Community News
Italian-American Days celebrates 70 years Memorial Day weekend
In a vibrant blend of tradition, culture, and community spirit, the Benld Italian-American Days proudly marks its 70th anniversary this year. Established in 1949, this beloved festival has become an iconic event, not only within the Italian-American community but also for all those
who appreciate the richness of Italian culture, cuisine, and heritage.
For seven decades, the Italian Club of Benld, a non-profit organization, has hosted this festival that serves as a hub for celebrating and preserving cherished traditions while embracing the fusion of Italian and American cultures. This year’s event will take place May 24, 25 and
26 at the Benld City Park in Benld, Illinois.
The festival begins on Friday, May 24 at 4:00 pm with food stands opening for service. Connor Family Amusements will provide carnival arm bands from 6:00-10:00 pm allowing unlimited carnival rides for $30.00. Klose Kuarters will provide music for your listening and dancing
pleasure from 6:30-10:30 pm.
On Saturday, May 25, the Italian Club of Benld will host its 3rd Annual Car Show. Car registrations will occur between 8:00 am-12:00 pm with judging taking place at noon. The Italian Club of Benld Car Show is held in the Benld City Park (rain or shine). Registration fee is $20.00. Cars will be judged professionally and trophies will be awarded. The first 70 entries will receive a commemorative tee sponsored by Kravanya Funeral Homes along with a dash plaque.
Festival food stands will open at 11:00 am. Carnival armbands will be offered from 12:00-4:00 pm and 6:00 pm-10:00 pm for $30.00 each armband session. Musical entertainment will be provided by the Jorrells from 6:30-10:30 pm.
The last day of the festival, Sunday, May 26, has always been the highlight of the weekend. One ton of homemade FREE SPAGHETTI will be served from the Lunch Stand from 11:00 am-1:30 pm. The musical line-up for the day includes: Fat Chance from 11:00 am-2:00 pm, Syner-
Gee from 2:30 pm-6:30 pm, and Big Shake Daddies from 6:30 pm-10:30 pm.
Our most favorite tradition of the festival is our Bocce Ball Tournament which begins play at noon. Team registrations begin at 11:00 am in the Beer Stand. The Bocce Ball Tournament consists of both a men and women’s bracket. Carnival armbands will be offered from 12:00-4:00 pm and again from 6:00-10:00 pm for $30.00 each armband session.
One cannot speak of the Benld Italian-American Days without mentioning its sumptuous array of culinary delights. Visitors can indulge in homemade cannoli, homemade Italian salami, tortellini soup, homemade meatball sandwiches, bagna cauda – all available in the Specialty
Stand. Our Lunch Stand will provide American favorites of cheeseburgers, hot dogs, Italian beef. The Fish Stand will offer cod, Alaskan whitefish and fries.
BINGO will be played every night beginning at 7:00 pm.
Whether you’re of Italian descent or simply appreciate the beauty of Italian culture, the Italian Club of Benld welcomes you to join in the celebration of its 70th anniversary. Come experience the sights, sounds, and flavors of Italy and be part of a tradition that has stood the test of
time. Buon divertimento! (Enjoy the fun!)
Questions about the 70th Benld Italian-American Days can be made by calling (217) 825-7052, or you may follow us on Facebook at Benld Italian-American Days.
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SPRINGFIELD — Lincoln Land Community College has announced its full-time and part-time President’s and Vice President’s lists for the spring 2025 semester. Part-time students are enrolled in six to 11 credit hours while full-time students are enrolled in 12 or more credit hours.
Students who earned a 4.0 grade point average (GPA) are noted with an asterisk and earned President’s list honors. Students who earned between a GPA of 3.5-3.99 earned Vice President’s list honors. The excerpt below features Macoupin County students.
FULL-TIME STUDENTS
Bunker Hill – Logan R. Helling
Carlinville – Reid P. Evans*, Brody M. Reif
Gillespie – Maris E. Brill, Austin L. Grace*
Girard – Max Allen*, Katie Angulo*, Mick B. Downs*, Josh Hagerman, Reed Lewis, Michael S. Prose*
Mount Olive – Jakobb E. Brown*, Georgia G. Kampwerth
Palmyra – Alexis R. Bowman*
Staunton – Paige N. Horstmeyer*, Michael J. Matesa*, Lauren R. Mathis, Brandon Mo
Virden – Zorah E. Austin*, Michaeh N. Barnhouse*, Maddie Carver, Jackson R. Pierce*, Morgan C. Snell*, Grant M. Strickler, Courtney N. Ulinski*
PART-TIME STUDENTS
Benld – Christopher Young*
Carlinville – Alex C. Nance*, Jerry D. Nance Jr.*
Gillespie – Jessica L. Tiek*
Girard – Lindsey J. Ferguson*, Jackson R. Henke*, Natalie Moriconi*
Mount Olive – Kara A. Harmon*, Justin D. O’Neill*, Hayden Wylder*
Virden – Candace L. Carlile*, Lillian M. Carlile*, Natalie M. Little*, Josie P. Patterson, Luciano Pierce*
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The 2:18 Missions Team, a dedicated local outreach group based in Gillespie, is excited to announce its upcoming cookout fundraiser to support its community initiatives. The event will take place on Saturday, June 21st, at Randy’s Market in Benld.
From approximately 9:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., community members are invited to enjoy delicious homemade food while supporting a worthy cause. The menu will feature pork chops, pork burgers, hot dogs, and refreshing water — perfect for a summer day of good food and fellowship.
“All proceeds from this event will go directly toward our mission efforts to serve and uplift our community,” said a spokesperson for 2:18 Missions Team. “We’re grateful for the support of our neighbors and look forward to seeing everyone there!”
Come out to Randy’s Market in Benld on June 21st to enjoy a tasty meal, support local endeavors, and connect with others in the community.
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CARLINVILLE, IL – On June 14th, concerned citizens are invited to join a coalition of grassroots organizations to nonviolently protest in front of the Macoupin County Courthouse at 201 E. Main St. in Carlinville, IL, from 2:00pm – 4:00pm. This protest is one of over 1,400 protests taking place nationwide with millions of participants as part of the NO KINGS National Day of Action and mass mobilization in response to the increasing authoritarian excesses and corruption of the Trump administration.
Trump’s unconstitutional actions include suppressing free speech, detaining people for their political positions, deporting American citizens, defying the courts, and much more – all while enriching himself and his billionaire allies.
“Now Donald Trump is planning a military parade in Washington, D.C. on June 14th. This display of might is intended to intimidate opponents and solidify his image as a strongman, while paying for it with taxpayer dollars.”, said Kelley Hatlee, a volunteer organizer with the Macoupin County 50501and Indivisible movements. “Instead of allowing this military parade to be the center of attention, the NO KINGS nationwide protests make action everywhere else the story of America on June 14th: people coming together in communities across the country to reject strongman politics and corruption.”, said Hatlee.
“We’re showing up together as neighbors, friends, and fellow community members to say NO to authoritarianism and yes to a government that serves everyone,” said Chelsa Pruden, a volunteer organizer with Macoupin PRIDE and Macoupin County 50501 and Indivisible. “We’re tired of watching powerful people trample our rights and our voices. This protest is about reminding everyone, especially those in power, that real strength comes from the people.”
Participants are encouraged to make protest signs that convey their personal messages. Packaged, nonperishable food items will be accepted for donation to local food pantries to help low-income families who will be hit hardest by Trump’s policies.
The NO KINGS protest in Carlinville is organized by a volunteer coalition of the Macoupin PRIDE and the Macoupin County 50501 and Indivisible grassroots movements. The coalition has created a Facebook page titled “Macoupin County 50501 and Indivisible” for concerned citizens to follow.
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