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Brownstown-Sefton

Star is No Longer Earthbound
We lost our little feathered friend recently. Star, the little white dove who had brought so many enjoyable moments to our lives, outstretched fanned out her pretty wings for the final time the eve of spring and left a real void at her window.
She was 18½ years old and had been with us all of her life. When she first came to the Homestead, we also had Angel, the ring-neck dove, and we placed their large cages side by side in the big window.
They got along very well and cooed to one another.  Star would build a nest of her soft small feathers and would lay one or two little eggs. When we lost Angel, she quit nesting and laying.
Star was given to us by a very nice young man working at Vandalia’s Rural King when she was very young. His name was John Long and when he graduated from high school, he joined the military. We lost touch with him, but we never forgot him and thought of him often as we enjoyed Star.
Star had her own personality. As our readers probably know, she liked music, especially that of John Denver and Gene Autry.
We bought a CD of John Denver and we would play it for her occasionally. A friend made a tape of Gene Autry and it never failed to perk her up. She would coo and rock back and forth when she was enjoying her music.
As her cage was in the living room, she would often start making her sounds and rocking when she heard certain music on the TV.
She was also near my computer, and she was pleasant and alert company as I wrote the column. She would sit on her perch facing me and if I said her name, she would angle her head and look at me.
Bill found her early the first day of spring. She was in the floor of her cage with her wings fanned out, as if she was prepared for flight into the clouds. We like to think she flew to Cora’s waiting, happy welcome.
Village Election is Tuesday
The village board offices that will be voted on at Tuesday’s election are three trustees and the village president. Only two are running for trustee and there are no contenders for village president opposing B.J. Deal, the present village president.
‘Checking Out’ Brownstown Branch Library
A jewelry-making class will be held at the Brownstown Library on April 11, at 6:30 p.m. This class is being brought back by popular request following the class last year. There will be a  $5 class fee for use of materials. Call the library if any questions.
Fayette County HCE Annual Get-Acquainted Day Potluck Brunch…
…will be held Thursday, April 11, at the Golden Years building at the Brownstown. Registration is at 9 a.m. and brunch at 9:00. There will be a Make it-Bake it-Sew it-Grow it auction and entertainment by the Sefton Golden Girls. This year’s IAHCE theme is “The Many Hats of HCE,” so ladies, wear your hats for a fun day.
Coming & Going
Catching up with the Puleos & Debbie
Ken and Wanda Puleo and Debbie McDonald have been busy helping people celebrate their birthdays this month.
Debbie’s birthday was March 11. On March 21, The Puleos and Debbie went to the Royal International Buffet in Mt. Zion, where they met with Tom and Kathy Bunfill to have a late birthday dinner for Ken’s sister, Kathy, whose birthday was March 7.
Wanda’s son, Mike McDonald of Ramsey, observed his 35th birthday on Saturday, March 23, with a family gathering at his and Tammy’s home.
The Puleos were happy to visit with those who were able to be there.
March 25 was granddaughter Honra McConkey’s third birthday. Although there was a deep snow, it wasn’t enough to keep them from joining Honora and her family for her big day.
The Puleos and Debbie went to Odin on Easter to visit with Wanda’s mother, Ethel Pittman.
Homesteaders Head North
Bill and Panzi Blackwell left the Homestead and traveled north to Decatur Saturday and returned home Saturday evening. They visited in the home of Don and Jill Jenkins.
Golden Years Club Meets
Twenty Golden Years members and friends gathered for the potluck/meeting Tuesday, March 26. The club president, Pastor Don Thomas, gave the welcome and Pastor Jim Dann asked the blessing for the potluck meal.
Guests included Ann Rowland and granddaughter Jordin Rowland.
Thomas opened the meeting following the meal and announced the board meeting has been rescheduled for April 9 at 11 a.m. at the club building. Calendar dates for club fundraisers will be discussed at the potluck meeting immediately following the board meeting.
Humorous readings were given by Loyce Becker and Flo Allen. Thomas contributed some jokes and the meeting was adjourned on a note of laughter.
First Christian Church
The congregation of First Christian Church was greeted by Bill and Cathy Smith as they gathered for Easter Sunday worship. Pastor Kevin Bonifacius gave the welcome, shared announcements and led the opening prayer.
The praise team of Judy Pilger, Kaitlyn Enlow, Cathy Smith and Kevin Bonifacius led in songs of praise. They were accompanied by pianist Susan Smith, drummer Mitchell Smith and guitarists Chuck Enlow, Walt Kinney and Rick Cox.
Chuck Enlow led the Communion meditation and prayer. Bonifacius led the gifts and offerings prayer. Special music was contributed by a ladies ensemble of Adrienne Kinney, Tresnee Adams, Deanna Hovious, Susan Smith, Phyllis Pryor, Cathy Smith, Judy Pilger, Ashton Smith, Sherry Meador and Joan Strobel. Bonifacius delivered the message and led the closing prayer.
Also  serving: Sunday school nursery-Cathy Smith; a.m. nursery-Rae Lynn Koehler; toddler worship-Ron and Tena Gould; Communion to shut-ins-Terry Smith and Charlie Watson; Communion preparation-Ervin and Joyce Garrison; serving Communion/offering Trevor Willms, Bill Smith, Duane Willms, Chuck Enlow and Ron Gould; usher-Morgan Pryor; PowerPoint-Gretchen Smith; sound tech-Matthew Smith; and librarian-Liz Oberlink.
Announcements
• Cleanup day will be held Saturday, April 13, beginning at 9 a.m.
• Memorial service for those who died in 2012 will be Sunday, April 14 during the a.m. service.

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