Special - Southwestern Electric Cooperative

the
Southwestern
A SOUTHWESTERN ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE MEMBER MAGAZINE
MAY 2013 • VOLUME 65 • ISSUE 5
Danger
Ahead!
Special
Safety
Issue
May is Electrical Safety Month
Board Election Information
Electrical Safety for Pet Owners
Coloring Contest for Kids
the
Southwestern
A SOUTHWESTERN ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE
MEMBER MAGAZINE
MAY 2013 • VOLUME 65 • ISSUE 5
Inside This Issue
04 News & Notes
 Science Grants Available to
Local Schools
pg. 18
On Account: We hide one member’s
account number inside each month’s issue
(mailing label excluded). If this account
 Co-op Connections Corner
number belongs to you, please contact
 Call JULIE Before You Dig
Southwestern Electric Cooperative within
30 days and we’ll take $25 off your electric
06 Board Election Information
bill. Good luck!
Interested in running for a seat on the
board of directors? Turn here to learn how.
08 Energy & Efficiency
This year’s National Electrical Safety
Month campaign focuses on
protecting young children and
older adults.
18 Out & About
Before you go boating, fishing, or
swimming, take a few minutes to read up
14 Safety
on this important safety information.
After a severe spring storm passes
through, the danger is far from over.
20 Kilowatt Kids
Numerous electrical hazards may be left
Grab your crayons and colored pencils,
behind.
because The Southwestern’s 3rd annual
Electrical Safety Month Coloring Contest
16 Around the Home
is here!
For many Americans, pets are like
members of the family. Here are some easy
and inexpensive ways you can protect your
22 You Are Here
Our dedicated readers used a combination
of internet research, aerial photography
and baseball knowledge to figure out the
answer to our April challenge.
24 Area Events
With strawberry festivals in Belleville and
St. Jacob, southwestern Illinois is a tasty
place to be this May.
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The Southwestern
Reminders
May 23
Standard filing deadline
for candidacy in 2013
board election
May 27
furry companions from electrical hazards.
pg. 14
Co-op
Offices closed for
Memorial Day
June 24
Deadline to file for
candidacy by petition in
2013 board election
From the Editor
Playing it Safe
M
ay is National Electrical Safety Month (NESM) and your friends at The
Southwestern are doing their part to spread the word. While we devote
at least some portion of every edition toward safety concerns, the May
magazine is focused―essentially from cover to cover―on safety.
Inside, you’ll learn about NESM 2013, the electrical dangers left behind by spring
storms and the importance of locating underground utility lines before excavating.
We’ve also included water-safety tips for boaters, fishermen and swimmers as well as
recommendations for protecting your pets from household electrical hazards. We’ve
even published a guide for conducting your own home electrical safety checkup and a
handy contact information sheet for you to use in emergency situations.
Last but not least, we’re thrilled to offer our younger readers the 3rd annual
Electrical Safety Month Coloring Contest. Children age six and younger from
member families are encouraged to enter, and the winners will see their artwork
displayed in a future issue of The Southwestern.
We hope you’ll check out the resources we’ve provided and learn as much as you
can. Remember, it just might save a life someday.
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
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.
To report an outage, contact Southwestern Electric Cooperative at (800) 6378667. 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).
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
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3
News & Notes
Science Grants Available to Local Schools
Projects should focus on energy or electricity
Attention: K-12 school teachers. The National Rural Electric Cooperative
Association (NRECA) is sponsoring a series of “mini-grants” for classroom
projects that investigate the science of energy or electricity. In order to qualify
for a mini-grant either the school, its students’ homes, or the surrounding
community, must be served by a rural electric cooperative.
For more information on the NREA
Mini-Grant Program, including grant
proposal forms, visit the “Awards &
Programs” page at www.nrea.net.
The Mini-Grant Program is administered by the National Rural
Education Association (NREA), and a total of ten grants, each
worth $500, will be given during the 2013-2014 school year.
All grant requests must be postmarked by November 1, 2013.
Grant recipients will also be required to submit a written report
on the final results of the featured project.
CO-OP CONNECTIONS CORNER
Calling All Coupon Clippers!
If you (equipped with your trusty pair of scissors) eagerly await the arrival of
the newspaper every Sunday, then listen up. The Co-op Connections discount
program has teamed up with Coupons.com, the leader in digital coupons, to
help electric cooperative members save money on household necessities. Their
co-branded website offers printable coupons that can be redeemed at retailers
nationwide. As a Southwestern Electric Cooperative member, the savings are
yours free of charge! The site’s selection includes hundreds of grocery coupons,
which are valid at more than 160 supermarket chains, as well as promotional
codes for online shopping. New deals are added regularly, so check back often.
Here’s how to take advantage of these valuable coupon offers:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
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Go to www.connections.coop and click the “coupons” link in the main navigation bar.
Enter your ZIP code to personalize deals for your geographic area.
Browse the available coupons by category or brand name and select the ones you
want by checking the box marked “clip.”
Install the Coupon Printer software program. This program does not collect any
personal information nor does it install third-party software, adware or spyware
on your computer.
Once the Coupon Printer is installed, you will be able to print coupons directly
from the site, complete with bar codes that allow them to be scanned by your
local retailer.
The Southwestern
To learn more about
the Co-op Connections
discount program, visit
www.connections.coop
or call (800) 637-8667.
Don’t Put Your Outdoor Project in
the Hole. Call JULIE Before You Dig!
G
ot an outdoor project planned
for this spring? Whether it
calls for a backhoe or a garden
shovel, you need to call JULIE before
breaking ground.
But who is this JULIE, anyway?
JULIE stands for Joint Utility Locating
Information for Excavators. JULIE,
Inc., also known as the Illinois OneCall Center, notifies member utilities
so they can mark the location of any
underground lines in the excavation
area and ensure that it’s safe to dig. This
service is provided at no charge to the
homeowner.
“Whether you’re installing an inground swimming pool or planting a row
of flowers, you need to contact us before
every digging job, even if you’ve dug in
the same location before,” says Barbara
Huff, public relations manager for
JULIE, Inc. “It’s extremely important
that you know the location of all
underground facilities before you dig.
Striking a utility line can cause serious
injuries, service disruptions, and leave
you liable for potential fines and
repair costs.”
Per Illinois law, JULIE must
be contacted at least two business
days before digging may begin.
This can be done by calling 8-1-1,
(800) 892-0123, or using JULIE's
online E-Request system. Within two
business days, each member utility
will dispatch a professional locator
to mark the approximate position
of its underground lines. The
homeowner does not need to
be at home for the locators to
complete their work.
“It’s rare that a locator would need
to come inside your home in order to
fill a locate request,” adds Huff. “If
you’re concerned whether the locator is
legitimate, feel free to ask him or her for
proper identification.”
Determining the location of
underground utility lines is not an
exact science. Even after the work site
is properly marked, homeowners and
excavators are advised to proceed with
caution. If a facility is damaged or
dislocated, the person responsible for the
excavation or demolition is required to
immediately notify the utility
company and JULIE, Inc.
“It’s up to the
homeowner or
FOUR STEPS TO
SAFE EXCAVATION
1.Call JULIE.
2.Wait two days before digging.
3.Respect the marks.
4.Dig with care.
excavator to make sure all utilities
have marked their facilities before
the digging begins,” points out Huff.
“We recommend using the E-Request
system, which you can access online at
Illinois1Call.com. We’ll e-mail you an
electronic copy of your locate-request
ticket, which makes it easier to keep
track of who has or hasn’t marked their
facilities.”
For more information or to submit a
locate request, call 8-1-1, (800) 8920123, or visit Illinois1Call.com. Agents
are available to answer your call 24
hours per day, 365 days per year.
The Southwestern
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5
ELECTION 2013
Reminder: Candidate
nominations due May 23
A
n important deadline in Southwestern Electric
Cooperative’s 2013 board election is coming up
this month. Co-op members intending to run for a
seat on the board of directors must contact the Nominations
Committee by May 23.
The board of directors, consisting of nine active members,
is responsible for overseeing the general direction and ensuring
the financial stability of Southwestern Electric Cooperative.
The board also establishes policies and ensures that the needs
and concerns of all co-op members are given fair and timely
treatment. The 2013 board election, which will take place at
Southwestern Electric’s 75th Annual Meeting of Members,
will fill three seats on the cooperative’s board of directors.
Each director will be elected to serve a three-year term from
September 7, 2013, until the 2016 Annual Meeting.
The cooperative’s service territory is divided into three
voting districts, and three of the nine board seats—one per
voting district—become open each year. District I encompasses
the co-op’s service territory in Macoupin, Madison and
St. Clair Counties; District II includes Bond, Clinton and
Montgomery Counties; and District III covers Clay, Effingham,
Fayette, Marion and Shelby Counties. The three directors
whose terms will expire in September 2013 are Sandy
Grapperhaus in District I, Ted Willman in District II and Ann
Schwarm in District III.
Any active member 18 years of age or older and in good
financial standing with the co-op is eligible to serve on
the board of directors, so long as he or she meets all of the
qualifications set forth in Section 5(B) of the bylaws. The
sections of the cooperative’s bylaws relevant to becoming a
board member are published on the following page.
The 2013 Nominations Committee, responsible for
identifying cooperative members willing and eligible to
serve on the board of directors, was officially appointed on
April 25. Their names, addresses and telephone numbers are
listed below. Any Southwestern Electric Cooperative member
interested in running for a seat on the board, or who would
like to submit another member’s name for consideration, must
notify a Nominations Committee member from the appropriate
district prior to 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, May 23.
If the nomination deadline is missed, candidates may also
file for candidacy by petition. Such a petition, bearing the
names, addresses and signatures of at least 15 co-op members,
must be filed with the cooperative by Monday, June 24.
If you have questions about board service or the election
process, or if you have difficulty reaching a Nominations
Committee member from your district, please call Susan File,
director of member services, at (800) 637-8667, ext. 5924.
2013 Nominations Committee
The Nominations Committee will meet at the cooperative’s headquarters to submit the names of qualified director candidates.
Members interested in submitting a name for consideration, or who would like to run for a board seat themselves, must notify a
Nominations Committee member from their district by 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, May 23.
District I
Macoupin,
Madison, and St.
Clair
Counties
Jack Frandsen Duane Meyer
Dennis Petry
10472 Brandt Road
6223 Staunton Road
8201 West Kirsch Road
Alhambra, IL 62001
Edwardsville, IL 62025
Troy, IL 62294
(618) 633-2449
(618) 633-2349
(618) 667-6868
District II
Sandy Kuhn
Doug Spradlin Clarence Zimmerman
410 East Johnson Street
1516 Airport Avenue
857 RC Cardinal Lane
Pocahontas, IL 62275
Greenville, IL 62246
Greenville, IL 62246
(618) 669-2243
(618) 780-3428
(618) 664-0495
Tammy Chappel
Catherine Cunningham
Tony Koberlein
RR 2, Box 234-B
RR 1, Box 289
RR 2, Box 266
Ramsey, IL 62080
Ramsey, IL 62080 St. Elmo, IL 62458
(618) 423-1210
(618) 423-2588
(618) 292-6952
Bond,
Clinton,
and Montgomery
Counties
District III
Clay,
Effingham,
Fayette, Marion, and
Shelby
Counties
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The Southwestern
Candidates for the Board of Directors:
Qualification & Nomination Guidelines
Section 5 (B): Qualifications
To be eligible to become or remain a Director of the
Cooperative, such person:
1. Shall not be a Close Relative of an incumbent Director;
2. Shall not be an employee or agent of the Cooperative;
3. Shall not be, directly or indirectly, employed by or financially interested in a competing enterprise, business selling electric
energy or supplies to the Cooperative, or a business primarily
engaged in selling electrical or plumbing appliances, fixtures or
supplies to, among others, the Members of the Cooperative;
4. Shall not be, directly or indirectly, interested in any contract, permit, franchise or other similar agreement or authorization to which the Cooperative is or may be a party;
5. Shall be a Member in good standing with the Cooperative
and receiving energy or service from the Cooperative at his
primary place of abode;
6. Shall be a Natural Person;
7. Shall be at least eighteen (18) years of age; provided, however, that a duly elected officer or duly appointed agent of any
Member which is not a Natural Person shall be exempt from
the qualifications stated in Section 5(B)(6) and Section 5(B)(7)
if such Member is in good standing with the Cooperative and
receiving energy or service from the Cooperative.
Section 4 (D): Election of Directors
At each annual meeting of the Members of the Cooperative,
Directors shall be elected by secret written ballot cast (except
as otherwise provided in this section) by the Members present
at such annual meeting and qualified to vote under the terms
and conditions of the Bylaws. Such election shall be conducted
as follows:
1. Appointment of Nominations Committee: The Board of
Directors shall appoint, not less than one hundred fifteen (115)
nor more than one hundred forty-five (145) days prior to the
date of the annual meeting of the Members of the Cooperative,
a Nominations Committee which shall consist of nine (9)
Natural Persons, three from each Directorate District. Members
of the Nominations Committee shall not be employees, agents,
officers, or Directors of the Cooperative, shall not be known
candidates for Director, and shall not be Close Relatives of
employees, agents, officers, Directors of the Cooperative, or
known candidates for Director.
2. Candidates Nominated by Nominations Committee:
On or before eighty-five (85) days prior to the annual
meeting of the Members of the Cooperative, the Nominations
Committee shall:
a. Nominate as many Natural Persons who meet the qualifications stated in Section 5B of these Bylaws as
the Nominating Committee deems desirable to be
candidates for election to the Board of Directors; and,
b. Post a list of the names of such Natural Persons so
nominated by the Nominations Committee at the
principal place of business of the Cooperative.
3. Candidates Nominated by Petition: In addition to those
candidates named by the Nominations Committee, any fifteen
(15) or more Members of the Cooperative may nominate such
other Natural Persons as candidates for election to the Board
of Directors by filing with the Secretary of the Cooperative not
less than seventy-five (75) days prior to the annual meeting of
the Members of the Cooperative a written petition bearing the
signatures, names and addresses of at least fifteen Members
of the Cooperative nominating such other Natural Persons as
candidates for election to the Board of Directors and listing
the candidate’s name, address, age, and telephone number.
The Secretary of the Cooperative shall post such petition at the
principal places of business of the Cooperative where the list of
nominations made by the Nominations Committee was posted.
4. Notice to Members of Nomination of Candidates: The
Secretary of the Cooperative shall mail or cause to be mailed
to the Members notice of the annual meeting of the Members
of the Cooperative at least fifteen (15) days but not more
than sixty (60) days before the date of said annual meeting
a statement of the names, addresses, ages, and telephone
numbers of all candidates nominated for election to the Board
of Directors. Such statement shall identify the Directorate
District to which such candidate may be elected, and such
statement shall identify which candidates were nominated
by the Nominations Committee and which candidates were
nominated by petition filed by Members of the Cooperative.
The Southwestern
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7
Energy & Efficiency
Generational
HAZARDS
2013 NESM campaign focuses on highest-risk age groups
W
hen assessing a person’s
risk for suffering an
electricity-related accident,
age matters. This is the core message
behind the Electrical Safety Foundation
International’s 2013 awareness campaign. This May, which is National
Electrical Safety Month (NESM),
Southwestern Electric Cooperative
is joining with the Electrical Safety
Foundation International (ESFI) to
raise awareness about potential home
electrical hazards and the importance of
electrical safety.
Themed “Electrical Safety for All
Ages,” the NESM campaign takes a
multigenerational approach to electrical
safety by encouraging families to work
together to identify and correct potential
home fire hazards. It not only emphasizes the fundamentals of electrical safety,
but also encourages the sharing of these
Did You Know?
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important safety messages with loved
ones and friends.
“Obviously electrical hazards affect
everyone, but it’s worth noting that our
youngest and oldest individuals are
especially susceptible,” points out Susan
File, director of member services for
Southwestern Electric Cooperative. “By
working together to spread the word
about these threats, we can reduce the
number of electrically-related deaths and
injuries—one home, one school, and one
workplace at a time.”
The statistics are staggering. Since
1999, almost 500 youths under the
age of 15 have died each year due to
unintentional fire or burn-related injury,
and nearly seven children are treated in
emergency rooms every day for electric
shock or burns caused by tampering with
a wall outlet. Tamper-resistant receptacles (TRRs), which are now required in
Electrical failures are the cause of
43,900 home fires, resulting in 438
deaths, 1,430 injuries and $1.47
billion in property damage each year.
Fire is not the only concern: nearly
400 people are electrocuted while
thousands more experience nonfatal
electrical shock and burn injuries.
all new homes by the National Electrical
Code, are a simple and inexpensive
way to address this problem. TRRs are
designed with spring-loaded cover plates
that prevent the insertion of foreign
objects and open only for standard
electrical plugs.
On the other end of the age spectrum,
older adults are by far the highest risk
group when it comes to home fires.
People over the age of 65 are about
2.6 times more likely to die in a home
electrical fire than the general population. Cooking equipment, heating equipment and electrical distribution/lighting
equipment continue to be among the
leading causes of home structure fires.
Older adults, their family members and
caregivers are urged to take action in an
effort to prevent home fires and reduce
the probability of injury or death.
ESFI offers dedicated sections on
its website with resources specifically
developed for teaching young children
about electrical dangers and keeping older adults safe from common
household hazards. To access these
resources, please visit esfi.org.
To kick off its NESM coverage,
Southwestern Electric Co-op is encouraging its members to perform a home
electrical safety checkup using the guide
provided on the pages to follow. This
simple exercise, provided courtesy of
ESFI, will help you evaluate, and take
steps to address, common electrical
safety issues in your home.
Source: ESFI.org
The Southwestern
Visit www.esfi.org for ESFI’s complete collection of electrical safety resources.
The Southwestern
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The Southwestern
Visit www.esfi.org for ESFI’s complete collection of electrical safety resources.
Visit www.esfi.org for ESFI’s complete collection of electrical safety resources.
The Southwestern
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11
Emergency Contact
Information
Even phone numbers you use every day can be difficult to recall under
the stress of an emergency situation. Cut along the dotted lines and
post this sheet on your refrigerator or in another easily visible location.
Important Phone Numbers
Emergency: 9-1-1
Doctor: _____________________________________
Police: _____________________________________
Fire: _____________________________________
Electric Company: Southwestern Electric Cooperative, (800) 637-8667
Southwestern Electric Account Number: ________________________________
Natural Gas or Propane Provider: _____________________________________
Family Member: _____________________________________
Neighbor: _____________________________________
Your Contact Information
Name: _____________________________________
Address: _____________________________________
Phone Number: _____________________________________
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The Southwestern
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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13
Safety
Plight
Unseen
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The Southwestern
After the storm
passes, concealed
dangers may remain
T
he great American author and
humorist Mark Twain once
alleged, “In the spring I have
counted one hundred and thirty-six
kinds of weather inside of four and
twenty hours.” Outdoor conditions in the
Midwest, as Twain so eloquently pointed
out, can change rapidly and often. These
violent shifts in weather patterns can
produce severe thunderstorms with high
winds, sometimes accompanied by hail
or even tornadoes, causing a significant
amount of damage.
Much of that damage—like roofs
torn off buildings and tree limbs toppled
to the ground—is abundantly apparent,
but severe springtime storms can leave
behind a bevy of hidden dangers as well.
Molly Hall, executive director of the
Illinois-based Energy Education Council,
urges everyone to remain vigilant.
“The danger does not end when the
storm does,” she points out. “People can
be hurt or killed by hazards left behind.”
Downed and hanging power lines
are foremost among the dangers created
by severe storms. Always treat downed
and hanging power lines as if they are
energized even if the line is not arcing,
sparking or sizzling. Never attempt to
move or touch a downed or hanging
power line, or anything in contact
with the line. Even if you wouldn’t
intentionally touch a downed line, there’s
no guarantee you’ll see it in time to avoid
an accident.
“Especially if it’s dark or rainy
out, you might not notice a power line
draped over a fence you need to open or
tangled up in a pile of branches you’re
about to clear,” warns Michael Willman,
manager of operations for Southwestern
Electric Cooperative. “It’s best to wait
until daylight before trying to deal with
any damages, and even then you should
proceed with plenty of caution.”
Automobile accidents caused by
severe weather may also cause cars and
trucks to skid off rain-slicked roads and
collide with utility poles. If you come
upon a downed power line while driving,
do not attempt to drive over it—stay in
the vehicle and contact the local utility
company or emergency personnel. Even
if your vehicle was actually involved
in the accident, the advice remains the
same. Power lines are virtually invisible
at night and there could be an energized
line on the ground, on top of the vehicle,
or hanging directly outside the door.
“After an accident, your first instinct
will probably be to get out of the vehicle
and size up the situation, but when a
utility pole has been struck, you’ve got
to be patient,” adds Willman. “Stay in
the vehicle and call 9-1-1 from your
cellphone. Then just sit tight and wait for
help to arrive.”
Post-storm hazards may be lurking
indoors as well. Before reentering storm-
damaged buildings or rooms, be sure
all electric and gas services are turned
off. If you smell gas, leave the premises
and notify emergency authorities
immediately. Do not turn on a light,
strike a match, or engage in any other
activity that could cause a spark.
Flooding presents its own set of
concerns. Never step into a flooded
basement if water is covering electrical
outlets, appliances, or cords, and be alert
to any electrical equipment that could
be energized and in contact with water.
Touching electrical appliances, cords, or
wires while wet or standing in water is
equally dangerous. If you need to reach
your electrical breaker box, but cannot
do so safely, ask Southwestern Electric
Cooperative to shut off power at the
meter.
Electrical tools and equipment that
have come in contact with water will
require professional attention before they
may be used again.
“Cleaning up and using waterdamaged appliances also carries safety
risks,” explains Jay Solomon, an
engineering educator with the University
of Illinois Extension. “Electric motors
in appliances that have been drenched or
submerged should be thoroughly cleaned
and reconditioned before they are put
back into service. It may be necessary
to repair or replace electrical appliances
or tools that have been in contact with
water. Do not use any water-damaged
appliance until a professional has
checked it out.”
Sources: Electrical Safety Foundation International,
Safe Electricity
One Number to Remember
Please use Southwestern Electric Cooperative’s toll-free hotline,
(800) 637-8667
for reporting power outages, downed power lines and all other inquiries.
The Southwestern
|
15
Around the Home
Pet Scan
Animal guardians urged to inspect
household for electrical dangers
I
f you’ve ever owned a puppy or kitten, you know that
these exuberant young creatures often display a penchant
for mischief. While naughty escapades like rooting around
in the garbage can create a real annoyance for pet owners,
playing with electrical equipment could put your pet in serious
danger. With pets there is very little room for error, as what
might seem like a mild shock to a human may be enough to kill
a small animal.
No matter how diligent you are, it’s simply impossible to
supervise your pet every moment of the day. A bit of time spent
proactively pet-proofing your home is greatly preferable to the
trauma and expense of a severe and potentially fatal calamity. Here are some tips to help reduce the risk of a pet-related
electrical accident.
•Make sure all plugs are inserted completely into their wall
sockets. Small paws, noses, and tongues can easily find their
way onto the partially exposed prongs.
•If your pet demonstrates an interest in electrical cords, you’ll
want to check the cords frequently for signs of fraying, and
replace any damaged cords immediately. If you must leave
the pet unsupervised, make sure any loose electrical cords
are unplugged or tucked out of sight. If your pet continues
to seek them out, consider coating the cords with a deterrent—such as bitter apple spray—available at your local pet
store. If that fails, you can wrap the cords in flexible cable or
encase them in PVC. Some stores also offer pet-proof cords
that serve the same purpose.
•Appliances near sinks and bathtubs should only be plugged
into outlets equipped with ground fault circuit interrupter
(GFCI) protection in case an electrical appliance is knocked
into the water. If, for example, your cat enjoys playing in the
sink, make sure no electrical appliances (such as radios or
curling irons) are left unattended in the vicinity.
•Lamps with exposed bulbs, especially halogens, can reach
very high temperatures. Do not allow pets to play near lamps;
if the lamp is knocked over, a fire could break out.
•Some pets, especially cats, will often seek out warm,
secluded spots in the home. Do not allow your pet to venture
behind your computer or television equipment where numerous electrical connections are located.
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The Southwestern
©istockphoto.com/Kirill Zdorov
•If you have an aquarium, make sure to create a drip loop on
every electrical cord that enters the tank. This will prevent
water from running down the cord and into the electrical outlet. To ensure the cord stays looped, stick a cord-clip on the
wall just below the outlet and thread the cord into the clip.
•If you have a fenced, outdoor space for your dog, be mindful
of any underground electrical or cable lines running through
that area. Make sure the lines are buried at appropriate
depths, especially if your dog likes to dig.
•In the event of an electrical storm, bring all pets indoors
immediately.
•If you believe your pet may have suffered an electrical shock,
approach it with caution. You’ll want to make sure you are
not putting yourself in danger of contacting a live wire.
Inspect the animal for symptoms of electrical shock, including burns, difficulty with breathing, abnormal heartbeat and
loss of consciousness. Rush your pet to the animal hospital
immediately: the sooner your pet receives treatment, the
greater its chances are for survival.
Sources: SafeElectricity.org
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The Southwestern
|
17
Out & About
Attention
to aquatic
safety can
ensure a
great day
on the water
I
n May, as temperatures finally begin to rise, many southwestern Illinois families will rush toward local lakes, rivers and ponds to enjoy some long-awaited
aquatic recreation. However, don’t let the excitement of getting out on the open
water lead to shortcuts in safety. Here are some basic tips to help keep you and
your family safe.
(1) Plan Ahead. Thinking about taking the boat? Before leaving shore, take a
few simple precautions to help ensure a safe trip. Make sure the vessel has all of the
required safety equipment, including lifejackets, fire extinguishers and visual distress
signals. If it’s a power boat, check the electrical and fuel systems for gas fumes,
which can be a sign of mechanical problems. Remember to look over the weather
forecast and water conditions. For longer outings, consider filing a float plan with a
friend or family member.
(2) Block out the Sun. Sun exposure on the open water can be quite harmful.
Limit the amount of direct sunlight you receive during peak hours (10 a.m. - 4 p.m.),
and apply sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or greater. Always remember to wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from the severe glare.
(3) Be Buoyant. Wear a life jacket at all times when boating. According to the U.S.
Coast Guard, about 90% of the people who drown in boating accidents were not
wearing lifejackets. Lifejackets may not be particularly fashionable or flexible, but as
Ship Savvy
Attention to aquatic safety can
ensure a great day on the water
18
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The Southwestern
the name implies, one might save your
life someday! In fact, many water-sport
enthusiasts have moved away from the
bulky orange “horse collar” life jackets,
and to more compact, lightweight and
attractive styles.
(4) Lose the Booze. Summers in
southwestern Illinois are synonymous
with extreme heat and humidity, so it’s
extremely important to remain hydrated.
You can accomplish this by drinking
plenty of water, of course, but be careful
of other types of beverages—alcoholic
and caffeinated drinks are not viable
substitutes for water because they
actually dehydrate the body rather than
hydrate it.
Consuming alcohol vastly increases
the risk of water-related accidents, as it
can impair vision, judgment, balance and
reaction time. According to water safety
officials from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, more than half of all people who
drown each year imbibed alcohol just
prior to the accident, and alcohol is also
the leading cause of nearly 20% of all
boating accidents. Furthermore, exposure to just four hours of sun, glare, wind
and waves induces a level of fatigue
similar to alcohol-induced intoxication.
Boating fatigue combined with alcohol
consumption exponentially increases the
risk of an accident.
(5) Use Your Head. Just how strong
of a swimmer are you? This is a good
question to consider before jumping into
the water. Swim only in designated areas, preferably those patrolled by a lifeguard, and swim with a buddy whenever
possible. Never dive into lakes, rivers or
ponds, because hidden dangers—like
rock outcroppings or shallow water—
may lurk below the surface. Every year,
diving accidents result in paralyzing spinal injuries to more than 8,000 people.
(6) Keep Kids Safe. Children need
additional supervision in and around the
water. Never leave a child unattended
and make sure your child is paired with
a buddy when swimming or playing in
the water. If your child is not an experienced swimmer, enroll him or her in a
water safety course or swimming class
before trying the real thing. Per Illinois
law, all children younger than age 13 are
required to wear life jackets at all times
when boating, so please make sure the
kids are suited up before getting on
board.
Sources: American Red Cross, Federal Emergency
Management Agency, ready.illinois.gov
The U.S. Army Corps of
Engineers offers a Life Jacket
Loaner Program at both Carlyle
Lake and Lake Shelbyville.
Through this program, boaters
may borrow life jackets at
absolutely no cost.
The Southwestern
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19
You Can Be a
M
Safety
Star
ay is National Electrical Safety Month and
everyone, including kids like you, can play a
part. Electrical Safety Month is the perfect
chance to help keep family and friends safe from the
electrical dangers that surround us every day. If you see any of the following safety violations
around your home, report them to Mom or Dad immediately!
• Lots of electrical cords plugged into a single outlet
• Sparks or popping sounds coming from an electrical outlet or appliance
• Objects that can burn—like paper or clothing—draped over a lamp or space heater
• An electrical device plugged in near the sink, bathtub or shower
• Electrical cords that are broken or frayed
Electrical Safety Month Coloring Contest
For the third year in a row, Southwestern Electric Cooperative is proud to offer an
Electrical Safety Month Coloring Contest for kids.
Contest Rules
✁
The contest is open to children age 6 and younger from member families. Our judges will select three winners who will
receive prizes and have their names and artwork published in a future edition of The Southwestern. Since the magazine is printed on
glossy paper, please feel free to photocopy the page, or print it from our website (sweci.com), for easier coloring. If you are submitting
entries for more than one child, please make sure to write the child’s name on the back of his or her coloring sheet. Children of
Southwestern Electric Cooperative employees are not eligible to win. To enter, send the coloring page along with a completed entry form
to the editor, Larry Deutsch, by Friday, May 31. Good luck!
Entry Form: May is National Electrical Safety Month. Enter our coloring contest!
Child’s Name & Age: _________________________________ Parent(s) Name(s) _________________________________
SWECI Account Number: ___________________________ Phone #: _________-_________-______________
Entry Deadline: Friday, May 31. Mail Entries to Larry Deutsch, c/o The Southwestern; 525 U.S. Route 40; Greenville, IL 62246
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The Southwestern
Look Out!
Those big metal cases in your neighborhood help deliver
electricity to your home. They're no place to play or sit.
Electrical Safety
Foundation International
You can help save a life by keeping an eye out
for electrical dangers.
Electrical Safety Foundation International
The Southwestern
|
21
e
Yo u
r
e
Are H
L
ast month we defied our readers
to solve a rather difficult “You
Are Here” challenge and they
came through with flying colors. At
publication time more than a dozen
Southwestern Electric Cooperative
members had correctly identified the
location of our April photo. For some,
like Scott Hanson from Edwardsville,
a bit of dogged detective work was
required.
“It took me a while, but I had fun
tracking down the location through
internet research and matching up aerial
photography with clues provided in the
magazine,” he tells The Southwestern.
The correct answer, which Hanson
deduced, was Schoendienst Park in
Germantown, Illinois. Germantown,
a small community in northwestern
Clinton County, is the birthplace
of baseball legend Albert “Red”
Schoendienst. The photo showed the
monument to Schoendienst, which can
be found along Park Road beyond center
field of the baseball diamond.
Over the course of a major league
playing career that spanned 19 seasons
(1945-1963), Schoendienst suited up
for the St. Louis Cardinals, New York
Giants and Milwaukee Braves. An
outstanding second baseman who led the
National League in fielding percentage
six times, Schoendienst was described
by another Cardinals legend, the late
great Stan Musial, as “having the
greatest pair of hands I’ve ever seen.”
Schoendienst, a switch-hitting
superstar, racked up numerous
impressive statistics as a major leaguer,
compiling almost 2,500 career hits. He
also led the National League in stolen
bases as a rookie, and played in ten AllStar Games and three World Series.
Red played his final major league
game in 1963, but his baseball career
was far from over. He would put in
another 12 full seasons (1965-1976) and
two interim stints (1980 and 1990) as
the manager of the St. Louis Cardinals.
Schoendienst was twice—in 1967 and
1968—named the National League’s
Manager of the Year and successfully
guided the Cardinals, in 1967, to the
franchise’s eighth World Series title.
Schoendienst was inducted into the
National Baseball Hall of Fame in
1989, and his uniform number, 2, has
been retired by the St. Louis Cardinals.
Even at age 90, Schoendienst continues
to proudly wear the “birds on bat.” He
holds the unique distinction of having
suited up as a major league player,
manager, coach and special assistant for
an astounding 68 seasons!
Southwestern Electric Co-op
member Elaine Thurnau, who hails
from Trenton, sums up the reputation of
Germantown’s favorite son nicely: “An
awesome baseball player, manager of the
Cardinals, and an inspiration to many
people.”
We couldn’t agree more.
Congratulations to the winners of the
April You Are Here challenge: Randy
Haukap from Alhambra, Daniel Ketterer
from Carlyle and Matt Mentel from
Carlyle. We look forward to reading
your responses to the May photo. It’s
another off-the-beaten-path location!
Sources: Baseball Hall of Fame, St. Louis Cardinals
Getting There: Schoendienst Park
is located on the eastern side of
Germantown, at the intersection
of Holly and East Streets.
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The Southwestern
On Account: If your account number is
624781001, call us within 30 days to receive a
$25 credit on an upcoming electric bill.
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 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.
The Southwestern
|
23
Area Events
May 1 - June 30 1993 FLOOD
MEMORIAL, Alton. An interactive
3-dimensional installation
commemorating the 20th anniversary of
the Great Flood of 1993. Wednesday Saturday 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.; Sunday 1 - 4
p.m. Alton Museum of History & Art,
Loomis Hall, 2809 College Avenue.
Call (618) 462-2763 or visit
altonmuseum.com.
May 4 QUILT SHOW, Greenville.
Presented by the Bond County Historical
Society. 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. $3 admission
fee. Free Methodist Church, 1367 Illinois
Route 140. Call (618) 326-8451 or visit
bondcountyhistorical.org.
May 4 MILES DAVIS JAZZ FESTIVAL,
Alton. A celebration of the life and music
of Miles Davis, one the true giants of
jazz. 5-8 p.m. $20 per person. Jacoby
Arts Center, 627 East Broadway. For
more information, call (618) 462-2763 or
visit jacobyartscenter.org.
May 4 YOUTH FISHING DERBY, Carlyle.
For children age 12 and younger.
Participants must be accompanied by
an adult. Registration opens at 9 a.m.;
fishing derby takes place 10 a.m. - noon.
Winner will be announced on the main
stage at the Dam West Access boat
ramp. Fish Hatchery Park, Route 50 &
Sand Ridge Road. Call (618) 594-5205.
May 4 & 5 REMEMBERING BROADWAY,
Godfrey. The Great Rivers Choral
Society will perform songs from a variety
of Broadway musicals. Saturday at 7:30
p.m.; Sunday at 3 p.m. Admission is
free. Evangelical United Church of Christ,
1212 West Homer Adams Parkway. Call
(618) 401-1450 or visit grcs-sing.org.
May 4 & 5, 11 & 12 WINGS OF SPRING
BIRDING TOURS, West Alton. Join
Audubon Center staff on a search for
migratory birds. April 20 at 4 p.m.; April
21 at 5 p.m.; April 27 at 6:20 p.m.;
April 28, May 4, 5, 11 & 12 at 8 a.m.
Participation is free. Audubon Center
at Riverlands, 301 Riverlands Way.
Call (636) 899-0090 or visit riverlands.
audubon.org.
May 5 VOICEPLAY, Godfrey. The Greater
Alton Concert Association presents
VoicePlay, an Orlando, Florida-based
a capella music group. 3-5 p.m. Adult
pricing: $20 in advance or $22 at the
door; student pricing: $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 more information,
visit altonconcerts.org.
May 5 YOUTH ORCHESTRA
PERFORMANCE, Lebanon. The Saint
Louis Symphony’s Youth Orchestra
features nearly 100 of the region’s
finest young musicians, ranging in age
from 12 to 22. 3 p.m. Admission is free.
Hettenhausen Center for the Arts, 400
North Alton Street. Call (618) 537-6863
or visit thehett.com.
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.
May 5 & 12 MIGRATORY BIRD
WALK, Godfrey. Lane Richter from the
Audubon Center at Riverlands will guide
participants on a morning walk to listen
for and record the calls of migrating
songbirds. 8 - 10:30 a.m. Admission is
free. Please wear comfortable shoes
and bring your own binoculars, camera,
journal and water. Meet at the Talahi
Lodge at the Olin Nature Preserve.
The Nature Institute, 2213 South Levis
Lane. Call (618) 466-9930 or visit
thenatureinstitute.org.
May 8 BIG TRUCK DAY, Godfrey.
Big truck displays from the Godfrey
Fire Protection District, Godfrey Street
Department and other organizations will
be available for children to view, touch
and explore. All ages are welcome. 10
a.m. - 1 p.m. Admission is free. Robert
E. Glazebrook Community Park, 1401
Stamper Lane. Call (618) 466-1483.
May 9-12 & 16-19 LEGALLY BLONDE,
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.
May 4 HERITAGE DAY, Collinsville. Celebrate the return of spring with nature
tours, scavenger hunts, tractor rides and activities in the garden. There will also
be demonstrations of early 20th-century weaving, quilt-making and yarn-dying
techniques. 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. Admission is free.
May 14, 21 & 28; June 4, 11 & 18 NATURE PLAYTIME, Collinsville. Naturethemed guided activities for children age 3-6 and their guardians. 10-11 a.m.
Admission is free.
Willoughby Heritage Farm & Conservation Reserve, 631 Willoughby Lane.
Call (618) 346-7529 or visit collinsvillerec.com.
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The Southwestern
$10 for adults; $9 for students, senior
citizens and active military personnel
(with valid identification). Looking
Glass Playhouse, 301 West Saint Louis
Street. Call (618) 537-4962 or visit
lookingglassplayhouse.com.
May 10-19 CHASE ME UP FRANSDALE
AVENUE, Alton. A theatrical presentation
by the Alton Little Theater Company.
Tuesday - Saturday at 7:30 p.m.; Sunday
at 2 p.m. Alton Little Theater, 2450 North
Henry Street. For tickets, call (618) 4626562 or visit altonlittletheater.org.
May 11 CONFLUENCE TOWER
BIRTHDAY BASH, Hartford. A
celebration of the 3rd anniversary of the
tower’s opening to the public. 10 a.m.
- 4 p.m. Admission is free, but a $5 fee
will be charged to go up in the tower.
Citizens of the Village of Hartford with
valid identification may go up in the
tower for free. Lewis & Clark Confluence
Tower, 435 Confluence Drive. Call (618)
251-9101 or visit confluencetower.com.
May 11 COMMUNITY DANCE NIGHT,
Elsah. The Historic Elsah Foundation is
sponsoring an evening of Contra, a style
of partnered folk-dancing. All dances will
be taught; neither a dance partner nor
prior experience is necessary. 7-10 p.m.
$6 per person or $15 per family. Farley’s
Music Hall, 37 Mill Street. For more
information, call (618) 447-1127.
May 11 & 12 CAMP RIVER DUBOIS:
POINT OF DEPARTURE, Hartford.
Commemorate the Lewis & Clark
expedition’s departure from Camp River
Dubois by viewing reenactments of life in
their early 19th-century camp. 10 a.m. - 4
p.m. Admission is free. Lewis & Clark
State Historic Site, 1 Lewis & Clark Trail.
For more information, visit campdubois.
com or call (618) 251-5811.
May 11, 12, 18 & 19 STRAWBERRY
FESTIVAL, Belleville. Featuring
strawberry treats, live entertainment and
free wagon rides. Children’s activities will
include pony and carnival rides, a petting
farm and inflatable play areas. 9 a.m. 5 p.m. Fees will be charged for select
activities. Eckert’s Farm, 951 South
Green Mount Road. Call (618) 233-0513
or visit eckerts.com.
May 11 & 25 HAUNTINGS TOUR,
Alton. An award-winning walking tour
inspired by the book Haunted Alton by
Troy Taylor. 7 p.m. $25 per person. First
Unitarian Church, 110 East Third Street.
Visit altonhauntings.com.
p.m.; Saturday 3:30 - 5:30 p.m. $25
for adults; $23 for senior citizens;
$14 for children ages 4-12; free for
children age 3 and younger. Riverfront
Park, Landmarks Boulevard between
Piasa Street & Henry Street. For more
information or to reserve tickets, call
(800) 258-6645 or go to visitalton.com/
cruise.
May 17-19 ART ON THE SQUARE,
Belleville. Approximately 100 juried
artists from around the world will display
their work. This annual festival will also
feature art activities for children, live
entertainment, art demonstrations, food
and wine. Friday 5-9 p.m.; Saturday 10
a.m. - 8 p.m.; Sunday 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Admission is free. Belleville’s Public
Square, intersection of Route 159 &
West Main Street. Call (618) 233-6769 or
visit artonthesquare.com.
May 11,
18 & 25;
June 1, 8,
15, 22 & 29
LAND OF GOSHEN COMMUNITY
MARKET, Edwardsville. A wide
variety of fresh, locally grown
farm products as well as baked
goods made with locally grown
ingredients. Live entertainment and
free demonstrations also available.
Saturdays 8 a.m. - noon. Saint
Louis Street between North 2nd &
Main Streets. For more information,
call (618) 307-6045 or visit
goshenmarket.org.
May 12 THREE REDNECK TENORS,
Centralia. A musical comedy
performance featuring classically
trained vocalists. 8 p.m. $27 for adults;
$15 for children and teens age 18 and
younger. Kaskaskia College, Jane Knight
Auditorium, 27210 College Road. For
more information, call (618) 545-3223 or
visit kaskaskia.edu/soe.
May 17 & 18 SPIRIT OF PEORIA
SIGHTSEEING CRUISE, Alton. A cruise
along the Mississippi River from Alton
to Grafton and back. Friday 2:30 - 4:30
May 18 ALPACA SHEARING DAY, Troy.
Watch or participate in the shearing
of alpacas. Volunteers are welcome. 9
a.m. - 4 p.m. Admission is free. RSVP
encouraged. Odelia Alpaca Farms, 8349
Old Lebanon Troy Road. Call (314) 6670226 or visit odeliafarms.com.
May 18 BIRDS, BEER & BLUEGRASS,
West Alton. A “friend-raiser” to benefit
the Audubon Center at Riverlands. The
event will feature craft beers, a barbecue
buffet and bluegrass music by The
Local Gents. 5-9 p.m. Audubon Center
at Riverlands, 301 Riverlands Way. For
more information, call (636) 899-0090 or
visit riverlands.audubon.org.
May 18 BULLDOG DASH, Germantown.
A fund-raising run/walk to benefit
Germantown Elementary School.
Courses of 2 and 5 kilometers available.
9 a.m. - noon. $17 in advance (includes
commemorative T-shirt) or $25 on
the day of the event. Schoendienst
Field, intersection of Illinois Route
161 & Sycamore Street. For more
information, call (618) 523-4253 or visit
germantownbulldogs.org.

The Southwestern
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25
May 18 McPIKE MANSION NIGHT
TOUR, Alton. An opportunity to learn the
history of the haunted McPike Mansion,
see photos documenting the paranormal
activity that has taken place there, tour
the surrounding grounds and crypt, and
contact spirits using dowsing rods. 8 9:30 p.m. $20 for adults; $10 for teens
age 13-17; $5 for children age 6-12.
All proceeds benefit the restoration of
the mansion. McPike Mansion, 2018
Alby Street. Call (618) 462-3348 or visit
mcpikemansion.com.
May 18 & 19 BLUES FESTIVAL,
Grafton. Featuring barbecue, beer,
award-winning wine and some of the
best blues musicians in the St. Louis
region. Saturday 11 a.m. - 10 p.m.;
Sunday noon - 7 p.m. Admission is free.
Grafton Winery & Brewhaus, 300 West
Main Street. Call (618) 786-3001 or visit
thegraftonwinery.com.
May 18 & 19 FAMILY CAMPOUT, Alton.
Food will be provided, but families
need to bring their own camping
equipment, including tents, sleeping
bags, blankets, camping chairs, bug
spray and sunscreen. Campers will have
an opportunity to paddle canoes and
May 18
RIVERLANDS PADDLING FESTIVAL,
West Alton, MO. A chance to try
kayaking, canoeing and standup paddleboarding in the calm
backwaters of Ellis Bay. 11 a.m.
- 4 p.m. $5 per person. Riverlands
Migratory Bird Sanctuary, 301
Riverlands Way. Call (618) 462-6979
or visit greatriverwatertrail.org.
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The Southwestern
kayaks in Ellis Bay, a calm backwater
slough of the Mississippi River. $50 per
family of 4; $10 per additional camper.
Advance registration is required. National
Great Rivers Museum, 2 Lock & Dam
Way. For more information, call Erin at
(618) 462-6979 or visit mtrf.org.
May 19 KIDS’ DAY, Collinsville. Activities
for children of all ages, including crafts,
games and dancing. 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Admission is free. Cahokia Mounds
State Historic Site, 30 Ramey Street.
Call (618) 346-5160 or visit
cahokiamounds.org.
THE NIÑA & PINTA, Grafton.
Replicas of The Niña and Pinta, two
of Christopher Columbus’ famous
ships, will be available for the
public to tour. 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. $8 for
adults; $7 for senior citizens; $6 for
children age 5-18; free for age 4 and
younger. Loading Dock, 400 Front
Street. Call (800) 258-6645 or visit
graftonloadingdock.com.
May
23-27
May 19 MAY MADNESS SPRINT,
Effingham. A triathlon consisting of a
¼-mile swim, 13-mile bike ride and
3.1-mile run. Lake Sara Beach. For
more information or to register, visit
cuttingedgeevents.net.
May 19 STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL, St.
Jacob. Offering strawberry desserts,
drinks, crafts, children’s activities and
a bicycle ride. Admission is free. Saint
Jacob Park, 239 West Main Street. For
event times and other information, call
(618) 644-2142.
May 20; June 17 WILDERNESS WALK,
Edwardsville. Bring your curiosity and
keen eye for observation on this nature
hike. 9:30 - 10:30 a.m. Admission is
free, and the event is open to all ages.
Registration is requested for groups of
10 or more people. Watershed Nature
Center, 1591 Tower Avenue. Visit
watershednaturecenter.com or call
(618) 692-7578.
May 25 LIVE AT JACOBY: PRINCIPIA
COLLEGE JAZZ DUO, Alton. The
Principia College Jazz Duo 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. For
more information, call (618) 462-5222 or
visit jacobyartscenter.org.
May 25 NATURE & CULTURE HIKE,
Collinsville. A 3-mile hike through
archaeological and natural areas. 9:30
a.m. - 1 p.m. Participation is free.
Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site, 30
Ramey Street. Call (618) 346-5160 or
visit cahokiamounds.org.
May 25 PACK WALK FOR DOGS,
Collinsville. 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. $10 per
person; free admission for dogs. A
portion of the proceeds will be donated
to Partners For Pets. Willoughby Heritage
Farm, 631 Willoughby Lane. For tickets,
visit packwalk.brownpapertickets.com.
For information, call (618) 346-7529.
May 25-27 KAHUNAFEST, Grafton.
Featuring live music and barbecue.
Grafton Harbor, 215 West Water
Street. Call (618) 786-7678 or visit
graftonharbor.net.
May 25-27 MEMORIAL DAY FESTIVAL,
Belleville. Featuring food, live
entertainment, children’s activities and
free wagon rides. 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Fees
will be charged for select activities.
Eckert’s Farm, 951 South Green Mount
Road. Call (618) 233-0513 or visit
eckerts.com.
May 26 - September 1 CARILLON
CONCERTS IN THE PARK, Alton.
Sunday 5:30 - 6 p.m. Admission is free.
Gordon F. Moore Community Park, 4550
College Avenue (Illinois Route 140). Call
(618) 465-6676.
May 29 MOVIE NIGHT, Grafton. An
outdoor screening of “Ferris Bueller’s
Day Off.” Begins at dusk. Piasa Winery
& Pub, 225 West Main Street. Call (618)
786-9463 or visit piasawinery.com.
May 30; June 6, 13, 20 & 27 WATER SKI
SHOW, Godfrey. 7-8 p.m. Admission is
free. Alton Water Ski Club, 4708 Clifton
Terrace Road. Visit altonski.com.
May 31 - June 2 INTERNATIONAL
HORSERADISH FESTIVAL, Collinsville.
Come to Collinsville, the self-proclaimed
“Horseradish Capital of the World,” for
a spicy summer festival featuring plenty
of entertainment, food and family fun.
Activities will include a cooking contest,
root toss, root golf, root sacking, root
derby, live music and beauty pageant.
Friday 6 - 10 p.m.; Saturday 10 a.m. - 10
p.m.; Sunday 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Admission
is free. Woodland Park, Route 159 &
Pine Lake Road. Call (618) 344-2884 or
visit horseradishfestival.com.
June 7-10
Illinois Free
Fishing Days
N
This is the one time of year when
it’s perfectly legal to fish any (public)
Illinois waters without a fishing license,
inland trout stamp or salmon stamp.
May 31 - June 2 JAKEY IN JUNE, St.
Jacob. A barbecue cook-off in which
28 teams will compete for $5,000.
Competition barbecue samples will be
available for purchase. Have your picture
taken with a Budweiser Clydesdale on
Friday 6 - 8 p.m. Live music on Friday
and Saturday 6 - 11 p.m. Admission is
free. Along South Douglas Street. Call
(618) 644-5666 or visit jakeyinjune.com.
June 1 FISHING DERBY, Collinsville.
Registration opens at 8:30 a.m.; fishing
begins at 9 a.m.; weigh-in takes place at
11 a.m. Participation is free for children
and teens age 15 and younger. Please
bring your own fishing equipment, bait,
and a bucket for caught fish. A limited
number of poles will be available for
loan. Woodland Park Lake, 302 Pine
Lake Road. Call (618) 346-7529 or visit
collinsvillerec.com.
June 1 TOUR DE CURE, Alton. Join
1,000+ cyclists in the fight to stop
diabetes. Routes of 10, 30, 50 or 100
miles will be available. Rest stops will
be situated approximately every 10
miles and support vehicles will patrol
the routes for the riders’ safety. Alton
Riverfront Amphitheater, 1 Henry Street.
For more info, call (888) 342-2383 or visit
diabetes.org/stltour.
June 1, 5, 8, 12, 15, 19, 22, 26, & 29
FARMERS & ARTISANS MARKET, Alton.
Offering fresh produce, plants and
flowers, crafts, baked goods, hormonefree meat, handmade soaps, jewelry,
artwork, pottery and demonstrations.
Wednesday 4-7 p.m.; Saturday 8 a.m. noon. Admission is free. Piasa Street &
9th Street. Visit altonmainstreet.org.
June 1 & 2 QUILTS FROM THE HEART,
Belleville. A quilt show featuring vendors,
demonstrations and more than 200 quilts
on display. An admission fee will be
charged. Whiteside Middle School, 111
Warrior Way. For event times and other
information, call (618) 622-3949.
OPEN HOUSE AT MARCOOT
JERSEY CREAMERY, Greenville. A
celebration of the business’s 3-year
anniversary. Tours, demonstrations
and cheese samples will be
available. 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. Admission
is free. Marcoot Jersey Creamery,
526 Dudleyville Road. For more
information, call (618) 664-1110.
June 8
June 2 CHICKEN DINNER, Grantfork.
Served buffet style. 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.
$9.50 for adults; $4 for children. Carryout available. St. Gertrude's Church, 209
William Street. Call (618) 675-3384.
June 3 ALL-WHEELS DRIVE-IN CAR
SHOW, Alton. Classic cars, hot rods and
motorcycles will be displayed. 8 a.m. - 4
p.m. Rain date is July 21. Along West 3rd,
State & Belle Streets. Call (618) 7928901 or visit altonmainstreet.org.
June 6, 13, 20 & 27 MUSIC IN THE
PARK, Grafton. A free outdoor evening
concert. 7 - 9 p.m. Event may be
cancelled due to inclement weather. The
Grove Memorial Park, Market Street &
Main Streets. Call (618) 786-2605 or visit
enjoygrafton.com.
June 6 - August 4 MUNICIPAL BAND
CONCERTS, Alton. Held at 8 p.m.
on Thursdays in Riverview Park (450
Belleview Street) and 7 p.m. on Sundays
in Haskell Park (1211 Henry Street).
Please bring your own blanket or lawn
chair. Call (618) 465-6676.
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