The Carbondale Observer

I came across a flyer announcing a forum for the four remaining mayoral candidates is being held at the Civic Center in Council Chambers on Wednesday, March 9 from 7:00 – 8:30 PM. The questions are being presented by the League of Women Voters of Jackson County.

The forum will also be televised on Channel 16.

The Carbondale Public Library is having a trivia night and silent auction. From an email sent to the Arbor District list:

Like watching Jeopardy? Why not play it yourself?: Come give it a shot at the Carbondale Public Library’s Trivia Night Fundraiser. You’ll put together a team of up to six players ($120 for the team’s table). You’ll conspire with your teammates on all your answers. No geniuses required! The game is played in topical rounds.

Saturday, February 5th 6:30pm – 9:00pm (Game begins @ 7:00pm). $150 Grand Prize to the winning team, plus lots of other prizes!

Pre-Register @ the library circulation desk, or call 457-0354 ext. 1 to register with a credit card. $120 per team/table. Each team receives 6 tickets. Buy your team tickets, then distribute/sell them to your best and brightest friends. Discounts for kids (Hey, really, who’s smarter than a fifth grader?). ($20 per adult ticket; $10 per child 12 & under. For example, an all-adult team pays $120 for the evening’s entertainment. A team of adults and two kids pays only $100).

Come have fun and support the library! We are hosting a silent art auction too! Feel free to distribute the attached fliers and email!

My understanding is that recent state budget cuts have hit the library pretty hard. This is a good opportunity to have some fun and support a valuable community resource.

Comments are welcome

I received an email announcing that the League of Women Voters has scheduled two meet and greets with candidates in the upcoming city elections. From the email:

(All sixteen council candidates have been invited)
*February 9, 7:00-8:30 PM, Carbondale Civic Center:
“Meet & Greet” Carbondale City Council Candidates (Candidates will be seated at tables.   Voters may meet/speak individually to as many candidates as they wish.)

(All five mayoral candidates have been invited)
*February 10, 7:00-8:30 PM, Eurma Hayes Center:
“Meet & Greet Carbondale Mayoral Candidates (Candidates will be seated at tables.  Voters may meet/speak individually to as many candidates as they wish.)

Sounds like a worthwhile event.

Food Works is having a benefit dinner at Harbaugh’s Cafe at 6:00 pm on Friday, November 5. Chef Bill Connors of University Residence Dining is the chef for the event, and most ingredients are locally sourced. The suggested donation is $35 for a five-course meal. All proceeds will go to support Food Works’  farmer training and networking programs. Reservations are required, and the deadline is Wednesday, November 3.

Food Works seems like a worthwhile organization. According to their “About” page, their mission is “Local, sustainable food systems development for Southern Illinois.” They’re working on a “regional branding program to draw attention to the bountiful produce, meats and dairy products grown and produced in the region.”

Local food is good for the environment because less energy is used in transportation. Local food production is also a growing industry. Farmer’s markets are becoming more common, and sales at farmer’s markets hit $1 billion in 2006.  Restaurant customers are willing to pay more for locally sourced food.

The Illinois Department of Agriculture recently gave Food Works a $25,000 grant for their Southern Illinois Farm Beginnings program. The goal of the program is training new farmers and farmers transitioning to specialty crop production.

The Southern Illinois Farm Beginnings program includes training in business and marketing, which is a necessity if local food production is going to be profitable.

Thirty five bucks is a good price to support local economic development and eat a five course meal. If you’re interested, check out the menu (pdf) or make reservations.

Comments are welcome.