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Brownstown-Sefton News (Sept. 1)

“Foghorn Leghorn,”
The Rooster …
…the most recent “critter bird” of the Homestead, is seen on the lane from morning until evening. Although he actually belongs to the chicken roost next door, he seems to prefer the lane, and can be seen happily scratching and picking about any time of the day.
Bill dubbed him, “Foghorn Leghorn,” after a cartoon chicken in his youth. We will probably call him “Foggy” for short.
Picturesque…also along the lane are bursts of bushes of very tiny flowers with bright yellow petals surrounding a brown center (like daisies) and among them are explosions of delicate, tine white blooms on stems so delicate, they are hardly visible.
The fragile-looking tiny white blooms appear almost to be suspended in air among the yellow flowers. Our Creator’s gift of His own bouquet arrangement along the lane, no one could improve on that. No wonder “Foggy” Rooster likes to bug along the lane.  
Meeting New Friends
At Old New Salem
Friday, we, the Homestead humans, decided to take a day off and travel to New Salem (at Petersburg, Ill.), to see the Lincoln Log Cabin Site.
Abe Lincoln spent six years of his formative adult life there, working in various jobs. He did manual labor, clerked in and even owned a store, served as postmaster, a land surveyor, piloted a steamboat down the Sangamon River, served in the Blackhawk War, began studying law and eventually packed what little he had in saddlebags, borrowed a horse, and went to Springfield.
The rest is history, in which Vandalia had an important part.  In past years, we had taken the kids there. We probably enjoyed it more than the kids, and we have been wanting to revisit the site for several years.
It was a perfect day, the place was not too crowded, as schools are back in session, and we really enjoyed the trip and tour of the cabins. The area is rustic, the walking path winds amid the trees, and the cabins’ interiors and old furnishings within, have a musty, but not unpleasant scent.
The twenty-two cabins each bear the names of the families that lived in them in the days of Lincoln, and gives some history about them. While all of the buildings seem so very authentic, only one, the Henry Onstot Copper Shop, was the original log cabin and is setting on the same foundation it sat on then.
A very knowledgeable man dressed in the period clothes was working away at carving and shaving to smoothness a tub-like container of a solid piece of wood. He told of the many items needed for everyday use that Henry Onstot provided for the New Salem residents.
It was interesting to realize that Abe Lincoln actually frequented this very building. Some of the other log buildings are also sitting on their original foundations which were discovered by archeologists.
Other log buildings include a school and church, a saw and gristmill, a blacksmith shop, the Lincoln-Berry Store, two doctors’ log cabins-offices, and the Rutledge Tavern-Inn.  A pair of oxen, a large horse, sheep, and chickens are in the barnyards.  
We met Christina, Bob, Donna, and another very informed man. All dressed in period clothes, occupying the cabins and explaining the history of that cabin and the families who lived there. There is also a museum which is very informational and interesting.
We stopped in the gift shop before leaving and was very surprised when one of the lady customers asked, ‘Aren’t you Panzi?’
Admitting I was, I learned she was one of our faithful readers. It was Kay and her husband, Leroy Jones, and their neighbors, Jim and Carol England of Ramsey. We enjoyed meeting and talking with them.
Kay shared she reads the column every week and enjoys especially reading about the critters. Such a nice surprise and a perfect ending to a perfect day.
For an inexpensive tour of history to which we can relate and feel a part of, visiting New Salem is a very educational and fun thing to do, no charge, but donations are appreciated.
This is a great time of the year to spend a day walking where Lincoln walked, absorb the history from the people on site…and you might meet and make new friends, as we did.
Announcements
•Sept. 10-Wolf Creek Cluster Picnic at the Brownstown Park at 6 p.m. Meat will be furnished. Bring a dish or two to share and your lawn chair.
•Sept. 10-11-Sefton Township Sunday School Convention at Fairview UMC at 7 p.m. Saturday evening, Sunday morning and a basket dinner following the service.
•Notice -The Brownstown Board of Education Meeting has been changed from Wednesday, Sept. 21, to Monday, Sept. 26 at 7 p.m. in the Unit Office.
•See You At The Pole…on September 28 (before school) is the day for our youth to meet around the high school flagpole to worship and pray.
•Food Pantry Items for August are one box breakfast cereal, one large can of 100 percent orange juice, one box oatmeal. Anything would be appreciated.   
Celebrations: Birthdays-Randy Carpenter, Norma Willms, Joseph Younker, Marilyn Eckhardt, Dale Henna, Sharon Henna. Anniversaries-Gary and Judy Watson, Cathy Haynes, Phyllis Pryor, Duane Willms, Deanna Hovious, Les Hipsher, Skyler Guerra.
Coming & Going
Catching Up With The
 Puleos’ and Debbie
The Puleos’ and Debbie enjoyed another football game Saturday at Shelbyville and Chinese dinner afterwards.
Recently Ken and Wanda Puleo and Debbie McDonald went to Dix to visit her mother, Ethel Pittman. She hasn’t been feeling very well the past week or two. Brother Phillip also stopped by to visit with the Puleos.’
The Puleos’ had a very busy Tuesday, visiting family. First, in Vandalia, to see Matt and Kathy McConkey and Honora. Honora had a good time rearranging grandma’s hair with a couch cushion.
They went on to Ramsey to see their grandson, Sean and Rosie McDonald, and their new daughter, Audrey Rose, who was born August 12, 2011.
Audrey accepted being held by both Ken and Wanda quite well, considering she is a newborn, and even smiled about it. They then went to the home of Mike and Tammy McDonald of Ramsey, where they got to visit with more of the family, Trisha Miller and daughters, Anna, Laura, and Rebekah; James and Addy McDonald and friend, Brandon, and Angel and Rhonda McDonald.
They ended the evening at the new Denny’s Restaurant in Vandalia, where Dave Behrends was surrounded with very busy workers taking care of the full restaurant. The waitresses were singing his praises as being very patient and good to work for.
Wednesday, Ken Puleo had a satisfactory report from his doctor in Decatur. Ken, Wanda, and Debbie then enjoyed dinner at the Royal International Buffet in Mt. Zion.
Wanda had to have fasting blood tests Thursday, which yielded good results. This, of course, gave them an excuse to have a delicious breakfast at Denny’s, again finding Dave very busy.
Golden Years Club Meet
Fifteen members were in attendance for the Golden Years Club meeting on Tuesday, Aug. 23. President, Charles Reece gave the welcome and asked the blessing for the potluck meal.
A card was signed by all members present to be mailed to club member Berniece Bosomworth. A thank you card was also signed to be sent to Bill Voisin, in appreciation for the Voisins’ donation for the new furnace.
Ina Abendroth gave three readings which everyone enjoyed. They were entitled, “K-9 Patrol,” “Heavenly Rewards,” and “First Visit.”
Included in the potluck meal were some new recipes which were tried and enjoyed: Carolyn Grames’ squash casserole; Marilyn Yakel’s angel food cake mix with pineapple added; Lucille Fisher’s made-from-scratch angel food cake; Ina Abendroth’s banana bundt cake; and an apple pie made with apples from Loyce Becker’s apple tree.
The next Golden Years Club potluck-meeting will be held 13th at noon at the clubroom at 1st and Division Street in Brownstown.
Fayette County HCE
Members Attend
IAHCE Annual Workshop
The Illinois Association of Home and Community Education Annual Workshop, held at the Holiday Inn in Mt. Vernon, was well attended by the Fayette HCE Board.
Attending were: Mary Smith from Wright’s Corner; Dorothy Harpster from St. Peter; Anita Smith and Carrie Hill from Vandalia Day, and Anna Jean Rhodes from St. Elmo; and Flo Allen, Shirley Klitzing, Phyllis Pryor, and Panzi Blackwell, from the Sefton Unit.
After registering the  many HCE members from Illinois in attendance gathered in the large dining room to be welcomed by Barb Spencer, District 7 Director.
Each of the tables held a circus-theme centerpiece, brought by the county HCE clubs. Marilyn Schaffer, District 6 Director, led the pledge to the American flag and the HCE aim and creed and introduced the state board.
Marilyn Daughhetee, president of IAHCE, greeted those present and spoke, urging membership growth. She suggested members “ask-a-neighbor,” invite them to the meetings and encourage joining the HCE.
She also commented on the good lessons given through HCE meetings. The featured speaker, Debra G. Henninger, author of the book, “Hobo Quilts,” gave a very interesting talk, while displaying the quilts she had designed.
Each one of the beautiful and colorful quilts she displayed were based on the symbols hobos used to communicate privately with one another. Some of the quilts named (with appropriate designs) were:
“Riding the Rails” (with a train design). She told of the risks of catching rides in the train cars, of the ‘cinder bulls (train police, some of which were very dangerous to encounter) and the possibility of being locked and possibly dying, in a box car; “Courteously Call” directions to a local jail for a night’s lodging in very cold weather; “Hobo Jungle” represented by stars around a campfire. Could be two hobos or many at a hobo jungle;  “Jack Roller” a sideways “H” meant hit the road fast, a thief who preyed on the hobo. A symbol of two small shovels meant ‘work here.’  
Henninger displayed many quilts, all related to the hobo, a part of American history, and explained many of the hobos’ symbols and lifestyles. More information on the book can be found the author’s address: www.mybeststitch.com.
The HCE members then dispersed to attend the designated workshop for their office: president, first vice president, second vice president, secretary-treasurer/ways and means, community outreach, culture enrichment, family issues, public relations/sales.cvh’s, and international.
All gathered for the noon meal, for which Brenda Redmon asked the blessing. Speaking were Norma Korte, nominating chair; Jenna Hogan, Uof I, and Marilyn Daughhetee, who spoke on “Change…which can bring new life to an organization.”
A skit introduced the theme for the next HCE year. Daughhetee read a poem entitled, “A Perfect Garden” (author unknown), which described qualities needed in everyday life to sow a life conductive to achieving the goals in the HCE Homemakers Collect and Aim, read in unison at the beginning of the workshop day.
The districts then met in their designated rooms for the elections, drawings of gifts, and door prizes.
Among the door prize winners were Fayette County’s  Anita Smith of Vandalia Day and Mary Smith of Wright’s Corner. The program ended with the wish that all have a safe trip home, and the words, “Let’s be more positive, it can’t hurt. We can choose to be happy or choose to be sad.”
Karen Downs Employed
For 2011-2012 School Year
Karen Downs was employed as Pre-K Grant Coordinator/Parent Coordinator for the 2011-2012 school year during the Brownstown Board of Education meeting on Monday, August 15.
Other actions included:
•Approval given for the following: Busing of students residing in “hazardous” areas as designated under the Illinois State Board of Education guidelines for 2011-2012;
•Destruction of closed session meeting audio recordings at least 18 months old or older.
•Substitute rates were approved as follows: “substitute teacher-$85 a day; substitute nurse-$13.20 an hour; substitute cook-$8.50 an hour; substitute secretary-$8.50; substitute janitor-$8.50; substitute bus driver-$21 per rte trip.
First reading was conducted on the following Board Policy updates: a. 1:10 School District Legal Status; b. 2:10 School District Goverance; c. 2.125  Board member Expenses; d. 3:10  Goals and Objectives; e. Succession of Authority; f. Personal Technology and Social Media; Usage and Conduct.
The regular September meeting of the Brownstown Board of Education has been changed from Wednesday, Sept. 21, to Monday, Sept. 26, at 7 p.m. in the unit office.
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. Carol Severns served as liturgist.
The birthday blessings song was sung to Sharon Harris. Jeff Kelly and Hubert Williams, serving as ushers, presented the tithes and offerings.
The sermon entitled, “A Great Christian Right,” was delivered by guest speaker, the Rev. Louis Frick of Vandalia. His wife was present at the service.
Praises! Emily Marie Townsend, daughter of Zachary and Jenna Townsend, was baptized during the service, with many relatives present.
Announcements
•Wolf Creek Cluster Picnic at Brownstown Park at 6 p.m. Meat is furnished, bring a dish or two to share and your lawn chair.
•Sept. 13-9:30 a.m.-UMW District Annual Meeting at Casey UMC. Theme – “Let It Begin With Me,” with Randall Reese as speaker. Reservations $7 by Sept. 7.
Liberty Christian Church
The congregation of the Liberty Christian Church was greeted by Tony and Vicki Bearden and led in worship through song by the praise team, Buffy Chandler, Barb Morrison, Brittany White, Eddie Carson, Dick Childress, Brady Wright, Tammy Carson, and Kim Miller.
Josh Robison shared the praises and prayer requests and led in prayer. Special music was contributed by Tammy Carson. Jim Dann delivered the message entitled, “When Satan Tries To Win,” with scripture from Genesis 3.
Also serving: serving at the table-Delmar Miller, Jim Dann; serving the congregation-Frank Stringfield, Bob Buzzard, Craig Daughtery, John Grames, Ken Lamb, Aaron Miller; assistants-Luke Robison, Tony Bearden; ushers-Junior Carson, Duane Carson; sound system-Tom Mayes; power point-Teresa Mayes; nursery-Allison Brunk, Rylie Wollerman, Paitlyn Miller; Communion preparation-Leah Washburn; Communion rounds-Dave Morrison, Bob Buzzard; welcome center-Kyle Anderson.
Announcements
•Sunday Night all Church Camp program at Bond-Sept. 4 at 5 p.m., dinner will be served ($5 each) and a worship celebration will follow at 7 p.m.
Also during the evening, an offering will be taken to eliminate the camp debt, video highlights of 2011 Camp season, a camp update will be given by Jim, the manager, and deans and Faculty will be recognized.
•Opportunity! Steve Storm is the youth minister again at First Christian and has invited the Liberty youth to their Wednesday youth programs. Kids from K-5th grade meet at 3:30 – 5. 6th – 12th grade kids meet from 630 – 8 p.m. Praises!
Three people decided to become followers of Jesus and were baptized last Sunday…Annie Chandler, Emmett Chandler and Christina Steber.
First Christian Church
The congregation of the First Christian Church was greeted by Ervin and Joyce Garrison and answered the call it worship given by a ladies trio, Susan Smith, Joanne Strobel, and Cathy Smith.
Praise leaders, Jack Shelton, Sherry Meador, and Joann Strobel led in songs of praise, accompanied by pianist-Susan Smith, drummer-Tucker Willms, and guitarists-Waly Kinney, Rick Cox, and Chuck Enlow.
Jack Shelton led the opening prayer. Matthew Smith led the Communion meditation and prayer. John Robinson led the gifts and offering prayer.
Special music was contributed by Jazmine Cruz, followed by the message, delivered by John Robinson.
Praises! Nine-day-old Aiden Matthew Smith made his first appearance Sunday morning. He is the son of Matthew and Jamie Smith. Also attending were his big sister, Emalee Grace, grandparents, Terry and Susan Smith, and Karen Morrison.
Also serving: Sunday school nursery-Laura Willms; AM nursery-Marcia Pemberton; toddler worship-Tena and Ron Gould; Quest-4-Christ-Brent and Janet Keyes and team;
Communion to shut-ins-Toby Tackett and Bill Smith; Communion preparation-Bill and Cathy Smith; serving the congregation with Communion/offering-Chuck Enlow, Travis Gould, Bill Smith, Brent Keyes, Delbert Miller; usher-Melvin Willms; sound-Matthew Smith; power point-Ashton Smith; librarian-Shelly Rook; closing prayer-John Robinson.
Announcements
•Family Camp at Bond Christian Camp-Sept. 2nd – 5th and all families and others are welcome. Registration forms at Welcome Center. If you can’t stay all weekend, just drop by.
•Sunday Night Worship at Family Camp. Services will be dismissed at FCC on Saturday, Sept. 4 to attend evening worship at the camp.
•Xtreme Zone (K-5th grade) After School Program Kicks Off on Wednesday, Sept. 7 from 3:30 – 5 p.m. Kids, watch for details in the church newsletter and bulletin about “One Minute To Win.”
•Baby Bottle Boomerang for the Lighthouse Pregnancy Center begins! Bottles may be picked up at the welcome center.

Panzi Blackwell

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