Artstarts Presents

Moana Jr – The Musical

March 31 & April 1 – 7pm

April 2 – 2pm

Tickets – $15

Artstarts Presents

Moana Jr – The Musical

March 31 & April 1 – 7pm

April 2 – 2pm

Tickets – $15

As organizations allow staff to use their own computers and cell phones for work, or to take company laptops and devices out of the office for tele-work, it becomes important to have policies that specify the responsibilities employees have for maintaining and securing their computers and cell phones. Join Lauren Daming, Attorney at Greensfelder, Hemker & Gale P.C. as she addresses how employers can effectively address use of personal devices in the workplace.

Continuing Education Offered: 1.50 HRCI, 1.50 SHRM, 1.50 CLE per attendee request prior to event, and 1.50 HR & Management/Supervision Compliance Certificate Credits. HR Certification Institute’s® (www.HRCI.org) official seal confirms that the Illinois Chamber meets the criteria for pre-approved recertification credit(s) for any of HRCI’s eight credentials, including SPHR® and PHR®.

Struggling to get your employee exposed to OSHA standards?  Do you find it difficult to allow your workers two days away from the job to attend the OSHA 10-hour course?  John A. Logan has a solution that will minimize the time necessary to educate your workers on OSHA’s standards and help them see the value in working safely. 

This one-day course will cover topics such as:

• Walking & Working Surfaces
• Fall Protection
• Personal Protective Equipment
• Electrical Safety
• Ergonomics
• Hazard Communications
• Emergency Action Plans
• Material Handling
• Machine Guarding
• Bloodborne Pathogens

This courses will be held at John A. Logan College’s Extension Center in West Frankfort, IL.  This course is FREE!  Pre-registration is required.

In an EThOs Mastermind Group, you gather together weekly with other developing leaders to grow, inspire, and sharpen one another's strengths.

EThOs Mastermind Groups offer a combination of collaborative learning, inspiration, brainstorming, and support in a group setting to sharpen your leadership, business, and personal skills. Perfect for professionals, entrepreneurs, and community leaders wanting to develop their personal mindset and leadership.
 

This "meeting of the minds" will focus on applying the book Grit: The Power of Passion & Perseverance.  For anyone striving to succeed, pioneering psychologist Angela Duckworth shows parents, students, educators, athletes, or business people that the secret to outstanding achievement is not talent but a special blend of passion and persistence she calls “grit.”

WBVN presents

NEWSONG

A Special Easter Concert

April 6

7pm

Tickets: $18

NewSong is an American contemporary Christian music group that was founded in 1981, at Morningside Baptist Church in Valdosta, Georgia.^[1] They have had twelve GMA Dove Award nominations, and one Grammy Award Nomination. 

They are also the founders of the Winter Jam Tour Spectacular, the United States’ largest annual Christian music tour.^[2] It began in 1995, and is hosted by NewSong. Winter Jam has had many of the most popular Contemporary artists perform each year, including TobyMac, Hillsong UNITED, Newsboys, Lecrae, MercyMe, and Skillet.^[3]

NewSong has frequently provided support for organizations working with abandoned and underprivileged children. For years they worked with World Vision, a humanitarian organization dedicated to working with children, families and their community to rid them of poverty and injustice. Then in 2006, the band became involved with Holt International, a world leader in child adoption and child welfare.

Floyd Nation

April 8

7pm

Tickets: $35 – $59

Sponsors

River Radio

and

WSIL tv3

Floyd Nation: Experience Pink Floyd

Floyd Nation is a U.S.-based Pink Floyd Tribute Band that performs all of your favorite hits from the vast collection of Pink Floyd albums such as The Wall, Dark Side of the Moon, Animals, Wish You Were Here, Meddle and The Division Bell.

You’ll be immersed in sound, lights and lasers as they take you on an epic journey, bringing back your best memories of some of the most iconic music ever produced. The group’s precise tone and extreme accuracy shows their deep respect for the music of one of the most incredible bands to ever take the world stage.

ImpactLife Blood Drive Hosted by Senator Dale Fowler

MONDAY, APRIL 10, 2023 

2:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.

The HUB Recreation Center
Gymnasium
917 W. Main Street
Marion, IL 62959

All donors will take home an e-gift card or a 20 can cooler courtesy of ImpactLife.

Masks Optional

Appointment Required: Click here to schedule your appointment today!

Wouldn’t it be great if everyone were congenial, agreeable, productive, easy-going, and kind? Unfortunately, that is a pipe dream! Most of us encounter difficult people on a daily basis. Whether dealing with them face-to-face, on the phone, or
on-line they can be much more than mere challenges. They can be frustrating, make you angry, drain your energy, and worse, cause you to have a great deal of stress! Think about it. If you don’t know know how to handle difficult customers, they may take their business elsewhere. If you must deal with a “bossy” boss, a low-performing, constantly complaining employee, they can cause you to lose high-performing employees. No business can afford these. This highly effective program will provide you with techniques and skills to handle difficult people with the utmost professionalism, communicate with them in a confident, competent, and non-combative way, resulting in improved relationships and less stress!

Dealing with difficult people every day? Too much to do – too little time? Too many priorities all at once? Constantly shifting priorities? Feeling overwhelmed and stressed out? Feel like balancing business life and personal life is a tightrope act? Negative people getting the best of you? Unfortunately, that’s the norm for most business professionals today. We are all so busy we have little, if any, time for ourselves. And it seems it will continue this way into the foreseeable future. A harsh reality you must face: only YOU can manage your stress and find life-balance solutions that work for YOU.

This program has received outstanding evaluations from a multitude of organizations. It will provide you with science-backed information, stress management, relaxation, and life-balance tips, and demonstrate how to convert stress into positive energy. Facilitator Christine Corelli will breathe new life and energy into your spirit and even teach you how to BREATHE to relieve stress!

Continuing Education Offered: 3.00 HRCI, 3.00 SHRM, and 3.00 HR & Management/Supervision Compliance.HR Certification Institute’s®
(www.HRCI.org) official seal confirms that the Illinois Chamber meets the criteria for pre-approved recertification credit(s) for any of HRCI’s eight credentials, including SPHR® and PHR®.

The Marion Chamber of Commerce would like to invite you to our Monthly Membership Luncheon on April 11th, 2023 at the Marion Civic Center. Program starts at noon. (Food service begins as 11:45AM). 

REGISTRATION
$15 for Marion Chamber Member/Organizations
$20 for Guests

MENU - Provided by TBA


EVENT AGENDA

• Pre-Program Slideshow featuring Chamber and Member Upcoming Events / Programs (email items to office)
• Welcome from Chamber Leadership & Invocation
• Luncheon Sponsor Presentation
• Luncheon Program
• ​Presentation of the 2022 Lifetime Achievement Award to Wayland Sims
• Quick update from the Chamber
• Member Network and Updates

PROGRAM: Panel Discussion on 'Regional Tourism and its Economic Impact' featuring: 

• Ashlee Spiller, Executive Director of visitSI (moderator)
• Black Diamond Family of Businesses
• Crab Orchard
• Walkers Bluff Casino
• More to Be Announced

Luck of the Draw Raffle: Pot is currently at ???.

Thank you to Ashley Gott and Brian McHugh of Edward Jones for co-sponsoring this round of Luck of the Draw.  Their support creates greater winnings, so make sure and take part to further support the Chamber Foundation.

 
 

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This Month's Luncheon Sponsor

Our mission at Specialized Equine Services "Improving Quality of Life through the Healing Power of Horses"
Learn More...

 

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Housekeeping Note:
If your plans change and you can't attend, please call the office by noon the day before the luncheon. We encourage you to send a co-worker to represent your organization and network, otherwise you will be billed for your lunch. (Our catering numbers are traditionally finalized the Friday before the luncheon.) 

Working to create a mother-friendly work culture benefits employers, employees, families, and communities. By prioritizing things within their control, including complying with state and federal laws providing break time for the expression of breastmilk. Employers can create a more positive work culture that attracts candidates, increases productivity and job satisfaction, and that benefits the bottom line through lower healthcare costs and higher retention.

Continuing Education Offered: 1.00 HRCI, 1.00 SHRM, and 1.00 HR & Management/Supervision Compliance Credits. HR Certification Institute’s® (www.HRCI.org) official seal confirms that the Illinois Chamber meets the criteria for pre-approved recertification credit(s) for any of HRCI’s eight credentials, including SPHR® and PHR®.

In an EThOs Mastermind Group, you gather together weekly with other developing leaders to grow, inspire, and sharpen one another's strengths.

EThOs Mastermind Groups offer a combination of collaborative learning, inspiration, brainstorming, and support in a group setting to sharpen your leadership, business, and personal skills. Perfect for professionals, entrepreneurs, and community leaders wanting to develop their personal mindset and leadership.
 

This "meeting of the minds" will focus on applying the book Grit: The Power of Passion & Perseverance.  For anyone striving to succeed, pioneering psychologist Angela Duckworth shows parents, students, educators, athletes, or business people that the secret to outstanding achievement is not talent but a special blend of passion and persistence she calls “grit.”

n this webinar, Allison Sues and Suzanne Newcomb of Amundsen Davis will:

- Breakdown employers’ obligations under the Illinois Equal Pay Act amendments and discuss best practices to avoid liability
- Summarize employers’ pay transparency obligations under laws currently in effect around the U.S.
- Identify pay transparency laws expected to pass in the near future
- Discuss pay transparency laws in the context of remote workers
- Suggest strategies to keep your organization compliant and protect against pay transparency and unequal pay claims

Continuing Education Offered: 1.50 HRCI, 1.50 SHRM, 1.50 CPE, 1.50 CLE per attendee request prior to event, and 1.50 HR & Management/Supervision Compliance Certificate Credits. HR Certification Institute’s® (www.HRCI.org) official seal confirms that the Illinois Chamber meets the criteria for pre-approved recertification credit(s) for any of HRCI’s eight credentials, including SPHR® and PHR®.

Learn More

MJHS Choir

presents

Disney’s Frozen Jr

April 14 & 15

7:30pm

Tickets: $10 – $15

SIH and the SIH Foundation would like to invite you to attend the 10th Annual Gala event on Friday, April 14, 2023.  The festivities begin at 6:00 pm and the evening consists of a collection of gourmet tastes presented in a station atmosphere, live music and dancing, and auction with mobile bidding.  Please plan to attend this prestigious and entertaining event while helping to support the mission of improving the health and well-being of all the people in the communities we serve. 

SIU Student Center
6:00-10:00 PM

Tickets are $100 per person
 

This year's proceeds will benefit:

MULBERRY CENTER AT HARRISBURG
SIH PATIENT & COMMUNITY SUPPORT FUNDS
(Coach Kill Cancer Fund & Patient Care Fund)

Learn more! and register at sihgala.com

Are you ready for this year's "Race for Life" 5K? 

Pet Costume Parade, Kids Fun Run, Sunset 5K, Food Trucks, Vendors, and more all at one event. We promise you don't want to miss our 3rd Annual 5K, so get your teams together and come race with us at this year's "Race for Life" 5K.

We have so many things in store as we join together to show our support to those in our community who are battling cancer. This event has been held for the last three years and serves as a way to race for those who are physically unable to race because of the effects of cancer. 

100% of the proceeds will benefit Marion, Illinois-based 501(c)3 nonprofit Fighting Cancer Today, which provides support to adults, children, and their families from their initial cancer diagnosis through recovery.

Get your teams together because we are racing to make a difference.
 

Sponsorship, Shirt Orders & Swag Bags

All payments must be received by April 1st, 2023, to receive all sponsorship benefits and to be guaranteed a 2023-5K t-shirt and swag bag.

Divisions:

10 & Under

11-16

17-24

25-35

36-46

47-57

58-68

69-79

80 & Over
 

Costume Parade, Fun Run, and 5K Run/Walk Awards & Prizes

Top costume from Pet Parade

Top male and female overall

Top male and female in the division

Top male or female for beating last year's best 5K time of 18:44.0

The team or participant raising the most money

The presentation will cover important OSHA updates for 2023, including those relating to OSHA under the Biden Administration, OSHA’s current emphasis programs, and OSHA’s ongoing enforcement efforts. The presentation will also cover the typical progression of an OSHA inspection, and provide practical tips for successfully managing an OSHA inspection and ensuring no citations are issued. Finally, the presentation will discuss how to handle OSHA citations in the event they are received.

Continuing Education Offered: 1.50 HRCI, 1.50 SHRM, 1.50 CLE per attendee request prior to event, and 1.50 HR & Management/Supervision Compliance Certificate Credits. HR Certification Institute’s® (www.HRCI.org) official seal confirms that the Illinois Chamber meets the criteria for pre-approved recertification credit(s) for any of HRCI’s eight credentials, including SPHR® and PHR®.

In an EThOs Mastermind Group, you gather together weekly with other developing leaders to grow, inspire, and sharpen one another's strengths.

EThOs Mastermind Groups offer a combination of collaborative learning, inspiration, brainstorming, and support in a group setting to sharpen your leadership, business, and personal skills. Perfect for professionals, entrepreneurs, and community leaders wanting to develop their personal mindset and leadership.
 

This "meeting of the minds" will focus on applying the book Grit: The Power of Passion & Perseverance.  For anyone striving to succeed, pioneering psychologist Angela Duckworth shows parents, students, educators, athletes, or business people that the secret to outstanding achievement is not talent but a special blend of passion and persistence she calls “grit.”

Dunbar Music Group

presents

KANSAS

April 20

7pm

Tickets: $49.99 – $149.99

Brought to you by 

River Radio

95.1 – STEVE FM

Holiday Inn Express & suites

 With a legendary career spanning five decades, KANSAS has firmly established itself as one of America’s iconic classic rock bands. This “garage band” from Topeka released their debut album in 1974 after being discovered by Wally Gold, who worked for Don Kirshner, and have gone on to sell more than 30 million albums worldwide. 

Composing a catalogue that includes sixteen studio albums and five live albums, KANSAS has produced eight gold albums, three sextuple-Platinum albums (Leftoverture, Point of Know Return, Best of KANSAS), one platinum live album (Two for the Show), one quadruple-Platinum single ‘Carry On Wayward Son,’ and another triple-Platinum single ‘Dust in the Wind.’ KANSAS appeared on the Billboard charts for over 200 weeks throughout the ‘70’s and ‘80’s and played to sold-out arenas and stadiums throughout North America, Europe and Japan. ‘Carry On Wayward Son’ continues to be one of the top five most played songs on classic rock radio, and ‘Dust In the Wind’ has been played on the radio more than three million times! 

The summer of 2020 marked the release of “The Absence of Presence,” KANSAS’s sixteenth studio album, which debuted at #10 on Billboard’s Top Current Albums chart. The wide-ranging progressive rock album, released by InsideOut Music, follows-up 2016’s “The Prelude Implicit,” which debuted at #14 on Billboard’s Top 200 Albums chart. 

Throughout 2016-2022, the band celebrated the anniversaries of multi-Platinum breakout albums “Leftoverture” and “Point of Know Return” with anniversary tours for both albums. Both tours were commemorated with live album releases “Leftoverture Live & Beyond” (2017) & “Point of Know Return Live & Beyond” (2021). 

The band is currently comprised of original drummer Phil Ehart, bassist/vocalist Billy Greer, vocalist/keyboardist Ronnie Platt, violinist/guitarist David Ragsdale, keyboardist/vocalist Tom Brislin, and original guitarist Richard Williams. With no signs of slowing down, KANSAS continues to perform in front of large and enthusiastic audiences around the world. 

Along with constant touring, KANSAS continues to remain a fixture of Classic Rock radio and popular culture. The band continues to reach a whole new audience through their unmistakable presence in various commercials, popular video games Rock Band, Guitar Hero, and Grand Theft Auto; the band’s documentary film “KANSAS: Miracles Out of Nowhere,” and a guest appearance on The CW’s television show ‘Walker.’ The band’s songs have also been included in various television shows such as ‘Supernatural,’ ‘Reacher,’ ‘’South Park,’ ‘The Office,’ and ‘The Simpsons;’ as well as blockbuster films including ‘Old School,’ ‘The Suicide Squad,’ ‘Anchorman,’ ‘Pitch Perfect,’ and ‘Happy Gilmore.’ 

Dunbar Music Group

presents

KANSAS

April 20

7pm

Tickets: $49.99 – $149.99

Brought to you by 

River Radio

95.1 – STEVE FM

Holiday Inn Express & suites

 With a legendary career spanning five decades, KANSAS has firmly established itself as one of America’s iconic classic rock bands. This “garage band” from Topeka released their debut album in 1974 after being discovered by Wally Gold, who worked for Don Kirshner, and have gone on to sell more than 30 million albums worldwide. 

Composing a catalogue that includes sixteen studio albums and five live albums, KANSAS has produced eight gold albums, three sextuple-Platinum albums (Leftoverture, Point of Know Return, Best of KANSAS), one platinum live album (Two for the Show), one quadruple-Platinum single ‘Carry On Wayward Son,’ and another triple-Platinum single ‘Dust in the Wind.’ KANSAS appeared on the Billboard charts for over 200 weeks throughout the ‘70’s and ‘80’s and played to sold-out arenas and stadiums throughout North America, Europe and Japan. ‘Carry On Wayward Son’ continues to be one of the top five most played songs on classic rock radio, and ‘Dust In the Wind’ has been played on the radio more than three million times! 

The summer of 2020 marked the release of “The Absence of Presence,” KANSAS’s sixteenth studio album, which debuted at #10 on Billboard’s Top Current Albums chart. The wide-ranging progressive rock album, released by InsideOut Music, follows-up 2016’s “The Prelude Implicit,” which debuted at #14 on Billboard’s Top 200 Albums chart. 

Throughout 2016-2022, the band celebrated the anniversaries of multi-Platinum breakout albums “Leftoverture” and “Point of Know Return” with anniversary tours for both albums. Both tours were commemorated with live album releases “Leftoverture Live & Beyond” (2017) & “Point of Know Return Live & Beyond” (2021). 

The band is currently comprised of original drummer Phil Ehart, bassist/vocalist Billy Greer, vocalist/keyboardist Ronnie Platt, violinist/guitarist David Ragsdale, keyboardist/vocalist Tom Brislin, and original guitarist Richard Williams. With no signs of slowing down, KANSAS continues to perform in front of large and enthusiastic audiences around the world. 

Along with constant touring, KANSAS continues to remain a fixture of Classic Rock radio and popular culture. The band continues to reach a whole new audience through their unmistakable presence in various commercials, popular video games Rock Band, Guitar Hero, and Grand Theft Auto; the band’s documentary film “KANSAS: Miracles Out of Nowhere,” and a guest appearance on The CW’s television show ‘Walker.’ The band’s songs have also been included in various television shows such as ‘Supernatural,’ ‘Reacher,’ ‘’South Park,’ ‘The Office,’ and ‘The Simpsons;’ as well as blockbuster films including ‘Old School,’ ‘The Suicide Squad,’ ‘Anchorman,’ ‘Pitch Perfect,’ and ‘Happy Gilmore.’ 

Join us on April 20th as we welcome Fehr Graham to the Chamber and celebrate the opening of their new Marion location!!  The ribbon cutting will be at 3:15 pm with an open house till 5 pm. This year marks their 50th year in business and we want to make it extra special!

Fehr Graham Engineering and Environmental 

103 Airway Drive, Suite 3

Marion, IL 62959

Fehr Graham is a full service engineering and environmental firm that primarily works in and with small and mid-sized communities and firms throughout downstate Illinois. They are a full service firm that builds strong, long lasting relationships with their clients.

Learn more about them at: https://www.fehrgraham.com/

If you are unable to attend, please call and welcome them to the community! 618-422-6840

Enjoy Refreshments from Farm Fancy Brewed, Baked and Crafted LLC

Steak Sliders, Charcuterie Board, Bacon Wrapped Smokies, Crudité Platter, Roasted Shrimp Cocktail, Assorted Pinwheels, BBQ Kielbasa bites, Logo Sugar Cookies with mini assorted dessert bites (cheesecake, brownies, pie, petit fours etc.)

Drinks – Tea and lemonade

Floyd Nation

April 8

7pm

Tickets: $35 – $59

Sponsors

River Radio

and

WSIL tv3

Floyd Nation: Experience Pink Floyd

Floyd Nation is a U.S.-based Pink Floyd Tribute Band that performs all of your favorite hits from the vast collection of Pink Floyd albums such as The Wall, Dark Side of the Moon, Animals, Wish You Were Here, Meddle and The Division Bell.

You’ll be immersed in sound, lights and lasers as they take you on an epic journey, bringing back your best memories of some of the most iconic music ever produced. The group’s precise tone and extreme accuracy shows their deep respect for the music of one of the most incredible bands to ever take the world stage.

Dunbar Music Group presents

The Wallflowers

April 22

7pm

Tickets: $39.99 – $99.99

Sponsored by

River Radio – 95.1 Steve FM

A band whose sound walked a tightrope between the rootsy and accessible end of alternative rock and the straightforward, arena-friendly sound of acts like Tom Petty and Bruce Springsteen, the Wallflowers were the brainchild of guitarist, songwriter, and vocalist Jakob Dylan. While he was initially best known for being the son of iconic singer/songwriter Bob Dylan, the Wallflowers made it clear that he had a sound and creative voice all his own, and he proved to be a strong bandleader who was capable of keeping the group’s personality consistent despite frequent personnel changes through their history. The Wallflowers broke through with their sophomore album, 1996’s multi-platinum Bringing Down the Horse, while 2005’s Rebel, Sweetheart saw them adding extra muscle to their sound, and 2021’s Exit Wounds was a confident comeback effort released after a nine-year hiatus from the studio.

“…Exit Wounds rocks with smouldering intensity…” – Uncut Magazine

“It’s his best original work by some yards. 4 Stars” – MOJO Magazine 

“The Wallflowers frontman hits his mark with Exit Wounds… a stunning body of work by anyone’s standards.” – SPIN

“Exit Wounds is a beacon for us all, a tribute to the rough year we’ve made it through.” – KCRW

“Call it wisdom, call it maturity, but the depth of experience deepens the traditionalism of Dylan’s music; he’s grown into the clothes he’s been wearing all his life… Now that he’s gotten some mileage under his belt, his songwriting feels sharp and his collaborators sound at ease. On Exit Wounds, the Wallflowers finally turn into the classic rock band they always ached to be.” – Pitchfork

“...one of their strongest LPs since 1996’s Bringing Down The Horse.” – Glide Magazine 

“The Wallflowers’ post-hiatus record is genre-bending storytelling at its finest.” – Aquarian Weekly

“With a long nine-year hiatus between Wallflowers records, it’s especially satisfying to savor the return of Jakob Dylan and his band of cohorts with the stirring new release, Exit Wounds.” 4 out of 5 Stars – The Absolute Sound

Rock ‘n’ roll is often hard to define, or even to find, in these fractured musical times. But to paraphrase an old saying, you know it when you hear it.

And you always hear it with the Wallflowers. For the past 30 years, the Jakob Dylan-led act has stood as one of rock’s most dynamic and purposeful bands – a unit dedicated to and continually honing a sound that meshes timeless songwriting and storytelling with a hard-hitting and decidedly modern musical attack. That signature style has been present through the decades, baked into the grooves of smash hits like 1996’s ​Bringing Down the Horse as well as more recent and exploratory fare like 2012’s ​Glad All Over.​

Even so, in recent years, Dylan – the Wallflowers’ founding singer, songwriter and guitarist – has repeatedly stepped outside of his band, first with a pair of more acoustic and rootsy records, 2008’s ​Seeing Things and 2010’s ​Women + Country​, and then with the 2018 film ​Echo in the Canyon and the accompanying soundtrack, which saw him collaborate with a host of artists classic and contemporary, from Neil Young and Eric Clapton to Beck and Fiona Apple.

But while it’s been nine long years since we’ve heard from the group with whom he first made his mark, the Wallflowers are silent no more. And Dylan always knew they’d return. “The Wallflowers is much of my life’s work,” he says simply.

Plus, he adds with a laugh, “It’s pretty hard to get a good band name, so if you have one, keep it.”

Good band name aside, that life’s work continues with ​Exit Wounds​, the brand-new Wallflowers studio offering. The collection marks the first new Wallflowers material since ​Glad All Over​. And while the wait has been long, the much-anticipated record finds the band’s signature sound – lean, potent and eminently entrancing – intact, even as Dylan surrounds himself with a fresh cast of musicians.

Which, the front man is quick to point out, is not all that unusual. “The Wallflowers has always been a vehicle for me to make great rock ‘n’ roll records,” he says. “And sometimes the lineup that makes the record transfers over into touring, and sometimes it doesn’t. But my intention is always to make the Wallflowers record I want to make, using the musicians I have beside me.”

Dylan’s vision has always been the core of the Wallflower’s music. How he chooses to express that vision, however, is what makes a song a Wallflowers song. “I usually just let the songs tell me what kind of arrangements they need,” he says. “And if they’re asking for full-band electric

arrangements, then that’s what the Wallflowers provide. And I knew I wanted to make a full-band electric record this time out.”

And made one he has, with one special guest on board – Shelby Lynne, who lends her voice to three of the album’s tracks. “I hadn’t met Shelby before, but like most people, I’ve been a fan of hers for quite some time,” Dylan says. “She has one of those voices that’s very uncommon, very unique, very rare.”

But there was more to their duet than just a mutual appreciation. “You can have your favorite singer come in, but it doesn’t mean you’ll have any connection – there has to be more than that,” Dylan continues. “And as soon as I heard Shelby sing, I knew we had something.”

That “something” is present throughout ​Exit Wounds​, which, true to its title, is an ode to people – individual and collective – that have, to put it mildly, been through some stuff.

“I think everybody – no matter what side of the aisle you’re on – wherever we’re going to next, we’re all taking a lot of exit wounds with us,” Dylan says. “Nobody is the same as they were four years ago. That, to me, is what ​Exit Wounds signifies. And it’s not meant to be negative at all. It just means that wherever you’re headed, even if it’s to a better place, you leave people and things behind, and you think about those people and those things and you carry them with you. Those are your exit wounds. And right now, we’re all swimming in them.”

To be sure, ​Exit Wounds is populated by scarred souls that “used to rumble, used to roar,” of “nobodies drinking flat beer,” and those who’ve been “abandoned and locked out and pressed to the fire.” Throughout, Dylan’s lyrics are specked with images of spears and swords and battle-worn flags being raised, of wayward buses and battered ships, riderless horses and lost planes.

Of course, ask Dylan what these songs are about, and, well, like most practiced songwriters, he’s not going to tell you. “I’m always a little cautious when people ask that,” he says. “Not because it demystifies the songs, but more because I think it’s belittling to the listener to have to be ‘told.’ I usually find that if you have to do that for someone, you probably didn’t hit your mark.”

That said, Dylan will at least acknowledge that the tracks on ​Exit Wounds reflect the tumultuous times in which they were written. “The climate affects how you feel, which affects how you’re writing songs, even if you’re not writing specifically about current events.” He turns to the late John Prine to illustrate his point. “If we still had John Prine, I don’t think he’d be writing songs specifically about current affairs, but he’d probably be writing songs about characters affected by current affairs. I think that’s mostly what I do.”

As far as ​Exit Wounds,​ Dylan continues, “I’m the same writer I’ve always been – I was just also writing during a time when the world felt like it was falling apart. That changes the way you address even the simplest things, because you have panic in your mind all the time. You have anxiety. And you also have hope. And it’s all in there.”

When it came to realizing these new songs on record, Dylan assembled a backing band of musical associates – “people that I’ve wanted to play with or that I have played with through the years” – and headed into the studio under the watchful eye of producer Butch Walker.

As for what Butch brought to the sessions? Beyond his pedigree as an in-demand producer and first-rate singer-songwriter and musician, he’s also, Dylan says, “someone I’ve known a long time, and that was important to me. Because you go through a lot when you make records, to be honest. When you’re young, you’re taught that if you don’t have conflict in the studio, then you’re probably not doing anything good. But I don’t believe that. And so it was more of a joyful experience making this record.”

That joyful experience extended to Dylan’s interplay with his fellow musicians. “This was not the type of thing where it’s a rotating cast and you call a different drummer for each song, or you pull out the Rolodex and ring the local sessions guys,” Dylan says. “The record was made as a band – the five Wallflowers.”

And to Dylan, a band, even one with a constantly shifting lineup, is a sacred thing. “I’ve always been a believer in collaboration,” he says, “and no matter who I’m playing with I’ve always tried to include them very heavily. Otherwise, why would they be around? Because I do think bands, whether it’s a long standing group or just five people who are working together for that one stretch of time, make better rock ‘n’ roll records than solo artists.”

He laughs. “I mean, it’s not 100 percent true, but it’s usually true.”

At the end of the day, Dylan continues, “It’s just exciting to have guys playing in a room together. That’s how you get the one plus one equals three factor, you know? That’s the magic.”

For Dylan, ​Exit Wounds is the next chapter in a career devoted to chasing – and capturing – that magic. “I came up in an era of great rock ‘n’ roll bands making great music, and it’s the way I always imagined I would do it one day,” he says.

“So that’s always been my vision with the Wallflowers – to be a great rock ‘n’ roll band. And I’ve worked on it for 30 years now and I still have a lot to say. It’s something I started a long time ago, and it’s far from finished.”

The Men of Decency along with Connect 360 and other volunteers will be assisting Marion Residents 60 and over with light yard work and helping bring items curbside for the City Spring Clean. 

Date-  Saturday April 22^nd

Time- 9am-2pm

If any Marion Resident that is 60 and over needs assistance please call the number on the flyer, and if anyone wants to volunteer please call the number on the flyer. 

This webinar will cover what you need to do to prepare for certifying your affirmative action plans with the government, while covering the regulations related to females and minorities, as well as, individuals with disabilities and protected veterans. We will discuss the utilization analysis, availability analysis, benchmarks, goals and self-identification requirements and obligations for employer. You’ll learn what your obligations are as a federal contractor so you can avoid penalties and successfully defend your organization in the event of an OFCCP audit. This webinar will give you the tools on what is needed to create your affirmative action plans, how to do meaningful recruitment efforts, how to defend during an audit and finally, the requirements of certifying your plans annually with the government. Creating the plans is the first step of coming into compliance, let’s do it together!

Continuing Education Offered: 1.50 HRCI, 1.50 SHRM, 1.50 CLE per attendee request prior to event, and 1.50 HR & Management/Supervision Compliance Certificate Credits. HR Certification Institute’s® (www.HRCI.org) official seal confirms that the Illinois Chamber meets the criteria for pre-approved recertification credit(s) for any of HRCI’s eight credentials, including
SPHR® and PHR®.

In an EThOs Mastermind Group, you gather together weekly with other developing leaders to grow, inspire, and sharpen one another's strengths.

EThOs Mastermind Groups offer a combination of collaborative learning, inspiration, brainstorming, and support in a group setting to sharpen your leadership, business, and personal skills. Perfect for professionals, entrepreneurs, and community leaders wanting to develop their personal mindset and leadership.
 

This "meeting of the minds" will focus on applying the book Grit: The Power of Passion & Perseverance.  For anyone striving to succeed, pioneering psychologist Angela Duckworth shows parents, students, educators, athletes, or business people that the secret to outstanding achievement is not talent but a special blend of passion and persistence she calls “grit.”

Join us for a drink and casual walk through of the home buying process on April 27th at 6 pm at The Turn at Kokopelli Golf Course. My co hosts Sean Daily with Guild Mortgage and Natasha Stearns with Country Financial will be there.

If buying a home is on your wishlist you won't want to miss this opportunity. After we give a walkthrough, we go around the table and answer any questions. Home buying is a very personal experience. This event is going to be tailored for your experience to be a success.

RSVP on Facebook or via email: Erika.h2hrealty@gmail.com

Join Amundsen Davis attorneys Peter E. Hansen and Laurie E. Meyer to discuss recent changes to, and a comparison of, Illinois and Wisconsin employment laws, along with recent developments in Federal employment laws.

Continuing Education: 1.50 HRCI, 1.50 SHRM, 1.50 CLE credits per request prior to event, 1.50 CPE, and 1.50 HR & Management/Supervision Compliance Certificate. HR Certification Institute’s® (www.HRCI.org) official seal confirms that the Illinois Chamber meets the criteria for pre-approved recertification credit(s) for any of HRCI’s eight credentials, including SPHR® and PHR®.

We are thrilled to invite you to the first ever Thrillbillies Showcase Business After-Hours Event. The Thrillbillies Inaugural Season is right around the corner, and you won’t want to miss this Exclusive Preview of the hottest fashions, food and drink that Thrillville has to offer!

Take a glimpse at what the Mtn Dew Park Staff has planned:

• Preview DELICIOUSLY different ballpark food by Chef Chris Banks’ team.
• Sample scrumptious drinks (both alcoholic and non-alcoholic).
• Check out what STYLIN’ Thrillbillies will wear this year… ON & OFF the field!
• SHH… TOP SECRET! Meet a VERY Special Guest for the first time anywhere!
• Get the inside scoop on BIG NAME Performers coming to Mtn Dew Park in 2023.
• Thrillbillie Ticket Giveaways and MORE! Oh… so much more is in store!

Thrillbillies Showcase

TJ’s Diamond Club at Mtn Dew Park

Thursday, 4/27/23 from 4:00 – 7:00 PM

For more information, contact Herby Voss at hvoss@oasisoutdoors.world

MHS Choir presents

Grease – The Musical

April 28 & 29

7pm

Tickets: $10

Participation Options

• Jumbo Ducks: $100
• Mini Ducks $25

Sponsorship Options

• Raft Sponsor: $200
• Decoy Sponsor: $200
• Course Sponsor: $100

We are excited to join Robin's Nest Learning Center on the opening of their new Marion facilities on April 28th. The Ribbon Cutting will be at 1 pm and the Open House will be from 1 - 3pm. Meet teachers, view classrooms, and learn about facilities and resources.

Robin's Nest Learning Center 

110 S. Virginia Ave

Marion, IL 62959

About Robin's Nest: Childcare is needed more than ever in the Southern Illinois area. As educators, we are pleased to be able to provide an additional safe, educational center for our children to learn and grow at. With this additional center, Robin’s Nest will serve over 750 children in the Southern Illinois area. We are changing today’s children for tomorrow's future. We are pleased to provide exceptional care to our families in need and children who are our future generation. 

Learn more about them at: https://www.robinsnestlearningcenter.com/marion-il-location.php

If you are unable to attend, please call and congratulate them!

MHS Choir presents

Grease – The Musical

April 28 & 29

7pm

Tickets: $10