Brownstown-Sefton News
Quiet on the Homestead
All is quiet on the Homestead at present. The Critters all seem content and relaxed, since we all pretty much ignore Rooster Cogburn’s wake-up call at odd and various times of the morning, daytime and nighttime.
We haven’t noticed any wild critters coming around recently, and we think Cogburn’s crow is the cause of that. We don’t seem to have any mosquitoes and very few other flying or ambulatory frogs, bugs, snakes, critters, etc.
We still hear Tarzan, the little tree frog at times, usually right after a rain. We suspect he now has a family and is not serenading us as much.
Fayette County HCE Board Meets
The Fayette County HCE Board met Monday at the Vandalia Extension Office, with seven officers present.
The board president, Flo Allen called the meeting to order and led the pledge to the American flag.
Joyce Mueller, secretary, gave the roll call and read the minutes.
Present were: Allen; Anna Jean Rhodes, second vice president; Mueller; Connie Green, treasurer; Donna Blair, community outreach/Family Issues; Ashley Davis, cultural enrichment; and Panzi Blackwell, public relations.
Green gave the financial report and gave each one present a copy of the report.
The report from Rhodes included:
• Fayette HCE membership total is at 80 members.
• Raffle tickets for the Fayette County Extension Foundation are now available. The foundation benefits the 4-H Clubs and activities.
The prizes are certificates from County Market in Vandalia: first-$300; second-$200; and third-$10. The cost of tickets is $10.
Rhodes gave copies of the following to each one present:
• Certificate of verification of the Fayette County Home Bureau as a not-for-profit organization; signed by the Secretary of State on Aug. 31, 1949.
• Certificate of the application for reinstatement of the Fayette County Homemakers Extension Association, signed by Secretary of State Jim Edgar, April 29, 1983, and other related documents.
• A complete list of the members enrolled in the Fayette County Home and Community Education.
Donna Blair had a question regarding the status of assisted living residents and nursing home residents who are HCE members. A clarification was given that referred to the activity of the resident.
Blair also corrected the reported date of death for Gildie Beck, as December 2017, instead of January, as previously reported.
Davis confirmed the reported move from the Vandalia Day Unit to the Sefton Unit. Davis now lives in Brownstown area.
Davis, who also serves as CVH/sales officer on the IAHCE Board, mentioned observing other IAHCE activities and commented on the efficiency and pleasantness that the county put together on a project, working together as a team.
Reports were made by other officers. Comments and a discussion followed, including referral to the club’s “collect,” a guide for the HCE members found in their handbook.
Blackwell said that members and guests rushed out at the end of the annual meeting before the customary record of award winners could be photographed.
The photos not only preserve the occasion, but also are used in newspaper articles.
Blaclwell also suggested that fundraiser articles be displayed so the members can become familiarized with the product they will be offering for sale, and and introductory promotional steps may be started in advance of the holiday gift season.
Allen reminded all of the IAHCE District 6 workshop in Effingham on Aug. 9. Reservations and money need to be turned in at this time.
First Christian Church of Brownstown
The congregation of First Christian Church of Brownstown was led in song by Karen Underwood and Adrienne Kinney, accompanied by Susan Smith-pianist; drums-Walt Kinney; and guitars-Kelsey Brands and Chuck Enlow.
Two baptisms were celebrated.
Also serving: greeters-Chris and Sherry Meador; Sunday school nursery-Laura Willms; a.m. nursery-Tiffany Hipsher and Madilyn Miller; toddler worship-Joann Strobel and Bonnie Shelton; and shut-ins-Jack Shelton and Terry Smith.
Announcements
• Fifth Sunday offering, potluck and special speaker this Sunday.
All that’s collected is going to the new building fund. The goal is $15,000.
There will be a potluck after Sunday school in the fellowship hall. Also, there will be a special speaker that morning – Kevin Moden of Oblong Christian Children’s Home, will be speaking during the morning service. • • Walking group – The church will be open on Mondays and Thursdays from 5-6 p.m. for those who wal.
• Back To School Supply Drive – Help Aperion Care in St. Elmo collect school supplies for the St. Elmo and Brownstown districts on Tuesday July 21, from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. There is a free hot dog lunch.
• Blood drive – There will be a blood drive in honor of Trestan Wall at FCCB on Tuesday, Aug. 7, from 2-7 pm.