Calendar of Events

Thursday, November 10

? Evans Public Library's Homeschool Group meets from 1-2 p.m. Those interested in joining the group should contact Shawna Sprague at the library, 283-2824.
? The Vandalia Chamber of Commerce is holding a Business After Hours from 5-7 p.m. at the main branch of First National Bank in Vandalia, South Fifth Street entrance.
? Kaskaskia College will hold a Community Engagement event from 3:30-4:30 p.m. at the KC Vandalia Campus on West Fillmore Street. The college's administrative team will discuss the state of the college and new developments, and receive feedback from the public. To RSVP, call 283-1780.
? The Crawford-Hale American Legion Unit 95 Auxiliary will meet at 6 p.m. at the Legion Home. The executive board meets at 5:30 p.m.
? The Crawford-Hale American Legion regular monthly meeting will be held at 7 p.m. at the Legion Home. A meal for those attending will be provided at 6 p.m. New members are welcome.
? CenterPointe Church, located at 1616 Veterans Ave. in Vandalia, is holding free Weekly Fit Club sessions at 6 p.m. every Thursday.
? TOPS IL 1872, Ramsey, will meet at the Christian Church in Ramsey. Weigh-in is at 6:20 p.m. and the meeting is at 7 p.m.
? The Fayette County Board meets at 7 p.m. in the large courtroom at the Fayette County Courthouse.

Friday, November 11

? Northside Christian Church, located at 1845 W. Jackson St. in Vandalia, will hold a Veterans Day program at 11 a.m. Local historian Linda Hanabarger will be the guest speaker. Local residents currently serving on active duty of all branches of the armed forces; to submit names of those currently serving, mail or email ([email protected]) them to the church.
? St. Elmo veterans will host the annual Veterans Day flag ceremony at the Veterans Memorial on U.S. Route 40 in St. Elmo, with services beginning at 11 a.m. Flags will be retired and presented to donors upon inspection. Services will be moved inside the Phillips Building in the event of bad weather. Anyone wishing to donate a flag can contact Bob Heckert or Ernie Myers.
? Ponderosa Steakhouse is offering a free buffet meal for all veterans from 11 a.m.-8:30 p.m.
? The Vandalia American Legion will have bingo, beginning at 7 p.m. A meal will be available from 5-7 p.m.
? Local veterans are invited to Crawford-Hale American Legion Post 95 Home, 321 S. Seventh St., Vandalia, for a free dinner at 6 p.m.
? "Olde Tyme Christmas" is being held in downtown Vandalia on Nov. 11-12. It kicks off with the lighting of the city Christmas tree.
? Evans Public Library in Vandalia will hold a holiday story time at 6 p.m., as part of "Olde Tyme Christmas" in downstown Vandalia. Children of all ages are invited.

Saturday, November 12

? A paint and chemical recycling event is being held in the city parking lot at the southeast corner of Fifth and Johnson streets in Vandalia from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. or until the recycler is full. The costs for disposal are: $1 per gallon; 25 cents for spray paint cans; and $1 for spray pesticide cans.
? A craft and vendor fair, and wine-tasting, will be held from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at the American Legion Home, 321 S. Seventh St., Vandalia. It will include at least 20 vendors, and participating wineries are Lasata Wines in Lawrenceville and Vahling Vineyards in Stewardson. The event includes raffle prizes, a 50/50 drawing and food. Admission is $5 per person, with children under age 12 admitted free. Proceeds go to the Crawford-Hale American Legion Unit 95 Auxiliary.
? “Olde Tyme Christmas" in downtown Vandalia continues.
? The youth at Holy Cross Lutheran Church, located at 726 W. Fillmore St. in Vandalia, are holding a hot cakes and sausage breakfast from 7 a.m.-noon. The cost is $5 per person, and carry-outs will be available.

Sunday, November 13

? A holiday craft and vendor fair to raise funds for post-prom activities at South Central High School will be held from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. at South Central Middle School. It will include more than 60 vendors, 50-50 drawing, bake sale and a lunch that includes chicken and noodles, hot dogs, pretzels and drinks. Admission is canned goods or monetary donations going to the local food pantry. Signs giving directions will be placed roadside.,
? Brownstown VFW Post 9770 and Vandalia Boy Scout Troop No. 410 will perform a flag retirement ceremony at Northside Christian Church, 1845 W. Jackson St., Vandalia, beginning at 5 p.m. Residents of the community are invited to attend and to take all unserviceable U.S. flags for proper disposal. For more information, contact the church, 283-1970.

Monday, November 14

? The Vandalia Lions Club meets at Ponderosa Steakhouse. The executive board meets at 5:15 p.m., the meal is at 6 p.m. and the regular club meeting is at 6:30 p.m.

Tuesday, November 15

? An American Red Cross blood drive, sponsored by the Vandalia Rotary Club, will be held from noon-6 p.m. at the Vandalia Moose Lodge, with members of the Vandalia Woman's Club serving as receptionists. All presenting donors will be eligible to enter a drawing for a 15-pound turkey donated by County Market in Vandalia; the winner receive a voucher for the turkey. All donors will receive a sandwich, drink, cookies and snacks after they donate; the refreshments will be served by members of Craword-Hale American Legion Unit 95 of Vandalia.
? The Vandalia Board of Education meets at 5 p.m. in the district's administration center.

Thursday, November 17

? CenterPointe Church, located at 1616 Veterans Ave. in Vandalia, is holding free Weekly Fit Club sessions at 6 p.m. every Thursday.
? TOPS IL 1872, Ramsey, will meet at the Christian Church in Ramsey. Weigh-in is at 6:20 p.m. and the meeting is at 7 p.m.

Friday, November 18

? Evans Public Library in Vandalia will hold a Fantastic Friday at 4 p.m. Children up to age 10 are invited to listen to stories and decorate cupcakes. Registration is required; to register, call the library, 283-2824.

Saturday, November 19

? A benefit for Jody Blackwell, who sustained injuries in a motorcycle accident that prevent her from working, will be held at the American Legion Home, 321 S. Seventh St., Vandalia, beginning at 4 p.m. It includes a quarter auction at 5:30 p.m., followed by a live auction, as well as vendors, food, music by a DJ, gun raffles and a 50/50 drawing.