Press Releases

"Youth Appreciation Week"

"Youth Appreciation Week"

Highland Optimist Club President Robert Dunn looks on as Highland Mayor Joe Michaelis signs a City Proclamation recognizing the week of November 20-24, 2017, as “Youth Appreciation Week” in Highland, Illinois. The Optimist Club, in conjunction with Optimist International’s recognition of youth, is one of many clubs throughout the country who recognize local youth for their efforts in the arts, athletics, academics, and community service work. To kick off the week, The Highland Optimist Club will honor Highland High School class and club officers on Monday, November 20, 2017, at the Highland Country Club.

Madison County Coroner Nunn Reappoints Deputy Coroners

Madison County Coroner Nunn Reappoints Deputy Coroners

On Thursday, December 1, 2016, at the Madison County Courthouse in Edwardsville, IL, Stephen P. Nunn, Madison County Coroner, reelected for the fifth term was sworn in.

Also sworn-in were Reserve Deputy Coroners for the County, Thomas L. Fowler, Jay W. Boulanger and Clifton A. Couch from Spengel-Boulanger Funeral Home and Dauderman Mortuary. Robert A. Dauderman was unable to attend and will be sworn-in at a later date. 

October is Breast Cancer Awareness

October is Breast Cancer Awareness

Spengel-Boulanger Funeral Home supports Breast Cancer Awareness in the month of October by wearing pink to help spread  the word about the disease.  

Funeral Honor Guard Recognized for their Service to Deceased Veterans

Funeral Honor Guard Recognized for their Service to Deceased Veterans

February 2016Highland, IL – Over thirty members of the VFW Post #5694 and American Legion Lee Iten Post #439 Honor Guard were recognized for their service on Sunday, February 28, 2016, at the Highland VFW.  The evening was sponsored by Spengel-Boulanger Funeral Home of Highland.

The veterans were served a dinner by the funeral home employees and given a medallion with each member’s branch of service inscribed on the front.  The dinner was catered by Urban Farmhouse of Highland.

Funeral Directors Cliff Couch and Jay Boulanger both spoke to the group, complimenting them on their professionalism and dedication to serving deceased veterans and their families.  Jay also spoke about the value of having a local Honor Guard and how their working relationship is beneficial to the program’s success.

Honor Guard members Bill Holcomb and Val Buchmiller presented Boulanger with a certificate and plaque, thanking him and the entire Spengel-Boulanger staff for their continued involvement in the program and for giving them the opportunity to provide a memorable service.

Spengel-Boulanger Funeral Home has offered military families the services of the Honor Guard for many years.  Every eligible veteran is entitled to receive a military funeral honors ceremony which includes a firing squad, flag folding, flag presentation, and the sounding of taps at no cost to their family.

For more information about the Highland Funeral Honor Guard, please contact Spengel-Boulanger Funeral Home at 618-654-2133 or Val Buchmiller at 618-654-2556. 

GROUP PHOTO:  Funeral Directors Jay Boulanger, Cliff Couch, and Tom Fowler stand with members of the Funeral Honor Guard from both VFW Post #5694 and American Legion Lee Iten Post #439 after a dinner that was hosted by Spengel-Boulanger Funeral Home on Sunday, February 28, 2016.

The Honor Guard presented Jay Boulanger with a plaque to recognize both him and the Spengel-Boulanger staff for their efforts in making it possible to render their services to deceased military members and their families.  (Left to Right:  Val Buchmiller, Jay Boulanger, Bill Holcomb, and Tony Haisler)

Boulanger Named Paul Harris Fellow by the Highland Optimist Club

Boulanger Named Paul Harris Fellow by the Highland Optimist Club

 January 2016

Highland, IL - The Highland Rotary Club recently named Jay W. Boulanger of Spengel-Boulanger Funeral Home in Highland as a Paul Harris Fellow at their weekly meeting held on Tuesday, January 19, 2016, at Michael’s Restaurant.

Established in 1957, The Paul Harris Fellow award acknowledges individuals who have made substantial contributions to The Rotary Foundation of Rotary International and whose lives exemplify the same humanitarian and educational objectives of the Foundation.

“Because of his exceptional service and commitment to the Highland community, Jay was a great fit for this award,” said Angie Fears, Foundation Chair for the Highland Rotary Club.

Committed to giving back and reinvesting in the local area, Boulanger has dedicated many years to community service.  He is an active member and has held leadership roles with several organizations, including the Highland Chamber of Commerce, Madison County Fair Association, Highland Optimists, Louis Latzer Memorial Library Board, St. Joseph’s Hospital Friends, and the Highland Jaycees to name a few.

“I was taken by surprise,” commented Boulanger.  “To be recognized by an organization that means so much to Highland is quite an honor.”  Along with a special presentation, Boulanger received a certificate and pin in recognition of his award. 

Every year, The Paul Harris Fellow award is presented to two non-Rotarians throughout the year by the Highland Rotary Club.  For more information about the Highland Rotary Club, please visit their Website at www.highlandrotary.org. 

PHOTO:  Highland Rotary Club President, Bob Luitjohan (left) stands with Jay Boulanger (right) and his newly awarded Paul Harris Fellow award certificate.

Highland Optimists Honor Local Students

Highland Optimists Honor Local Students 

 November 2015Highland, IL – The Highland Optimist Club recognized 28 Highland High School Class and Club officers at their monthly meeting held on November 16, 2015, at the Highland Country Club.  The event kicks off “Youth Appreciation Week”, which the Highland chapter has hosted in conjunction with Optimist International’s recognition of youth for over ten years. 

Mayor Joe Michaelis was present to read a City Proclamation and recognize the students for their efforts. Highland Community School Superintendent Michael Sutton and Highland High School Principal Dr. Karen Gauen were also in attendance to join the students for a special dinner, program, and awards presentation. Highland Optimist President Jay Korte and Event Chair Jay Boulanger organized the event.

Optimist International is one of the world’s largest service club organizations with 75,000 adult and youth members in 2,600 clubs in the United States and throughout the world.  Carrying the motto, “Bringing Out the Best in Kids,” Optimists conduct service projects and events that reach more than six million young people each year.

To learn more about Optimist International and the Highland Optimist Club, please visit their Website at www.highlandoptimist.org.PHOTO:  Front (Left to Right):  Alexa Ruskus, Emily Gutzler, Kayla Green, Madelyn Shively, Katelyn Marti, Brianna Becherer, McKenzie Rosen, and Lauren Wright; Middle: Jenna Spies, Morgan Potthast, Allison Zobrist, Austin Brown, Adam Kelso, Trent Carriger, and Nathan Harris; Back:  Justin Wheeler, Kyle Lane, Parker Wrobbel, Ben Thomae, Joey Rittenhouse, Trenton Allen, and Matt Beyer

Funeral Homes Donate to Highland Lions Club Recycling Efforts

Funeral Homes Donate to Highland Lions Club Recycling Efforts 

September 2015

Highland, IL –Spengel-Boulanger Funeral Home in Highland and Marine, IL and Dauderman Mortuary in Alhambra and Hamel, IL donated 275 pairs of eyeglasses and 25 sets of hearing aids to the Highland Lions Club this month.  The funeral homes are part of many nationwide collection points participating in the Lions’ “Recycle for Sight" and Hearing Aid Recycling Programs (HARP). 

"Recycle for Sight", adopted by the Lions in 1994, distributes eyeglasses to people in need in developing countries where eye care is often unaffordable and inaccessible.  HARP enables Lions to provide affordable hearing aids for individuals with limited financial resources.

Since 1995, the funeral homes have collected items for the Lions as part of their overall commitment to serving the surrounding communities.

Prescription and reading glasses, sunglasses, plastic and metal frames, children's glasses, and hearing aids, continue to be accepted at any of the funeral home's four locations or call (618) 654-2133 to schedule a pick up.

Lions clubs have aided the blind and the hearing impaired since 1917, making a strong commitment to community service and serving youth throughout the world.  For more information about the Highland Lions Club's efforts, contact President Pete Pisaneschi or visit the Lions Club’s International Web site at www.lionsclubs.org.

PHOTO:  Funeral Director and Highland Lions Club Member Thomas Fowler accepts 275 pairs of eyeglasses and 25 sets of hearing aids from fellow Lions and Funeral Home Representatives Biddy Essenpreis and Gene Redman, and Funeral Director Clifton Couch for donation to the “Recycle for Sight” and HARP programs sponsored by Lions Club International.

Jay Boulanger named Highland Chamber of Commerce Member of the Year

Jay Boulanger named Highland Chamber of Commerce Member of the Year 

Published in the Highland News Leader on July 1, 2015

BY MARK HODAPP

Jay Boulanger, owner of Spengel-Boulanger Funeral Home and the winner of this year’s Bill Pierce Chamber Member of the Year Award, is Highland through and through.

He was born in Highland and raised by parents, Wilson and Elva Jo Boulanger, who were highly dedicated to community and taught their son to be the same.

“I feel the better description is that the nut doesn’t fall far from the tree,” said chamber treasurer Howard Held, who presented Boulanger with his award at the chamber’s annual meeting on June 23.

Boulanger graduated from Highland High School in 1962 and was named an all-conference football player. He continued his education by attending both Southern Illinois University Edwardsville and SIU Carbondale.

“He earned three different degrees from these institutions and actively supports them through their respective alumni associations,” Held said.

He married his wife, Cathy, in 1969; they have five children and 13 grandchildren.

He joined the family funeral business in 1974.

“Through his time and talent, he has not only kept the business going, but it thrived,” Held said.

Boulanger has now been at the helm of the business for 40-plus years and has become a leader in the industry, serving on many local, state and national boards.

“He takes great pride in the quality of service his company provides,” Held said.

The business has grown through the acquisitions of Halleman Funeral Home in Marine and Dauderman Mortuary Alhambra and Hamel.

“Through the funeral home, Jay acknowledges the services of the Highland Police Department and the VFW Honor Guard with a dinner each year. The business was designated a centennial business by the state of Illinois and will be celebrating its 113th year of existence in 2015,” Held said.

Along the way, Boulanger helped the community to thrive as well.

Organizations with which he has been involved, many in leadership roles, include the Helvetia Sharpshooters, Madison County Fair Association, Highland Historical Society, Highland Masonic Lodge, Scottish Rite Shriners, Silver Lake Shrine Club, Optimists, Highland Economic Development Commission, Louis Latzer Memorial Library Board, St. Joseph’s Hospital Friends, Highland Jaycees, Bulldog Booster Club, Faith Countryside Homes, Meals on Wheels, Highland Area Christian Service Ministry food pantry, the city’s sesquicentennial and bicentennial associations, the Highland City Cemetery Association, the Highland Area Community Foundation, and — of course — the Highland Chamber of Commerce.

“As a chamber member, his contributions easily show his dedication and love of this organization,” Held said. “He believes in the Chamber, its mission, and how it can be a very important and valuable resource for Highland businesses and their customers. He is a past president, along with his father.”

Boulanger served as chamber president from July 2005 to June 2006; his father was president in 1944-45. He has also served on various committees and projects and is currently a director.

“He supports the chamber by participating in our programs, such as business after hours, education seminars, and also by supporting our fundraising efforts,” Held said. “I believe he has never missed a year as a square sponsor at our annual Street Art Festival. He also is a major supporter at our Valentine’s/spring fundraiser dinner auctions. He has numerous times helped out the chamber, and at times, has done so anonymously.”

Boulanger said he was surprised to receive the award, which was named after his good friend, the late Bill Pierce.

“He was quite of a guy,” he said.

Boulanger said his dad and Ralph Korte were also a big influence in his life. He said his dad instilled him at an early age the importance of helping others out in the community.

“And that struck a chord with me,” he said.

Boulanger also recalled Korte telling him years later: “If you are going to make a living in a community and live in a community, you have to pay your community dues.”

Part of those so-called dues are donating your time, talents and mind back into a community.

“I echo him 100 percent,” Boulanger said.

But Boulanger believes he is just one of many who share Korte’s view.

“There are countless people volunteering their time and efforts,” he said.

ABOUT THE AWARD

The Bill Pierce Chamber Member of the Year Award is presented to a member of the Highland Chamber of Commerce who has exhibited extraordinary service to the organization and who has made use of his or her business skills for the betterment of the entire community.

This person has held chamber leadership positions, being a board member and/or project chairperson and has shown initiative and creativity in pursuing the goals of his or her business or profession.

Pierce was an integral part of Highland, he wore many hats from chief of police to city manager and everything in between.

The Highland Optimist Club Celebrate Youth Appreciation Week by Honoring HHS Students

The Highland Optimist Club Celebrate Youth Appreciation Week by Honoring HHS Students 

December 2014

Highland, IL - The Highland Optimist Club honored 31 class and club officers from Highland High School on December 1, 2014, at the Highland Country Club. 

Mayor Joe Michaelis, Highland Community School Superintendent Michael Sutton, and Highland High School Associate Principal Chris Becker were in attendance to offer their congratulations and present certificates to the students. 

Mr. Thomas D. Gibbons, Madison County State's Attorney, was the guest speaker for the evening.  

The Highland Optimist Club has been recognizing the leaders of various clubs and organizations at Highland High School as part of their Youth Appreciation Week activities for over ten years.  Highland Optimist member Jay Boulanger chairs the event. 

Students honored at the event were: Mary Austin, Matthew Beyer, Allison Buchmiller, Kylie Burdick, Kathryn Daiber, Tristan Daily, Emily Dant, Hannah Dawson, Nicholas Dugan, Ashlyn Gietl, Luke Goring, Zander Hayes, Kristy Hindman-Cook, Adrianna Jakel, Abigail Johnson, Maggie Keeven, Morgan Korte, Phillip LaFrance, Kyle Lane, Benjamin Leman, Jordan Lynn, Jenna Melosi, Benjamin Menke, Abigail Metzler, Joseph Range, Darrin Reinhardt, Alexa Ruskus, Molly Schutzenhofer, Vanessa Shelton, Dylan Sparrowk, and Allison Zobrist.

Wearing Pink In Support Of Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Wearing Pink In Support Of Breast Cancer Awareness Month 

October 2014

Highland-IL - Spengel-Boulanger Funeral Home employees showed their support of Breast Cancer Awareness month by wearing pink to help spread  the word about the disease.  About 1 in 8 women born today in the United States will get breast cancer at some point during her life. After skin cancer, breast cancer is the most common kind of cancer in women.  The good news is that many women can survive breast cancer if it’s found and treated early.  Talk to a doctor about your risk for breast cancer, especially if a close family member has had breast or ovarian cancer. Pictured left to right:  Gene Redman, Larry "Biddy" Essenpreis, Cindy Emig, Deborah Koishor, Jay Boulanger, Tom Fowler, and Cliff Couch

Cell Phones For Soldiers Donation

Cell Phones For Soldiers Donation

October 2014

Highland, IL – Through the collection efforts of Spengel-Boulanger Funeral Home and Dauderman Mortuary, over 170 cell phones and accessories were recently sent to the Cell Phones For Soldiers national donation program this year.

Spengel-Boulanger Funeral Home in Highland and Marine and Dauderman Mortuary in Alhambra and Hamel have been collecting and forwarding used phones to the recycling effort since 2010.

Cell Phones For Soldiers Inc. is a nonprofit organization dedicated to serving active duty military members and veterans with free prepaid international calling cards and emergency funding.  Founded in 2004 by Robbie and Brittany Bergquist, then 12 and 13 years old, Cell Phones For Soldiers has provided more than 210 million “Minutes That Matter” to servicemen and women stationed overseas.  For every donated phone, Cell Phones For Soldiers is able to provide two and a half hours of free talk time to deployed troops.

Approximately half of the recycled phones are reconditioned and reused. Phones and components that cannot be refurbished are dismantled and responsibly recycled to reclaim materials.

To donate a deactivated phone, please bring it to any Spengel-Boulanger Funeral Home or Dauderman Mortuary location and they will have it forwarded to the Cell Phones For Soldiers program.  

For more information about Cell Phones For Soldiers, please visit www.cellphonesforsoldiers.com or www.spengel-boulanger.com.

Boulanger Receives Recertification with the Academy of Professional Funeral Service Practice (APFSP) 

February 2014Highland, IL - Jay W. Boulanger, funeral director with Spengel-Boulanger Funeral Home, Inc. has recently qualified for re-certification of the designation of Certified Funeral Service Practitioner (CFSP), by the Academy of Professional Funeral Service Practice.  Boulanger is also a Lifetime Member and serves as Ambassador for the Academy.A select few have distinguished themselves among their peers within the funeral service profession as they continue their education to exceed the highest standards of care.  This achievement is especially notable because Jay has voluntarily elected to participate in quality educational and service opportunities that far surpass what the funeral service licensing board in Illinois requires.  Jay has committed to a program of lifelong learning to the community with the level of excellence expected of a CFSP.Since its 1976 founding, the Academy has had as its goals:  1) to recognize those practitioners who have voluntarily entered into a program of personal and professional growth, 2) to raise and improve the standards of funeral service and 3) to encourage practitioners to make continuing education a life-long process in their own self-interest, the interest of families they serve, and the community in which they serve.To initially receive this award, the practitioner must complete a 180 hour program of continuing education activities and events.  In addition, the practitioner is required to accumulate 20 hours per year to re-certify.  Credits are awarded by the Academy for work leading to personal and/or professional growth in four areas:- Academic Activities- Professional Activities- Career Review (for retroactive credit)- Community and Civic ActivitiesInformation about Academy membership and certification may be obtained by contacting:  Academy of Professional Funeral Service Practice, Inc., Patty S. Huncheson, Executive Director, P.O. Box 1160, Buchanan, GA  30113; (770) 646-8988 or on the web at www.apfsp.org.

Highland Optimist Club Honors Local Youth

Highland Optimist Club Honors Local Youth 

December 2013Highland, IL - The Highland Optimist Club honored twenty-nine class and club officers from Highland High School on December 2, 2013 at the Highland Country Club. 

Mayor Joe Michaelis, Highland Community School Superintendent Michael Sutton, High School Principal Karen Gauen, and City Manager Mark Latham were in attendance to offer their congratulations and present certificates to the students. 

Mr. Edward L. McMillan, owner and CEO of McMillan, LLC, was the guest speaker for the evening.  

The Highland Optimist Club has been recognizing the leaders for the various clubs and organizations at Highland High School as part of their Youth Appreciation Week activities for over ten years.  Highland Optimist member Jay Boulanger chairs the event. 

Students honored at the event were: Mary Austin, Allison Buchmiller, Cali Byrd, Josh Case, Hannah Dawson, Rachel Dugan, Carrie Eilerman, Audrey Fuesting, Carrie Gibbons, Zach Goring, Aubrey Hacke, Lauren Hammel, Hannah Hartlieb, Kaelin Hirsch, Alyssa Kuczka, Ben Leman, Katelyn Lucia, Ben Menke, Chloe Potthast, Darren Reinhart, Joey Rittenhouse, Casandra Rode, Lexis Sandifer, Anastasia Sapronova, Morgan Semanisin, Jayden Shelton, Will Thomae, Kevin Wang, and Allison Zobrist.

Funeral Homes Donate to Highland Lions Club

Funeral Homes Donate to Highland Lions Club 

October 2013Highland, IL – As part of an on-going commitment to community service, Spengel-Boulanger Funeral Home in Highland and Marine and Dauderman Mortuary in Alhambra and Hamel have received over 300 pairs of eyeglasses and 30 hearing aids for the Highland Lions Club.  The funeral homes represent many nationwide collection points taking part in the Lions’ "Recycle for Sight" and hearing aid recycling program. 

The "Recycle for Sight" recycling program, adopted by the Lions in 1994, distributes eyeglasses to people in need in developing countries where eye care is often unaffordable and inaccessible.  The organization also helps people with hearing loss or impairments through their hearing aid recycling program.  Lions International recycles thousands of hearing aids a year that enhance the lives of adults and children worldwide.

Spengel-Boulanger Funeral Home and Dauderman Mortuary have been collecting for the Lions since 1995.  Their donation represents about a third of the total collected by the Highland Lions Club this year.

Prescription and reading glasses, sunglasses, plastic and metal frames, children's glasses, and hearing aids, continue to be accepted at the funeral home's four locations.  Those who wish to donate may contact them at (618) 654-2133 for pick up or drop items off at the funeral home.

Since 1917, Lions clubs have aided the blind and the hearing impaired, making a strong commitment to community service and serving youth throughout the world.  For more information about the Highland Lions Club's efforts, contact President Arnold Meyer at (618) 654-4681 or visit the Lions Club’s International Web site at www.lionsclubs.org.

From Left to Right:  Funeral Director and Highland Lions Club Member, Tom Fowler; Highland Lions Club President Arnold Meyer and Jay W. Boulanger of Spengel-Boulanger Funeral Home with a collection of eyeglasses and hearing aids donated at the funeral home.  The recycled items are distributed to those in need worldwide.

New Website Offers Interactive, Updated Design to Connect and Serve Families

 New Website Offers Interactive, Updated Design to Connect and Serve Families

September 2013Spengel-Boulanger Funeral Home in Highland and Marine and Dauderman Mortuary in Alhambra and Hamel announce the launch of a new website available at www.spengel-boulanger.com.

The completely redesigned website features an obituary platform that allows families and friends to interact digitally though a memorial site dedicated to their deceased loved one.  This site serves as a permanent location to view obituary information, as well as service times and locations.  Visitors can also celebrate a life lived through the sharing of memories, condolences, photos, videos, and more.  The memorial sites can be viewed for many years to come, allowing future generations to get to know their family members in a special online memorial. 

As in the past, anyone can subscribe to receive obituary notifications by clicking on the “Obituary Notifications” link throughout the site.  Those who have signed up previously will continue to receive emails through the new system.

In addition to the new memorial sites, guests can also access more information about the funeral homes, their product offerings and services through simplified navigation. Resources including frequently asked questions, funeral etiquette, after the funeral checklists, and community events and links are also new to the site.

Another feature is an integrated "Sympathy Store".  The store allows guests to order floral arrangements and gifts directly from the site.  All floral arrangements are placed with local florists and can be delivered directly to the funeral home or to any other address.  Additional products available for sale include gift baskets, comfort food, memorial gifts, jewelry, and grief and healing books. 

FuneralOne™, the developer of the site, provides an award-winning e-Aftercare solution that can assist families through their grief journey with interactive grief videos and 365 days of email affirmations.  A listing of local bereavement support groups is also provided.

Families can now easily pre-arrange their funeral through a strategic pre-planning tool. A username and password is required to begin the tool and can be accessed at any time.  All information is kept confidential and a funeral director will contact the visitor to discuss their options.

For over a century, Spengel-Boulanger Funeral Home and Dauderman Mortuary have been recognized for their exceptional service and experience in the business of caregiving, supporting, and advising families.  For more information, visit www.spengel-boulanger.com, or contact (618) 654-2133.

Collection of Eyeglasses and Hearing Aids Donated to Highland Lions Club

Collection of Eyeglasses and Hearing Aids Donated to Highland Lions Club

February 2013Spengel-Boulanger Funeral Home in Highland and Marine, IL, recently donated over 225 pairs of eyeglasses and over a dozen hearing aids to the Highland Lions Club.  The funeral homes represent many nationwide collection points taking part in the Lions "Recycle for Sight" and hearing aid recycling programs.

The "Recycle for Sight" recycling program, adopted by the Lions in 1994, distributes eyeglasses to people in need in developing countries where eye care is often unaffordable and inaccessible.  The organization also helps people with hearing loss or impairments  through their hearing aid recycling program.  Lions recycle thousands of hearing aids a year that enhance the lives of adults and children worldwide.

Spengel-Boulanger Funeral Home has been collecting for the Lions since 1995 and is the largest annual donor of eyeglasses and hearing aids in the Highland area.

Prescription and reading glasses, sunglasses, plastic and metal frames, children's glasses, and hearing aids, continue to be accepted at the funeral home's locations in both Highland and Marine.   Those who wish to donate may contact them at (618) 654-2133 or via their Web site at www.spengel-boulanger.com. 

Since 1917, Lions clubs have aided the blind and hearing impaired and made a strong commitment to community service and serving youth throughout the world.  For more information about the Highland Lions Club's efforts, contact Past District Governor Earl Steiner at (618) 654-6644 or visit the Lions Clubs International Web site at www.lionsclubs.org.

Spengel-Boulanger NominatesĀ Leaps of Love to Receive Grant Money

Spengel-Boulanger Nominates Leaps of Love to Receive Grant Money 

March 2013Jay W. Boulanger, Funeral Director of Spengel-Boulanger Funeral Home in Highland and Marine and Dauderman Mortuary in Alhambra and Hamel, recently presented a $750 grant check to Leaps of Love, Inc., a local organization that supports families of childhood cancer.  The grant was made possible by the York Children's Foundation, Artco Casket Co. in St. Louis, and a nomination of the charity by the funeral home during the 2nd quarter of 2012.

With every purchase of a York casket, a donation is made to the York Children's Foundation in the name of the loved one.  Local charities are nominated by funeral directors across the country and grants are issued by the Foundation’s Board of Trustees.  The Foundation is funded by the Matthews International Casket Division, a casket manufacturer headquartered in Philadelphia, PA.  Artco Casket Co. in St. Louis is the local distributor. 

The York Children's Foundation, established in 1992, awards grants to non-profit organizations whose sole purpose is to support children. To date, the Foundation has contributed over $2.2 million to primarily community-based children's charities across the country.

Since joining the program, Spengel-Boulanger Funeral Home has distributed over $15,000 to local children's organizations.

Spengel-Boulanger Funeral Home is proud to be a part of this program and its support of Leaps of Love, Inc.  The local organization was founded by Traci Riechmann, a resident of Highland, and gives hope, strength, and encouragement to families of children with cancer.  They sponsor family retreats, social events, outings, and other activities designed to strengthen lives with the help of others in similar situations.  For more information on Leaps of Love, Inc., please visit their Web site at www.leapsoflove.org.

If you know of a local not-for-profit children's organization in need of funding, please contact Jay Boulanger at 618-654-2133 to be considered for this program. 

From Left to Right:  Jay W. Boulanger of Spengel-Boulanger Funeral Home and Marty Adams of Artco Casket Company present a $750 grant check to Leaps of Love, Inc. founder, Traci Riechmann

Highland Optimist Recognize Highland High School StudentsĀ November 2012

Highland Optimist Recognize Highland High School Students November 2012

The Highland Optimist Club, in association with Optimist Clubs throughout North America, recognized twenty-nine Highland High School Class and Club leaders at the Annual Youth Appreciation Banquet on Monday, November 19, 2012, at the Highland Country Club.

Mayor Joe Michaelis was present to read a City Proclamation and congratulate the students for their efforts.  Highland Community School Superintendent Michael Sutton and Highland High School Principal Derek Hacke were also in attendance to offer congratulatory remarks and present certificates to the students. 

The Highland Optimist Club has been recognizing the leaders for the various clubs and organizations at Highland High School as part of their Youth Appreciation Week activities for over ten years.  Highland Optimist member Jay Boulanger chairs the event. 

Students honored at the event were:

Front Center:  Lauren Hammel (Student Council)

1st Row:  Abigail Johnson (Class of 2015), Kelsey Newcomb (Class of 2013), Abby Rinderer (FCA), Carrie Gibbons (Class of 2014), Allison Zobrist (Class of 2016), Katie Wiegand (Guard Dog), Amanda Wick (Drama Club), Cori Rehkemper (Student Council), Katelyn Sullens (FMCC)

2nd Row:  Joel Mason (FCA and Jr. Optimist), Katelyn Lucia (Band)

3rd Row:  Ethan Renko (French Club), Andrew Dickman (Model UN), Lexis Sandifer (FMCC), Amelia Raymond (FFA), Tyler Stone (Yearbook), Kevin Wang (TECH), Christa Williams (Yearbook), Matthew Beyer (Class of 2016)

Students not present:  Clarissa Boyer (Book Club), Katelyn Brinker (NHS and Scholar Bowl), Samantha Green (Book Club), Josh Hinkle (LEO Club), Hannah Louvier (Acapella Choir), Austin McCloud (FBL), McKinsey Shelton (FCA), Devynn Byrd (Yearbook), and Victoria Wilde (Band)

Spengel-Boulanger Nominates H.I.S. K.I.D.S., Inc.

Spengel-Boulanger Nominates H.I.S. K.I.D.S., Inc.  

August 2012H.I.S. K.I.D.S., Inc. co-founders, Jim and Connie Miles, accept a $1,000 grant check from Marty Adams of Artco Casket Company and Jay W. Boulanger of Spengel-Boulanger Funeral Home. The grant was provided by York Children's Foundation, a foundation funded through purchases of York Caskets. Artco Casket Co. in St. Louis is the local distributor.For more information on H.I.S. K.I.D.S., Inc., please visit www.hiskidsinc.org.