Southwestern

the
Southwestern
A SOUTHWESTERN ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE MEMBER MAGAZINE
FEBRUARY 2013 • VOLUME 65 • ISSUE 2
Last Chance
This Year to
Apply for
Scholarships
Breakdown of
Bill Payment
Options
Common
Home Heating
Mistakes
the
Southwestern
A SOUTHWESTERN ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE
MEMBER MAGAZINE
FEBRUARY 2013 • VOLUME 65 • ISSUE 2
Inside This Issue
14 Safety
pg. 22
Planning to install some attic insulation this
winter? We’ve got some tips to help you
get it done safely.
POWER FOR
PROGRESS
SOUTHWESTERN
SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM
ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE
16 Around the Home
Check out our guide to selecting,
positioning, maintaining and operating fire
extinguishers.
18 Out & About
21 Your Spare Change Can Make a Big
The world-renowned Golden Dragon
Difference
Acrobats will be bringing their talents to
Southwestern Electric’s Operation Round
southwestern Illinois this February.
Up provides a convenient platform for coop members to support local charities.
04 News & Notes
 Members In Focus:
20 Kilowatt Kids
From Shaggy to SpongeBob, almost every
22 You Are Here
 Water Heater Bill Credits Available
great television cartoon character has a
Several readers came close, but none
 Final Reminder: Scholarship
classic catch phrase. Play our matching
could solve our rather tricky January
game to see how many you know!
challenge. Turn to page 22 to find out the
Call for Submissions
Applications Due February 8th
elusive answer.
 Many Options Available for Paying
Your Electric Bill
 Co-op Connections Corner
pg. 18
24 Area Events
Whether you’re into science, music,
12 Energy & Efficiency
theatre, or the great outdoors, there’s a
Are you getting the most out of your home
little something for everyone in this month’s
heating dollars? Read about some of the
calendar of events.
common mistakes that can lead to higher
On Account: We hide one member’s
heating bills.
account number inside each month’s issue
13 Heating Bill Payment Assistance
(mailing label excluded). If this account
Available
number belongs to you, please contact
Applications are currently being accepted
Southwestern Electric Cooperative within
for financial help through the State
30 days and we’ll take $25 off your electric
bill. Good luck!
of Illinois’ Low Income Home Energy
Assistance Program (LIHEAP).
Photos by Amitava Sarkar
To report an outage, contact Southwestern Electric Cooperative at (800) 637-8667. Please do not use
e-mail to report outages; our e-mail accounts are not staffed full-time. In the event of a widespread
outage, Southwestern Electric will post updates on its website at www.sweci.com. We’ll also send
reports to the following radio stations: 101.7 FM WGEL (Greenville), 106.1 FM WSMI (Litchfield),
105.3 FM WAOX (Staunton), 107.1 FM WKRV (Vandalia), and 96.7 WCXO (Carlyle).
2
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The Southwestern
From the Editor
Different Strokes for Different Folks
W
hen it comes to managing money, each household is a bit different.
Your friends at Southwestern Electric Cooperative fully understand
and appreciate this. That’s why your co-op strives to make it as
convenient as possible for members to pay their electric bills.
Times change, after all, and bill payment is no longer done exclusively by cutting a
check and dropping it in the mail. For instance, did you know that you can pay your
electric bill online, over the phone, or via bank-to-bank transfers? Did you know that
we accept credit and debit card payments? In fact, you can even set up an electronic
funds transfer to automatically draft the amount of your monthly bill from the
account of your choice.
Even if you have no intention of changing the way you pay, it’s a good idea to know
all of the options available to you. Check out our bill payment guide on page 8 to
learn more. You may even want to save a copy of this page for future reference.
Thanks for reading The Southwestern!
525 U.S. Route 40, Greenville, IL 62246.
Phone: (800) 637-8667. Office Hours:
Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Visit us on the Web at www.sweci.com.
Board of Directors
Alan Libbra, President ...................... Alhambra
Ann Schwarm, Vice President ........ Loogootee
Ron Schaufelberger, Secretary ....... Greenville
Barbara Tedrick, Treasurer ................ Vandalia
Sandy Grapperhaus ................................. Troy
Richard M. Gusewelle ................. Edwardsville
Sandy Nevinger ............................... Greenville
Ted Willman ..................................... Greenville
Randy Wolf ........................................ St. Elmo
Staff
Kerry Sloan ................. Chief Executive Officer
The Southwestern
Larry Deutsch ........................................ Editor
e-mail: [email protected]
Mike Barns ................................ Graphic Artist
e-mail: [email protected]
Satellite Locations:
St. Jacob Office
10103 Ellis Road; St. Jacob, IL 62281
Yours in print,
St. Elmo Distribution Center
Route 2, Box 190; St. Elmo, IL 62458
Southwestern Electric Cooperative is the
parent company of:
Larry Deutsch, editor
Co-op Reminders
February 8
Application deadline for 2013 SWEC
scholarships
March 29
Offices closed for Good Friday holiday
April 1
Operation Round Up grant application
deadline (2nd quarter 2013)
Propane Plus
Rural Route 2, Box 372-B
Mulberry Grove, IL 62262
Phone: (800) 705-7427 or (618) 283-0852
3625 George Street
Highland, IL 62249
Phone: (888) 405-7427 or (618) 654-4903
Website: www.propaneplus.coop
Southwestern Electric Cooperative reserves
the right to re-print member comments and
correspondence in its cooperative educational
and promotional materials.
The Southwestern (USPS 612-500) is
published monthly by Southwestern Electric
Cooperative, Inc. Periodical postage paid
at Greenville, IL. Subscriptions cost $5.50
per year. Comments or questions regarding
material in this publication may be mailed to
Larry Deutsch, editor of The Southwestern,
c/o Southwestern Electric Cooperative, Inc.,
525 U.S. Route 40, Greenville, IL 62246, or
e-mailed to [email protected].
Postmaster: Send address corrections to
The Southwestern, 525 U.S. Route 40;
Greenville, IL 62246.
The Southwestern
|
3
News & Notes
A
t The Southwestern, there’s
nothing we enjoy more than
highlighting what makes
southwestern Illinois a great place to live
and work. One way we accomplish this
is through photography, and we want
you to join in the fun. Southwestern
Electric Co-op members are invited
to send in their photos of pretty much
anything related to southwestern Illinois.
We’ll publish our favorites from time to
time in our ‟Members In Focus” photo
feature. Please review the submission
guidelines below before proceeding.
Photo Submission Guidelines:
Please include your name, address,
phone number or e-mail, and a brief
description of the photo, including where
and when it was taken, what it depicts,
and the names of any people shown.
Digital images must be taken in highresolution JPG or TIF format (300 DPI
or greater). Make sure the date/time
stamp is turned off before shooting and
send tasteful material only.
Digital images may be sent as e-mail
attachments or on a CD. Photo prints
are also welcome. Send photos by
e-mail to [email protected],
or by mail to The Southwestern;
525 U.S. Route 40; Greenville, IL
62246. If you would like your photo
prints returned, please include a
self-addressed, stamped envelope
with your submission. Southwestern
Electric Cooperative will interpret
all submissions as unconditional
permission to use the photos provided.
We also reserve the right to exclude
photos from our publications. Please
direct all questions regarding ‟Members
In Focus” to Larry Deutsch or Mike
Barns at (800) 637-8667.
to
o
h
P
r
u
o
Y
Here
Water Heater Bill Credits Available
A
re you in the market for a new water heater? If so,
Southwestern Electric Cooperative may be able to
help you defray the cost.
The co-op offers bill credits to any member who installs, or
converts to, an electric water heater. The bill credits, amounting
to $150 and $230 respectively, apply to new homes being
outfitted with electric water heaters as well as existing homes
being converting from gas to electric-powered systems. A
maximum of two credits are available to homes with more than
one electric water heater.
The credit applies to the following types of water heating
installations*:
• Single-family homes;
• Modular, manufactured or custom homes used as
permanent residences;
• Multi-family homes (limited to a four-plex);
• Small, commercial single-tenant office buildings; and
• Residential or small commercial radiant-floor applications.
4
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The Southwestern
In order to qualify for the bill
credit the electric water heater must
be of sufficient capacity to meet the
water-heating requirements of the
location it serves. It must also meet all
specifications outlined by Southwestern
Electric Cooperative. Before issuing a
credit, the co-op must receive proof of
purchase and complete an inspection of
the installation. Tankless water heaters
are not eligible.
For more information about this
program, please contact Marla
Pourchot at (800) 637-8667.
*Other applications may be approved on a
case-by-case basis.
BEHOLD A
40-FOOT
STAKE
IN THE
GROUND.
In 1939, this was more than a pole. It was
a symbol of determination. It spurred hope,
cooperation and growth. And today, you can keep
that spirit alive in your co-op by saving energy.
Find out how at TogetherWeSave.com.
TOGE T HERW E S AV E .C OM
The Southwestern
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5
FINAL REMINDER:
Scholarship Applications
th
Due February 8
O
nly a few days remain for students from
member families to apply for tuition
assistance from Southwestern Electric
Cooperative. Friday, February 8 is the submission
deadline for all scholarship applications.
The cooperative will award up to 11 scholarships,
each valued at $1,000, in 2013. Three scholarships are
available in each of the co-op’s three voting districts.
An additional scholarship will be given in memory of
Judy Siebert, a long-time cooperative director who
died of cancer in 2001. The now-dissolved Quercus
Grove Rural Club will also fund one scholarship,
which may be given to a qualified student from the
Quercus Grove area.
RSHIP PROGRAM
IC COOPERATIVE SCHOLA
Students from member families—including
SOUTHWESTERN ELECTR
those with all levels of post-secondary educational
experience—are encouraged to apply. Scholarship
recipients may use these funds to offset tuition costs at any
accredited university, college, or technical school in the U.S.
To be considered for a scholarship, applicants must meet all of the eligibility requirements listed
below. The completed application and supplemental materials must be delivered to Southwestern Electric’s
Greenville headquarters by 4:30 p.m. on Friday, February 8, 2013.
Since 1995, Southwestern Electric Cooperative has provided $181,000 in financial assistance to a total
of 321 students. For more information on the “Power for Progress” Scholarship Program, please contact
Susan File at [email protected] or (800) 637-8667, ext. 5924.
POWER FOR
PROGRESS
6
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Eligibility Requirements
How to Apply
To be considered for a “Power for Progress” scholarship,
applicants must meet the following three eligibility requirements:
1) The applicant (or the applicant’s parent/legal
guardian) must be an active member of Southwestern
Electric Cooperative. Southwestern Electric board members,
employees, and their immediate families, are ineligible.
2) The applicant must meet all academic requirements for
admission to an accredited university, college, or technical
school, and be admitted to that institution as a full-time
student in 2013.
3) The entire application must be completed in full, and
received with the appropriate supplementary materials, in
advance of the stated application deadline.
Scholarship applications may be downloaded from
Southwestern Electric’s website, sweci.com, or picked up
from the co-op’s headquarters, located at 525 U.S. Route 40
in Greenville. Students may also request an application by
calling Office Secretary Debbie Whicker at (800) 637-8667,
ext. 5915. Separate applications are available for high school
seniors graduating in 2013 and students who graduated from
high school in previous years. The completed application and
supplemental materials—including a cover letter, academic
transcripts, attendance records, financial information and two
letters of recommendation—must be delivered to Southwestern
Electric’s Greenville office, in a single envelope, by 4:30 p.m. on
Friday, February 8, 2013. Please see the application packet for
a complete list of instructions.
The Southwestern
It’s Our
Worry-Free
Guarantee!
Receive a 5-year warranty
on parts and labor,* at no
additional cost when you
purchase a permanently
installed, whole-house standby
generator from Southwestern
Electric’s Propane Plus.
Special financing options available for
Southwestern Electric Cooperative members.
* Maintenance costs not included
Madison County Location
3625 George Street
Highland, IL 62249
(888) 405-7427
Fayette County Location
Rural Route 2, Box 372-B
Mulberry Grove, IL 62262
(800) 705-7427
www.propaneplus.coop
The Southwestern
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7
Ways to Pay
Southwestern Electric offers a variety of choices for your convenience
Whether you prefer to take care of bills online, over the phone, through the mail or at our offices,
Southwestern Electric has a payment option to fit your needs. For your protection, the cooperative
adheres to the Payment Card Industry’s data security standard. No additional fees will be charged
because of your choice in payment method. The following remittance options are currently offered:
•Bank-to-Bank Transaction: If your bank or credit union
offers electronic bill payment, the amount due on your
monthly electric bill may be automatically transferred (with
your authorization) from your checking or savings account
to ours. Enrollment is required and transfers may take up to
seven business days to successfully post.
•Calling In: The co-op’s friendly and knowledgeable
billing clerks are available Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to
4:30 p.m., to take your payment information over the phone.
Payments by debit card, credit card and check are accepted.
•Electronic Funds Transfer: With your authorization, the
cooperative may automatically deduct the amount due on
your monthly electric bill from your checking or savings account, or from a debit or credit card. Southwestern Electric
accepts VISA, MasterCard, Discover and American Express.
Members may opt to store payment information in the cooperative’s billing system for added convenience.
•Online: Electronic bill payment is available online at
www.sweci.com. Enrollment is required, and payments by
Payment Method
Enrollment
Required
Transaction
Payment Types Accepted
Accessible
Performed
24/7
Automatically
8
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E-Mail
Notification
Offered
Additional
Fees
Bank-to-Bank
Yes
No
Transaction
Auto-draft from checking
or savings account
No
No
No
Calling In
No
No
Debit card, credit card
or check
No
No
No
Electronic Funds
No
Yes
Transfer
Auto-draft from checking
or savings account; debit or
credit card
Yes
Yes
No
Online
Yes
No
Debit card, credit card
or electronic check
Yes
Yes
No
Pay-By-Phone
No
No
System
Debit card, credit card
or check
Yes
No
No
U.S. Mail
Check or cash
No
No
No
Cash, check, debit card
or credit card
No
No
No
No
No
Walk-Up/Drive-Up
No
No
f
debit card, credit card and electronic check are accepted.
Members may opt to store payment information in the cooperative’s billing system for added convenience.
•Pay-By-Phone System: Southwestern Electric members
may also call in payments through our automated system,
24/7. Payments by debit card, credit card and check are
accepted. Simply dial (866) 999-8418 and follow the prompts
to complete your transaction. Have your telephone number or
Southwestern Electric account number ready. Members may
opt to store payment information in the cooperative’s billing
system for added convenience.
•U.S. Mail: Simply cut us a check and drop it in the mail—it’s
as easy as that! You’ll have to pay for a postage stamp, of
course.
•Walk-Up/Drive-Up: Members are welcome to pay their
electric bills in person at Southwestern Electric’s Greenville
and St. Jacob offices. Both locations are open Monday
through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Cash, check, debit card
and credit card payments are accepted.
Keep Your Contact Information Current: As a member, it’s extremely important for you
to maintain up-to-date contact information on file with Southwestern Electric Cooperative.
Please make a habit of checking over the highlighted section of your monthly electric bill
(see diagram on the next page) and notifying the co-op if any changes need to be made to
your mailing address or preferred telephone number.
The Southwestern
The Southwestern
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9
CO-OP CONNECTIONS CORNER
It Was T
a Very
Good
Year
wenty-twelve was an
exciting year for the Co-op
Connections program,
both locally and nationally.
Here in southwestern Illinois,
Southwestern Electric Cooperative
added 37 new business establishments
to its list of local discount providers
while losing only seven. As a result,
Southwestern Electric finished the
year with 161 participating locations,
representing an increase of more than
20% from the previous year!
Co-op Connections also enjoyed
a makeover to its Web presence
in 2012. Touchstone Energy, the
program’s administrator, launched
a redesigned version of the website,
connections.coop, in late October. In
addition to a cleaner look and feel,
the new site boasts improved
search and filtering
capabilities as well as the
option to bookmark
On Account:
If your account
number is
716655202, call us
within 30 days to
receive a $25 credit on
an upcoming electric bill.
10
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The Southwestern
your favorite discount offers. The
Co-op Connections smartphone
application was improved as well.
The free app, which is available for
both Android and iOS platforms,
uses GPS technology to help users
locate places to save money while on
the go. The app can even generate
a digital image of your Co-op
Connections card, which can be
presented for savings at the pharmacy
counter, or at participating retail
locations, when you don’t have the
plastic card with you.
The Healthy Savings package,
which entitles co-op members to
significant discounts on a variety
of healthcare services (laboratory,
imaging, chiropractic, dental, vision
and hearing), was also unveiled
in 2012. This program offers an
outstanding compliment to Coop Connections’ long-standing
prescription discount benefit, which
members can take advantage of by
presenting their card at the pharmacy
counter or by ordering prescription
items through the mail. Through
this valuable program, participating
Southwestern Electric
members enjoyed
an average discount
of almost 36% on
their prescription
medicines and racked
up nearly $21,000 in
total savings over the
course of the year.
Southwestern Electric Cooperative
proudly welcomed the following
local businesses to the Co-op
Connections program in 2012:
•Amethyst Restoration Center (Collinsville, IL)
•Auto Pro & Tire (Greenville, IL)
•Beyond the Garden Gate (Breese, IL)
•CMC Electric (Collinsville, IL)
•Collision XS (Belleville, IL)
•Creating Smiles Family & Cosmetic Dentistry (Collinsville, IL)
•Custom Wrenches (Greenville, IL)
•Designs & Stitches (Troy, IL)
•DiMaggio’s Pizza & Pasta (Highland, IL)
•Dollie’s Etc. (Marissa, IL)
•Farmland Auto Glass (Carlyle & Greenville, IL)
•Highland Auto Glass (Highland, IL)
•Highland Nutrition Center (Highland, IL)
•Lewis & Clark Family Health Clinic (Godfrey, IL)
•Little Flower Gifts & Books (Highland, IL)
•Main Street Galaxy (Alhambra, IL)
•McCarty’s Auto Body & Towing (Vandalia, IL)
•Miller’s Auto Repair (Vandalia, IL)
•Milo’s Tobacco Road (Edwardsville, IL)
•Original Creations of Man & Earth (Edwardsville, IL)
•Orkin Pest Control (Collinsville, IL)
•R&R Auto Works (Belleville, IL & Bridgeton, MO)
•Sperry’s Service (St. Elmo, IL)
•Syd’s Shoes (Glen Carbon, IL)
•Terry’s Custom Bikes (Ramsey, IL)
•The Boulevard Wing Street (Edwardsville, IL)
•The Mane Attraction Hair Studio, Boutique & Spa (Collinsville, IL)
•The UPS Store (Glen Carbon, IL)
•Thompson’s Home Center (Vandalia, IL)
•Vandalia Auto Supply/Napa Auto Parts (Vandalia, IL)
•Village Square Antiques (Pocahontas, IL)
•Voegele Studio (Highland, IL)
•Z-1 Automotive (Greenville, IL)
To learn more about
the Co-op Connections
discount program,
including the prescription
benefit, Healthy Savings
package, and retail
discount providers, go to
www.connections.coop or
call (800) 637-8667.
The Southwestern
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11
Energy & Efficiency
Five common home heating mistakes
W
hether you employ a natural gas, propane gas, or
electric forced-air system, pretty much everybody
wants to get maximum value out of each dollar
spent on home heating costs. However, consumers occasionally
harbor some misconceptions on this topic, according to John
Winter, director of residential programs and technical services
for Southwestern Electric Cooperative. Winter offers the
following five mistakes homeowners commonly make with
regard to heating, along with suggestions on how to remedy
those errors.
(1) Locking in a constant temperature. You may have
heard that it takes more energy to bring a cold space up to a
comfortable temperature than to maintain said temperature—
but that’s not the whole story. If, for example, you choose to
lock your thermostat setting at 68 degrees all the time, you
may be missing out on some major savings. By installing a
programmable thermostat and knocking the temperature down
by ten degrees while you are sleeping or away at work, you
can cut your heating bills by five to ten percent. The furnace
will have to cycle on for a longer period in order to return the
temperature to 68 degrees, but the net savings will still likely
work out in your favor.
(2) Putting the thermostat on full throttle. Just because you
lower the temperature when you leave the house, doesn’t mean
you need to blast the heat in order to warm the place back
up. If you return to a cold home, turning the thermostat to a
higher-than-comfortable setting will not heat up the space any
more quickly. Most furnaces pump out heat at the same rate
no matter what the goal temperature may be; they just cycle
on for a longer period to reach a higher temperature. Cranking
up the dial also puts you at risk of forgetting to return the
thermostat to its normal setting, and wasting energy as a result.
Instead, simply reset the thermostat to a desired comfortable
temperature and throw on a blanket while you’re waiting for the
house to warm up.
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The Southwestern
(3) Closing off vents in unused rooms. It’s natural to assume
that it’s a waste of energy to heat rooms not currently in use—a
spare bedroom, for example. On the contrary, by closing off
vents in unused areas of the house, you are actually changing
the air pressure of the entire system, thereby causing the
furnace to run inefficiently. According to Winter, homeowners
should avoid closing off more than ten percent of the home’s
vents and should instead focus on making sure the air ducts are
adequately and properly sealed.
(4) Keeping the home fires burning. Sitting by a roaring fire
will undoubtedly make your toes feel toasty, but the fireplace
is a very inefficient tool for warming an entire house. In fact,
you’re likely to lose more warm indoor air up the chimney than
the fire can radiate into your living space. If you want to heat
your home with wood, consider a wood-burning stove; newer
models are more energy-efficient, and burn more cleanly, than
their ancestors.
(5) Putting too much stock in space heaters. In most cases,
a central heating system is a cheaper and more efficient way
to heat your home than using a set of electric space heaters.
However, there are some exceptions. A single, highly-efficient
space heater operating in a small, well-insulated room can save
energy if used in lieu of a central heating system.
For additional energy-saving ideas and advice, contact
Southwestern Electric Cooperative’s Technical Services
Department at (800) 637-8667. You can also visit
TogetherWeSave.com, an online energy-saving resource
brought to you by Touchstone Energy Cooperatives, including
Southwestern Electric.
Source: TogetherWeSave.com
Heating Bill Payment Assistance
Available to Low-Income Families
T
he State of Illinois will offer assistance to low-income families
who struggle to pay their energy
bills. Assistance is currently available
for the 2012-2013 home heating season
through the Low Income Home Energy
Assistance Program (LIHEAP).
Winter energy assistance has been
made available in three phases: senior
citizens and people with disabilities
became eligible to apply for LIHEAP assistance on September 1, 2012; households with children under the age of five
became eligible on October 1, 2012; and
all others became eligible on November
1, 2012. Applications will be accepted
on a first-come first-served basis, until
the funds are exhausted.
Please review the income guidelines,
listed below, to see if you qualify. The
amount of the payment is determined
by income, household size, fuel type,
geographic location, and the amount of
funding available.
Step 1, Application: Use the listing
below to find the agency that serves
the county you live in, then contact the
agency and tell them that you want to
apply for assistance through LIHEAP.
The worker who takes your application
will explain the requirements, the type
of assistance available, and your rights
under the program.
the rent) showing the monthly rental
amount, landlord’s contact information,
and proof that utilities are included in
the rent;
•Proof of Social Security numbers for all
household members; and
•Proof that the household receives
TANF or other benefits—such as
Medical Eligibility or SNAP—if you are
receiving assistance from the Illinois
Department of Human Services.
When you apply for assistance, please
bring the following items:
•Proof of gross income from all
household members for the 30-day
period prior to application date;
•A copy of your current heat and
electric bills issued within the last 30
days (if energy paid for directly);
•A copy of your rental agreement (if
your heating costs are included in
Step 2, Notification: The agency
will determine your eligibility based on
the information you provide and will
notify you within 30 days of receiving a
completed application.
Step 3, Remittance: If your application is accepted, the local agency will
make the appropriate payment to your
energy provider(s) on your behalf, or in
some cases, directly to you. All client
and vendor payments will be made by
the local agency within 15 days of the
application’s approval. Electric cooperative members, if approved, will receive
assistance in the form of a one-time
payment.
To apply for assistance through LIHEAP, please contact
the community action agency serving your county.
County
Community Action Agency
Bond
BCMW Community Services, Inc.
Phone Number
(618) 664-3309
Clay
CEFS Economic Opportunity Corp.
(618) 662-4024
Clinton
BCMW Community Services, Inc.
(618) 594-4146
Effingham
CEFS Economic Opportunity Corp.
(217) 347-7514
Fayette CEFS Economic Opportunity Corp.
(618) 283-2631
Macoupin Illinois Valley Economic Development Corp.
(217) 839-4431
Madison Madison County Community Development
(618) 692-6200
Marion BCMW Community Services, Inc.
Montgomery CEFS Economic Opportunity Corp.
(618) 532-7388
(217) 532-5971
Shelby CEFS Economic Opportunity Corp.
(217) 774-4541
St. Clair St. Clair Community Action Agency
(618) 257-9246
Income Guidelines
Sources: IllinoisLIHEAP.com
amily Size 30-Day Income
F
1......................... $1,396
If your household’s combined income for the 2 ........................ $1,891
30 days prior to application is at or below
3 ........................ $2,386
150% of the federal poverty level, as shown
4 ........................ $2,881
in the chart, you may be eligible to receive
5 ........................ $3,376 *For each
assistance. If you rent, and your heat and/or
6 ........................ $3,871 additional
electric are included in the rental payment, your 7 ........................ $4,366 person,
rent must be greater than 30% of your income. 8*........................ $4,861 add $495.
For more information
on this program, visit
IllinoisLIHEAP.com or
call the toll-free hotline,
(877) 411-WARM.
The Southwestern
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13
Safety
Wild and
Wooly
Insulation
products
can be
hazardous
if handled
improperly
14
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The Southwestern
A
dding insulation to your home’s attic is a relatively
easy and inexpensive way to boost the building’s
energy efficiency. In fact, putting in some extra
insulation saves the average homeowner about $240 per year
on their heating and cooling bills. However, when installing
insulation in your home, safety should be top of mind.
Additional precautions must be taken when working
with any type of fiberglass insulation. While the risks of
fiberglass insulation are not fully understood or agreed upon,
it is generally accepted—according to the International
Association of Certified Home Inspectors—that this
material has the potential to cause harm. When inhaled,
fiberglass particles can cause coughing, nosebleeds and
other respiratory ailments. Smaller particles are capable
of becoming deeply lodged in the lungs, a threat which the
U.S. Occupational Health and Safety Association (OSHA)
considers serious enough to require a cancer warning label
on fiberglass insulation products.
If you believe vermiculite insulation, which may contain
asbestos, is present in your home, do not disturb the
insulation; have a contractor who is certified to handle and
remove asbestos take care of it.
Here are some additional recommendations.
(1)Dress appropriately. Fiberglass particles may become
lodged in the skin’s pores, leading to itchiness and rashes.
To reduce the chances of skin irritation, wear a head covering, gloves and loose-fitting clothing, including a longsleeved shirt and long-legged pants.
(2)Use proper protection. Safety glasses and respiratory
protection may be necessary, depending on your work
environment (see OSHA’s Respiratory Protection Standard,
at osha.gov, for guidance). With fiberglass insulation, a
respirator with a particulate filter should be used to prevent
inhalation of fibers. Eye protection should also be worn
when appropriate.
(3)Address irritation smartly. If insulation fibers collect on
your skin, don’t rub or scratch at them. Instead, lay tape,
adhesive-side down, and remove it gently so the fibers are
pulled from the skin. If fibers get in your eyes, resist the urge
to rub them: flush your eyes with water or eyewash solution,
and seek medical attention if the irritation persists.
(4)Keep dust to a minimum. Leave the materials in their
packaging for as long as possible, and use tools that generate the least amount of dust. If you use power tools, make
sure they are equipped with dust-collection systems. Before
removing fiberglass insulation, it’s a good idea to dampen
the area with water to help prevent particles from entering
the air. Keep all equipment as close as possible to the work
area to prevent the release of fibers into your home. Avoid
unnecessary handling of scrap materials by placing them in
waste disposal containers.
(5)Maintain adequate ventilation. Determine whether your
work site needs a dust-collection system. Also, exhausted
air containing fiberglass particles should be filtered before
it is recirculated into indoor workspaces. Finally, ventilation
systems used to capture fibers should be checked regularly.
(6)Clean up thoroughly. When working with fiberglass
insulation, it’s important to take steps to prevent fiber dust
from being transmitted into the living area. Remove any fiber
dust from your work clothes and wash your hands with cold
water when you are finished working.
Planning to install insulation at your home or business? Give
Southwestern Electric Cooperative a call at (800) 637-8667
before you get started. Our energy advisors can help you determine how much insulation will be needed, what type of material
to use, and how to go about installing it.
Sources: North American Insulation Manufacturers Association, International
Association of Certified Home Inspectors
The Southwestern
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15
Around the Home
Razing Blazes
A guide to home fire extinguishers
T
he portable fire extinguisher is,
without question, an extremely
useful tool that can save lives
and property. However, protecting your
home and family from fire requires a
lot more than simply purchasing such a
device and hoping you’ll never have to
use it. Here are some key issues you’ll
want to keep in mind.
Selection: The first step is to choose
the proper kind(s) of fire extinguishers
for use in your home. Different types of
fires call for different types of extinguishers (see graphic on the adjacent
page for a summary of model types and
their intended uses).
“I think the Class A-B-C drychemical extinguisher is the best
all-around model for domestic
use,” says Jon Becker, chief of the
Altamont (Illinois) Fire Protection District. “But make sure
only to choose models that
carry the label of an independent testing laboratory.”
Positioning: A fire extinguisher won’t do you any good
if you can’t access it in time to put the
fire out. Becker recommends placing at
least one extinguisher in the garage, the
kitchen, and in a common area on each
floor of the home.
Class A extinguishers put out fires in ordinary combustible materials such as cloth, wood, rubber, paper,
and many plastics.
A
Ordinary
Combustibles
Class B extinguishers are used on fires involving flammable liquids, such as grease, gasoline, oil, and oilbased paints.
B
Flammable
Liquids
Class C extinguishers are suitable for use on fires involving appliances, tools, or other equipment that is
electrically energized or plugged in.
C
Electrical
Equipment
Class D extinguishers are designed for use on flammable metals and are often specific for the type of metal
in question. These are typically found only in factories working with these metals.
Class K fire extinguishers are intended for use on fires that involve vegetable oils, animal oils, or fats in
cooking appliances. These extinguishers are generally found in commercial kitchens, such as those found
in restaurants, cafeterias, and caterers. Class K extinguishers are now finding their way into the residential
market for use in kitchens.
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The Southwestern
D
Combustible
Metals
K
Combustible
Cooking
Source: USFA
“I also keep one in my bedroom in
case a fire breaks out while I’m asleep
and blocks my access to family members
or an escape route,” he adds.
Each extinguisher should be placed
where it is not blocked by furniture,
doorways, or anything else that might
limit access to it in an emergency.
Taking Action: “The first thing you
need to do when a fire breaks out is
decide whether to attempt to fight it or
just get out of there,” says Becker. “You
have to use your instincts to a certain
extent, but generally the best time to hit
a fire with an extinguisher is when it’s
still in early stages and not a whole lot of
smoke has built up yet.”
The United States Fire Administration
(USFA) offers a simple set of guidelines,
recommending that homeowners discharge a portable extinguisher only when
all of the following conditions are met:
(1) The fire is confined to a small
area, such as a wastebasket, and is
not growing or spreading;
(2) All other occupants have exited
the building;
(3) The fire department has been
called;
(4) The room is not filled with
smoke; and
(5) You have identified a means of
escape, and the fire is not between
you and the escape route.
Maintenance: Fire extinguishers
must be checked regularly to ensure
that the pressure is at the recommended
level and that all parts are operable and
not damaged or restricted in any way.
Dry-chemical extinguishers should be
shaken once every month to prevent the
powder from settling or packing. Check
the owner’s manual or consult with the
manufacturer for guidance on how to
properly maintain a particular model.
Preparedness: Always read the
instructions and familiarize yourself with
how to operate each fire extinguisher in
your home. You don’t want to be fumbling with the instructions while a fire is
burning.
“Remember, fire extinguishers are
just one part of a comprehensive fire
response plan,” adds Becker. “Every
household should also have an adequate
number of working smoke alarms and a
fire escape plan that’s practiced regularly.”
For information on fire safety training (including guidance on home fire
extinguishers) in your area, contact your
local fire department.
Sources: National Fire Protection Association, United
States Fire Administration
USFA recommends
that only those
trained in the proper use
and maintenance of fire
extinguishers consider
using them when
appropriate.
!
The Southwestern
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17
Out & About
A
AFeast
Feast
for
for
the
the
Eyes
Eyes
Acclaimed
Chinese
acrobats to
perform at
Kaskaskia
College
Photos by Amitava Sarkar
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The Southwestern
P
recision, balance, timing, artistry, strength, flexibility
and courage—these are just a handful of the skills
that will be on display when the Golden Dragon
Acrobats visit southwestern Illinois this winter. In
a show called Cirque Zíva, this collection of contortionists,
tumblers and jugglers will perform astonishing feats of
theatrical acrobatics in a fast-paced, highly artistic format.
Although Cirque Zíva is a new production, the Golden
Dragon Acrobats have been touring the U.S. for more than 30
years, making approximately 200 performances annually. At
any given time the troupe consists of about 25 athletes who
have studied and trained in acrobatics since early childhood.
Headed up by the husband-and-wife team of Danny and Angela
Chang, the Golden Dragons hail from the city of Cangzhou,
which is located in China’s Hebei province.
Cirque Zíva combines the ancient tradition of Chinese
acrobatics, which dates back approximately 25 centuries, with
spectacular set designs and costumes. The show debuted in
2011 at the Paramount Theatre in Asbury Park, New Jersey.
After receiving critical acclaim at the Jersey Shore, the
company decided to take this production on the road in 2013,
and Kaskaskia College will be one of the stops on Cirque
Zíva’s North American tour. The show will be held for one
night only—Wednesday, February 13—at the college’s Jane
Knight Auditorium in Centralia, Illinois. See below for details.
The Golden Dragon Acrobats are seven-time recipients of
the National Association of Campus Activities’ Entertainer
of the Year Award. They have also performed for President
Bill Clinton and other world leaders at the Asia-Pacific
Economic Cooperation (APEC) meeting in Shanghai, China.
In 2005 their Broadway debut and seven-week run at the New
Victory Theater earned two prestigious New York Drama
Desk nominations for Producer/Director Danny Chang and
Choreographer/Costume Designer Angela Chang.
Just how impressive are the Golden Dragons and Cirque
Zíva? With virtually indescribable moves like the chair
stacking handstand, the foot juggle and the bicycle pagoda,
some things simply must be seen to be believed.
Sources: goldendragonacrobats.com, sroartists.com
Cirque Zíva at a Glance
Date:
Wednesday, February 13
Time:
7:30 p.m.
Location:
Kaskaskia College’s Jane Knight Auditorium
27210 College Road
Centralia, IL 62801
Cost:
$27 for adults; $15 for minors
(age 18 and younger).
For information: Call (618) 545-3223 or
visit kaskaskia.edu/soe.
The Southwestern
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19
‘Catch’ Me If You Can
The Cartoon Character
Catch Phrase Game
Are you “smarter than the average bear” when it comes
to famous television cartoons? Test your knowledge
by matching the cartoon character to his or her
corresponding catch phrase. Good luck!
1) Sufferin’ succotash! _____
2) Don’t have a cow, man. _____
3) Hey, where’s Perry? _____
4) Here I come to save the day! _____
5) Yabba dabba doo! _____
6) Zoinks! _____
7) What’s up, doc? _____
8) Jinkies! _____
9) Hey there, Boo Boo. _____
10) I’m ready! _____
11) D’oh! _____
12) Up, up and away! _____
13) Wowsers! _____
14) Ándale! Ándale! Arriba! Arriba! _____
15) Heavens to Murgatroyd! _____
16) Be vewy vewy quiet, I'm hunting wabbits. _____
17) You're despicable. _____
18) Let me at 'em! _____
19) Hey, hey, hey. _____
20) Will you be my friend? _____
21) Th-th-th-th-that's all folks! _____
22) I am what I am. _____
23) I'll gladly pay you Tuesday for a hamburger today. _____
24) The same thing we do every night: try to take over the world. _____
25) Hokey smoke! _____
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The Southwestern
Answers: 1, M; 2, F; 3, U; 4, O; 5, A; 6, X; 7, R; 8, E; 9, Y; 10, C; 11, H; 12, J; 13, G; 14, W; 15, Q; 16, T; 17, D; 18, P; 19, B; 20, L; 21, N; 22, I; 23, S; 24, V; 25, K;
20
A) Fred Flintstone
B) Fat Albert
C) SpongeBob SquarePants
D) Daffy Duck
E) Velma Dinkley
F) Bart Simpson
G) Inspector Gadget
H) Homer Simpson
I) Popeye
J) Superman
K) Rocky the Flying Squirrel
L) Casper the Friendly Ghost
M) Sylvester the Cat
N) Porky Pig
O) Mighty Mouse
P) Scrappy Doo
Q) Snagglepuss
R) Bugs Bunny
S) Wimpy
T) Elmer Fudd
U) Phineas
V) The Brain
W) Speedy Gonzalez
X) Norville “Shaggy” Rogers
Y) Yogi Bear
Your Spare Change
Can Make a Big
Difference through
Operation Round Up
Even during tough economic times, it’s important that we continue
to support our local communities. That’s the philosophy behind
Operation Round Up (ORU), a charitable program governed,
funded and supported by Southwestern Electric Cooperative
members like you.
Here’s how the program works: After a member signs up for
ORU, the cooperative will begin rounding up the amount due on
that member’s monthly electric bills to the nearest dollar. These
donations are placed in an account from which an independent
panel of Southwestern Electric members makes grants to support
various community projects across the co-op’s service territory.
Since launching this program in 2005, Southwestern Electric’s
ORU has assisted a wide variety of organizations, including local
food pantries, senior centers and fire departments.
Ready to get started? To join ORU today, simply check the
enrollment box on your electric bill or contact Southwestern
Electric Cooperative at (800) 637-8667. For more information
about this program, please visit SWECI.com.
Operation Round Up,
in summary:
Round up your monthly electric bill to
the nearest dollar.
Contributions will range from $0.01 to
$0.99 per month ($1 per month for accounts on levelized billing).
Your contributions, pooled with those
made by fellow co-op members, will
help fund charitable projects in the
community.
Small change.
Big difference.
You can cancel or resume participation
at any time.
Signing up is easy; just check the
enrollment box on your next electric
bill or call the cooperative at
(800) 637-8667.
The Southwestern
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21
e
Yo u
r
e
Are H
I
t’s been two and a half years since one of our “You Are
Here” challenges succeeded in stumping every last one
of The Southwestern’s readers, but we’ve done it again.
Several Southwestern Electric Co-op members ventured
guesses, but none could correctly identify the location of our
January photo before the contest deadline.
Recognizing the likeness of labor organizer Mary “Mother”
Jones (1837-1930) in the picture, a few readers believed it to
be from the Mother Jones Monument in Mt. Olive, Illinois.
“Close, but no cigar!ˮ we told them. The correct answer
is the Battle of Virden Monument, located in Virden,
Illinois. Dedicated only about five years ago, this monument
commemorates the 1898 skirmish between union coal miners
and mine guards. Installed near the site of the battle, the
memorial features a bronzed bas relief, measuring 12 feet in
width, depicting the people and events associated with this
violent chapter in Virden’s history.
Mother Jones
The Battle of Virden was the climax of a bitter labor dispute
at a local coal mine. Mine owners from Pennsylvania to Illinois
had agreed on a contract with the United Mine Workers Union,
but the Chicago-Virden Coal Company, the largest in Illinois,
refused to honor it. In lieu of paying miners the new unionscale wages, Chicago-Virden Coal implemented a lockout and
recruited African-American miners from Alabama as nonunion replacement workers. Anticipating trouble with the union
miners, the coal company built a stockade around the mine and
brought in 75 armed guards to secure the property.
A bloody battle broke out on October 12, 1898, when a train
full of replacement miners from Alabama pulled into town. A
throng of striking miners surrounded the train and blocked it
from entering the Chicago-Virden Coal compound. This set
off a gunfight which left 13 people dead and approximately
40 wounded. After about 20 minutes, the train hurried on to
Springfield without stopping at the mine. National Guard
troops were sent in to restore order, and a month later the mine
owners relented, granting the union miners their wage increase.
Unfortunately, there were no winners of the January “You
Are Here” challenge. However, we look forward to reading
your responses to the February photo. Good luck!
Sources: illinoislaborhistory.org, legendsofamerica.com, macoupincountyil.gov,
The State Journal-Register
Getting There: Virden is located about 20
miles south of Springfield along Illinois
Route 4. The Battle of Virden Monument
can be found on the
northeast side of the
town square.
You Are Here is a contest that challenges your knowledge of places in and around Southwestern Electric Cooperative’s service area.
Here’s how it works: Each month, we run a photo. Your job is to tell us where we shot it. The places pictured aren’t necessarily on
Southwestern’s lines, but they are in one of the 11 counties we serve.
Send us your answer by the tenth day of the following month and we’ll enter your name in a drawing for a Southwestern Electric
shirt and hat. You can email your response to [email protected] or send it by mail to Larry Deutsch, Southwestern Electric
Cooperative, 525 U.S. Route 40, Greenville, IL 62246. Please include your name, mailing address, hometown, and preferred shirt size.
Your anecdotes and memories of the You Are Here location are also encouraged. The answer, and information about the featured
location, will appear in a future issue of The Southwestern.
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The Southwestern
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23
Area Events
February 1-3 THE 25TH ANNUAL
PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING
BEE, Lebanon. A one-act musical
comedy. Friday & Saturday at 7:30
p.m.; Sunday at 2 p.m. $10 for adults;
$9 for students, senior citizens and
active military personnel (with valid
identification). Looking Glass Playhouse,
301 West Saint Louis Street. Visit
lookingglassplayhouse.com or call (618)
537-4962.
February 2 SOUTHERN GOSPEL
CONCERT SERIES, Bethalto. One Voice,
a Gospel group from Marion, Illinois, will
perform. 7 p.m. Admission is free, but an
offering will be taken. Bethalto Church of
God, 800 East Bethalto Drive. For more
information, call (618) 259-0065.
February 2 EAGLES OVER THE
CONFLUENCE: CHAINSAW WOOD
CARVING, Hartford. Watch as a
sculpture of a bald eagle is carved
from a block of wood. 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Admission is free, but a fee will be
charged for the optional tower tour.
Lewis & Clark Confluence Tower, 435
Confluence Drive. Call (618) 251-9101 or
visit confluencetower.com.
February 2 TRIVIA NIGHT, Highland.
Groups of 8 people will compete in
a trivia competition. Prizes will be
‘FRIENDS FOR AG.’ DINNER &
AUCTION, Staunton. Presented by
the Staunton-area alumni of Future
Farmers of America. Doors open at 4
p.m.; dinner served 4:30 - 6:30 p.m.
Crystal Ballroom, 20631 Staunton
Road. For tickets or additional
information, call Barbara Kraner at
(618) 637-4444.
February 2
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The Southwestern
awarded to the 1st and 2nd place teams.
7 p.m. (doors open at 6:30 p.m.) $10
per person. Proceeds will benefit the
Highland Lions Club. Bring your own
food and drinks (no alcohol, please).
Evangelical United Church of Christ,
2520 Poplar Street. Call (618) 779-3815
or (618) 488-6922.
February 2 & 9 AUDUBON RAPTOR
DAYS, West Alton. An opportunity
to view bald eagles. High-powered
telescopes will be available to enhance
the eagle-viewing experience.
Knowledgeable staff and volunteers will
be on hand to assist visitors and answer
questions. 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Admission is
free. Audubon Center at Riverlands, 301
Riverlands Way. Call (636) 899-0090 or
visit riverlands.audubon.org.
February 2, 6, 9, 13 & 16 A DAY IN
EAGLE COUNTRY, Alton. This daylong wildlife-spotting adventure offers
the opportunity to view bald eagles
in their natural habitat. 8:30 a.m. - 3
p.m. Admission fees apply. Includes a
professional tour guide, transportation
by motor coach or trolley, continental
breakfast and lunch at Pere Marquette
State Park. All tours depart from, and
return to, the upper-level parking lot at
Alton Square Mall (200 Alton Square
Drive). Reservations are required. For
pricing and other information, call (618)
466-8693 or visit bluffcitytours.com.
February 3 THE COURTHOUSE STEPS,
Godfrey. The Greater Alton Concert
Association presents The Courthouse
Steps, a group of St. Louis-area
attorneys who sing songs that poke
fun at national and local news. 3 p.m.
General admission: $20 in advance or
$22 at the door. Student admission:
$5 in advance or $6 at the door. Lewis
& Clark Community College, The
Commons, 5800 Godfrey Road. For
tickets, call (618) 468-4222 or visit
metrotix.com. For more information, visit
altonconcerts.org.
Information appearing in the Area
Events calendar is provided by the
events’ organizers or taken from
local community websites. Please
call to verify information regarding
any event you plan to attend.
Dates, times, and other details are
subject to change.
February 3, 5-9, 12-16, 19-23, 26-28;
March 1, 2, 5-9 PASSION: A SOLO
SHOW BY VESNA DELEVSKA, Alton. An
art show featuring acrylic paintings and
hand-painted furniture. Tuesday - Friday
10 a.m. - 6 p.m.; Saturday 10 a.m. - 4
p.m. The Gallery of By Design, 136 Front
Street. Call (618) 433-1400.
February 3, 6, 9, 10, 13, 16, 19, 25
& 27; March 5 & 6 BALD EAGLE
DAYS, Grafton. Site Interpreter Scott
Isringhausen will present an informative
programs about bald eagles. Visitors
will learn what bald eagles eat, why they
spend the winter months in our area, and
how to distinguish between immature
and mature eagles. There will be a
short video presentation followed by an
observational drive to view the wintering
bald eagles. 8:30 a.m. Reservations
are required. Please dress warmly and
make sure your vehicle has a full tank of
gas. Pere Marquette State Park, Visitors
Center, 13653 Lodge Boulevard. For
reservations or more information, call
(618) 786-3323.
February 8-10 ST. LOUIS
WOODWORKING SHOW, Collinsville.
Friday noon - 6 p.m.; Saturday 10 a.m.
- 6 p.m.; Sunday 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. $12
for adults; free for active-duty military,
fire and police personnel. Children
and teens age 16 and younger get in
free when accompanied by a paying
adult. Gateway Center, 1 Gateway
Drive. For more information, visit
thewoodworkingshows.com.
February 8-10 & 15-17 THE
PRODUCERS, Breese. The Clinton
County Showcase troupe will perform
the 12-time Tony Award-winning
musical. All performances begin at
8 p.m. except for the last Sunday
showing, which is at 2 p.m. $10 for
adults; $9 for students, senior citizens
and active military personnel (with valid
identification). Historic Avon Theatre, 535
North 2nd Street. For reservations, call
(618) 526-2866 or visit ccshowcase.com.
February 9 CHOCOLATE
RENDEZVOUS, Lebanon. Sample
scrumptious chocolate treats at
participating stores and restaurants. $7
per person. Downtown on East and West
St. Louis Streets. Call (618) 537-6625 or
visit lebanonil.us.
February 9 EAGLES OVER THE
CONFLUENCE: NATIVE AMERICAN
TRIBUTE TO THE BALD EAGLE,
Hartford. Celebrate the elegance and
significance of our national symbol.
Learn about Native American traditions
from Kathy Dickerson, a member of
the Kiowa Tribe and local advocate for
keeping American Indian traditions alive.
Noon - 4 p.m. Native American dancers
will perform hourly. Admission is free,
but a fee will be charged for the optional
tower tour. Lewis & Clark Confluence
Tower, 435 Confluence Drive. Call (618)
251-9101 or visit confluencetower.com.
February 9-10 CHILDREN’S ART
SHOW, Effingham. Highlighting the
artwork of area students from preschool
through 12th grade. Saturday 10 a.m. - 7
p.m.; Sunday noon - 4 p.m. Admission
is free. Village Square Mall, 51 Village
Square Mall. Call (217) 925-5161 or
visiteffinghamartguild.com.
and modern theatrical techniques. 7:30
p.m. $27 for adults; $15 for minors (age
18 and younger). Kaskaskia College,
Jane Knight Auditorium, 27210 College
Road. For more information, call (618)
545-3223 or visit kaskaskia.edu/soe.
February 9-10 HOMEBUILDERS SHOW,
Effingham. Saturday 10 a.m. - 8 p.m.;
Sunday 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. $2 for adults;
free for children and teens age 15 and
younger. Keller Convention Center, 1202
North Keller Drive. Call (217) 347-5115 or
visiteffinghamhomebuilders.com.
February 13 KNEE-HIGH NATURALIST,
Godfrey. Children will learn about
weather signs, clouds, snow, rain
and how animals and plants adapt
to weather conditions. Two sessions
available: 10 - 11 a.m. and 1 - 2 p.m.
$5 per child. Includes a hike (weather
permitting), a snack, and a book for the
child to keep. Intended for children ages
3 - 5. Each child must be accompanied
by an adult. Advance registration
required; each session will be limited to
15 children. The Nature Institute, Talahi
Lodge, 2213 South Levis Lane. Call (618)
466-9930 or visit thenatureinstitute.org.
February 11 ‘NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM’
HAUNTED TOUR, Alton. An opportunity
to tour the historic Museum of Torture
Devices and haunted Mineral Springs
Mall. Attendees will try out ghosthunting equipment, attend a séance and
participate in a Tarot-card reading. 7:30
p.m. $30 per person. Mineral Springs
Haunted Tours, 301 East Broadway
Street. Call (866) 465-3205 or visit
mineralspringshauntedtours.com.
February 12 SPEAKER SERIES AT THE
MUSEUM, East Alton. Local author Dan
Brannan will speak about “Boy Giant,”
his biography of Robert Wadlow, the
tallest man in recorded history. 1 - 3 p.m.
National Great Rivers Museum, 2 Lock
and Dam Way. Call (877) 462-6979 or
visit mtrf.org
February 13 CIRQUE ZIVA, Centralia.
Featuring traditional Chinese acrobatics,
dance, ancient and contemporary music,
February 9
NASA photo
FAMILY SCIENCE NIGHT: TOUCH
ANOTHER WORLD, Altamont.
Eastern Illinois University science
professor Brian Poelker and his team
of education majors will guide visitors
through a series of hands-on learning
stations. 6 p.m. Recommended for
children age 8 and up. Advance
registration is required. Ballard Nature
Center, 5253 East U.S. Highway
40. Call (618) 483-6856 or visit
ballardnaturecenter.org.
February 15-17 COUNTRY TREASURES
CRAFT SHOW, Effingham. Friday 5 - 9
p.m.; Saturday 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.; Sunday
10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Village Square Mall,
U.S. 45 South (South Banker Street). Call
(217) 347-0623.
February 16 March 16 BIRD WALK,
West Alton. A nature walk geared
toward spotting native birds. 8 - 10
a.m. Please dress appropriately for the
weather and bring water. Binoculars are
also recommended. Audubon Center
at Riverlands, 301 Riverlands Way.
For pricing or other information, visit
riverlands.audubon.org or call
(636) 899-0090.
February 16 EAGLE PHOTOGRAPHY
WORKSHOP, Hartford. Learn tips and
tools for capturing amazing photographs
of these majestic birds. Two sessions
available: 1 - 2 p.m. and 3 - 4 p.m.
Admission is free, but a fee will be
charged for the optional tower tour.
Lewis & Clark Confluence Tower, 435
Confluence Drive. Call (618) 251-9101 or
visit confluencetower.com.
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The Southwestern
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February 16 IMAGO THEATRE:
ZOOZOO, Lebanon. This madcap
menagerie combines miming, dance,
comedy, music and special effects.
3 p.m. $15 for adults; $12 for senior
citizens; $5 for children. Hettenhausen
Center for the Arts, 701 College Road.
Call (618) 537-6863 or visit thehett.com.
February 16 BABYSITTING 101,
Belleville. Taught by an instructor from
St. Louis Children’s Hospital, this class
is a great introduction to the basics
of babysitting. Topics will include the
business of babysitting, safety and first
aid, child development, fun and games.
9 a.m. - 1 p.m. $30 per participant.
A workbook and light snack will be
provided. Eckert’s Farm, 951 South
Green Mount Road. Call (314) 454-5437
to register. For more information, call
(618) 233-0513 or visit eckerts.com.
February 16 GREAT RIVERS CHORAL
SOCIETY: FOOLS FALL IN LOVE,
Wood River. A Madrigal play and dinner
concert in the spirit of a Renaissanceera feast. 6 p.m. $30 per person. Moose
Family Center Lodge, 730 Wesley Drive.
For more information, call (618) 4652315 or visit grcs-sing.org.
February 18 PHOTOGRAPHY
WORKSHOP, Hartford. Noon - 1 p.m.
and 1 - 2 p.m. Admission is free, but a
fee will be charged for the optional tower
tour. Lewis & Clark Confluence tower,
435 Confluence Drive. Call (618) 2519101 or visit confluencetower.com.
February 21 APPLES TO ZUCCHINI,
Belleville. A registered dietitian from
St. Louis Children’s Hospital will teach
parents about making healthy meals
and snacks for their children. Topics will
include family mealtime, portion sizes,
stocking the pantry, beverage choices
and creative snack ideas. 7 - 8:30 p.m.
$5 per adult. Eckert’s Farm, 951 South
Green Mount Road. Call (314) 454-5437
to register. For more information, call
(618) 233-0513 or visit eckerts.com.
February 22-24 RV & CAMPER SHOW,
Belleville. Featuring motor homes,
fifth wheels, pop-ups, campers,
travel trailers, camping supplies and
accessories. Friday 4 - 9 p.m.; Sunday
10 a.m. - 8 p.m. Admission fees apply.
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February 23 POLAR PLUNGE, Carlyle.
Jump into the icy waters of Carlyle Lake
to raise money for Special Olympics in
Illinois. Registration opens at 10 a.m.;
plunge takes place at noon. Wetsuits
are prohibited, shoes are recommended
and costumes are encouraged. Please
bring a towel. Free lunch will be provided
afterward to plunge participants. Call
(618) 654-6680 or visit soill.org.
February 23 EAGLES OVER THE
CONFLUENCE: LIVE EAGLE DISPLAY,
Hartford. Get up close and personal
with a live American bald eagle from
the World Bird Sanctuary. 1 - 3 p.m.
Admission is free, but a fee will be
charged for the optional tower tour.
Lewis & Clark Confluence Tower, 435
Confluence Drive. Call (618) 251-9101 or
visit confluencetower.com.
February 24 A TOUR OF ITALY, Godfrey.
Sample Italian wines and desserts while
listening to classical music. 3 p.m. $10
for adults; $5 for senior citizens; free for
children and teens (grades K - 12). Alton
Symphony Orchestra, 5800 Godfrey
Road. Call (618) 463-6933 or visit
altonsymphony.org.
February 16 & 17 HOME, BUSINESS &
GARDEN EXPO, Centralia. Saturday 9
a.m. - 4 p.m.; Sunday 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.
$1 admission fee; children age 12 and
younger get in free. Centralia Recreation
Complex, 115 East Second Street. For
more information, call (618) 532-6789 or
e-mail [email protected].
February 17 GREATER ALTON
CONCERT ASSOCIATION: CITY
VOICES, Godfrey. The City Voices
Chorus, a women’s barbershop-style
singing group, will perform. 3 - 5 p.m.
General admission: $20 in advance or
$22 at the door. Student admission:
$5 in advance or $6 at the door.
Lewis & Clark Community College,
Hatheway Hall, 5800 Godfrey Road.
For reservations call (618) 468-4222 or
purchase tickets online at metrotix.com.
For information, visit altonconcerts.org.
Belle Clair Fairgrounds Park, 200
South Belt East. For pricing or other
information, call (618) 235-0052 or visit
bcfairgrounds.net.
February 25 MOONLIGHT HIKE, Alton.
7 - 8:30 p.m. Admission is free. The
Nature Institute, Talahi Lodge, 2213
South Levis Lane. Call (618) 466-9930 or
visit thenatureinstitute.org.
February 16-18 MASTERS OF
THE SKY, East Alton. See eagles,
falcons, owls and other birds
of prey at this educational and
informational program presented
by representatives of the World
Bird Sanctuary. 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Presentations held daily at 11 a.m., 1
p.m. and 3 p.m. $5 for adults; $3 for
children age 4 - 12; free for children
age 3 and younger. National Great
Rivers Museum, 2 Lock & Dam Way.
Call (877) 462-6979.
February 25 LIVE AT JACOBY:
FIDDLEBACK, Alton. Fiddleback,
a trio led by violinist/violist Victoria
Brannan, will perform. 7 - 9 p.m. (doors
open at 6 p.m.) $10 for adults; $8 for
senior citizens and students with valid
identification. Jacoby Arts Center, 627
East Broadway. Call (618) 462-5222 or
visit jacobyartscenter.com.
February 26 ISN’T IT ROMANTIC?,
Godfrey. The Alton Symphony presents
a concert featuring songs by two
master composers of the romantic era,
Tchaikovsky and Dvorak. 3 p.m. $18 for
adults; $15 for senior citizens; $5 for
youths age 5 - 18; free for Alton High
School and Lewis & Clark Community
College students, staff and faculty.
Tickets can be purchased at the door,
by phone at (618) 463-6933, or online
at altonsymphony.org. Lewis and Clark
Community College, Hatheway Cultural
Center, 5800 Godfrey Road. For more
information, visit altonsymphony.org.
March 23 FRUIT TREE SEMINAR,
Belleville. Learn about the great
variety of fruit trees available, the
basics of fruit tree planting, and how
to care for your home orchard. Noon
- 2 p.m. Admission is free. Eckert’s
Farm, 951 South Green Mount Road.
Call (618) 233-0513, ext. 4, or visit
eckerts.com.
February 28 BLACK HISTORY MONTH
CELEBRATION, Carlyle. Featuring
traditional African and Caribbean folklore
with rhythmic accompaniment. 6:30
p.m. Case Halstead Library, 591 Franklin
Street. For pricing and other information,
call (618) 594-5210.
March 2 POLAR PLUNGE, Effingham.
Jump into the icy waters of Lake Sara
to raise money for Special Olympics in
Illinois. Registration opens at 11 a.m.;
plunge takes place at noon. Wetsuits
are prohibited, shoes are recommended
and costumes are encouraged. Please
bring a towel. Free lunch will be provided
afterward to plunge participants. Call
(217) 345-2424 or visit soill.org.
March 2 SOUTHERN GOSPEL
CONCERT SERIES, Bethalto. The
Barry Jones Family will perform. 7 p.m.
Admission is free, but an offering will be
taken. Bethalto Church of God, 800 East
Bethalto Drive. Call (618) 259-0065.
March 2 & 3 WINE & FOOD FESTIVAL,
Belleville. Featuring wine tastings and
cooking demonstrations. Saturday 10
a.m. - 5 p.m.; Sunday noon - 5 p.m.
Eckert’s Farm, 951 South Green Mount
Road. For pricing or other information,
call (618) 233-0513 or visit eckerts.com.
March 3 SAUSAGE SUPPER, Troy.
Noon - 6 p.m. $10 for guests age 11 and
older; $4 for children age 5 - 10; free for
children age 4 and younger. St. Paul’s
Lutheran Church, 112 North Border
Street. For more information, contact
Kathy Brumm at (618) 667-6681 or
[email protected].
admission period (Friday 3 - 6 p.m.).
Tickets are valid for both event dates.
Student Fitness Center, Southern Illinois
University Edwardsville, 636 Hairpin
Drive. Call (618) 650-2730.
March 14-17, 21-24 LOOT, Lebanon.
A theatrical performance by the Looking
Glass Players. All performances begin
at 7:30 p.m., except for Sunday shows,
which begin at 2 p.m. $10 for adults;
$9 for students, senior citizens and
active military personnel (with valid
identification). Looking Glass Playhouse,
301 West Saint Louis Street. For more
information, call (618) 537-4962 or visit
lookingglassplayhouse.com.
March 15-24 CLUE: THE MUSICAL,
Alton. A theatrical presentation by the
Alton Little Theater Company. Tuesday
- Saturday at 7:30 p.m.; Sunday at 2
p.m. $20 for adults; $8 for students.
Box office opens 1 hour before each
showing. Alton Little Theater, 2450 North
Henry Street. For tickets, call (618) 4626562 or visit altonlittletheater.org.
March 3 FOLK FESTIVAL, Grafton.
11 a.m. - 3 p.m. Admission is free. Pere
Marquette Lodge & Conference Center,
13653 Lodge Boulevard. Call (618)
786-2331.
March 3 AMBASSADORS OF
HARMONY, Godfrey. The Greater
Alton Concert Association presents the
Ambassadors of Harmony, a 150-man
barbershop-style singing group. 7:30
p.m. General admission: $20 in advance
or $22 at the door. Student admission:
$5 in advance or $6 at the door. The
Commons, Lewis & Clark Community
College, 5800 Godfrey Road. For tickets,
call (618) 468-4222 or visit metrotix.com.
For information, visit altonconcert.org.
March 8 & 9 ANTIQUES SHOW & SALE,
Edwardsville. This annual show features
more than 80 dealers of antiques. Friday
6 - 9 p.m.; Saturday 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. $6
for adults; free for guests age 13 and
younger. Additional $10 fee for early
March 16-17 KNIFE SHOW, Bethalto.
Presented by the Bunker Hill Knife Club.
Saturday 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.; Sunday
8:30 a.m. - 2 p.m. Knights of Columbus
Hall, 400 North Beau Chateau. Call Gene
Winston at (618) 288-6974 or Joe Mushill
at (618) 616-9058.
March 17 SPRING EQUINOX
OBSERVANCE, Collinsville. Meet at the
reconstructed Woodhenge by 6:35 a.m.
to hear an explanation of the discovery,
form and function of this ancient post
circle calendar. Admission is free.
Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site, 30
Ramey Street. Call (618) 346-5160 or
visit cahokiamounds.org.
March 22 DONKEY BASKETBALL
SHOW, Carlyle. 7 p.m. $8 for adults; $6
for students. Proceeds will benefit band
and chorus programs in Carlyle schools.
Carlyle High School, 1461 Twelfth Street.
Call (618) 594-2468.
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