By Dixie Terry
This busy time of the year is a challenge to keep up with dates and appointments, it seems.
Some special days to recognize or celebrate include: Maple Syrup Day on Dec. 17. Ugly Sweater Day on Dec. 18. Hard Rock Candy Day on Dec. 19. The First Day of Winter on Dec. 21.
The Daniel Chapman Chapter of the NSDAR held a Christmas Tea on Sunday, Dec. 1, at the Community Room of the Vienna Public Library. The program on the historical Edenton Tea Party was presented by Regent Doda Starkey.
The Johnson County HCE Board held their December meeting at the home of President Natalie Dougherty, with a Christmas breakfast enjoyed prior to the business meeting.
The Johnson County Women’s Club also met at the home of Natalie Dougherty on Dec. 6, with a luncheon enjoyed prior to the program, a Christmas concert provided by Pam Reuscher on the piano and Christmas carols sung by the members. A business meeting followed, conducted by President Phyllis Webb.
Turning ninety years old was quite an exciting event, thanks to my kids and grands, who provided a party at the Tunnel Hill Community of Christ Church the day following my birthday. Although I had told them last summer I did not want a party, they didn’t mind very well. I really appreciate all those who dropped in during this busy season. I am still receiving greeting cards each day, which are also appreciated.
My granddaughter. Leah, and her husband, Andrew and daughters, Jamison and Jemma, arrived on Thursday, from Orange Park, Florida and stayed in a nearby airbandb of Megan Webb/ While here they visited Candy Cane Lane in West Frankfort and with family and friends.
On Friday, our daughter, Susanne, arrived from Fort Pierce, Florida, staying until Tuesday.
Our grandson, Nate, of Lavert, Maine, flew down to St. Louis and to Southern Illinois for a 3-day stay. His wife, Jen, and two daughters, Belle and Addie, were in Baltimore, where the girls were competing with their cheer team. They won a first-place!
Our great-grand, Jamison, was also celebrating her 6th birthday on my birthday and another great-grand, Maelyn, turned nine on Dec. 8 and had a birthday party for friends and family at Extreme Kids in Marion.
Following my party, Susanne and I attended the open house of Marie and Joe Emery’s Art Gallery Off the Square in Vienna, that was drawing a nice crowd. We then drove through the Tours to Bethlehem being enjoyed at the Vienna City Park before heading to Dairy Queen for a pick-up supper.
The Christmas Bazaar and Toy Sale continues at the Goreville Ministerial Alliance Thrift Shop through Dec. 21, each Tuesday and Thursday, 9am to 4pm, and each Saturday, 9am to noon. The shop will then be closed after Dec. 21 until Jan. 21.
The Hub in Marion will host a farmers’ market each first Friday through March, at 3-5pm, in the gym. There will be outside food trucks as well.
Happy Birthday to you! Dec. 7–Derek Trovillion, Shirley Coonce, Wanda Vahle! Dec. 8–Barb Watkins, Sarah Miller, Maelyn Smith, our great-grand! Dec. 9–Shanna Johnson, Jillian Helton, Brooke Tripp, Blake Street, Debbie Turnage! Dec. 10–Julie Hammond, Eric Howard, Erica Howard, Betty Lindsey, Nancy Norris! Dec. 11–Curtis Craig, Janice Mighell! Dec. 12–Jocelyn Merrow, Corrie Farris, Jay Terry, our son! May you all have many more!
Congratulations to these couples who are celebrating wedding anniversaries! Jackie and Michael Cole on Dec. 8. Marietta and Fred Kilmer and Jim and Debbie Turnage on Dec.12.
The first commercially printed Christmas cards were created in England in 1843 by Sir Henry Cole, a prominent teacher.
Campgrounds in Shawnee National Forest that will be closed, starting Dec.1, will be at Bell Smith Springs, Pounds Hollow, Lake of Egypt and Johnson Creek, to re-open in March. Remaining open for Winter campers will be those at Lake Glendale and Garden of the Gods.
Give a gift of family history, a membership to the Johnson County Genealogical and Historical Society, a perfect Christmas or birthday gift for anyone interested in Johnson County history. Contact [email protected].
The Tunnel Hill Community of Christ Church will hold their Christmas program on Dec. 22 at 6:30pm, followed by a social hour with Christmas goodies galore. Everyone is welcome and Santa Claus sometimes drops in!
Like to go ice skating on Tower Square Plaza? Contact verymerrymarion.com for tickets.
Your good news is welcomed for this community column. Call 618-422-2086; email [email protected]; or mail to 907C Independence Avenue, Marion, Il. 62959.
Have a great remainder of the week and enjoy all that December has to offer and please remember the reason for the season.