Community News
Build Benld recieve 2 lots from Community Memorial Hospital
Sue Campbell, CEO of the Hospital, says that “CMH Board of Directors has evaluated the proposed use for this Benld property and has decided to deed the land to the City of Benld for the Build Benld Committee’s proposed gazebo/pergola park project.”
Mayor Jeff Hendricks states, “This property is the proposed site for the Build Benld Committee to construct a gazebo or pergola park in the near future. Building start for the site is targeted during calendar years 2011 and 2012 by the Build Benld Committee. It’s a great prospect for the beautification of downtown Benld.” At a recent City Council meeting, Mayor Jeff Hendricks presented the proposal to the City Council. The land and the BBC proposal for its use were accepted by the Council. “Once a plan for the structure is finalized and the budget is set, the BBC and the Beautification Team will present it to the City Council for their approval. BBC and local volunteers will then begin construction and landscaping on the site. The City of Benld and BBC are very grateful to Sue Campbell and the Community Memorial Hospital in Staunton for the generous donation,” said Hendricks.
“As part of the BB Beautification Action Team’s plan, the gazebo/pergola structure will make our City of Benld and Central Avenue more attractive while providing a restful walking or bike-riding destination and will be used by the Benld Library for summer reading programs and many other local events,” said Co-Chair Lynn Fraelle. “We have received numerous, generous donations dedicated to this project by current and former citizens of Benld.”
When Build Benld’s Beautification Team (Andrea Costly, Chairperson) first suggested the idea of a gazebo/pergola park, the team looked at and evaluated lots that might be available on East Central Avenue. The property described as lots 17 & 18, block 42, next to the Staunton Community Memorial Hospital Clinic in Benld on East Central was chosen as the best possible site.
The BBC posed the question of the disposition of the lots with Sue Campbell, CEO CMH of Staunton, who brought this to the Hospital Board for discussion. After several months of investigating and evaluating the BBC project, the Community Memorial Hospital in Staunton graciously decided to deed the land to the City of Benld for the gazebo/pergola park project.
Once funding has been raised to complete a structure of this type, Build Benld Committee members and local volunteers will undertake construction.
Please support BUILD BENLD events to help us all reach this goal, thank you! Donations may be made to Build Benld, PO Box 5, Benld, IL 62009. Email us at: buildbenld@gmail.com.
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Mt. Olive, IL — The vibrant community of Mt. Olive is proud to host the 4th Annual International Mother Jones Festival on Sunday, May 4th, celebrating the life and legacy of the legendary labor leader and activist, Mother Jones. The festival runs from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. and will feature a variety of live music, engaging programs, and historic tours, culminating in a special tribute at Union Miners’ Cemetery, where Mother Jones is laid to rest.
Highlights of the Festival Include:
- Live Music: Enjoy performances by Casting Runes, Wildflower Conspiracy, and Piasa Canyon.
- Family Activities: Kids and the young at heart can participate in a magic and medicine show by Dr. Longhair, as well as a hands-on shoe-making activity inspired by Mother Jones’ famous footwear used in her miners’ strikes.
- Historical Reenactments: Loretta Williams, the only actress to portray Mother Jones in both her native Ireland (City Cork) and at her final resting place, will perform a special program at the library, bringing Jones’ story to life for audiences of all ages.
Special Events & Tours:
- A shuttle bus will be available to transport visitors between downtown and Union Miners’ Cemetery.
- Guided tours will be offered by docents at the cemetery and the Friends of Mother Jones Museum, providing insight into her life and enduring impact.
Food & Refreshments:
Kazoo Coffee will serve their signature Hell Raiser blend—created in honor of Mother Jones—along with B&K Bakery cookies, as well as a variety of food and beverages to keep festival-goers energized.
In Case of Weather Changes:
All downtown activities will relocate indoors to City Hall and the library, ensuring the celebration continues rain or shine.
Come celebrate the spirit of activism, history, and community at this meaningful event honoring one of America’s most influential labor leaders. Everyone is welcome to join the festivities!
For more information, contact the Mother Jones Museum at 618-659-8759 or email friendsofmotherjonesmuseum@gmail.com.
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The Friends of the Library are excited to invite the community to an exclusive “Snap-On Jewelry” demonstration hosted by jewelry artist Jodi Flack. The event will take place on Monday, May 5th, at 6 p.m. in the Gillespie Public Library.
During this engaging program, Jodi will showcase her beautiful collection of snap-on jewelry, featuring versatile necklaces and bracelets with interchangeable pendants. Attendees will have the opportunity to explore the various styles and options available, making it a perfect occasion to find a special gift or add a unique piece to their jewelry collection.
Jewelry will be available for purchase at the event, making it an ideal opportunity to find a thoughtful Mother’s Day gift or a special treat for yourself.
Don’t miss this chance to discover stylish, customizable jewelry and support the Friends of the Library. All are welcome!
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The Illinois Department of Transportation announced that a 14-mile patching and resurfacing project on Interstate 55 from Litchfield to the Macoupin/Madison County line begins Monday, April 21. Work is expected to be completed by the end of September.
Additionally, ramps for Litchfield (exit 52), Mount Olive (exit 44) and Staunton (exit 41) will be resurfaced. Most of the work is expected to take place between 7 p.m. and 6 a.m. Sunday nights through Friday mornings.
Lane closures are expected, and message boards will be used to direct traffic through the work zones. Motorists can expect delays and should allow extra time for trips through this area. Benefits of this project include a smoother driving surface.
To avoid the work area, when feasible, use of alternate routes should be considered. Drivers are urged to pay close attention to changed conditions and signs in the work zones, obey the posted speed limits, refrain from using mobile devices and be alert for workers and equipment.
