Skip to content

Brownstown-Sefton News

The Barn Critters Doing Well…
…in spite of the hot, dry temperatures.
Smoky, the (adorable) little donkey, and his buddies, Lady, the mini-mare, and Sugarfoot, the little beautiful black stallion, do not seem to be bothered by the heat.
In the past, if they showed signs of being too hot, we put a fan in their window, which helped. However, it hasn’t been necessary yet this year.
It has kind of helped that Smoky redecorated and took out a portion of the east wall of his side of the barn, so the whole barn is well-ventilated  now. He wants a roof over his head when it rains or snows, but he really likes a scenic, uncluttered (by walls), open view.
That way, he has a clear view of our kitchen windows, so he can see the lights come on in the early mornings and calls out (in his own imitable, sweet, voice) for Bill to come feed him before he sits down with his coffee.
Callie, the “Woods Cat” …
…as we sometimes refer to her, because she lived in the woods in a deep snow for a couple of weeks before she trusted us enough to come to the house, does not like the rain unless she is snoozing comfortable and dry in the house.
She had gone outside earlier in the morning on Monday and was still outside when the rain began.
She usually sits at the patio door when she is ready to come in, but she was not in sight when I called her. Finally, she came bounding across the deck, dampened down from the run, and ran through the open door like a shot down the lane.
She doesn’t even venture into the edge of the woods. Apparently, her survival through those cold, snowy weeks were enough adventure for her for a lifetime.
She is a good kitty and deserves a secure, comfortable home.
Community Appreciated
Brownstown VFW Post 9770 member Donnie Smail said that the post is very appreciative and proud of the community’s support for the Memorial Day Program, for those who participated in it, and for those who stayed for the refreshments, provided by the VFW members’ wives. Also, for the generous to the Honor Flights, which came to approximately $280.
Announcements
Free Summer Lunches for Kids in Brownstown …
… every Wednesday until August (except July 4th), from noon-1 p.m., at the east door of the United Methodist Church.
Last week’s lunch consisted of: a packaged fruit drink, peanut butter and jelly sandwich, snack cake, pudding cup, packaged crackers, Pop Tart and a microwavable macaroni and cheese. The lunch will be bagged and ready to pick up.
There are no questions nor registration. All kids are eligible, including high school students.
To Village Residents
The village of brownstown will be oiling their streets on June 27.
The village board asks that those who park along the streets:
• Move their vehicles during the oiling of the streets.
• Do not drive on freshly oiled streets until the rock is spread on it, to avoid getting oil on your vehicles.
Checking Out the Library
The Brownstown Branch Library has released the Fun Friday schedule:
• June 15-Movie matinee
• June 22-Amazing Birds of Illinois
• July 6-Movie matinee
• July 13-Face-painting
• July 20-Friday Fun Party
A Reminder
The Brownstown Alumni Reunion will be held on July 21 at the Vandalia Moose Lodge in Vandalia.
Local Celebrations
Birthdays: Shayla Stokes, Louis Haslett, Alivia Claycomb, Cathy Smith, Tristen Wall, Terry Smith, Kaci Satterthwaite, Mitchell Smith, Ed Durbin, Elaine Voelker, Katie Herbord, Jenna Townsend, Darrel Sidwell, Janet Keyes, Barb Tackett. Anniversary: Bill and Cathy Smith.   
A Correction
In the recent report of the United Methodist Women’s Breakfast, it should have read that Zandra Sidwell prepared the casseroles and the teapot collection used for the centerpieces belongs to Zandra. Information received was in error. Sorry for any inconvenience.
This ‘N That
Dee Dee’s formula for rain
Dee Dee Diveley said early Monday morning that she had washed her car and was preparing to clean her shoes, a double-dose of her formula for rain-making. Sure enough, we got a good rain in the early afternoon, which we needed.
Coming & Going
Catching up with the Puleos and Debbie
Ken and Wanda Puleo and Debbie McDonald have been enjoying ballgames this week. Tuesday evening, they attended a ballgame in Findlay. Ken’s grandnephew, Tyson Montgomery, was playing and had 11 hits for his team. Thursday evening, they traveled to Bethany and watched grandniece Grace Bunfill play softball in a game they won 10-1.
Sunday was the Hawkins’ family Reunion at Dix. Wanda’s mother, Ethel Pittman, was the oldest living member of the Hawkins family. At 101 years old, she has lived longer than anyone else known of in the family. She didn’t feel up to going to the dinner, but 14 members of the family visited her in her home afterwards. Wanda and her sister, Wilma Greene of Alton took her food from the dinner. There were 66 people present for the reunion dinner.
Catching Up on Visiting with Some Weaver Cousins
Birthday Breakfast with Pauline…
… (Weaver) Tackett at Denny’s in Vandalia. Pauline has had a tradition of eating strawberries on her birthday for years. We enjoyed the visiting and the breakfast, along with her siblings, Dora Weaver and Ray Weaver.
Cappuccino on Ann’s Deck
Cousin Norma Weaver furnished the cappuccino coffee and Panzi Blackwell brought the fruit and sweets as they enjoyed meeting and visiting on Ann (Weaver) Fulk’s sunny deck in Vandalia, surrounded by Ann’s pretty flowers. Norma was temporarily house-sitting for her daughter, Ann, who was working.
First Christian Church VBS Program
The First Christian Church VBS was  held Sunday, June 3, through Thursday, June 8, with the closing program held on Friday, June 9. The theme was “Adventures on Paradise Island,” and the theme was carried out with the rooms and auditorium decorated with palm trees, pineapples, sand, sea shells, straw huts and visions of water.
The highest number present for VBS was 98. The mission for the week was the “New Church Building Fund,” with the goal of $500. The total collected was $2,510. 42.
Co-directors were Laura Willms and Billie Enlow.
FCC Youth Head for Appalachian Mountains
Sixteen youths of the First Christian Church departed from the church parking lot on Saturday for a mission trip to Grundy Mountain in the Appalachian Mountains of Virginia. They are scheduled to return on Saturday, June 16.
Brownstown United Methodist Church
Bette Stolte, pianist, played the prelude as the congregation of the UMC gathered for Sunday morning services. Following announcements and prayer, the Rev. Don Thomas delivered the sermon. Jenna Townsend led the children’s Sunday school and Flo Allen led the adult class.
Announcements
• June 15 at 5 p.m. – “Men’s Night Out” for both churches and all men in the community. The ladies will serve the men. All are invited.

Leave a Comment