What: GMC Pumpkin Patch 

When: Wednesday-Friday 5p-7p

Saturday 9a-4p and Sunday Noon-4p

Where: Gillespie Methodist Church, 900 Broadway

Etc. Choose from an assortment of sizes and colors!

Proceeds stay in your community.  

Benld Adopt-A-Pet Shelter needs your help. 

Our shelter in experiencing a flock of new arrivals.

At this time we are in urgent need of the following:

Pedegree Small dog, chicken & rice (1/4 bag left)

Purnia small bites Dog Chow, Purina One Puppy Chow complete (1 bag left)

only one case of Fancy Feast Kitten wet (can) left.

For a complete list of our needs , please call 217-835-2538

Also have an urgent need for foster parents to help ease the

strain on the crowded shelter. 

Benld Adopt-A-Center, 807 Stewart Drive   

What: The American Revolution Experience 

When: Sunday, October 24th - November 4th 

Where: Hillsboro Area Library, 420 South Main

Etc. Nationally recognized traveling exhibit about the

Revolutionary War. Kick off celebration is 

Saturday, October 24th 10a-Noon 

BRUSH PICK-UP

 

 

Brush pick-up, a service to our citizens, will be offered by the City the week of October 26th weather permitting. Pick-up will begin in Ward 1 on Monday, October 26th and progress through each of the four wards accordingly. The Staff will make a single pass on each street. Once they pass, the staff will not come back. Please have your brush out at the boulevard by 7:00 AM, Monday, October 26th. Brush may not be placed at the boulevard before October 19th for pick-up as it will be subject to a code violation and a citation. Violators may be cited. Yard waste, big logs, whole trees, limbs, or any trees/limbs cut down by a contractor will not be picked up. Residents may also drop off their brush at the City burn area; it is open 24/7. For questions or clarifications on Brush Pick-up, please call 217-324-5253.

 

What: Harvest Feast Meal

When: Wednesday, October 28th 5p-6:30p

Where: Gillespie Methodist Church, 900 Broadway

Etc. Chili & toasted cheese. Dine in or carry out.    

What: Annual Pancake & Sausage or Biscuits & Gravy Breakfast 

When: Saturday, October 31st 6a-Noon

Where: Vandalia Moose Lodge, 328 South 3rd Street 

Etc. $10 tickets, good for one adult or two children 12 & under.

Tickets at the door and everyone is welcome!  

 

What: 87th Annual Carlinville Rotary Halloween Parade

When: Saturday, October 31st @ 6:15p

Where: Carlinville Sqaure

Etc. Pre-registration is required to participate in the parade.

Visit Carlinville Rotary Facebook page for details and sign-up link.

What: Pork Patty Fundraiser

When: Saturday, October 31st 11a-1p

Where: Fillmore Methodist Church,

417 East Fillmore Street

Etc. Lunch includes pork patty sandwich,

chips, drink & dessert, $10

What: 26th Semi-Annual Sausage Breakfast

When: Sunday, November 1st 7a-1p

Where: New Douglas Fire Department, 105 East Allen

Etc. Curbside pick up only! Pancakes, sausage, scrambled eggs,

biscuits & gravy and homemade donuts. 

All meals $15. Veterans or active duty FREE! 

 

 

What: Litchfield Senior Dance

When: Sunday, November 1st 5p-8p

Where: Litchfield Community Center, 1100 South State 

Etc. Drinks are furnished, but please bring finger food to share. 

  

9 am start and 8am registration on November 7 for the legendary run in Raymond.  

Deadline October 23rd.  Registration can be completed online at https://runsignup.com/Race/Register?raceId=145314 

 

Spaces start at $25, with electric $35.  Call 618-642-8488 or email Donnellsondna@gmail.com.  Crafts, homemade items, flea market, vintage goods, home decor and more!

Blackburn College will welcome prospective students and their families to campus for a Fall Open House event on Saturday, November 7 at 9 am and a first-year and transfer students a chance to explore Blackburn’s academic programs, meet members of its campus community, and get answers to their questions about college. 

Visitors will tour Blackburn’s beautiful 80-acre campus, meet professors and current students, and get a firsthand look at where students learn, live, and work. Admissions and Financial Aid counselors will also be available to discuss scholarships and financial aid opportunities, and students who bring their transcripts can also receive an instant admissions decision. 

“An Open House is more than just an information session. It’s a chance to picture yourself as part of our community,” said Justin Norwood, Vice President for Inclusive Enrollment and Blackburn graduate. “You’ll meet faculty members who could be teaching your classes, talk with students about their experiences, and maybe even meet someone who becomes one of your first friends at Blackburn. Choosing a college is a big decision, and there is no substitute for spending time on campus and seeing it for yourself.” 

The events will also highlight Blackburn’s one-of-a-kind approach to education. Through the nation’s only student-managed Work Program, students work approximately 10 hours each week in departments across campus, taking on responsibilities that keep the College running while developing professional experience and career-ready skills. The Program also reduces tuition by $8,000 annually, giving students a competitive advantage after graduation while lowering the cost of college. 

The Fall Open House event is free. Those unable to attend can schedule personalized campus visits throughout the year. To register, go to blackburn.edu/visit or email admissions@blackburn.edu.

What: Wills for Warriors

When: Wednesday, November 11th 

Where: Law Offices of West & Ginos,

413 North State Street, Litchfield &

320 West Central Street, Nokomis 

Etc. Military veterans will receive a FREE Last Will

& Testament. Bring photo ID and proof of veteran status

such as DD Form 214  or a VA ID Card.

Must Call For an Appointment 

217-324-7777 or 217-563-777  

What: Veterans Day Celebration

When: Wednesday, November 11th Noon-2p

Where: Girard Community Center, 135 West Madison

Etc. Hosted by Girard Hometown Heroes

Light refreshments served. Please join us for an

afternoon of appreciation and fellowship.  

Blackburn College will hold its annual Veterans Day Convocation on Wednesday, November 11, 2026, at 11:00 am in Clegg Chapel. American Legion Post 554 will serve as the color guard as the College honors United States military veterans. The event is open to Blackburn students, faculty, staff, and members of the surrounding community. A complimentary appreciation lunch for veterans will follow in the Demuzio Campus Center. 

 

This year, the convocation will feature guest speaker Barry Schulhofer, a retired United States Air Force Chief Master Sergeant. During his 23-year career, Schulhofer completed 13 assignments worldwide and deployed multiple times, gaining extensive experience in military leadership, teamwork, and service. 

 

Blackburn College's Office of the Provost coordinates the convocation, which will feature vocal and instrumental performances by the College Choir, Dr. Joseph Welch, and Dr. See Tsai Chan. For more information, contact Jenny Loveless, Executive Assistant to the Provost, at jenny.loveless@blackburn.edu or by calling 217-854-5525. 

Who: Coal Country Sports Complex Foundation &

Minor Soccer Association 

What: Trivia Night & Silent Auction 

When: Saturday, November 14th @ 6p

Where: Gillespie Civic Center, 115 North Macoupin

Etc. Doors open @ 6p, trivia starts @ 7p

$10 per person, with 10 people max per table

Silent Auction & 50/50 drawing. 

Call 217-320-5770 or 217-710-0487 to reserve a table.   

GRS Foundation invites local nonprofits and community helpers to our Masquerade Gala on November 14, 2026, for an evening of dinner, live music, and networking. This community give-back project will bring us together to build a stronger network of support. We’ll compile everyone’s mission, services, and contact information into a community resource sheet—helping people find assistance and connecting them with another organization when one cannot meet their needs. We would love to have your organization represented! Please bring your mission statement and contact information. Doors open at 5 PM • Dinner at 6 PM • Band at 7 PM 14265 East 2nd Road, Litchfield, IL $320 per table of eight Call Jennifer at 217-246-7496 to register.

What: Authors and Artists Shopping & Showcasing Event 

When: Saturday, November 14th, 10a-2p

Where: Litchfield Public Library, 1205 State Street

Etc. Activities and events for kids and adults.

Book readings, book sale and creations 

from local artists!  

  

What: Annual Christmas Toy Auction 

When: Saturday, November 21st @ 6p

Where: Vandalia Moose Lodge, 328 South 3rd Street

Etc. J&S Wholesale will be selling toys, games, dolls,

metal art & much more! ALL proceeds go to

Vandalia Moose lodge for their upcoming projects. 

 

 

Christmas at Blackburn 

Sunday, December 6, 2:00 pm & 7:00 pm in Clegg Chapel at Hudson Hall 

Our annual holiday tradition, Christmas at Blackburn, is a beautiful lessons and carols service featuring many of the most beloved Christmas hymns. The service includes congregational hymns, instrumental performances, and moments featuring Blackburn’s Concert, Campus, and Community choirs, as well as Blackburn’s instrumental ensemble. Join us as we celebrate the holiday season! 

 

Both performances are free and open to the public. For more information, please contact Blackburn College’s Music Department at music@blackburn.edu.