Brownstown-Sefton

Looking In on the LongHorn Cow-Girls
No, these are not representatives of an Old West “Longhorn Saloon”-type clientele, but these are the Homestead cow-girls, Betsy, the head cow; Geneva, also known as the Bartels Girl (she originally came from the Gary Bartels’ ranch); “Red,” the rebel; and the red Homestead Heifers, Minny and Mosie.
As the Homestead pasture is pretty well barren now, at least of the tall, lush clover and grass, the girls are appreciating the big hay bales. However, they are also survivors in the world of cattle, and they can be seen browsing and grazing in the stubble, even when they have a big bale to munch on.
Neighbor Scott has been kind enough to drop a bale in their rack every week, so they are getting plenty to eat, although there is not much to be said for their table manners – they don’t have any!
There is an order of some sort, though. Betsy and Geneva eat first, then Red, then always last, Minny and Mosie. Betsy does eat with some dignity and manners, but Geneva has been seen atop the hay bale with all four feet.
Watching the Longhorns over the years have brought a lot of enjoyment and education. They are close-knit and family-orientated. They babysit with each others’ babies, and both of the bulls (Chester and J.R.) we had (at different times) babysat with all the babies while the mothers grazed over the pasture.
When the mothers are ready to deliver, they go away from the others to be alone. However, after the birth and tidying up, washing off the baby and giving it nourishment, the other cows come as a group and look in on them, as if to welcome the baby. Then they go away, as if to give them privacy and let them rest.
However, both of the bulls we had then stayed with the little family, as if to protect them and support the mother.
Golden Years Club Valentine Party/Potluck …
… is Tuesday at noon. For those who wish to, take a valentine for the Valentine Box exchange. Take one and draw one out of the Valentine Box.
Sefton Unit HCE Valentine Party/Potluck …
… is Thursday, Feb. 14, at 11:30 a.m., at the Golden Years Building. Take a valentine for the Valentine Box exchange.
BES Jump Rope for Heart honors Austin Frutiger
A note from Miss Stine – As Brownstown Elementary prepares to participate in its 25th Jump Rope for Heart, Feb. 11-14, the event will be held in honor of Austin Frutiger. Austin is a graduate of Brownstown High School and former participant in the JR4H events held at BES.
Jump Rope for Heart is a program sponsored by the American Heart Association, which teaches the importance of developing heart-healthy habits, that being physically active can be fun and that by raising funds to support research and education, our students can help save lives across their community.
BES is very thankful to help support research grants that provide the opportunity for improvements to be made in the area of cardio thoracic research and advances in surgeries.
Several local businesses (The Carolsel, Fulk Construction, Mike Black Photography and First National Bank of Brownstown) have also made contributions during this anniversary year. The support of the school and community is appreciated. Donations to the American Heart Association can be given to any BES student in grades 1-6 or mailed to Brownstown Elementary (406 W. South Street), Attn: Sandra Stine.
Classroom Enhancement Grant Awarded to BES
The Brownstown Community Unit School District #201 Foundation recently awarded a Classroom Enhancement Grant to the Brownstown Elementary physical education classes to rent C’motion. The three-day program emphasizes coordination and cardio. The Classroom Enhancements Grants are open to all teachers within the Brownstown School District to supplement activities within their classrooms/curriculum.
This & That
Lucille has new great-great-grandson
Lucille Fisher said that she has a new great-great-grandson. His name is William Alexander Fisher. He was welcomed by his new family, Devon and Kari Fisher,  and foster brother and sister, 8-year old Wyatt and 3-year-old sister Cassie.
Coming & Going
Catching up with the Puleos & Debbie
Happy 102nd Birthday, Ethel Pittman
Ken and Wanda Puleo and Debbie McDonald traveled to Dix to help Wanda’s mother, Ethel Pittman, celebrate her 102nd birthday on Monday, Jan. 28. Her son, Phillip, granddaughter Connie Meskil, and niece Joyce Mercer and husband Bill also went to visit her. Several of the staff and other residents joined in wishing her a happy birthday. She wasn’t at all shy about telling how old she was. She received many cards and several telephone calls wishing her a happy birthday. They enjoyed a cherry chocolate birthday cake and ice cream for the occasion.
Lunch follows HCE meeting
Sefton Unit members Flo Allen, Shirley Klitzing, Debbie Swain and Phyllis Pryor joined fellow board members Anna Jean Rhodes, Debbie Segrest and Anita Smith for lunch at Denny’s in Vandalia following the FCHCE Board meeting on Monday, Jan. 28.
Homesteaders travel North
Thee human inhabitants of the Homestead, namely Bill and Panzi, traveled north to Decatur on Saturday to visit Jill and Don Jenkins and granddog Lucy. They enjoyed lunch out and shopping. They also visited briefly with Donnie and Brandie Jenkins, and Zachary and Jeremy Gatewood.  
HCE Board Meeting Held,
May Send Valentines to the Military
Ten Fayette County Health and Community Education Board members and one member at-large were present for the January board meeting held Monday, Jan. 28, at the U of I Extension building in Vandalia.
Club Chairman Flo Allen called the meeting to order at 10 a.m. and led the pledge of allegiance to the American flag. Mary Smith, secretary, gave the roll call with the following present: Flo Allen, Shirley Klitzing, Phyllis Pryor, Debbie Swain, and Panzi Blackwell of the Sefton Unit; Anna Jean Rhodes of St. Elmo; Anita Smith and Debbie Segrest of Vandalia Day; Dorothy Harpster of St. Peter; Mary Smith of Wright’s Corner; member at-large, Karen Hyde of Wheatland.
Mary Smith read the minutes of the November 2012 and explained there were no minutes for December, as the board Christmas party was held in lieu of the regular meeting.
Valentines for the Military, a project of the FCHCE – Debbie Segrest announced that valentines must be received by her by Feb. 7 in order to get them delivered on time.
Dorothy Harpster, treasurer, gave the financial report and gave each one present a copy of the report. The report stood as read.
Allen presented a thank you card received from the office staff for the board’s Christmas luncheon invitation.
First Vice President Phyllis Pryor suggested a new Fayette County HCE banner was needed. After some discussion, Panzi Blackwell volunteered to provide an appropriate logo design and Phyllis Pryor would check into having it made.
As there is a time frame, Debbie Swain suggested tabling the project until next year and she would design it. It was decided to try to complete the banner this year, if possible. If not accomplished, it would be tabled until next year.
Second Vice President Anna Jean Rhodes reported the FCHCE membership had dropped to 116, due to the death of Joyce Drees.
Debbie Segrest, Family Issues, reported the club had sent more than 500 Christmas cards to the military in Kuwait, and had also sent 4,120 coupons to Fussa-Shi, Japan (near Tokyo)  to be used by the U.S. military stationed in that country. These must be manufacturer’s coupons, and must be clipped apart and counted, and  may have a four-five month expiration date.
Debbie Swain, Cultural Enrichment, reminded those present of the Best of Show project. Registration entries must be received by Peggy Long, Cultural Enrichment Director by Feb. 15.
*Panzi Blackwell, Public Relations, noted that the HCE Sewing Day, article and photo were printed in three area newspapers.
Flo Allen reminded all of the IAHCE annual state conference meeting to be held in Effingham on March 12-14 at the Effingham Hilton Gardens. Each county is asked to donate an item for the silent auction. In keeping with the theme, “The Many Hats of IAHCE,” all are asked to wear a hat for the opening luncheon that indicates what the wearer does (job, volunteering, etc.). Consenting to attend were Flo Allen, Anna Jean Rhodes and Debbie Segrest and Panzi Blackwell as delegates.
Anna Jean Rhodes reminded all of the annual Get-Acquainted Day, which will be held April 11, at 9 a.m,. at the Golden Years Building in Brownstown. The “Make It, Bake It, Sew It, Grow It”  fundraiser will be held.
A project to collect and donate shoes will begin. Take new or like-new shoes to the meetings to be collected for distribution.
Brownstown United Methodist Church
Bette Stolte, pianist, played the prelude as the congregation of United Methodist Church gathered for the Sunday morning service.
Pastor Don Thompson greeted and shared the announcements, shared the prayer list and led in prayer. Hubert Williams and Renee Kelly served as ushers and presented the tithes and offerings.
Thomas delivered the message and closed with prayer following Communion.
Zach and Jenna Townsend led the children’s class and provided refreshments. Flo Allen led the adult class.
Announcements
• Feb. 13-Ash Wednesday, beginning of Lent.
• Feb. 17 at 4 p.m.-Wolf Creek Cluster Lenten services begin at Trinity Chapel UMC, with Rev. Thomas preaching.
Liberty Christian Church Announcements
• Valentine Banquet-Feb. 16, at 5 p.m., in the gym and is for everyone of all ages.
• BELIEVE-Feb. 8-9. The junior high youth will attend the major youth conference in St. Louis. They will leave at 2:30 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 8 and return at about 6:30 p.m. on Saturday. Students should take enough money for three to four meals, plus T-shirts, CD’s, etc., that they want to buy at the conference.
 *ENGAGE-Sign up by Feb. 10. The high school youth will be going to Tulsa, Okla., on June 24-28 for a new kind of CIY event. This event will include missions/service work as well as workshops. Students in grades 8-12 this year who would like to go, or know a high school student that would like to go, need to sign up and turn in $50 by Feb. 10. Those who would like to go, but are not sure about the dates or the money, can talk to Erin.