Brownstown-Sefton News

Star, the Little White Dove & the Little Woods Birds…
…were cooing and singing songs, beginning at dawn Saturday morning and continuing all day long.
When I stepped out onto the deck very early Saturday morning with little Josie, the 12-year-old “puppy”, the wildwoods birds were just singing their hearts out.
It sounded like wild bird songs recordings I have heard, only more full, sweeter, and fresher. It was delightful in the fresh morning air.
The joyous message in song must have reached Star’s heart, because she, too, began cooing, sitting in her window.
I have heard people say the wild birds’ sounds are not “songs,” but sounds of  warnings to protect their territories (however, Star faces no threat to her “territory” and her cooing sounds are ones on contentment, especially if she is listening to music).
The theory of territorial rights is probably true in some cases, but Saturday’s serenade sounded like a joyous chorus giving thanks to their Creator for Spring, life, and the season of new birth and growth, maybe even anticipating Easter morning … and you will never make me believe any differently.
Winter Coats Are Almost Gone…
… and some of the critters are looking a little shaggy and scruffy, but they will soon have new coats that are shiny and smooth.
We haven’t had time yet to curry and brush them, and that must be scheduled before long.
Smoky, the (adorable) little donkey doesn’t like to receive company until he has had his spring “do.” His winter hairstyle of the bangs over his forehead will disappear on its own, but he likes to be brushed and combed, in addition.
He is enjoying stretching out on his side in the sunny spot behind his barn on these nice days. Spring is a wonderful time of the year and is made to enjoy, so take a lesson from the birds and critters and take time to enjoy the fresh air and sunshine … and even the rains. Get out and wade in a puddle!
The Community is Ushering in Spring with Lots of Events
Coming Events
Free Community Potluck Dinner…
…at Brownstown United Methodist Church on April 15, at 5 p.m.
It is open to the public. Come and enjoy the fellowship and dinner. (Pastor Don “Satch” Thomas said, “No preaching, just food and fellowship”.)
At Liberty Christian Church …
…The Bankesters will be at Liberty on April 15 for the 10 a.m. worship and at 6 p.m.
SCC Carnival/Supper…
… is set for April 20. Spaghetti, salad, bread, dessert and drink will be served from 5-7 p.m. in the cafeteria. Tickets are being presold by grades 3-6 or may be purchased at the door for $5. Carry-outs will be available.
Carnival booths and the cakewalk will be open from 6-8 p.m. Wrist bands for unlimited play will be pre-sold for $8 and at the door for $10. Order forms for the wrist bands will be sent home later with students. There will also be a raffle for gift baskets, Holiday World tickets, Cardinals tickets, bikes and other nice prizes.
The art show will also be displayed in the hallways and art room for everyone to see.
Students in grades pre-K-2 will be asked to donate food for the supper and grades 3-6 will be asked to sell supper tickets. Lots of volunteers are needed to make this evening possible. Volunteer/donation sheets will be sent home with the students soon.
Spring Band/Choir Concert…
… is Sunday, April 29 at 2 p.m.
Relay for Life Update
A meeting was held Monday night, April 2. It was reported that all committees are progressing well. The pie/cake auction was discussed. Fran Rickman will be contacting teams to get them more information as soon as possible. Vandalia Rehab will be having a barbecue cook-off on May 12, from 1-5 p.m., with a grill and utensils. Octochem is planning a vendor fair in May. More information is coming.
Discussion was held about the luminaria service. Dave Rickman expressed his praise for everyone for all the hard work they are doing. He encouraged them to keep up the hard work, but to remember, “This is your event, so have fun.” Remember to get all your fundraiser information to Fran so it can be promoted on the radio and in newspapers.
The next meeting will be on May 14, at 6:30 p.m., at Rogier Park in Vandalia, and  “everyone should be ready to pick your campsites.” Dave may be e-mailed at [email protected] or call 335-2678.
Local Celebrations
April birthdays-Carol Henna, Wade Trac Voelker, Don Thomas, Elmer Feezel and Nicholas Grull.
Coming & Going
Catching Up with the Puleos & Debbie
Ken and Wanda Puleo and Debbie McDonald took dinner to Dix to share with Wanda’s mother, Ethel Pittman, and enjoyed an early Easter dinner. Phillip and Juanita Bruce came up and visited them for a while. The new double knockout rose that Ken set out recently for Ethel recently is leafing out and doing well. The first knock out roses that Ken set out at home are already blooming. The bushes are three years old.
Golden Years Crew Accomplish the Impossible
It seemed a daunting, almost impossible, task before themtas 15 willing bodies showed up at the Golden Years building Thursday morning to clean the club room and kitchen from top to bottom and, as the building was scheduled to be used over the weekend, the work needed to be completed Thursday.
On deck to wash windows and blinds, cabinets, tables, walls, refrigerator and freezer, to sweep, vacuum, dust, mop and scrub were: Carolyn and John Grames, Clara Perry, Ina Abendroth, Lenore Parkison, Lola Gehle, Flo Allen, Shirley Klitzing, LaVonne Kramer, Charles Reece, Dee Dee Diveley,  Donnie Smail, Marilyn Yakel, Lou Christensen and Panzi Blackwell.
Hot coffee was brewing in the club’s pot, Flo brought Rice Krispie treats, Panzi brought doughnuts and bananas, and Lola brought barbecue hamburger, buns, and she even put a blackberry cobbler in the club’s kitchen stove oven to bake.
All did their share (and some more), many hands (and cheerful hearts) got the work done and the “almost impossible” mission was accomplished. And one member of the cleanup crew was heard to say, “This was more fun than a Golden Years meeting.”
Brownstown and Emmanuel Methodist Churches Sunrise Service
The United Methodist Church and the Emmanuel Methodist Church joined in a time of worship as the sun came up and shined through the stained glass windows, accenting this time of reverence, humble realization, gratitude and joy of the meaningfulness of Easter.
Pianist Bette Stolte played the prelude and the Rev. Don Thomas gave the welcome and led the prayer. Following hymns of praise, Thomas delivered the message. A time of fellowship followed with breakfast in the fellowship hall. Both churches then held their regular Sunday morning services at their respective churches.
Brownstown United Methodist Church
Following the shared sunrise service with Emmanuel Church, pianist Bette Stolte played the prelude as the congregation of the United Methodist Church gathered together to continue its Sunday morning worship.
Bradley Schwarm and Jarin Evens lighted the altar candles. The Rev. Don Thomas shared the announcements, prayer list and requests, and led in prayer. The birthday song was sung for Kyler Fulk’s first birthday. The presentation of tithes and offerings was made by Jeff Kelly and Hubert Williams.
Marlys Thomas contributed special music. Following the Lord’s Prayer and scripture lesson, Thomas delivered the morning message.
Zach and Jenna Townsend led the children’s fellowship and lesson. Flo Allen led the adult Sunday school class.
Announcements
• Jim Green leads the Bible study groups on Wednesdays at the church, 10 a.m. and 7 p.m.
• Sunday-Free community potluck dinner at UMC, 5 p.m. It is open to the public.
• April 19 at 7 p.m.-The United Methodist Women will meet, with the program by Shirley Brown.
• May 3-5-UMW will have a rummage sale.