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Brownstown-Sefton News

Critter Corner
From the (Productive) Chicken Roost
One of the two Homestead Hen, either Rhonda or Blackie, is now producing eggs. Both have bright red combs (a sign of laying eggs), but only one seems to be producing at present. The eggs are nice, large ones.
The girls seem happy and content in their modern, new home. When I came home and was unlocking my door, one of them was just singing and making little hen sounds so prettily.
When their security guard, Katie, Bill’s lab/blue heeler mix doggie, started barking one night, our flashlight reflected two beady little eyes, but they suddenly disappeared before we could identify what it was.
Bill spotted a little red fox running around one early morning, so we suspect it is the little varmint. It was a red fox that committed the horrible act that was the demise of Anita, Blackie’s buddy, months ago, and sent Blackie into a deep depression.  
Rhonda came to the Homestead to live in the effort to comfort Blackie (who witnessed the terrible crime). Blackie grieved and was so depressed that she rejected Rhonda at first, but they are good friends now.
Bill has fixed the chicken place so it is probably fox-proof. He even put wire on the bottom of the pen, so the girls can “bug” through the wire, but a critter can’t chew or dig through it.  
The Annual SCC Carnival & Pancake Supper …
… is this Friday, from 5-7 p.m., for $5 a person, will be hosted by Brownstown Elementary School.
The carnival games will be held from 6-8 p.m. Wristbands will be sold at the door for $10 for unlimited play all evening. Extra tickets may be purchased for cotton candy, photo booth, face-painting and the cake walk.
Bubbles, the clown, will be available for to make balloon animals.
Hosick Motors of Vandalia, in conjunction with Chrysler, will be hosting a drive and ride fundraiser. For every car driven a lap around the parking lot, $10 will be donated to the school.
There will also be a large raffle of donations from local businesses.The drawings will be held at 7:30 p.m. and tickets are only 25 cents each.  
Revival at Brownstown United Methodist Church …
… March 24-26, at 7 p.m.
Eat a Spaghetti Dinner
(& Help the 4-H Program)
The Fayette County Extension Foundation will hold a Spaghetti Dinner on Sunday, March 30, from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Brownstown Elementary School cafeteria. The meal will include spaghetti/meat sauce, salad, bread sticks, homemade dessert and drink. A free-will offering will be accepted.
Homemade baked goods donated by the Fayette County Home and community Education ladies will also be available for a suggested donation.
Benefit for Daron Rigdon …
… is April 6 at the Brownstown Fire House from 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
The menu includes pork barbecue sandwich, potato salad, baked beans, chips and desert. Food catered by Deb’s Catering.Donations will be appreciated.  There will be a silent auction.
Vandalia Day’s HCE Honeys’ Bake Sale …
 … is April 19,  from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at Rural King in Vandalia.
Note to HCE Members – HCE units are to provide baked goods, such as fruit pies, cakes and cupcakes, but excluding cream or pumpkin pies, in accordance with the Fayette County Health rules.
Little Free Library …
… at the Brownstown Baptist Church is not getting much traffic these days and there are some really interesting books they want to share with the community. They plan to change the variety every week or so.
“Take a book, leave a book” self-service, open 24-7. If you are a history buff, especially on Civil War history, the Little Free Library has a book you will enjoy: “Andersonville,” by Mackinley Kantor.
Golden Years Meet and Vote to Establish a Building Fund
Thirty Golden Years members, friends and guests were present for the potluck/business meeting on Tuesday at the Golden Years building in Brownstown.
Pastor Don Thomas, club president, welcomed all present and invited the
Pastor Jim Dann of Liberty Christian Church, to ask the blessing for the meal. Thomas invited those with March birthdays and anniversaries, and guests to be served first.
He announced guests Leon and Julie Smith, and Randy and Stefane Smith were all first-time guests of the Golden Years Club.  
Following the meal, Thomas called the meeting to order and asked the club treasurer, Don Smail for the financial report. The financial report was read and approved.
It was noted that Vice President Joe Kelly will bring copies of the bylaws to distribute to the members.
Panzi Blackwell suggested a 2014 schedule of the club’s activities/events be made and posted in the clubroom. She volunteered to make copies of the schedule for members.
GY Club Votes on Establishing a Building Fund Account
Following a period of discussion among the officers and club members about the club building’s deteriorating condition, cost of needed repairs and the advisability of constructing a new building, a motion was made by member Ann Rowland to go forward with a building fund account toward the construction of a new building.
The motion was seconded by member  DeeDee Diveley. The motion was voted on and passed by the majority of the members.  
Thomas announced the 5K run/walk, which had been scheduled earlier and postponed due to weather conditions, has been rescheduled for this Saturday.
Items needed (sandwiches, potato chips, cookies, etc.) for the 5K run/walk participants can be taken to the Brownstown High School Gym that day. It was requested that items not be put in bags with ties.
Following the business meeting, Pat Wojnar displayed a portion of her bookmarks collection and shared readings-“Walking the Rainbow Trail” and recipe for a well-rounded friendship.  
DeeDee Dively shared a humorous story, and Don Smail told about his family of 11 siblings.
*Panzi Blackwell read an original poem, “My Dad’s Irish Green Hat,” and displayed the green felt hat with its faded, frayed and out-of-shape brim, which he had proudly worn every St. Patrick’s Day.
The next meeting will be held Tuesday, March 25, with a noon potluck.
Sefton Unit HCE Meet
Fourteen members were present for the Sefton Unit Home and Community Education meeting last Thursday at the Golden Years Building in Brownstown.
In keeping with the 2014 Illinois HCE theme, “Been Cookin’ 90 Years,” the room and tables were decorated with chef’s hats and other kitchen  items/utensils, as was last month’s Fayette County HCE Board meeting.
Club Chairman Flo Allen called the meeting to order and led the pledge to the American flag.
Secretary Elizabeth Kasten called the roll with the question, “What is your favorite pie?” Kasten followed with the reading of the minutes.
Treasurer Dorothy Harpster gave the financial report and gave each one present a copy of the report. Allen read the board notes.
Allen reminded all of the annual Get-Acquainted Day/Potluck Brunch to be held April 10 at the Golden Years Club building in Brownstown. Registration will begin at 9 a.m., followed by the brunch potluck.  
She also reminded all that Debbie Swain suggested that $5 be paid by everyone who does not bring a “Make It-Bake It- Sew It-Grow It” donation for the auction,  
Get Acquainted Day unit responsibilities: decorations-Sefton; registration-St. Elmo; beverages-Bingham-Ramsey; placement of food-Vandalia Day; cleanup-Wheatland, Wright’s Corner, with all units assisting.
Elizabeth Kasten gave the lesson, “Housing Options as We Age: Tools for Decision-Making.
Flo Allen gave the lesson, “Do You Know Who We Are?,” which focused on HCE organizations: Associated Country Women of the World, which is based in London; Country Women’s Council; National Volunteer Outreach Network Illinois Association for Home and Community Education; county HCE/HEA and on down to the Fayette County HCE units.
Allen gave a humorous reading and hostesses Betty Williams and Shirley Klitzing served desserts, coffee and iced tea.
Members were asked to wear an apron, in keeping with the theme, “Cookin’ for 90 years,” to the next scheduled meeting, the annual fundraiser, Get Acquainted Day.
Brownstown United Methodist Church
March 9
Pianist Bette Stolte played the prelude as the United Methodist Church congregation gathered for Sunday morning services. Hubert Williams and Jeff Kelly served as ushers.
Pastor Don Thomas extended the welcome, recognized the March birthdays and anniversaries, shared the announcements, prayer list and requests, and led in prayer. The message was delivered by Thomas, followed by Communion, offered by Thomas, assisted by Flo Allen.
Children’s worship was led by Renee Kelly. The adult class was led by Flo Allen.
Announcements
• Thursday at 2 p.m.-United Methodist Women will meet at Emmanuel Church for its regular meeting.
• March 24-26 at 7 p.m.-Revival at UMC in Brownstown.
• April 4-5, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.-Cunningham Children’s Home Festival of Quilts show at Urbana.
The UMW is planning a rummage sale some time in June (date to be decided). Those who wish to bring items for the sale to the church can put them in the east part of the center room downstairs.
Brownstown First
Christian Church
The congregation of First Christian Church was greeted by Don and Robin Lovett as they arrived for Sunday morning services and led in songs of praise by Karen Underwood, Cathy Smith and Jack Shelton, accompanied by Susan Smith-pianist, Chuck Enlow and Walt Kinney-guitars and Mitchell Smith on drums.
Terry Smith led the Communion meditation. Ron Hunter contributed special music, followed by the morning message, delivered by Paston Kevin Bonifacius.
Also serving: Sunday school nursery-Tena Gould; a.m. nursery-Marcia Pemberton; toddler worship-Billie Enlow and Shannon Claycomb; Quest-4-Christ-Zach and Q-4-C Team, and shut-ins-Matthew Smith.
Announcements
• Grace Gatherings meet at Connie’s house on Wednesdays from 6:30-8  p.m.
• Sign-up sheet on Zach’s door for anyone willing to help with children’s church.
• Youth Outing-The junior-senior high youth will be going to a free laser tag event on Saturday, March 29, 10 a.m. See Zach for more info.
• Men’s Day at SLCC on Saturday, March 29, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. More info on the bulletin board.
• Diaper and wipe drive for Trevor and Megan Willms. Put items by the welcome table in overflow.
First Baptist Church
Dr. Olen Evans welcomed and led the congregation of First Baptist Church in prayer when they gathered for Sunday morning worship.  
Jerry Reed shared the announcements and recognized birthdays and anniversaries.  Money collected for the birthdays and anniversaries go to the Baptist Children’s Home. Greg Strobel’s birthday was recognized.
The youngest Sunday school class goes around the congregation the first Sunday of each month, collecting change for a project they raise money for. This month, it is for a sign for the church.
Joe Kelly, Ray Stafford, Jim Moore and Chris Moore served as ushers.
The congregation was led in songs of praise by Ann Robertson, Rhonda Howard, Jerry Reed, Ed Wiekert, Deanna Kestner, Tammy Barker, Sara Portz, Maisie Howard, Earl Crothers, Pierce Strobel and Mary Schilling. Evans delivered the morning message.
Announcements
• March items being collected for the Baptist Children’s Home are toothbrushes,/toothpaste. Place items in the basket in the foyer. There is a box in the library for non-perishable food items.
• Next deacon meeting is April 6 at 5:15 p.m.
• Sunday school teachers meeting is March 23 at 5:30 p.m.
• Gently-used children’s/youth clothing is now being collected.
Let Sara Portz know if you or someone you know has a donation or put donations in church basement.
 

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