By Dixie Terry
As we count the weeks until the arrival of Spring, it is hoped that the worst of the Winter season is over.
Our great-grands in Florida had a snow day called, but they were disappointed when the white stuff didn’t appear. They have never seen snow!
However, the great-grands in Maine continue to receive additional inches to their seasonal snowfall.
At my house, I continue to stay in and attempt to get my home office organized, which is a challenge, as I file away the records of 2024.
If you are cleaning house and have some good used furniture to spare, donate it to “The Unit” at Eagle House Ministries, who will donate it to anyone in need. Call 618-771-7442 for pick-up.
For Leann Rimes fans, the good news is that she is coming to the Marion Cultural and Civic Center on Thursday, April 17 for a 7pm concert. Tickets start at $49.99 and can be ordered at marionccc.com or ilshows.com.
The folks at Hillview Senior Living and Rehab celebrated National Hat Day by making their own hats on Jan. 20. What fun!
Coming up on March 2 will be the annual Academy Awards Show, to appear on ABC-TV.
The “Gnome Roam” continues on the trails of Giant City State Park, through Feb. 15. Take your camera and register at The Visitor Center to enter the competition.
The annual “Joint Meeting” of the Goreville Ministerial Alliance was held on Jan. 9, with a lunch following the business meeting. This was held at the Community of Christ Church on Tunnel Hill Road. The election of pastor officers and delegates was held and the reports of activities in 2024 were given, along with recognition of volunteers.
Happy Birthday to You! Jan. 27–Emma Hook, Kassie Cottrell, Keith Dunn, Kanon Webb! Jan. 28–Will Robinson, Nancy Monge, Lily Craig, Melissa Kammer, Lucas Short, Shawn Mitchell! Jan. 29–Pat Campbell! Jan. 30–Melissa McKenzie, Maddie Hiller, Jan. 31–Mark Kellums, McCrae Corbett, Phillip McMahan! May you all have many more!
Congratulations to these couples who are celebrating wedding anniversaries: David and Verna Kay Gunther on January 28! Rosie and Jr. Craig on January 28! Floyd and Paula Schuetz on January 29!
“Anything Goes” will be presented by Kreative Fine Arts on Jan. 31 at 7pm and on Feb. 2 at 2pm at the Marion Cultural and Civic Center. Tickets can be ordered at marionccc.com.
The Goreville Ministerial Alliance Thrift Shop volunteers this week will be from the Community of Christ Church of Tunnel Hill. Next week, on Feb. 4-6-8, volunteers of the Goreville First Baptist Church, Freedom Church and Mount Zion Church will be assisting. Come out and take home bargains galore.
Cast your vote for a new State of Illinois flag through Feb. 14, at ilsos.gov/stateflag.
Your help is needed! Assist those victims of the California wildfires by sending a generous donation to American Red Cross, 431 18th Street NW, Washington, D.C. 20006.
Coming up on Saturday, March 1, will be an indoor “Shopaloosa” at The Pavilion in Marion, 10am to 5pm, with one hundred local and non-local vendors, plus food trucks, alpacas and much more.
Take your sweetie to “The Turn” Restaurant at the Kokopelli Golf Club, for a special curated menu, to celebrate Valentine’s Day on Feb. 14 and 15, 11 am to 9 pm. Call 618-997-5656 for reservations at $100 per couple.
The Little Egypt Arts Association (LEAA) will provide a stained glass workshop, by Cathy Dudley, on Feb. 19 at 4pm and Feb. 20 at 10am. The cost is $45, that includes all materials needed. Contact cdudley9@hotmail to sign up. This will take place at the LEAA Centre on Tower Square Plaza in Marion.
Free income tax preparation will be provided, for those who qualify, beginning in February, by the University of Illinois Extension and local volunteers. Appointments for the Goreville Senior Center or the Extension Office in Vienna can be made by calling 618-973-0978.
From the Eagle House Ministries is the good news that 350 were served the Thanksgiving Feast via carry-out with 30 served on-site. The Christmas Day dinner provided 315 carry-out meals while 20 ate at the site.
The next “Rekindling the Spirit” Youth Rally will be on Feb. 19. Stay tuned for additional information.
“The Hub Recreation Center” will host a farmers’ market indoors each first Friday, through March, at 3-6pm. The market will provide a diverse array of products and produce from across Southern Illinois. There will also be two food trucks outside.
“Praying Women” will provide “Jesus Everywhere” on Saturday, Feb. 1, 1-5:30pm, at the Pittsburg Free Will Baptist Church. This is free, but reservations are a must by going online at PrayingWomenForumPittsburgFWBC.org.
Some special days to recognize this month are: Jan. 28–Kazoo Day. Jan. 31–Hot Chocolate Day and Bubble Wrap Day.
Step outside and take a look at the New Moon that appeared on January 29 and will evolve into a Full Moon on February 12.
Got news? We can use it! 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.