May Calendar - Greater Belleville Chamber of Commerce

Under the direction of Assistant Progessor of Music Ed Jacobs, the SWIC Concert Band will perform a variety of pieces, including original works, transcriptions and arrangements. Free and open to the public.

This year’s honored recipients are: Glenn Schott, Athletic Director, Head Football Coach and Assistant Principal at Althoff Catholic High School; Jeanne Edgar, member of Queen of Peace Parish and long-time community volunteer; and Jerry Messick, member of St. Paul United Church of Christ, and Director of the Community Inter-Faith Food Pantry. Please join us in honoring them by attending the dinner. Tickets are $45 per person, or $400 for a table of ten. Reservations are required. Please contact Catholic Social Services at 394-5900 (ext 106) to make reservations or request additional information.

A community support fair dedicated to those you care for other who are experiencing a chronic or terminal illness. Presented by the Cancer Treatment Center and Family Hospice. RSVP's are appreciated, but not required. Please call (618) 277-1800.

Downtown Belleville on Main Street between Jackson & Charles Streets is the place to be for the 1^st Annual Peace & Safety Fair to benefit the Violence Prevention Center of Southwestern Illinois. Bring the kids down for FREE DNA Kits, Fingerprinting & Photo ID Cards courtesy of the Shawn Hornbeck Foundation & the Belleville Police Department. You won't want to miss.....Belleville Police Department's Dare Officers & K-9 Show, Belleville Fire Department's Fire Trucks & Safety House, Radio Disney, The Official Shawn Hornbeck Stock Car. Come hungry.....there will be plenty of food! Presented by the Belleville Main Street Association.

Tickets: $18 at the door, $15 in advance, $25 for two, $5 students. Contact sarah@singmasterworks.org or call 236-0182

The Philharmonic Program opens with Richard Wagner’s festive Prelude to Die Meistersinger. The Chorale and Orchestra will perform Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s jubilant Coronation Mass featuring soprano Rachel Frazure, alto Barbara Compton, tenor Donald Frazure and bass Dr. Leon Burke III. Following intermission, the Orchestra presents principal violist, Sally Pierce, who will perform Paul Hindemith’s memorial for England’s King George V, Trauermusik. To conclude the concert the Orchestra will perform Edward Elgar’s tribute to friendship, Enigma Variations. Ticket Prices: $12/Adult, $10/Senior 65+, $5/Student w/valid ID to age 25. Tickets may be purchased at the door or at: Aunt Mary’s Parlor, 310 East Main St, Belleville, 618-233-5551 Sharron’s Bookkeeping and Tax Service, 4701 West Main St, Belleville, 618-277-1504

Hispanic Ministry at the Shrine offers a variety of events and programming tailored to the specific needs of the localized Hispanic community. The conference is entirely in Spanish and wiill support the theme, "I will walk the power of the Holy Spirit". Admission is free, donations are appreciated.

Tickets: $18 at the door, $15 in advance, $25 for two, $5 students. Contact sarah@singmasterworks.org or call 236-0182.

The SWIC Jazz Band, under the direction of Jacobs, and the jazz improvisation class, directed by Instructor Tom Birkner, will present a program of jazz music, including big band swing, blues, funk, and Latin styles. Free and open to the public.

Greater Belleville Chamber of Commerce Executive Director, Kathy Kaiser, will be the speaker. Event is free and open to the public.

Hosted by ESPW (Encouraging, Supporting. Promoting Women) - Southwest Illinois. Presenter - Dawn Mushill. Customer Service & Beyond. It all starts with ATTITUDE! What do you think networking is? Do you think you are bothering someone if you follow up with them? Do you think it is "pushy" to tell others about your product or business? Then chances are that all the money spent on memberships, meeting fees, how to workshops, etc is more than likely not going to create a return on investment. Come learn how to turn that around by changing your approach to this art we call "networking". Ladies to register for this awesome event please go to www.espw.org.

Join the Belleville Animal Clinic (BAC) as they celebrate National Pet Week with Walk this Way, Make a Dogs Day in memory of Dr. “A” Amlung. BAC Staff will greet you at the Nature Trail from 7:30am-10:30am, 12pm-2pm, and 4pm-7pm. Everyone is welcome with or without a dog. St. Clair County Dr. Amlung Adoption Center Dogs will be available to be walked. Adoption applications available. Micro-chipping and scanning will also be available. A drawing for a gift certicate for vaccinations will also be held. Please call Belleville Animal Clinic at 233-5720 for registration. Pre-registration accepted until May 1^st. BAC will provide water for walkers and pets. Pre-registration is recommended for a tote bag that includes: leash, whistle, 1 month flea prevention product for dog, flea comb, pet I.D. card, (photo taken that day, cards available at clinic on May 9^th).

Ken Kubicek, PhD, LCPC, CRADC; Lindenwood Asst. Prof. & Advisor will be the speaker. Event is free and open to the public.

The Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate invite one and all to attend Conversations with a Rabbi, a new interfaith program being held at the Shrine Conference Center. Fr. Greg Gallagher, O.M.I. Director of the Shrine, speaks with Rabbi Andrea Goldstein about her faith and her journey in becoming a rabbi. As the grandchild of Holocaust survivors, Rabbi Goldstein has always had a strong connection to her Jewish identity. Cost: $10 (pre-registration requested).

Calling all gals! We found that while a lot of guys get a “night out” that a lot of girls didn’t have their own night – so we created one! So gather all of your friends, your organizations or your family and visit us. This is a chance for ladies to hang out together, learn about some great wines in an informal setting and socialize, network and just have fun (without guys)!

Learn Nutrition Basics for your child, the best foods to eat and avoid, and smart nutritional supplementation. Presented by: Dr. Scott Dorrity

McKendree University's Chamber Choir and Vocal Jazz Ensemble, as well as the O’Fallon United Church of Christ Chancel Choir, will perform Sing for the Cure, a benefit concert, for the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation. Dr. Phillip Wilhelm, coordinator of music education, will conduct all three ensembles. Sing for the Cure is a compilation of written text and choral work, consisting of nine musical selections ranging from classical to jazz. Breast cancer survivors will provide readings in between songs. The St. Louis affiliate of the foundation, Pampered Chef and Circle of Hope Jewelry will be on site selling various pink items to benefit the Susan G. Komen foundation. Kappa Kappa Psi, the band fraternity at McKendree, will be selling pink lemonade and dessert. All proceeds from this benefit concert will go directly to the St. Louis division of the foundation. Tickets are $10 and can be reserved through the Hett box office. The lobby will open at 6:30 p.m. with “pink” items and refreshments. This benefit concert is a formal or business casual dress event. Please contact the Hett box office at the Hett@mckendree.edu or at 618-537-6863.

It’s that time of year for everyone 55 and older to put on their dance shoes and get ready to party at the 10th annual Belleville Senior Celebration. Southwestern Illinois College Program and Services for Older Persons, the city of Belleville and Belleville Township have planned plenty of excitement for this event. This year’s event will have an “Oscars” theme, and every senior at the celebration can feel like a movie star with all of the activities this event has to offer. Free table games, music by the RSVP Orchestra, attendance prizes, refreshments and a vintage car display are just some of the highlights of this fun-filled event. “The Senior Celebration is an exciting day for everyone, and a great way to meet other seniors,” said PSOP Executive Director Vicki Rose. “We hold this event every year in observance of Older Americans Month.” For lunch, officials from the city of Belleville and Belleville Township will be staffing the grill. Lunch is $4 and includes a bratwurst or hot dog, potato salad, soft drink and ice cream. Food will be served from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. For more information, contact PSOP at 618-234-4410, ext. 7032.

Cost is free! This will be a wonderful opportunity to network with faith-based businesses and organizations in our community! RSVP to Kim Patterson 394-6851 or Joyce Cannon joyce3805@gmail.com

Free for YMCA Members. $5.00 per Family for non-members. Enjoy swimming, crafts, games, rock climbing, yummy snacks and more!

No beverage coolers, cash bar provided. $80 per table (8 per table). Reservations preferred - 618-806-6673. For more information or tickets to any of the concerts, contact: sarah@singmasterworks.org or call 236-0182.

Aunt T will use her creative magic to wrap Blessing Baskets filled with your mother's day gifts for the loving mothers in your lives. Blessing Baskets range in price from $21.00 to $48.00.

Delightful refreshments. Fashion show by Don Rodgers, Ltd. Gift Baskets and Raffles. $30 per person, $240 per table. Reservations required. Call Joyce at (618) 910-0419. Sponsored by Belleville Heritage Society.

Treat Mom to a home-cooked meal without the dishes at Eckert's Country Restaurant! Our special Mother's Day menu will delight Mom and satisfy the kids. Call ahead and arrange to have one of Eckert's flowering plants delivered to your table as a surprise gift for Mom. Afterwards, Mom will enjoy a FREE dessert. For more information or to make reservations, call Eckert's Country Restaurant at (618) 233-0513, ext 139.

Enjoy a fun and friendly evening playing Bunko, an old-fashion game for all ages! Meet new people and have fun as you race to roll the elusive BUNKO and win great prizes. Fun for all ages!! Open to the public. No reservations required. $5.00/Person, includes beverages, snacks and prizes. Play Bunko FREE by having dinner at Eckert’s Country Restaurant before the game begins!

Meet other Chamber members over coffee and bagels at our new monthly networking meeting. Coffee Cup Connections will be held the 2^nd Tuesday of each month in the Chamber Boardroom. The next one will take place next Tuesday, May 13^th. Please arrive by 8:15am with business cards in hand. 8:15-8:30 will be networking time. At 8:30am, we’ll begin three 10 minute presentations by members. Afterwards, members will have additional networking time. During the meeting we’ll draw 3 business cards and those three members will be the presenters at the following month’s Coffee Cup Connections. Don’t miss this opportunity to network and learn more about other member businesses! There is no cost, but we would like to know how many people will be attending, so please email ahector@bellevillechamber.org if you plan to attend.

Cara Dolly, Product Supervisor of Ameren, will be the speaker. Event is free and open to the public.

ChamberNet is a Business After Hours involving 15 different chambers. So, in addition to networking with members of the Belleville Chamber, you will also have the opportunity to meet members from Fairview Heights, O’Fallon, Swansea, Collinsville, Troy, Southwestern Madison County, Edwardsville/Glen Carbon, River Bend Growth Association, Waterloo, Carlinville, Caseyville, Jersey County, Shiloh, and South County Chambers. Free Admission! Enjoy a Game Day Buffet while visiting with old and new friends at the proud home of the Gateway Grizzlies. Witness a Pre-Season Grizzlies Practice Session. Casual attire and adults only please. RSVP to Amber at the Belleville Chamber, alewis@bellevillechamber.org or (618) 233-2015.

It is our intention at this event to connect you with the resources, people, and ideas you might need in order to achieve
your professional and personal goals. HELP US HELP YOU....EACH ONE BRING ONE…Know of someone who needs to connect with other women in the community? What about your hair dresser, accountant, lawyer, housekeeper? Do you know anyone who is an author, a banker, a professional networker? Is there someone in your life that could simply benefit from being around positive, caring women who can encourage, support and promote them in their professional and/or personal life? Then invite them to join us!! That is how we grow this community of amazing women. Before joining us, take a few minutes and give thought to the following questions: "Ten Areas of Focus", presented by Joy of Goals™: Business - Career Goal; Education & Self-Improvement Goal; Family Goal; Financial Goal; Health & Fitness Goal; Home Goal; Personal Goal; Social & Fun Goal; Spiritual Goal; Spouse-Significant Other Goal; 1. What are your goals for this week or this year for one or all of the above 10 areas? 2. Which one or ones of these goals are your primary focus this week? 3. What do you need right now to help you get one step closer to achieving this goal or goals? 4. What one resource have you been looking for to help you achieve your goals but have had difficulty finding it? 5. Who do you want to meet that might help you accomplish these goals? $12 (includes tea fare, beverages and round-table style networking). This is Round table net working. You will get to meet everyone there. Register at www.espw.org. Want to pay by check? Send your payment to the following address with a note in the memo line for the event: ESPW , P.O. Box 38, Cottleville, MO 63338. Payment must be received by the event registration deadline.

This is the weekend to share with family and friends. And what better place to share it than the family farm! Enjoy outdoor festival foods, kettle corn, roasted sweet corn and country music at this old-fashioned all-American festival. Free wagon rides. Live music from Noon – 4 p.m. each day. Kid’s activities include pony rides, children’s play area, petting farm, carnival rides, and inflatable. Strawberry treats in the bakery, custard shop and restaurant! Fee charged for some activities.

PowerSwitch Expo

9am-3pm

Ramada Inn-Fairview Heights

(800) 232-2477

www.PowerSwitchExpo.com

As your electric delivery company, Ameren Illinois Utilities is holding a free event to bring electric business customers together with registered Retail Electric Suppliers to help businesses understand their energy supply options and explore potential ways to save money. PowerSwitch Expos will shed some light on cutting your costs by helping you: Understand your electric rate situation; Meet with multiple registered retail electric suppliers in one location and compare the electric rates they offer; Determine which supplier will most cost effectively meet your company’s electricity needs; Evaluate your options to save – and if desired, switch to a new electric supplier on-site. Plan to bring a copy of your company’s electric bill to help you shop on-site. Presentations explaining your electric procurement options and what energy deregulation means for your business will be held at each PowerSwitch Expo location at the following times: 10am, 11am, 12pm, 1pm, and 2pm. This is a free educational event for electric business customers of Ameren Illinois Utilities. (If you do not receive a bill from AmerenCIPS, AmerenCILCO or AmerenIP, PowerSwitch Expo does not apply to your business.) For a complete list of PowerSwitch Expos across the state or to register, visit www.PowerSwitchExpo.com or call 1-800-232-2477. Ameren Illinois Utilities is neutral to your electric supply choice and therefore does not recommend one supply option over another. There is no guarantee that switching suppliers will result in savings.

Are Your Clients FTC Compliant? If you’re a business advisor, such as an accountant, financial planner, insurance broker, or attorney, you need to attend our upcoming Identity Theft seminar to find out what FTC regulations you should be passing on to your clients. Also, these same regulations are of utmost importance to schools and financial institutions as there is a deadline for compliance...November 1, 2008. This seminar is also open to anyone else who would like to learn more about the FTC regulations and the compliance deadline.

We kindly request your active involvement in promoting the 60^th Annual Catholic Schools Picnic and Parade. This not only marks the 60^th anniversary, but also the last picnic and parade. As a long standing tradition the Local Catholic Schools will march through the streets of Belleville honoring their respective schools. We begin assembling the parade at 9:15 AM at Cathedral school and March down the streets until our final destination at Hough Park, Belleville where the picnic begins. We ask that chamber members support the initiative to get people active in either participating in the parade or watching as the parade goes by. We speculated that local busine