By Dixie Terry
Fall has arrived, but summer seems reluctant to depart, as the hot temperatures remain.
A busy weekend, as the Junque Jamboree was underway on Saturday on the Vienna Square and the 75th anniversary of Ferne Clyffe State Park was being celebrated at the park, with crowds at both, thanks to the near-perfect weather.
The Tunnel Hill Community of Christ Church congregation and guests enjoyed “Church in the Park” on Sunday. at Ferne Clyffe, followed by a cook-out and picnic, after which, those that were able took a hike to the waterfall.
Coming up on Friday, Sept. 27, at 6pm, will be the “Run For Hope” 10K, 5K and Kid’s Fun Run, to be held at the Tunnel Hill State Trail adjacent to the Vienna City Park. Register online at eaglehouseministries.com.
This weekend the “Hunting and Fishing Days” will be underway on Saturday, Sept. 28 and Sunday, Sept. 29, at John A. Logan College, with activities for all ages.
The Full Harvest Moon of September has been shining brightly for several evenings, arriving from the east and traveling across the sky. Take a look!
A nice crowd gathered on the lawn of the Vienna Public Library on Tuesday, September 17. to recognize “Constitution Day.” Tambra Cain was the MC, with the guest speaker being Max Hutchison, who was introduced by David Oliver, President of the Johnson County Historical and Genealogical Society. Max gave an informative and interesting talk on the signers of “The Constitution”. At 3pm those in attendance each rang a bell for one minute as church bells sounded in the background. This event was sponsored by the Daniel Chapman Chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution.
Sept. 23-29 was recognized as National Diaper Need Awareness Week by the Southern7 Health Department, who accepted gifts of diapers and cash at the Dollar General Store and the Family Dollar Store of Vienna.
Sept. 29 will be recognized as Gold
Star Mothers’ Day.
Happy Birthday to You! Sept. 22–Keeley Harper, Rosemary Arroyo, Lydia Kwiatkowski! Sept. 24–George Zaranti! Sept. 25–Theb Sexton, Marsha Billingsley! Sept. 26–Vanessa Hodge! Sept. 27–Raetta Goins, Yvette Manier! Sept. 28–Sharon Edwards, Madison Pearman, Lloyd Craig, Jr., Treva Storey, Tanner Dunn! Sept. 29–Greg Goins, Keith Webb, Monty Webb, Sam Lambert, Dan Lambert! Sept. 30–Mike Elders, Ben Edwards, Donnie Hancock, James Runge, Henry Hamernik, Felicia Maze! May you all have many more!
Congratulations to these couples who are celebrating wedding anniversaries! Marsha and Mark Billingsley on Sept. 28! Mark and Kelly Patterson on Sept. 29! Mike and Christy Smith on Sept. 30! And a belated congratulations to Mary and Elry Faulkner on the celebration of their 60th anniversary on Sept. 7.
Volunteering at the Goreville Ministerial Alliance Thrift Shop on Sept. 24-26-28 will be members of the Tunnel Hill Community of Christ Church. Fall and Winter merchandise will be available at that time.
It was good to volunteer at the American Red Cross Blood Drive last Monday at Fellowship Baptist Church and seeing so many familiar folks. Dairy Queen gift cards were given to one and all and delicious desserts were provided by the Ozark Baptist Church. The next blood drive will be on November 18, with walk-ins welcome.
The River-to-River Trail Society has announced their Fall hiking schedule. These are free! The first one will be on Oct. 5 at Jackson Hollow in Johnson County, with Bill Gilmour as the leader. Meet at Trigg Trailhead at 10am. Bring water and snacks and leave the doggies at home.
The “Rebuild Illinois Project” continues as roads and bridges are being rebuilt across the state. This will be the largest capitol investment in state history with $33.2 billion to be spent over six years.
Bicycling will be allowed in the usually restricted area of the Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge on Saturday, Oct. 5. beginning at 9am. Bring the whole family, with bikes, and enjoy.
On Sunday, Oct. 6, enjoy “A Walk in the Wild,” and celebrate National Wildlife Refuge Week. with a hike at your own pace.
A flea market will be held on Saturday, Oct. 12 at the Cypress Village Park. Contact Kim Beasley or Heidi Poland to reserve a space to sell your “stuff,”
Another car show is coming up, with the “Big Daddy Car Show” on Oct. 5, 10am to 2pm at the Herrin City Park. There will be a 50/50 drawing, trophies and also an “Autumn in the Park” craft show.
A “Caregiver Retreat” on Friday, Nov. 1 at Cornerstone Church on Walton Way in Marion. The Healthy Seniors Action Team will show appreciation to all those who offer care, without any pay, to another person. There will be speakers, entertainment, a free lunch, as well as manicures, pedicures, massages, chair yoga, mini-golf, line dancing and prizes galore. Pre-registration is required by calling 618-993-9138.
We welcome your good news for this column. Call 618-422-2086; email [email protected]; or via mail at 907C Independence Avenue, Marion, Il. 62959.
Have a great remainder of the week and enjoy all that September has to offer!