Brownstown-Sefton News

Christmas in Brownstown-Sefton area does not have many of the same practices and traditions that it had many years ago, but in many ways (the important ones), it is similar, such as people’s needs.

But the people  (neighbors, relatives. friends, church families, organizations and businesses) respond in different ways.
Years ago, the late  “Sturdy” Stine said that his mother raised extra chickens and turkeys to have for the people that didn’t have much for their Christmas dinners. If she didn’t have enough extra meat, she would send young Sturdy out rabbit hunting, to dress and take it, ready to cook, to the neighbor(s).
Now we have food pantries, Caring & Sharing, and other help from organizations, clubs, concerned individuals, Brownstown Elementary is a participant in the Backback Program, etc.
…and Christmas Food for the Soul
The churches and schools still hold programs, special presentations, parties, and musical concerts. The residents light up their homes with colorful lights, decorations, nativity scenes, etc.
Businesses, restaurants and Brownstown Fire Department, firefighters and First Responders volunteers also decorate and offer Christmas treats, visits with Santa Claus. The two little live Christmas trees growing in front of the fire station are twinkling with lights.
The village hall employees and board light up the streets with decorative lamp lights and, for several years, have supplied funds and invited the elementary school children to make ornaments for the village Christmas tree. The National Honor Society students place the ornaments on the tree, which stands across the street from the Village Hall.   
Some changes from years ago, but many of the same traditions remain, with no less generosity and compassion for those less fortunate and in need.
We here at the Homestead hope you have a blessed Christmas and, as some of you have shadows in your Christmas, as you may be missing a loved one or have special concern for a loved one, we understand, and wish for you special blessings – You are in our thoughts and prayers.                   
For several years, the Brownstown Village Hall and Board has provided funds for Brownstown  Elementary School students to make ornaments for the village Christmas tree, always resulting with colorful, meaningful and original additions to the tree … and demonstrating the spirit of the season, giving, sharing and working together for the community.
High School students from the National Honor Society also helped by placing the ornaments on the tree.
It Has Become a Tradition
Mark Kimberlin of Mark’s Café and his crew hold a festive Customer Appreciation Dinner at Christmas time every year. The date was Dec. 15 and the time was from 10 a.m.-2 p.m., but if a customer comes in later and there is food left, they are also shown appreciation for their presence.
All hands were on deck Sunday for the festive and fun event (especially for the customers, but all seemed to be enjoying the occasion).
Mrs. Santa Claus (who resembled Becky) was graciously smiling and handing out bags of candy to the guests (customer as LeAnne, Joyce, Betty, Tina, Dustin, Rachel, Ashley, Shannon, Jess, Bash and Brittany all were doing their share to take care of everyone.
Mark, of course, was there lending a hand and making sure everything was going as planned.
The invitation was signed, “From our family to yours!” And that is the way Mark and the crew make you feel – like family.  
Water Rates Increasing
The village of Brownstown notifies customers that due to an increase in price per gallon charges to the village from Fayette Water Co., all village of Brownstown water department customers will notice an increase in their bills beginning Jan. 1.  

Brownstown Elementary School again held a contest in which students were asked to create ornaments for the village Christmas tree. Winners pictured, from left to right, are: front row-1st grade-Savannah Dus

Brownstown High School students who decorated the village Christmas tree are shown above. From left to right are Alyssa Cole, Lauren Shelton, Austin Robson, Bethany Oberlink and Michaela Walk.

Photo by Panzi Blackwell Mark’s Crew serving at the Christmas Customer Appreciation Dinner is shown above. In front are Jess, Betty and Becky. In back are Dustin, Rachel, LeAnne, Joyce, Connie, Mark, ‘Bash.’