Upcoming events at Monmouth College

by Barry McNamara

Monmouth, IL (09/16/2019) —

Constitution Day event on to focus on Second Amendment and right to bear arms

The Second Amendment and the right to bear arms will be discussed by three Monmouth College political science professors to commemorate this year's Constitution Day.

Titled "The 'State' of the 2nd Amendment: Guns, Federalism and the Constitution," the discussion will be held at 7 p.m. Sept. 17 in the Morgan Room of Poling Hall. It is free and open to the public.

A federal observance that recognizes the adoption of the U.S. Constitution, Constitution Day is formally observed on Sept. 17, the date in 1787 when delegates to the Constitutional Convention signed the document in Philadelphia.

At the Monmouth event, professors Jessica Vivian, Mike Nelson and Andre Audette will offer background about how to interpret and apply the Second Amendment, including how it fits into U.S. constitutional theory, how the Supreme Court has ruled on the issue, how policies differ among states, and how U.S. gun laws compare to laws in other countries.

After the presentation, the floor will be opened for discussion and questions.

The Second Amendment reads: "A well regulated militia, being necessary to the security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear arms, shall not be infringed."

"The topic of the Second Amendment is a persistent issue in American politics," said Audette. "Citizens of the United States own more guns than in any other country around the world. Many of those guns are used for hunting, sport or protection, but we are all familiar with the tragic events of gun violence in our country."

Audette noted that this year the Supreme Court will take up its first gun rights case in more than a decade (New York State Rifle and Gun Association v. City of New York), which will offer states and cities guidance on the types of gun control policies they can implement.

"As judges and politicians debate gun control and the freedom to own weapons in the U.S., now it is more important than ever to understand this complex constitutional issue," he said.

Managers from new retailer Fareway to speak at Monmouth Associates Sept. 19

One of the newest businesses in town will be featured at the first Monmouth Associates luncheon of the academic year at Monmouth College.

In late July, Fareway Stores, Inc., opened its doors in Monmouth. Grocery Manager Brian Riley and Meat Manager Greg Stephens will discuss what it takes to open a grocery retail location at noon Sept. 19 in the Whiteman-McMillan Highlander Room of the College's Stockdale Center.

A growing Midwest-based grocery company with more than 120 stores in five states, Fareway is committed to personalized service and quality food distribution, including an unmatched, full-service meat department; farm-fresh produce; low competitive prices; and to-your-car carryout service.

The retailer is also known for establishing community ties, and it showed that at a July 30 ceremony at the store, presenting Monmouth College with a check for $250,000. The store is located at 1181 North Sixth St. on land formerly owned by the College.

"The check represents a very generous donation to the College from Fareway in recognition of their support for private higher education, and their support for the Monmouth community, of which they are now a welcome member," said Richard Marshall, Monmouth's vice president for finance and business.

The cost for a buffet lunch is $10 ($9 for Monmouth faculty and staff). Reservations can be made by calling 309-457-2231 by Sept. 17 or by email at alumni@monmouthcollege.edu.

A free shuttle van transports passengers from two locations to every Associates luncheon. The van stops at the northeast quadrant of the Public Square at 11:45 a.m. and at the Faith United Presbyterian Church parking lot at around 11:50 a.m. It returns to both locations immediately following the program. Shuttle reservations can be made by calling 309-457-2231.

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