WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT EXERCISE AND DEMENTIA RISK
Three seconds go by in a flash, but that’s enough time for another person to join the masses already diagnosed with dementia. According to Alzheimer’s Disease International, every three seconds someone in the world develops dementia, a condition that
more than 55 million people were living with in 2020.
The World Health Organization notes that various diseases and injuries that affect the brain can contribute to dementia. As menacing a threat as dementia
presents, individuals are not helpless against it. In fact, exercise, which can help lower risk for heart disease, stroke and various other conditions, can be a valuable ally against dementia as well. What is the link between exercise and dementia?
Dementia remains something of a mystery, but the Alzheimer’s Society notes that evidence is now strong enough to support the assertion that lack of physical exercise increases a person’s risk of developing dementia. The Alzheimer’s Society also notes that researchers have discovered improvements in thinking and memory and reduced rates of dementia among middle-aged and older adults who exercised compared to those that did not. Is cardio the most e ective exercise at lowering dementia risk?
that oxygen abnormality plays a crucial role in the occurrence and progression of Alzheimer’s disease. How should aging adults approach exercise if they have been largely sedentary?
Speaking with CNBC, Silky Singh Pahlajani, a clinical professor of behavioral neurology and neuropsychiatry at Weill Cornell Medicine, noted that cardiovascular exercise, often referred to as cardio, can provide the biggest benefit for brain health of any form of exercise. Cardiovascular exercise can increase heart rate, which helps deliver oxygen cells to the brain. The National Institutes of Health notes that oxygen shortages prevent the brain from working as well as it should, and a 2023 study published in the journal Redox Biology found
Middle-aged and older adults who have not been physically active throughout their adult life but want to begin incorporating exercise into their daily routines are urged to speak with their physicians prior to beginning a fitness regimen. Preexisting conditions may make it difficult, if not impossible, to engage in certain forms of exercise. A personal physician can consider a patient’s unique medical history and then recommend certain exercises that won’t put him or her in jeopardy of suffering an injury or illness. A gradual approach to exercising is typically best for individuals who have lived a sedentary lifestyle. Starting off slowly with a short walk or light physical activity like gardening can help the body acclimate to physical activity at a safe pace. As adults bodies’ become more accustomed to exercise, men and women can then gradually increase the intensity of their workouts, switching from walking to jogging on a treadmill when possible.
There is no cure for dementia, but adults are not helpless against the various forms of the condition. Researchers have discovered that preventive measures like routine exercise can be an effective way to reduce dementia risk.
Hearing aids can be a useful ally for individuals as they navigate and seek to overcome hearing loss. Older individuals affected by age-related hearing loss may be particularly in need of hearing aids, but data indicates usage of the devices is low among the aging population. According to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, just three in 10 adults over 70 with hearing loss have ever used hearing aids. And it’s not only the aging population that is reluctant to use hearing aids, as the NIDCD notes that just 16 percent of adults between the ages of 20 and 69 who could benefit from wearing hearing aids have ever used them. Greater education regarding the efficacy of hearing aids and the range of user-friendly aids that are nothing like the bulky, often ill-fitting products of yesteryear could compel more individuals with hearing loss to turn to these devices in the years to come.
GET A HEAD START ON NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS
After the rush of the holiday season has largely ended, and the excess of the season starts to weigh on celebrants’ minds, it is customary for many people to start thinking about the changes they want to implement in the new year.
According to a Pew Research Center survey of United States adults conducted in January 2024, 30 percent of people reported making at least one resolution, with half of this group making more than one. The survey also found that young adults are the most likely to make New Year’s resolutions, with 49 percent of those between the ages 18 and 29 saying they have made a resolution.
It’s never too early to start thinking about what to improve upon in 2025, or which goals to set. Here are some common resolutions and how to implement them.
• Exercise more. Getting in shape is one of the most popular New Year’s resolutions every year. Gym memberships spike and people often invest in home exercise equipment around this time of year.
According to the American College of Sports Medicine, wearable technology continues to be a top trend in fitness and has been a mainstay since 2016. While Fitbit and the Apple Watch series have remained strong contenders, one also may want to invest in the Garmin Vivomove, which boasts wireless charging. Tracking fitness goals can keep those resolutions going strong.
• Improve mental well-being. Getting in shape is not the only health-related goal this time of year. Mental health also comes into play when people make their resolutions. Taking opportunities to slow down and be more mindful
can help. One way to do so is through journaling. Human behavior expert and author Natalie Friscia Pancetti, says journaling reduces stress, helps with anxiety, encourages confidence, and can improve perceptions. This is why she developed a journal with inspirational writing prompts as a companion to her “This Too” book and planner.
• Quit smoking. Quitting smoking is a worthy goal. Health care experts know smoking is the leading cause of lung cancer and has been linked to more than 27 diseases. Many people want to quit smoking, but the Mayo Clinic says only about 5 percent of people who try to quit succeed without a smoking cessation product. Nicotine replacement items are some of the most popular smoking cessation tools. For those who want to go drug-free, Füm is a device
that addresses the three major components of habit formation that occur with smoking. Employing flavored air, the device replaces the fixation of the hand-to-mouth habit with non-addictive plant extracts that are inhaled, simulating smoking without the negative effects.
• Learn a new language. Learning a new skill or language is another popular resolution. Today there are many apps available to help people learn one or more new languages. From Duolingo to Babbel to Memrise, there are programs available whether one is a visual learner or wants to jump right into specific phrases.
Many people get a jump-start on identifying their resolutions in early- to mid-December so they’ll be ready to move forward come New Year’s Day.
How breed affects dogs’ Trainability
Every dog lover has a different set of criteria for what they look for in a dog. Some make size a priority, preferring a pooch who is small enough to be a constant companion. Others seek a dog that has shorter fur for less grooming upkeep. Still, some people prefer a breed that is known for flashy looks that will turn heads on neighborhood walks.
trainability.
• Golden retriever and Labrador retriever: Some of the most popular family dogs around, these retrievers tend to be gentle, friendly, trainable, and eager to please.
• Rottweiler: This imposing pup is a natural protector that wants a job to do. That makes the Rottie highly trainable.
Some dogs, such as hounds, beagles, huskies, and Akitas, are among the most challenging to train, according to experts. Such dogs’ focus may be on sensing prey or doing other things they find fun, and not on a handler. But people should not grow discouraged if they have their hearts set on less-receptive-totraining breeds.
What about mixed breed dogs?
For over 20 years, Asbur y Village has been a staple of the community by providing the highest standards of living and care for the residents who call it HOME. Here,you’ ll find a countr yside neighborhood that bustles with activities and opportunities. We offer a fresh focus on good health and wellness, and exciting, new ser vices, amenities and programs. We invite you to come be a part of it all, to discover what’s next We welcome you to reach out to our team to schedule a in person tour to see for yourself what sets Asbur y Village apart from all others. We look for ward to meeting with you and your families! SCHEDULE A TOUR! (618) 466-8662
Trainability is another consideration when researching potential pet companions. Many veterinarians attest that positive reinforcement training is one of the tools to keep a dog happy, healthy and well-behaved. Training also can offset behavioral issues that may make spending time in and out of a home with a dog less enjoyable, thus reducing the chances the pet may be surrendered to a shelter. The American Kennel Club says that each dog breed has a distinct personality, instinctive drive and genetic heritage. These factors can affect trainability. Highly trainable dog breeds
According to renowned dog researcher Dr. Stanley Coren, certain breeds are more trainable than others.
• German shepherd: There is a good reason this breed is regularly used for police and military work. The German shepherd is a workhorse and wants to please.
• Border collie: This breed can learn very fast and will be eager to learn more.
• Poodle: Although that curly coat may lead a person to believe this breed is more fluff than brains, quite the opposite is true. Poodles are keen to work and willing to please.
• Collie: Collies are known for their unwavering devotion and loyalty, not to mention
What can you expect if you have an Akita mixed with a golden retriever? Perhaps aloofness will mix with friendly exuberance and result in a mild-mannered pup. It often is challenging to determine the heritage of a mixed-breed dog with the hopes of gauging its willingness to be trained. “Mutts” tend to have more muted traits. However, if two highly trainable, active breeds comprise the DNA of a mixed-breed dog, that intense desire to work may be a negative in the home environment. Much like other factors regarding mixedbreed dogs, an owner won’t know what he or she is getting until spending time with the dog over time.
Trainability is a factor people consider when picking a dog. Certain breeds may adapt to training more readily than others, but most dogs will learn the skills necessary to live peacefully with their human companions.
Common questions about reverse mortgages
Homeownership is a dream for millions of people across the globe. The National Association of Realtors indicates real estate has historially exhibited long-term, stable growth in value. Money spent on rent is money that a person will never see again. However, paying a traditional mortgage every month enables homeowners to build equity and can be a means to securing one’s financial future.
Homeowners typically can lean on the value of their homes should they need money for improvement projects or other plans. Reverse mortgages are one way to do just that.
Who is eligible for a reverse mortgage?
People near retirement age are eligible for a specific type of loan they can borrow against. Known as a “reverse mortgage,” this type of loan can be great for people 62 or older who perhaps can no longer make payments on their home, or require a sum of money to use right now, without wanting to sell their home. In addition to meeting the age requirement, a borrower must live at the property as a primary residence and certify occupancy annually to be eligible for a reverse mortgage. Also, the property must be maintained in the same
condition as when the reverse mortgage was obtained, says Fannie Mae.
How does a reverse mortgage work?
The Consumer Finance Protection Bureau says a reverse mortgage, commonly a Home Equity Conversion Mortgage, which is the most popular type of reverse mortgage loan, is different from a traditional mortgage. Instead of making monthly payments to bring down the amount owed on the loan, a reverse mortgage features no monthly payments. Rather, interest and fees are added to the loan balance each month and the balance grows. The loan is repaid when the borrower no longer lives in the home.
What else should I know?
With a reverse mortgage, even though borrowers are not making monthly mortgage payments, they are still responsible for paying property-related expenses on time, including, real estate and property taxes, insurance premiums, HOA fees, and utilities. Reverse mortgages also come with additional costs, including origination fees and mortgage insurance up to 2.5 percent of the home’s appraised value, says Forbes. It’s important to note that most interest rates on these loans are
variable, meaning they can rise over time and thus increase the cost of borrowing. In addition, unlike traditional mortgage payments, interest payments on reverse mortgages aren’t taxdeductible.
How is a reverse mortgage paid back?
A reverse mortgage is not free money. The homeowners or their heirs will eventually have to pay back the loan when the borrowers no longer live at the property. This is usually achieved by selling the home.
The CFPB notes if a reverse mortgage loan balance is less than the amount the home is sold for, then the borrower keeps the difference. If the loan balance is more than the amount the home sells for at the appraised value, one can pay off the loan by selling the home for at least 95 percent of the home’s appraised value, known as the 95 percent rule. The money from the sale will go toward the outstanding loan balance and any remaining balance on the loan is paid for by mortgage insurance, which the borrower has been paying for the duration of the loan.
Reverse mortgages can be a consideration for older adults. However, it is essential to get all of the facts to make an informed decision.
GAS S FIREPLACE SAFETY TIPS
Few images capture the spirit of a season as well as a family gathered around a fireplace embodies winter. Winter is indeed a time when families spend more time together indoors, and there’s no better gathering spot than around a warm fireplace.
Heartwarming scenes around a fireplace are even more enjoyable when safety has been prioritized. While natural fireplaces with roaring flames are notable safety risks, it’s important that individuals with gas fireplaces embrace fire safety as well. The following are some gas fireplace safety strategies everyone can embrace.
• Avoid the DIY installation route. Even the most skilled do-it-yourselfers are urged to let the professionals install a new gas fireplace. Gas lines are nothing to mess around with, and professional installation teams have ample experience setting up new gas fireplaces in a home.
• Be sure to install a carbon monoxide detector on the same floor as the fireplace. During the gas fireplace installation, ask that a carbon monoxide detector with battery backup is installed on the same floor. The detector alarm will alert individuals if something is amiss, like a gas leak. Periodically inspect the detector to ensure it’s working properly.
• Periodically inspect your safety screen. Glass panels are standard features on many gas fireplaces. Such panels separate the fire within the fireplace from the people and items outside of it. Glass panels can become extremely hot, which is why most gas fireplaces come with safety screens as well. These mesh safety screens can keep curious kids and pets from touching hot glass panels, and also protect adults. Inspect the
safety screens periodically to ensure they’re still intact and up to the job, replacing them if necessary.
• Keep objects a safe distance away from the fireplace. Experts advise keeping objects a minium of three feet away from the fireplace at all times. Fabrics and other materials that contact the glass pose a fire hazard, so keep the area in front of the fireplace clear.
• Make the fireplace off limits to children and pets. Though the aforementioned safety screens are a vital safety feature that can keep kids and pets safe, it’s still best that kids and pets are kept away from the fireplace at all times. Turn off the fireplace if kids are playing in the room, and use safety gates to keep kids and pets away when the fireplace is in use.
• Book annual fireplace inspections. Annual
inspections of the fireplace can ensure everything is working properly. Professional inspections may detect potentially harmful gas leaks, and annual checkups also can help individuals extend the life of their fireplaces.
• Recognize outdoor gas fireplaces have their own safety protocols. Outdoor fireplaces have become wildly popular in recent years. Homeowners who install outdoor gas fireplaces on their properties must recognize these awe-inspiring features require their own unique safety measures, including turning off the gas supply at the end of outdoor entertaining season and protecting the fireplace from the elements when necessary.
Gas fireplace safety strategies can protect residents and also increase the life expectancy of these soughtafter features.
DID YOU
KNOW?
Exercise is just as beneficial for older adults as it is for children and young adults. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, engaging in regular physical activity is among the most important steps older adults can take as they seek to safeguard their overall health. Such activity can prevent or delay many agerelated health problems and strengthen muscles while improving balance, which can reduce risk for falls and injuries such as broken bones. The CDC notes that certain physical activities can be characterized as multicomponent activities, which means they combine aerobic activity, muscle strengthening and balance training. Examples of such activities include dancing, yoga, tai chi, gardening, and even sports participation.
Winter 2024 Vol. 11
Inside:
Histo c W d River showcased in museum
Wood River Belk
Park beautiful place to take a stroll or play a round of golf
The City of Wood River is working hard to move our City forward and improve the way of life for all our citizens.
The City continues to work with the U.S. Corp of Engineers on the Sewer Separation project on the west side of our City. This Government mandated project has started and will continue into 2026. This project has been a challenge to the Corp who continues to come up with issues with the sandy ground terrain.
The new water detention ponds on the east side of the City are a blessing as shown during the recent heavy rains to control flooding throughout the neighborhoods.
We also continue to work on the 6th St. and 9th St. detention. The $850,000 received grant will help the City proceed with the project that will remove approximately 300 homes from the flood plain within the City of Wood River. Thank you to Representative Nikki Budzinski and we look forward to a continued relationship with the Representative for future projects. This work will hopefully eliminate homeowners from paying Flood Insurance.
We continue to improve streets with a repaving schedule based on different sections of the City over a five year plan.
The Fire Department is at full staff with newly hired firefighters being schooled and trained in all aspects of firefighting, medical training and rescue.
The Police Department is fully trained to serve and protect with new equipment, as needed, and new police cars to keep our citizens safe.
Our downtown district continues to bring new local businesses to the rebuilding/ remodeling area of Ferguson Avenue.
Annual events like the Concerts in the Park, Halloween Parade the Downtown Trick or Treat and Holiday Traditions Market all bring citizens together and show our community support.
Our Parks are in great shape with new playground equipment and continued maintenance for our citizens to enjoy. 6th St. Park has a new baseball field with new dugouts, backstops, infield, sod, scoreboard and lighting. Planned additional work for the softball field is being proposed. The “new” Rec Center is a great addition for our citizens as it continues to be fully used with the play of pickleball, basketball, the walking track, work-out room and party rooms.
Happy Holidays,
Tom Stalcup
Mayor City of Wood River
It’s been a very busy year for the City of Wood River and we hope to continue the trend and keep our community a safe, comfortable place to live and raise our families.
By: Mary Cox for Hearst Media
Wood River has a very rich history. Thousands of years ago Wood River was inhabited by the Illiniwek Indians which means “best men.”
The Illiniwek did not live in teepees but lived in large rectangular houses with walls made of woven reeds that grew along the banks of the Mississippi River. They patrolled the Mississippi, Missouri and Illinois rivers in pirogues which were boats carved out of logs with adzes and fire.
The women wore skirts with leggings and men wore breechcloths. In cooler weather, the men wore shirts but even in the winter men did not wear long pants.
The women farmed while the men hunted for game.
The first explorers came from Canada in 1673. Pere Jacques Marquette and Louis Joliet and their party of five were the first men to explore the Wood River area but they wouldn’t be the last.
underground railway where slaves could find shelter and safety.
In 1907, Standard Oil began building a refinery in Wood River that opened in 1908. People began coming to Wood River to work. In the 1920’s Wood River was one of the fastest growing communities in the country. To solve the housing problem, Standard Oil brought 23 homes out of the Sears catalogue. The homes were built on the north side of 9th Street facing the refinery in Wood River and still exist today.
In the early 1800’s Thomas Rattan was the first white man to settle Wood River but it was then known as Rattan’s Prairie. Many families moved to the area to farm. After Illinois became a state in 1818, many people came west to find farm land and settled in Wood River.
In 1803, President Thomas Jefferson commissioned Meriwether Lewis and William Clark to form an expedition of men known as the Corps of Discovery Expedition to explore the northwest to learn about the existing animal and Indian life and to learn how the region could be exploited economically.
In 1908, Amos Edward Benbow, a local entrepreneur, inherited a tract of land from his father. In an effort to take advantage of the growth that the refinery brought to the area, Benbow opened saloons, gambling halls and brothels and named the town after himself. The area was known as Benbow City. At one time, Benbow City was reputed to be the toughest saloon town in the U.S.
The City of Wood River incorporated in 1908 and developed around Benbow City Wood River and East Wood River merged in 1911 and annexed Benbow City in 1917.
From December 1803 until May 1804, Lewis and Clark and their crew of 33 men lived and trained at Camp DuBois on the Rivière Du Bois (the Wood River.) The Wood River was rechanneled. The old mouth of the Wood River was — and, for that matter, still is — within the boundaries of the community of Wood River.
Prior to the Civil War, slavery was illegal in Illinois but was practiced in Missouri. Runaway slaves knew that if they were able to cross the Mississippi River into Illinois, they would be able to find passage to Canada and freedom through the underground railway. Although we are not aware of any specific locations that housed runaway slaves that still exist today. There were thought to be many homes in Wood River that were part of the
In 1926, Standard Oil donated to the city what was then the world’s largest round swimming pool. It was so large, that Life guards found it difficult to guard. Two employees had to stay at the pool every night to keep trespassers from entering the pool. After serving the community for over 60 years, the pool was replaced by the Wood River Aquatic Center. When that pool became too dangerous and needed too many expensive improvements, the City Council removed it and replaced it with the new recreation center.
In the 1960’s, President John F. Kennedy drove through Wood River in an open convertible waving to all the citizens of Wood River who lined Ferguson Ave to greet the President.
Wood River has survived the depression of the thirties, two World Wars, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, Iraqi War and the war in Afghanistan. But, the greatest economic threat was the closing of the BP Amoco plant. Afterwards many businesses along Ferguson and Wood Avenue closed. Although Ferguson Avenue currently has many empty spaces where businesses used to be, the current Mayor, Tom Stalcup, and the City Manager, Steve Palen, are working with a developer to try to fill in all the missing businesses hoping that Wood River can continue the rich heritage that the City has enjoyed throughout the Millenia.
WOOD RIVER HAS A RICH HISTORY
WOOD RIVER PARKS AND RECREATION
By: Mary Cox for Hearst Media
Wood River is rich in recreational areas. With ten parks and more than 273.5 acres of recreational space, residents can enjoy any outdoor activity. All of the parks are available for people to use from dawn until dusk.
Belk Park
Belk Park is the largest of the Wood River parks located on Rock Hill Road at the eastern edge of the city. In addition to the 18-Hole Championship Golf Course, the present facilities include a lake with fishing and kayaking, picnic areas, 3 children’s playgrounds, 4 shelters for picnics, open space and walking paths set in a beautiful wooded area. Belk Park has a clubhouse with a multipurpose room with seating for 140.
Brushy Grove Park
This one-acre park includes a playground facility and a basketball court. Brushy Grove Park is the smallest of the Wood River parks and was named for the Brushy Grove school that was razed in 1971.
Central Park
Central Park is a five-acre park located on Wood River
Avenue, adjacent to the High School. Donated to the City in the 1920’s by Standard Oil, Central Park offers many activities which includes a bandstand, playground, gazebo, barbecue pits, Veteran’s Memorial and large activity center commonly referred to as the “Round House”. The Round House is open to the public only during business hours. The Round House also houses the offices of the Recreation Department.
The Wood River Rec Center
Several years ago, sixty random people from the community were invited to plan what to do with new tax revenue. They were asked what the community needed most. Overwhelmingly, it was decided that there was a need for a center where seniors, community groups and children could congregate. The needs of the
city had outgrown the Round House. The new Wood River Rec Center opened last year to provide multipurpose community rooms, Pickleball court, gymnasium for walking and running, basketball courts and afterschool programs for the children of Wood River.
East End Park
East End Park is adjacent to the City Garage on 14th Street. There is a playground, a basketball court, picnic tables, shelter house and a picnic shelter.
Emerick Sport Complex
Named for long-time Parks and Recreation Director Leroy Emerick, this 8-acre complex is located on the North End of Sixth Street at Park Lane. For the children, there is a new colorful playground. This complex is the sight of the Men’s Softball League and summer youth league games. The Emerick Sport Complex contains three lighted softball diamonds and one baseball diamond. There is a concession stand and a lake for fishing.
West End Park
The West End Park is on Walcott St. The George Wallace Field is a lighted ball diamond. There are shelter
facilities, a basketball hoop and playground equipment.
Wood River Soccer and Skate Board Park
The Soccer and Skate Board Park contains two lighted regulation soccer fields, one unlighted practice soccer field, a walking path, playground apparatus, skateboard park, a concession stand, stadium bleachers to view the playing fields, and a picnic shelter.
T he Pocket Park
The City is developing two more parks downtown. The first is new pocket park at the corner of Wood River Avenue and Ferguson Street. It will have a table, bench, and planter pots where anyone shopping or walking downtown can rest and enjoy the day.
Dog Park
There will be a new downtown dog park on Ferguson Avenue where Wood River people can bring their dogs to play and exercise. There will be water available, benches, a pet waste station, hoops, jumps and other things for dogs to play on. An adjacent parking lot will be part of the park. Plans for a restaurant are being developed.
WOOD RIVER MUSEUM
By: Mary Cox for Hearst Media
Many residents don’t realize that Wood River has its very own museum. The museum is located at 40 West Ferguson Avenue in downtown Wood River. It is operated by the Wood River Heritage Council.
The Heritage Council started in 1993. It was conceived by LaWanda Smith, wife of Wood River Mayor, Lon Smith. The Wood River Heritage Council is dedicated to preserving the history of the Wood River community for the enlightenment and enjoyment of and future generations. The Council manages four properties in Wood River: the museum and visitor center, the Wood River chapel, the Vaughn Hill Cemetery, and Historic Camp DuBois.
The Museum
The Wood River Museum was started in 1997 but moved to current location in 2013. The Museum has a number of displays that change frequently so people can visit the museum regularly to see what is currently on display. Every October, the museum sponsors a juried art show. Artists from all over Illinois and Missouri enter their art.
The museum earns its money to pay the utility bills by selling Wood River History calendars every fall. If you need a calendar for 2025, they are currently on sale for only $5.00 at the museum, city hall, the Wood River Library, Busey Bank, Midwest Members CU, First Mid Bank, Farm Fresh, Rustic Roots, and the VFW. This year’s calendar recognizes all Wood River soldiers who sacrificed their life for our freedom.
Camp DuBois
Camp DuBois served as the winter camp and launch-point for the United States’s exploration of the Louisiana Purchase from France by the Lewis and Clark Expedition. A replica of the original fort is located on Helmkamp lake in Wood River. It is open to the public from dawn to dusk. Three times a year, a rendezvous takes place that replicates
The Wood River Chapel
The church built in the early 1900’s by local immigrants, was the First Lutheran Church in Wood River. It has been restored to its original beauty by the Wood River Heritage Council featuring its original wood flooring, hand crafted wood pews, and a beautiful stainedglass window.
The church was almost in the process of being demolished when the Heritage
Vaughn Hill Cemetery
Vaughn Cemetery is the sacred resting place for many of Wood River’s early settlers and various war veterans, a scenic and peaceful place to visit amidst its towering mature trees.
The cemetery was once known as the” Vaughn Graveyard.” It dates back to the early 1800’s and was started by the Vaughn family whose family farm
The Museum is looking to fill gaps in our high school year book collection. If anyone has extra yearbooks from 1940 up to 2021 you would like to donate to the Museum, you can contact the museum, 618-254-1993, and leave a message.
The Museum is open the 2nd & 4th Friday and Saturday from 1 to 4 pm. and is managed by volunteers. To expand the hours and days, The museum needs more volunteers to be able to be open more often. They also need more volunteers to help with exhibits and displays. Anyone wanting to volunteer, please call 618-254-1993 and leave your name and phone number and you will be contacted.
The Museum is a 501(c)3 corporation so any and all donations are tax deductible.
the meeting of pioneers to socialize and barter their wares. In 2025 the rendezvous will be:
Winter Rendezvous is January 25 and 26
Spring Rendezvous is March 22 and 23
Fall Rendezvous is October 25 and 26
Council raised funds to save and rehab the church. Dan Robien was the major contributor to taking the Chapel back to its original beauty.
It is a beautiful venue for any small elegant wedding. It holds 40 to 50 people. The basement has been rehabbed so brides and their bridesmaids can dress.
If you would like to reserve the chapel, please call 618-304-7434.
once encompassed much of the land that adjoins Highway 111 and whose farmhouse was located in the general vicinity.
The cemetery honors the veterans who fought to protect personal freedom in the Revolutionary War, the War of 1812, the Civil War and the Mexican American War. It is also the resting place of the Wood River Massacre victims.
Get the skinny on GLP-1 agonist Medications
Achieving and maintaining a healthy weight is beneficial for a number of reasons. A healthy weight lowers a person’s chance of developing diabetes, sleep apnea, certain cancers, heart disease, and various other health conditions. Some find that when they are at a healthy weight they have more energy and feel better about themselves overall.
People often lament that it is easy to put on weight, but shedding excess pounds is far more difficult. That is perhaps why there has been so much buzz surrounding the class of drug known as a GLP-1 agonist.
be, on the low end, a 25-pound weight loss. Although that’s considerable, it doesn’t provide the 60- or 70-pound weight loss that bariatric surgery can offer. Furthermore, UC Health says if someone loses weight with one of these medications, it is likely he or she may need to keep taking them forever to keep the weight off. Those who stop taking these drugs often gain weight back quite quickly.
Explore the side effects
The side effects of these drugs tend to be similar. Health.com says they can include:
• nausea and vomiting
Medications with the brand names Ozempic, Wegovy, Zepbound, and Mounjaro have garnered substantial attention for their association with weight loss. Some of these prescriptions were originally designed to lower blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes. But doctors quickly discovered the drugs had a knack for helping the same patients shed a lot of weight, and some prescribed the medications with that goal in mind. Drug manufacturers soon developed offerings of the drug that are expressly approved for use in weight loss. It may seem like everyone is taking a GLP-1 agonist these days, but individuals who are considering using one of these medications to help them lose weight should still do their own research prior to making that decision.
It isn’t a magic fix
• abdominal pain
• constipation or diarrhea
• headache
• belching
• fatigue
Higher dosages of these medications may also increase risk of kidney injury, pancreatitis, gallstones, and hypoglycemia. Some people also have complained about looking older due to dropping weight in the face, a condition known as “Wegovy face” or “Ozempic face.”
Although weight loss is a byproduct of taking medications that contain semaglutide, the active ingredient in the Ozempic and Wegovy brands (Wegovy is simply double the dose of Ozempic and FDA approved for weight loss), there are some caveats. The Columbia Surgery Center for Metabolic and Weight Loss Surgery says the average person can lose 10 to 17 percent of his or her starting weight on these medications. For someone at 250 pounds, that would
Consider the expense
Some health insurance plans do not cover the costs of these medications. In the United States, one month of Ozempic (1.0 mg dose) costs about $900 without insurance, while Wegovy (2.4 mg dose) costs about $1,350 without insurance, according to the Peterson-KFF Health System Tracker. In addition, due to increased demand, many GLP-1 agonists are listed on the FDA’s Drug Shortages list. People also must consider their comfort level regarding injections, which is the form of delivery for these medications.
Weight loss medications are helping many people get their health on track, but they’re not the answer for everyone. Individuals should have a discussion with their doctors about the pros and cons to GLP-1 agonist medications.
Delicious local recipes to keep you warm this winter season
Simple Potato Soup
This is a simple recipe for a winter’s day that only takes about 30 minutes from start to finish.
3 Idaho potatoes peeled and cubed
2 cups half and half
2 Tbs of celery seed
¼ cup butter
Cube potatoes and boil until tender. Drain and return to the stove. Add butter. Mash the potatoes slightly. Add half and half and celery seed. Salt and pepper to taste. I am sure this soup has absolutely NO calories or fat….Not.
Easy peasy vegetable b f soup
It’s easy on the budget… great use of left overs. Beef- stew meat or use left over roast beef
1 large potato- diced 1carrot- sliced 1can diced tomatoes
1small can of green beans (or substitute with cup of frozen peas)
Put diced potatoes &carrot into crock pot with 1 1/4 c of broth into crock pot on high heat. Brown the beef, then add garlic and onions.
1 small can of corn
1 can tomato sauce
1 1/2 c beef broth, divided
1teaspoon garlic
1/4 c diced onion
Simmer until the onions are tender. Add 1/4 c broth to gather all the flavors in the skillet. Pour into crockpot with vegetables and tomato sauce. Cook on high until potatoes and carrots are
tender. (2 hours or so) Turn heat to low until serving. You can switch out veggies according to your taste.
I used a crockpot liner to make clean up easier.
Clam Chowder
3 lbs. Potatoes (diced)
1 med. Onion (diced)
I stick Butter
3 cans Clams
3 cups Half & Half
1 cup Milk
Salt & Pepper to taste
Boil diced potatoes and onion about 10 minutes then add the clams undrained. Continue cooking until potatoes are tender. Drain most of the liquid from the pan
and add the half & half, milk, butter, and salt & pepper to taste. Cook on low for an additional 20 minutes.
Garnish with crumbled bacon and shredded cheddar cheese.
SEARS HOUSES
By: Mary Cox for Hearst Media
Wood River is blessed with a myriad of Sears Houses. Currently Wood River has approximately 55 homes that have been identified as a Sears home.
Sears Homes were kit homes that were sold right off of the pages of the Sears Roebuck catalog in the early 1900s. More than 370 designs of kit homes were offered everything ranging from Arts and Crafts bungalows to Colonial Revivals. These homes came in 30,000-piece kits and were shipped by train to all 48 states. Sears promised that a man of average abilities could have these homes assembled in about 90 days.
More than 70,000 Sears homes were sold between 1908 and 1940 in the United States. In the 1920’s Standard Oil needed housing for its managers and supervisors working at the Wood River plant. They ordered a million dollars’ worth of Sears homes and erected them on 9th street facing the refinery. They were able to build 23 homes. Most are still visible today.
Sears Built” (2004, Gentle Beam Publications) or “Houses By Mail” (1986). Pay special attention to the placement of windows and doors, chimneys, bathroom and kitchen vents, etc.
About two dozen of Sears most popular house designs had a unique column arrangement on the front porch. Five-piece eave brackets (the diagonal support brace between the roof line and the exterior wall).
Many Sears homes had stamped lumber on the exposed beams/joists/rafters in the basement, crawl space or attic. The lumber was marked on the tall side of the lumber and can be found two - ten inches from the end of the framing member But, not all Sears homes had stamped lumber.
Shipping labels can be found on the back of millwork and mouldings; these labels can also be found in various places in the basement, such as under a staircase. On the shipping label, you might see an address, such as “925 Homan Avenue, Chicago, Illinois.” This was Sears headquarters in the early 1900s. Or, it might read, “Sears Roebuck, Chicago, Illinois.”
If you think your home could possibly be a Sears home, there are several ways you can identify your home as a Sears home. If the home was built between 1908 - 1940, it could be a Sears Home. Sears stopped selling homes at the onset of World War II. Check your home’s floor plan, footprint (exterior dimensions) and room size, using a field guide to Sears Homes, such as “Finding The Houses That
Look for markings on the back of sheetrock. Another clue suggesting that you may have a Sears Home is the presence of Goodwall Sheet Plaster (sheetrock). Each 4’ by 4’ sheet bore the stamp “Goodwall” on the backside.
If you are lucky enough to own a Sears home you have a real find. In many places in the country, Sears homes go for a premium price.
