Swansea IL Profile0320kf by Tivoli Design + Media Group

HISTORY

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Table of Contents Welcome ....................................................... 2 Swansea — A Good Place to Live That’s Getting Better Every Day!

History ......................................................... 3 A Rich Past, a Promising Future

Location ........................................................4 Find Yourself in Swansea

Scott Air Force Base ....................................... 5 A History of Honor

Homes ..........................................................6 Welcome to the Neighborhood

Commerce ..................................................... 7 Economic Stability and Growth

Education ......................................................9 Academic Strength

Government .................................................12 Dedication and Service

Health Care...................................................13

CommunityLink.com

production production manager director of media & content copywriting copy editor proofreader director of photography photography

creative director director of publication design lead design supporting design web site creation & support

An Array of Area Attractions

Worship ...................................................... 16 Faith and Service

Index of Advertisers......................................17

MATT PRICE DIANA VAUGHN STEVEN D. PUCKETT CHRISTINA REESE LAURA WILCOXEN LISA LEHR JIM HARDING RANDALL HYMAN SWANSEA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE CRAIG WILLIAMS CLINT EILERTS AMANDA WHITE KELLY FRIEDERICH JOSH CHANDLER

business development director of business development director of sales operations asst. director of sales operations sales center manager business development manager sales representative customer service director customer service representative

GEORGE PRUDHOMME STEVE GRAFF DEBBIE MOSS NANCY ODOM BONNIE EBERS KELLY PORTER KATHY RISLEY CYNTHIA COLEMAN

advertising ad research

ad traffic ad design

Caring for the Community

Recreation & Tourism ....................................15

1 800-455-5600

MARY KOPSHEVER MILLY MASON AMY SCHWARTZKOPF KATHY SCOTT CAROL SMITH JOSEPH GOETTING MARIAH SNIDER BECKY TRAIL KACEY WOLTERS

administrative support administrative support

account support human resources assistant

KATHY HAGENE CAROL SMITH JULIE VORDTRIEDE TERRI AHNER TRICIA CANNEDY TERESA CRAIG

information technology publishing systems coordinator

CHRISTOPHER MILLER

executive leadership chairman and founder chief financial officer

CRAIG WILLIAMS RHONDA HARSY

ABOUT This book is published by CommunityLink and distributed through the Swansea Chamber of Commerce. For advertising information or questions or comments about this book contact CommunityLink at 1 800-455-5600 or by e-mail at info@CommunityLink.com FOR INFORMATION Swansea Chamber of Commerce, 1501 Caseyville Avenue, Swansea, IL 62226, (618) 2333938, Fax (618) 233-3936, www.swanseachamber.org

© 2007 Craig Williams Creative, Inc., 4742 Holts Prairie Road, Post Office Box 306, Pinckneyville, IL 62274-0306, (618) 357-8653. All rights reserved. No portion of this book may be reproduced without the expressed written consent of the publisher.

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WELCOME Mayor’s Welcome On behalf of the village elected officials, residents and businesses, I extend a warm welcome to Swansea. As we move into the 21st century, Swansea is rapidly growing and changing residentially and commercially. In the past two years, Swansea has added a new 10-acre park, a bike trail, a new $3 million firehouse, 300-plus residential homes, additional parking at the light rail station, and much more. At the present time, 600 lots are platted and ready for development. A group of devoted volunteers has been working diligently to bring a permanent library to the Village of Swansea. The library will offer programs for all ages, computer labs with Internet access, and, of course, many books and other publications. I encourage you to choose our progressive village for your new business or residential home. Swansea is located just 20 minutes from downtown St. Louis to the west and Scott Air Force Base to the east. Busch Stadium, Scottrade Center, Edward Jones Dome and other major venues are accessible by MetroLink light rail and state and interstate highways. The children of Swansea are served by highly rated elementary and secondary districts, both private and public. Within a 30mile radius we have access to seven major institutes of higher learning and one of the top-rated junior college districts in the Midwest. Swansea is a great place to live and work. Stop in and see what we have to offer. Sincerely,

Chip Gray Board President, Village of Swansea

Swansea — A Good Place to Live

That’s Getting Better Every Day!

hile many think of Swansea, Illinois, as a small bedroom community of St. Louis, nothing could be further from the truth. The village has experienced a surge in growth over the last 10 years. As a result, the village has grown into an area that over 12,000 people call home. Individuals are not the only ones calling Swansea home. The area is located in the geographic center of the St. Louis metropolitan area and has attracted many small businesses. Though Swansea is an established residential and commercial community, civic leaders are always looking forward toward even more growth and diversity. The village’s board of trustees is made up of businessmen — not politicians — who realize the best way for Swansea to prosper is to continue recruiting businesses to the area. Not only do Swansea’s leaders recruit businesses to the area, but they also support all types of pro-business efforts. From the numerous industries and commercial establishments to the smallest of home-based businesses, every resident, employer and employee is an important part of the strong Swansea business climate. Swansea has several economic incentives available for businesses beginning, expanding or relocating in the area. The village has an established Tax Increment Financing

(TIF) district to assist in economic development. Swansea also recently established a Special Business District in which funds will be earmarked for a revitalization of the older business district. The local government has also taken strides to standardize signs and improve the appearance of the central business district. The village offers a well-rounded transportation network. Employees and potential customers can ride the area mass transit train, MetroLink, to the village from all over the St. Louis area. Swansea is served by four-lane highways that link with a major interstate highway system traveling in all four directions. An international airport is 35 minutes from Swansea, and a cargo airport is 15 minutes from the center of the village. A steady labor force is available, and this pool of potential employees is varied in skill level. Continuing education is facilitated by Swansea’s location, which is within 40 minutes of three major universities and within 10 minutes of a community college. Many employees would also rather work in their home state of Illinois than fight rush hour each day to St. Louis. The close location of an air force base also provides access to experienced labor.

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HISTORY

A Rich Past, a Promising Future

n Dec. 16, 1886, a group of 35 residents voted to form their own community, which they named “New Swansea.” The municipality was officially incorporated four days later. In April 1895, “New Swansea” was renamed “Swansea” in order to conform to the name given to the local post office. It is believed that Swansea, Illinois, was named after Swansea, Wales, which is a seaport town and the home of poet Dylan Thomas. The two Swanseas are now sister cities. The first six trustees of the village were John Wittauer, Anton Becherer, Phillip M. Gundlach, John Joffray, Martin Ammel and Adolph Miller. These were significant names during the early days of the village. In the late 1800s, a strong sense of community pride quickly developed as the area began to grow and prosper. Swansea was a mix of agriculture and commerce, home to farms, underground coal mines, foundries, brickyards and the Gundlach Drill Works. Gundlach was the manufacturer of the best grain drills of that era. In 1898, a lot at the corner of Brackett and North Illinois streets was purchased for $300. Shortly thereafter, the Swansea Government Center was completed at a cost of $619.50. The current Swansea Government Center, located at 1400 N. Illinois Street, was completed in 1986 for a cost of about $165,000. A few years later, a $500,000 addition was

completed in which the police department is now located. Since its inception, the Swansea Village Board has exhibited concern for the citizens it governs. For example, a smallpox outbreak in 1888

Swansea is recognized as one of the fastest-growing communities in the Metro East area of St. Louis. resulted in the Board’s hiring a person to deliver provisions to stricken families in the village. Furthermore, Board trustees originally voted to serve without pay and to donate what would have been their salaries to a fund for road repair. In November 1900, an ordinance was approved granting permission to Kinloch Long Distance Telephone Company of Missouri to erect and maintain a system of telephones. Kinloch was required to install and maintain — at the company’s expense — a telephone in the village hall. Swansea is recognized as one of the fastest-growing communities in the Metro East area of St. Louis, with a fine balance of commercial and residential areas. Recent commercial development along State Highway 159 includes new retail and professional

office centers. MetroLink, St. Louis’ light rail transit system, established a station in the heart of Swansea in the late 1990s, which allows commuters to park their vehicles on a well-lit parking lot and ride the rails west over the Mississippi River to St. Louis or east as far as Scott Air Force Base. The air-conditioned rail cars make frequent stops at many interesting points along the way. The 21st century looks promising for Swansea as it continues to be a great place to live, work and play — and it’s getting better every day!

www.swanseachamber.org

LOCATION

Find Yourself in

Swansea

aintaining a small-town feel along with the vitality of a major metropolitan community, Swansea is conveniently located on State Highways 159 and 161, not far from 159’s intersection with Interstate 64. Along with I-70 (a little to the north), I-64 is the co-main east-west route through southern Illinois and into the states of Indiana and Missouri. Swansea’s population is listed around 12,000, making the village the perfect size to call your hometown. Swansea is bordered on the south, west and southeast by the city of Belleville. The village currently shares a zip code (62226) and post office with part of the city of Belleville. The village of Swansea recommends that residents use Swansea as their address to avoid possible confusion. Just as Scott Air Force Base, MetroLink and St. Louis are part of Swansea’s recent past, they are also a greater part of the village’s future. There’s little doubt that the three, and their connectedness, figure prominently in growth patterns of southwestern Illinois. Swansea is situated approximately 15 miles from St. Louis and about 10 miles from both Scott Air Force Base and MidAmerica St. Louis Airport, which places it in a prime location for travelers. In addition to the culture, sporting events and nightlife of St. Louis, there is plenty to do right here in southwestern Illinois — and in Swansea specifically. There are family attractions, historic sites, museums, landmarks, scenic highways, gaming sites, art galleries, theaters and outdoor recreation spots galore, not to mention a wide variety of restaurants, antique dealers, unique shops and plenty of sports facilities, including a multitude of golf courses. Also, the communities of O’Fallon and Shiloh are nearby and have many commercial centers of their own, accessible via the major routes

of Frank Scott Parkway, Green Mount Road and I-64. Residents of Swansea are served by four elementary school districts. Students in the north and east attend Wolf Branch District 113 in Swansea, and those in central areas attend High Mount District 116 in Swansea. Residents residing in Crossfield Estates, and a portion of Lake Lorraine, attend Wolf Branch District 113. Students in a small portion of southeastern Swansea attend Whiteside District 115. Those residents on the extreme southern edge of the village attend Belleville District 118 schools. High school students attend either the East or West campuses of Belleville Township High School District 201. There are numerous area parochial and private schools available as well.

Distance in Miles to Major Cities Atlanta .......................................... 570 Chicago .......................................... 300 Cincinnati ...................................... 360 Cleveland ...................................... 565 Denver ........................................... 870 Indianapolis ................................... 245 Kansas City .................................... 260 Memphis ........................................ 320 Minneapolis-St. Paul ..................... 590 Nashville ........................................ 327

In addition to the culture, sporting events and nightlife of St. Louis, there is plenty to do right here in southwestern Illinois — and in Swansea specifically.

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SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE

A History of Honor

cott Field was established on June 14, 1917. It is named after Corporal Frank Scott, the first enlisted person to be killed in an aviation crash. It is the only Air Force installation named after an enlisted airman. Scott Field began as an aviation-training site for World War I pilots with the arrival of the 11th and 21st Aero Squadrons from Kelly Field, Texas, in August 1917. Later, the 85th and 86th Aero Squadrons arrived. More than 300 pilots and many ground units were trained for service by the war’s end. A year after its establishment, on August 24, 1918, Scott Field took on its first aeromedical evacuation mission, transporting an aviator who had broken his leg. This early aeromedical evacuation mission was just the beginning of what would eventually become a primary role for Scott. Flying was discontinued at Scott Field after World War I, and the field was transformed into a lighter-than-air (LTA) station in 1921. LTA ships were used at Scott Field to research the capabilities of aerial photography, to forecast weather conditions, and to conduct altitude experiments. Airplanes began to dominate activities at Scott Field with the start of World War II, and, in 1937, the LTA activities officially came to an end. During World War II, Scott’s main mission was to train radiooperator mechanics. By June 1945, Scott Field had trained 77,370 technicians. Scott Field was renamed Scott Air Force Base in 1948. Many of its current missions parallel those of its early history. Today, Scott Air Force Base is the nerve center for the nation’s defense transportation system, controlling and monitoring all passenger and cargo movement for the Department of Defense through the United States Transportation Command. The base is also host to other headquarters, such as Air Mobility Command, 18th Air Force, Air Force Communications Agency, the United States Air Force Band of Mid America, and the Defense

Information Systems Agency. Air National Guard and Air Force Reserves are also represented by the assignment of the 126th Air Refueling Wing and the 932nd Airlift Wing to Scott. The 375th Airlift Wing is Scott’s host unit. Its responsibilities include the aeromedical evacuation mission, transportation of senior military officials with its C-21 aircraft, the provision of mission-ready forces, installation security, and support of all base infrastructures. As a whole, Team Scott continues to play a vital role in ongoing operations all around the world. Presently, there are more than 5,500 active-duty personnel assigned to Scott. Over 1,000 reservists, 800 guardsmen and 3,000 civil servants make up the remaining population. Scott Air Force Base’s estimated economic impact, including retiree contributions, is $1.66 billion.

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HOMES

Welcome to the Neighborhood

he benefits of Swansea’s wide variety of homes and its small, localized government — in the midst of a major metropolitan area — add up to great things for residents and businesses that locate in this cozy corner of the Metro East. Whether you are looking for an older single-family home with great character and charm or new construction with all the modern amenities, you can find it in Swansea. Swansea also offers town homes, condominiums, villas and various other housing options to suit anyone. In the period between August 15, 2004, and August 15, 2006, the median price of a home in Swansea was $167,074. During that same time period, most homes that were sold fell into a price range of $113,015 to $189,021, which provides plenty of wiggle room for any potential buyer to find just the right place at just the right price. Some of the best schools in the area can be found in Swansea, and it is this high quality of education that attracts residents to this

community. Many find Swansea to be just the right distance from the big city, the malls and the interstate. “Not too close and not too far away,” many a person has been heard to say. Quiet parks and a low crime rate also make Swansea an attractive community in which to live. These may be the reasons that homes in the community maintain some of the best resale values in the entire area. At $25,634, the village also has the third-highest per capita income in the St. Louis Metro East region. That compares with a figure of $21,587 nationally. According to the 2000 U.S. Census, Swansea’s median household income of $49,851 compares very favorably with the national figure of $41,994. Twenty-seven percent of the community’s residents age 25 and older have a bachelor’s or advanced college degree. In addition, at the time of the 2000 Census, median rent in Swansea was $408 per month. Furthermore, monthly homeowner costs for people with mortgages were $1,179.

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COMMERCE

Economic Stability and Growth T

History of Some Swansea Businesses Foundries were once major employers in Swansea. The St. Clair Foundry was on North

he village of Swansea is one of the fastest-growing communities in southwestern Illinois. It is predominantly a residential community, with commercial developments sprouting up along State Highway 159, bringing with them new retail and commercial developments. If current trends continue, Frank Scott Parkway has the potential for development rivaling that on State Highway 159.

Illinois, where the Moto Service Station now stands,

Employed Civilian Population 16 Years and Over

a nutcracker designed as a dog whose jaws did all

Industry ..................................................................................................... Number ................... Percent Agriculture, forestry, fishing, hunting and mining ............................39 ........................... 0.8 Construction ......................................................................................270 .......................... 5.4 Manufacturing ...................................................................................433 .......................... 8.7 Wholesale trade .................................................................................157 .......................... 3.2 Retail trade .........................................................................................691 ........................ 13.9 Transportation, warehousing and utilities .........................................197 .......................... 4.0 Information ........................................................................................168 .......................... 3.4 Finance, insurance, real estate, rental and leasing ............................401 .......................... 8.1 Professional, scientific, management, administrative and waste management services ...................................................... 528........................ 10.6 Educational, health and social services ........................................... 1,209....................... 24.3 Arts, entertainment, recreation, accommodation and food services .................................................. 321.......................... 6.4 Public administration ........................................................................292 .......................... 5.9 Other services ....................................................................................273 .......................... 5.5 SOURCE: U.S. Bureau of the Census, Census 2000

Occupation .................................................................................................. Number ................... Percent Management, professional and related occupations ........................ 1,801........................36.2 Sales and office occupations ............................................................ 1,588........................31.9 Service occupations ...........................................................................656 .........................13.2 Production, transportation and material moving occupations ..........479 ...........................9.6 Construction, extraction and maintenance occupations ...................446 ...........................9.0 Farming, fishing and forestry occupations...........................................9 .............................0.2 SOURCE: U.S. Bureau of the Census, Census 2000

Commuting To Work Method ........................................................................................................ Number.................... Percent Workers 16 years and over .............................................................. 5,159.........................100 Car, truck, or van (drove alone) ...................................................... 4,468........................86.6 Car, truck, or van (carpooled) ............................................................442 ...........................8.6 Public transportation (including taxicab) ..........................................88 ...........................1.7 Walked ................................................................................................32 ...........................0.6 Other means .........................................................................................4 .............................0.1 Worked at home ................................................................................125 ...........................2.4 Mean travel time to work (minutes) ................................................. 4.2............................ â&#x20AC;&#x201D; SOURCE: U.S. Bureau of the Census, Census 2000

and this business made casings for drills and cast-iron furnaces and castings for stove factories. Sometimes quirky and memorable items, such as the work, were made at the St. Clair Foundry. Another small foundry was operated by the Bauer Brothers along Service Street. There were also the Weickert and the Supreme foundries, as well as Century Brass Works Inc., which began operating on North Illinois Street on July 12, 1917. Century Brass Works (1100 North Illinois) remains the only business of its kind in Swansea, and Century Brass (Industrial) has been in operation for almost 100 years. Dairy Queen now occupies a location where a clay field once stood to serve a North Illinois Street brickyard operated by John Gannsmann. The brickyard, also known for a time as Gannsmann & Mueller Brickyard, was near the Louisville and Nashville Railroad. The present site of the Swansea Fire Department was once home to the Gundlach Drill Works, where Phillip M. Gundlach manufactured agricultural implements. Gundlach also marketed the top-ofthe-line grain drills of that time and held patents on a thresher. The enterprising Gundlach also operated his own sawmill and manufactured the boxes in which his products were shipped. Smelting Works Road in the northern part of the village is a modern-day reminder of a time when the Block Smelting Company once owned land north and south of the village limits. Anheuser-Busch once built a tavern on North Illinois Street and is said to have donated $25 for improvements to that street in September 1900. The only traditional tavern still operating is The Whistle Stop on Service Street and North Illinois. www.swanseachamber.org

COMMERCE Businesses Along State Highway 159 Aldi’s Applebee’s CVS Pharmacy Dairy Queen India’s Oven Jack In The Box McDonald’s Outback Steakhouse Ryan’s Schnuck’s

INCOME IN 1999 Income .............................................................................................Number ............................. Percent Less than $10,000 ........................................................................ 93 ................................ 3.3 $10,000 to $14,999 ...................................................................... 72 ................................ 2.6 $15,000 to $24,999 .................................................................... 224 ................................ 8.0 $25,000 to $34,999 .................................................................... 291 .............................. 10.4 $35,000 to $49,999 .................................................................... 412 .............................. 14.7 $50,000 to $74,999 .................................................................... 747 .............................. 26.6 $75,000 to $99,999 .................................................................... 340 .............................. 12.1 $100,000 to $149,999 ................................................................ 442 .............................. 15.7 $150,000 to $199,999 .................................................................. 60 ................................ 2.1 $200,000 or more ...................................................................... 127 ................................ 4.5 Median family income ........................................................ $58,032 ................................. — Per capita income ................................................................ $25,634 ................................. —

Employee .................................................................................................................................... Earnings

Sonic Subway Value City Victory Lane Power Sports

Male full-time, year-round workers ........................................................................... $40,747 Female full-time, year-round workers ....................................................................... $29,911 SOURCE: U.S. Bureau of the Census, Census 2000

Walgreen’s

Major Office Professional Parks in Swansea 159 Commerce Center Bronze Pointe Emerald Terrace Executive Woods Park Place West Pointe Business Center

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EDUCATION

Academic Strength N umerous educational opportunities are available in the Swansea area through elementary and secondary public school districts, private schools, and colleges and universities.

Elementary and Middle Schools Wolf Branch School District 113 www.wolfbranchschooldistrict.org Wolf Branch School District 113 in Swansea consists of an elementary and middle school, where a low student-to-teacher ratio of 14.5-to-1 allows for more individualized attention than the statewide average, which, according to the Illinois District Report Card for 2005, is 18.9-to-1. The Wolf Branch district provides an educational program for 880 students in prekindergarten through eighth grade. Student performance on the annual Illinois State Assessment is among the highest for schools in the Metro East area. Over 82 percent of Wolf Branch students meet or exceed performance criteria related to the Illinois State Learning Standards. Along with a rigorous core curriculum, Wolf Branch School District offers a standard curriculum that includes art, music, physical education, gifted and computer skills. Computers are available in every classroom in addition to the computer labs in each building. Wolf Branch School District not only develops quality students, it also attracts outstanding teachers. District 113 teachers’ commitment to education and dedication to their profession is clearly evident when you enter their classrooms.

High Mount School District 116 www.highmountschool.com High Mount School is located at 1721 Boul Avenue in Swansea and serves prekindergarten through eighth-grade students. The student-to-teacher ratio at High Mount is 16.7-to-1, and teachers have an average of 14.8 years of teaching experience. The school has recently undergone a renovation project of $7.7 million. Moreover, after being selected by the state, it received hundreds of thousands of dollars from Leaders In Technology-Enhanced Schools

(LITES). The LITES grant was used for equipment and professional development. In the past five years, the school has also had two Powell Symphony Orchestra “Picture the Music” grand-prize winners for kindergarten through third grade and has received numerous “Do the Right Thing” awards from KMOV TV Channel 4, St. Louis’ CBS affiliate. In fact, High Mount was recently recognized as the Illinois School of the Year by “Do the Right Thing.”

Whiteside School District 115 www.whiteside.stclair.k12.il.us Whiteside District 115 is comprised of a middle school and elementary school, where parents can expect to find teachers with an average of 13.8 years of experience in teaching. Established in 1865, Whiteside District 115 provides education for students in prekindergarten through eighth grade. Middle school students recently participated in a program funded by the federal Old Man River grant. They did extensive research into local Civil War veterans, identified their graves and supplied the cemeteries with a map locating these graves. They also researched individual veterans to determine with what companies they served and in what areas they were stationed. As part of their learning, they enjoyed a Civil War re-enactment presented by a group from Washington, Missouri.

The continuing partnership between school and community has been demonstrated once again. New tennis courts at the middle school are now open for community use. They were provided in a joint project with St. Clair Township. Elementary students display their fine arts talents as they combine singing, dancing and instruments each spring in an outdoor May Fest celebration of the arts. The middle school band program is one of the finest in the area, with students consistently earning top recognition at solo and organizational contests. Middle school art students display amazing talents in a variety of media, with artwork displayed in various local shows and in the district’s Whiteside Gallery.

Belleville School District 118 www.belleville118.stclair.k12.il.us Belleville District 118 has an enrollment of approximately 3,800 and serves students in preschool through the eighth grade. The district recently celebrated 150 years of service to the community. The pupil-tostudent ratio is 22.2-to-1, and district teachers have an average of 14.2 years of teaching experience. Two district schools, whose enrollments include students from Swansea, were recently recognized as Spotlights Schools for 2005 by Northern Illinois University. Those two schools are Abraham Lincoln Elementary School and Franklin Elementary School. www.swanseachamber.org

EDUCATION High Schools Belleville Township High School District 201 — East and West Campuses Two public high school facilities, both rich in tradition, serve Belleville area students in grades nine through 12. New facilities for Belleville West High School (BWHS) opened in August 2003, with 360,000 square feet of space located on 113 acres. Special programs to help students consider their career options include Jobs for Illinois Graduates and Jump Start. Belleville East High School (BEHS) has a new fine arts center and a new football stadium added to its unique and scenic campus of over 20 buildings. Through a community partnership, the central terrace serves as a beautiful plaza for students. Students, staff and the community make extensive use of

the school’s Technology Resource Center and English Resource Center. Belleville Township High School–Night/Alternative School provides educational opportunities for students with life and learning challenges. Belleville Township High School District 201 students routinely score in the top 30 percent on the ACT, and 79 percent of graduates attend college. Students receive scholarships to colleges and universities throughout the nation, including Harvard, MIT, Stanford, Northwestern, Yale and the service academies. In 2002, Expansion Management magazine awarded “gold medal” distinction to Belleville Township High School District 201 — one of only two school districts in southern Illinois to receive this award. The Expansion Management article detailing

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the award winners states that “what’s most important to us are test scores and graduation rates. That’s the bottom line for potential employers. Are they smart enough to do the job, and will they show up for work every day? The better the college board scores and the higher the graduation rate, the higher a school district will rank because, in our rankings, it’s the results that count.” In 2005, SchoolMatch, an independent, nationwide service developed by school experts, awarded the “What Parents Want” award to Belleville Township High School District 201. Only 16 percent of the nation’s 15,573 public school districts have been recognized for meeting the needs of families choosing schools. SchoolMatch articulated that the school districts honored were chosen for their competitive academic test scores, accreditation by external sources recognized for excellence, competitive teacher salaries, above-average instructional expenditures, and small class sizes.

Private Schools In addition to the quality public school system, the area offers a number of parochial and private schools. These include those described below as well as elementary schools through Zion Lutheran and several through the Belleville Diocese.

Governor French Academy www.gfacademy.com Governor French Academy has recently expanded in the 200 block of North Main Street in Belleville, where the academy has purchased and moved into the former Oliver C. Joseph automobile dealer showroom. The K–12 school now has four buildings and a large playground in that city

EDUCATION block, and the new building now contains administrative offices and the drama/theater department. The expanded space will also allow the school to keep ceremonies, such as graduations, on campus. Governor French offers individualized education for an enrollment of approximately 220 students.

Althoff Catholic High School www.althoff.net At 5401 W. Main Street in Belleville, Althoff is a diocesan Catholic high school that serves students who primarily desire to pursue a strong academic program that will prepare them for postsecondary education. Among the school’s strengths are the diverse backgrounds of its students and faculty and its high academic standards. Students are taught not only academic and technological skills, but also skills for living. The school was established to meet the spiritual, educational and social needs of youth in the Catholic community; however, persons of other religious backgrounds are also welcomed. The school offers more than 100 courses, including religion, core curriculum, physical education, music, art, foreign languages, engineering and architectural drafting. Edline is an online program available to students and parents for continuous grade checks. Althoff reports that 98 percent of its graduates go on to further education, and 51 percent of the 2006 graduates received scholarships. The school’s tradition of excellence is demonstrated in the growing number of students who are named as Illinois State Scholars, National Merit Commended Students, and National Merit Finalists.

Colleges/Universities At the college and university level, Southwestern Illinois College (SWIC) in Belleville is the largest community college in Illinois outside the Chicago area and has its main campus located in Belleville. There are also campuses in Granite City, Red Bud and at Scott Air Force Base. Additionally, McKendree College in Lebanon, the Belleville campus of Lindenwood University, and Southern Illinois University Edwardsville run the gamut of learning opportunities. Furthermore, on the Missouri side of the Mississippi River, Saint Louis University and Washington University in St. Louis are among the top institutions in the country. Saint Louis University also offers its School for Professional Studies, a program for working adults, at its location in nearby Belleville.

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GOVERNMENT

Dedication and Service Swansea Government Center 1400 N. Illinois Street Swansea, IL 62226 618-234-0044 www.swanseail.org Police Department 1400 N. Illinois Street Swansea, IL 62226 618-233-8114 swanseap@htctech.net Fire Department 1350 N. Illinois Street Swansea, IL 62226 618-234-3291

he term “village” has nothing to do with size and everything to do with government structure. The village of Swansea is governed by a six-member board of trustees headed by the board president, who can also be referred to as the mayor. Members are elected at-large to the Board, which means each trustee represents all residents. Each trustee serves a four-year term, and terms are staggered so that half of the trustees are elected every two years. An elected clerk maintains village records and a treasurer, who is also elected, manages finances. Questions or concerns of residents can be discussed with any trustee or with the president of the Board of Trustees. Concerns may also be taken to the Swansea Government Center. Board of Trustees meetings are open to the public and held the first and third Mondays of the month at 7 p.m. at the Government Center. In an effort to keep residents informed, the village publishes The Swansea Report, a monthly newsletter that is distributed free to every mailing address within Swansea. Information is also available at the village’s Web site, www.swanseail.org. The Government Center is open Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Police Department The headquarters of the Swansea Police Department can be found at the Swansea Government Center. The police department includes a chief, deputy chief and 18 patrol officers. The department has an investigative section and K-9 unit, along 12 Swansea Chamber of Commerce

with several trained instructors in areas such as hazmat, blood-born pathogens, firearms, self defense and defensive driving. Within the department there are two detectives, a school-resource officer and an officer assigned to the St. Clair County Drug Tactical Unit. The police department’s telecommunications center serves as a 911 public service answering point. A supervisor and five full-time telecommunicators staff a high-tech communications center 24 hours a day, seven days a week. By having its own 911 center, Swansea can provide faster and more efficient response to emergencies.

Fire Department The Swansea Fire Department is staffed by a full-time fire chief and deputy chief, along with 35 volunteer firefighters. Answering approximately 300 calls a year, the fire department has earned an ISO rating of 4. This is comparable to other fire departments in the area that are completely staffed on a full-time basis. Quick response is key to any fire department, and Swansea’s is no exception, with an average response time under five minutes. Established in 1940, the department’s 65th anniversary coincided with the recent opening of Fire House #2, a state-of-theart facility. The Swansea Fire Department boasts the only certified dive team and certified trench rescue team in the area with equipment on premises. They frequently provide support to other area departments, responding to rescues, auto accidents and more. The fire department also provides educational and community services throughout the year. The Fire Safety House is a mobile house that offers safety training for cooking fires and house fires, as well as tornadoes. The Fire Safety House is used at the elementary schools during fire safety week in the fall and again in the spring when severe weather is a threat. The fire department also provides smoke detectors to the elderly and those who cannot afford one. The fire department holds its annual Firemen’s Picnic in May and Turkey Shoot the first Sunday in November.

Building and Zoning Department The Building and Zoning Department oversees land use and development within the village and issues various building and zoning permits. The Planning and Zoning Board monitors the village’s longterm plans for development and ensures individual projects do not conflict with village planning goals. The Architectural and Signage Review Board ensures adequate architectural and signage standards, as well as guidance, direction and control of building aesthetics and sign installation within the village.

Utilities Owned and operated by Swansea, the wastewater treatment plant provides sewage treatment for residents and some properties adjacent to the village; sewer bills are mailed to residents every other month. Although Swansea does not directly operate a municipal trash collection, it has implemented a progressive solid-waste program. This program serves residential properties of one, two or three units, and only one company is authorized to provide residential trash services. This award-winning program makes recycling a priority and was the first of its kind in southern Illinois. The village contracts with a company to provide free recycling, and residents only pay for the amount of trash that is actually collected. Electricity and natural gas are provided through AmerenIP, and water is provided by Illinois American Water Company. Telephone service is provided by independent companies, and cable television is available through Charter Communications.

Swansea Youth Government Council Through the Swansea Youth Government Council, students in grades seven through 12 are active in village government and participate in community events. Composed of approximately 40 members, the group, which began in 2002, attends village Board meetings, conducts food and back-toschool drives, and holds monthly meetings of its own. Participating youths meet with their contemporaries at events in Chicago and Indianapolis.

HEALTH CARE

Caring for the Community

to the hospital, and Memorial’s Belleville Health and Sports Center, located at 1001 South 74th Street.

St. Elizabeth’s Hospital

rofessional health care services abound in Swansea. As the metro area continues to expand, this area is at the forefront of meeting patients’ needs in everything from dental care to eye care and traditional medicine to chiropractic care.

Hospitals Memorial Hospital Since 1958, Memorial Hospital has served the health care needs of the residents of southwest Illinois by providing a wide range of diagnostic and treatment services. A 313-bed acute-care general hospital, Memorial plays an important role in the health care and economic well-being of the local communities it serves. Memorial has grown to be this area’s largest provider of surgery services, and the demand for its wide range of outpatient and imaging services increases each year. Memorial is the only hospital in the St. Louis metropolitan area, and one of only a few in the United States, to provide 3Tesla magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technology. Memorial’s Emergency Department,

with over 42,000 visits annually, is one of the area’s largest providers of emergency services, and Memorial Maternity Center provides a family-centered environment for new mothers. Among its many programs and services, Memorial offers home care services, a sleep disorders center, comprehensive physical therapy and rehab services, sports medicine, a pain management center, cardiac and pulmonary rehab, a mammography center, and a variety of support groups, community education and screening programs. An integral member of the business community, Memorial was listed as the fifthlargest employer in St. Clair and Madison counties, with over 2,300 full-time and part-time employees. Memorial’s vital role in the economic health of southwest Illinois is underscored by its injection of $90 million into this area’s economy through salaries and benefits. Memorial Hospital is locally owned and operated by Protestant Memorial Medical Center Inc., which also owns and operates Memorial Convalescent Center, a 108-bed skilled-nursing and rehab facility adjacent

St. Elizabeth’s Hospital has brought the values of respect, care, competence and joy to health care for more than 125 years. As an affiliate of the Hospital Sisters Health System, St. Elizabeth’s combines caring ministry with the latest in technology and services to benefit the community. This fullservice acute-care hospital and rehabilitation center is currently licensed for 500 beds and utilizes the services of more than 300 physicians representing more than 60 medical specializations. In cooperation with Saint Louis University, it also provides a training site for medical residents in the Belleville Family Practice Residency program. The Southern Illinois Heart Institute (SIHI), founded in 1996, is dedicated to diagnosing, treating and preventing heart disease. With the latest in equipment and procedures, highly qualified physicians, and a strong track record of care, SIHI has earned the confidence of professionals and patients alike. The institute has three open-heart surgical suites and cardiac care suites. The medical staff performs more than 3,000 diagnostic and treatment procedures each year. The Catheterization Lab was the first in the country to install a ceilingmounted Axiom Artis system. Nutritional and lifestyle counseling is also part of the treatment regimen. The hospital’s Southern Illinois Sleep Disorders Center evaluates and treats several sleep-related problems. The Voice Clinic is the only southern Illinois facility offering diagnosis and treatment of voice disorders. Health care screenings, wellness programs, support groups, counseling programs and blood drives keep hospital and community connected. At the main campus, the recently completed expansion of operating and recovery suites and the expanded entrance to the emergency room and outpatient surgery department demonstrate the hospital’s commitment to providing the best care possible. St. Elizabeth’s recently opened a new medical facility in Monroe County. The St. Elizabeth’s Monroe County Medical www.swanseachamber.org 13

HEALTH CARE Building provides an UrgiCare Center, physical therapy, and radiology and imaging services. This additional facility, along with two care facilities in Mascoutah and O’Fallon, provides accessible health care to the surrounding communities.

Professional Health Services Cancer Center A full-service outpatient cancer facility provides both medical and radiation oncology services to adult cancer patients. It is the only local cancer-care provider accredited by the American College of Radiology. On-site patient support services include access to the center’s registered dietician, clinical psychologist, social worker and massage therapist. The cancer facility also houses a learning center, which hosts free educational events, a support group and a lending library of books, videos and audiotapes related to cancer.

Chiropractic, Physical, Occupational & Massage Therapy The chiropractic and therapy providers in Swansea offer a variety of care, from tradi-

tional to holistic chiropractic care and physical, occupational and massage therapies. While some businesses concentrate on the traditional therapies, others provide a variety of services for a one-stop shopping experience that includes chiropractic care, massage therapy, nutritional assessments, applied kinesiology and acupuncture. Swansea is proud to boast the only onsite aquatic physical therapy location in St. Clair County utilizing two current-resistant swimming pools and one static pool.

skilled-nursing care, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, medical social workers and home health aides. An assisted-living center licensed specifically for Alzheimer’s care can also be found in Swansea. Twenty-four-hour, around-theclock nursing care, along with utilities, laundry and cable TV service, is available for all residents. Registered nurses are on staff for physical, speech and occupational therapies as well.

Dental Care Swansea dental practices offer full-service general and specialized care for the entire family. Services include cosmetic dentistry, implant restoration, laser dentistry, whitening/bleaching, natural-looking crowns, and laser-assisted dentistry that allows many dental treatments to be performed without anesthesia.

Hospice is a special health care option for patients and families who are faced with terminal illness. Care takes place in the patient’s home or in a home-like setting such as a nursing home. The patient, family and disease process is viewed from a holistic perspective addressing the physical, social, emotional and spiritual needs of each patient and family.

Diagnostic Imaging Centers

Optometry

A state-of-the-art imaging center is located in the heart of Swansea. The center operates facilities that offer PET, MRI, CT, ultrasound, mammography, bone densitometry and X-ray procedures all at an outpatient facility.

Practices providing full-service family eye care for people of all ages have a large presence in the community. Lasik surgery centers are available, as are practices performing eye examinations, glasses and contact-lens fittings, eye diseases treatments, and chronic eye health problem monitoring. Cutting-edge instrumentation is used to detect, diagnose and treat visual problems.

Hearing Aid Center ��

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A multi-lined, full-scale sales and service hearing aid center can be found, with available services that include complete audiometric testing, video otoscopy, in-office repair and assisted-listening devices.

Home Health Care Services to improve and maintain the personal health and safety of all members of the community are available in Swansea’s home health facilities. These facilities include

Hospice Care

Pain Management Center A unique pain management center in Swansea is one of a few facilities in the state that has medical doctors specifically trained for pain relief working hand-in-hand with on-site physical therapists. Their physicians help primary care providers and internists with treatment of chronic pain from arthritis to back and neck pain.

RECREATION & TOURISM

he village of Swansea boasts both a varied-use and nature park available to village residents interested in activities including everything from roller hockey to fishing. Also, the Swansea Park Board is continuing to consider other areas where municipal parks — particularly neighborhood and mini parks — can be created.

An Array of Area Attractions

Adventure Close to Home Melvin Price Memorial Park, located on 24 acres in the 1500 block of Caseyville Avenue, includes athletic fields, a sand volleyball court, several pavilions with barbecue grills, a rose garden, a walking path, a roller-hockey rink, playground equipment, restrooms, and a pair of community centers. A dog park, with separate fenced-in areas for big and small dogs, is a unique feature. Use of the dog park is available for a small fee. In addition, the park is the site of the village’s Veterans Memorial, a Sept. 11 Memorial, a Firefighters Memorial and a Korean War Veterans Memorial. Facilities at the park can be rented for a small fee. Contact the Swansea Government Center at 618-2340044 for more information. Centennial Park is situated on 30 acres along the north side of State Highway 161. Developed and maintained in conjunction with St. Clair Township, this nature park is designed to preserve a natural environment in the midst of a metropolitan area. It features a fishing lake, picnic area and hiking trails. A walking trail winds around a pond, through shade trees and over rustic bridges. This park, located in the 300 block of North Belt East, offers great photo opportunities. When completed, Steve & Mildred Schranz Park at 360 Honeysuckle Lane will be a 10-acre, water-themed development that will include a 30-by-30-foot shelter, a pair of 20-by-20-foot shelters, two mini shelters, a band shell with grass seating, a themed playground area, barbecue grills, a rock-climbing/play area, a walking path, a water park/play area, and restrooms. C. Herb Tempel Park is a mini-park containing three benches and two picnic shelters. It is located at the corner of Morgan Street and Caseyville Avenue and is a great spot for a picnic. Those looking to take a dip in an area swimming pool can choose the Belleville municipal pool, the local YMCA or a number of private clubs in the general vicinity.

Clinton Hill Golf Course, located on Old Collinsville Road in the village, is easy to reach for those residing in or visiting Swansea. Overall, there are around 50 golf courses in the area, as well as many public parks and private clubs offering an abundance of tennis courts. Additionally, a one-mile bike trail, running south from Swansea’s Old Collinsville Road to the MetroLink bike trail, will soon be complete. Exciting annual events include the Swansea Fireman’s Parade and Picnic, which is held each spring at Melvin Price Memorial Park. This traditional Midwestern picnic features food, drinks and rides. The Swansea Rotary Club sponsors the very popular Easter Egg Hunt, complete with various age categories, which is held at Melvin Price Memorial Park approximately two weeks before Easter. On the first Saturday in June, the Swansea Rotary Club also sponsors its Annual 5K Run. Trophies and prizes are at stake for male and female competitors in the different age categories.

More Adventure Just Around the Corner The opportunity for further fun and adventure exists when you venture outside village limits. There are plenty of chances to enjoy some recreation time throughout all of southwestern Illinois. Longacre Park, located at Longacre Drive and Ruby Lane in nearby Fairview Heights, offers lighted tennis courts and a 1.5-mile walking/running path. Three Springs Park on Frank Scott Parkway in Shiloh also has tennis courts and a half-mile walking trail. Baldwin Lake is approximately 30 miles south of Swansea and is part of the Kaskaskia River State Fish & Wildlife Area, where there’s excellent fishing and bird-watching. The lake features a two-lane boat ramp, camping and picnic facilities.

Carlyle Lake, the largest man-made lake in Illinois, is only about 40 miles east of Swansea and is a great destination for sailboat enthusiasts. Jet skis, houseboats, pontoon boats and sailboats are available for rent. Other activities at the lake include fishing, hunting, swimming, camping and golf. Washington County State Recreation Area is also about 40 miles from Swansea, and favorite activities there include boating, fishing, hiking and camping. The area features 900 acres that have been set aside for shotgun or bow and arrow hunting. Area wineries are popular places to go on a Saturday or Sunday, and Ravissant Winery in Belleville is just around the corner. Around the Fourth of July, village residents venture to the minor-league ballpark in Sauget for Swansea Night at the Grizzlies Game, where they can enjoy Frontier League action and riverfront fireworks. Other fun places for the family to visit in southwestern Illinois include Eckert’s Country Store and Farms, located at the corner of State Highway 15 and South Green Mount Road in Belleville. Eckert’s is the largest pick-your-own operation in the United States and has a greenhouse, restaurant and country store. GMC Stadium, located at 1403 Nickell Avenue in Cahokia, is the 5,000-seat facility of the Gateway Grizzlies minor league baseball team. The U.S. Ice Sports Complex, located at 125 South Ruby Lane in Fairview Heights, offers lessons, hockey leagues, tournaments, public skating and exhibitions.

Helpful Tourism Links The Tourism Bureau Southwestern Illinois www.thetourismbureau.org St. Louis Convention & Visitors Commission www.explorestlouis.com

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WORSHIP

Faith & Service F

aith is an important part of everyday life in the village of Swansea. Within the village and surrounding area, every resident and visitor is sure to find a welcoming congregation. Religious diversity is celebrated throughout the community, where everything from Baptist churches to Islamic mosques can be found. The types of worship offered in Swansea and the Metro East vary from traditional to contemporary to a blend of the two, which is referred to as “blended worship.” Swansea is covered by the Fairview Heights Area Clergy Association, which takes an active role in meeting the spiritual and other needs of the community through outreach programs and events. There are also churchaffiliated daycare centers and pre-kindergarten programs to help ease children into

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Religious diversity is celebrated throughout the community, where everything from Baptist churches to Islamic mosques can be found. faith-based or public schools. In addition, other churches take a family- and/or seniororiented approach to ministry. The area is rich in religious history. In fact, the very first Baptist and Protestant churches in Illinois were located in New Design. The Rev. David Badgley, who was pastor at the first Baptist church in Illinois, is buried near Swansea Church (292 Frank Scott Parkway East). Rev. Badgley first served as pastor at the Baptist church in New Design, then later relocated to Richland Creek Baptist Church. The Richland Creek church was located near the current Clinton Hill Golf Course in Swansea. Richland Creek Baptist Church later disbanded, but its members went on to form many of the Baptist churches in the Metro East.

INDEX OF ADVERTISERS

Index of Advertisers

1st National Mortgage ........................................................................... 16

Lake View Memorial Gardens & Funeral Home ......................................4

90 West ...................................................................................................4

Leisure Time Pools ...................................................................................5

Associated Pediatric Dentistry, LTD. .....................................................10

Martin Financial Services, Inc. ............................................................... 8

Beimfohr Associates Insurance Agency ...................................................2

McDonald Manufactured Homes ............................................................ 11

Collins Flooring America ........................................................................ 16

Neville, Richards & Wuller, LLC ..............................................................2

Commerce Bank .........................................................Outside Back Cover

Peoples National Bank ........................................................................... 8

Corner Stone Dental ............................................................................... 11

Print Master ............................................................................................ 8

Country Insurance & Financial Services ..................................................4

RE/MAX Vision Realty .............................................................................2

A. Joseph Ecker, D.D.S., M.S. .................................................................. 8

Sharon’s Candles & More ........................................................................ 8

First Bank ............................................................................................... 14

Shively Builders, Inc. ............................................................................ 14

Fulford Homes ............................................................. Inside Front Cover

Strano & Associates REALTORS® .............................................................3

The Gardens of Sycamore Village .......................................................... 16

TWM .........................................................................................................3

H & R Block ..............................................................................................5

The Village of Swansea ...........................................................................6

Holistic Chiropractic & Rehabilitation Center ........................................5

Vision Care Associates ..............................................................................1

Hospice of Southern Illinois, Inc. .......................................................... 8 � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � ��

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