Shop til you drop this weekend at JALC AutumnFest

AutumnFest 2017 at John A. Logan College, always a popular event, will be from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 11, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 12. Admission is free for this holiday shopping opportunity that features unique crafts and gourmet food choices. For more, call (618) 985-3741.

The Golconda Deer Festival will be Thursday, Nov. 16, through Saturday, Nov. 18, with events galore. The parade will be at 1 p.m. that Saturday. Call (618) 683-6723 for more.

Bird watchers can take a birding tour with volunteer guides at Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge on Sunday, Nov. 12, starting at the visitor center on Route 148. This is free, but reservations are a must. Call (618) 997-3344 to reserve a seat. Binoculars will be available.

Winter Wonderland is coming up Thursday, Dec. 7, through Monday, Dec. 11, at Rent One Park, with daytime and evening attractions underway and a spectacular fireworks display on Friday, Dec. 8. There will also be opportunities for school groups to come out and enjoy the season.

Like to become a member of The Second Act of Southern Illinois Healthcare? This is a free program for adults 50 and beyond to live, laugh and learn. Call (877) 480-4040.

Little Egypt African Violet Society will meet at 1 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 9, at Plantscape in Herrin. Sandra Vaile will present a program on unique containers for growing African violets. Call (618) 922-8121 for more.

Learn about winter plant identification from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 11, at Cache River Wetlands Center in Cypress. Call (618) 657-2064.

Cairo Historical Association invites its Marion friends to attend a luncheon and tour of the elegant Magnolia Manor, built before the Civil War, that sets on Washington Avenue.

The luncheons will be from Monday, Nov. 27, through Saturday, Dec. 2. Cost is $20 and reservations are a must. Call Charles A. McGinness at (618) 734-3200, ext. 205 or (618) 534-0454 to reserve a seat. Tours, without the lunch, are also available.

Like to run 50 or 100 miles? The 50/100-Mile Run will be Saturday, Nov. 11, on the scenic Tunnel Hill State Trail in Vienna. Details can be seen at durbinracemanagement.com.

This brings runners in from around the world. Spectators are welcome at the park, where other events will be ongoing.

A December date to remember is the Illinois Snow Angel Pageant at Shawnee Community College. Young ladies from around the area are encouraged to participate. Applications are available at snowangelpageant@gmail.com.

Attend a Variety Christmas Spectacular on Friday, Dec. 15, at The Badgett Theater in Kentucky by taking a coach trip sponsored by The Second Act of SIH.

Cost is $89 for members and $99 for nonmembers. A fabulous lunch is promised at Patti's Settlement, just across the street from the theater.

The Second Act will host its annual Christmas party from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 7, at Carbondale Civic Center.

This is a sit-down dinner with entertainment by Carterville High School Jazz Band and Southeastern Illinois College. Cost is $10. Call (877) 480-4040.

Welcome November! This is National Peanut Butter Lovers Month, Family Bread Baking Month and National Diabetes Awareness Month. And this week is National Culinary Week.

Remember, Saturday is Veterans Day and there will be a number of events scheduled around the area.

Your newsy items are welcomed in this community column. Call (618) 995-2491; email to dixieterry85@yahoo.com; or mail the old-fashioned way to Teapot Cottage, 101 Sidney Lane, Goreville, IL 62939.