Community News
Bike MS set for September 7, 8
Each year we hold the Bike MS: Gateway Getaway in Godfrey, Illinois to raise critical funds and create awareness around our movement. This year, on Saturday and Sunday September 7 and 8, over 1,100 riders plus more than a hundred volunteers and staff will converge on Lewis and Clark Community College’s Godfrey with a goal to raise $1.3 million to change the world for people affected by Multiple Sclerosis.
Riders will take off over a 2-hour window beginning at 7:30 a.m. Saturday and 7:15 to 8:30
a.m. on Sunday. All participating cyclists, who must be at least 12 years of age and raise a minimum of $300 will have access to bike mechanics, support vehicles, rest stops, a finish line celebration and much more.
You may see our riders who will tackle their choice of 25-, 50-, 75- and 100-mile routes both days, traveling along the limestone bluffs on the Great River Road and winding through Lewis and Clark district communities, including Godfrey, Alton, Fosterburg, Bethalto, Elsah, Otterville, Jerseyville, Brighton, Dorsey, Worden, Holiday Shores, Moro, Woodburn, Bunker Hill, Shipman, Staunton, Benld, Wilsonville and more.
Community members should drive cautiously through 6 p.m. Saturday and 5 p.m. Sunday
when the routes close.
MS is an unpredictable disease of the central nervous system. Currently there is no cure. Symptoms vary from person to person and may include disabling fatigue, mobility challenges, cognitive changes and vision issues. An estimated 1 million people live with MS in the United States. Early diagnosis and treatment are critical to minimize disability. Significant progress is being made to achieve a world free of MS.
The National MS Society, founded in 1946, is the global leader of a growing movement dedicated to creating a world free of MS. The Society provides global leadership and funds research for a cure, drives change through advocacy and provides programs and services to help people affected by MS live their best lives. Our vision is a world free of MS. Our mission is to cure MS while empowering people affected by MS to live their best lives.
The National Multiple Sclerosis Society is a collective of passionate individuals who want to do something about multiple sclerosis (MS) now – to move together toward a world free of MS. Our local chapter serves nearly 9,000 individuals in this area who battle this often-devastating disease.
You can learn more about this event at www.bikems.org.
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The Gillespie Public Library is having a promotional giveaway during the month of December. The “December Spin Giveaway” will allow patrons to spin for prizes each time books are checked out during the month of December.
The prizes are to Gillespie businesses.
Although December is a hectic month with the holidays, take time to relax with a “good book” and visit the library.
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Limited Spots Available, Register By December 20
This winter, Blackburn College invites children ages 6-12 to participate in an exciting All-Sports Camp from December 30-31, 2024 and January 2-3, 2025. The camp will be held at the newly opened Blackburn Athletic Center and newly redesigned M.C. Court in the historic Dawes Gymnasium. The four-day camp runs from 9 am to 12 pm each day, offering young athletes the chance to stay active during the holiday season while exploring a variety of sports. With limited spots available, early registration is encouraged. The registration fee is $100, and the sign-up deadline is December 20, 2024.
Participants will engage in baseball, basketball, soccer, softball, and volleyball activities designed to build confidence, encourage teamwork, and inspire a love for sports in a fun and supportive environment. They will spend part of the day developing essential skills and putting those techniques into action by playing games. Most equipment will be provided, but attendees should come dressed in athletic clothing and ready to play.
“This camp is a fantastic opportunity for kids to stay active during their winter break, make new friends, and experience the thrill of learning skills taught by NCAA coaches and players,” said Kim Camara-Harvey, Blackburn College’s Director of Athletics and Recreation. “Our brand-new Blackburn Athletic Center, with its 200-by-120-foot turf field and retractable batting cages, and our revitalized basketball and volleyball court will be the perfect setting for fun and growth.”
In addition to the camp activities, all participants will receive two (2) tickets to watch the Blackburn Men’s Basketball Team take on the University of Dubuque on Monday, December 30, at 3:00 pm.
Don’t miss this opportunity to give your child a memorable winter break experience! To register or for more information, visit blackburn.edu/recreation or contact Heather Heater, Blackburn College Recreation Coordinator, at athletics@blackburn.edu or 217-854-5719.
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Madison Communications sponsored the Community Hope Center’s Christmas Toy Drive once again this year. The new and unwrapped toys for girls and boys ages 0-12 were collected from the middle of October through the first week of December.
Madison was overjoyed with the outcome of the Toy Drive and wants to thank anyone who took the time to donate. The holiday season is a perfect time to give back to the local communities.
