AFSCME learns about Coal Mine Museum
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Pictured from left to right: David Spinner, MaryJo Martin, and Kevin Corley.
Submitted photo
TAYLORVILLE — On Tuesday, April 9 the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) Sub-chapter #87 Retirees held a Combined and Virtual Zoom meeting at the Taylorville Christian County Coal Mine Museum. There were 19 members, 5 on zoom and 3 guests present.
President David Spinner welcomed everyone and called the meeting to order. He asked everyone to stand and repeat the Pledge of Allegiance. Spinner thanked Kim Johnson for hosting the Zoom meeting. He also mentioned that the March monthly membership report is 737 with 1 new member.
A luncheon of fried chicken, potato salad, and green beans was served prior to the meeting. Member, Linda Curtin graciously provided her famous desserts of Peach Cobbler and Chocolate Cake for everyone to enjoy.
Next, President Spinner introduced the guest speakers, Chuck Martin, Executive Director of the Christian County Coal Mine Museum and Book Author, Kevin Corley. Corley, a Central Illinois Author has spent a valued amount of time researching the Christian County Coal Mine history from 1932-1935.
Corley gave a power-point presentation about his coal mine research.
It was a wonderful program related to all his book writings, (Sundown Town, Bootlegger Heaven, 13 Steps, Throw Out The Water, The Begotten and Sixteen Tons) which were on display for everyone.
Mary Jo Martin, wife of Chuck Martin gave the group details about the latest addition to the Christian County Coal Mine Museum. She stated they have a display, an original underground coal car, that was pulled by mules from the early 1900s. It was sitting in a yard in Peoria in pieces. They transported it and reassembled it right at the museum by the project team of Terry White, Chuck Martin, Gary Garrison and Brian Hawkins. An amazing addition to the museum
The Museum is located a 1324 E. Park Street, Taylorville. The hours are Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. or you may call for an appointment at 217-526-4408.
President Spinner held the Sub-chapter 87 election of officers, executive board members and one trustee to serve for 2024.
Spinner brought up the Membership Committee is now taking on the responsibilities on returned letters. Please remember to update your information with SERS, IMRF or SURS if you move or have any other pertinent changes. This allows you to receive important information for taxes, etc. AFSCME and your sub-chapter president also need this information to keep you updated with relevant information. This includes changes in your email address. This can be done by contacting AFSCME Council 31 or President David Spinner at 217-324-2018 or Bspinner@consolidated.net.
Member, Elma Logan gave an update on some of the changes the Executive Council Board has made.
Spinner asked if there was an update on the question of how many gym visits are needed at the gym to get reimbursed by Silver Sneakers. Response was you must attend 7 times in a month.
The upcoming AFSCME Sub-Chapter #87 Retirees meeting for In Person is set for Monday, May 13 at 1:00 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church located at 200 South Walnut and East Market in Taylorville. Maria Britton-Sipe, Retiree Coordinator for AFSCME Retiree Chapter 31 will be the speaker.
The next Hillsboro In Person and Virtual Zoom meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, May 14 at the Hillsboro Farm Bureau. Guest Speaker, Maria Britton-Sipe, Retiree Coordinator for AFSCME Retiree Chapter 31 will give an update on any legislation regarding State and Federal Senior issues.
The Sub-Chapter welcomes new members or any retied senior who wants stay informed on state and federal issues.
To register and participate in the AFSCME Retiree Sub-chapter Zoom meeting please contact David Spinner at Bspinner@consolidated.net or call 217-324-2018.
