E-Newsletter - July 3, 2009

Columbia Gearing Up For Big Weekend Celebration 2009

The Columbia Sangerbund singers are on tap as one of the many musical acts to perform during Columbia’s Fourth of July weekend festivities.

Columbia's three-day 150th anniversary celebration will be on the exact days and dates as the city's centennial celebration in 1959. The event will begin at 4 p.m.,   Friday, July 3 and continue on Independence Day Saturday, July 4 and conclude Sunday, July 5. The schedule for the weekend has been refined and revised in the past few days. All activities on Sunday will be at Metter Park. There will be no carnival rides Sunday at the Legion Park. Columbia's celebration has been expanded from its usual July 4-only event to three days as the city celebrates its sesquicentennial. The July 4th Committee has been joined  by the Columbia Celebration 2009 Committee along with the City of Columbia in expanding the traditional Independence Day festivities.

The celebration will be at the American Legion Memorial Park on Friday evening and Saturday beginning at 11 a.m. Sunday  music and other food and drink concessions will be at to Metter Park beginning at 3 p.m. The event this year will include more music, carnival rides, picnic attractions and helicopter rides over the town. Music Friday night will be by the rock band Where's Charlie?, performing a special Beatles revue beginning at 7 p.m.  Saturday music will include Two Grumpy Old Men from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., the Belleville Community Band from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. and the rock band Father Jack  at 7:30 p.m.  The band will break for an expanded fireworks display at 9:15 p.m., at the Legion Park. Fireworks rain date is Sunday, July 5. Bingo will be played July 4 at the Legion Hall beginning at noon, rain or shine. Also on July 4, there is a washers tournament beginning at 1:30 p.m. and a Kloepper card tournament at 4 p.m.

Sunday at Metter Park will be the site for music, food and beverages beginning at 3 p.m. Rock band Morland Drive will welcome guests. The Columbia Sängerbund will perform 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. Michael Lacey and his New Orleans Swing will take the stage from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Concessions July 3 and 4 at the Legion Park include the Columbia Volunteer Fire Department's fish stand and the Legion's beer stand and barbecue pork sandwich stand. Additional food concessions will include the Turners bratwurst and potato pancakes, Knights of Columbus chicken breast, hamburger and ice cream stands and the Columbia Woman's Club lemonade and nachos. The Job's Daughters will serve funnel cakes and soda. Christ Community Church will offer bottled water. Carnival rides will be in operation Friday night and Saturday at the Legion.

In related activities, the Columbia Woman's Club will conduct tours of the city's newly renovated historic Fiege Home on Saturday, July 4 from noon to 6 p.m. The Columbia Historical Society will conduct tours Sunday, July 5 from noon to 4 p.m. The Fiege Home is located on Main St. across from City Hall. The Columbia Post Office will issue a special "Hail Columbia Station" postmark Friday, July 3, from 8:30 a.m. to noon. A special cache envelope commemorating the event will be for sale in the lobby and at the souvenir booth in the park.

Visitors to these events are asked to refrain from bringing food and beverages into the park. It is suggested that people bring lawn chairs for seating. No pets, bicycles, skateboards or roller blades are allowed in the parks during the celebration.

Festivities in old town Valmeyer are underway as part of the village’s annual Mid-Summer Celebration. Rock band Morland drive kicked off the party with a performance last night. The Mid-Summer Classic baseball tournament got underway Friday morning and continues through Sunday. Eight teams from the Mon-Clair League are competing for the coveted championship trophy. Games continue on Saturday and Sunday.

The event, held annually over the Fourth of July holiday in old town, continues through Sunday, July 5. It features a baseball tournament, nightly rock music, food and beverage stands, a volleyball tournament, garden tractor / ATV pull, a parade and the always-popular colossal fireworks display on July 4.  “There is no admission charge and this is a family-friendly environment,” said Valmeyer Mayor Howard Heavner. “I hope everyone can drop by and help Valmeyer celebrate its centennial anniversary.”

Musical entertainment on Friday is the  Fountain Creek Band. The band, composed of Valmeyer alumni, hits the stage at 8:30 p.m. Baseball resumes Saturday morning at 9 a.m., and continues throughout the day. Aftershock begins performing at 8 a.m., but will break at dusk for the colossal fireworks display.

Sunday is another action-filled day. The volleyball tournament begins at 10 a.m. The baseball tourney also resumes in the morning with the championship game scheduled for approximately 3:30 p.m. A garden tractor and ATV pull will start at 12 noon. A parade honoring Valmeyer’s centennial year steps off at 2 p.m. The main attraction will be the eight-horse hitch of the world-famous Anheuser-Busch Clydesdales.

The world famous Anheuser Busch Clydesdales will be the featured entry during the Valmeyer Centennial Parade. The event takes place July 5 during the village's annual Mid-Summer Celebration. Step-off is at 2 p.m., according to the Valmeyer Jaycees. Monroe County's own Bud Light Brigade will play their signature song, "Here Comes The King," while leading the eight-horse hitch along the parade route.

When they Clydesdales arrive at Borsch Park, the baseball tournament will be interrupted as the gate will be opened to allow the horses to circle the field. They will stop as they get back at home plate to allow the driver a chance to step off to deliver a commemorative keg of beer to Valmeyer Mayor Howard Heavner.

The Centennial Parade is one of the many planned events in 2009 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the founding of Valmeyer. Groups, businesses or individuals wishing to participate in the parade are asked to contact Todd Hildreth at 935-0500.

Baseball Schedule For Mid-Summer Classic

This year’s Valmeyer Mid-Summer Classic baseball tournament should be a memorable one because several talented teams are participating. “It should be a real dandy,” said Valmeyer Lakers Manager and Tournament Director Dennis Pieper. “Six of the eight teams are good enough to win it.” The tournament is the center-piece of the annual Valmeyer Mid-Summer Celebration which runs July 3-5 at Borsch Park in old town Valmeyer.

The baseball began Friday, July 3, at 9 a.m., with Waterloo taking on Millstadt. Game two (11:30 a.m.) is Fairview Heights versus Cape Girardeau. Belleville and the St. Louis Spikes take the field at 2 p.m. The nightcap is St. Louis Printers against host-team Valmeyer. Game time is 4:30 p.m. The tournament resumes Saturday morning, July 4, at 9 a.m. The final game for the day begins at 4:30 p.m.

Sunday, July 5, begins with the consolation championship at 10 a.m., followed by the third-place game at 12:30 p.m. The first pitch of the championship game should be around 3:30 p.m.

Waterloo shortstop Andrew Thigpen avoids the slide of Millstadt's Alex Rottler to complete a double play in opening round action of the 2009 Valmeyer Mid-Summer Classic. Waterloo went on to defeat Millstadt 12-2.      - photo by Bob Haentzler. Game photos of tournament action will be online later this weekend at www.gatewayphoto.net

MASC’s Production Of Nunsense Wins Two Theater Guild Awards

Cast members of MASC’s production of Nunsense attending the Art For Life Recognition Guild awards ceremony are, left to right, Tammy Duensing, Liz Sawyer, Lucie Coats and Lynn Venhaus.

The Monroe Actors Stage Company's fall 2008 production of "Nunsense" has been honored with two awards by the Arts For Life Theater Recognition Guild. It won for best musical - small ensemble and Liz Sawyer's performance as Sister Mary Amnesia garnered best actress in a comedic role. The awards were among 23 presented during the 10th annual Best Performance Awards celebrating excellence in metro St. Louis community theater during 2008. The black-tie event took place June 28 at the Sheldon Concert Hall in St. Louis.

Local theater company MASC was up for six awards, with director Lynn Venhaus, performer Tammy Duensing as Sister Robert Anne, lighting designer Tim Foederer and the set design team of John Campbell, Sawyer and Venhaus also receiving nominations. "We were very surprised. We were just thrilled to be included in the nominations, as there was excellent work from many talented troupes," Venhaus said. "But I was very proud of our show. We had an outstanding cast who could not only sing but be laugh-out-loud funny, including Renda Chase of Columbia, Christine Miller and Liz Sawyer of Waterloo, Tammy Duensing of Prairie du Rocher and Lucie Coats of Valmeyer.”

Venhaus also pointed out the excellent performances by the Little Sisters of Hoboken Chorus - Doylene Daniels, Jean Getchman, Debbie Ruggeri, Margaret Brown, Jessica Hurst, Amber Dillard, Judi Horrell and Brigid Foederer, plus Jeff Clinebell as our conductor, Father Drobney. Musical director Melinda Mullins, drummer Jimmy Kurtz, and choreographer Donna Goetz. MASC opened its 2008-2009 season with "Nunsense" last September with eight sold-out performances.

The Monroe Actors Stage Company's home is the historic Capitol Theatre in downtown Waterloo. To recognize achievements during the just concluded ninth season, a Patron's Choice Awards Gala is set for July 30 at The Falls in Columbia. For more information about MASC, visit their website: www.masctheatre.org.

Red Bud Parade Caps Off Annual Three-Day Firemen’s Picnic

The streets of Red Bud were lined with several hundred people last Sunday to watch the annual Red Bud Firemen’s Picnic Parade. The picnic had a great turnout all three nights, Friday, June 26 through Sunday, June 28. Proceeds benefit the town’s volunteer fire department.

Children get ready to pick up candy thrown from a Red Bud fire truck Sunday during the annual Red Bud Firemen’s Picnic.      - photo by Angela (Melching) Moeller

The Margulis law firm will no longer represent Ron Coleman of Chester, the father of Chris Coleman of Columbia. Chris is charged with three counts of first-degree murder in the deaths May 5 of his wife and two sons. In a related wrongful death civil lawsuit filed by Sheri Coleman’s family, Ron Coleman and Joyce Meyer Ministries were named respondents in discovery requiring them to provide information and documents. The Margulis law firm continues to represent Chris Coleman.

Lisa Meyer (a Schorb from home) was the winner of two tickets to the 2009 Major League All-Star Game Home Run Derby at Busch Stadium on July 13. She won the tickets through a drawing offered by Gibault Catholic High School (where Lisa is an alum).

Judy Brinkmann of Waterloo celebrated her 55^th birthday on July 1.

The American Red Cross will be a the Waterloo VFW Hall on Tuesday, July 14 for a blood drive. Donations will be accepted from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Children Learn Outdoor Lessons During Jakes Day

Area children learned about hunting safety, conservation and numerous other outdoor essentials last weekend during Jakes Day at the Waterloo Sportsman’s Club. The event is sponsored by the Longbeards Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation with the help of local civic organizations, including the Waterloo Optimist Club.

Alayna Miller of Waterloo, 8, learns how to proper use a bow and arrow with the help of Longbeards member Doug Sachtleben.

Illinois State Police will be conducting special patrols over the Fourth of July weekend, especially the late night hours. Numerous road side safety checkpoints will be in operation along highways throughout the state.

Tammy Vogt of Fults is the second June winner of the Think Monroe County First Super Consumer drawing. Vogt has won a massage, ionic foot bath and an emotional freedom technique session from Vibrant Health and Mind in Waterloo. Her winning ticket was drawn at Lucille’s Draperies in Waterloo. 

Darrell Nave of Columbia shot a hole in one last weekend at the Waterloo Country Club. He used a five-iron on the 154-yard, par 3, second hole.

Gibault Cheerleaders Show Their Spirit At Camp

The Gibault High School cheerleading squad took home several awards at the NCA Cheer Camp held this summer at the Lake of the Ozarks. Overall, Gibault earned the Spirit Stick, Chant Trophy, Herkie Team Award and was recognized for Technical Excellence For Motion. Their efforts earned them a bid to the NCA Nationals competition in Dallas, Tex. Individual awards were presented to Hannah Wessel (tumbling) and Amber Beasley (dance), who were selected to the All-American team. All-American nominees were Clare Amann, Amber Beasley, Kate Fletcher, Carla Steibel, Hannah Wessel and Kali Blechle.

Work Days At The Fair: With the Monroe County Fair only a few weeks away (July 19-26), preparations are underway to prepare the fairgrounds for the week-long event. Volunteers are now needed to help with sprucing up the place. Those wishing to pitch in and help are asked to show up July 11 and July 18, from 8 a.m. to noon. Lunch will be provided. For a complete schedule of fair events, check out their website: www.monroecounty-fair.org.

German Guests Arrive In Waterloo

Freya vom Bauer and Mareike Mueller of Porta Westfalica, Germany arrived in Waterloo on Wednesday for a three-week stay with host families. The visit has been arranged between Waterloo’s Porta-Loo and sister city Porta Westfalica’s Partnerschaftsverein. The two towns have been sister cities since the 1980s. Bauer and Mueller were treated to a welcome reception Thursday evening at Waterloo City Hall. Waterloo Mayor Tom Smith greeted the girls and said he hopes they have a very enriching experience during their visit.

Waterloo High School students Adam Gummersheimer and Rosemary Chapple are currently in the middle of their stay in Porta Westfalica, Germany. They will return home on July 13.

Gathering at a welcome reception Thursday evening at Waterloo City Hall are, left to right, Porta Westfalica President Bill Getchman, Porta Westfalica students Freya vom Bauer and Mareike Mueller, Mayor Tom Smith, Alderman Clyde Heller and Waterloo Sister Cities Student Exchange Coordinator Debbie Cummins.

Recent Obituaries

Marion Ries, nee Gummersheimer, 78, of rural Columbia, died July 2, 2009, at her residence following an extended illness. She was born Jan. 27, 1931 in East St. Louis. She was married to Harvey Ries.

Karen Schreder, nee Swonger, 69, of Red Bud, died June 30, 2009. She was born April 21, 1940 in Medicine Lodge, Kan., the daughter of the late Lawrence and Cecilia (nee Simon) Swonger. Mrs. Schreder is survived by her husband, Albert Schreder; children Gary (Kim) Schreder, Sheryl Brinkmann, Diana Frazier, Debra (Bill) Scarlet, Melissa Khale and Glenda (Robert) Kernan; sisters Charlene Weinhold, Kelia (Joe) Van de Riet and Neda (Tom) Shields; along with grandchildren, great-grandchildren, sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews and cousins. She was preceded in death by a brother, Lawrence Dean Swonger. Mrs. Schreder was a member of St. Patrick Church in Tipton, the Waterloo VFW Ladies Auxiliary, Pivot Point International and the National Cosmetology Association. Visitation is Thursday, July 2, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., at Quernheim Funeral Home. Funeral is Friday, July 3, at 10 a.m., at St. Patrick Church in Tipton with Father Jose Jacob officiating. Mrs. Schreder will be buried at the church’s cemetery.

Joyce A. Zeiger, nee Braun, 57, of Waterloo, died June 27, 2009. She was born March 5, 1952 in St. Louis, Mo. Mrs. Zeiger is survived by her husband, Richard Zeiger; a daughter, Amber (Darrin) Corey of Waterloo; a grandson, Austin Corey; her mother, Delores Braun of Red Bud; brother, Joe (Sandy) Braun of Renault, Randy (Laveta) Braun of Prairie du Rocher and Bob Braun of Anchorage, Alaska; an uncle, Ed (Shirley) Langhorst of Wright City, Mo.; and aunts Angie (Tim) Reynolds of Wright City, Mo., and Edna Guessfeld of St. Peters, Mo; along with sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews and cousins. She was preceded in death by her father, Joseph Braun. Mrs. Zeiger was  formerly employed at Kemper's Landing in Fults. Visitation was at Quernheim Funeral Home. Funeral was at Our Lady of Good Counsel in Renault with Father Roger Karban officiating. Mrs. Zeiger was buried at St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery in Renault. Memorials may be made to Hospice of Southern Illinois.

Rose M. Matzenbacher, nee Mueth, 96, of Red Bud, died June 26, 2009, in Red Bud. She was born Oct. 10, 1912, in Waterloo, the daughter of the late Benedick and Mary Ann (nee Dugan) Mueth. She was married to Oscar Matzenbacher. He died in 1991. Mrs. Matzenbacher is survived by her children, Vernon (Dorothy) Matzenbacher of Fults, JoAnn (Eldon) Roider of Columbia, David (Susan) Matzenbacher of Red Bud, Larry (Jane) Matzenbacher of Fults and Gary (Barbara) Matzenbacher of Red Bud; a daughter-in-law, Doris Matzenbacher of Waterloo; a sister; Gertrude Swanter of Bridgeton, Mo.; a brother, Patrick (Katie) Crook of Fairview Heights; and brother-in-law and sister-in-law Edwin and Shannon Matzenbacher of Waterloo; along with nieces, nephews and cousins. She was preceded in death by a step-father; a son, Donald Matzenbacher; great-grandson, Bradley Matzenbacher; sister, Mayme Hellmer; and a brother, Joe Crook. Mrs. Matzenbacher was a member of St. Paul UCC in Waterloo. Visitation  was at Quernheim Funeral Home. A funeral service was held at St. Paul UCC in Waterloo with Pastor Doug Roberts officiating. Mrs. Matzenbacher was buried at Kolmer Memorial Cemetery in Waterloo.

Louis Jay Dyroff, 67, of Dupo died June 26, 2009 after a lengthy battle with cancer. He was born May 28, 1942 in St. Louis, Mo. He was preceded in death by his father, Erwin Dyroff. Mr. Dyroff is survived by his mother, Pauline Dyroff of Dupo; and brothers David (Jo) Dyroff  and Terry (Pat) Dyroff; along with nieces, nephews, grand-nieces, grand-nephews, other relatives and friends. Mr. Dyroff graduated from Dupo Community High School as president of his senior class. After earning a Bachelor's Degree from Southern Illinois University, he went on to teach U.S. history and civics at East Peoria Community High School starting in 1966. He retired in 1993 and later returned to Dupo. He was an accomplished singer and performed at many church, school and civic functions. In retirement, he was an active member of Christ United Church of Christ in Dupo, where he sang in the church choir and at many weddings and funerals. Mr. Dyroff's love of travel took him to every state in the Union and every country in North, Central and South America as well as others in the Caribbean, Europe and the South Pacific. He occasionally worked as a tour guide with his brother Terry during the summers. Mr. Dyroff was an active volunteer with several civic organizations including the Lions Club, Meals On Wheels and the Dupo Educators' Hall of Fame. Visitation was at the Dashner-Leesman Funeral Home in Dupo. A funeral is at 11 a.m., on  Friday, July 3 at Christ United Church of Christ in Dupo the Rev. Kim Kelly officiating. Burial is at Valhalla Gardens of Memory in Belleville. Memorials may be made to his church.

Cora Clara Esther Muskopf, nee Zahn, 86, of Millstadt, died July 1, 2009, at Oak Hill in Waterloo. She was born Oct. 18, 1922 in Columbia, the daughter of the late George and Clara (nee Otten) Zahn. Mrs. Muskopf is survived by her children, David (Sandra) Muskopf of Millstadt, Dianne Mehrmann of Waterloo and Debbie (Gary) Helfrich of Millstadt; special friend, Warren Baltz of Bellville; grandchildren Joshua Muskopf, Randall (Renee) Mehrmann, Dustin (Sarah) Mehrmann and Brian Helfrich; great-grandchildren David Mehrmann, Randi Mari Mehrmann and Riley Mehrmann; and sisters Emma Schmierbach of Glenda, Ariz., and Violet Carter of Kentucky; along with nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her husband, Roy Emil Muskopf; son-in-law, Robert Mehrmann; and a grandson, Aaron Adam Helfrich. Mrs. Muskopf was a bookkeeper for her husband’s petroleum business and also worked at the Millstadt Liquor Store. She was an active member of Zion Evangelical Church in Millstadt, where she quilted and participated in the Women’s Fellowship and Zionette Kitchen Band. Visitation is Sunday, July 5, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., at Strauss-Leesman Funeral Home in Millstadt. Funeral is at Strauss-Leesman on Monday, July 6, at 11 a.m., with Rev. Darrell Weber officiating. Mrs. Muskopf will be buried at Mt. Evergreen Cemetery in Millstadt. Memorials may be made to the Millstadt Senior Center, Zion Evangelical Church of Peace Lutheran Church in Belleville.