Honoring Heroism, Officer Brian Foster Receives
Distinguished Service Citation for Valor
From the Granite City Police Department Facebook page…
“We are delighted to announce that last night, one of our exceptional officers was presented with a well-deserved Distinguished Service Citation for Valor from the esteemed St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department. This citation recognizes Officer Brian Foster’s extraordinary actions on October 24th, 2022, during a devastating mass shooting at Central Visual and Performing Arts High School in St. Louis, MO.
Officer Foster, in the face of an unimaginable nightmare, demonstrated unwavering bravery alongside a team of dedicated officers. Their heroic efforts exemplify the very essence of valor. Together, they confronted and handled an incredibly challenging situation, showcasing the true essence of what it means to be a hero.
We are immensely proud to count Officer Foster as one of our own, and we extend our deepest gratitude to him and his former fellow officers. Their commitment and selflessness inspire us all and serve as a shining example of the unwavering dedication displayed by our law enforcement community.
Let us take a moment to honor Officer Foster and his colleagues for their extraordinary valor. Their actions remind us of the incredible sacrifices made by our officers every day to ensure the safety and well-being of our community. Join us in celebrating their bravery and expressing our profound appreciation for their service. Together, we stand strong, united, and grateful for the unwavering heroes in our midst.”
GCS Donates to Madison Senior High School Band
GCS Credit Union employees joined together to raise $1,130.00 in the month of May to benefit the Madison Senior High School Band through their Smile for Jeans Program.
The Smile for Jeans Program is funded by GCS Credit Union employees who make monthly, monetary donations out of their own pockets to a local organization. By donating $15 or more to a specific organization, GCS employees are able to wear jeans and tennis shoes on Fridays and Saturdays during that month.
Nothing gets better than seeing a smile on an organization’s face when GCS Credit Union presents them with a jeans donation check. GCS Credit Union’s 2023 Smile for Jeans Program focuses on supporting our local communities that we work, play and live in. During the month of May, GCS employees proudly raised $1,130.00 for the Madison Senior High School Band.
GCS Credit Union is sending smiles across the world. The Madison Senior High School band students are traveling internationally this summer for Make Music in Europe 2023. These students will play in London, Switzerland, Germany, France, Paris, United Kingdom, Crans Montana, Austria, Salzburg, and Rothenburg.
Bernard Long does a fantastic job leading these students. To help support the Madison Senior High School Band reach out to Mr. Long directly, bernard.long@madisoncusd12.org.
Six Mile Regional Library’s Teen Cuisine Cooking Class Is A Big Hit
Fun, educational, & delicious! Our teens enjoyed the week long Teen Cuisine cooking class presented by the University of Illinois Extension – Madison, Monroe and St. Clair Unit Illinois Junior Chef Cooking Class a U of I Extension Program is open for registration.
Our next summer cooking class is for Ages 8-13 will be June 26 through June 30, from 11 am until 1 pm at the Six Mile Regional Library located at 2001 Delmar Avenue. You must be able to attend all classes.
Call the Youth Services Department at 618-452-6238 to register. Space is limited.
Patriots In the Park Celebrations Kicked into Action Before the Bad Weather Moved into the Area with the Park 5K Run
Local business owner of Dixon’s Heating and Air Conditioning displaying a few of his favorites from his collection of classic vehicles.
Granite City’s Park District’s Dive In movie sponsored by Revity Credit Union, showing Finding Nemo was a popular attraction this year!
The Awakening of the
“All American City”
In July of 1959, Granite City was awarded the distinguished honor of being selected as an “All-American City.” The city has survived many economic challenges throughout the years, such as the largest employer U.S. Steel going idle for about seven months, and 390 were furloughed in 2009 being just one example. Between the uncertainty of the steel industry and the impact to the economy in the wake of the Covid 19 pandemic, Granite City and the “All American” hometown feel is being felt stronger than ever. As the town is beginning to wake from its seemingly slumber and appears to be coming back to life.
Photo credit, Eric LaMarr, Kim Pierson
There is not only a renewed interest in families wanting to purchase property in the city and raise their children here, but also an interest from investors wanting to establish businesses in the city as well. Located just 10 miles from St. Louis Missouri a short 15 minute drive, makes Granite City the ideal location for both Illinois and Missouri visitors to shop, dine and take advantage of our beautiful Cinema and area parks and all that Granite City has to offer.
The city appears to be not only growing but thriving with festivities for all seasons throughout the year. Spring and summer open air markets and family friendly concerts are on the calendar for just about every week or weekend. Fall and winter does not bring the celebrations to a stop, but they continue with Halloween parades and Trick or Treating events for the public. The Christmas season is full of holiday spirit with the Elf Walk and Santa’s Cabin and the yearly Christmas parade that ushers Santa into town.
Granite City has a little something to appeal to everyone. If you’re looking for a place to play your favorite board game in a cozy, fun atmosphere the Boardgamery will fit the bill. Just a short walk down the sidewalk you will find JJ’S BBQ & More with their mouthwatering famous bbq and homemade sides.
The Speakeasy is another unique attraction in the “District” that is like no other. Hidden in plain sight prohibition style, is a 21 and up lounge with specialty cocktails and Small Plate offerings and dessert. Nothing can quite compare to the unique services and items that Stephanies’s Spiritual Shop has to offer. If you’re looking for a Psychic Reading, or Foot Detox Bath or special crystals and rare gifts, you will have to stop by Stephanie’s.
Manhattan’s Coffee and Social House has an elegant atmosphere with a welcoming vibe that is a great destination for gatherings, gaming and relaxation.
New businesses popping up in the city are proof positive of the interest and growth in the area. Ollie’s America’s largest retailer of closeout merchandise and excess inventory recently opened a location in the heart of town. Cavalier Furniture Store, with fifty thousand square feet of showroom and sixty thousand square feet of warehouse space is planning to open this summer.
Granite City is home to a few retro style friendly neighborhood diners, the Park Grill, the Downtown Diner and Teri’s Route 66 Diner. The small town feel where “everybody knows your name” experience. It’s Americana at its finest.
With new attractions like “The Mill” a multi-functional venue in the “District” and the new Water Park being planned and businesses on the horizon like Kimara’s Pizza and others, Granite City has awakened and is ready to welcome everyone to take advantage of all it has to offer.
