Brownstown-Sefton News

Betsy Longhorn Feeling Under the Weather
Betsy Longhorn is a long-time member, actually the senior member, of the Homestead Critters. She has been with us for 21 years and is at least 22 years old (but doesn’t look a day over 15).
She has always been shorter in stature than the full-blooded longhorns, because she is part corriante. We had been approached several times over the years by ropers who wanted to buy her for practice. We were told her breed is good for roping.
Of course, we always refused. She deserved a quieter life than dodging lassos.  
She was one of our first three longhorn cows, and she immediately became one of my favorites, along with the late “LulaBelle Longhorn,” who was the beloved matriarch and wise leader of the longhorn family as it grew to 25 members (now the count is the fabulous five.)
LulaBell had class and dignity, and was usually gentle, but could set a rebellious youngster (or older) on the right behavior path with firmness.   
However, when LulaBell and Betsy first came to the Homestead, along with a brash and imprudent young red heifer, LulaBell seemed to favor the young one and they were rude to Betsy. They shunned her and would not let her eat with them.   There was no violence; they simply just chased her away from the feed and hay.
Betsy was so gentle and sweet, she tolerated being “left out” of the friendship, to the point where we wished she would fight back.  However, Betsy would just “turn the other cheek,” or longhorn, in her case.
Then Betsy became in the “family way” and continued to meekly submit to them … until she delivered her baby calf! The day Betsy’s baby calf was born, the meek little mother took over the feed bucket, hay rack, etc., with no visible opposition.
She didn’t bellow at them, nor any other aggressive action, such as lowering and shaking her head, or tossing her head around in a threatening way, such as we had seen Chester the bull do at Sneaky Pete, the wily wolf.
She must have sent a silent communication to LulaBell and the heifer that she would not tolerate their unacceptable attitudes any more … and they did not challenge her.
When LulaBelle died, Betsey stepped up into the head of the herd, although she was the smallest of the adult cows.  There was no conflict; she simply became the leader.
Now, it seems time is taking its toll. We had noticed she walks a little slower now, but she continues to eat well. Along with the good hay that Joshua brings them, Bill sneaks extra grain to her since it has been colder.
It is comical to watch him sneak around the woodpile so the other cows won’t see him with the pan of grain.
We consulted with Dr. Bristow, Betsy’s gynecologist, and he diagnosed the problem and advised the appropriate treatment.
Betsy is not only cute, she is a born leader and very smart. She is lying right beside the hayrack now, so she can have her meals right at her bedside.
Rancher Bill continues to carry the grain and water to her.   
The other cows seem to visit with her from time to time, but then go on so she can rest and recuperate.
All the other Homestead critters are doing well. The cold weather really seems to be harder on their Rancher Bill then on the critters.
90th Birthday Open House for Marge Harre …
… 2-4 p.m. on Saturday at Brownstown VFW.
Needed by Helping Hands Ministry Food Pantry
Any of your extra jars with lids and quart plastic Ziplock bags. These are needed to rebag some bulk food items.
The Golden Years Club …
… set some tentative dates for Golden Years Club fundraisers at last Tuesday’s potluck meeting, subject to weather changes, in which case, the changes will be announced.
A Golden Years fundraiser breakfast is Saturday, Feb. 20, at the VFW building, from 8 a.m.-noon.
A Golden Years bake sale is Saturday, March 26, at Brownstown United Methodist Church, beginning at 8 a.m.
Helping Hands Food Ministry February Schedule
Volunteer help is appreciated.
• February- Food pickpup will be Feb. 4 and distribution is Saturday, Feb. 6, and Monday, Feb.8, from 10 a.m.-noon.
• March-Pickup is Thursday, March 10, and distribution is Saturday, March 12 and Monday, March 14, from 10 a.m.-noon.
Sefton Unit HCE Meets at Emmanuel
Fourteen members of the Sefton Unit HCE met Thursday, Jan. 14, at Emanuel Methodist Church.  The meeting was called to order by the chairperson, Flo Allen, who led the group in the pledge to the American flag. Allen read a card expressing thanks from Paul and Deb Parkison for the donation to Sharing & Caring given by the club.
The club secretary, Elizabeth Kasten, took the roll call with the question, “What is your best money-saving tip?
Kasten read the minutes of the last Sefton HCE meeting.
Connie Green gave the treasurer’s report.
An announcement was made of a garage sale to be held to benefit Mary Grace Crawford, which will include a 50/50 drawing.     
Elizabeth Kasten gave the two lessons: “Make It Yourself” and “Making Your Dollars Stretch.”
DeeDee Diveley told of a donation  of  $50 toward the lids project made by Prairie Farm Dairy Products.
Phyllis Pryor announced that she had an HCE booklet dated 1992-93. She read an inspiring poem, “At Day’s End.”
Greeting cards were signed for Rosamund Hobler, Ilene Sidwell and Shirley Klitzing.
Door Prizes were won by Phyllis Pryor, LaVonne Kramer, Elizabeth Kasten, Betty Williams and Delores Dukeman.
Refreshments of deserts and beverages were served by Phyllis Pryor and Betty Williams.
Present were Sally Behrends, Phyllis Bruno, Elizabeth Kasten, LaVonne Kramer, Phyllis Pryor, Panzi Blackwell, Delores Dukeman, Ina Abendroth, Connie Green, Flo Allen, Carol Behrends, DeeDee Diveley, Lois Jackson and Betty Williams.
The next Sefton HCE meeting will be the annual Sweetheart Potluck on Feb. 11, at 11 a.m. at Emmanuel Methodist Church.  Roll call will be answered by, “Where is your favorite vacation spot?”
The special feature will be “Squirrels” and the major lesson will be  “Staycation and Vacation Planning,” both presented by DeeDee Diveley.
Brownstown First Christian Church
Jack and Bonnie Shelton greeted the congregation of First Christian Church as they gathered for Sunday services.  The song service of praise was led by Cathy Smith, Jack Shelton and Matthew Smith, accompanied by Susan Smith, pianist, and Chuck Enlow and Walt Kinney on guitars. Pastor Kevin Bonifacious greeted all and shared the announcements and prayer concerns. Don Willms led the Communion meditation.
Special music was contributed by Susan Smith and Matthew Smith, followed by the message, delivered by Bonifacious.
Announcements
• Fifth Sunday potluck and offering-Sunday, Jan. 31. The Fifth Sunday offering will go to NBF.
• 90th birthday reception  for Helen Culbertson (Sherry Meador’s mother) will be Sunday, Feb. 7, from 2-4 p.m., at Mother of Dolors Parish Center in Vandalia.
• Valentine’s Banquet-Sunday, Feb. 14; 4:30 p.m., meal, and 6 p.m., entertainment.
More information to come.
Also serving: Sunday school nursery- Faye Schwarm; a.m. nursery-Marcia Pemberton; toddler worship- Billie Enlow and Shannon Claycomb; Quest-4-Christ-Q-4-C team; and shut-ins- Don Willms and Bill Smith.
Brownstown United Methodist Church
Pianist, Betty Miller played the prelude as the congregation of the United Methodist Church gathered for Sunday morning worship services. Mannie Orr and Junior Williams served as ushers. Jarin Evans, Courtney Arnold, Montana Arnold and Dakota Arnold lighted the altar ccandles.
Pastor Don Thomas greeted all, recognized the birthdays and anniversaries, shared the prayer list requests and led in prayer. The birthday song was sung to Jarin Evans. The message was delivered by Thomas.
Flo Allen led the adult classes. Pam Orr led the children’s worship and served cakes and juice.
Announcements
• Wednesday at 6:30 p.m.-Bible study will resume at Brownstown UMC. Jim Green is the leader. Everyone is welcome.
• Thursday at 2 p.m.-UM Women will meet at Emmanuel Church and observe call to prayer and self-denial. Special offering.