ON THIS DAY in 2009 Barack Obama is inaugurated as the 44th President of the United States of America, becoming the United States' first African American president.
The Vandalia Statehouse State Historic Site will celebrate President Abraham Lincoln’s birthday and America’s 250th anniversary with a free public event from 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 7 in the House of Representatives chamber where Lincoln once served. The program will feature Fritz Klein as Lincoln, along with remarks from Vandalia Mayor Doug Knebel and music by the Vandalia Community High School Band. Klein, a professional actor and speaker, is known for his historically accurate and compelling portrayal of Lincoln. He bears a striking physical resemblance to the former president and has appeared in documentaries and films for National Geographic, Discovery Channel and the History Channel. Birthday cake and cookies will be served. The celebration is presented by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, the Vandalia Illinois Tourism Commission and the Old Capitol Foundation. The Vandalia Statehouse State Historic Site is the oldest surviving capitol building in Illinois and served as the state capitol from 1836 to 1839. The site, at 315 W. Gallatin St., is open to the public from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday. For more information, call 618-283-1161.
Illinois residents of African descent are invited to learn more about their heritage by engaging with the Illinois Family Roots Pilot Program. This free, community-based event will be Saturday, January 24th, from 1-4 p.m. at the Carbondale Public Library. Illinois Family Roots is a community-based project that uses DNA testing and genealogical research to help Illinois residents discover and reconnect with their African heritage. Come hear an overview of the program, ask questions, and, if you wish, provide your DNA sample on site with the assistance of trained team members. DNA kits are available free of charge to eligible Illinois participants.
The Southern Illinois Pagan Alliance hosts its first public ritual of the new year with Imbolc, Saturday, January 31 at the Gaia House Interfaith Center in Carbondale.Imbolc is the midwinter celebration of the returning light and the first stirrings of spring such as early budding leaves and the sprouting of jonquils and crocuses.During the festival, candles are lit to symbolize the returning sun.The Christianized version of Imbolc is known as Candlemas. Participants are asked to bring a red candle. The gathering starts at 6 p.m. with the ritual to follow at 7. A potluck will follow.Please bring what you can to share and visit the SIPA Facebook Imbolc event page for helpful hints and suggestions. SIPA rituals are free and open to the public.All are welcome.Donations to Gaia House Interfaith Center are appreciated.
Gaia House is located at 913 South Illinois Avenue at the intersection of Grand Avenue across from Southern Illinois University.
Parking is available adjacent to Gaia House. Otherwise, from south of Illinois 51 at Grand Avenue, turn at the parking area at the light away from SIU.
For questions and information, contact Tara Nelsen at 618-924-0263 (text preferred) or taracatofsipa@gmail.com, or Andi Darnell on the SIPA Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/groups/sipa1998 and through Facebook Messenger.
For more information about Gaia House visit http://www.gaiahouse.net.
