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Brownstown-Sefton News

Wild Birds
Last week’s column about the wild birds brought forth several comments from bird watchers. It seems many Fayette County residents provide feeding stations, birdhouses and nesting materials for the little feathered critters.
Return of the Quail
The first year we lived here, there was a family of little quail that lived at the north end of the lane. We would sometimes see the little family as we were driving out of the lane. The little ones followed their mother, and we enjoyed them so much.
We purposely left the fence rows untrimmed along the lane, so they would be sheltered from predators. Also, when someone suggested we put oil or other substance on our lane, we said didn’t want to do that, because the stuff would get tracked into the nests and on the eggs, and they wouldn’t hatch.
We still try to keep the fencerows full, for the sheltering protection for the rabbits, birds, etc.
The quails disappeared the next year and we hadn’t seen hide nor hair (or feather nor beak) since.
Thus, we were elated to see a little quail walking ahead of us in the lane Saturday. Hopefully, it will stay on the Homestead and raise a family.
Mother Wren’s Nest Site
While watering our flowers Saturday, a wren flew out of a hanging basket of  pink and white impatiens just as I began to pour the water in.
After quickly stopping the flow, I peeked in the pot, and sure enough, there was a nest with little eggs in it. I stayed away from the area, but watched as the little mother flitted around, but she stayed about 6 feet away from the nest, acting like she was checking out a barrel, the picnic table and other points of interest.
She finally went back to the nest, apparently satisfied that I was not interested in it.  A receptacle will have to be placed under the pot so we can water the flower from the bottom.
Announcements
Relay for Life…
…is from 6 p.m Saturday to 6 a.m. Sunday at Rogier Park  in Vandalia.
Blood Drive at Elementary School on Friday
 … from 1-6 p.m. All donors ages 16-21 are eligible for a chance to win a $5,000 scholarship. Everyone who donates will receive a rock ‘n’ roll-themed T-shirt and a chance to win a Gibson fuitar. The goal is to collect 40 units of blood.  
Brownstown Annual Village-Wide Garage Sales…
…will be held on Friday, from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. and Saturday, from 8 a.m.-2 p.m. The garage sales maps will be available at the Village Hall, the Brownstown First National Band, Mark’s Café, and Brownstown Petrol (Victory Lane).
UMC Youth Bake Sale…
…is Saturday at the United Methodist Church.
Reminder-Brownstown Alumni Reunion …
…will be held on July 21, and the location has been changed this year; itwill be held at the Vandalia Moose Lodge.
The invitations have been mailed. Anyone who did not receive an invitation can contact Nancy Pryor or Sandra Stine. The alumni association encourages any class that is planning an anniversary to celebrate at the Moose with them. The catered meal is $13 per person and the dance is $6. If the alumni reunion committee can help your class organize your reunion by providing class addresses, please contact Pryor, 427-3056, or Stine, 283-9211. If you have updated addresses for your class, let the alumni committee know that, as well.
Coming & Going
Brownstown Branch Library Trip
to Botanical Gardens
The morning was bright and clear as the van pulled out of the Brownstown High School parking lot headed to St. Louis and the Botanical Gardens with nine local ladies.
The trip was sponsored by the Friends of the Brownstown Branch Library, and in van were Connie Bingaman, Carolyn Grames, Tracey Shoo, Bonnie Kramer, Pam Orr, Lana Potter, Carol Rine, Kim Jakes and Ginny Wilbur. They enjoyed the gardens and lunch on the garden grounds. Some shopped in the Gardens’ gift shop before heading to a very unique shop called “Gringo Joe’s”. All agreed it was a fun day and are looking forward to the next library trip.
Brownstown Class of ’65 Meets
Classmates of the Brownstown class of 1965 have met monthly for lunch for over a year. They recently met at the Pam Orr homestead for a potluck and visiting.  The girls catch up on what is going on in their families and the communities they live in, and reminisce about their school days.
The Orrs had purchased the old fire escape from the old junior high building, which was known as the Civic Center several years ago.  (Pam says it was 20 years ago.) The past week, Pam’s husband, Manny, “raised it from the dead,” to become a slide for their grandchildren. The ladies all went outside to see it and had their picture taken by it.
What memories they all had of sliding down it when they were in the seventh and eighth grades, and how big it seemed then, compared to how it looked to them now.  They can hardly wait to see what kind of stairs Manny will build to get to the top. It was an afternoon of good food and lots of laughs, and the day ended with a date made to return right back to Pam’s for next month’s potluck.
Present were Pam Harre Orr, Carol Hancock Rine, Mary Ann Buzzard Doehring, Linda Stine Herman, Doris Tackett McConkey, Jeaniie Wirz Rieches, Mila Kistler Dush, Janet Beccue Patillo, Margie Rhodes Sperry, Ginny Fisher Wilbur, Sharon Meyer Druen, Becky Burnett Altoff and Linda Koonce Townsend.
Hovious Attends Granddaughter’s Graduation
Deanna Hovious of Brownstown attended the eighth-grade graduation ceremonies for her granddaughter, Kierstyn Allen, daughter of Jeff and Michelle (Hovious) Allen. The  event was held at Mayo Middle School in Paris. Grandpa Earl Hovious was unable to attend due to health problems.
Kierstyn was the recipient of many awards including:  High Honors (all A’s for all four quarters); Drama Award: Outstanding Excellence Presidential Academic Award; Student of the Month for November and April; Accelerated Reading Award; Outstanding Achievement Award; Cheerleading Spirit Award; Most Improved Softball Award; and U.C.A. All-American Cheerleading Award; No. 1 Team for “Relay for Life” (cheerleaders and classmates); and a History Club award.
There were 120 graduates, and Kierstyn was one of five to receive a $2,000 scholarship.
Following the graduation, many family and friends went to the Allen home, where finger foods, drinks, and cupcakes were served. Napkins, plates, tablecloths and balloons were in black and red, the school colors. Also on display were many of Kierstyn’s awards, certificates, medals, newspaper clippings and pictures.
Attend Grandson Blake’s Graduation Party
Bill and Panzi Blackwell met Don and Jill Jenkins and Emily Gatewood of Decatur, and traveled on to Hillsboro to attend the Hillsboro High School graduation party of Blake Coleman of Donnellson. The event was held at the rural home of Blake’s aunt and uncle, and was well attended by many relatives and friends.
FCC Holds Special Memorial Day Service
The First Christian Church held a special Memorial Day recognition, beginning with Samuel Miller placing the American flag in place, at which all stood and gave the military a standing ovation. “God Bless America” was sung by the congregation, followed by Kaitlyn Enlow continuing it by playing  a verse on the flute.
Sherry Meador asked all of the military present to come forward and presented each with a patriotic windsock. The military attending included Larry Keyes, James Schaible, Ron Hunter, Gretchen (Schaible) Smith, Earl Hovious, Jack Shelton, Don Willms, Ekvin Garrison, Bonnie Shelton and Samuel Miller. Also recognized, but not present, were Louis Haslett and John Robinson.
Golden Years Club President Stepping Down
Twenty members and four guests were present for the May 22, Golden Years Club meeting.
Club President Charlie Reece welcomed all present, and recognized the guests and May birthdays and anniversaries. The guests were Lois Jackson, Holly Grames, Hope Stroble and Mark Evans.
The Rev. Don Thomas asked the blessing for the potluck meal. Following the meal and completion of duties of  Donnie’s Kitchen Cleanup Crew, Reece called the meeting to order.
Several humorous readings were given by Donnie Smail, Helen Klitzing and DeeDee Diveley. Thomas read a tribute to veterans, and Smail followed up with a touching poem for the deceased veteran entitled, “Forget-Me-Not.” Thomas gave a reading about a pastor and his sin entitled, “Tracts.”
Reece then asked Secretary-Treasurer Donnie Smail to give the financial report. Following the report, the club discussed and voted to donate $100 to the Summer Lunches for Kids program for the Brownstown children.
Reece announced his decision to resign as president, having served the club 11 years in different capacities. A nomination procedure and  election will be held at the next meeting, on June 12, to fill the presidency.
A reminder was given of the Memorial Day service to be held at the Memorial Wall in Brownstown Park.
The Community Garden, which is being tended by Thomas and Reece, was discussed, along with the plans to share the produce with the community.
Public Hearing to be held on Amended Budget
Approval was given the following during the Brownstown Board of Education regular session on Monday, May 21:  preparation of tentative budget for the 2012-13 school year by the superintendent; amended budget to be put on display in the unit office for the year 2011-12 school year; advertisement of bids on bread, milk, and bus maintenance for the 2012-13 school year; renewal application for Child Nutrition, Illinois free lunch and breakfast, and food distribution programs; I.A.S.B. PRESS Plus service agreement for 2012-13; Brownstown Elementary and Junior/Senior High School student handbook; and Mid-State policy and rrocedures.
Grant applications were approved for the 2011-12 school year as follows: Title I-Improving Academic Achievement; and Title II-Teacher Quality.  
A public hearing on the amended budget will be held on Monday, June 18, at 7:15 p.m.
Brownstown United Methodist Church
Pianist, Bette Stolte played the prelude as the congregation of the United Methodist Church gathered for the Sunday morning worship hour. Bradley Schwarm lighted the altar candles and Flo Allen served as liturgist. Announcements, birthdays and anniversaries were recognized and Jenna Townsend led the birthday blessings song.
Marlys Thomas led the offering prayer, and Hubert Williams and Schwarm presented the tithes and offerings. Pastor Don Thomas delivered the sermon.
Jenna Townsend led the Sunday school youth and Flo Allen led the adult class.
Announcements
• June 6-8-Illinois Great Rivers annual conference at Peoria Civic Center. Carol Severns and Thomas will attend.
• June 15-Mens’ Night Out. All the men of both churches are invited. Ladies will serve the meal.
First Christian Church
The congregation of First Christian Church was greeted by Matthew and Jamie Smith, and led in songs of praise by Cathy Smith and Adrienne Kinney, accompanied by: pianist-Susan Smith; Mitchell Smith-drummer; Kaitlyn Enlow-flutist; and Cody Cox, Walt Kinney and Rick Cox-guitarists. Don Lovett led the opening prayer.
Jazmine Cruz contributed special music, followed by the message, delivered by Charlie Watson. Terry Smith led the Communion and meditation prayer. Watson led the gifts and offerings prayer. Lovett shared the praises and concerns, and led in prayer.
Watson closed the service with prayer.
Also serving: Sunday School nursery-Laura Willms; a.m. nursery-Marcia Pemberton; toddler worship-Ron and Tena Gould; Quest-4-Christ-Team; Communion to shut-ins-Steve Storm, Mitch Koehler, John Robinson; serving at the table-Duane Willms, Chuck Enlow, Travis Gould, Brent Keyes, Bill Smith; Communion preparation-Toby and Barb Tackett; usher-Matthew Smith; PowerPoint-Penny Cox; sound tech-Matthew Smith.
Announcements
• Cookies are needed on Sunday for Richardson Brothers as a token of appreciation for the Mothers’ Day flowers donated in past years.
• “Adventures on Promise Island” VBS is Sunday through Thursday, beginning at 6 p.m. nightly. Anyone willing to help should contact Billie Enlow or Laura Willms.
• Grundy Mountain Mission Trip will be June 9-16.
• Father-Daughter Breakfast will be on Sunday, June 17, from 8-9:15 a.m. All fathers and daughters are invited.
 

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