GOREVILLE — Although the 4th of July is over, we still hear occasional fireworks in our neighborhood, after two weeks of seeing them each evening from the front porch.
It is good to celebrate the freedoms we enjoy in this great country called America, although we have been victims of the vicious Coronavirus for almost four months, with no end in sight.
The fireworks extravaganza out at the Elks Park on the Lake of Egypt, provided by the Marion Elks and the Lake of Egypt Association of Property Owners, a tradition for many years, was a smashing success apparently, as we watched it on Channel 3, who reported approximately 1000 in attendance on July 3.
From Lin Escherich, LEAPO treasurer, came the good news that LEAPO was able to donate $5000 to the Marion Elks to use for the fireworks. The LEAPO members had collected aluminum cans since last year to raise funds. The Elks sold barbecued chicken, to raise funding for their share of the fireworks.
The Goreville fireworks display also brought out an enthusiastic crowd to watch their always great show at the village park, with cars parked blocks around. Although the Freedom Fest was canceled, there was still a lot of celebrating on the 4th of July.
John Adams, one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence, made this statement of the 4th of July holiday, “It ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires and illuminations from one end of this continent to the other from this time forward forever more.” And I believe it was this year.
At our house on the 4th, we welcomed our two daughters, Pam and Nancy, and our son, Joel and his friend, Kam, for lunch, thanks to Riley’s Barbecue over on Route 13. Our younger grands and greats had headed to the beach at Rend Lake and another bunch of grands had gone to Paducah to Olive Gardens for lunch.
We are reminded each day on the news to continue the social spacing, wearing face masks, staying in as much as possible and continuing good hygiene.
I only left my house twice last week, on Wednesday to a delegate’s meeting of the Goreville Ministerial Alliance , where I wore a mask, and on Thursday, when I had an appointment with Dr. Otte and also wore a mask. Like almost everyone, I detest wearing the face masks, which causes my glasses to steam up, but I will continue the practice as long as we are asked to. Attempting to flatten the curve of the Coronavirus is our goal.
Being awakened by a noisy lawn mower outside my bedroom window is not my favorite way of welcoming the new day. But, on Sunday morning the caretakers of ]Radcliffe Estates were up and out improving the appearance of our neighborhood and I quickly made my first cup of coffee and forgave them.
After seeing our 18-month-old great-granddaughter, Jamison, on Facebook, dressed in red, white and blue and waving a flag from her little blue convertible, it was a reminder of many of our long-ago July 4 celebrations. For several years I packed our eight grandkids in my husband’s convertible (he refused to participate in the madness!) for the Goreville Parade. A sign on each side of the vehicle proclaimed “God Bless America and Grandchildren!” And now, they are all grown up and scattered around the U.S.A.
Yard sales have returned! Wear you mask and find a bargain at the one on 145 Rebman Lane, south of Goreville, on July 10 and 11, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. where Joyce and Dave Frederick and Frank and Vena Meade will be offering their unneeded treasures.
Another, featuring lots of antiques, plus a variety of items. will be held on Reid Street in Spillertown in Marion on July 24-25, 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Birthdays! July 15–Gracie Breeden, Jean Obourn, our daughter Pam Montgomery, Emily Hunt, Tabatha Skuta, Trina Cavitt! July 16–Theresa Mayhall, Cody Watkins! July 17–Tommy Groner, Mikensey Fox! July 18–Bobbi Gum, Jo Ann Maze, Gary Parmley, Evelyn Davis, Herman Pritchett, Josh Dippie! July 19–Brandi Pritchett, Jessica Chamness, Mark Bean! July 20–Emily Kelley, Jackson Street, Janice LeMaster! July 21–Dave Frederick, Mikayla Arroyo, Pam McCuan, Penny Storey! May you all have many more! Happy belated birthday to Elanor Farris who celebrated her 87th birthday on June 29.
Congratulations to these couples who will be celebrating wedding anniversaries! Tim and Meesha Null, July 15! Ross and Cherie Hill, July 17! Annette and Wade Pritchett, July 21! Clayton and Courtney Penrod, July 18! Cory and Ginger Harner, July 20! Steve and Tammy Pearman, July 26! David and Jane Runge, Goreville, celebrated their anniversary on July 3! Tara and Alex Peas celebrated 24 years together on their anniversary on June 29! Johnna and Mark Herren celebrated their 29th anniversary on July 6. Congratulations!
Janet and Gary Hacker of Tunnel Hill, celebrated their 60th anniversary last week and enjoyed dinner with friends at Wineaux’s Restaurant in Belknap.
Keep in mind the coach trips being sponsored by the Jo. Co. Home and Community Education (HCE) of the U. of I. Extension. They include: Boston, Salem and Cape Ann, Sept. 29-Oct.7, $949. Branson Holiday Shows Extravaganza, Nov. 16-20, $585. Nashville Show Trip, Dec. 7-9, $429. And, possibly a day coach trip to St. Louis. Call Faye Mize at 618-771-0066 for more.
Continue to support our local businesses! Statistics consistently show that for every dollar you spend at a local independent business, more of that money stays in your community than if you spent that amount with a national business or chain.
Welcome to a new business in Goreville, the Hometown Floral and Market at 307 North Broadway, to be open on Saturday, July 11, at 10 a.m. Gift items, farmhouse decor, floral arrangements, fresh flower wraps from Flower Ridge Farms will be available. There will also be food trucks from the So. Food, Anna Baking Co. and Easy Street.
The next food drive-thru pick-up will be on Saturday, July 20, 10 a.m. to noon at the Goreville Ministerial Alliance Food Pantry. Drive down the alley behind the GMA Thrift Shop and boxed groceries will be placed in your vehicle. Call the GMA at 995-9360 before July 14, to have your groceries ready and waiting. For emergency food needs, call the above number and leave your name and phone number. All calls will be returned.
Anyone needing furniture is urged to call the Eagle House Ministries at 618-658-1700. Your good used furniture will also be accepted for giving to those in need.
The GMA Thanksgiving Service will be held at the Lake of Egypt Christian Church in Sunset Harbor on the Lake of Egypt. Stay tuned for date and time.
We welcome your items of interest for this, your community news column. Give a call to 618-422-2086 or email to dixieterry85@yahoo.com.
Have a great remainder of the week and stay well!
