Brownstown-Sefton News
Faith Can Move a Mountain
And Kelly Devall can move a barn, which he and his helper, Dale, did last week.
The story is, when we lived in the south woods, we bought a small, barn-type shed for storage. When we moved to the north end of the lane, we didn’t move it along with us. (It wouldn’t fit in the pickup truck))
We had tried to contact the man who had moved it initially, but learned he had quit the business.
Therefore, we had to trek a quarter of a mile and back to look for something we had stored.
Bill thought of Kelly Devall and his rollback truck, talked to him, the deal was made and the barn was soon on its way northbound on the lane.
We had already considered carefully where to place the barn, and Kelly put it right in the right place. However, when he was asked that if I decided I wanted it moved a few inches right or left, would come back and adjust it; he didn’t seem interested.
But, it is sure good to see it in our yard, unscathed and empty, ready to fill again.
Critter Involvement in Moving Barn
When the guys were getting the little barn ready to load the barn on the truck, an opossum ran out from under the barn, running like a flash into the woods.
It brought to mind the incident when we first moved out here to the woods years ago. I was picking up some old boards and I uncovered a mother opossum nursing her babies. I carefully, but quickly, replaced the board, not wanting to scare her.
As the years went by in the woods, we seemed to be plagued by opossums, and I discovered that they could not only be a nuisance, but also a danger to guineas and chickens. As we continued to have a problem with them, I felt I should probably not mention the incident of preserving the home of the mother possum and her several nursing babies. (I had done the same humane act with a mother mouse that spring, and we had a fair crop of mice also that year.)
‘Pete,’ the Missouri Dog …
… in answer to inquiries is doing well, and slowly getting his master, brother Joe Blackwell, trained. He really likes to go for car rides, especially after Joe stopped at a McDonalds to eat during one ride and ordered a small order of chicken nuggets for Pete. Joe said that Pete wants to go with him all the time now. (This is about the dog that Joe repeatedly said to me, “Now don’t spoil my dog while I’m gone.”)
The Helping Hands Food Ministry …
… distribution days are Saturday and Monday, from 10 a.m.-noon, at Brownstown United Methodist Church. One box per household. It is sponsored by the Brownstown Ministerial Alliance.
Golden Years Building Update
The building of the new Golden Years Club building is progressing, due to the diligent labors of our leaders and friends,
The gray and blue siding is going on and the front door is already a welcoming sight.
Hopefully, the utilities (waterline and electrical wires to be run) will soon be in place to do the plumbing and provide power for the appliances and illumination.
Golden Years Memories
Remembered are the many members of the past who kept the Golden Years Club going, through such happenings as the tornado that destroyed their meeting place and led to the purchase of the old Pilcher building where apple butter was made, canned, and sold, ice cream socials were held, and made were the homemade ice cream and pies that were sold from their little stand at the Fayette County Fair. They also held cakewalks under the large pavilion, all fundraisers that helped keep their club afloat.
All the members pitched in for the apple butter days, the men going to the orchards for the apples, and the women washing, peeling and cutting up the apples to be cooked over an open fire in the street beside the building in a huge copper kettle as the men stirred with large wooden ladles.
As the apples stewed and bubbled, the tangy, sweet aroma filled the brisk morning air over the streets of Brownstown.
The ladies washed and sterilized the glass jars, rings and lids, readying them for the succulent, hot apple butter.
Some of the “apple butter crew” workers are still with us, but the years have taken their toll, as the years also took their toll on the historical Pilcher Store building which served the club well for many years, and also served the community, providing a place for community events and meetings, reunions, celebrations, anniversaries, birthdays, graduations, etc.
Free blood pressure readings and flu shot clinics were also held by the Fayette County Health Department in the building.
A sign on U.S. Route 40 at the town’s entrance proclaims that the Golden Years Club was once awarded the Governor’s Hometown Award.
And Today …
… it is under the leadership of club President Pastor Don Thomas, Vice President DeeDee Diveley, Treasurer Donnie Smail, and the caring and interested members and friends, the Golden Years Club holds fundraisers such as the soup dinners and bazaars, and sausage gravy and buscuits breakfast.
Brownstown United Methodist Church
Junion Williams and Mannie Orr served as ushers as the congregation of the United Methodist Church gathered for Sunday morning services. Tara Schnarre lighted the altar candles.
Pastor Don Thomas greeted all, and recognized the birthdays and anniversaries, and shared the announcements. He then shared the prayer list and led in prayer.
Following the Sunday morning message, Pastor and Marlys Thomas held the Holy Communion. The adult Sunday school class was led by Flo Allen.
Announcements
• Saturday and Monday, 10 a.m.-noon-Helping Hands Food Distribution.
• Aug 17 and 2 p.m.-UMW will meet at Emmanuel Church for a business meeting to elect 2018 officers and set the 2018 pledge.