It seems that the April showers have lapped over into May, as we await sunshine and warm breezes. Mother Nature is seemingly a bit confused this year and maybe, just maybe, she will get her act together soon.
• Today, Tuesday, will be the 4 p.m. cookout, silent auction, baseball, softball, and soccer games out at the Crisp Sports Complex, sponsored by the Marion High School athletic department. This will be a family fun event, open to the public.
• Also at the high school, will be the annual plant sale each day, 1-4 p.m. Call 993-8196, ext., 194, for information and directions. The FFA is offering not only flowers and hanging baskets, but also tomatoes and peppers, all at reasonable prices. It seems everyone's gardening is a bit behind schedule, thanks to the many showers and cool weather.
At our house, the lawn was mowed for the first time, thanks to a nice neighbor. The potted plants, brought in last fall, are still indoors, as I await some family members to arrive and carry them out to the front porch and back deck.
• Mark your datebook for the annual show of the Little Egypt Chorus, which will take place at 2 p.m. on Sunday, June 10, at the Carbondale High School auditorium. This year's theme is "School Days" and will feature, besides local barbershop quartets, an international winner, Fleet Street. General admission is $12, or $10 for senior citizens and students. Call ahead for tickets to 618-549-9389 or purchase at the door. All seating is non-reserved.
• Senior citizens! The 12th annual Senior Fun Fest will be at 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Wednesday, May 23, at The Pavilion, with a theme of The Fabulous Fifties. Dust off your poodle skirt, get out the saddle oxfords and roll up your blue jeans, and have a blast of the past. Tickets are $5 at the Southern Illinois Healthcare office in the University Mall. This is sponsored by the Healthy Seniors Action Team. Enjoy lunch, prizes, music, entertainment, photo taking and much more.
• Be at the Harrison Bruce Historical Village on the John A. Logan College campus the first and third Tuesday of each month, through October, to take a tour on your own, at either 10 a.m. or 1 p.m. The tours through the five buildings are free. To arrange for private tours at other times, call 618-985-2828, ext. 8425.
• Coming up at 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on July 28 and 29, at The Pavilion will be a first event, the "Southern Illinois Made Expo." This will be an opportunity for locals to show off and sell their products that are made in our southern counties. Booth prices begin at $50 and 997-6311 is the contact number. This will be sponsored by the Marion Chamber of Commerce.
• In between showers, there are outdoor places to be, including this family event at 1 p.m. at shelter #2 at Giant City State Park, on Saturday, May 12, to enjoy "Kids in the Woods---Who's That in the Water?" It is free and info can be had by calling 618-457-4836.
• That same day, at 9 a.m. the series, "Becoming an Outdoors Family" will feature bicycling the back roads of the Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge. This is free, but reservations are a must by calling 997-3344.
• To learn more about the mysterious stone fortifications of Southern Illinois, be at the Cache River Wetlands Center at 10 a.m. on Saturday, May 12. Call 618-657-2065.
• A new pharmacy has opened at 1008 West Cherry St. Core Pharmacy is open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday-Friday and 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Saturday. The phone is 969-9600. Lab services are also offered, with all insurance accepted.
• The United Way of Southern Illinois will be offering a quilting event, "Life in Pieces" at the Benton Civic Center, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, June 23. Quilt vendors are welcome by contacting 618-997-7744 or 866-894-3577.
• It's time, once again, for the annual Chair Affair at the Marion Cultural and Civic Center, a fundraiser for the MCCC Foundation. Drop by and take a look at the chairs, painted by local artists, that can be bid on in a silent auction through May. And, maybe you will be taking one or more home with you later.
• Another fundraiser for the Creal Springs Wonder Water Reunion will be a fish fry at 5-7 p.m. on Saturday, May 19, at the Creal Springs VFW. For $10 for adults, and $7 for children, there will be fish, hush puppies, french fries, potato salad, coleslaw, drinks and desserts. Those under 3 will eat for free.
• Marion Main Street invites one and all to attend the fifth annual rib cookout in the city parking lot between Pookie's and Union Street Pub, beginning at 3 p.m. on Saturday, May 19. Admission is $5 per person. This will also serve as a kickoff of the summer car shows on the square. There will also be live music by Tim Crosby. For more, visit facebook.com/MarionMainStreet.
• For anyone with loved ones buried at the Chapman Cemetery in Johnson County, there is a need for funds to keep the very old burial grounds mowed. Checks can be mailed to Jack Grinnell at 4341 Market Road, Marion, or Sharon Fairbanks, 3005 W. Woodlawn Place, Marion.
• The fundraiser of the Little Egypt Art Association offers pulled pork butt at $30 or ribs at $20, prepared by chefs, Jeri and Randy Palmer. These can be ordered at the LEAA art centre and the pickup date will be 4-6 p.m. on June 27.
And while in the art center, take a look at the May exhibit of fiber art, including quilts, fabrics, froufrou, paintings, and more. A great place to purchase unique one-of-a-kind gifts.
Your newsy items are appreciated, for this, your community column. Give a call to 995-2491, email to dixieterry85@yahoo.com or via mail to 101 Sidney Lane, Goreville, 62939.
Enjoy the around-town events!
