Mary Lou's

 Looks like Mary Lou's got hit with a $750 fine for offering indoor dining. When the fall shutdown came, the cafe chose to remain open and offer seating dining. Rather surprised to see them get hit with a fine since the States Attorney's office said it would not prosecute. So far the Governor's closure orders have held up in court.

Stoplight Repair

 The city currently has the right lane of West Walnut shut down as they repair the stoplight at the interaction of Walnut and University. No traffic blockage but drive slow through the area so as not to hit any workers.

A letter From Mary Alice

 A friend of mine, Mary Alice Wilson, owns a used book store in Yellow Springs Ohio. She emailed me as to how she has adapted to retailing in the time of COVID-19

“Dark Star is doing ok with ebay and one employee.  Our comic guy whom we laid off, is getting the unemployment boost to his check . The check is for more than his salary.  he was hinting it would be   good thing if he stayed laid off. and that we hire a newbie. Kate wasn't good with that idea! 

Our Gov. De Wine just announced plans for the future.  First doctor, dentist and then veterinarian.  then construction and factory work.  and on May 12, WE can open.  Already have the $335 plastic shield at cash register. trying to buy a large hand sanitizer dispenser for at the front door,  which is  hard to find.  However, i could see Magic and Pokemon games with a plastic shield between the players across from each other.  I don't really know much about gaming, but it might work.

One of our staff has been making masks like a demon - and today i saw one with clear plastic over the mouth area, so folks a little hard of hearing, like me, can read lips a bit.  i either have to have visitors lift the mask up  or have someone tell me what they said.  Getting folks to just talk louder doesn't seem to be in my skill set.  Our staff mask maker  said, “oh yes, I know about those”.  Well, MAKE some, for goodness sake.  i wouldn't know how.   I said, there is one thing a comic book store has, is plastic, and Mylar. 

Hoarding is great!  I don't know why I bought - and much less KEPT - bathroom decals from the 30's; a whole box full of boxed 12" figures from the 70'S (well i know NOW it was a good idea - best one sold for  $400); boxes full of mads and cracked and warren mags like elvira.....we have a double house. The other side was was where we put stuff we didn't know what to do with after we bought it.  or stuff that came in while buying things we DID know what to do with.  but along comes our staff member Kate and her pop culture know how, and all that stuff now has price tags.  Being in the book biz means we had hoarded lots of first editions for when we got an on-line presence.  Well we have that now, and 1700+ items currently listed.  Some of the things that sell are from early days.  we sold something the other  day that had been on eBay for 10 years, maybe, and i cringed at the way it was listed and the price - too low - but hey, it sold, that's all good.

Where do I sell online? Ebay, baby! and abe and amazon.  Gary does abe, which is strictly books.  He also does amazon - and Kate and staff do ebay.  and the latter does amazingly well.  if there is someone out there that wants to pay some outrageous price - and remember this is being available to everyone in the world with an internet device - that person can find us.  They would NEVER find us on our website.  The most looked at items on our website are cat pictures.  (They are really cool; kate finally put up a video.) Really glad to hear from you.”

City Government Promotions

 John Lenzeni has been promoted to the newly created position of Community Development Manager and Megan Brightharp to the position of Senior Planner.Congratulations to both.

COVID 19 Numbers Dec. 25

 Friday Dec 18 Jackson County 3360 infected, 51 dead, 2935 recovered, Randolph County 2958 infected 38 dead 2717 recovered, Union County1461 infected, 24 dead 924 recovered and Williamson county 4795 infected 97 dead 2678 recovered.

Friday Dec 25 Jackson County 3517 infected, 54 dead, 3086 recovered, Randolph County 3126 infected 43 dead 2837 recovered, Union County1518 infected, 24 dead 975recovered and Williamson county 5107 infected 99 dead 2952 recovered.

Christmas Dinner

 St. Francis Xavier served its annual Christmas dinner yesterday. Due to COVID-19 all meals were delivered or to go. The church delivered 140 meals to Carbondale residents' homes and 225 "to go" meals to people who came by the church. For the first time in at least a decade, the church ran out of turkey, serving 8 trays of it, 7 trays of dressing, 10 trays of whipped potatoes, 9 cans of restaurant sized green beans and 32 gallons of gravy. 

Tim "Murph" Murphy

 The man behind West Frankfort's Candy Cane Lane passed away yesterday. Caught COVID-19 and was not able to recover.

Multi modal center

 The planned downtown multimodal transportation center received another $300,000, pushing the total money from the state to just short of $3 million, bringing the total the city has received for the project to $16.8 million. Still not sure this is the best use of the money and, from the artist's concepts, I am not to sure as to how well it will fit in with the rest of downtown Carbondale. Buildings erected in the downtown area are supposed to fit in with the overall look of downtown. This structure has a much more modernistic look to it than other buildings in the district.

Star

 If you want a good look at the conjunction tonight, some good locations are Evergreen Park, North Oakland by Oakland Cemetery and Campus Lake near the boat docks.

Friday COVID-19 Numbers

 Friday Dec 11 Jackson County 3165 infected, 45 dead, 2706 recovered, Randolph County 2736 infected 32 dead 2407 recovered, Union County1364 infected, 24 dead 854 recovered and Williamson county 4365 infected 90 dead 2513 recovered.

Friday Dec 18 Jackson County 3360 infected, 51 dead, 2935 recovered, Randolph County 2958 infected 38 dead 2717 recovered, Union County1461 infected, 24 dead 924 recovered and Williamson county 4795 infected 97 dead 2678 recovered.

Arnold's Market

Windows on the now closed Arnold's Market on the south side of town have been boarded over. Not a good sign for the future of the property. From a retail standpoint, the location has two problems:  1) it is on the south side of town, which is not the section of town showing growth and 2) it is on the 51 south cutoff which makes it even harder to get to the store. Due to the rerouting of 51 some years ago, customers have to make an effort to get to the store's location. Anyone reopening Arnold's or another store in the building would have to make quite an effort to make it a destination store so as to encourage customers to make the extra turn to get there.

Restaurants

 Roughly 100,000 restaurants closing in the US, either long term or permanently. As far as I know, the only ones to close permanently in Carbondale were S&B's Burger Joint and Denny's. If you want to keep your preferred local restaurants open, order expensive items or order often and leave a good tip.

Confluence Books

 Confluence Books, so named because of the nearby confluence of the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers as well as the streams of used books coming into the store, is now open and accepting orders

More than two years after Bookworm closed its doors, Carbondale once again has a used bookstore.  Confluence Books has a storefront location, 705 West Main, but browsers have to go on line to examine the inventory (go to  confluencebooks618.com) and plan on curbside pickup.  Contact the store to ask about delivery or shipping. 

There are over 3,000 used books on the website, with more added daily.  Owner Sarah Heyer says there are thousands waiting to be processed: "I’m hoping to sell some and clear space for more, so I can accept more donations."  She can be reached at confluencebooks@gmail.com or 618 525 3075.

Harold's Chicken

 Harold's Chicken opened this week and the line to get in was half a block long. Phone lines were swamped as well, with people reporting waiting half an hour before someone would take their call. Unless you really cannot wait, hold off for a couple of weeks. They will still be here and the crowds, much like at Popeyes, will have died down.

Christmas Tree Lots

 Following up on yesterday's post about lights, I just realized no Christmas tree lots this year. Typically we have at least one out at Murdale Shopping Center, one in the Hobby Lobby parking lot and one out by Qin Guan. This year, not a one that I have seen in Carbondale.

Christmas Lights

 I am seeing more Christmas lights in town this year and they went up earlier than in previous years. I saw lights on houses up as early as October. The Light Before Christmas, a professional Christmas lighting company, says I am not crazy and people did put up lights much earlier than in a typical year.

COVID-19 Numbers

 Friday Dec 4 Jackson County 2917 infected, 34 dead, 2451 recovered, Randolph County 2483 infected 29 dead 2220 recovered, Union County1252 infected, 23 dead 748 recovered and Williamson county 4003 infected 82 dead 2240 recovered.

Friday Dec 11 Jackson County 3165 infected, 45 dead, 2706 recovered, Randolph County 2736 infected 32 dead 2407 recovered, Union County1364 infected, 24 dead 854 recovered and Williamson county 4365 infected 90 dead 2513 recovered.

Shop Local

 I was on Talk of the Town a couple of weeks ago and the importance of shopping local came up. If you shop local and by local I mean at a locally owned store, not a chain store, your money stays in Carbondale longer. If you buy online, unless you are buying from the online outlet of a local store, your money leaves the community immediately, if you buy from a chain store, it circulates in the community about 2-5 times before leaving. If you buy from a locally owned store, of which granted there are not too many of in Carbondale these days, save restaurants, the money you spend circulates 5-12 times within Carbondale before leaving, helping generate local jobs.

El Paisano

 Looks as if El Paisano is moving. Saw some workmen at the long shuttered Mississippi Flyway who said that business had gotten good enough that the restaurant has to move to a larger location. No idea as to when the new location will open for business

Mike Madigan

 I am a big fan of the WSIU program State Week In Review. Last week, I emailed the panelists the question, "In your opinion, has Mike Madigan overall been good, bad or neutral for Illinois?" here is part of the response:

Based on that experience, I’d consider Madigan’s overall tenure as speaker as good, with positive benefits for the state.  He’s worked with governors of both parties, from Jim Thompson through J.B. Pritzker, in an attempt to address some of the state’s most pressing issues, including tax and spending pressures, pension reform, more equitable school funding, support for health care and human services, capital improvements, and a long list of once controversial, now generally accepted, positions, such as abolition of the death penalty and recognition of same-sex marriage.

At the same time, he’s opposed gubernatorial initiatives that he considered harmful to the state and its citizens, such as Bruce Rauner’s war on organized labor and Rod Blagojevich’s ill-advised attempt to impose a gross receipts tax.  Indeed, he led the House in impeaching Blagojevich, whom the Senate then removed from office; subsequently, Madigan’s House with the Senate enacted a series of ethics reforms directed at executive branch abuses.

Throughout his career, I believe he’s been motivated by a couple of main objectives: first, to protect the city of Chicago and its institutions, e.g. the mayor’s office, Chicago public schools, the White Sox, from any and all external threats, and secondly, to protect the legislative branch from encroachment by the executive.  To be in a position to do this, he’s been able to change the House from one in which Republicans held a majority for all but seven sessions during the first three-quarters of the 20th century, to one in which Democrats have held majorities since 1997.  Demographic changes have been a big help, along with luck-of-the-draw in redistricting, but without Madigan’s political skills, Illinois would be much more purple and a lot less blue, in my opinion.

Winter Farmer's Market

 Looks as if the Winter Farmer's Market is up and running in the east wing of the University Mall, Not sure if you can enter through Bed Bath and Beyond or only through the main entrance 

Creekside Vet

 Looks as if the Creekside vet building on Old Highway 13 has sold. The "For Sale" sign is good and a few vehicles were parked in front of it this afternoon.

Farmer's Markets

 It appears Carbondale will have 2 Farmer's Markets for the immediate future. The indoor market at University Mall started the first Saturday of December and the Westtown/Murdale Farmer's Market for as long as the weather remains favorable, likely ending at Christmas but don't hold me to that. We ahve had far warmer and better weather later in the season than Carbondale normally gets.

Friday COVID 19 Statistics

 Friday November 27 Jackson County 2639 infected, 32 dead, 2176 recovered, Randolph County 2162 infected 27 dead 1872recovered, Union County1103 infected, 21 dead 676 recovered and Williamson county 3569 infected 76 dead 1975 recovered.

Friday Dec 4 Jackson County 2917 infected, 34 dead, 2451 recovered, Randolph County 2483 infected 29 dead 2220 recovered, Union County1252 infected, 23 dead 748 recovered and Williamson county 4003 infected 82 dead 2240 recovered.

Lights Fantastic Floats

 Lights Fantastic Floats are lined up in the concert venue on S. Washington St. There are 5 there if I recall correctly and if you want to take a look, they will be there through tonight. I am hoping the powers that be decide to keep them there to brighten downtown until Christmas.

Downtown Cookie Walk

 Apparently Carbondale Main Street will host a downtown cookie walk tomorrow. Cannot find any information about it on their website or Facebook page. The plan is to have a map posted somewhere and tables with cookies set up in front of participating businesses. No idea what time though. 

Carbondale Park District Forums

 In case you would like to have some say on the future direction of the Carbondale Park District, the board is hosts several forums over the next week. Now would be a good time to ask why the District still has a money losing golf course

The Carbondale Park District has undertaken a strategic planning process as part of its 80th anniversary celebration.  The Park District Board of Commissioners is facing the challenge of hard times by envisioning a brighter future for its parks and recreation programs.  

They have scheduled a series of public forums for your input. Help the Park District set its priorities for the next 5 to 10 years!

CARBONDALE PARK DISTRICT STRATEGIC PLANNING 

VIRTUAL TOWN HALL MEETINGS

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2020 – 5:00 P.M.-7 P.M.  

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2020 – 9:00 A.M.-11:00 A.M.  

MONDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2020 – 6:00 P.M.-8:00 P.M.  

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2020 – 12:00 P.M.-2:00 P.M. 

 

ZOOM ONLINE MEETING INFORMATION (ALL MEETINGS ARE ONLINE VIA ZOOM):

• https://zoom.us/j/9031181650 
• OR https://zoom.us/join
  • id: 9031181650
• PASSWORD-1650
• TOLL FREE MEETING LINE-312-626-6799

https://www.cpkd.org/about-us/meetings-materials/

Contact your Park District Commissioners. Let them know your priorities for Carbondale's parks and recreation programs.

Dr Carl Flowers <cflowers@carbondaleparkdistrict.com>

Jessica Sergeev <jsergeev@carbondaleparkdistrict.com>

Carmen Suarez <csuarez@carbondaleparkdistrict.com>

Kirsten Trimble <ktrimble@carbondaleparkdistrict.com>

Jane H Adams <jadams@carbondaleparkdistrict.com>

SIU President Moving to Springfield

 Looks as if the president of the SIU system is moving to Springfield.  Not sure how this will allow him to keep a close eye on either or both campuses. Plus now the system, which I thought was cash strapped already, will now have to foot the bill for his accommodations in Springfield and I bet he is not looking to rent a suite at a Courtyard by Marriot .

Dog Park

 After three years of planning, member of the Friends of Carbondale Dog Park and the Carbondale Park District broke ground on the Carbondale Dog Park. Plans currently are to open it to the public in June of 2021.

COVID-19 Numbers

 Friday November 20 Jackson County 2405 infected, 30 dead, 1962 recovered, Randolph County 1974 infected 26 dead 1707recovered, Union County1039 infected, 21 dead 619 recovered and Williamson county 3162 infected 74 dead 1662 recovered.

Friday November 27 Jackson County 2639 infected, 32 dead, 2176 recovered, Randolph County 2162 infected 27 dead 1872recovered, Union County1103 infected, 21 dead 676 recovered and Williamson county 3569 infected 76 dead 1975 recovered.

Tres Hombres Temporarily Closing

 Tres Hombres announced on their Facebook page that, due to cold weather and the inability to heat their patio properly, they have decided to temporarily close until the weather warms up or the situation with COVID-19 changes.

Research says that the most likely spots to catch and transmit viruses are in bars, restaurants and gyms, where people stay for a long period of time and breath recirculated air, which may contain the virus. I know of one man who died of COVID-19 after going out to eat at a local restaurant and another who contract the virus and got extremely sick but appears in recovery.

Another thing to consider is that no restaurant or bar wants the publicity that would come with an outbreak of COVID-19 among its patrons.

Murdale Farmer's Market

Typically the Murdale Farmer's Market ends its season today but from what I heard at the market this morning, assuming the weather remains nice, it will run for a couple of more weeks. 

Confluence Books

 Confluence Books is now open in the Stotlar House at 705 West Main. Dealing in used books, the store offers curbside pickup only for now.

Lights Fantastic

 Just a reminder that, although the Lights Fantastic parade is canceled for this year, a number of floats will be parked in the concert venue space on South Washington Street. Viewing starts at 6 p.m. on Dec. 5th and runs through December 6th 

Stores open

 In case you desperately need something tomorrow, here is a list of chain stores that will  have open hours. Most of them have given up on getting a jump on Black Friday, especially with a pandemic and all.

Lights Fantastic and Other Holiday Events

 Looks like some of the traditional Carbondale Holiday events will take place this season:  lighting of the Christmas tree and the downtown cookie walk. In stead of a parade, some of the Lights Fantastic floats will park in the concert venue along South Washington Street. Much like the downtown Trick or Treating event, it appears that Carbondale Main Street will set up tables with cookies in front of participating venues throughout the downtown area and provide a map to those locations. I guess that means the businesses will not be expected to provide their own cookies this year. 

Apparently there will also be the traditional Holiday Window Contest as well but have not heard anything about any of these events other than the mention in the Southern.

Longbranch

 Looks as if Longbranch has reopened for take out and deck dining. Open Friday Saturday and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Glad to see another restaurant reopened, even if only for a limited schedule.

Dairy Queen

 The downtown Carbondale Dairy Queen will close for the season today, likely around 9 p.m. Likely will reopen in late February.

Farmer's Market

 Next Saturday is the last Saturday of the year for the Murdale Farmer's Market at the outside location at Murdale. After that, it moves inside to the east End of University Mall starting December 5th. The market has announced it will offer curbside pickup but not sure how that will work. Apparently you put in orders through the market website and someone will bring the order out to you.

Christmas Lights

 Looks as if we are just going to ignore Thanksgiving for the most part this year. SIH Memorial Hospital put up lights along University and Main this week and I have seen lights appearing on houses throughout town for the last couple of weeks. The revolving memorial that graces the town square every holiday season also got installed this week.

Carbondale Characteristics

 Found the following characteristics about Carbondale from an email about a sustainability neighborhood proposal forwarded by D. Gorton

Carbondale is/has:

1) A low income base 

2) One of the highest college educated populations in Illinois and the United States (Carbondale is rated in the top 3%)

3) The youngest cohort in Illinois* (depending on the next census and the enrollment at SIUC)

4) The most diverse community in regards race, age, religion, sexuality and gender in the region, if not the state.

5) There has been continued support for action on Climate change, income inequality, and social injustice as the biggest threats to building strong, sustainable communities. These challenges define the current priorities of our community.

Crab Orchard Watershed

 If you are interested, here is some information on how the planning is progressing for maintaining and protecting the Western Crab Orchard Watershed, a process that started back in 2018

City Council Nominations Open

 And they are filing already. Three seats up in next year's election:

Four (4) candidates have filed their nominating petitions for Carbondale City Council Member. 

 

1 – Carolin Harvey, 109 South Tower Road

2 – Nathan Colombo, 229 Hunt Rd.

3 – Jeff Doherty, 2918 Kent Drive

4 – Tyrone Taliq Montgomery, 809 N. Springer

City Hall and Drivers License Offices

 Both Carbondale City Hall and the Secretary of State's Drivers License Facility on Old RTE 13 announced they would close for the foreseeable future, starting today. Offices are still available by phone and email but no walk in traffic.  Despite the increase in cases, I doubt very much that the state will announce another statewide closure of businesses. Too much negative pushback for a second round but it and the city can close the facilities under their respective control.

Incidentally, if you have not done so already, today is the last day to pay your county property taxes. 

Week to Week COVID-19 Figures

 Friday November 6 Jackson County 1802 infected, 27 dead, 1559 recovered, Randolph County 1530 infected 19 dead 1392 recovered, Union County 845 infected, 21 dead 545 recovered and Williamson county 2317 infected 66 dead 1362 recovered.

Friday November 13 Jackson County 2077 infected, 28 dead, 1654 recovered, Randolph County 1704 infected 22dead 1489 recovered, Union County 894 infected, 21 dead 570 recovered and Williamson county 2614 infected 68 dead 1433 recovered.

COVID-19 Cases

 I know three  people who contracted COVID-19, one from a family member who caught it at work and the other two likely from when they went out to eat. From what I understand, current best practices are the lest time you spend in a place, the less likely you are to contract the virus. so staying any place where you might contract it for a lengthy period of time can lead to infection. Of those three people, one recovered fully after a week or so, one is still in the process of recovering but prognoses looks good, and one passed away.

BIG Grants

 In case you are interested, here is a list of the businesses that received BIG program grants in round one and round two. Most of the applicants, like Don Taco, Mary Lou's and The Cellar, in round one received $20,000 while in round 2 Flame received $140,000, Tres Hombres $130,000 and Hangar 9, $100,000

Restaurants

 In case you are interested, Treesong has posted a list of southern Illinois restaurants in and out of compliance with Illinois COVID-19 restrictions. As far as I know, all restaurants in Carbondale that a members of the Chamber of Commerce are in compliance with the restrictions.

COVID-19 Numbers Up

 SIH Healthcare has about 45 people currently getting treated for COVID-19 and has opted to put off elective surgeries until later in the year. This means no bariac surgery or hip or knee replacements for the for the foreseeable future As we move into colder weather, restaurants and bars are going to have extra expense warming the outside seating areas. Problem with just leaving them alone and up to individual responsibility is that bars, restaurants, gyms and churches are the sources for most COVID-19 infection. It would be nice if the state and federal government would get more grants and stimulus out to help restaurants and bars as they are the ones taking the greatest hit during the epidemic.

Covid19 Testing

  the line of cars waiting for testing for COVID-19 at the SIH unit on West Main street stretched around the block yesterday. heard on the news this morning that SIH currently is caring for about 50 cases of COVID-19 in Carbondale and Marion. Although cases have increased drastically over the past couple of months, fatality rates remain comparatively low, likely reflecting the increased number of students, their propensity for gathering in groups and the relative resilience they have towards the disease.

Steve Gough Obituary

 Steve Gough, founder of Little River Research and Design here in Carbondale, passed away Nov. 2 from renal cell carcinoma at age 62.

Transmodal Center

 Sat is on the Q&A for the Downtown Transmodal Center this afternoon. Most of the discussion, although I got in about late, came from local contractors inquiring about how to place a bit for various contracts on the project. I did find out that, should the transmodal center come to pass, the building currently housing Carbondale Cycle will be demolished, with the city working to find another location for Carbondale Cycle. Too bad though, as I always thought it said a lot about Carbondale's status as a bike friendly community to have two bike shops directly across the street from one another.

Clothing Drive

Collection of winter clothing, baby care products and feminine hygiene supplies at the Town Square Pavilion this Saturday. A number of flyers posted around downtown but no hours of collection provided.

Open Restaurants

 From what I have been told, if a restaurant offers inside seating in violation of the current emergency orders, there is nothing the city or the police department can do about it. Such a violation falls under the jurisdiction of the Jackson County Health Department so one would need to report violations to them not to Carbondale's city hall

Multi Modal Station Meeting

 If you would like to weigh in on the proposed multi modal station, you can request access to a meeting on the subject form 3 to 4 p.m.on Nov. 9.  Here is a link to information about the proposal  and to request access to the meeting

Vaccine Acceptance

 How to get people to accept a COVID-19 vaccine when one becomes available? Have LeBron James, Dwayne Johnson, the Kardashians and other social media "influencers" get a shot live on Instagram. A lot of people follow and pay attention to them and some one as well known as them getting the shot would help convince people it is safe. It worked with "The King" and polio

Jackson Country Results

 Here are the results for Jackson County. The county itself went heavily Trump/Republican whilst Carbondale went Democratic (of course). The "Justice for Molly " campaign proved pretty effective as Cervantez beat Carr for the States' Attorney office while only a couple of hundred votes separate the candidates for coroner  It still bemuses me that former Green Party candidate for governor, Rich Whitney, who racked up 10% of the vote during his run of a decade or so ago, cannot muster enough local support to get a seat on the Jackson Country Board.

Multi-Modal Transportation Center Plan

 The city has posted a planning document for the proposed downtown multi modal transportation hub. Looks as if the total cost will run around $14.5 million 

Polling Places

 In case you are going out to vote today, here is the list of polling places in Jackson County. Drove by two of them this morning on the way into work and saw no lines, unlike lots of other places in the country

Downtown Carbondale on Halloween

The Carbondale Main Street Candy Scavenger Hunt was a resounding success with some 150-200 kids running from store to store to get the candy placed on table outside of them. The staff had made up several hundred bags of treats and ran out about 3:30 in the afternoon. Happily, we at the store (Castle Perilous) were also giving out candy and had bought a couple of extra bags which we gave to the Main Street staff to replenish their tables. Incidentally, the store had about 70 trick or treaters over the course of the day, starting out about 10 a.m. and petering out about 7 p.m.

Drove through downtown after 9 p.m. and only saw two groups of costumers walking around. A couple of the bars may have been having "private parties" inside as a few people were hanging around outside a few but there was no "Open" sign on.

Halloween Links

 Here are some interesting Halloween related links for you to browse on this holiday

Vote for the Scariest Hotel in America 

What is the Most Popular Halloween Candy in Your State? In Illinois it is KitKat

History of the Headless Horseman

History of Trick or Treating

Selling a Haunted House

The Scariest Movie

The Origin of Candy Corn

Downtown Trick or Treating

 Carbondale Main street will sponsor a Downtown Scavenger Hunt with tables with candy set up at various locations in downtown Carbondale. There is a clue sheet posted on the CMS Fasebook page and the tables will go up from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Leaf Pick Up

 The city is offering  special leaf collection services through January

Carbondale’s Special Seasonal Leaf Collection Program will be offered during the months of November, December, and January. Calls for the vacuum collection service will be accepted from November 1, 2020, through January 31, 2021. The fee during this Special Program period is $25.00 for each collection (the regular fee for vacuum leaf collection is $35.00).                                                                                                                

City of Carbondale Residents desiring to participate in the program should first rake their leaves to the curbside or street side (please be sure not to block streets, sidewalks, ditches or gutters); then call the Maintenance and Environmental Services Office at 457-3275 and request a vacuum leaf collection.

Calls for service will be accepted 24 hours a day by leaving a message at the above number. Please be sure to leave your Name, Address, and Telephone Number and identify your request as “vacuum leaf collection”. If you would like to speak to a person directly, please call between the hours of 7:00 AM and 4:00 PM Monday thru Friday.

The City’s Landscape Waste Bag & Bundle program will continue as usual with normal pickups on Wednesdays. Those desiring collection of bagged leaves and grass, or bundles of brush, may continue placing their landscape waste in paper landscape waste bags or tied bundles and purchase and affix one sticker to each bag or bundle. Once you place the bags or bundles curbside; please call the number listed above and leave your Address along with your request for “Bag and Bundle” or “Landscape Waste Collection” and we will schedule you for the following Wednesday.  

Halloween Contest Winners

 The city has posted the winners of its three online Halloween contests here. Congratulations to those who won.

Bike Surgeon Moved

 The Bike Surgeon packed up and moved from its long time location on South Illinois this month. Now located in the old Quizno's storefront over in Carterville, on the north frontage road along Hwy 13.

Haunted House

 Looks as if someone is running a Haunted House on the 2nd and 3rd floors of the Elks Lodge on North University. Windows have Halloween themes painted on them and "ghosts" hang in the third floor windows. Sign in the window says $11 donation to charity. Not sure what hours are. Looks like Thursday Friday and Saturday 4 p.m.-?

Wreck

 Pretty bad three car (at least) wreck this afternoon on East Main street where Main and Walnut split. Driver ran a red light and got hit by a car heading through the intersection.

Unofficial Halloween

 Got curious as to what had happened with Unofficial Halloween this year so took a drive around last night about 10 p.m. Saw one good sized house party on West Main but nothing along South University or S. Illinois. did see one couple waling on Illinois dressed as Deadpool and an angel but no indication as to where they were heading. I did hear that a number of students were out Friday night in costume but assume they were heading to private parties as nothing looked open on the Strip

Halloween Events

 Certainly a dearth of Halloween events in town this year. City events have moved online and most of the bars have shuttered due to COVID-19 restrictions, although if you have a gaming license, you can stay open to allow patrons access to your slot machines. Carbondale Main Street is hosting a Candy Scavenger Hunt throughout downtown though, with clues available to lead trick or treaters to tales stocked with candy throughout the downtown area.

Carbondale Dining in the Time of COVID

 Given that, per state order, restaurants and bars had to move back to only offering pickup, delivery and outside dining, here is a list of Carbondale restaurants and bars and how they approach the situation  Several restaurants in Marion and Murphysboro, as well as Bottoms Up in Jacob have posted on Facebook they will keep the restaurant open

Back to Phase 4

 here is the list of requirements that go into effect tomorrow. Primarily affecting bars and restaurants but restricts gatherings of 25 or more people.

COVID-19 Numbers

 Friday October 11 Jackson County 1351 infected, 24 dead, 1265 recovered, Randolph County 1034 infected 14 dead 966 recovered, Union County 601 infected, 20 dead 413 recovered and Williamson county 1576 infected 57 dead 995 recovered.

Friday October 16 Jackson County 1410infected, 25dead, 1292 recovered, Randolph County 1124 infected 14 dead 1022 recovered, Union County 698 infected, 21 dead 440 recovered and Williamson county 1678 infected 58 dead 1061 recovered.

Trick or Treating Update

 The city now discourages Trick or Treating but if you want to go,  offers these guidelines  Especially, wear the dang mask.

Early Voting

 In case you want to vote early, you still hav opportunities to do so in Carbondale. The polling place at the Civic Center is open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Oct.  21, 23 26 and 27. You can also vote at the SIUC Student Center  19th, 20th, 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. and October 28th, 29th , & 30th, 2020 from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Waiting time last Friday at the civic center was about 10 minutes with 6 people in front of me. Incidentally the entrance and exits to the Civic Center polling place are clearly marked. I saw several people come back out through the entrance after they finished voting.

Trump Parade 2

 While watching yesterday's Trump parade through downtown, one thing struck. The event and likely the campaign, is all about Pres. Trump. Out of those 200 or so vehicles, I do not recall seeing a single "Republican" sign. It was not a rally for Republican candidates or the Republican party. Rather it was an outpouring of support for the President. Mike Bost wishes he could generate that level of an outpouring of support.

Trump Parade

 Parade of Pres. Trump's supporters starting in Harrisburg and drove Hwy 13 across southern Illinois today. They drove through downtown Carbondale around 2 p.m. and I estimated about 200 vehicles in the convoy. It was rather hard to tell as some that looked as it they were in the parade did not have any signs or flags on their vehicles. Of course, those were balanced out by the ones that flew 4 to 6 flags on a truck. Not sure if they went all the way to Murpshyboro and where that number of vehicles would turn around if they did.

College Attendance

 Caught on Marketplace this morning that college attendance nationwide is down about 6% so not too bad a hit all things considered. However incoming freshmen are down about 16% and attendance at community colleges like John A. Logan is down about 25%

Early Voting

 In case you want to vote early, you still hav opportunities to do so in Carbondale. The polling place at the Civic Center is open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Oct. 16, 21, 23 26 and 27. You can also vote at the SIUC Student Center  19th, 20th, 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. and October 28th, 29th , & 30th, 2020 from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Koppers

Although it may not seem like it, clean up efforts are still ongoing at the old Koppers railroad tie manufacturing plant. Still removing soil and trees as Beezer has for the past decade.

West Main Street Construction

 West Main west of the town square is down to 1 lane of traffic. IDOT is working on resurfacing the other two lanes. The city and IDOT are doing a whole lot of repair and constructions this fall. Glad to see it happening but I rather wish they would get one section done first before moving onto another.

Haunted Carbondale Hundley House

 From the Carbondale Times, an article I wrote for it earlier this month on Hundley House. Since they do not publish online editions, I got their permission to post my copy here:

Located at 601 West Main Street, Hundley House has attracted national attention for its reported hauntings and for the double murder that took place there the night of  Dec. 12^th 1928. That night, someone shot banker and former Carbondale mayor J. C. Hundley and his wife Luella. The murder remains unsolved and the ghosts still active.

Quite active socially, the Hundleys had returned from an evening out and were finalizing plans to close up the house for the Christmas holidays and decamp for Florida until the New Year.  According to the Hundley’s butler, the last person to see the couple alive, Hundley had gone upstairs to prepare for bed while Mrs. Hundley went over last minute details with him before the couple left by train the following day.  He said later that both appeared in good spirits and were anticipating the trip.

Sometime after midnight, a neighbor across the street up nursing a sick baby heard a gunshot and saw the light go out in Hundley’s bedroom. She called the police but, due to the late hour, the authorities from Murphysboro responded (Carbondale was significantly smaller than Murphysboro at the time and the Hundley property was located at what at the time was the edge of Carbondale) but, due to the rain and muddy roads, took well over an hour to arrive. When they arrived, no one answered at the house and the front door was locked. Entering through the kitchen door, which was shut but unlocked, they found Luella Hundley dead at the foot of the servant’s staircase at the back of the house, while J. C. Hundley lay on his bed, barely alive, but did not survive the trip to the hospital. Both had been shot with what the police later determined was a .45 caliber Colt army revolver.

Suspicion immediately fell on Hundley’s son from his first marriage, Victor, who, while well liked in the community, had a reputation as a bad businessman continually in need of money. Reportedly, the elder Hundley had just cut his son out of his will but Virgil testified, during his later trial for the murder, that the two men had patched up their differences before the murder. No changed will was ever found and Virgil’s wife testified that he was at home at their house next door the night of the murder. Acquitted of the murders,  Virgil and the other principals in the murder, his wife and his sister Dora left Carbondale. Reportedly working for the railroad for several years, Virgil divorced his wife and eventually returned to Carbondale, purchasing a house on the south side of town where he died in the 1960s. He, his father  and stepmother are all buried near each other in Carbondale’s Oakland Cemetery . The case still remains open and a reward offered.

Since the 1990s, at least, Hundley House has been reportedly haunted by the spirits of J. C. and Luella. Passersby have reported hearing a gunshot and seeing the porch swing moving without a breeze.  Past owners of the house have reported televisions and CD players turning on and off by themselves, doors slamming and groans as if someone in pain, especially around the back staircase.  The  Ghost Lab paranormal investigators investigated Hundley House in 2010 with their investigation appearing on the Discovery Channel on  Jan 8^th 2011. Hundley House recently sold and is in private hands with no indication the new owner welcomes visitors, so best to view Carbondale’s best known haunted house from the sidewalk.

COVID-19 Numbers

 Friday October 2 Jackson County 1295 infected, 24 dead, 1233recovered, Randolph County 978 infected 12 dead 918 recovered, Union County 516 infected, 20 dead 401 recovered and Williamson county 1476 infected 54 dead 964 recovered.

Sunday October 11 Jackson County 1351 infected, 24 dead, 1265 recovered, Randolph County 1034 infected 14 dead 966 recovered, Union County 601 infected, 20 dead 413 recovered and Williamson county 1576 infected 57 dead 995 recovered.

River to River yard Sale

 No wonder so many yard sales from Cape Girardeau to Anna Jonesboro. This weekend is the River to River Yard Sale. I saw two-three dozen of them along 146 yesterday

Virtual Halloween Events

 The city has announced three online Halloween contests:  yard decoration, face painting and pumpkin carving. all entries due by October 26. 

Hazardous Waste Collection

 Jackson County has hazardous waste collection set up for Oct 17. Unlike past events, you need to register in advance to use the service. You can call 618-683-3143 ext 128 to schedule an appointment or sign up online here . 

Halloween

 Looks like most of the  Halloween events the city or other organizations have sponsored in past years have either been cancelled or moved online, as well as they can. Mildly bemused that the pre release says the city will "allow" trick or treating. When you think about it, Halloween is the perfect epidemic holiday. Everyone wears masks (yes I know Halloween masks do not stop the virus), runs around outside in small groups and gets individually wrapped pieces of food.

Drinking

 Well this ought to be good news for the beer and liquor sellers in town. People over age 35 reported they have increased consumption of alcohol by 14% during the epidemic. Of course, this probably doesn't help restaurants that much, since for a good part of the epidemic, people were not going out to restaurants, which derive a goodly part of their income from sales of alcohol

COVID 19 Stats Comparison

 Here is a comparison of the week to week statistics for COVID 19 for Jackson, Randolph, Union and Williamson Counties

Friday Sept 25 Jackson County 1264 infected, 24 dead, 1183 recovered, Randolph County 945infected 11 dead 888 recovered, Union County 496 infected, 20 dead 388 recovered and new Williamson county 1399 infected 47 dead 751 recovered.

Friday October 2 Jackson County 1295 infected, 24 dead, 1233recovered, Randolph County 978 infected 12 dead 918 recovered, Union County 516 infected, 20 dead 401 recovered and Williamson county 1476 infected 54 dead 964 recovered.

Halloween Decor

 Not sure why, maybe due to the pandemic and people staying at home more, but I am seeing Halloween decorations out far earlier this year than I have in past years. Nothing particularly spectacular yet but I started seeing decorations appearing as early as the third week of September and candy and décor around Labor Day.

Census Dates Extended

 A federal district judge just ordered the US Census Bureau to extend the ending date of the count to October 30. Apparently too many violations of preliminary injunction orders and a tweet saying the counts would end on OCtober 5.

Census Numbers

Carbondale self-reported census numbers are running just above 50% of the city's projected population numbers. This would be numbers reported through the census' website or mail response. This does not included number collected by census canvassers or the various booths and  information collection tables set up around town.

COVID -19 Test 2

 If you go to the Memorial Hospital drive through for a covid-19 test, they will ask you to quarantine for 1-2 days and tell you to expect your results in about 48 hours. That is about how long it took me to get my  results (negative if you were interested).

COVID -19 tests

 got tested at the Memorial Hospital drive up location. They want you to schedule an appointment but I was able to do so while sitting in the parking lot and got through the process in about 15 minutes. Very efficient operation.

Bright Spot Award

 From the Press Release from Keep Carbondale Beautiful

Keep Carbondale Beautiful September winner of the Bright Spot award goes to 716 McKinley ave. The landscaping is done by husband, Andy Fonck and the plant is done by wife, Francine Fonck. Andy and Francine have lived at their residence for 17 years. Driveway side border is boxed in with reclaimed wood. The raised bed holds a colorful array of hardy crimson mums, purple cockspurs and ginger marigolds. Exposed aggregate walkup is framed by rock and 3 ft tall canna plants. Sweeping along the right side of the house, is a lush stand of hydrangeas, intended to softly camouflage the front window.

          A standout aspect of this particular yard is the management style the Fonck’s are able to achieve. Rainwater is collected in barrels to water the garden. Beautiful white marble border stones were brought from a previous home in northern Illinois. Upcycled and found objects dot their garden and tell the stories of their lives. “I’ve done a lot with not too much money” recounts Andy Fonck, “I’m a blue-collar man, and I have to be resourceful.” Around the back of the home, is a vegetable garden, and a surrounding sitting area with upcycle car tire seats.

 

The Keep Carbondale Beautiful, Inc., Board selects businesses or residences to receive the Bright Spot Award for enhancing the beauty of our community by means of revitalization of property, new construction, plantings and beautification, upkeep and maintenance, or rehabilitation.

 

If you would like to nominate a business or residence to receive the Award, please call the Keep Carbondale Beautiful office at 525-5525 or email keepcb1326@gmail.com.  Archives of some past Bright Spot Award winners may be found at keepcb.org.

 

Highway 127

 Looks as if IDOT is starting work on repairing Hwy 127 south of Alto Pass. Several earthmoving vehicles there as well as 3-4 IDOT vehicles. I think it has been about 2 years since the hillside collapsed taking the highway along with it. Glad to see they are starting work on repairing it

Free Tuition

 SIU will offer free tuition to new students from Illinois who come from families making $63,565 or less next fall. They are still responsible for room and board, books, etc.  but the tuition waiver is certainly a nice incentive to offer.

SIUC COVID-19 Undercounting?

 Talking with an SIUC faculty member today and, according to her, the administration is way undercounting the number of students that have contracted COVID-19. A dozen on campus cases seems pretty small. Does anyone have any idea if that is the correct number of on campus students with the virus?

Breonna Taylor Protest

 Protest over the Breonna Taylor verdict at the Town Square pavilion tonight. Unfortunately they do not have any lights so rather hard to see what is going on there.

COVID -19 infections at SIUC

 The number of people reporting COVID-19 infections at SIUC is comparatively small. Here are the numbers the university posts each week There are 

5 on campus students

12 off campus students

2 faculty/staff

At this stage, from what I have read, shifting classes to all online and sending students home would be a really bad idea as we would be sending a lot of potentially infected people out of the area instead of keeping them here where they can be monitored.

In case you are interested in comparing, here are SEMO's daily stats

67 students

4 employees

20 in isolation on campus.

Cedar lake Boat Launch

 The city announced that Cedar Lake Boat Launch will close temporarily next week for resurfacing. Going to close from Monday to Friday. Lots of resurfacing on streets going on in town. Walnut street through downtown,, South Oakland and now the boat ramp

On Street Parking

 Missed the city council meeting tonight but an item on the agenda was regulating on street parking in residential areas. Not sure if the plan is to issue permits or even if it is a problem.

West Sunset

 In case you have not been out that way, the bridge on West Sunset is undergoing repairs, meaning a pretty lengthy detour in order to get to  Tower Road if you are used to using Sunset to get there

Face Coverings

 Following up on yesterday's post, I have seen a lot more people wearing face masks inside of stores that I did a month or two back. When I go to Kroger, almost every customer has a mask on, whereas a month or so ago the numbers ran about 80%. Over in Marion, meanwhile, I hear that a number of bars do not enforce the mask restriction, making it a magnet for those who want to go drinking sans facial covering

Ordinance Requiring Face Coverings

 City council meeting coming up this Tuesday evening by GoTo meeting only. you can register here. Major item on the agenda is an ordinance requiring Carbondale owners to make sure their employees wear face masks by providing for employer liability if they do not.

From the agenda:

Recommended Action

 

Adopt and ordinance requiring employers to ensure employees wear face coverings.

Originating Department: Legal

 

Background:

 

Since Ordinance 2020-24 was adopted, City staff has responded to multiple complaints concerning employees of businesses not wearing face coverings. As a result, the staff has reviewed the possibility, and the legality, of establishing employer liability for employees failing to wear face coverings. It's the City Attorney's opinion that employers are better suited to control the behavior of their employees. By providing for employer liability, the City can more easily enforce the current mask ordinance and ensure the safety of employees and customers. 

 

Additionally, Staff has been working with the Jackson County Health Department (JCHD) to seek compliance of one local business where at least 10 positive cases of COVID have been traced to. Following conversations with JCHD, it's our belief that placing responsibility on the employer to require face coverings of their employees will provide an additional, and more effective tool to facilitate compliance of businesses.

 

Recommended Action: It's recommended that the City Council adopt and ordinance requiring employers to ensure employees wear face coverings.

Oakland Ave. Closure

 S. Oakland Ave. will close at the intersection with Chautauqua starting Monday in order to finish the construction on Oakland. The closure will last 2 weeks and should finish the construction on Oakland with more modern sewers and paving.

Slab Skate Shop

 In case you missed it, Slabz Skate Shop opened in the University Plaza complex at 606 S. Illinois earlier this summer. Hopefully, this moves the town closer to getting a long awaited skate park.

Clothing

With the closure of JC Penny's and Macy's , the clothing options for older professional adults have dropped dramatically in the Carbondale area. Kohl's is not about the only place to go, if you do not want to shop online, that is. The remaining stores in University Mall all target shoppers 16 to 30 or so and do not offer things such as suits , ties and button down shirts, meaning the city will see even more shopping take place online and with that, a further decline in sales tax revenue.

Judicial Candidates Webinar

 Sponsored by the League of Women Voters

The public is invited to attend an online forum for Judicial candidates for the  Illinois Supreme Court  (Fifth District)  and Judicial candidates for the Illinois Appellate Court  (Fifth District ).

Attend to see and hear from your choices for these  offices.

This forum, on Wednesday, September 23, will  begin at 6:30  with the candidates for the Illinois Supreme court from the 5^th District – Republican, David Overstreet and Democrat, Judy Cates.  

It will be followed  by a forum for the candidates for the Illinois Appellate Court for the 5^th District – Republican, Mark Boie and Democrat, Sarah Smith.  This forum will begin immediately following the forum for the Supreme Court candidates at  approximately 7:15.  It should last about 45 min and end about 8:00.

The Illinois Supreme Court Justices are the final court of appeal for issues related to Illinois law and also perform a number of supervisory roles over Illinois courts.

The Illinois Appellate Court Justices hear appeals and sit in panels of three for decisions.

Questions for the candidates have been formatted by the League, but questions from the audience can be submitted for possible inclusion by sending them in advance to g.klam@mchsi.com.

This event is organized by the League of Women Voters of Jackson County and is hosted by the Carbondale Public Library.

Individuals wishing to register for the event can look for an invite announcement on the Carbondale Public Library Webpage and Facebook page.  Or from the League of Women Voters of Jackson County Webpage.

###

CLICK HERE to Register for the forum:  https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_4pQakKcfTJ6rfuU7ZdkUxA

Marijuana Tax Revenue

 Caught on this past week's State Week that tax revenues generated in Illinois by marijuana amounted to 19 million in July. Tax revenues from alcohol amounted to 22 million. Due to higher taxes on cigarettes in Illinois, the state has seen leakage to surrounding states with lower cigarette taxes for years. However, since those selfsame states do not offer legal marijuana sales, I surmise Illinois is reaping the benefits of traffic from their citizens wanting to purchase legal cannabis . 

Electric Larry's

 Electric Larry's is coming to downtown Carbondale next month. Facebook page describes the store as "Carbondale's newest used goods store for funky retro souls. "

Apple Cider Doughnuts

 Now we know it is getting close to fall. Apple Cider Doughnuts are back in stock at Rendleman's

Forums

 With all the hue and cry over the Presidential election, the local ones are those most likely to have an impact on your life and the ones on which your vote matters most. Your vote really matters in local elections so here is a chance to hear from the candidates for states' attorney and circuit clerk

Denny's Closing

 East side Denny's (actually the only Denny's) is closing due to declining sales . Apparently COvid-19 has really cut into sales and take out and social distance seating have not made up for it. The owners say they tentatively plan to reopen in Novemeber.

More Shooting

 At least this time no one got injured, only a house in the 500 block of South Poplar . With so many people buying guns, it is not particularly surprising that people want to use them.

Appliance Wizard

 The Appliance Wizard, located in Marion for a number of years,  has opened up a location in Carbondale on East Walnut about a block and a half east of the railroad tracks.

Candidate Forums

 As the election gets closer, the League of WOmen Voters has started its series of candidate forums, this year via Zoom. The first two are with the candidates for States' Attorney, followed by the candidates for Circuit Clerk. Forum starts at 6:30 and each should run about 45 minutes. Register here  

Shooting

 According to this press release, there was a shooting near the corner of Oakland and Sycamore this morning. Two people in the hospital, neither with life threatening injuries. Just shows that idiots and guns do not mix.

Construction Updates

 In case you want to keep up to date on what parts of the city are currently under construction, the city has thoughtfully compiled all of the locations where it is doing work at this location on its website. 

SIUC Enrollment Declines (again)

 For the umpteenth year in a row, SIUC posted a decline in attendance , this time 2.8% to 11,366. Administration says this is a good thing, since the drop is far smaller than the 8 to 12% drops of previous years. Still a drop though, no matter how you position it: "We are still sinking, just at a slower rate". Here is hoping the plans the current administration puts into place turns things around. What SIUC could reallyuse is someone in charge who remains there for a decade, so that they can develop and implement a long term plan.

Royal Asian Spa

 The FBI is investigating the Royal Asian Spa on the east side of Carbondale.  According to the website, $60 an hour for a deep tissue massage. If the pictures are accurate, the masseuses are pretty young. according to someone who went inside, hoping to sell advertising, the carpet was stained and it took awhile for anyone to come to the desk and the young lady who finally answered spoke little to no English.

Thai Taste Sold

 Downtown institution Thai Taste, which has anchored the corner of Main  and Illinois for over a decade and has been on the market for the past year, has finally sold. No idea, as of yet, if the restaurant will open back up for inside dining or will continue to offer take out and delivery only.

Panic Room

 Looks as if the Panic Room, an escape room operation on the east side of town, has closed down. The sign is gone, the building is filled with vintage bicycles and scooters and there is a For Sale sign n the front.

SEMO Numbers

 have not seen what the numbers are for SIUC yet, but Southeast Missouri State published preliminary numbers today:

Both headcount and FTE enrollments at the beginning of the semester are better than projected. Headcount is 9,603, a decrease of -4.9% and FTE is 7,957, a decrease of -3.8% from this time last year.

Census

 I do know the Census Bureau stops counting at the end of next month. What I do not know if whether tit still accepts submissions until the end of the year. From everything I see, Carbondale residents have not done a very good job of getting their numbers in. Whether it is apathy on the part of residents or that a goodly chunk of the population is students, we are still running way behind on getting our numbers in.

Joint Meeting

 Joint meeting of the Carbondale City Council and Park District board this Monday at 6:30. Given the back and forth in newspaper letter columns, it will be interesting to see what the two groups say to each other, zoom to zoom.I would like to see the Park District absorbed into the city, removing one more level of administration. Of course, I doubt the city wants to do that, given the current state of the park district's finances. There is still, from what I understand, a significant amount of money owed on Hickory Ridge Golf Course without enough money coming in to cover expenses and pay down the debt.

Dinner for Dictionaries

 In case you want to help the Rotary Club buy dictionaries for kids (thought I would think the kids would just Google words to find out how to spell them):

Rotary Club of Carbondale-Breakfast

PRESENTS - DINNER FOR DICTIONARIES - 

... AND MORE

ONE DINNER PROVIDES THREE DICTIONARIES

TO CARBONDALE STUDENTS

For 10 years the Rotary Club of Carbondale-Breakfast has provided a Student’s

Dictionary to every third-grade student in the CCHS feeder elementary schools.

The project costs around $800 each year. It's part of a nationwide effort via dictionaryproject.org. The joy that the students show our members when they

visit classrooms and distribute the dictionaries is a highlight of our

service activities. Dictionaries will be distributed whether classes meet in

person or virtually.

Enjoy a delicious meal by St. Nicholas Brewing Co and support

this worthwhile project: 

    o Tuesday, Sept. 8 -International Literacy Day

    o Pickup* from 4:30 -6:30 p.m.

      @ Carbondale Elks parking lot

        220 W Jackson St, Carbondale

    o $30 per meal or $55 for two

*Delivery available. Add $3.

Orders are due by Wed. Sept. 2!

Each entree by St. Nicholas Brewing Co. is served with

rosemary roasted potatoes, mixed vegetables, a dinner roll,

and a cookie from Bake Me Happy, Food Co.

NB:  Meals will be cold with reheating instructions.

E-mail me back or call/text me (618) 525-3075

Entree choices (please indicate the number of each entree you are

requesting):

____ Beer Glazed Meatloaf

____ Lemon Garlic Chicken

____ Vegetable Lasagna

____ Please deliver my meals (+ $3)

    (Carbondale area only, please)

Delivery Address_________________________________________

____ No thank you, but here is a donation _______________