Community News
Bike MS’s 2022 Gateway Getaway rides take off this weekend
GODFREY – Just shy of 1,000 riders will converge on Lewis and Clark Community College’s Godfrey Campus this weekend to change the world for people affected by multiple sclerosis at the 2022 Bike MS: Gateway Getaway Ride.
The two-day ride, hosted by the National Multiple Sclerosis Society (NMSS), will start and finish Saturday, Sept. 10 and Sunday, Sept. 11 at Lewis and Clark, as it has since 2015.
“We are proud to partner with the NMSS each year for this inspiring event,” said L&C Vice President of Administration Lori Artis, who has ridden as a member of the Trailblazers team during previous years. “The energy on campus on Bike MS weekend is contagious and exciting. It’s also a wonderful opportunity for thousands of visitors to not only experience our campus, but also our district communities.”
Riders 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 many of Lewis and Clark’s district and surrounding communities, including Godfrey, Alton, Fosterburg, Bethalto, Elsah, Otterville, Jerseyville, Brighton, Dorsey, Worden, Holiday Shores, Moro, Woodburn, Bunker Hill, Shipman, Staunton, Benld, Wilsonville and more.
“We are thrilled to join Lewis and Clark Community College and the surrounding area communities for another life-changing Bike MS season,” said Marisa Hacker, Senior Manager for Bike MS. “Anyone wanting to make a difference for those living with multiple sclerosis can find a place in this community…participants, volunteers and spectators make this event possible and it’s not too late to become part of the movement.”
All participating cyclists will have access to bike mechanics, support vehicles, rest stops, a finish line celebration and much more. Riders need to be 12 years or older and hit a fundraising minimum of $300 per person to ride. So far, participants have raised nearly $701,000 toward this year’s $1.27 million goal.
Gates will open to participants at 3 p.m., Friday, Sept. 9, and registration will take place from 3-7 p.m. in The Commons.
Opening remarks will take place at 7 a.m., Saturday, Sept. 10, and riders will take off beginning at 7:30 a.m. through the start line close at 9:30 a.m. Start time on Sunday will run from 7:15 to 8:30 a.m.
Community members should expect to see cyclists on the roads through 6 p.m. Saturday and 5 p.m. Sunday, when the routes close, and drive cautiously.
On campus, team members, students and visitors should expect road closures and detours throughout this week. The north entrance to the Godfrey Campus will close at noon, Friday, Sept. 9, and will remain closed to traffic through Sunday evening.
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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.
