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2022 Citizen of Achievement – John Preston

Pictured: John Preston and Bradley Mayberry, President

We begin with a quote from Fred Rogers….“Look for the helpers. You will always find people are helping”. To this day, especially in times of disaster, I remember my mothers words and I am always comforted by realizing that there are still so many helpers…. so many caring people in this world.


This is how I would describe my nomination. He has spent his life helping others. When he sees someone that needs a hand, he is there. Always eager to help anyone in need.

When writing this nomination letter, I reached out to many individuals within the community to listen to their stories. And boy are there many. One gentleman told me that when he was ill, my nomination would drive he and his wife to and from the hospitals and appointments in St. Louis since they were unable. Another individual describes him as a vital asset to the church and school. He is always there to take on any project they may have. Scheduling repairs and seeing them through to the end. In the morning it is common to see him driving up to the school to see what he can help with. Several years ago he had a few free days and wanted to repair the lamppost flag brackets in town. The city was repairing the brackets as they had time available, but he wanted to have the American flags flying evenly on every pole. He set out with his toolbox and ladder, repairing and straightening every flag post.


One of the largest programs he works with is the Randolph County Toys for Tots program. Since 2009 he and his wife have visited every school in Randolph County, every year dropping off applications to each school. They work for months collecting money, raising awareness to the program, picking up toys, hosting raffles, and partnering for donations. He is very proud of this program and works hard for it year round. He walks with his fellow Marines in all the Randolph County Parades, handing out items from the organization. By December he has his own Santa’s Workshop in his home as items start coming in. In 2019 alone they helped almost 800 children in Randolph county receive a toy for Christmas. He takes the phrase “Every child deserves a toy for Christmas” to heart.


Compassion and Patriotism are apparent in him always. He and his fellow VFW Veterans raise the flags on Main and Market and at the entrances to the city during times of remembrance. He Chairs the flag program at the VFW and maintains the posts inventory of medical equipment for veterans and local citizens in need. He is the adjuant for the Randolph County Marine Corps League, the Chaplain of the VFW Post 6632 and a recipient for the Bicentennial Honor 200. He previously was a boy scout leader, is a trustee of St. Johns Lutheran School and Church, and is a part of the SonShine Visitation Ministry.


In 2015 he was named Lion of the year by the Red Bud Lions Club. His accomplishments are many. He does not do it for the recognition, he does is because he genuinely cares for others. He is a Helper. Always loo for the helpers in the world. That’s where you will find our John. Semper Fidelis.


Ladies and Gentleman please join me in a round of applause for our 2022 Red Bud Citizen of the Year John Preston.


St. John’s Lutheran Church

  • Life long member (exception while working in Decatur IL for Illinois Power)
  • Graduate of St John’s Lutheran School
  • Served on many church committees, past elder and most currently serving two consecutive terms as as Trustee
  • Can be seen almost daily doing maintenance and repairs at church. If he sees a repair, or is asked to replace signage or an improvement, he “gets in done.”

Graduate of Red Bud HS class of 1964

  • Served on each reunion committee
  • Developed and maintains class member roster data base
  • After high school attended and graduated from Rolla School of Engineering with a BS, Mechanical Engineering Worked 1 year then joined the Marines attaining the rank of Sergeant VFW
  • Past Junior Vice President of VFW Post #6632, currently serves as post chaplain
  • Assisted the move and renovate current VFW
  • Volunteers with team members placing 120 flags on patriotic holidays lining our main streets
  • Color guard participant at military funerals and patriotic events
  • Repurposed mail box, which serves as a collection point for worn out U.S. Flags. Properly destroys them in accordance with proper procedures
  • For the last 10 years had led the Randolph County Toys for Tots
    ◦ Participates in all local parades with Toys for Tots float spreading the word
    ◦ Shops for gifts year-round and solicits donations from various stores and organzations
    ◦ Serves as the collection point for all donations; rents a POD for his driveway to store them
    ◦ Coordinates and leads to assemble gifts to distribute to an average of 600 yearly for ages infant to 13 years of age
  • Active member of Randolph County Marine Corps League
    ◦ Serves as Adjutant and Treasurer Awards
  • Recipient of 2018 State of Illinois Randolph County Bicentennial 200 Honor Lions Club
  • Current member; received Lion of the Year 2014-2015

City Nights

August 15th – City Nights – A Cold Drink and Good Company – Sponsored by Morrison Plumbing, Heating, Air, and Electrical
Brought to you by the Red Bud Chamber of Commerce

October 2023 – The Burnt End!

Chamber Business of the Month

The Burnt End is our October chamber business of the month! They are located right in the heart of Red Bud at 101 East Market Street. The Burnt end offers several made from scratch menu items. What is your favorite menu item when visiting The Burnt End?

Donna and Terry Reinhardt have both enjoyed cooking for many years. Donna, who was born in Birmingham, Alabama, grew up in the kitchen with her mother and grandmother. Terry, who has always loved to BBQ, started doing it professionally in 2009. In 2013, the duo joined forces when Terry asked his friend and coworker, Donna, to help him with a competition, and they never looked back.

Since then, the pair has participated in and won numerous competitions, catered parties and events, and even gotten married. They wanted to create a place where they could combine their love of food, friends, and family (as well as good drinks) – and thus, The Burnt End was born! The Burnt End

September 2023 – Red Bud Country Mart Pharmacy!

Chamber Business of the Month

Please help us in welcoming Red Bud Country Mart Pharmacy as the newest business in Red Bud and Septembers business of the month!

They are officially open inside and open inside!Current hours are:

Monday – Friday 9 am to 6 pm

Saturday 9 am to 1 pm.

They offer in-store and drive thru prescription services, home delivery two days a week, vaccinations, gifts, decor, and more.

You can visit them at 1375 S Main Street and follow along all month as we learn more about this new business!

Did you know 💊Red Bud Country Mart💊offers FREE prescription delivery two days a week?

Call in your prescription and have it delivered to your residence on Mondays or Thursdays!

They can also help with your pill planner. This helps to make sure you or your loved ones are taking the correct medications and on time.

Here are a couple pictures of the decor they offer inside as well as fresh flowers.

August 2023 – Morrison Plumbing, Heating, Air & Electrical!

Chamber Business of the Month

Please congratulate Morrison Plumbing, Heating, Air & Electrical for being the August business of the month! Morrison Plumbing, Heating, Air & Electrical They first opened for business in 1990 and in 2022 added electrical services to their business. They serve a 60 mile radius from their main office located in Caseyville. Stay tuned in this month as we learn more about their business and the services they provide! Meanwhile visit them at morrisonplumbing.com.

Heating 🔥: new furnace install, service/repair, boilers and heat pumps

Cooling ❄️: mini split installs, service/repair, new install and smart thermostats

Plumbing 🪠: gas lines, water filtration, plumbing install and repair

Electrical 💡: smoke/CO detector installs, ceiling fan installs, electrical repair and install

Check out their extensive website at morrisonplumbing.com or contact local Red Bud resident Chuck Woosly for more info!

Chuck Woosley

HVAC Operations Manager

(618) 217-0903

www.callmorrison.com

8124B Bunkum Rd., Caseyville, IL, 62232

July 2023 – The Mill!

Chamber Business of the Month

Please help us welcome The Mill as our July business of the month!! The Mill first opened July 5th, 2019 had they have quickly become known for their extensive food menu, wine, specialty drinks and of all things the original belt driven fans! These awesome ceiling fans date back to 1902! Stick with us all month as we learn more about what The Mill has to offer. Meanwhile you can check out their food menu below (the kitchen is open all day and night) and they will be kicking off the Muskets Athletic Club Glenn Phegley Memorial Jeep Run Saturday July 8th at 11:00. Stop in between 11:00-12:00 to register!

When the Kruse’s purchased the building in April of 2019 they immediately proceeded to update the building and property. They renovated the building by adding a kitchen, handicap access entry and a large outside patio. These updates have provided the ideal spot to gather for food and drinks! The Mill

Ever been apart of a wine club? Free membership, no monthly dues and cancel anytime with The Mill wine club!!! Need more perks? They have you covered as you will receive a 10% discount and access to exclusive wines!

June 2023 – Ed Morse Automotive Group!

Chamber Business of the Month

Please help us welcome Ed Morse Automotive Group as the Red Bud Chamber business of the month! Follow along this month to learn more about our local dealerships, the history of Weir’s and about Ed Morse Automotive Group. What are some of your fondest memories of our local dealership?

The Morse family bought into their first dealership in 1961, Cecil Holland Ford in Miami, which soon became Ed Morse Ford. Over the next 50 years, Ed and his son, Ted, added dozens of additional dealerships and realigned their market areas throughout the state of Florida and now they currently have dealerships in 6 States. This keen business sense cemented the Ed Morse prominence as one of the largest family-owned automotive dealer groups in the country. Since taking over Weir, Ed Morse has continued to be an asset in Red Bud and the surrounding communities. The transition from Weir to Ed Morse went off without a hitch. You still see the same faces and receive the fantastic service you became a custom to over the years. Ed Morse is motivated to keep that same success that Weir had and keep building their brand throughout the country. One of the reasons Weir was an appealing dealer to purchase was because of the success they had all these years. Another appealing asset that Weir had and probably what they were best known for outside of the local community is their parts department.

We sat down with Brad Roy to chat about his history with the company formally known as Weir and now known as Ed Morse Automotive Group. Brad officially became a full time employee in 1998 but had been working there with his dad since he was a young man cleaning cars, cleaning the shop and one of his favorite memories was refilling the soda machine. He would walk over to the former Country Side, buy some soda and wheel it back to the dealership to re-stock the machine. Brad is now the sales manager at the Chevrolet, Buick, GMC store so we asked Brad; what’s the biggest change in the car business over the years? “Internet” The internet has changed the industry in many ways. Customers come in more knowledgeable about the vehicle they want to purchase as they have done research. Customers can get online and find vehicles all over the country and they are willing to travel to get that perfect vehicle. The internet has streamlined the process of selling a vehicle overall. The second thing he mentioned is the technology has changed so much in the vehicles. They come with so many more features including safety and creature comforts.

Since 1975 Norm Roy and the team at Weir were a critical asset to our community. We want to thank Ed Morse Automotive Group for continuing to fill that important roll and for being our chamber business of the month! Check out https://www.edmorse.com to learn more and find great deals on your next vehicle!