The Worm Word

I'm going "All In"

I promised more information about the new Saluki Way Fundraiser shirt as soon as possible and you can go here to get yours right now. While at the SIU Alumni Online Store you might want to check out our new Legacy section here. There are recreations of the '83 NCAA Championship shirt and the '67 NIT Championship shirt. You can also pick your shirt up at Silkworm in Murphysboro, Pinch Penny Pub, the Saluki Bookstore, 710 Bookstore or Old National Bank in Carbondale or Old National Bank in De Soto. Don't forget, the first football game is Saturday, September 6th.

It is getting to that really fun and busy time of year that I love so much. I enjoy the festivals as much as the fairs and I get plenty of both in Southern Illinois. Currently the Du Quoin State Fair is going on, I didn't get to go this past weekend, but I have plans to be there this Saturday. If you need to get more information about the fair you should go here. There is far too much going on for me to list! In September you can see me out and about at the Murphysboro Apple Festival. I will be at the apple pie and apple butter auction, and I always march in the parade.

I know that everyone is getting all geared up for the presidential election in November, and the party conventions in the next few weeks are pretty exciting too. The SIU University Museum has a display of over 1,500 pieces of political memorabilia going back to Andrew Jackson. I won't say who I want to be president, but I love looking at old political buttons. There is more information about the exhibit in the DE here.

I hope everyone out there has a great week,

Sezmore

The Students are Coming

It's that time of year where we have to remember to look both ways before crossing one way streets. The students are returning to the area, and that means lots of new students and parents that aren't familiar with our roads. I welcome all the newcomers to Southern Illinois and am always happy to give directions when I see someone who looks completely lost.

The return of school means something even more exciting will be on its way soon; Football. I really only developed a fondness for the game last winter when SIU went up against the University of Deleware in the 2007 NCAA Division I Football Championship Semifinal. It was a heartbreaking loss, but I have my fingers crossed for an even better season this year. The first game will be on Saturday, September 6th against Hampton. The game will be a "maroon out" so be sure to dress accordingly. I still can't say too much about it, but I can guarantee that you will be able to wear the new Saluki Way fundraiser shirt and participate in the "maroon out." More information to come next week.

This coming weekend doesn't have too much going on, but the following weekend will be filled with activities. I recommend starting your Saturday on August 23rd at the Carbondale Chamber of Commerce 39th Annual Art, Craft and Yardsale. The fun begins at 8am at the SIUC Arena parking lot and goes until 2pm. In with all of the other booths will be a tent from Silkworm selling overstock apparel from the SIU Alumni Online Store. Be sure to get there early, because last time the best items went quick.

On August 22, the DuQuoin State Fair kicks off. The theme this year is "It's a Jungle in Here." I'm not sure what that means for events at the fair, but it sure does sound fun. You can always count on the fair for a great line-up of music and entertainment and I'm sure this year will be no different. There is far too much going on for me to list it all here, but if you need more information you will want to go here.

I hope everyone out there has a great week. And I wish all the students in the region a great school year.

Sezmore

Having More Fun than I Should

I want to start by saying "thanks" to everyone who went out to a National Night Out event last night. I think the whole idea is great and a good excuse to get to know your neighbors. I was not able to go to any of the events, but a couple of people from Silkworm went to the Murphysboro event and handed out pens to help get word out about my campaign. With all of the stuff going on with Obama and McCain, I figured I could do just as well and my coworkers at Silkworm decided to run with the "Sez for Prez" idea. I can guarantee you will see more of it as we get closer to the election and the AppleFestival.

Another great thing coming up for me is the annual Silkworm Company Picnic. We are holding it at Rent One Park at a Miners' game later this month. I will post pictures as soon as I have them.

I can't say too much about it yet, but keep your ears and eyes open for a new Saluki Way fundraiser shirt to make an appearance some time before the first football game. I can't say any more on that now, but I personally am looking forward to a new season of Saluki Football and the first season with our new coach.

Have a great week,

Sezmore