Brownstown-Sefton News

Special Day Brings Back Special Memories
Mother’s Day – Does growing up with this special day tend to cause us to take it for granted?
If so, let’s take some time to remember some of the things our mothers did for us, and we will probably realize just how special they were…or if you are fortunate, is.
Shirley (Sperry) Curry remembers her mother (Ellen Sperry) meeting her and her siblings when they came home from school every day.
“She would come to the porch to meet us with flour on her dress, and on her hands, from making dumplings,” Shirley said.
Shirley also remembered that the chicken and dumplings tasted awfully good.
Her mother was providing nourishment for their bodies, but in keeping track of the time when her children would return home from school and caring enough to go to the door to welcome them home, she was also giving them the love and attention needed for their self-esteem and feeling of well-being.
Lucille Fisher recalled that her mother (Amy Stokes) was a really good cook and that she used to cook in iron skillets.
“In the evening, she would make popcorn balls and fudge, just on the spur of the moment,” Lucille recalled.
“She always cooked her fudge in a big, iron skillet,” she said. Lucille got her iron skillets and has given them to her granddaughters.
One of my fondest memories (and as I grew older, one of the most appreciated) occurred long ago.
I was in the second grade in Washington School and we lived west about three blocks on Edwards Street.
It was drizzling rain and a chilly spring day (much like today) when school dismissed, and there was mom, standing with an umbrella, to walk me home.
When we got home, she sat me near the wood heating stove and put my cold, wet feet in a tub of warm water.
She had bought a paper with lots of comic strips in it, and while I was getting warm and looking at the “funnies,” she went outside.
She returned a few minutes later and placed in my hands an egg with a little chicken pecking its way out of the shell.
It hatched out in my hands, such a tiny, helpless, fuzzy, little creature, and so unforgettable.
My mother (Cora Weaver Cohoon) had three children and she loved us all.
She was always so proud of my sister, because she graduated from high school – something our mother or dad never had the chance to do.
She always had a special, tender spot for our only brother and requested just before she left this world that someday I would see that he received her Bible, which was done.
She and I shared a love for critters (as her little namesake later did), the outside and nature and the wildflowers (again, as little Cora later did).
My mother was a tiny person, a private little person who loved the wild birds and animals. She never seemed as old as she was, and shared toward the end that she had really wanted to live to see Jesus come back to earth.  
Thank you, Lord, for that confirmation of what I had been praying for-her belief and faith in God.
From the Homestead
Mailbox
…We received another letter of condolence in the passing of “Fuzzy,” the little golden hen. Michael Lemar Sr. wrote that he understood how we become attached to farm animals as we do to dogs and cats.
He said that he once had pigs named “Pork Chop,” “Bacon” and “Hardhead” (because it had a mind of its own). He also wrote of his wife, Judy’s pet duck, “Daffy.”
It would follow her around and fly along side her car for a way, when she went to work. When she returned home, it would fly to meet her and escort her home.
We understand this. “SnowWhite,” the lovely goose which Bill called “Miss America,” would sit in the lane until we returned home and then walk right in front of the car, escorting us right up to the house.
Michael also sent a beautiful poem for Mother’s Day and urged our readers to “take time this Mother’s Day and “see Mom.” Because time is the best present you can give her, while she’s alive.” He lost his mother this past January.
Your News Is Needed…
…and can be dropped in the news deposit box at Victory Lane (near the cash register) or in the black box under our pink mailbox  across the road  from Cora’s Critter Corner and the play log cabin on U.S. Route 40. Thanks to all who contributed this week.
Announcements
Notice to Sefton HCE Members…
…The Sefton HCE meeting originally scheduled for May 12 will be held a week later, on Thursday, May 19, a Mother’s Day meeting with a salad luncheon at 11 a.m. at the Golden Year’s Club. Dues will need to be paid that day.
UMW Rummage Sale…
The United Methodist Women will have a rummage sale May 12, from 4-8 p.m., and May 13, from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. at the Illni Restoration building at the corner of First Street and U.S. Route 40, with the proceeds to help mission work.
Brownstown Vacation Bible School Schedules
•First Christian Church: Sunday, June 5 – VBS kickoff for all kids, “On Main Street.” VBS is June 6-10, from 6 to 8:15 p.m.
VBS nights – songs, skits, lessons, games, crafts, snacks, service projects, friends and much more.
Fundraiser Dinner
for Meals on Wheels
All You Can Eat-Sunday, May 15 at the Golden Circle Nutrition Center (616 West Jackson St., Vandalia) Serving is from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Menu: ham, fried chicken, beef and noodles, mashed potatoes and gravy, vegetables, dessert and drink for $8.
To make reservations, call 283-1040 between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. by Wednesday, May 11, or call  283-2938 anytime and leave your name and number of meals on the answering machine by Wednesday, May 11.
Local Celebrations
Birthdays: Ed Durbin, Elaine Voelker, Katie Herbord and Jenna Townsend. Anniversary: Darrel and Zandra Sidwell.
Greetings To Faithful Reader…
… Barb Mason, who said that she always reads the column and loves to hear about the Homestead “Critters.”
Coming & Going
Catching Up with The Harner Household
Jennie Alice Harner enjoyed family visiting over the Easter weekend.
Gary and Javonda Barnes, along with their son, J.K., from San Diego, who is home for a month prior to joining the Navy, arrived on Friday night from St. Louis to visit Jennie Alice and others in the Friendship Manor.
Jenetia Hines and daughters Kelly Frisbie and Regan Zandstra arrived from St. Cloud, Mich., also.
On Saturday, Jennie Alice enjoyed lunch and shopping with Jenetia, Kelly and Regan, along with Jarielle Winkleman, from Springfield.
On Saturday evening, Jvee, Thresa and Jenae Harner from Effingham joined the family for their evening meal. Gary Winkleman and Jay also came from Springfield. The family attended sunrise services and breakfast at Fairview Church on Sunday morning.
Catching Up With Lucille
Lucille’s son, Woody and wife, Marilyn Fisher arrived from their home in Amelia, Va., on Tuesday, April 26, to visit family.
Mike and Maria Klitzing had the family over for supper Tuesday evening. Wednesday, Woody and Marilyn took the family for lunch at Niemerg’s in Effingham.
Wednesday, Lucille, Mike and Maria Klitzing, Kyle Klitzing, and Kathy and Andy Klitzing enjoyed supper together in the Altamont home of Lucille’s daughter, Helen Klitzing.
Thursday, Woody and Marilyn took his mother to lunch at The Firefly in Effingham. They returned to their Virginia home Friday.
Lucille reported that her grandson, Mike and Maria Klitzing, traveled to Arnold, Mo. to help their daughter and husband, Kelsey and Josh Kort, and little Gwendolyn, to their new home in Festus, Mo.
Easter Observance
With Deanna and Earl
Earl and Deanna Hovious were Saturday guests in observance of Easter of Jeff, Michele, Kierstyn and Justin Allen of Paris, Ill.
Others present were: Jerry and Sandy Allen, and Lisa Allen, all from Effingham. A ham dinner with all the trimmings, was served, after which all attended the Saturday evening services held at Lake Ridge Christian Church.
A mini-Easter musical presented by the church choir was titled, “They Cried Crucify.” Michele and Kierstyn are members of the choir, and Kierstyn had a reading about the crucifixion during the performance.
Homesteaders’ Easter
in Decatur
Bill and Panzi Blackwell traveled north the home of Don and Jill Jenkins for a family dinner Easter Sunday.
Also present were: Jeremy and Lindsay Gatewood and Destiny, Gage and Emily; Donnie and Brandy Jenkins and Zach, Savannah, and Austin; and Stan and Pam Miller and grandsons, Alec and Adrian; and granddog, “Lucy” Jenkins, who always enjoys the family kids at the get-togethers.
“Shoes” was Theme of FCC Mother-Daughter Meal
The Ladies Fellowship of the First Christian Church sponsored the annual mother-daughter get-together Saturday.
All gathered in the church fellowship room with the colorful décor following the theme, “Shoes.”
The food tables were covered with tablecloths of deep purple, while the guests’ tablecloths were hot pink, deep blue and turquoise. Napkins and table service were hot pink.
Each table was adorned with three different colored shoes made of construction paper, complete with insoles, 3-inch heels and decorated with sequins, all made by Jamie Smith.
One shoe on each table was filled with hand and feet grooming items. These were given as door prizes to six different ladies.
The meal consisted of ham, tuna, and chicken salads and turkey, ham and bologna sandwiches. Many salads, fruits and desserts were also available.
Susan Smith thanked all for attending and led in prayer. Following the meal, Jamie Smith presented gifts to the following: Robin Lovett for brightest polished toenails; Tammy Kinkel for highest heeled shoes; and Jasmine Cruz and Taylor Claycomb for brightest colored shoes.
All gathered in the auditorium for a program that was presented by former Brownstown resident Carla (Smail) Sluder, now of Festus, Mo. She gave a skit of  “A Mothers’ Jobs and Shoes She Wears for Monday through Friday and also Sunday’s Best.”  
Sluder also sang a song, “Faith,” and closed with her testimony, adding several funny encounters she has had.
It was very unique and special that five of Anna Harre’s six daughters were present: Nancy Pryor, Helen Holman and Shelia Pruett, all of Brownstown; and Tammy Woolsey and Teresa Durbin, both of Vandalia.
The daughter unable to attend was Mary Stewart of North Carolina.
All three of Cathy Lewis’s daughters – Tena Gould of Brownstown, Teresa Wolke of Effingham and Tammy Kinkel of Pocahontas – were present. Seven members of Billie Enlow’s family was present: Joan Myers (mother); Kristina, Kaitlyn, and Abby (daughters; Khlae Enlow (granddaughter); Rosie Enlow (mother-in-law); and Evelyn Wells (sister-in-law). Billie was celebrating her birthday that day, so the birthday sang was sung to her by the ladies.
First Christian Church
The congregation of First Christian Church was greeted by Mitch and Rae Lynn Koehler and led in songs of praise by Joann Strobel and family – Cathy Smith, Mallory Wise and Adrienne Kinney.
Accompanists were: Susan Smith, pianist; guitarists-Rick Cox, Cody Cox and Chuck Enlow; and Mitchell Smith-drummer.
Special music was contributed by Steve Storm. John Robinson delivered the message. Jack Shelton led the Communion prayer and meditation.
Also serving: Faye Schwarm-Sunday school nursery; Megan Willms-a.m. nursery; Rae Lynn Koehler, Robbi Edwards-toddler worship; and Charlie Watson, Brent Keyes-Communion to shut-ins.
Coming Up
•VBS-June 6-10. VBS kickoff-Sunday, June 5, from 3-5 p.m., in the park. More info later.
•Mother’s Day-All mothers will be honored.
•Ladies Fellowship Meeting-Saturday, May 14, at 2 p.m. at the church. Watch for more info.
•Graduation open house for Jennifer Lovett at the church on Sunday, May 15, from 2:30-4:30 p.m. Everyone is invited.
•Graduation Sunday is May 22. The church will honor and recognize 2011 graduates during the morning worship. If you know of someone from BFCC graduating, let Duane Willms know.
•”Fishers of Men” Fishing Tourney for all kids (K-6th grades) is Saturday, May 28, 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m. at the Sea of Galilee (Steve Storm’s pond). See Steve or Michael for entry forms.
United Methodist Church
Bette Stolte, pianist, played the prelude as the congregation of the United Methodist Church gathered for morning worship. Bradley Schwarms lighted the altar candles and Flo Allen served as liturgist.
Pastor David Bigley greeted those present, shared the announcements, birthdays and anniversaries, shared the prayer list and requests, and led in prayer. Hubert Williams and Bradley Schwarms presented the tithes and offerings.
Bigley delivered the message and gave Communion, assisted by Jeffrey Kelly and Bradley Schwarms.
Announcements
•May 8-Mother’s Day-9:30 a.m.-A Mother’s Day breakfast for all ladies at the church, given by the youth.