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Brownstown-Sefton News, Dec. 9, 2010

Sneaky Pete, the Wiley Wolf, Sighting
We had been concerned about the lone wolf, Sneaky Pete, who visited the Homestead so long, as we hadn’t seem him for some time. We had a report a few weeks ago that someone thought they saw him, but not sure.  
Sunday night, cousin Pauline Tackett’s border collie began barking frantically, unlike she had ever barked. Pauline then heard a loud, ferocious snarling and ran out on her back porch with flashlight.
Thinking at first it was a coyote, she shined the light on the animal and saw it was a large, healthy-looking wolf. It left when she turned the light on it.
I really hope it was Sneaky Pete, but we don’t want him to be ferocious. Other than trying to get SnowWhite Goose, he never acted hostile or mean.
We have discovered him within yards from us, both in the yard and in the woods, and he never seemed hostile. I was never afraid of him. Maybe trying to survive and being a loner is changing him, and he is now the wild predator nature intended him to be.
The “Fall From Gracefulness” Episode, Continued…
•Week No. 1 in a nutshell: slipped and fell – to FCH – Emergency Room gave TLC – X-ray-DX-fractured ankle – Dr. Climaco ordered splint–elevate and ice; husband sympathetic and helpful.
•Week No. 2 to Dr. Sola-boot applied with orders-no weight at all on left foot, boot to be left on 24-7. On to the Wellness Complex for walker instructions-kindness and instructions received from PT’s Beth Hall, Michelle Schmitt and Hannah Walker; Susie Hamrock, and Lorilee Kelly, PTA’s; Martha Tate, office coordinator; Amy Newsome, OT; and Vic Patillo, SLP.
Present Status – Still using crutches (which need pockets for items needing transportation room to room, attachments similar to a bicycle stand and a small parachute).
Not wanting to call Bill for every little thing, I have found I can carry a small book or other lightweight object between my teeth to my destination via crutches. I informed Bill that if he ever goes duck hunting, he doesn’t need to buy a retriever dog. I can fetch; however, if it lands in the water, I don’t swim.
Last week I was anticipating a walking cast so I could be on my way and be “back in the saddle again.”
Dr. Sola ordered no weight to be put on the foot for weeks ahead, and elevation, elevation, elevation … so while I’m partially back in the saddle again, but it’s more like a side-saddle.
Bill is calling me “Thumper,” because when I hobble down the hall, it sounds like thump, thump, swish, thump, thump, swish.
So many people have been so kind, sending cards, phone calls, food. Cousin Norma Weaver came by one morning and made us a pot of hot tea, brought old-fashioned “doughs” (like mom used to make and which I love), and a made-from-scratch blackberry pie, which is delicious.
We had a nice visit, which neither of us had had time for in ages.
Daughter Jill and husband Don have been so good, and Bill is serving above and beyond the call of duty…as always.
I’m anxious to be up and going again, but many seem to believe the Lord is taking advantage of my flight through the air and crash landing as an opportunity of slowing me down for a while.
I’m not prepared for company as the house needs straightened up. Husband is still sympathetic and helpful, sometimes frustrated. As I sit on the couch (with my foot elevated, Dr. Sola) and look around the living room and see so many things that I should have done before the ankle incident, I almost have a frustration attack.
I’m still thankful – It could have been worse, and there are so many more needs that need to be met for so many more people.
Christmas Celebrations and Other Opportunities
Coming Up in
Our Community
Sefton Unit HCE Christmas Party…
…this Thursday at 11 a.m. at the Ponderosa in Vandalia. Come in the spirit of Christmas and bring a poem, story, etc., to share with others. A $5 gift exchange for those who wish to participate.
Don’t forget to get CVU hours turned in by the end of December.
Golden Years Christmas
Potluck…
…next Tuesday at noon; $5 gift exchange, if you wish. The First Baptist Church of Brownstown invites you to:
•A Christmas Cantata entitled “And It Came to Pass,” Sunday at 7 p.m.
•A children’s musical presentation on Sunday evening, Dec. 19.
•Morning services of Dec. 12 and 19 will also follow the Christmas theme.
The FBC invites the public to worship with them in December, and if you presently do not have a church home, invite you to consider attending their services.
The Liberty Christian Church…
•Sunday – The adult choir will lead through a time of worship in song and narration about the birth of Jesus;
•Dec. 19 – The Rainbow Kids will share the morning worship service.
First Christian Church
Sunday School Christmas program, “Birth of Jesus and the Christmas Tree,” this Sunday.
Christmas Eve Service at Liberty Christian Church…
…at 6 p.m. First Christian Church will join them for worship time. Michael Watson will be speaking. All are invited.
Elementary Christmas
Program and Music Program
•The Christmas program will be Friday, Dec. 17, at 2 p.m.
•The K–6 music program will begin at 7 p.m. in the high school gym-a special program of Christmas songs for family and friends.
Students should arrive at about 6:45 p.m. Special outfits for students not needed, but dress clothes are suggested.
Brownstown: “Those Were The Days II,” DVD Available!
This two-hour DVD is from the “Brownstown: Those Were The Days II” gathering at Brownstown’s Golden Years Club Building on July 18, 2010. This can be played on a DVD player or most personal computers.
It is 90 minutes long and contains discussions of Williams Camp by several people who lived there in the 1940s and 1950s.
It features Paul Beccue’s and Mark Miller’s discussion of Fred Beccue’s hardware harness and shoe repair shop; Carolyn Kay (Ray) Janes discussion of Maynard “Newt’ Ray’s days of driving the school bus; a picture presentation of 10 historic homes by Connie Torbeck; and other historic notes of interest of Brownstown history.
Copies of the DVD can be obtained by sending a check for $15 made out to “Friends of the Brownstown Library” to Fred Bingaman, P.O. Box 370, Brownstown, Ill. 62418.
There are also few copies of the 2009 “Brownstown: Those Were The Days” DVD, which are also $15 and can also be ordered.
Of Community Interest-
“Historic Home Walking Tour”
…is a pamphlet authored by Connie Torbeck, design layout by Gary Flowers Online Service and printing funded by Deerpark Distributors, LLC.
It contains photographs and information about 12 of the historic homes in Brownstown. The homes featured are those of: John and Maggie Brown; Dr. William and Elizabeth Darnell; Samuel and Antionette Rode; Willaim and Lucy Rode; William O. and Isabella Griffith; Marvin J. and Clarissa E. Griffith; Charles and Sarah Pilcher; Dr. George A. and Ella martin; Clarissa Griffith; David O. and Juna Pilcher; and Floyd and Glenora Dycus. It also contains a guide map.
Our Heartfelt Sympathies…
 … to the family and friends of David Oberlink, who died last week. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
December Food
Pantry Needs
Four cans any vegetable and four cans fruit. Any donations appreciated.
Celebrations
Birthdays: JaLana Robison, Chandler Durbin, Chloe Carson, Margie Stringfield, Deb Parkison, Makenzie Parkison, Emment Chandler, Junior Carson, Anita Holman, Andrew Grull, Jeffey Kelly, Jr., Don Holding, Rebecca Evans, David Bigley, J.C. Moore, Amber Bruno and Jim Green.
Anniversary: Jim and Connie Green.
Christmas Program By UMC
The Brownstown United Methodist Church presented a Christmas Program on Dec. 5 after an all-church potluck, with Emmanuel Church as guests.
The welcome and opening prayer was given by Pastor David Bigley. The songs were led by Jenna Townsend, accompanied by Bette Stolte, pianist.
The children’s program, “Finding the Perfect Gift,” was led by Jenna Townsend and featured the following: Lakin Evans as Miss Igna De Pointe (i.e. missing the point); Kayla Summann –Angel (delivery person; Shayla Stokes-Mary; Jeffrey Kelly-Joseph; wisemen-Mannie Grames and Jarin Evans; Bradley Schwarm-shepherd; and Keira Tharp and Elaine Voelker-angels.
Brownstown United
Methodist Church
As the Brownstown United Methodist Church gathered for Sunday morning worship, the altar candles were lit by Bradley Schwarm as pianist Bette Stolte played the prelude.
Bigley welcomed those present and reviewed the announcements, prayer concerns and birthdays and anniversaries, and led the opening prayer.
Birthday greetings were sung for Bigley. Jenna Townsend served as liturgist and Jeffrey Kelly and Bradley Schwarms presented the offering.
Renna Kelly, Jenna Townsend and Bradley Schwarms led the service for lighting the second advent candle.
Pastor delivered the sermon and, assisted by Jeffrey Kelly and Bradley Schwarms, served Communion and closed the service with the benediction.
Jenna Townsend and Renna Kelly led the children’s worship and fellowship and Flo Allen led the adult class.
Announcements
•Sunday-Jim Green will bring the message in the absence of Bigley.
•Caring & Sharing items brought to the church will be taken to the collection site (Liberty Christian Church) after Sunday.
First Christian Church
The congregation of First Christian Church was greeted by Terry and Susan Smith and led in songs of praise by Susan Smith and Matthew Smith.
Accompanists were: Robin Lovett, pianist; Chuck Enlow and Gretchen Schaible-guitar; Kaitlyn Enlow-flute; and Mitchell Smith as drummer.
A trio, Jazmine Cruz, Brooklyn Sarchet and Nadia Yorde, presented special music. John Robinson delivered the message. Chuck Enlow led the Communion meditation and prayer. Duane Willms gave the devotion for gifts and offerings.
Also serving: Faye Schwarm-Sunday school nursery; Megan Willms-a.m. nursery; Rae Lynn Koehler and Ashton Smith-toddler worship; and Toby Tackett and Matthew Smith-Communion to shut-ins.

Panzi Blackwell

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