In 1989, Bethalto Mayor William Stephenson convened a group of individuals from Bethalto to discuss an action plan for establishing an organization to promote and enhance the Village of Bethalto. With assistance from a consultant from SIUE, the citizen group met to develop such a plan. The name Bethalto Spirit evolved as more than 100 people became volunteers in the original projects and programs. A "spirit of family in the community" was quickly recognizable.
Bethalto Spirit was incorporated as an organization in June of 1990. Attorney Kenneth Balsters served as the first president, a Board of Directors was named and nine committees were formed. They were each chaired by a board member. They were:
Bethalto Spirit was incorporated as an organization in June of 1990. Attorney Kenneth Balsters served as the first president, a Board of Directors was named and nine committees were formed. They were each chaired by a board member. They were:
- Residential Development/Newcomer Group
- Educational Resource
- Existing Local Business Expansion and Development
- Town Center Group
- Recreational Resources
- Economic Development
- Physical Development
- Route 140 Parkway
- Beautification
- The annual Victorian Christmas Walk.
- The development of the Bethalto Spirit Community Choir.
- "Spirit Awards", given annually to businesses and home owners.
- The "Governor's Hometown Award", in 1992, by Governor Jim Edgar.
- Sponsorship of the Memorial Tree Program in Culp Lane Park, recently renamed Steve Bryant Park.
- Sponsorship of the Memorial Brick and Stone Courtyard project in front of the Village Hall at Prairie and Central Streets.
- An on-going sale of Bethalto Spirit afghans featuring historical homes and village buildings.
- Two recipients of the Studs Terkel Humanities Service Award, awarded by the Illinois Humanities Council.
- Formation of the annual "Summer Concerts in the Park".
- A generous donation for a public facility in Steve Bryant Parle
- Volunteer clean-ups of the Bethalto Arboretum
- Bethalto Christmas Village