By Dixie Terry
The New Year has brought us an almost Spring-like weather pattern for the first few days of 2025, However, this changed overnight on early Sunday morning, with a downpour of freezing rain.
Attending the 70th birthday party of Debbie Ryals on Saturday evening were a crowd of family and friends, with a dinner held at the Potter’s House Christian Center, in Marion. Debbie and her husband, Buddy, were to fly from St. Louis to Phoenix for a week-long church conference on Sunday morning, which was rescheduled for Monday.
Most area churches canceled their Sunday services, a wise decision.
How many days until Spring? I can’t wait, since I chose not to spend these cold months in Florida this year, due to so many medical appointments. I am hoping for a short and mild Winter season.
A white Christmas was welcomed by our family in Maine, with 9 inches of the white stuff falling on an already white covering. They and their two dogs were seen on Facebook sledding and cross-country skiing and enjoying the white stuff very much.
Let’s acknowledge the following January days: Jan. 18–Winnie the Pooh Day! Jan. 19–World Quack Day! Jan. 20–Cheese Lover’s Day Jan. 21–Hugging Day and Squirrel Appreciation Day! Celebrate!
To celebrate National Ice Skating Month, take the family to Tower Square Plaza skating rink in downtown Marion. Book your party at verymerrymarion.com. or marionice.com The cost is $10 per hour for grownups and $5 per hour for those seventeen and under.
I am not usually a complainer, but these telemarketeers and robo-callers, who call at least 20 times a day, beginning at 6am until 11pm, are beginning to drive me daffy. I do not need window replacements, life insurance or any of their health services.
The next American Red Cross Blood Drive will be held on Monday, January 20, 12-6pm at the Fellowship Baptist Church in Vienna. Please give!
Happy Birthday to You! Jan. 6–Mary Goins, Amanda Francis, Jane Pearce, Samantha Watkins! Jan. 7–Judy Maze, Jeffrey Rehder, Kenny Swisher, Dennis Brenningmeyer, Dorothy Little! Jan. 8–Kim Travelstead, Barbara Mizell, Mary Moore, Dan Chandler! Jan. 9–Sarah Harner, Levi Mitchell, our great-grandson, Bobi Cavins, Jami Duksavage, Kay Vaughn, Cory Harner, Karen Sawyer! Jan. 10–Beth Kreuter, Pat Kalicki! Jan. 11–Anita Ritchey! Jan. 12– Jessica Arroyo, Davis Helton, Phil Webb, Amanda Whitehead, Jan Anderson, Sue Crews! May you all have many more!
Mark your date book for Februaryn 1, when the Johnson County HCE will host a chili supper at Vienna High School during a basketball game. This will provide funding for the scholarship project.
My good news is that I passed my driving test and am now back on the road again.
Our great-granddaughter, Nicole, is heading to Florida for a beach vacation, with her friend and his mom.
The Thrift Shop of the Goreville Ministerial Alliance will be re-opened on Tuesday, Jan. 21, with the Lick Creek Pentecostal Church providing the volunteers on Jan. 21-23-25.
The annual GMA Joint Meeting was scheduled for Thursday, Jan. 9 at 11:30pm with lunch at the Tunnel Hill Community of Christ Church. This is provided for the ministers, delegates and volunteers of the GMA. This may be rescheduled due to the weather.
Re-purpose your live Christmas tree by donating it to the U.S. Corps of Army Engineers Rend Lake project for fish habitat. Your tree can be taken to the parking lot of the Goofy Golf at Ray Fosse Park or to Pyramid Park at the northern-most picnic shelter, both in Marion, through Jan. 10. All decorations must br removed before the drop-off and flocked trees cannot be accepted. In March, the trees will be bundled and weighted, to be dropped into Rend Lake. Volunteers are needed for the project by calling 618-724-2493.
Income Tax Prep Time is coming up! For those who qualify, there is a free service being offered by the University of Illinois Extension. For additional information, call 618-973-0978. The service will be provided at the U. of I. Extension in Vienna and the Senior Center in Goreville.
“The Hub” Recreation Center in Marion invites one and all to their Farmers’ Market, held indoors, each first Friday, 3-6pm through March. A diverse array of vendors from across Southern Illinois will show and sell their wares. From 4 to 7pm two food trucks will be outside the facility.
Like to get all dressed up and party for a good cause? The 13th annual Hospice of Southern Illinois Red Carpet Gala will take place at The Pavilion in Marion. Fine food, entertainment, and more will be offered. Call for tickets at https://hospiceorg/events/13th-annual-red-carpet-gala/
As we await some much needed local news, we welcome new births, vacations, anniversaries, awards, church events, school projects, and other good news. Call 618-422-2086; email [email protected]; or via mail at 907 C Independence Avenue, Marion, Il. 62959.
Enjoy the remainder of the week and all that January has to offer.