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Brownstown-Sefton News

Listening to the Cardinals on the Radio
(Like Dad Did)
That time is here again – the baseball playoffs and the St Louis Cardinals are in them!
We do not have cable or satellite. We still have an antenna with the little “box,” which usually works fine for us, for what television we watch … until the baseball playoffs and begin.
We have two modern version radios, neither of which will pick up KMOX good enough to hear it.
However, Bill’s parents left him the old Silvertone radio that  “young  Bill” listened to in the barn while he milked the cows. Bill decided to try to get the ball game on it, and it played loud and clear, so he could hear every play being described.
Not only was Bill contentedly sitting in his chair and listening to his old radio, it seemed really nice and peaceful without the game on the TV.
It was a rather nostalgic, warm and cozy feeling, and, strangely, even seemed quieter…except when Bill was sometimes coaching from his chair and disagreed with an umpire or manager’s decision.
My dad also listened to the Cardinals on our radio when I was a kid. One day, he needed to work at something outside near the house, so he attached the radio to a tree, plugged into the electricity in the house and listened while he worked.
Bill’s dad, was also a Cardinal fan, also listened on the radio and probably did the same thing. Going for even more nostalgic enjoyment, I suggested Bill sit on his old milking stool, which was also given to him. It sits about 6 inches off the floor, with about a 10-inch wide seat, and is made from really sturdy metal, with no cushion. Bill declined that offer and, instead, reclined in his chair with his feet up.
Speaking of Pleasant Memories
Missed is the tangy, sweet aroma of the Golden Years apple butter simmering in the copper kettle just outside the Golden Years Club building.
That was always a special treat for our senses as we drove down the street on brisk autumn mornings.
The club members worked diligently on this special fundraiser to keep the building maintained, utilities paid and the club together, both for themselves and the community.
They began every year by going to the orchard, picking up the apples, washing them thoroughly (squeaky clean), paring and cooking them to a mellow, apple-butter goodness.
Meanwhile, the women worked in the kitchen washing and sterilizing the jars and lids. The “apple butter making”  not only yielded great apple butter; it also fostered good will, good friends, good fun and comradeship, many that lasted a lifetime.
Many of the good people who were such a large part of the “apple butter days” have passed on, or are no longer able to come to the meetings, but they have not been forgotten. We realize that progress comes as life moves on, but I feel that the apple butter days met an untimely, too-early demise in this county.
I never heard of anyone getting sick from the Golden Years apple butter, and the same customers came year after year to buy for their own tables, as well as for gifts for their loved ones.
Coming up in the Community
First Christian Church will celebrate Homecoming Weekend Oct. 21-23, with Dennis McConnaughay preaching and Nathan Jesse leading the music. Dennis was a minister there during the 1980’s.
It has been 140 years since the founding of the congregation and 100 years since the dedication of the present building. An old-fashioned potluck meal and other activities are being planned. All are welcome to attend.
Elementary School News
• Red Ribbon Week will be held Oct. 17-21.
• Flu mist vaccine will be available to students at school on Oct. 14. The Fayette County Health Department is providing the flu mist vaccine at a discounted rate to students at school. This is optional. Parent permission and $10 or medical card info is required. Information is being sent home with students.
• Picture retake day is Oct. 25.
Local Celebrations
Birthdays-Kendra Denton, Billyanna Forbis, Sherry Dunahee, Pam Orr, Don Koonce, Louella Christensen, Kay Henna, Martin Behrends, Carol Calhoun, John Robinson, Jack Shelton, Choya Morrison, James Schaible, Jared Winters, Emalee Smith and Marcia Pemberton.
Anniversaries-Junior and Joann Gelsinger, Dale and Kay Henna, Tim and Sherry Dunahee, Patrick and Kaci Satterthwaite, and Frank and Shelly Rook.
Coming & Going
Birthday Breakfast with Sister
Bill and Panzi Blackwell recently enjoyed breakfast at Denny’s in Vandalia with Bill’s sister, Ave Taylo, in celebration of Ava’s birthday.
Bunco Club Meets
Joyce Fisher hosted the legendary Bunco Club in her home on Tuesday, Oct. 4. Present were Mary Ann Doehring, Phyllis Pryor, Flo Allen, Lucille Fisher, Shirley Klitzing, Edna Wright, Marge Weiss and Fisher.
The hostess served lemon and chocolate desserts, and assorted candies.
Ham & Beans Dinner
It was short notice and the word didn’t get out very much ahead of time, but the Golden Years Club held its annual ham and beans dinner with all the trimmings on Saturday. The kettle of beans was cooked and seasoned to perfection by the club treasurer, Donnie Smail (some came back for second helpings), with the cornbread being mixed by Flo Allen (and watched and rescued from the oven by others),  Loyce Becker was in charge of the cole slaw, and the many versatile desserts were contributed by the ladies of the club (Lucille Fisher’s homemade peach pie was one of the favorites).
Plans are being made now for the next fundraising event, which will be the club’s annual homemade soup dinner featuring three kinds of soup (chicken & homemade noodles, vegetable and Chili)), homemade desserts, etc.  
Biggs is JH Scholar Bowl Coach
During the Brownstown Board of Education regular session on Monday, Sept. 26, Heather Biggs was employed as the junior high scholar bowl coach.
Also employed were: Deb Hunter-half-time junior high extracurricular supervisor; Vince Rohr-half-time junior high extracurricular supervisor; Jared Winters-high school baseball assistant coach; Brian Pruett-junior high baseball assistant coach; Randy Sasse-junior high girls basketball assistant coach; and Roger Herrmann-van driver.
Approval was given the following: fiscal year 2011-12 budget; annual application for recognition for each of the schools in the district; Ccontinued participation in the Mid-West Truckers Association Drug and Alcohol Consumption Program; administrative Compensation report for posting on the website; clock/bookkeeper proposal; fundraisers for the JH cheerleaders, National Honor Society, student council, junior class and senior Class.
Board policy updates were also approved.
 

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