Brownstown-Sefton News

From the Chicken Roost
Blackie and Rhonda hens seem to be working on a split shift, each laying an egg every other day. Otherwise, they seem fine, eating, bugging and drinking their water. We are working on planning a new enclosure for them at our new home site. We want them to have room to bug, but we want to make them a covered pen as we see and hear an occasional chicken hawk flying over, so (for us) that limits the size of the pen.  
We also want to fix the bottom of the pen to discourage any varmints from digging under to threaten them.
As we are not “chicken pen/nests engineers,” this project is taking some “thinkin’ on” before final plans are made. The practical thing to do would be to build their pen right next to Katy’s (Bill’s black lab/blue heeler dog) outside pen.
Katy would raise the alarm if varmint critters came around.
All the other Homestead Critters …
… are doing OK Smoky, the (adorable) little mini-donkey, is always sticking his beautiful long ears and cute little face out of his window to greet us.
Lady, the mini-mare, knickers to us with her sweet little sound and Sugarfoot, the mini-stallion, makes a louder more demanding sound.
We have their sites all planned out so they will still have adjoining pens. We are also planning their shelter(s). We would like to make it under one long roof, but with three separations, so they will each have their own space, but can still see and talk to one another.
Oh, yes, we also are striving for economy and uncomplicated building said buildings.
Bill and I have built things together in the past, but we don’t always see eye to eye in the construction. I visualize what I want it to look like and believe that it can be done.
He doesn’t always see what I am visualizing, and doesn’t think it can be done.
Also, he uses a wind-up tape measure, and I prefer a good old yardstick.
That could be the problem, right there … but makes life more interesting.
But, happily, we always get the job done to both of our satisfaction, and that is the bottom line.
When we built the little cabin on Cora’s corner, we had a lively “pre-discussion” on the “how-to’s” and “what-for’s,” but then we got the job done with no further “discussions” after the initial one.
But, it we won’t be quite home yet until we get all the critters here with us.
I hope the hummingbirds and Sneaky Pete, the Wily Wolf, find us.
NADINE RETURNS!
Because she is a special friend of the Brownstown Branch Library, and the Friends of the Library thereof, Nadine from RFD-TV-s Larry’s Country Diner, came to Vandalia to help out the Brownstown Branch Library, and she brought Nashville country music and Grand Ole Opry stars Joey & Rory with her. Accompanying them also and doing the announcing honors was Keith Dilery, who announces for Larry’s Country Diner. He also was the announcer for the Grand Ole Opry for 34 years.
Nadine was at her best, as she had the crowd roaring with laughter. As she related her (and her family’s) day-to-day experiences in her own imitable fashion, she captured her audience and kept them laughing, as many of them could relate to the situations, as they had “been there,” thus her audiences laughs not only at her, but also at themselves.  
Joey and Rory brought beautiful music, along with their heart-warming personalities and conversation. Rory shared that his “beautiful wife, Joey” is expecting a baby in February. They also introduced “Ranger,” their golden retriever puppy, to the audience, which only further charmed the audience with the couple’s willingness to share their personal lives with all present.
Their songs (some of which were written by Rory) were beautifully sung by them, as Joey’s sweet, pure, voice blended with her husband’s strong voice and his guitar accompaniment.
The winner of the 50/50 drawing at the 2 p.m. show was Jack Scott of Brownstown. The winner at the evening show has not been identified.
Also enjoyed at Nadine Show
It was a great, entertaining evening, enjoyed by all and beneficial to the BB Library … and we visited some with friends and relatives, including cousin Robert Lemmons from Honey Bend and friend Harold Bergin from Hammond, Ind., and many other local friends we don’t see often enough.
Now that we humans on the Homestead, namely Bill and Panzi, have Dish TV, we can watch Nadine and the gang on Larry’s Country Diner … just as soon as we figure out how to operate the thing!
Sorry, Not Much People News This Week
But there should be more next week, as the clubs will have meetings and more events going on.
Don’t forget to get your club news and announcements in via telephone, email or the little box under the bright pink mailbox on the north side of U.S. Route  40 … or by mail.
Local Celebrations
Birthdays: Alaska Horeth, Mike Smith, Lavina Coher, Phyllis Smith, Terra Schnarre, Leona McConaughay, Carol Severns, Nathan Grull, Braden Elam, Ginny Wilbur and Larry Henna.
Anniversaries: Ben and Billyanna Forbis, Wyatt and Terra Schnarre, Earl and Laura O’Kuly, Zack and Jessica Fulk, Don and Cindy Holding, Tony and Tobin Elam, Zack and Jenna Townsend, and Jeff and Renna Kelly.
Announcements
All You-Can-Eat Brownstown/St. Elmo Sports Boosters
Fourth Annual Fish Fry
This Friday, from 4-7 p.m., at the Brownstown Elementary cafeteria. All-you can-eat walleye, popcorn shrimp, chicken strips, potato salad, cole slaw, applesauce, baked beans, steak fries, hush puppies and drink. The cost is: adults-$9; and kids 12 and under-$5. Carry-outs will be available-$9. It will include homemade desserts, 50/50 drawing and raffle.
Brownstown 1st Christian Church After School Program
Extreme Zone, the after-school program for children in grades K-5, meets each Wednesday after school. The church will pick up those attending at the school and take them to the church building. A snack, recreation, singing and a Bible lesson will be enjoyed by the students. Parents will need to pick them up at 5 p.m. Children who wish to attend may do so by signing a consent form at the school office. The program lasts throughout the school year on Wednesdays when there is school.
Sefton HCE Hobo Day …
… is this Thursday. Eat Hobo Stew at noon at the Golden Years Club building.
Take two cans of vegetables (one for the stewpot and one for the food pantry). Dress like a Hobo if you want to and join in for a good time.
Revival at Wren Bridge
Under the Cross on Sept. 20-22, at 7 p.m. Pastor Don Thomas of the Brownstown United Methodist and Emmanuel Methodist Churches will deliver the messages.
First Baptist Church
of Brownstown
Dr. Olen Evans welcomed the congregation to the Sunday morning worship service of the First Baptist Church of Brownstown and led the opening prayer. The seventh birthday of Alaska Horith was recognized.
Following the songs of Praise, Evans delivered the morning message.
Announcements
• The Brownstown Baptist Church Little Free Library is open 24/7. Come and see what is there for you.
• September items being collected for the Baptist Children’s Home are cleaning products. Place your items in the basket in the foyer. There is a box in the library for non-perishable food items.
• Sunday school teachers’ meeting-Sunday, Sept. 22, at 5:30 p.m.
• Practices for the children’s Christmas musical started Sunday, 4:45-5:45 p.m..
• The Baptist Children’s Home Fall Festival is Saturday, Sept. 21, from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
September is State Missions Month. Our goal this year is $900. The annual State Mission Coffee House will be Sunday, Sept. 15, at 6 p.m. Various drinks, pies and cookies will be served. All donations go toward the goal.
• Sunday evening fellowship will be held the first Sunday of each month after the evening worship service.
• Baby shower for Sara Portz on Saturday, Sept. 28, at 2 p.m.
• To listen to the Sunday morning sermons, visit: www.sermon.net/FBCBrownstown.   
First Christian Church of Brownstown
The congregation of First Christian Church of Brownstown was greeted by Bill and Cathy Smith. Songs of praise were led by Cathy Smith, Judy Pilger and Karen Underwood, accompanied by pianist Robin Lovett, guitarist Walt Kinney and Mitchell Smith on drums.
Following the Communion song, Don Willms led the Communion meditation. Pastor Kevin Bonifacius delivered the morning message.
Also serving: a.m. nursery-Tena Gould; toddler worship-Rae Lynn Koehler; and shut-ins-Duane Willms and Mitch Koehler.
Announcements
• Café Chocolat (“Where women delight in God’s grace”)-Ladies’ Day.
Oct. 18-19, Brownstown 1st Christian Church. All ladies are invited. Based on Ephesians 1:6.
• Men’s group study-Thursdays at 7 p.m.
• Ladies Bible study-Thursdays at 7 p.m.
• Palecek-Jachino wedding is Saturday at 1:30 p.m. at St. Louis Catholic Church in Nokomis, with a reception to follow at the Hillsboro Knights of Columbus Hall.
• Bridal shower for Lauren Crocks  (Travis Gould’s fiancée) will be Sunday, Sept. 15, 2-4 p.m., in the church basement.
• Baby bottle campaign will now run through Oct. 6.
Brownstown United Methodist Church
Bette Stolte, pianist, played the prelude as the congregation of the Brownstown United Methodist Church gathered for Sunday morning worship. Jeff Kelly and Hubert Williams served as ushers. Bradley Schwarm lighted the altar candles. Pastor Don Thomas gave the welcome, recognized the birthdays and anniversaries, shared the announcements, prayer list and prayer requests, and led in prayer. Following the presentation of tithes and offerings and scripture lesson, Thomas delivered the message.
The children’s worship was led by Jenna and Zack Townsend. The adult class was led by Flo Allen.
Announcements
• Friday at 7 p.m.-Sefton Township Sunday school convention at Mt. Carmel UMC and Sunday morning service.
• Lighthouse Pregnancy Center baby bottle campaign ends Oct. 6.
• Sept. 16-19 at 7 p.m.-Revival at Funkhouser UMC. Local music and Brother George Whitley will be preaching. All are invited.
• Sept. 17-UMW Embarras District annual meeting at Paris First UMC. Reservations due by Sept. 10. Speaker Kim Whitaker on mission trip to Honduras. Requested items to take are: for Cunningham Children’s Home-men’s T-shirts (M-XXL), gift cards to Walmart, Amazon, Wendy’s, Arby’s, Burger King, Taco Bell, etc.; Box Tops for Education. For Lessie Bates Neighborhood House-cleaning supplies of all types, including mops, brooms, buckets, all-purpose cleaners and plastic gloves.
• Sept. 19 at 6 p.m.-UMW salad supper. Special speaker-Shirley Harder. Installation of 2014 UMW officers.
• Revival at the Cross at Wren Bridge at 7 p.m. Sept. 20-22. The Rev. Don Thomas will be the speaker.
• Sept. 22- United Methodist Women’s Sunday.
• Sept. 29 at 5 p.m. at Emmanuel Methodist Church. Potluck supper.
Singing with “Guitars for God” at 6 p.m.
          
 

The husband-and-wife duo Joey and Rory perform during the Saturday afternoon benefit for the Brownstown Branch Library at the American Legion Home in Vandalia.

RFD TV Announcer Keith Dilery holds the microphone as Kelly Washburn announces the winning ticket for the 50/50 drawing during the afternoon performance of Nadine and Joey & Rory. Jack Scott won the afternoon drawing.