 percent. Despite these lower interchange fees, Visa and Mastercard both continue to operate secure and efficient credit card networks in both Australia and

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SPRINGFIELD - Southern Illinois University School of Medicine is one of the top employers in central and southern Illinois and has become an essential economic engine in the Mid-Illinois Medical District and its clinic sites across the region. An SIU research team led by Dr. Jeb Asirvatham and Dr. Scott Gilbert found SIU Medicine has an annual economic impact in Illinois of more than $1 billion, generating 5,542 jobs in health care and supporting industries in the state. SIU School of Medicine is part of the SIU System, which is one of the most powerful economic engines in the southern half of the state. The SIU System employs more than 7,000 faculty, staff and administrators who serve approximately 23,500 students through campuses in Carbondale, Edwardsville and Springfield. The SIU System Office and SIU School of Medicine are in Springfield, as well as SIU Medicine clinics that serve thousands of patients. “SIU Medicine’s mission has always been to improve the health

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IHA Beverage of Commerce, CA is recalling Super Cinnamon Powder 4oz, because it has the potential to be contaminated with elevated levels of lead. Short term exposures to very low levels of lead may not elicit any symptoms. It is possible that increased blood lead levels may be the only apparent sign of lead exposure. Additional signs and symptoms of lead exposure are more likely with acute exposure to higher levels of lead or chronic exposure to lead. While lead can affect nearly every bodily system, its effects depend upon the amount and duration of lead exposure and age/ body weight. If a child is exposed to enough lead for a protracted period of time (e.g., weeks to months) permanent damage to the central nervous system may occur. This can result in learning disorders, developmental defects, and other long-term health problems. For adults, chronic lead exposure is associated with kidney dysfunction, hypertension, and neurocognitive effects. Product was distributed mostly through

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GODFREY - The Resurrection Lutheran Church Men’s Club in Godfrey successfully hosted its fifth Chili Drive-Thru, raising $3,372 to support victims of Hurricane Helene. The event took place over three Thursdays in October, drawing community support as over 700 bowls of chili, made from Dan Garner’s “Blue Ribbon Recipe,” were sold. The funds raised came from chili sales, “keep the change” donations, community contributions, and seed money from Thrivent. The proceeds will assist individuals affected by the hurricane, which caused significant damage in recent weeks. The Chili Drive-Thru has a history of supporting various causes, including world hunger, local food pantries, flood disaster relief, and aid for the Maui fire last year. Lutheran Disaster Response, which collaborates with other charities, is known for its commitment to long-term recovery efforts, helping communities rebuild and become self-sustaining. The event's popularity was evident, a

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ALTON - Senior Services Plus is excited to host its first “Merry Mixer” event. This event is set to take place on Friday, Dec. 6, 2024 at 2 p.m. in the School House Grill, and we're inviting older adults ages 55-plus in our community to join in the festive fun! Tickets for this event are $10 and can be purchased online or in person at Senior Services Plus. Attendees will enjoy a warm atmosphere with coffee, pie, and a variety of fun activities to enjoy with others. It's the perfect opportunity to add a little cheer to your season and build connections with others in the community. Whether you're looking to meet new friends, rekindle old connections, or simply enjoy the festive atmosphere, the Merry Mixer promises an afternoon of joy and camaraderie. We look forward to welcoming participants and spreading some holiday cheer across the community. For more information, please reach out to Sydney Peckham at speckham@seniorservicesplus.org or call 618-465-3298 ext. 116.

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FAIRVIEW HEIGHTS - The Illinois Center for Autism will hold our Third Annual Women, Wine & Wonderland event on Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024. The event is to benefit the children and adults in a six-county area we serve. All proceeds directly benefit ICA, and the children adults, and families impacted by Autism Spectrum Disorder we serve. ICA provides a day school program, adult services program and client and family services program. The Illinois Center for Autism is located at 548 South Ruby Lane, Fairview Heights, IL., 62208 "We are honored to have Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton as our featured speaker," the Center for Autism said in a statement. "Our past speakers have been Olympian Jackie Joyner Kersee and Congresswoman Nikki Budzinksi. We are also honored to have Without Limits SO Cheer, performing." Tickets and information can be obtained on our website illinoiscenterforautism.org. or by calling 618-398-7500.

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CHICAGO – Today, Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) announced $857,000 in grant funding was awarded to 11 certified local tourism and convention bureaus across the state. This funding was awarded through the International Tourism Grant Program as part of efforts to grow Illinois’ tourism industry. The Great Rivers & Routes Tourism Bureau will receive a total of $228,127 from the statewide grant. “Illinois is truly in the Middle of Everything, and our tourism industry is thriving like never before,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “Thanks to the International Tourism Grant Program, 11 local tourism and convention bureaus will showcase the best of Illinois to global audiences, attract international visitors, and drive growth to local economies statewide.” "These grants empower our communities to share their stories with the world," said Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton. "From historic landmarks to vibran

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EAST ST. LOUIS – Ameren Illinois leaders, alongside local public officials and stakeholders, gathered today to celebrate the energizing of the utility’s second solar energy center in East St. Louis. This milestone supports a $6.9 million diverse contractor spend and marks the completion of $20 million in clean energy solar investments. Overall, the company has invested $80 million in energy and reliability improvements in the community in the last eight years. Located near the Jackie Joyner-Kersee Center on N. 18th Street, the East St. Louis Solar Energy Center II features over 3,000 solar panels and batteries designed to store energy for use during peak demand periods and can power 650 homes. "Thanks to the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act, today we are producing clean, reliable, and equitable energy right here in the community, for the community,” said Lenny Singh, Chairman and President of Ameren Illinois. “We are creating opportunities by turning

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representative Mike Bost (IL-12), chairman of the House Veterans' Affairs Committee, today applauded House passage of H.R. 8371, the Senator Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans Healthcare and Benefits Improvement Act. The legislation makes historic investments in enhancing veterans' healthcare and benefits, improves caregiver support, and reduces barriers for veterans to access care. "From mental health services to caregiver support, this legislation tackles some of the most pressing issues facing veterans today," said Bost. "It expands job opportunities, strengthens community care programs, and gets veterans out of homelessness. Most importantly, it focuses on putting veterans at the center of the VA system. I'm proud to work alongside my colleagues in the House to advance this critical bill and I urge the Senate to pass it swiftly. Our veterans and their families deserve nothing less." The Senator Elizabeth Dole Act has been endorsed by more

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O'FALLON — O'Fallon Township High School District 203 has announced that Kristin Strubhart has been awarded the 2024 Emerson Excellence in Teaching Award. This recognition highlights her exceptional contributions as a teacher in both the Social Studies and Career and Technical Education (CTE) departments. The announcement was made by OTHS, where Mrs. Strubhart is also recognized for her leadership in the Panther Beat Broadcast program. The award underscores her commitment to excellence and professionalism in education. “Mrs. Strubhart balances teaching in the Social Studies department and the CTE Department with excellence and professionalism daily,” the district stated in a release. “She is the epitome of excellence in her field and we congratulate her on this amazing award.” The Emerson Excellence in Teaching Award is designed to honor outstanding educators who demonstrate a commitment to their students and the teaching profession. Strubhart's

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GRAFTON — Mayor Mike Morrow has officially filed his petition to seek a second term in office during the Consolidated Election scheduled for April 1, 2025. The announcement comes as Morrow expresses gratitude for the support he has received from the community throughout his first term. “I am grateful for all of the support I have received, and I look forward to serving the citizens of Grafton for a second term,” Morrow said. In an effort to engage voters, Morrow has sent personal letters to each registered voter in Grafton, outlining his accomplishments and future goals. In the letter, he emphasizes his commitment to transparency and community involvement, highlighting initiatives such as a quarterly newsletter that informs residents about projects, grants, and legislative matters. He also noted that city council meetings are broadcast live and available for viewing on YouTube. Morrow reflected on his first term, stating, “Together as a team, we accomplished

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ALTON - Cameo C. Holland, the City Treasurer of Alton, announced her decision not to seek reelection after seven years of service, citing a decline in collaborative governance and personal considerations. In a heartfelt message addressed to the citizens of Alton, Holland expressed her gratitude for the support she received during her tenure and reflected on the challenges and rewards of her role. Holland's announcement comes as she prepares to transition away from public office, a decision influenced by her experiences over the past eleven years with the city. "While serving you has been immensely rewarding, it has also presented many challenges," she said. Holland noted that her initial inspiration stemmed from a collaborative spirit that emphasized citizen engagement, but she observed a diminishing focus on this principle in recent times. In her message, Holland highlighted the importance of family and personal growth, particularly as a new parent. "As a new parent, I recognize

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