PIKE TO PIKE

Published 5:33 pm Tuesday, May 19, 2026

Happy Mothers’ Day on May 10.

Take time to remember your Moms, whether she’s still on this earth or in heaven.

No matter how old we all get, the memories of our dear Mothers will always be with us.

The Big River Band will noÅt be playing this Saturday due to most of the band having other things going on.

The Band will be playing on the 16th at the Red Rooster in Pittsfield with the show starting at 6 p.m.

They will start serving food from the Band Menu at 5 p.m.

The beginning of the Band is kind of interesting, I think. In December 2024, Herschel Carter asked Jamie Niffen to join Todd Vinyard and himself in a band.

Then they asked John Miller and his son Johnny to join, and they played once a month at the Cardinal Inn.

The Millers left the band after the April 2025 show due to too many conflicts with school and work.

In March, Herschel passed away and a new band, Big River Band, was formed with band members Jamie Niffen, Todd Vinyard, and Bobby Johnston.

They playing at the Pike County Senior Center, as well as continuing at the Cardinal Inn.

Time kept marching on with changes taking place, and in August 2025, all music was discontinued at the Cardinal Inn.

That didn’t stop the music.

Jamie and myself met with Paul and Patty Ruble who own Courtyard Cafe and the Red Rooster Restaurant, both in Pittsfield, and they welcomed the Big River Band. The band started playing the second Saturday of each month at the Courtyard and more recently at the Red Rooster.

They have played at several other places such as Griggsville Estates, Merna’s Kitchen in Bowling Green, the Pittsfield United Methodist Church, and the Eastside Healthcare Center in Pittsfield.

The Pike County Senior Citizens Center at 220 West Adams Street in Pittsfield will be holding their fundraiser Fish Fry on Thursday, May 14th at 4:30-6 p.m.

The menu will be your choice of catfish fillet or buffalo with three set sides which will include potato salad, baked beans, and 5 cup salad plus your choice of dessert and tea, all for $12.

Eat in or carry out. All ages are welcome.

Questions? Please call 217-285-4969.

They also have gift certificates available for any amount.

Pittsfield American Legion Post 152 has Bingo most every Friday at 7 p.m.

They also have a meal that can be purchased ahead of that starting at 5 p.m.

They will not be having Bingo on May 15 because the Jeepers will be in the area.

Birthdays and Anniversaries for the week of May 6-12:

May 6 Larry Kunzeman

May 7 Logan Peebles, Joe and Sue Yackley

May 8 Chris Schlieper, Kathy Kindle

May 9 Margo Winchell, Susan Shaw

May 10 Juanita Chapman, Linda Kimmel

All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16, 17

Mark These Dates on Your Calendar:

May 9 Big River Band at Red Rooster at 6 p.m.

May 10 Mothers’ Day

May 23 Big River Band at Pike County Senior Center at 6:30 p.m.

May 25 Memorial Day

The Spring Fundraiser at the Pike County Senior Center went over well to a good group of people who attended. They had a free will donation delicious roast beef meal that was enjoyed. The Big River Band provided the music which I believe was enjoyed by all who stayed and listened.

There were a lot of volunteers, hard working, good help at the Center, and that was great.

I certainly hope that the donations were good and will be a lot of help to the Pike County Senior Center.

Another Single Seniors + One “Meet, Greet, and Eat” has been planned, and those who have responded to the information by texts or calls, have all expressed positively about the location.

It’s never too late to call at 1-217-320-8438 and check into Single Seniors + One.

To join, you must be single, and 55+. The group meets once a month at a restaurant that has been chosen several weeks ahead and everyone either gets a text or a call to get that information.

Everyone gets a reminder call or text about a week ahead of that date as well.

Everyone that attends must be able to pay for their own meal, have their own transportation, and be courteous to others.

The attendees seem to enjoy getting together to enjoy a meal and visit.

Again if you are interested in joining, please call or text 1-217-320-8438.

Jamie and myself have the right to accept or refuse anyone admission into this group.

The “soft opening” of the newest store in Pittsfield, Cloud IX, 1073 West Washington, on April 29 was very well attended, and Nathan and Lori everyone who came out and all the positive comments.