· On this day in 1946 Christmas classic "It's a Wonderful Life" film, directed by Frank Capra, starring James Stewart, Donna Reed and Lionel Barrymore premieres in New York
Repurpose your live Christmas tree by donating it to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Rend Lake Project for fish habitat. Donated trees will be bundled together and placed underwater in Rend Lake, providing fish habitat and improving angling opportunities. Tree drop-off locations are available at Rend Lake, Mt. Vernon, and Marion.
At Rend Lake, tress can be dropped off at the following locations until January 12, 2025.
• Sugar Creek Parking Lot: located at the intersection of Licata and Mine 24 roads.
• Dam West Boat Ramp: located on the west side of the Rend Lake Dam
In Mt. Vernon, trees can be donated at:
• Veteran’s Park Softball Field: 800 South 27th Street
• Optimist Park: 903 Pace Avenue
In Marion, drop off locations include:
• Ray Fosse Park: Goofy Golf parking lot at 500 East Deyoung Street, just north of Highway 13
• Pyramid Park: Northernmost picnic shelter parking lot at 1300 Bevabeck Drive
Tree donations in Mt. Vernon and Marion will be accepted until January 10, 2025.
Please note that artificial or flocked trees (those with artificial snow) cannot be accepted. Additionally, all tinsel, decorations, stands, and plastic bags must be removed before dropping off your tree.
In Marion, you can try Scuba Diving at The Hub Recreation Center. Ages 10 to Adult are invited to rsvp for a scuba trial on Saturday, January 18th or Friday, March 14th. RSVP is required. Learn more at www.mermetsprings.com
The Food Works Winter Farmers Market, (formally the Carbondale Community Farmers Market) opens its winter season with new hours beginning tomorrow. The indoor market will be open from 9:00 a.m. to Noon every Saturday through the month of March at University Mall in Carbondale inside the theater entrance. Find a wide variety of items, all grown, baked, or made by local producers. Enjoy live music, special events & children’s activities throughout The Winter Market season. Learn more at www.carbondalemarket.com
The American Red Cross needs your blood donation to save lives. Donate on Christmas Eve at the Marion Knights of Columbus located at 600 North Russell from 9:00 AM - 01:00 PM and receive a long-sleeved Red Cross T shirt. Visit www.redcrossblood.org to make an appointment or to find a blood drive in your community.
