Contact Person: Ben Strode
Phone: (217) 854-7939
Meeting Date, Time & Place: 2nd Wednesday each month, dinner 7 p.m.; business meeting 8 p.m. at the Legion Home, 554 Ramey St., Carlinville.

Philosophy of Organization: The American Legion is an organization of nearly three million wartime veterans who dedicate themselves to God and country and traditional American values; strong national security; adequate and compassionate care for veterans, their widows and orphans; community service; and the wholesome development of our nations youth.

Included among the Post's major activities are: A $1000.00 college scholarship, sponsoring youth to the Boys State and Police Academy programs, serving as Color Guard at veterans funerals and local parades, furnishing wheel chairs, walkers, crutches and canes for local citizens besides contributing funds for many local activities and charities. Funds for the above projects come primarily from citizens who so generously participate in bingo games held at the Legion Post on Friday nights.

Boy Scout Troop 63

Contact Person: Scoutmaster Scott Peterson
Phone: (217) 854-2794
Meeting Date, Time & Place: Mondays at 7 p.m.., United Methodist Church basement, 201 S. Broad.

Philosophy of Organization: The troop serves boys age 11 through 18 years. Development of boys toward adult life guided by encouragement through camping and many other fun activities is the purpose of the troop.

Carlinville Area Hospital Auxiliary

Contact Person: Art Knippel
Phone: (217) 854-3141, 854-8944
e-mail: aknippel@cahcare.com, llwilhite@accunet.net
Treasurer: Lora Wilhite
Meeting Date, Time & Place: Members – 2nd Tuesday in May and November, 12 noon in pre-publicized meeting place; Board members – 2nd Tuesday in February and August, 9:30 a.m. in the Carlinville Area Hospital Conference Room.

Philosophy of Organization: The purpose of this organization is to promote and advance the welfare of Carlinville Area Hospital. We have over 200 members who help provide a variety of services for the hospital, its patients and the surrounding hospital service area.

Although we do not meet often, much work is accomplished between meetings with Lifeline, Cheer Committee, Blood Bank, Mini-Medical Days and our fund-raising Old Homestead Store.

Carlinville Business and Professional Women's Club

Contact Person: Luella Dickhaut
Phone: (217) 854-3418
Meeting Date, Time & Place: 3rd Monday of September-June, 6:30 p.m. Meeting place will still be at Blackburn College, exact location is TBA.

Philosophy of Organization: Carlinville BPW is the "Voice of Working Women" for business and professional women in the Carlinville area. The BPW local organization offers leadership opportunities at all levels as well as networking contacts and opportunities for professional growth. Carlinville BPW is a member of the Illinois Federation of Business and Professional Women's Clubs, an alliance of diverse individuals dedicated to improving professional, personal, economic, and educational opportunities for women. Affiliation with BPW/USA, the national federation, provides Carlinville BPW members with a package of personal benefits, including insurance programs, financial planning assistance, and credit opportunities. Meet dynamic new friends – join Carlinville BPW, the "Voice of Working Women!"

Carlinville Community Chamber of Commerce

Contact Person: Kasey Robinson
Phone: (217) 854-2141
Address: 126 East Main Street
e-mail: info@carlinvillechamber.com
Meeting Date, Time & Place: Board meeting, 2nd Thursday each month at 8 a.m. at the Chamber office; committee meetings TBA.

Philosophy of Organization: "The mission of the Carlinville Community Chamber of Commerce is to serve its members, to promote tourism and business growth, and to enhance the quality of life for the entire Carlinville Community." The CCCC is a not-for-profit organization, not subsidized by any state or local taxes, operating solely on funds raised and membership dues. Membership in this organization is open to any individual, business or organization interested in civic and economic progress of the community.

Carlinville Community Choir

Contact Person: Jim Rawlins
Phone: (217) 854-4388
Meeting Date, Time and Place: September-November, Mondays 7 p.m. at the Methodist Church; February-April, second session, same location
Philosophy of Organization: The purpose of this corporation shall be to promote the advancement of education including musical education and the appreciation of music; to promote the social welfare by creating and sponsoring musical performances including, but not limited to, choral and vocal music performances, to instruct and train individuals in individual and group musical performances, to contribute part of its income to relief of, either locally or globally, and to promote harmony through music; to receive contributions and pay them over to organizations which are described in Section 501(c)(3) and exempt from taxation as amended.

The Carlinville Food Co-op

Contact Person: Wendy Daniel
Phone: (217) 854-5302
Meeting Date, Time & Place: The co-op is located at 233 Rice Street and is open most Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m.

Philosophy of Organization: The co-op is a nonprofit buying club for organic grown health foods, supplements & foods made without specific ingredients for those suffering from severe allergy problems. Working members pay $15 per year dues, work at the co-op four Saturdays per year and receive a 10% discount on purchases. Nonworking members pay $30 per year dues. Nonmembers may purchase extra goods on shelves or place a one-time trial order from the catalogue.

Carlinville Lions Club

Contact Person: Lion, Eric Fenton - Secretary
Phone: (217) 854-7887 or 854-2517
Meeting Date, Time & Place: 2nd and 4th Tuesday of each month 7 p.m., Blackburn College. Some special meetings are held at different locations.

Philosophy of Organization: Chartered in July, 1944, the Carlinville Lions Club is affiliated with the International Association of Lions Clubs, headquartered in Oak Brook, IL. The primary focus of Lions Clubs is sight and hearing conservation. The Lions are the largest service organization in the world with 1.4 million members over 44,000 clubs located in 187 nations and geographical areas. The Carlinville Club has approximately 90 members and has been in existence for almost sixty years. We have a street carnival every year the first weekend after Labor Day, which is our primary fund-raiser. Funds raised from the carnival are used for our service work in the community throughout the year.

Carlinville Middle School Link Mentor Program

Contact Person: Connie Bequette
Phone: (217) 854-3106
Meeting Date, Time & Place: Carlinville Middle School (does not always apply)
Philosophy of Organization: The Link Mentor Program at Carlinville Middle School began in 1990 with the belief that the lives of children can be enriched when linked with a mature, caring adult. The Link Mentor Program, intended for middle school students ages 11 to 14, emphasizes the importance of a one-on-one relationship between youth and adults. It is believed that the benefits of "bringing together responsible maturity and the promise of youth" can have long-lasting effects.

Carlinville Middle School Youth Power

Contact Person: Andrea Card
Phone: (217) 854-3106 (weekdays)
Meeting Date, Time & Place: Carlinville Middle School – anytime
Philosophy of Organization: To equip students with the knowledge about drugs (legal and illegal) and their impact on the human body. We do a lot of activities geared toward a drug-free environment to promote a healthy life style. We hold monthly meetings and activities for 6th, 7th and 8th grades.

Carlinville Moose Lodge # 1216

Contact Person: David Rice
Phone: (217) 854-6460 (Lodge) or 854-9634
Meeting Date, Time & Place: Every Tuesday night at 7 p.m. at the Lodge.
Philosophy of Organization: This Lodge is devoted to the children of our community.

Carlinville Rotary Club

Contact Person: Scott Simpson
Phone: (217) 854-4721
Meeting Date, Time & Place: Thursdays, 12 noon at The Glades Banquet Room (one hour meetings) Philosophy of Organization: The main objective of the Carlinville Rotary Club is to involve members of the local community in service related projects that 1) promote friendships, 2) provide assistance to those who meet it, and 3) advance the overall good of the world community. We like to think of our Carlinville Rotary Club as the service club of choice for busy people. Rotarians know how to get things done efficiently, and almost always with a sense of fun. If you're looking to participate in a service club, the Carlinville Rotary is an excellent choice. Guests are always welcome.

Carlinville Elks Lodge No. 1412

Contact Person: Steve Herschelman
Address: 201 West Main Street
Phone: (217) 854-3557
Meeting Date, Time & Place: 2nd and 4th Monday at 7 p.m.; 4th Monday in July and August, 7 p.m.
Lodge closed during Macoupin County Fair week.

Philosophy of Organization: The Carlinville Elks Lodge #1412 was established in 1921. Since its inception the Lodge has been embodied in its principles of Charity, Justice, Brotherly Love and Fidel-ity. Using these principles as building blocks, the Order has proceeded to construct a framework of broad-ranging programs designed to aid those in need, honor and serve our hospitalized veterans, work with the youth of our area, promote Americanism and work in other ways to benefit those less fortunate than ourselves. Some of our major contributions to the community are: Elks National Foundation, Elks National Home, Elks Crippled Children Clinic, Elks Nation Services (Veterans Home, etc.).

These are just a few activities of the Carlinville Elks Lodge. Our Lodge strives to support American Values by increasing family involvement in Lodge activities, community-oriented charities, youth and patriotic activities, combined with good public relations.

Carlinville Knights of Columbus

Contact Person: Jim Costello
Phone: (217) 854-7531
Meeting Date, Time & Place: 3rd Tuesday each month, 7:30 p.m. at the KC Hall, 106 N. Side Square, Carlinville.

Philosophy of Organization: The Knights of Columbus is a Catholic, family, fraternal, service organization with it's roots dating back to 1882. Our council in Carlinville moved to its current home on the Square in 1984. We have over 200 members in our council. Our mission is to help our members, their families and all other members of our parish in time of need. We also strive to give back to the community as well.

Carlinville Area Women's Club

Contact Person: Marie Reznicek
Phone: (217) 854-8783
Meeting Date, Time & Place: 2nd Wednesday each month, 12 noon luncheon at Blackburn College Annex, Carlinville.

Mission Statement: Our mission is to support and provide assistance to varied groups of people and to community projects. Programs designed to entertain as well as inform, will provide an opportunity for social camaraderie among women of like interest-yet-varied backgrounds. The club encourages women to join together for friendship and sharing. It provides members the opportunity to participate in projects to improve our community; encourages leadership and good citizenship; and provides an opportunity for voluntary service.

We also provide a wide variety of interesting programs such as: travelogues, beauty aids, catering tips, nutrition, social problems and solutions, musicals, travel tips, book reviews and adventures from Rescue 911. Some of the projects the Carlinville Woman's Club has contributed to include the Milk Fund for school children, scholarships, Post Prom Committee, Carlinville Public Library, Carlinville Area Hospital, Flood Relief victims and the Just Say No Club.

Catholic Daughters of America Court #1822

Contact Person: Peggy Garrison
Phone: (217) 854-8547
Meeting Date, Time & Place: 4th Monday each month, 7:15 p.m. at Ss. Mary & Joseph Church Hall, Carlinville.

Philosophy of Organization: The Catholic Daughters of America is a national organization. We help support our young children in the community. There are conventions and workshops that members can attend. Members that attend these conventions and workshops come from different Dioceses, (such as Belleville, Springfield, etc.). This would be a great way to meet new people from the chapters in our community and the nearby towns. Our meetings are held once a month. Each month is a different program which the members enjoy very much. We have approximately 90 members. We welcome new members at any time. Please contact the Regent listed above for the application.

Cub Scout Pack 62

Contact Person: Todd Downs
Phone: (217) 854-8182
Meeting Date, Time & Place: Pack meetings are held only during the school year on the 3rd Thursday of the month at 7 p.m.

Philosophy of Organization: Each Cub Scout learns the Scout Promise and is held to that promise. To do his duty to God and Country, to do his best, and to help other people.

Cub Scout Pack 65

Contact Person: Tammy & Chris Boston
Phone: (217) 854-2661
Meeting Date, Time & Place: 2nd Tuesday each month September-May in Carlinville. Each den also meets weekly.
Philosophy of Organization: Preparing boys to be good citizens.

Girl Scouts of Carlinville

Contact Person: Mary Jane Thomas
Phone: (217) 854-3033
Meeting Date, Time & Place: Varies by troop. Girl Scout Little House, 721 E 2nd South, Carlinville – 854-3403.

Philosophy of Organization: The Girl Scouts of the U.S.A. is part of a world-wide organization that is dedicated to helping and encouraging young girls to realize their potential. Girls from kindergarten age through high school work with each other, enjoying all sorts of activities. They learn leadership skills and outdoor skills. They learn to respect themselves, each other, and to accept other people's differences. They learn about the value of helping others in need and providing service to their communities. But most of all Girl Scouting is fun! The girl comes first in Girl Scouts – "Where girls grow strong."

Macoupin County Office University of Illinois Extension

Contact Person: Paula Robinson
Phone: (217) 854-9604
Meeting Date, Time & Place: 210 N. Broad St.
Philosophy of Organization: The University of Illinois Extension is your local source of informal programs for youth and adults. We provide research-based information for people of all ages in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the University of Illinois, Macoupin County and local partners.

Our purpose is to help citizens gain knowledge and increase their awareness of issues in these program priority issues: Agriculture Profitability and Sustainability; Family Well-Being; Food, Nutrition and Wellness; Farm and Family Resource Management; Conservation and Natural Resources; Leadership Development; 4-H/Youth Development Education; Community and Economic Development. The information is made available by utilizing a variety of teaching techniques including seminars, bulletins, brochures, newsletters, satellite programs, teleconferences, and news media.

Macoupin County Historical Society

Contact Person: Josephine Remling
Phone: (217) 854-8916
Meeting Date, Time & Place: Regular membership meetings: 1st Monday each month, 7:30 p.m. with the location and program announced in local newspapers. Board meetings, 4th Friday each month, 7:30 p.m. at the Museum in Carlinville.

Philosophy of Organization: "The purpose of this society shall be to bring together those people interested in history, and especially in the history of Macoupin County. Understanding the history of our community is basic to our democratic way of life, gives us a better understanding of our state and nation, and promotes a better appreciation of our American heritage." The Society is dedicated to studying the history of the area and collecting and preserving memorabilia of its people.

Macoupin County 4-H

Contact Person: Paula Robinson, 210 N. Broad, Carlinville.
Phone: (217) 854-9604
Meeting Date, Time & Place: Varies
Philosophy of Organization: 4-H has many educational projects which help our young people gain practical skills, develop good nutrition and health habits, explore career opportunities, generate leadership skills and become involved as citizens in the local communities.

4-H is one of the youth programs available through University of Illinois Extension. Through schools and community clubs, 4-H offers an informal, educational program using a variety of techniques to reach over 4,000 boys and girls in Macoupin County.
4-H is effective because it is an educational program that relates to youth's needs. It emphasizes "learning by doing." Cloverbud groups are offered for ages 5-7, and 4-H groups for ages 8-19.

Macoupin County Republican Women

Contact Person: JoAnn Cannedy
Phone: (217) 854-8333
Meeting Date, Time & Place: 4th Thursday each month, 7:00 p.m. at the Carlinville Library.

Philosophy of Organization: Women uniting together to better our community and nation to restore the rights our forefathers so proudly bestowed upon us.

Mary Hunter Austin Society

Contact Person: Ann Barnard, Chair
Phone: (217) 854-5141
Meeting Date, Time & Place: Bimonthly on the second Sunday of the month at 2 p.m. in the fiction room of the Blackburn College library, unless otherwise advertised.
Philosophy of Organization: The purposes of the Society are to increase the awareness of Mary Austin's life and work, both locally and nationally, to increase reading and study of books and articles by and about Austin, and to exchange information with others who share this interest.

Mt. Nebo Lodge #76 A.F.&A.M.

Contact Person: James Johnson
Phone: (217) 854-3079
Meeting Date, Time & Place: 1st and 3rd Thursday, 7:30 p.m. at 257 N. Broad St., Carlinville.

Philosophy of Organization: Masonry (or freemasonry) is the oldest fraternity in the world – no one knows just how old it is because the actual origins have been lost in time. It probably arose from the guilds of stone masons who built the castles and cathedrals of the Middle Ages. They were possibly influenced by the Knights Templar – a group of Christian warrior monks formed in 1118 to help protect pilgrims making trips to the Holy Land.

Veterans of Foreign Wars, John L. Meyer Post #1104 Auxiliary

Contact Person: Marvin Jones
Phone: (217) 854-8907
Meeting Date, Time & Place: 2nd Wednesday each month, 7 p.m. at the Post Home, 208 S. West St.

Philosophy of Organization: The objectives of this organization shall be fraternal, patriotic, historical and educational: to assist the Posts and members thereof, the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States, and its own members whenever possible; to maintain true allegiance to the government of the United States of America and fidelity to its Constitution and laws; to foster true patriotism; to maintain and extend the institutions of American freedom and equal rights and justice to all men and women; and to preserve and defend the United States of America from all her enemies whomsoever.

We Care Recycling

Contact Person: Randy Duncan
Phone: (217) 854-8888
Meeting Date, Time & Place: Board of Directors meet the 1st Thursday each month, 7 p.m. at the Carlinville Public Library. Visitors are welcome.

Philosophy of Organization: We Care Recycling is a tax exempt, not-for-profit corporation organized to promote and encourage the reduction of waste through the collection, processing and marketing of recyclable materials and to foster education of the public concerning the benefits of recycling. Drop-off and processing facilities are located at 330 West First North Street (behind Bates Motor Co.). Cardboard, newspaper, magazines, aluminum cams, tin cans, No. 1 and No. 2 plastic and container glass are accepted. Volunteers who wish to help in this effort are encouraged to contact the Operations Manager at (217) 854-8888.