Freecycle

If you are looking to clear stuff out of your house, the Freecycle exchange returns to Carbondale at the end of the month:

Anyone looking to downsize or just clear clutter is invited to bring items (in good condition) that are no longer needed to a Freecycle Exchange at Gaia House, 913 S Illinois Avenue.  And anyone looking for household goods or clothing can come and browse and help themselves. Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, May 24 - 26, between the hours of noon and 8 pm, the doors will be open for people to drop off or pick up re-usable items. At the end of the week, the Freecycle Exchange will close and all remaining items will be donated to the Thrift Shop at 215 N Illinois.

For more information on the Freecycle Exchange, call the Gaia House at 618-549-7387; Keep Carbondale Beautiful can be reached at 618 525-5525 or keepcb1326@gmail.com.

City Council Meeting

Attended the May 2 city council meeting, which had a very short agenda and was completed in about 45 minutes. It would have taken even less time except that various council members removed items from the consent agenda for individual consideration, meaning that the only thing approved when the consent agenda was approved was the minutes from the previous meeting.

The results for April's election were announced and Mayor Henry took special note that, of the registered voters in Carbondale, only 1848 turned out to vote for city council.

A separate resolution commended Lee Fronabarger, who lost his bid for a second term on council, for his six years of service, two appointed and 4 elected, as a councilman.

The final item considered separately was the proposal of the awarding of contracts for parking lots where the old Sidetracks' building stands and reconstructing the parking lot next to Gaia House. The reason it was pulled from the consent agenda was that Councilwoman Jessica Branshaw had concerns about the construction of the lot, as when it had been built, as a temporary lot a couple of decades ago, the construction had caused flooding in the basement of Gaia House when it rained during the construction. She, Hugh Muldoon and Charlie Howe, all spoke in favor of holding off on awarding the contract until potential flooding problems were address in the design of the new lot. Council agreed and postponed voting on the lot work until the next meeting .

Labyrinth Rededication

The Labyrinth Peace Park Restoration Group will have a grand re-opening and ribbon cutting for the Labyrinth Peace Park next Thursday, April 23 at noon.  The Group has erected an open geodesic dome over the labyrinth which sits next to Gaia House at 913 S. Illinois Ave.

The Labyrinth is a unique feature of downtown Carbondale and it is a shame that it doesn't get more attention from the community. Though downtown, it is located at the far south end of the Strip, away from most foot traffic and is somewhat hidden on the grounds of Gaia House. Hopefully the new dome will make it more visable.