Brownstown-Sefton News

By Editor | April 20, 2011 |

Sad Awakening On The Chicken Roost
When I opened the gate to let the girls (hens) out early Wednesday morning, only Blackie and Anita came out. A look into the pen revealed Fuzzy stretched out on the ground near the fence, obviously gone.

An external autopsy by Bill revealed no signs of trauma or foul (or fowl) play. She was fine the evening before and has been laying nice eggs, and her comb was very red, so her untimely death is a mystery. Is it possible she scratched up a bad bug?
Fuzzy was special, because she is the one I (tried to) sneak into the Vandalia Rehabilitation Health Center in a covered basket to visit cousin Meri Funk before she passed on.
Meri cuddled her up to the side of her face and named her “Fuzzy,” as she was then a tiny fuzzy baby chicken. Thus our egg production is now down to two a day, but still plenty for us.
We do miss seeing Fuzzy, as she stood out with her bright golden feathers among Anita’s predominately dark grey feathers with white dots, and Blackie’s very black feathers. They are friendly chickens, come running to us when we call out “girls” and sing to us when we are outside.
Spring Blooms
The colors of spring are so beautiful with the various shades of green of the trees and underbrush, forming a background for the white blossoms on the Dogwood tree, the bright purple/ pink of the redbud trees, the beautiful shades of blue and pink of the hundreds of bluebells in our yard and up into the timber, and the sprinkling of bright purple violets. Bill brought in a bouquet of bluebells with a couple of deerhearts he found blooming.
Treasured Tidbits
We were glad to “get acquainted” with Lura Tarter at the recent HCE Get-Acquainted-Day Brunch. She said she enjoys reading the column, especially the “Critters” news. Rachel, at Victory Lane, also shared her enjoyment of the critters doings.
The South Side 4-H Kids…
…are having a 10-inch hanging basket sale. Pre-order April 8-24; delivery date-April 30.
And…a basket/bake sale on April 30 at the Brownstown First National Bank from 9 a.m.-noon. Make checks payable to the South Side Kids 4-H Club. Contact Bobbi Wells at 267-6398 or Mike Black at 427-3847.
Special Open House
At Brownstown Library
The Friends of the Brownstown Library have been busy planning the following events…
Spring chicken dinner on Sunday, April 26, at the Brownstown Fire Station. Ginny Wilbur is the chairperson.
The next Friends of the Library meeting will be May 24 at the library. Everyone is welcome to attend.
The Brownstown Fire
Department…
…has some openings at the firehouse and are looking for new members. If interested, new applicants may click on www.bfpd.org and find an application on the website to fill out, or stop by the station when there is somebody there or contact a firefighter for more information.
Quilts To Be Quilted Needed…
…by the Golden Years Club quilters. The G.Y. Quilters donate the proceeds to the Club to help with utilities, expenses, etc. Contact Winona Childress for more information.
School Notes
Spring break begins this Thursday and school resumes Tuesday, April 26.
ITBS Testing May 2-6. The Iowa Test of Basic Skills achievement tests will be given to students in grades K-6 the week of May 2. These include tests in math, reading, vocabulary, language, spelling, social studies and science.
The results show how well a student scores in comparison to students across the country that will take this test. This test provides a measure of student progress from year to year.
Students will take several tests each day, so it is important that students be here each day unless they are ill. Parents will receive a report that shows how the child performed on each of the tests. Parents can help by encouraging students to do their best and helping them to be well rested.
Local Celebrations
Birthdays-Ilene Sidwell, Kelly Miller, Shelby Rine, Mike Shaw, Cade Schaub, Bobbi Beshears, Jeanine Sidwell, Adelyn Anderson, Brad Smith, Mary Ann Doehring, Caleb Atwood, Zachery Beshears and Carol Koester.
Anniversaries-John and Carolyn Grames, Howard and Carol Koester, and Barry and Lauri Jennings.
Brownstown Native, Charles Wilbur Dies
Charles R. Wilbur, 91 of Decatur, died on April 14, 2011, at Palm Terrace in Mattoon. Services were held April 18 at Graceland/Fairlawn Funeral Home. Visitation was Monday. A Masonic service was held at 10:45 a.m. Interment was in Graceland Cemetery in Decatur.
Charles was born in Brownstown on October 19, 1919, to Gilbert and Margaret (Rine) Wilbur.
Coming & Going
Catching Up With Lucille
Lucille Fisher enjoyed Sunday dinner at the Altamont home of Mike and Maria Klitzing and children, Kyle, Logan, and Emma.
Also home for the weekend was daughter Kaley. Also present were Helen Klitzing, Kathy Klitzing and Andy Klitzing of Altamont and George Mette of Effingham.
Lucille said she purchased some herb and tomato plants, getting ready to put out her garden.
Attends Grandson’s
Wedding
Bill and Panzi Blackwell attended the wedding of grandson Jeremy Gatewood and Lindsey Jourdan on Saturday, April 16.
The marriage vows were said in the banquet room of the Hickory Point Golf Club, which was beautifully decorated in the bride’s colors of pastel blue and silver. The Rev. Joe Lawson of Vandalia officiated the double-ring ceremony.
Attendants were: Steve “Luke” Mabry-best man; April Assanow-maid of honor; Patricia Jourdan and Destiny Jourdan-bridsmaids; Jason Gatewood, Eddie Miller-groomsmen; Emily Gatewood-flower girl; Gage Jourdan-ring bearer; and Bruce Jourdan-father of the bride.
Also attending from this area were: Fred and Lisa Coleman; Billy Blackwell and Mandy; Todd and Nancy Blackwell; and Joy Lawson.
Following the ceremony, a banquet dinner was served to the guests and music was provided by DJ Stevie Ray Kelton of Decatur.

More Brownstown-Sefton News on Page 13A

Golden Years Club Hosts Community Services
and Meeting
Nineteen members and two guests signed the register for the Golden Years Club potluck and meeting on Tuesday, April 12, at the club building in Brownstown.
Prior to the meeting, free blood pressure readings were taken be a representative from the Fayette County Health Department.
As a community service, the club also hosted Rose Germer of the Swan Senior Services in Vandalia to assist seniors with the circuit breaker services.
Club President Charles Reece welcomed everyone present and asked the blessing for the meal. He also expressed his gratitude to the cleanup crew, Flo Allen, Bonnie Kramer, Carolyn Grames, Marge Weiss, Donnie Smail, Shirley Klitzing, Ina Abendroth and Sharon Smail for their help in cleaning the club building. The clubroom looked very nice, thanks to their unselfish donation of time and energy.
He recognized the birthdays and anniversaries of Carolyn and John Grames, Donnie and Sharon Smail, Bill and Panzi Blackwell, Berniece Bosomworth, Lucile Fisher and Marjorie Howell, and invited them to be served first.
Following the meal, Reece called the meeting to order. Berniece Bosomworth gave some humorous readings.
Donnie Smail gave a reading, and Flo Allen contributed a funny story concerning a lady and her health club experience.
Donnie Smail reported on a generous donation received from Bill and Barb Voisin for the club.
The next meeting will be Tuesday, April 26, with a potluck noon meal. Seniors are invited to participate for a time of visiting and a good meal.
Fayette County HCE Hold “Get-Acquainted-Day”
The Fayette County Home and Community Education held their annual “Get-Acquainted Day” breakfast brunch fund-raiser Thursday, April 14 at the Golden Years Club building in Brownstown.
Registration began at 9 a.m., with breakfast at 9:30 a.m. The seven units of the county shared responsibilities of the event: Wheatland-registration; Sefton-drinks; St. Peter-food placement; St. Elmo-door prizes distribution; Vandalia Day, Bingham/Ramsey, and Wrights Corner-clean-up.
Flo Allen the county president, greeted the 36 members and seven guests present, dressed in a colorful clown suit, in keeping with this year’s club theme, “Circus Extravaganza.”
Shirley Klitzing, International and Cultural Enrichment director, welcomed those present, led the blessing for the meal, and invited the guests to be served first.
Following the meal, Allen introduced the guest speaker, Susanne Koberczky, who modeled authentic reproduction clothing worn by the Southern women during the Civil War era. Her presentation was extensive, historically informative and very interesting, as she explained the garments, their uses, disadvantages, impracticability and reasons for the various garments, such as:
Koberczky said that the genuine period dresses on display at the Lincoln Museum had never been washed.
She also displayed and explained the uses for several accessories, as well as sharing much information about the lifestyle, customs, and intimate behavior of the Civil War era Southern woman.
She also stated that only 10 percent of the Southern women were rich enough to dress and live in the way described. Most of the women lived a simpler and more frugal lifestyle.
She closed by reading the conclusion of a speech Abraham Lincoln made at the Sanitary Fair on March 18, 1864, which was a hymn of praise to the American woman. “If all that has been said by orators and poets since the creation of the world in praise of women were applied to the women of America, it would not do them justice for their conduct during this war.
I will close by saying God Bless the women of America.”
Koberczky and her husband, Roy, live in Highland. She became fascinated with the Civil War era at age 13, and has studied it diligently ever since. She owns several period style dresses, including one that is an exact replica of one owned by Mrs. Jefferson Davis.
Following the presentation, Allen announced the beginning of the club’s annual fundraiser, the “Make It-Bake It- Sew It-Grow It” auction, officiated by Elizabeth Kasten, assisted by Phyllis Pryor and Deb Swain. As always, the bidding was competitive with good-natured rivalry, but no real animosity.
Once again, Lucille Fisher’s Irish soda bread went for high stakes, but a hand-made wooden jewelry box drew the highest bid of the day.
Winners of the door prizes (donated by each of the seven units) were: Clarise “Sis” Perry, May Della Probst, Panzi Blackwell, Carolyn Grames, Bonnie Ellison, Dorothy Harpster and Lora Fouch.
First Christian Church
The congregation of First Christian Church was greeted by Larry and Judy Pilger and led in songs of praise by Matthew Smith and Judy Pilger, accompanied by pianist Susan Smith, guitarists Chuck Enlow and Rick Cox; flutist Kaitlyn Enlow and drummer Mitchell Smith.
Susan Smith contributed special music as the annual memorial service began. John Robinson delivered the message.
The first candle, was lighted by Vicky Robinson, for loved ones lost in 2010 by members of the congregation: Amber Schwarm, Loren Joe Sefton and Angie McCommack Morris, sister-in-law, brother and great-niece of Faye Schwarm. Larry “Jay” Hovious, son and stepson of Earl and Deanna Hovious. Mick Koehler, brother of Mitch Koehler, Jerry White, brother of Vicky Robison.
Members of the congregation remembered who died in 2010 were: Billie Diveley, by Duane Willms; Reatha Gatewood, by Joann Strobel; Monda Kimberlin; and David Oberlink, by Deanna Hovious, Margaret Luster and Steve Storm.
Charlie Watson led in prayer. Chuck Enlow led the Communion meditation and prayer.
Also serving: Sunday school nursery-Laura Willms; toddler worship-Karen Willms and Bonnie Shelton; Quest-4-Christ-Michael Watson and Team; and Communion to shut-ins-Bill Smith and Don Lovett.
Announcements
•Wednesday Night Lights (6- 12 grades) will be going to “The Edge” this week for Lazer Tag.
•Pictorial Directory Pictures-Those who did not get a picture taken should see Jamie Smith to submit one.
•Mother-Daughter Lunch–Saturday, April 30, at 11 a.m.
•Helping Hands Ministry purpose is to put together those in our congregation who have something to give away for free, to sell or a project they need done with those who have a need, want to buy an item, or are willing to do a project for free or for wages. Fill out the bulletin insert and give it to Karen Willms.
United Methodist Church
Bette Stolte, pianist, played praise music as the congregation of the United Methodist Church gathered for worship on Palm Sunday.
Bradley Schwarm lighted the altar candles, and Judy Watson served as liturgist. Pastor David Bigley’s parents, Mr. and Mrs. Tracy Bigley of Iowa, were welcomed.
Bigley greeted the congregation, reviewed the announcements, recognized the birthdays and anniversaries, shared the prayer requests, and led in prayer.
Birthday blessings were sung for Elmer Feezel. Hubert Williams and Bradley Schwarm presented the tithes and offerings. Bigley led the children’s time and delivered the sermon.
Announcements
•Thursday-at 7 p.m.-United Methodist Women will meet for their Easter lesson, led by Billyanna Forbis.
•April 25-World Malaria Day 2011 for Imagine No Malaria. This is a conference project.
Liberty Christian Church
The congregation of Liberty Christian Church was greeted by Tommy Beshears and welcomed by Jim Dann.
Praise team – Stef Anderson, Teresa Mayes, Katie Carson, Paula Brunk, Tammy Carson and K. Miller – led in songs of praise, accompanied by Dick Childress-guitar, Eddie Carson-drums; Kim Miller-pianist; and Connie Largent-keyboard.
Jim Dann shared the praises and prayer requests, and led in prayer. Special music was contributed by the Praise Team, followed by the message, delivered by Jim Dann.
Stef Anderson sang the Communion song, and Delmar Miller led the Communion prayer. Ken Lamb led the offering prayer. Paula Brunk and Katie Carson presented a flute duet. Jim Dann and John Willms shared the announcements and youth minute.
Also serving: prayer time: Paul Parkison; serving at the table: Paul Parkison, Delmar Miller; serving the congregation: Ken Lamb, Craig Daughtery, Brad Smith, Brian Smith, Bob Buzzard, Jeb Washburn; assistants: Cory Willms, Lance Buzzard; ushers: Gary Smith, Brian Smith; sound system: Dan Largent; Powerpoint: Kyle Anderson; Communion preparation: Elvera Robison; Communion rounds: Paul Parkison, Craig Daugherty; junior church: Aaron and Chelsie Miller; pre-K worship: Barb Morrison, Chole Carson; andvan driver: Kyle Anderson.
Praises
•Kaylee Sefton-baptiim
•Raygan Marie-6 pounds, 13 ounces, 20 inches long (great-great grandparents are John and Carolyn Grames.
Announcements
•Volunteers are needed to mow the church property. See Brad Smith for details. Sign up on bulletin board.
•Relay for Life-Liberty has a team for Relay for Life. If you would like to donate, one of the team members will be available.
There is also a “piggy bank” to collect spare change at the church. They will be selling pies at the Relay in June. We’re counting on Liberty’s pie experts for this. Check with Diane Smith or Elvera Robison for names of team members.
•Spanish classes-There will be a seven-week, 21-day course offered starting in May (three mornings or nights a week). Let the office know if you are interested.
Special practice for Rainbow Kids…
…Saturday, 10 a.m.-noon.

Golden Years Club Hosts Community Services
and Meeting
Nineteen members and two guests signed the register for the Golden Years Club potluck and meeting last Tuesday at the club building in Brownstown.
Prior to the meeting, free blood pressure readings were taken be a representative from the Fayette County Health Department.
As a community service, the club also hosted Rose Germer of the Swan Senior Services in Vandalia to assist seniors with the circuit breaker services.
Club President Charles Reece welcomed everyone present and asked the blessing for the meal. He also expressed his gratitude to the cleanup crew, Flo Allen, Bonnie Kramer, Carolyn Grames, Marge Weiss, Donnie Smail, Shirley Klitzing, Ina Abendroth and Sharon Smail for their help in cleaning the club building. The clubroom looked very nice, thanks to their unselfish donation of time and energy.
He recognized the birthdays and anniversaries of Carolyn and John Grames, Donnie and Sharon Smail, Bill and Panzi Blackwell, Berniece Bosomworth, Lucile Fisher and Marjorie Howell, and invited them to be served first.
Following the meal, Reece called the meeting to order. Berniece Bosomworth gave some humorous readings.
Smail gave a reading, and Flo Allen contributed a funny story concerning a lady and her health club experience.
Smail reported on a generous donation received from Bill and Barb Voisin for the club.
The next meeting will be next Tuesday, with a potluck noon meal. Seniors are invited to participate for a time of visiting and a good meal.
Fayette County HCE Hold “Get-Acquainted-Day”
The Fayette County Home and Community Education held their annual “Get-Acquainted Day” breakfast brunch fund-raiser Thursday, April 14 at the Golden Years Club building in Brownstown.
Registration began at 9 a.m., with breakfast at 9:30 a.m. The seven units of the county shared responsibilities of the event: Wheatland-registration; Sefton-drinks; St. Peter-food placement; St. Elmo-door prizes distribution; Vandalia Day, Bingham/Ramsey, and Wrights Corner-clean-up.
Allen the county president, greeted the 36 members and seven guests present, dressed in a colorful clown suit, in keeping with this year’s club theme, “Circus Extravaganza.”
Shirley Klitzing, International and Cultural Enrichment director, welcomed those present, led the blessing for the meal, and invited the guests to be served first.
Following the meal, Allen introduced the guest speaker, Susanne Koberczky, who modeled authentic reproduction clothing worn by the Southern women during the Civil War era. Her presentation was extensive, historically informative and very interesting, as she explained the garments, their uses, disadvantages, impracticability and reasons for the various garments.
Koberczky said that the genuine period dresses on display at the Lincoln Museum had never been washed.
She also displayed and explained the uses for several accessories, as well as sharing much information about the lifestyle, customs, and intimate behavior of the Civil War era Southern woman.
She also stated that only 10 percent of the Southern women were rich enough to dress and live in the way described. Most of the women lived a simpler and more frugal lifestyle.
She closed by reading the conclusion of a speech Abraham Lincoln made at the Sanitary Fair on March 18, 1864, which was a hymn of praise to the American woman. “If all that has been said by orators and poets since the creation of the world in praise of women were applied to the women of America, it would not do them justice for their conduct during this war.
I will close by saying God Bless the women of America.”
Koberczky and her husband, Roy, live in Highland. She became fascinated with the Civil War era at age 13, and has studied it diligently ever since.
She owns several period style dresses, including one that is an exact replica of one owned by Mrs. Jefferson Davis.
Following the presentation, Allen announced the beginning of the club’s annual fundraiser, the “Make It-Bake It- Sew It-Grow It” auction, officiated by Elizabeth Kasten, assisted by Phyllis Pryor and Deb Swain. As always, the bidding was competitive with good-natured rivalry, but no real animosity.
Once again, Lucille Fisher’s Irish soda bread went for high stakes, but a hand-made wooden jewelry box drew the highest bid of the day.
Winners of the door prizes (donated by each of the seven units) were: Clarise “Sis” Perry, May Della Probst, Panzi Blackwell, Carolyn Grames, Bonnie Ellison, Dorothy Harpster and Lora Fouch.
First Christian Church
The congregation of First Christian Church was greeted by Larry and Judy Pilger and led in songs of praise by Matthew Smith and Judy Pilger, accompanied by pianist Susan Smith, guitarists Chuck Enlow and Rick Cox; flutist Kaitlyn Enlow and drummer Mitchell Smith.
Susan Smith contributed special music as the annual memorial service began. John Robinson delivered the message.
The first candle, was litby Vicky Robinson, for loved ones lost in 2010 by members of the congregation: Amber Schwarm, Loren Joe Sefton and Angie McCommack Morris, sister-in-law, brother and great-niece of Faye Schwarm. Larry “Jay” Hovious, son and stepson of Earl and Deanna Hovious. Mick Koehler, brother of Mitch Koehler, Jerry White, brother of Vicky Robison.
Members of the congregation remembered who died in 2010 were: Billie Diveley, by Duane Willms; Reatha Gatewood, by Joann Strobel; Monda Kimberlin; and David Oberlink, by Deanna Hovious, Margaret Luster and Steve Storm.
Charlie Watson led in prayer. Chuck Enlow led the Communion meditation and prayer.
Also serving: Sunday school nursery-Laura Willms; toddler worship-Karen Willms and Bonnie Shelton; Quest-4-Christ-Michael Watson and Team; and Communion to shut-ins-Bill Smith and Don Lovett.
Announcements
•Wednesday Night Lights (6- 12 grades) will be going to “The Edge” this week for Lazer Tag.
•Pictorial Directory Pictures-Those who did not get a picture taken should see Jamie Smith to submit one.
•Mother-Daughter Lunch–Saturday, April 30, at 11 a.m.
•Helping Hands Ministry purpose is to put together those in our congregation who have something to give away for free, to sell or a project they need done with those who have a need, want to buy an item, or are willing to do a project for free or for wages. Fill out the bulletin insert and give it to Karen Willms.
United Methodist Church
Bette Stolte, pianist, played praise music as the congregation of the United Methodist Church gathered for worship on Palm Sunday.
Bradley Schwarm lit the altar candles, and Judy Watson served as liturgist. Pastor David Bigley’s parents, Mr. and Mrs. Tracy Bigley of Iowa, were welcomed.
Bigley greeted the congregation, reviewed the announcements, recognized the birthdays and anniversaries, shared the prayer requests, and led in prayer.
Birthday blessings were sung for Elmer Feezel. Hubert Williams and Bradley Schwarm presented the tithes and offerings. Bigley led the children’s time and delivered the sermon.
Announcements
•Thursday-at 7 p.m.-United Methodist Women will meet for their Easter lesson, led by Billyanna Forbis.
•April 25-World Malaria Day 2011 for Imagine No Malaria. This is a conference project.
Liberty Christian Church
The congregation of Liberty Christian Church was greeted by Tommy Beshears and welcomed by Jim Dann.
Praise team – Stef Anderson, Teresa Mayes, Katie Carson, Paula Brunk, Tammy Carson and K. Miller – led in songs of praise, accompanied by Dick Childress-guitar, Eddie Carson-drums; Kim Miller-pianist; and Connie Largent-keyboard.
Dann shared the praises and prayer requests, and led in prayer. Special music was contributed by the Praise Team, followed by the message, delivered by Dann.
Stef Anderson sang the Communion song, and Delmar Miller led the Communion prayer. Ken Lamb led the offering prayer. Paula Brunk and Katie Carson presented a flute duet. Dann and John Willms shared the announcements and youth minute.
Also serving: prayer time: Paul Parkison; serving at the table: Paul Parkison, Delmar Miller; serving the congregation: Ken Lamb, Craig Daughtery, Brad Smith, Brian Smith, Bob Buzzard, Jeb Washburn; assistants: Cory Willms, Lance Buzzard; ushers: Gary Smith, Brian Smith; sound system: Dan Largent; Powerpoint: Kyle Anderson; Communion preparation: Elvera Robison; Communion rounds: Paul Parkison, Craig Daugherty; junior church: Aaron and Chelsie Miller; pre-K worship: Barb Morrison, Chole Carson; andvan driver: Kyle Anderson.
Praises
•Kaylee Sefton-baptiim
•Raygan Marie-6 pounds, 13 ounces, 20 inches long (great-great grandparents are John and Carolyn Grames.
Announcements
•Volunteers are needed to mow the church property. See Brad Smith for details. Sign up on bulletin board.
•Relay for Life-Liberty has a team for Relay for Life. If you would like to donate, one of the team members will be available.
There is also a “piggy bank” to collect spare change at the church.
They will be selling pies at the Relay in June. We’re counting on Liberty’s pie experts for this. Check with Diane Smith or Elvera Robison for names of team members.
•Spanish classes-There will be a seven-week, 21-day course offered starting in May (three mornings or nights a week). Let the office know if you are interested.
Special practice for Rainbow Kids…
… Saturday, 10 a.m.-noon.