Brownstown-Sefton News-Sept. 213, 2010

By Panzi Blackwell

A Scary Thing Happened…
…on the way to taking Pricey, the Great Pyrnese on her daily walk one day last week.
Pricey is really an outdoor large dog (about 80 pounds) and Josie, is the little defenseless, timid, little 10-year-old “puppy” weighing about 11 pounds, definitely an indoor doggie … and never the twain had met.
Until…I had went out through the patio screen door and evidently left it open just enough that Josie could get through it. I had put a leash on Pricey and we were walking along peacefully, when suddenly Josie came around the corner of the house and started barking ferociously at Pricey.
Pricey was surprised (as I was) and, having never seen Josie before, responded as expected. She suddenly lunged at Josie, just as ferociously, pulled me down and almost drug me along.
Thankfully, I had the loop of her leash over my hand and hung on, digging in my heels and pulling Pricey toward the front door of the closed-in porch, while Josie continued her verbal attack.
Pricy is a good dog; she was just caught off guard by a critter she had never seen before. She was probably trying to protect me. She calmed right down when we got on the porch, but Josie came on up the steps and stood outside the door barking.
Josie is defenseless, as she has only four teeth, and they don’t meet in the important dog-eat-dog places. She is not used to being loose outside by herself and with the woods, I was concerned about her safety and wanted to get her back inside.
However, I couldn’t let go of Pricey to get Josie because of Josie’s foolhardy stance at the front door.
I pulled Pricey to the kitchen phone (she had never been in the house) and sent a SOS to Bill in the field. However (again), I was afraid for Josie outside, so (praying that the cat was not in sight nor in the pen and that Josie wouldn’t run back around to the back looking for me) I sneaked Pricey out the back door, put her in Josie’s little pen and ran around the front to bring Josie back in the house. Then Pricey was retrieved from the little pen and sneaked back around to the front of the house.
Mission accomplished and a lesson learned – be sure to shut the door behind me. After securing Pricey, I then spied Callie, the kitty. She had watched the whole fracas from a safe perch on the porch ledge, probably enjoying every minute of it.
The strange thing is, Josie is (usually) afraid of the cat, a sudden noise, a stranger, anything that happens to fall, etc. It was totally uncharacteristic for her to be so aggressive, especially to a monstrous dog that she had never seen before.
We wonder if she forgot her fear, thinking she was rescuing me, as we think Pricey thought she was protecting me. One thing for sure – I never want to test that theory out. Plucky little Josie would have just been a memory in just one bite from Pricey…who is really usually a very good natured dog.
A Picturesque Moment
A really cute and friendly little guy in a camouflage cap “big enough for him to grow into” and a Disney World t-shirt working on a stack of pancakes, was seen in Dave’s Good Old Days Diner on  Monday.
His name is Clayton Arnold and he had just got back from Disney World. “Cook” had made Clayton a “Mickey Mouse” pancake, complete with the mouse ears. Clayton is evidently a loyal customer, because the very nice and efficient waitress, Lora, also gave him a piece of bubble gum after he ate his pancake.
His grandpa, John Verdeyen of Altamont (also attacking a stack of (plain) pancakes), accompanied him.
Coming Up In Our
Community
Brownstown Sports Boosters
All-You-Can-Eat Fish Fry…
…this Friday at the Brownstown Elementary School Cafeteria from 4:30-7 p.m. Menu includes catfish filets, walleye, popcorn shrimp and chicken strips, potato salad, cole slaw, applesauce, baked beans, hushpuppiess and drinks. Ticket prices are $8 for adults and $6 for children 12 and under.
Carry-outs are available. Proceeds from this event will be used to purchase new uniforms and equipment for grades 5-12.
The Sports Boosters purchase all uniforms for baseball, girls and boys basketball, volleyball, cheerleading and scholar bowl. The price on uniforms has sky-rocketed and the club tries very hard to keep the uniforms nice and in style. This fish fry fundraiser has been selected to eliminate the burden of individual fundraisers on parents and sport teams.
Advance tickets may be purchased from any student in sports, cheerleaders, and the high school office or at the door. Bomber fans and the community have been very supportive of this club and they are asking for your continued support in this event. Support is requested, as the club must have a minimum of 300 tickets sole prior to the event.
Brownstown VFW Post No. 9770 Holding Clothing Drive For Our Veterans
Help support the Brownstown VFW Post No. 9770 clothing drive for our veterans in the Marion and Jefferson Barracks VA Hospitals.
They are in great need of socks, underwear, T-shirts, sweatshirts, sweat pants and undershirts. All items must be new. All clothing items will be given to veterans residing in the Marion and Jefferson Barracks VA Hospitals.
All items must be new. Drop boxes will be located at the Brownstown VFW and Fayette County Real Estate, 740 W. Orchard St., Vandalia.
Also accepting monetary donations. Checks may be mailed to the Brownstown VFW, P.O. Box 27, Brownstown, Ill. 62418.
For more information or assistance with your donation, contact one of the following VFW members: Dan: 322-8945; Jim: 267-5142; or Robyn: 322-8824.
All donations needed by Nov. 13. What a great way to thank a veteran!
Mark Your Calendar Now…
…for the whole-hog barbecue fundraiser, sponsored by the Brownstown Scouts, on Sunday, Oct. 10, at the Brownstown Firehouse. The scouts are raising funds to purchase a bulletproof vest for our village policeman.
Local Celebrations
Birthdays: Rick Smith, Lois Smith, Lucien Chandler and Larry Henna. Anniversaries: Charles and Norma Moore, Gary and Diana Smith, and Jeff and Renna Kelly.
Coming & Going
Local “Gals” Travel West
Flo Allen, Lucille Fisher, Marge Weiss, Ellen Willms and Laverne Buff traveled west to Greenville on Wednesday, Sept. 15, enjoyed lunch at Huddle House and then visited the Marcoot Dairy before returning home.
Catching Up With the Puleos and Debbie
Wanda is recovering from a case of shingles, instead of what she first thought was several insect bites.
Visits Mother
Ken, Wanda and Debbie McDonald went to visit Wanda’s mother, Ethel Pittman, in Dix on Thursday. They stopped in Sandoval on the way home to watch grandson Brad Meskil play in the high school baseball game against Patoka.
Saturday, the Puleos and Debbie went to the wedding reception of Cory and Sara Booker of Shelbyville.
Sunday, Wanda’s brother, Phillip Bruce, phoned to tell them he had taken their mother to the emergency room in Centralia. Debbie visited her sister, Connie Meskil, while the Puleos went to the hospital where they stayed until Mrs. Pittman was admitted for observation after suffering severs dizziness. They expected her to return to her home on Monday.
Golden Years Schedule
Events For Community
Twenty-four members were present for the Golden Years Club potluck/meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 14.
Club President Charlie Reece welcomed those present and invited the September birthday and anniversary celebrants to be served first.
Following the meal and clean-up detail of Donnie Smail’s K.P. crew, the club discussed the following scheduling of the up-coming Fayette County Health Department Flu Clinic and the club fundraisers:
•Flu shots will be given at the Golden Year’s Club building on Oct. 12, from 1-3 p.m.
•The Annual Golden Years’ ham and beans dinner will be held Oct. 9.
•The annual Golden Years bazaar and soup dinner.
Treasurer Donnie Smail gave the club’s financial report.
Mr. Budlove gave a reading, “Can Cold Water Clean Dishes?” Donnie Smail gave a reading, “The Age a Boy Goes Through,” describing how a boy decides that, at age 50, Dad was really pretty smart.
The next meeting will be Tuesday, Sept. 28, with a noon potluck at the Golden Years Club building in Brownstown. All seniors in Fayette County are welcome.
Brownstown UMW Hold
Annual Salad Supper
The Brownstown United Methodist Women observed another sign of autumn, as they held their annual salad supper on Sept. 16 at 6 p.m.
The United Methodist Church fellowship room was decorated in rich, bright orange and burgundy shades of fall. The members and guests enjoyed the many varied salads brought by all.
Carol Severns presided over the meeting and gave the call to mission report, and provided literature for all to read.  Marilyn Yakel suggested that the club send a birthday card to their appointed missionary, Miquel Arehas Herrea, in Uruguay. All agreed to do so and to also pray for him.
Upcoming meetings were discussed:
•Sept. 21-Annual district meeting in Paris;
•Oct. 2-Annual conference meeting at the Christ UMC in Fairview Heights. Anyone wishing to go should call Carol Severns or Marilyn Yakel for reservation by Sept. 21.
The next local meeting will be held at Brookstone Estates to join the residents in song and fellowship with Bette Stolte as pianist. Everyone is asked to take cookies.
Brownstown UMW
Officers Installed
Pastor David Bigley officiated over the installation of the Brownstown 2011 UMW officers as follows:
President-Carol Severns; vice-president-Marilyn Yakel; secretary-Carol Henna; treasurer-Vernus Lytle; spiritual growth-Vernus Lytle and Carol Severns; membership-Phyllis Bruno; program resources-Billy Anna Forbis; nurture and outreach- Connie Green, Pam Orr and Betty Williams; and nominating committee-Zandra Sidwell and Geraldine Goldsboro.
Bigley gave a talk entitled, “Slowing Down with a Purpose.”
Present were Bigley and members-Carol Severns, Marilyn Yakel, Phyllis Bruno, Connie Green, Billy Anna Forbis, Betty Williams and Carol Henna. One quest, Ben Forbis, was also present. New members and guests are always welcome.
First Christian Church
Matthew and Jamie Smith greeted the congregation of the First Christian Church as they gathered for their “Back To Church” Sunday service.
Cathy Smith, assisted by Adrienne Smith and Steve Storm, led the song service, accompanied by Susan Smith, pianist; Rick Cox, Chuck Enlow and Walt Kinney as guitarists; and Gretchen Schaible on the string bass. John Robinson delivered the message. Matthew Smith led the Communion meditation and prayer.
Also serving: Liz Oberlink-Sunday school nursery; Rae Lynn Koehler-a.m. nursery; Ashton Smith and Joann Strobel-toddler worship; Michael Watson and the Quest-4-Christ Team- Quest-4-Christ; and Chuck Enlow and Charlie Watson-Communion to shut-ins.
The Xtreme Zone…
…is an after-school program for elementary students in grades K-5 on Wednesdays at 3:30 p.m. It consists of a snack, games, singing, a Bible lesson and help with homework.
The church van picks the students up at school and transports them to the church.
A written parental consent must be sent to the school for the students to ride the bus. Parents may also drop the students off at the church.
Announcements
•Xtreme Zone (K-5th grade) Wednesday at 3:30 p.m.
•Wednesday Night Lights (grades 6-12) meets on Wednesday at 6:23 p.m.
Whole-hog barbecue fundraiser, sponsored by the Brownstown scouts, to purchase a bulletproof vest for Brownstown’s village policeman. First Christian Church has been asked to help by donating desserts.
Brownstown United
Methodist Church
The congregation of the United Methodist Church gathered for the morning worship service as Bette Stolte played the prelude. Bradley Schwarm served as acolyte.
Pastor Bigley welcomed those present and reviewed the announcements, prayer concerns, birthdays, anniversaries and led in prayer.
As this Sunday was designated as United Methodist Women Sunday, the UMW ladies participated in the service. Carol Severns served as liturgist, Marybelle Ledbetter and Marilyn Yakel were greeters, and the presentation of tithes and offerings was by Flo Allen and Betty Williams.
Carol Severns reported on the projects and missions in which the local unit participates. All women then joined in to give the UMW Purpose.
Bigley led the children’s time. He delivered the sermon and closed the service with the benediction.
Pam Orr and Rayella Denton led the children’s worship and fellowship. Other class leaders were Flo Allen and Louella Christensen.
Announcements
•The Lighthouse pregnancy Center Baby Bottle Campaign Fundraiser continues to Oct. 3.
•Tuesday at 10 a.m.-Bible study at Brownstown UMC. Jim Green, leader.
•Oct. 2-Illinois Great Rivers Conference UMW annual meeting at Fairview Heights Christ UMC.
•Oct. 4-6:30-8:30 p.m. at Neoga Grace UMC. All local church leaders are invited to join IGRC Bishop Gregory palmer in conversation and fellowship.
Liberty Christian Church
The congregation of Liberty Christian Church was greeted by Jack and Dorothy Durbin, and welcomed by Jim Dann.
Stef Anderson, Kathy Willms and Katie Carson led in songs of praise, accompanied by Kim Miller as pianist, Connie Largent on keyboard and Eddie Carson on drums, with sound by Dan Largent and Power Point by Teresa Mayes.
Harlen Beckel shared the praises and prayer requests, and led in prayer. Jim Dann led the Communion meditation and prayer and led in prayer. Aaron Miller led the offering prayer.
Also serving: welcome center: Paul Parkison; serving at the table: John Willms, Jim Dann; serving the congregation: Ken Lamb, Aaron Miller, Charlie Moore, Brad Smith, Frank Stringfield, John Schaub; assistants: Barry Jennings, Jack Durbin; ushers: Gary Smith, Brian Smith; nursery: Allison Brunk, Addie Miller, Emmett Chandler; Communion preparation: Elvera Robison; Communion rounds: Paul Parkison, Aaron Miller; and youth refreshments; Connie Largent.
Announcements
• Friday and Saturday-Second annual Jump For Joel in St. Elmo. Spaghetti dinner fundraiser-6-8 p.m. on Friday; Marathon (half and full) 9 a.m. on Saturday.  
•Sept. 26-Missionary Visit-Antionio and Jenny Gomez will be at Liberty Christian Church with an update about Monterrey Christian Mission, which Liberty supports on a monthly basis.
•Sept. 26-at 6 p.m.-Jason Collins with a Gospel music concert.
•Wednesday, Oct. 6 at 7 p.m.-’50s & ’60s potluck in the fellowship hall.
•Oct. 8–9 at St. Louis-Super Start! Live.
 

Panzi Blackwell