Tuesday, April 25
n Jeanita Spillman & the Encore Band: 6:30 to 9 p.m., Gwyn-Wynn Senior Citizens Center, Benton; 618-218-4676
n Benton Senior Scramble: 9 a.m., golf course; registration at 8:30 a.m.; playing every Tuesday
n Welcome Home Ceremony: 9-10 p.m., Veterans Airport of Southern Illinois, 10400 Terminal Drive, Marion; welcoming home participants of Veterans Honor Flight of Southern Illinois after day in Washington D.C.; wear patriotic attire, bring signs and flags; 618-998-2834
Wednesday, April 26
n Freezing & Drying Workshop: 6:30-7:45 p.m., Franklin County Extension office, 1212 Route 14 W., Benton; learn basics of food freezing and dyring; advanced registration preferred; 618-439-3178; go.illinois.edu/preservingsafely
n Story Time: 10 a.m., Benton Public Library, 502 S. Main St.; 618-438-7511
n Catfish Dinner: 5-7 p.m., Benton Elks Lodge, 167 Industrial Park Road; all-you-can-eat catfish, fries, coleslaw and baked beans, $8.95; 618-435-3557
Thursday, April 27
n Link Card Application Sign-up: 9 a.m.-noon, Ministry for the Broken Hearted Food Pantry, 201 W. Market St., Christopher; 618-927-0202
Friday, April 28
n Hands Across the Courthouse: 7:30-8:30 a.m., Franklin County Courthouse, Public Square, Benton; in support and unity of abused and neglected children in Franklin County; sponsored by Court Appointed Special Advocates of Franklin County; 7:45 a.m. meet and greet with coffee/donuts, 8 a.m. guest speakers, 8:30 a.m. solidarity and support walk around courthouse; 618-438-0608
n Li'l Abner: 7 p.m., Benton Civic Center, 414 W. Hudelson St.; musical; $13/$8; 618-435-5700; bentonciviccenter.com
n Salad Luncheon & Plant Sale: 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m., First United Methodist Church, 203 W. Church St., Benton; hot chicken salad, variety of dinner and dessert salads, bread and drink; $7; carry-outs available; 618-435-4642
n Fish Dinner: 5-7 p.m., American Legion Post 280, 311 S. Main St., Benton; 618-438-0861
Saturday, April 29
n St. Joseph's Flea Market: 7 a.m.-3 p.m., St. Joseph Catholic Church, 506 W. Main St., Benton; early entry at 7 a.m. for $5 donation; free entry at 8 a.m.; lunch and homemade desserts available; 618-438-9941
n 80s Party Night: 8 p.m.-midnight, Benton Eagles, 201 E. Washington St.; music by Penny; dance contest, best 80s costume contest; 50/50 drawing by Auxiliary; 618-218-5914
n Outdoor Safety Day: 9 a.m.-2 p.m., Franklin Hospital, 201 Bailey Lane, Benton; informational booths and exhibitions providing outdoor safety education; 618-435-4731
n Li'l Abner: 7 p.m., Benton Civic Center, 414 W. Hudelson St.; musical; $13/$8; 618-435-5700; bentonciviccenter.com
n Hike at Lusk Creek Wilderness: 10 a.m.; hike from Bear Branch to Indian Kitchen in Pope County; hosted by River-to-River Trail Society, bring own water and snack; call 618-534-8139 for details and to register
Sunday, April 30
n Li'l Abner: 4 p.m., Benton Civic Center, 414 W. Hudelson St.; musical; $13/$8; 618-435-5700; bentonciviccenter.com
n Open House: 2-4 p.m., Herrin City Library, 120 N. 13th St.; annual Friends meeting, games, prizes, refreshments; 618-942-6109
