Brownstown-Sefton News

Josie, the 13-year-old Puppy, Getting Back to Normal
Josie, the “puppy,” who was under the weather recently, has her appetite back and is thriving on her bland diet of homemade chicken and rice.
In fact, when I am preparing it, she smells it cooking and sits by the stove waiting for it.  However, as it is not “from-the-can,” she has to wait until it cools, and she barks for it.
(The mixture tastes pretty good, so in an emergency (time crunch, etc.) Bill could eat it with a little more seasoning, a side salad and dessert with a dip of ice cream.)
Josie’s Cute Ploy
Josie loves to go in the car with us, and will lie very quietly on her cushion in the back seat, not letting out a peep, no matter how long the excursion takes. We always put her lightweight, feminine, pink leash on her when we take her in the car.
When we first moved her to the north end of the lane with us, we were a little nervous about her having an “accident,” when we were gone, as it was strange place surroundings.
We noticed that really likes to lie in her little bed in the kitchen, so we placed her water bowl close to it, put her little pink leash on her collar and put the end of it under the chair leg, so she wouldn’t wander on the carpet while we were gone.
Now, when she sees us preparing to leave (like me picking up my purse), she goes over to her little bed to get her leash on. She is so cute doing that, so we usually just take her with us, even if we had planned on leaving her home. We kind of suspect that she knows we are “patsies” when it comes to her cute little tricks.  
She is also not above prancing and whirling around in a circle, all the while wagging her tail, knowing we will laugh. She doesn’t look like “Lassie,” but her cute little perky face,  and devotion and love for us is more endearing to us than Lassie’s classic good looks, acting talent, beauty and ability to make lots of doggie-treats money.
Enjoying the Season Along the Lane
Autumn is the season for the trees to lose their beautifully colored leaves, the harvests in the fields are over, some critters hibernate, the grass and flowers will soon “bed down” until next spring, but it is also many people’s favorite time of the year … namely mine.
The trees along the lane are turning into their beautiful, colorful autumn hues. There are a lot of wooly worms roaming about (most are brown, trimmed with black on the ends.).
We are also seeing a lot of lively little grasshoppers.  
And Other Places
It is also the time of the year for crafts displays and sales, where we see our friends, orange pumpkins (I cannot get used to the white pumpkins). We enjoyed the Community Garden Festival in Vandalia and I am certainly enjoying cousin Jennie Grimsley’s delicious peach basil jam on my toast and/or crackers, and her banana nut bread with my Homestead coffee (almost as much as I enjoyed seeing her).
I like the nippy mornings turning into sunny, colorful days, and our Illinois weather, in general.
We also enjoyed going to WJLY’s annual Share-athon, where we enjoyed really great music, both instruments and singing, the hot dogs, chili, and homemade pies … and seeing old and new friends.
We also visited Gregory’s Flea Market on U.S. Route 40. We enjoy going there and browsing and visiting with the vendors, some of which we have come to regard as friends. We often run into friends from this area there also.
We attended Sunday school and church on Sunday morning, and Bill returned for church Sunday evening.
Unwrapped Gifts
Monday got the week off to a good start, as I visited Joanna’s book shop (Words, Wicks & Wood) in Vandalia and ran into Glenda Young there. Glenda gifted me with a blue children’s rocker from her home. I am delighted with it and it is sitting next to our fireplace holding a teddy bear. The teddy bear is wearing a bow that matches the chair.
WW & W’s Joanna Helm gifted me with her precious friendship and the unique, pretty warmth and peaceful atmosphere of her bookstore, and the standing invitation of the coffee pot nook, which usually has seasonal candies alongside, for the bookstore visitors.  Oh, yes, she has books for every age and interest, greeting cards and a tasteful collection of gifts for every occasion. The store, and the Helms, are wonderful assets to downtown Vandalia and to Fayette County.
Isn’t it Great to Live in Our Small Communities?
We grabbed breakfast one morning at Dave Behrends’ Denny’s in Vandalia and were (very happily) surprised to learn that someone had paid for our breakfast. Dave would not tell who the gift-giver was, so we cannot properly thank them, but it was a very appreciated and surprising gift.  (Also, the breakfast and friendly service were very good.)
Greeting Little Cousins
Also much enjoyed was the meeting in Denny’s of my little Weaver cousins, who always seemed more like nieces): Mary Smith and her daughter Jessica; Ann Fulk; Ann’s daughter, Taylor; and Ann’s granddaughter, Audra, plus their mother,  grandmother and great-grandmother, respectively, Norma Weaver.
Spooks at Mark’s?
If you happened by Mark’s Café recently and saw spooks, goblins and other assorted characters going in the door, don’t be alarmed. It was just Mark’s Halloween Party for the café gang. It is rumored that Betty, the singing waitress, sang karaoke. (Betty and Justin often give the customers a treat and sing along with the radio for them.)
Need News
People often comment, ‘I had some news and just didn’t get it to you, and it is too late now.’  It may not be too late, so please get it to me via telephone, email or the Pink mailbox on the north side of U.S. Route 40, across from our corner with the little log cabin and various yard “critters.”
Announcements
Brownstown Trick or Treat & Park Party
Trick-or-treating will be held Thursday evening, Oct. 31, from 5-7 p.m., for children through the 6sixh grade.  A Party in the Park, sponsored by the Brownstown Park Board, will be held following trick-or-treating.
The Brownstown Community School Unit 201 Foundation …
…will be giving away three “old-fashioned,” all-steel pedal fire trucks with bells and ladders at the high school girls basketball game on Dec. 19 at the high school. Tickets can be purchased at First National Bank in Brownstown and at all of junior high and high school girls home basketball games. Tickets are one for $1 or six for $5. The raffle is to benefit the Charles Finfrock Scholarship Fund that the foundation oversees.
Mr. Finfrock taught for many years in Brownstown. One scholarship is awarded to a student who will be entering the education field upon graduation.
There is a fire truck on display at the bank and at the high school.
 For any questions concerning this, you may call Jerry Reed at the bank or any board member: Joe Sefton, Jerry Reed, Debbie Fulk, Debbie Robbins, Mary Ann Doerhing, Elvera Robison, Connie Largent, Christy Warner, Suzanne Stinebring and Randy Mason.
Carry-in Dinner & Open Mic Night …
… is this Sunday at the United Methodist Church in Brownstown. Dinner at 5 p.m. and music at 6 p.m. The public is invited to come and sing and play music.
Reminder to Fayette County HCE Board
The board meeting will be held next Monday at the Extension office in Vandalia at 10 a.m.
Looking Ahead
Golden Years Bazaar …
… will be the first Saturday in November, Nov. 2. More information later.
Kingdom Hillbillies …
… will be at the Brownstown First Christian Church on Sunday, Nov. 3, at 6 p.m. Pastor Kevin Bonifacius is a part of this gospel group. Fellowship following the concert.
Sefton Unit HCE meeting …
… is Thursday, Nov. 14, at 1 p.m., at the Golden Years building. Take cookies, cupcakes, etc., for tasting and enough so all can take some home. Bette Miller’s daughter, Julie, will bring a presentation.
Purses! Purses! Purses! & Bake Sale
At the Brownstown Fire Station to benefit the Brownstown Branch Library on Saturday, Nov. 23, from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Straight from New York – designer duplicate styles; big-city styles at small town prices. Great Christmas and birthday gifts. Cash, check, credit/debit cards will be accepted. Contact the Brownstown Branch Library, 427-3853, for more information.
Baked Goods Needed …
… for the Brownstown Branch Library Bake Sale on Nov. 23 at the firehouse.
Community Thanksgiving Service …
… will be Sunday, Nov. 24, at 6 p.m., at Liberty Christian Church.
Community Thanksgiving Dinner …
… Wednesday, Nov. 27, at 6 p.m., at First Baptist Church of Brownstown.
Brauns Planning Weiner Roast
Steve and Nancy Braun are planning a wiener roast at noon on Saturday. They are providing the hot dogs, buns, chips, drinks and chili. Guests are invited to take a side dish and wear a costume. A prize will be given for costume.
In the Neighborhood
Kaiden Celebrates
His 2nd Birthday
Our little neighbor, Kaiden Ward, celebrated his second birthday recently. Grandma Debbie said he is already wearing size 4-T, and from the way we see him getting around in his yard, he probably keeps his parents  Mr. and Mrs. Ryan Ward busy, as well as Grandma Debbie and Grandpa Danny. He likes to watch our longhorn cows. Maybe he will be a cowboy or bull rider someday.
More Local Celebrations
Anniversaries-Martin and Sharon Hasely, and Ray and Delores Stafford.
First Baptist Church of Brownstown
The congregation of the First Baptist Church of Brownstown was welcomed and led in the opening prayer by their pastor, Dr. Olen Evans.
Martin Hasely, Matt Howard, Brady Howard and Tim Donnels served as ushers. Pierce Strobel shared the announcements and recognition of the birthdays and anniversaries.
Angela Strobel-organist, Ann Robertson-keyboard, Nick Robertson-drums, Shawn Carter-saxophone, Pierce Strobel-trumpet and Earl Crothers-guitar accompanied Maisie Howard, Sara Portz, Tammy Barker, Deanna Kestner and Rhonda Howard as they led in songs of praise,
The morning message was delivered by Dr. Olen Evans.
Announcements
• FBC of Brownstown’s Goal for State Missions was reached.
• October items being collected for the Baptist Children’s Home: toilet paper/paper towels. Place items in the basket in the foyer. There is a box in the library for non-perishable food items.
• Operation Christmas Child is coming up soon.
• October is Pastor Appreciation Month-On Sunday, a potluck lunch will follow the morning worship service. There is a sign-up sheet in the foyer to sign up for what you can take.
• Trick or treat will be Oct. 31, during trick or treat hours (5-7 p.m.). Please start bringing candy.
• The annual weiner roast at the home of Tammy and Dwayne Barker will be Saturday, starting at 6 p.m. Take a side dish and lawn chairs. See Tammy for directions to their home.
*St. Elmo Baptist Church has invited FBC of Brownstown to participate in a chili cook-off on Saturday, Nov. 9. They are planning this as an outreach event to the local community. Trophies will be awarded.
• There will be a soup supper and movie night on Saturday, Nov. 16, at 6 p.m.
Donations will go toward Christmas families.