Brownstown-Sefton News

Smokey, the Little Burro’s Winter ‘Hair Do’
Several inquiries followed up last week’s Critter Corner, wondering about Smoky, the (adorable) little burro’s winter “mane/bangs.” In the summer months, his coat is short and smooth ,and his mane is short and stands up, including his “bangs,” which stand up straight on down between his ears and onto his forehead. No matter winter or summer, the cross on his back is always present. (I know, the proper, technical veterinarian terms are different for the anatomy and features of a burro.)
In the winter, his coat gets heavier, longer and shaggy, as do his bangs. I shared your comments with Smoky, and he consented to pose for a photo to show off his ‘winter do.’
His stable friends, Lady, the mini-mare, and Sugarfoot, the mini-stallion, are also still wearing their heavy coats.
The Longhorn cowgirls, Betsy, Geneva (the Bartels girl), Red, and the two young’ens have about picked their pasture clean, but are enjoying the nice, big hay bales that neighbor Scott drops off for them.
Announcements
Open House for Earl Hovious …
… is Saturday at First Christian Church, from 1:30-3:30 p.m., in honor of his 91st birthday. Earl is a World War II Navy veteran who spent a lot of time and saw a lot of action in the South Pacific during the war. He has health problems now and his favorite nurse, wife, Deanna, is taking good care of him.
Correction
The Community Clothes Closet in St. Elmo (First United Methodist Church) is being held at the parsonage not the fellowship hall, as reported. It will be open from 9 a.m.- noon. Priced at affordable prices (not free as reported), the proceeds go back into the St. Elmo community. Donations of good, clean, clothing will also be taken during these hours.
Local Celebrations
Birthdays: Hubert Williams, Judy Watson, Marybelle Ledbetter, Dick Lentz, Junior Gelsinger, Lanze Garza, Tim Dunahee, Renna Kelly, Betty Miller, Jean Whitford, Bradley Schwarm, Bill Haller, Bill Stolte, Robin Elam, Jeff Kelly, Laura Gurtner, Gary Watson and Marlys Thomas.
Anniversaries: Bill and Bette Stolte, Manny and Pan Orr, Larry and Carol Henna, and Don and Marllys Thomas.
Coming and Going
FCHCE Board Members Lunch at Denny’s in Vandalia
Following the Feb. 25 board meeting, Flo Allen, Shirley Klitzing and Phyllis Pryor of the Sefton Unit HCE, were joined for lunch at Denny’s in Vandalia by fellow members Anna Jean Rhodes-St. Elmo; Anita Smith and Debbie Segrest of Vandalia Day; Evelyn Probst of Bingham/Ramsey; Karen Hyde of Wheatland; Mary Smith of Wright’s Corner; and Dorothy Harpster of St, Peter.
Catching up with the Puleos and Debie
Ken and Wanda Puleo and.Debbie McDonald visited and enjoyed church services with Wanda’s mother, Ethel Pittman, at the Odin Care Center on Sunday.
LaVonne Goes on Cruise
LaVonne Kramer of Brownstown and friends Debbie Swain, of Vandalia, and Patricia Cook and grandson Jeremy of Ramsey drove to Jacksonville, Fla. on Feb. 5, where they boarded the cruise ship, Carnival Fascination, for a four-day cruise.
They had port stops in Freeport and Nassau in the Bahamas, with a tour of the Island in Jeeps. They enjoyed the straw markets and a side trip to the beaches of Atlantis.
On the return trip, they heard about the tour ship, Carnival Triumph, which had a fire, so they were happy to reach land in Jacksomville and to return home on Feb. 12.
A Refreshing Cup of Tea …
… and a lemon muffin were enjoyed almost as much as the conversation in cousin Jennie Grimsley’s lovely and serene lavender kitchen last week by this old Homesteader, Panzi Blackwell.
Fayette County HCE Holds Board Meeting
The Fayette County Home and Community Education met Monday, Feb. 25, at the SIU Extension office in Vandalia. Nine Board members and two members at-large attended. The club president, Flo Allen, called the meeting to order at 10 a.m. and led in the pledge of allegiance to the American flag.
Secretary Mary Smith, gave the roll call, with the following responding: Flo Allen, Shirley Klitzing, Panzi Blackwell and Phyllis Pryor from Sefton Unit; Anna Jean Rhodes-St. Elmo Unit; Anita Smith, Debbie Segrest, from Vandalia Day; Karen Hyde-Wheatland; Mary Smith, Dorothy Harpster-St. Peter; Karen Hyde of Wheatland; and Evelyn Probst, memberat-large, Bingham/Ramsey.
Smith read last month’s minutes, with one correction. Segrest corrected the total of coupons sent to the military, as she had inadvertently reported the wrong amount last month.
International director Klitzing said she would have a report after the conference with information of the upcoming International Dinner country.
Treasurer Harpster gave the financial which stood as read. Harpster passed copies of the report to all present.
First Vice President Pryor reported on the progress of the new club banner.
Second Vice Rhodes reported the membership enrollment is now 117, as Segrest reported a new member, Ashley Davis, who has joined the Vandalia Day club.
Rhodes reported she had accidentally met and conversed with members of the HCE committee in a restaurant in Effingham recently.
Community outreach director Smith reported she is making cloth bears for the Fayette County Hospital ER to give to children patients.
Public relations director Blackwell displayed a newspaper clipping regarding the club’s soda can tabs.
Family issues director Segrest displayed a newspaper story about the contact lady for the Coupons for the Military project.
Segrest also shared information about a lady who may be available for fundraisers. Segrest said that Joyce Mueller had approached her about judging for a foods competition at the National Road festival. All will be taken under consideration.
Allen reminded all of the IAHCE annual state conference to be held March 12-14 at the Effingham Hilton Gardens. Klitzing displayed a colorful quilt to be entered in the Best of Show at the IAHCE conference. Pryor gave the reminder to wear hats, as this year’s theme is, “The Many Hats of HCE.”
The Get-Acquainted Day fun and fundraiser potluck for the club will be held April 11 at the Golden Years Club in Vandalia. The responsibilities are: registration-Wheatland; drinks-Sefton; food placement-Wright’s Corner; door prizes-St. Peter; and clean up-St. Elmo, Ramsey/Bingham, Vandalia.
Blackwell will write a skit for the entertainment.
Allen reminded all of the “Shoes To Help Provide Water for Third World Countries” project. Karen Hyde of the Wheatland Unit brought in 18 pair from their unit, bringing the total up to 21 pair collected to date.
Allen announced a new project, “Pack the Backpack,” to provide food for children to eat over the weekends. Participants will bring items to the meetings to be given to the school. A possible bake sale to help fund the project is also being discussed.
The meeting adjourned at 11:15 a.m.
Emmanuel United Methodist Women meet
The Brownstown Emmanuel United Methodist Women met Thursday at 2 p.m. at the Brownstown Church. Carol Severns led in a devotional and the business meeting. Connie Green gave the treasurer’s report.
Carol Henna presented the lesson, “Unity of Spirit and Bond of Peace.”
Refreshments were served by Louela Christensen and Marilyn Yakel.
2013 UMU Conference Spiritual Retreat …
… “Mapping Our Spiritual Journey,”was held at the Chatham UMC Feb. 22-23. Marlene Cummins of Troy was the leader. Louella Christensen and Marilyn Yakel attended from the Brownstown-Emmanuel Unit.
FCC Ladies Fellowship
The Ladies Fellowship of First Christian Church of Brownstown met on Feb. 9, opening with prayer.
Connie Bonifacius read the minutes of the last meeting. Phyllis Pryor gave the treasurer’s report.
Recommendations were made for the use of the offering. Faye Watson brought up church cleanup day, which will include painting. It was decided to put $50 toward the cleanup days supplies.
The next subject of discussion was the upcoming Ladies Day at Lincoln Christian University. The date for Ladies day is April 17. Pre-registration is $35, and registration at the door is $40.
The lesson for the day was “God’s Plan, God’s Will. The group participated in an activity in which they organized the instructions of a recipe symbolizing the correct timing of God’s will, and another activity that included praying for each other. In the last activity, each lady chose a household item to describe herself and her relationship with God.
The meeting closed with a hymn and prayer.
Brownstown United Methodist Church
Pianist Bette Stolte played The Spirit Song as the prelude as the congregation of the United Methodist Church gathered for Sunday morning services.
Jeffrey Kelly lighted the altar candles. The blessing song was sung for Renna Kelly and Bill Stolte for their birthdays.
Jeffrey Kelly and Hubert Williams presented the tithes and offerings.
Pastor Don Thomas delivered the message.
Announcements
• March 2-8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.-Spring basic lay speaking class at Marshall First UMC.
• Lenten Prayer banner – Those who have a special prayer or request during Lent can a cross on the Come Unto Me prayer banner.