Local briefs
Kaskaskia program at library Sept. 23
CHESTER - Dr. David Joens will present "Kaskaskia and the Road to Statehood" at 1 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 23 at the Chester Public Library.
Dr. Joens is the director of the Illinois State Archives, the state agency responsible for the preservation of historic Illinois state and local records. He is the author of three books and several articles on Illinois history and government. A lifelong resident of Illinois, Joens earned a doctorate in History from Southern Illinois University in Carbondale.
The program is free and open to the public. Refreshments will be provided by the Friends of the Library.
The program is in conjunction with the Museum on Main Street exhibition from the Smithsonian Institution and Illinois Humanities. "Crossroads: Change in Rural America" is at the Chester Public Library through October 20. The exhibit may be viewed during regular library hours: 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday - Thursday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday, and 8 a.m.-1 p.m.to 5 p.m. Saturday. Group and school tours may be scheduled by calling the library at 826-3711.
The local companion exhibit, Change Through a Local Lens, features Kaskaskia, the Mississippi River, area farms and more.
Women's Club to open 81st season
CHESTER - The Chester Women's Club will open its 81st club season with the annual Officers' Tea beginning at 1 p.m. Sept. at the fellowship hall of the First United Methodist Church.
President Chris Bowles will preside. Club Program Chairman Sandra Starr has announced the scheduled programs for the coming year:
• September 28 - Railroads And Their Continued Influence on Life & Economy in Randolph County - Rev. Weber
• October 26 - Highlights of the PyeongChange 2018 Winter Olympics - Ricky Casten
• November 16 - Child Victims of Crime - Carolyn Hubler, Executive Director, Child Advocacy Center
• December 13 - Christmas Luncheon and Chester High School Swing Choir
• January 25, 2019 - What Makes An Owl An Owl - Thomas May, Kaskaskia Valley Audubon Society.
• February 22, 2019 - Treasured Memories - Members are encouraged to bring a treasured item to speak about.
• March 21, 2019 - CHS Senior Girls' Tea - Program by Tammy Grah
• April 26, 2019 - WWI Aviation, Iron Men With Wooden Wings - Bob Lockhart
• May 17, 2019 - Annual May Luncheon, Installation of Officers & Woman Of The Year Presentation.
The Chester Women's Club is a social, cultural and service organization. Any area woman wishing to join may contact President Chris Bowles or any local member for information.
UMWA retirees to meet Oct. 3
PINCKNEYVILLE - The United Mine Workers of America will host a retirees meeting Wednesday, Oct. 3 at the Columbia Club (formerly known as Knights of Columbus Hall) in Pinckneyville.
The club is located at 312 N. Gordon St. Meeting time is set for 9 a.m.
Secretary/treasurer Levi Allen, along with International District 12 Vice President Steve Earle and District 12 Representative Tim Miller, will be present to discuss current union issues, including the fight to save pensions. This meeting is for all retirees, their spouses, dependents and associate members.
Pagan Alliance to celebrate fall equinox
CARBONDALE - Come celebrate the fall equinox with Southern Illinois Pagan Alliance, Saturday, Sept. 22 at Giant City State Park, Shelter 2.
The autumn equinox divides day and night equally, and the celebration pays respects to the impending dark, as well as gives thanks to the waning sunlight as pagans prepare to store the harvest of this year's crops.
All are welcome, including children and friendly pets. The gathering starts at 3 p.m. A handfasting will take place at 4 p.m. All are welcome to attend. A potluck will follow at 5 p.m. Ritual starts at 7 p.m.
For more information contact Tara Nelsen at 618-924-0263 (texting welcome) or taracatgirl@yahoo.com, or visit http://www.sipagan.com.</group><group id="05D2381F-D2A5-4C46-811E-1AF0839D