oct. 25 — october, 2014 oct. 30 — lions club halloween mccarter … · area schedule oct. 25...
TRANSCRIPT
Area ScheduleOct. 25 —FAYCO Book Fair fundraiser at Moose Lodge, 8 a.m.Oct. 25— Vandal Sports Boosters Spooktacular 5K at Rogier Park, 9 a.m.Oct. 25 — Downtown Trick or Treat, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.Oct. 30 — Lions Club Halloween Parade, 7 p.m.Oct. 31 — Vandalia Trick-or-Treat Night, 6-8 p.m.Nov. 5 — Chamber monthly members meeting. Guest Speaker: Rep. John Caveletto, Ponderosa Steakhouse, noon
OfficersBrock Brannon, President, Investment Centers of AmericaTodd Stapleton, Vice President, WKRV/WPMB RadioJohn Ashdown, Secretary, Family YMCA of Fayette CountyKelly Washburn, Treasurer, Fayette County Real Estate
Board of DirectorsJennifer Richards, First BankDana Whiteman, SubwayGreg Starnes, Fayette Co. HospitalJoe Schaal, National BankPaula Barenfanger, Kaskaskia Supply Rick Myers, LeFevre, Oldfield, Myers, Apke & Payne Law GroupSally Emerick, Holiday Inn ExpressSandy Michel, Real Living Vandalia Real EstateBryan Hobbie, Hosick Motors
Kyle McCarter is running unopposed in the 2014 election. But that hasn’t kept the Illinois senator from feeling embattled by Illinois’ current political climate. And he’s not alone.
“I think we’re all kind of fed up,” McCarter told members at the Oct. 1 Vandalia Chamber of Commerce meeting. “There are times that we just get to the point that we can’t take it anymore and we lose it.”
McCarter was referring to Rep. Mike Bost’s recent outburst on the House floor over the state’s ongoing pension funding crisis.
“I think it’s probably pretty relevant because he’s really expressing a lot of the anger that we have about the way things have been going,” McCarter said. “What Mike was talking about is how long things have been going on the way that they have.”
That said, McCarter made it clear that the upcoming election is an important one, as is the lame duck session that will follow. From the week before Thanksgiving through the week after Thanksgiving, lawmakers who have one foot out the door will have potentially crucial votes on major issues. One such vote could make the 2011 “temporary” income tax hike permanent.
“If you email and make phone calls it will make a difference,” McCarter said. “Because that same tax increase could be put into place permanently on one vote, and that one vote may be from a senator or representative that’s not even coming back to the legislature.
“That legislator is going to able to cast a vote without any repercussions from his constituents, because in trade he could get a job somewhere. Those (lame ducks) are going to be able to come back and decide what the tax burden on the people of Illinois is.”
McCarter spent much of his time talking about Illinois’ pension crisis, which is by far the worst in the country and the primary reason the state has the worst credit rating in the nation and the country’s biggest deficit. McCarter indicated that there are no
quick fixes in site. “We’re still talking about pensions and we’re
going to have to talk about pensions even more so because the legislation that requires state workers to pay part of their healthcare was overturned in the courts,” McCarter said. “And it was done on the same basis that the pensions are going to be upheld. So we expect in time that the pension reform bill will be overturned by the courts as well.”
McCarter recommends the government look to what’s being done in the private sector for a potential solution to the pension crisis.
“A complete restructuring of it is what has to take place, the same thing that’s taken place with every
major corporation in the United States, and that is to go away from a defined benefit to a defined contribution plan, a 401K,” McCarter said.
McCarter also discussed hot-button issues such as school funding, overtime being paid to correctional center workers and Illinois’ current business climate.
“We should all leave Illinois before the election just to go to see where jobs are being created,” McCarter said about the latter. “You don’t have to go far. I mean, when’s the last time you saw a crane that actually building a large, commercial structure? Where? I dare you to go find one. But go to another state and you’re going to find them
McCarter speaks at October meeting October Spotlight Business
Summer Breeze Winehouse If you blink, you will miss it, as many often do. Summer Breeze Wine House is located off the beaten track, in the tiny village of St. James, located 4 ½ miles south of St. Elmo. Since opening three years ago, owners Mark and Tammy Lash have been in the process of growing to meet the needs of their clients. As cliché as it may sound, Mark and Tammy have operated the Vandalia Chamber of Commerce’s Spotlight Business of the Month for October under the theory, “If we build it they will come.” Summer Breeze Wine House is located in a quaint farmhouse that has been completely remodeled and enlarged to accommodated a variety of events. Since adding on a large room, they are able to accommodate bands and DJs. Some events they are proud of are the annual candlelight dinner with wine pairing and dance for Valentine’s Day in February. For Halloween this year, Summer Breeze will be having a D.J., a cos-tume contest and spooky special effects. This coming year there will be a wedding show, which is being co-hosted by the Carriage House Event Center in Altamont on Jan. 4. They also have their weekly Wine Down Thursday with an ever-chang-ing list of wines, beers and spirits. Many people come out just to have one of Tammy’s famous seasonal sangrias. Summer Breeze also rents its wine house out for birthdays, wedding showers, company Christmas parties, and offers complete planning for their clients’ convenience. The planning can be as extensive as finding a caterer and entertainment. Summer Breeze strives to make it as worry and work free as possible for their clients. The Lash’s recently purchased the historical red barn adjacent to their
Summer Breeze Winehouse, located 4 1/2 miles south of St. Elmo in St. James, has evolved into a unique and charming facility capable of hosting numerous events, in addition to being a great place to hang out and have a drink in a relaxing rural setting. Submitted photo
Sen. Kyle McCarter spoke at the Oct. 1 Vandalia Chamber of Commerce members meeting at Ponderosa Steakhouse. Seth Whitehead Photo
SEE SPOTLIGHT ON Page 2
October, 2014
SEE MEETING ON Page 2
Senator encourages members to take proactive approach to state’s woes
Recent Ribbon Cutting
Eclectic, located at 523 W. Gallatin St. in Vandalia, recently held a ribbon cutting and grand opening event. The store lives up to its name, featuring a wide variety of items, including antiques, housewares and collectibles. Photo by Rich Bauer, The Leader-Union
Chamber News & AnnouncementsFAYCO Book Fair Fundraiser Oct. 25
FAYCO will be having a book fair at the Vandalia Moose Lodge on Saturday, Oct. 25, from 8 a.m. until 2 p.m. All books are $1 each. This is a major fundraiser for FAYCO that will benefit FAYCO’s clients and their recycling program. Please spread the word. We know there are a lot of readers out there! The Moose Lodge will also be having their Pancake Breakfast that morning so you can eat, shop, and socialize in a nice cozy setting.
Pumpkin Carving Contest at Embers Embers Wood Fired Pizza, located at 7 Mattes Avenue,
is having a pumpkin carving contest for children ages 12 and younger. Take a pumpkin home with you from Embers,
carve or decorate it, and post a picture of your masterpiece on Embers’ Facebook page. The picture that has the most likes by 9 p.m. on Oct. 31 will be the winner. Entrants could win a $25 Embers Wood Fired Pizza gift card, a $25 Starmax movie theater gift card, and a Halloween gift basket. Be sure to share your children’s photo with your friends to get more “likes” for a better chance to win.
Summer Breeze Halloween Event FridayDance to the sound of Fully N Volved DJ this Friday
for Summer Breeze Winehouse’s Boos and Booze event. Scary drinks and a costume contest will be featured. Doors open at 6:30 and dance starts at 7. Summer Breeze will have haunted lighting too so enter if you dare.
ADS ElectricAirMedCare NetworkAll Stressed OutAllen’s Furniture CompanyAir Evac LifeteamAmeren IPAmerican Cancer SocietyApexNetwork Physical TherapyArab Termite & Pest ControlArthur Young, IncAssurance Home Inspection ServicesBandy’s PharmacyBernhardt & Cain Appraisals IncBond & Fayette County ShopperBrookstone EstatesBunny BrosmanBurnside, Johnston & Sheafor P.C.Burtschi Bros. & Co.Cable’s Sewing Machine ServicesCain’s Drug StoreJohn Cavaletto, State Rep.Champion Trophies & T’sCompass WestCopper Penny Bar & Grill
Corrective Care ChiropracticDays InnDiekemper PhotographyDouble D Plumbing & HeatingDurbin’s Seamless Inc.EclecticEdward Jones - Melanie BowlesEmbers Wood Fired PizzaEvans Public Library DistrictExpert ServiceEye Care of VandaliaFamily YMCA of Fayette CountyFarina FarmsFAYCO Enterprises, Inc.Fayette County FairFayette County Farm BureauFayette County Habitat For HumanityFayette County HospitalFayette County Real EstateFirst BankFirst National BankFlowers Insurance CenterFriends of the Vandalia StatehouseH&H Computer Service
Holiday Inn ExpressHosick MotorsIllinois Real Estate ServicesJohn H. Crawford & AssociatesKaskaskia CollegeKaskaskia Supply & RentalKen Wamble/Wal-MartLaack Flooring Innovations Land of Lincoln Credit UnionLeFevre Oldfield Meyers Apke & Payne Law Group, LtdLiberty EnergyLighthouse Pregnancy CenterLittle Caesars PizzaLuallen, Cearlock, Barth & BurnamMCS CounselingMcKellar, Robertson, McCarty, Click InsuranceMidland States BankNAPANational Bank Octochem, Inc.O’Kuly & AssociatesPine Ridge Homes, Inc
Pisces Pool & Spas, IncPonderosa SteakhousePriority Staffing GroupPro-Comp Case ManagementProFab Metals, IncProwireReal Living Vandalia Real Estate, IncRoger Sanders/Emerick FarmsRotary ClubSchaal & Associates Real Estate Schaufelberger Law OfficeSecurity Finance Co.Slack Glass CompanySomething SpecialSouth Central FSSouthwestern Electric CoopSpin 2 WinStout Adjustment ServiceSubwaySummer Breeze Wine HouseSun LoanSweetbriar Retirement HomeThe Leader-UnionThe Red Door
The Tourism Bureau Illinois SouthTimmermann & Company, LtdTomlinson ElectricT.K. MarketsVandalia Community Unit School District 203Vandalia Golf and Country ClubVandalia Field of DreamsVandalia Fire DepartmentVandalia First United Methodist ChurchVandalia Mutual InsuranceVandalia Sports Boosters ClubVFW Post 9770Waitland TrustWhitten Builders, Inc.Walnut Street WeddingsWJLY 88.3 FMWKRV-WPMB RadioWorld Finance CorporationWTRH 93.3 FM *Premier Members in Bold
Current Chamber Members
everywhere.”In other business:• Chamber President Brock Brannon told members about
a busy month in Vandalia. Events still coming up include the Vandal Sports Boosters Spooktacular 5K and downtown trick-or-treat, both on Oct. 25, the Lions Club Halloween parade on Oct. 30 and regular trick-or-treat night, Oct. 31.
• Brannon announced that the Chamber 100th anniversary cookbook should be arriving in late October and will be available for sale at Old Tyme Christmas Nov. 14 and 15, as well as at the Chamber office.
• Brannon said that the Chamber is still planning on teaming with WKRV/WPMB for a shop-local promotion in November.
• Chamber director Seth Whitehead welcomed new members Air Evac Lifeteam, Eclectic and Friends of the Vandalia Statehouse.
• Rick Myers of LeFevre, Oldfield, Myers, Apke and Payne Law Group introduced his firm’s newest lawyer, Ariana Calderero, who found out she’d passed her bar exam just before the meeting. She will be practicing at the group’s Vandalia office
• John Ashdown of the Family YMCA of Fayette County announced that dodgeball signups are now being conducted through the Y’s website. He also shared details on the YMCA’s Halloween event on Oct. 30, which will feature trick-or-treat and costume dodgeball.
• Dana Whiteman of Vandalia Subway talked about the restaurant’s new online ordering.
• Kaskaskia College Vandalia Campus director Mary Schulze shared information on KC’s “Lighting the Way into the Future” event to be held Saturday, Nov. 1, from 7 p.m. until 11 p.m. at the Centralia Cultural Society. Proceeds will benefit the Kaskaskia College Nursing Education Center Campaign. There will be music by the Presswoods and tickets are $75 per couple and $40 a person. Schulze announced that online spring registration started on Oct. 13 and in-person registration was to start Oct. 20.
• Tourism secretary June Mahon reported that 149 travelers visited the tourism center in September.
MEETING continued from Page 1
wine house. They have completely renovated the barn into a rustic/classy event center. Besides creating a beautiful interior, they added a screened-in porch, public restrooms and an original waterfall garden, which fea-tures a place for a bride and groom to be married. The barn has been the site for weddings, receptions, reunions, meetings, and it will soon host a high school prom. The Barn is open seasonally while the wine house clos-es in the winter except for special bookings. For a more extensive listing of hours and events, Summer Breeze
has a newsletter and a website, www.summerbreezewine-house.com. Also, please like them on Facebook. If you are looking for a great road trip, a place to get away from it all and have a glass of wine, then come on out — just don’t trust your GPS. Summer Breeze is not in Farina; the winehouse is 4 ½ miles south of St. Elmo, just off the St. Elmo blacktop. Want to be a Chamber Spotlight Business? Be sure to attend the next Chamber meeting and drop your business card in the cardboard box near the entrance. The winner will be drawn following the meeting.
SPOTLIGHT continued from Page 1
The recently renovated barn adjacent to Summer Breeze Winehouse is an ideal location for a wedding reception and many other gatherings. Submitted photo
1007 N 8th St., Vandalia, IL 62471 (618) 283-1165 Midland States Bank 1611 Veterans Ave., Vandalia, IL 62471 (618) 283-7239 National Bank 520 W Gochenour, Vandalia, IL 62471 (618) 283-2100 Security Finance 2425 Veterens Unit C, Vandalia, IL 62471 (618) 283-4590 Sun Loan Co. 1611 Veterans Ave., Vandalia, IL 62471 (618) 283-9614 Timmermann & Co. LTD. PO Box 398, Vandalia, IL 62471 (618) 283-2371 Waitland Trust 2425 Veterans Ave Unit 2A, Vandalia, IL 62471 (618) 283-4676 World Finance Co. 1611 Veterans Ave., Ste. G, Vandalia, IL 62471 (618) 283-9866 Flooring Laack Flooring Innovations 40 Pine Ridge Dr., Vandalia, IL 62471 (618) 367-4515 Florist/Gift Shops Something Special 406 W Gallatin St, Vandalia, IL 62471 (618) 283-1870
Furniture Allens Furniture Company 330 W Gallatin St., Vandalia, IL 62471 (618) 283-0123 Golf Courses Vandalia Country Club 1110 S 8th St. (618) 283-1365 Hardware Stores Kaskaskia Supply & Rental 2024 Progress Way, Vandalia, IL 62471 618-283-9700
Healthcare Air MedCare Network
Adjustment Services Stout Adjustment Services P.O. Box 193, Vandalia, IL 62471 618-283-9011 Agriculture Farina Farms P.O. Box 265, Farina, IL 62838 618-245-3301 Roger Sanders/Emerick Farms RR 2 Box 264, Vandalia, IL 62471 (217) 820-3488 South Central FS 1800 Hillsboro Rd., Vandalia, IL 62471 (618) 283-0789
Appraisals Bernhardt & Cain Appraisals Inc. 606 W Jackson, Vandalia, IL 62471 (618) 283-0985
Assisted Living Facilities Brookstone Estates 1607 W Fillmore, Vandalia, IL 62471 (618) 283-9825 Sweetbriar Retirement Home 410 Sunset Drive, Vandalia, IL 62471 (618) 283-9816 Auto Dealers Arthur Young, Inc. 122 W Gallatin, Vandalia, IL 62471 (618)283-0381 Hosick Motors 1213 Sunset Dr, Vandalia, IL 62471 (618) 283-2424 Auto Mechanics/Repairs Expert Service 1710A Hillsboro Rd., Vandalia, IL 62471 (618) 431-2236 Slack Glass Co. 110 N. 5th St., Vandalia, IL 62471 (618) 283-1800 Auto Parts NAPA 500 N. Kennedy, Vandalia, IL 62471 (618) 283-3053 Bars/Nightlife Copper Penny Bar & Grill 125 S. 4th St., Vandalia, IL 62471 (618) 283-2200 Spin 2 Win Vandalia Commons, Mattes Ave. 217-825-4363 Summer Breeze Wine House 1499 North 2170 St., Farina, Ill. 62838 (618) 829-3820
Business Consulting O’Kuly & Associates 1786 N. 1150 St., Brownstown, IL 62418 (618) 427-9994 Cleaning/Janitorial Who Says a Man Can’t Clean 1513 N. 8th St., Vandalia, IL 62471 618-283-9994 Computer/Technical Support H&H Computer Service 435 Broadway, Centralia, IL 62801 (618) 532-4551
Counseling MCS Counseling 1404 N. 5th St., Vandalia, IL 62471 (618) 283-2883
Contractors/Construction Whitten Builders Inc. RR 3 Box 777, Vandalia, IL 62471 618-407-1758 Chiropractors Corrective Care Chiropractic 825 New York, Ste 1, Vandalia, IL 62471 (618) 283-2230 Civil Engineers John H. Crawford & Associates 815 W. Fletcher St. (618) 283-7044 Education Evans Public Library 215 S 5th St., Vandalia, IL 62471 (618) 283-2824 Kaskaskia College Vandalia Campus 2310 W. Fillmore, Vandalia, IL 62471 (618) 283-1780 Vandalia Community School District 203 1109 N 8th St., Vandalia, IL 62471 (618) 283-4525 Electricians ADS Electric 215 W Gallatin St. Vandalia, IL 62471 (618) 283-2171 Prowire 1302 W. Tower St., Vandalia, IL 62471 (618) 267-3715 Tomlinson Electric 1323 E. 2075 Ave., Brownstown, IL 62418 (618) 292-2267 Embroidery Champion Trophies & Ts 2525 Veteran’s Ave. Ste A, Vandalia, IL 62471 (618) 283-7062 Employment Services/Job Placement Priority Staffing Group 1442 N. 8th, Suite B, Vandalia IL 62471 (618) 283-9533 Exterminators Arab Termite & Pest Control P.O. Box 216, Effingham, IL 62401 (618) 283-9299 Financial Compass West 2425 Veterans Ave Unit 2A, Vandalia, IL 62471 (618) 283-4676 Edward Jones – Melanie Bowles 406 W Orchard, Vandalia, IL 62471 (618) 283-8763 Edward Jones – Lisa Burnam 2425 W. Veterans Suite A, Vandalia, IL 62471 (618) 283-5357 First Bank 200 N. Mattes Ave., Vandalia, IL 62471 (618) 283-2211 First National Bank PO Box 40, Vandalia, IL 62471 (618) 283-1141 Land of Lincoln Credit Union 925 New York Dr #4, Vandalia, IL 62471 (618) 283-2088 Luallen, Cearlock, Barth & Burnam
15542 N. East Road, Effingham, IL 62401 (217) 690-6488, [email protected] ApexNetwork Physical Therapy 1611 Veterans Ave Ste C, Vandalia, IL 62471 (618) 283-9040 Fayette County Hospital 650 W. Taylor, Vandalia, IL 62471 (618) 283-1231 Home Décor All Stressed Out 1774 E. 1200th Ave., St. Peter, IL 62880 (618) 367-4751
Home Inspection Assurance Home Inspection Services RR3 Box 221, Vandalia, IL 62471 (618) 339-0941 Home Repair/Services Durbin Seamless, Inc. RR 1 Box 189, Vandalia, IL 62471 (618) 283-4863 Home Sales Pine Ridge Homes, Inc. 80 Pine Ridge Dr., Vandalia, IL 62471 (618) 283-4340
Hotels Days Inn 1920 N. Kennedy Blvd., Vandalia, IL 62471 (618) 283-4400 Holiday Inn Express 21 Mattes Ave., Vandalia, IL 62471 (618) 283-0010
Insurance Burtschi Bros. 415 W Gallatin, PO Box 8, Vandalia, IL 62471 (618) 283-2728 Flowers Insurance Center 915 N. 8th St. in Vandalia, IL 62471 (618) 283-9544 McKellar, Robertson, McCarty & Click 500 W. Gallatin St., Vandalia, IL 62471 (618) 283-4200 Vandalia Mutual Insurance 411 W. Gallatin, Vandalia, IL 62471 (618) 283-0120
Law Firms Burnside, Johnson & Sheafor P.C.
FNB Building, Vandalia, IL (888) 528-2527 LeFevre, Oldfield, Meyers, Apke & Payne 303 S 7th St, Vandalia, IL 62471 (618) 283-3034 Schaufelberger Law Office 107 S. 4th St., Vandalia, IL 62471 (618) 283-1411 Media/Publications Bond & Fayette County Shopper 201 N. 3rd St., Greenville, IL 618 664-4566 The Leader-Union 229 S. 5th, Vandalia, IL 62471 (618) 283-3374 WJLY 88.3FM RR2 Box 51A, Ramsey, IL 62080 WPMB/WKRV 232 S 4th, Vandalia, IL 62471 (618) 283-2325 WTRH 93.3 FM RR2 Box 51A, Ramsey, IL 62080 Non-Profit Organizations/Services American Cancer Society 2509 S Neil St., Champaign, IL 61820 FAYCO Enterprises PO Box 277, Vandalia, IL 62471 (618) 283-0638 Fayette County Farm Bureau 1125 N. Sunset, Vandalia, IL 62471 (618) 283-3276 Fayette County Habitat For Humanity 418 W Gallatin St, Vandalia, IL 62471 (618) 283-9228 Friends of the Statehouse 618-283-1161 Lighthouse Pregnancy Center 1121 N 6th St., Vandalia, IL 62471 (618 )283-8750 Vandalia Rotary Club PO Box 31, Vandalia, IL 62471 (618) 283-3511 Vandalia Fire Department 221 S 5th St., Vandalia, IL 62471 (618) 283-0556 Vandalia First United Methodist Church 127 N 4th St, Vandalia, IL 62471 (618) 283-3685 VFW Post 9770 520 Oak St., Brownstown, IL 62418 Optometrists Eye Care of Vandalia 2202 W Randolph St, Vandalia, IL 62471 (618) 283-3511 Pharmacies Bandy’s Pharmacy 1413 W Whittaker, Salem, IL 62471 (618) 548-4000 Cain’s Drug Store 1401 N. 8th St., Vandalia, IL 62471 (618 )283-0196
Photographers Diekemper Photography RR3 Box 938 (618) 283-9790 Plumbers Double D Plumbing 1115 N. 5th St., Vandalia, IL 62471 (618) 283-1598 Real Estate Fayette County Real Estate 725 W Fillmore, Vandalia, IL 62471 (618) 283-1776 Real Living Vandalia Real Estate
1442 N. 8th St. Ste A, Vandalia, IL 62471 (618) 283-4436 Schaal & Associates Real Estate 112 N Kennedy, Vandalia, IL 62471 (618) 283-3400 Recreational Family YMCA of Fayette County 710 Rock Island, Vandalia, IL 62471 (618) 283-1258 Vandalia Field of Dreams PO Box 242, Vandalia, IL 62471 (618) 267-9935 Vandalia Sports Booster Club P.O. Box 173, Vandalia, IL 62471 Resale/Consignment Eclectic 523 W. Gallatin St., Vandalia (618) 267-6876 Habitat For Humanity Resale Store 418 W Gallatin St, Vandalia, IL 62471 (618) 283-9228 The Red Door 205 N. 5th Street, Vandalia, IL 62471 (618) 339-1471 Restaurants Copper Penny Bar & Grill 125 S. 4th St., Vandalia, IL 62471 (618) 283-2200 Embers Wood Fired Pizza 7 Mattes Ave, Vandalia, IL 62471 (618) 283-2625 Little Caesars 1611 Veterans Ave Ste 3, Vandalia, IL 62471 (618) 283-2300 Ponderosa Steakhouse 2727 Veterans Ave., Vandalia, IL 62471 (618) 283-4559 Subway 915 Veterans, Vandalia, IL 62471 (618) 283-2226 Sewing Cable’s Sewing Machine Services 1825 N 8th St, Vandalia, IL 62471 (618) 283-0991 Swimming Pools Pisces Pools & Spas, Inc. 1410 Sunset Drive, Vandalia, IL 62471 (618) 283-4207
Title Services Illinois Real Estate Services 2425 W Veterans Ae UA3 (618) 283-9400
Utilities Ameren IP PO Box 579, Hillboro, IL 62049 (800)755-5000 City of Vandalia City of Vandalia 431 W. Gallatin 618-283-1152 Liberty Energy PO Box 160, Vandalia, IL 62471 Southwestern Electric 525 U.S. Route 40, Greenville, IL 62246 800-637-8667 Welding ProFab Metals, Inc. RR1 Box 268, Vandalia, IL 62471 (618) 283-2986
2014 Member Service Directory Click on businesses in BLUE print for member website