Community News
Hundreds support Democrat Party at Vince Demuzio Dinner
The second annual Vince Demuzio took place Saturday, November 5 at Gillespie Civic Center. Hundreds of supports packed the center and enjoyed a catered meal by Fema’s before listening to former US Congressman and Southern Illinois University of Carbondale President Glenn Poshard.
Supporters give Poshard a standing ovation. (Photo by: Tim Dudley)
Before Poshard took the podium, former Senator Deanna Demuzio thanked supporters for contributing their “continuous support” for the Democratic Party. Deanna is the widow of the late Vince Demuzio, who the dinner is named after.
“I want to say thank you to each and every one of you for the support that has been shown to the Demuzio family over the past years,” Deanna said, “We miss [Vince] dearly.” Support that Democratic ticket top to the bottom, Deanna went on to say.
Deanna Demuzio thanks everyone for attending. (Photo by: Tim Dudley)
The dinner would not be possible without the corporate sponsors. The Democratic party thanked corporate sponsors: Plumbers & Pipefitters, Local 553, Peyton Bernot, Friends of Andy Manar, Citizens for John Cullerton, Foresight Energy LLP, and IBEW Local 309.
The Vince Demuzio Dinner was started last year in honor of Vince, but to support the Democratic Party. “We are here to honor and remember Vince Demuzio,” Andy Manar stated, “Vince was an influence on myself and countless others here tonight.” Andy Manar is running for State Senate in 2012. The primaries will be on March 20 and the general election will be on November 6.
“Vince was a trustworthy man,” Mike Mathis noted. Vince Demuzio was an Illinois State Senator who died while in office. At the time, he was the most senior member of the Illinois Senate. He had once been chair of the Illinois Democratic Party. Demuzio died after a battle with colon cancer which included surgery in early 2004. Demuzio resided in Carlinville, Illinois, and after his death, his seat was filled by wife Deanna. A section of I-55 south of Springfield is named after him.
Glenn Poshard was the guest speaker of the evening. Poshard is the president at SIU-C and has brought over 40 years of service to the university. Poshard is a veteran, a three-degree graduate, a former senator, former congressman, a past recipient of the Lindell W. Sturgis Memorial Public Service Award (2003), a recipient of the SIU Distringusihed Alumni Award, and also a member of the SIUC College of Education and Human Services Hall of Fame.
Andy Manar states Vince was an influence on his life. (Photo by: Tim Dudley)
“I will never forget what Deanna and Vince did for me,” Poshard began. Poshard went on to share an amusing story as well as his most embarrasing story about himself having to wear womens bell bottom “hippy” pants after his wife did not pack him any other pants to wear. After the stories, Poshard recalls his first encounter with Vince. “President Barack was showing me around the dome when we came across Senator Vince Demuzio,” Poshard said, “Barack introduced me to Vince as the next Senator. Vince replied with, I know him.” With a confused look on Poshard’s face, he questioned Vince and said I do not think you do. Vince went on to say, “Oh yes I do, you were the guy up here 3 years ago testifying that bill for transvestidites.”
It never ended with Vince, according to Poshard. Poshard recalled countless stories where Vince and himself shared laughs. “He was a classic,” as Poshard referred to him.
Vince was what we call a throwback, Poshard noted. Vince connected us to our roots. “Whether the friendship was personal or political, friendship always meant uncompromising loyalty to Vince,” Poshard said. Friendship meant family to Vince.
“Because of Vince, the democrat, we can all appreciate it because he brought us back to the roots of the democratic party,” Poshard hammered. Vince simply believed in the basic philosophy of the Democratic party.
Vince taught us four principles while he was in office, according to Poshard. The number one principal was: balance the budget. “Don’t spend more than you take in,” Poshard noted. “Say what you want, but we still have General Motors and we don’t have Osama Bin Laden,” Poshard said of the United States. If Vince were alive today, he would have balanced our budget and cleaned up Springfield.
The second principle we learned from Vince was: Democrats believe in equal educational opportunites for every one of the students. It is the only way we build the middle class, Poshard said. “The quality of the a child’s education in this state today is based upon the unfair principal I have ever seen and that is: the property tax.” Educational opportunity for all kids, no matter where they live, is a sign of equality of a nation.
Glen Poshard was the guest speaker at the 2nd annual Vince Demuzio Dinner. (Photo by: Tim Dudley)
Vince’s third principle: stand up for the working men and women in America. Poshard traced back to where his parents were coal miners. No safety standards in the mind and overtime was nonexistent, Poshard recalled.
The fourth and final principal stated by the noble stateman Vince Demuzio was: protect those most vulnerable among us. “As a principal of our Democratic party, it says there will come a day when the master will be before us,” Poshard noted.
Poshard’s favorite person in the Democratic party when he was growing up stated, “The test of a free people is to protect those in the dawn of their life as a child, the dusk in their life as elderly, and those in the shadows of life: the vulnerable, the sick and disabled. This is what we stand for as Democrats,” Poshard hammered.
“Vince Demuzio, the Democrat, balanced the budget, stood up for the working people and insisted on equal opportunities of our children and stood up for the most vulnerable,” Poshard closed, “That is what being a Democrat is!
“Thank you to everyone that attended the 2nd Annual Vince Demuzio Dinner. A very special thank you to our family’s long time friend, Glenn Poshard, the guest speaker. In his usual awesome manner, he reminded us why we are Democrats. Thanks to all,” Deanna Demuzio ended.
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FELONIES
Bradley W. Crane, 47 of Brighton, is charged with aiding/abetting/possession of a stolen vehicle in connection with a December 28, 2024 incident.
Donavon M. Holmes, 24 of Benld, is charged with felon in possession of a weapon in connection with a March 11 incident.
Natosha L. Michaelis, 39 of Carlinville, is charged with two counts of forgery/making/altering a document in connection with a February 10 incident.
Bradley S. Watters, 36 of Carlinville, is charged with aggravated battery in a public place in connection with a March 12 incident.
MISDEMEANORS
Anita S. Grizzle, 49 of Gillespie, is charged with unlawful possession of a knife in connection with a March 9 incident.
Tonya L. Pfeiler, 43 of Carlinville, is charged with theft control/intent (<$500) in connection with a March 1 incident.
Timothy A. Dugger, 23 of Palmyra, is charged with criminal trespass to land in connection with a January 29 incident.
Dalton W. Branham, 27 of Springfield, is charged with criminal trespass to land in connection with a January 23 and January 29 incident.
Crystal A. Holland, 50 of Carlinville, is charged with disorderly conduct in connection with a January 18 incident.
Bruce A. Day, 59 of Carlinville, is charged with criminal trespass to a building in connection with a February 13 incident.
Mark B. Bersch, 68 of Carlinville, is charged with criminal trespass to a building in connection with February 4 incident.
Robert D. Lindsey, 36 of Carlinville, is charged with criminal damage to property (<$500) in connection with a March 3 incident.
Thomas W. Gray, 35 of Carlinville, is charged with disorderly conduct in connection with a February 26 incident.
Ronnie E. Reyes, 40 of Carlinville, is charged with criminal trespass to land in connection with a March 13 incident.
TRAFFIC
Bethany E. Robinson, 27 of Carlinville, is charged with drivers license expired more than a year, passing a school bus while loading/unloading, and improper traffic lane usage in connection with a February 27 incident.
Timothy R. Galston, 46 of Harvey, is charged with driving on a revoked license and driving 11-14 mph above the limit in connection with a March 2 incident.
Hector R. Herrera Pena, 39 of Guadalupe, NL, is charged with CDL not obtained in connection with a March 4 incident.
Stephen L. Barrick, 50 of Virden, is charged with driving on a suspended license in connection with a March 2 incident.
Kyle L. Stiltz, 32 of Virden, is charged with leaving the scene of an accident, operating an uninsured motor vehicle, and no valid registration in connection with a February 28 incident.
DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE FILED
- Angela M. Berndt versus Travis E. Berndt
- Melissa K. Porter versus Kevin W. Porter
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Bunker Hill – Zion Lutheran Church in Bunker Hill is excited to announce a rummage sale taking place on Thursday, March 20, Friday, March 21, and Saturday, March 22. The sale will be held at the church located at 609 East Warren Street in Bunker Hill. All proceeds from the sale will be donated to Illinois Valley Meals on Wheels in Macoupin County, a vital program that prepares and delivers over 1,500 meals daily to those in need across three counties.
Donations for the rummage sale are warmly welcomed and can be dropped off at the church’s north entrance starting Monday, March 17. Items of all kinds are appreciated, and your contributions will directly support the dedicated efforts of volunteers who ensure that nutritious meals reach our community members.
The sale will run from 4 to 8 PM on Thursday and then 8 AM to 4 PM on Friday and Saturday, making it convenient for everyone to stop by and find great deals while supporting a crucial service in our area.
For more information about the rummage sale or how to donate, please contact Jane Baker at 618-973-2666.
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FELONIES
Bryer D. Greff, 30 of Virden, is charged with retail theft (<$300) with a previous conviction in connection to a March 1 incident.
Michael J. Weaver, 34 of Carlinville, is charged with methamphetamine delivery (400<900 grams), possession of methamphetamine (400<900 grams), and felon in possession of a weapon in connection with a March 3 incident.
Patrick D. Greer, 39 of Mount Olive, is charged with burglary and theft/unauthorized control (>500<10k) in connection with a January 23 and March 3 incident .
Brian H. Duff, 50 of Alton, is charged with theft/unauthorized control (>500<10k) in connection with a January 30 incident.
MISDEMEANORS
Allison S. Cisco, 18 of Carlinville, is charged with battery/causing bodily harm in connection with a March 1 incident.
Andrew C. London, 19 of Wilsonville, is charged with retail theft (<$300) in connection with a March 5 incident.
Shelby L. Veach, 23 of Staunton, is charged with resisting a peace officer/firefighter/corrections employee and criminal damage to property in connection with a December 16 and December 21 incident.
Robert J. Zumwalt, 43 of Livingston, is charged with resisting a peace officer/firefighter/corrections employee in connection with a December 21 incident.
TRAFFIC
Andrew J. McDaniel, 56 of Littleton, CO, is charged with speeding 26-34 mph over the limit in connection with a February 23 incident.
Connor E. O’Brien, 25 of Riverside, is charged with speeding 26-34 mph over the limit in connection with a February 24 incident.
Anthony M. Reed, 29 of Fayette, MS, is charged with driving on a suspended license and driving 15-20 mph above the limit in connection with a February 22 incident.
Patrick M. Nejmanowski, 58 of Carlinville, is charged with driving on a revoked license and driving 21-25 mph above the limit in connection with a February 25 incident.
Michael A. Coates, 49 of Staunton, is charged with driving on a revoked license and operating a motor vehicle with suspended registration in connection with a February 16 incident.
Carl R. Albracht, 50 of Palmyra, is charged with canceled/revoked/suspended registration in connection with a February 25 incident.
Jessica M. Jenkins, 40 of Gillespie, is charged with canceled/revoked/suspended registration in connection with a February 24 incident.
Jason L. Peter, 48 of Carlinville, is charged with canceled/revoked/suspended registration in connection with a February 22 incident.
Matthew D. Knick, 21 of Mount Olive, is charged with driving on suspended license in connection with a February 27 incident.
Julia A. Schall, 68 of Shipman, is charged with driving on a revoked license in connection with a February 27 incdient.
Amy N. Gomer, 39 of Shipman, is charged with driving on a suspended license in connection with a March 4 incident.
Dalton C. Bunyard, 32 of Wood River, is charged with speeding 26-34 mph over the limit in connection with a February 28 incident.
Edward Tumpach III, 33 of Hillsboro, is charged with reckless driving, improper traffic lane usage, and disregarding a traffic control device in connection with a March 5 incident.
DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE FILED
- Neil Ringer versus Whitney Ringer
- Christina Essington versus John Essington
- Scott Huddleston versus Jessica Huddleston
Comments
Zion Lutheran School to host open house on March 18 for preschool and kindergarten programs
Illinois Farm Bureau to host ‘Rules for the Road’ trucking seminar in Carlinville on March 20
