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Brownstown-Sefton News

First Of All
Please Attend the
Brownstown Memorial Day Program…
…which will be given by the Brownstown VFW Post 9770 on Monday at the Memorial Wall in the Brownstown City Park, at 11 a.m.

The special speaker will be J.D. “Butch” Spindler of Robinson, past state commander of the VFW.
Following the program, a free lunch will be served at the Park Pavilion, compliments of VFW Post 9770. The pledge of allegiance to the American flag will be led by the Boy Scouts.
There will also be a Central Illinois Honor Flight donation container available, if anyone wishes to contribute. Every cent collected will be used for the Central Illinois Honor Flight program.
Many veterans from this area have taken this journey to revisit memories of a part of their lives, which provided the freedoms we are privileged to have today, and also to view the Memorial Wall, which also holds the names of those who fought beside them.
In case of rain, the program will be held at First Baptist Church of Brownstown. Rain or shine, plan to be there to honor our veterans. They fought for us in rain, snow, etc.
“Nadine, The Church Lady” Coming to Brownstown!
“Nadine, the Church Lady” is getting away from her TV show long enough to come help with the Brownstown Branch Fundraiser on June 25. There will be more information later. She is a very funny lady.  
The Beauty Awaits
Looking out the window from my computer desk, I am awed by the beauty of the trees just after they were washed by the (yet-another) rain. The sun is now shining and the woods are beckoning, but as I am running behind on my writing because of car trouble, and being stranded in Vandalia for a while.
A visit to Ron Zimmer will probably solve all our problems…well, some of them anyway.
So I must get busy writing here, so I can enjoy the woods tomorrow.
Blackberry winter seems to be fazing out now as warmer temperatures are returning and, as usual, I haven’t had time to get my summer tops out.
I got Bill’s summer shirts out and freshened them up a couple of weeks ago, but just haven’t got to mine. I still think the pioneers had the right idea – a change of clothes for washday and another Sunday-Go-To-Meetin’ outfit and three nails to hang them on.
Life would be so much simpler. If the nails were long enough, you could even just hang one season’s clothes on top of the present season’s change-over.
Star, the Little White Dove…
Appears to be enjoying the songs of the little wild birds when her window is open. She doesn’t coo and make sweet little sounds to them, though, like she does when we play a John Denver CD.
Star was given to us by young John Long at Rural King years ago. John went into the military service afterward and the last we heard, he had married and had a little family of his own. He was a nice young man and one of our favorites at the R.K.
We are enjoying having the windows and doors open and hearing the outdoors sounds, also.
Lady, Sugarfoot, and Their Daughter, “Sudy”…
…the mini-horses, are enjoying a tree limb that blew down in their pen. They are notorious “tree and bark nibblers” so they are not only chewing on the limb, but it is big enough and positioned just right so they can also scratch their backs. So much rain and mud, most of the critters need a bath.
“Callie,” the (former) woods cat, amazes us with her pristine-white feet and legs, even when she comes in from the wet and muddy surroundings. The bottoms of her feet never appear to get dirty.
Don’t Forget To Get Your News In Early…
In time for the Monday evening deadline. There is a news deposit can at the Victory Lane, near the cash register and the black box directly underneath our pink standard mailbox on the north side of U.S. Route 40, across from Cora’s Corner (little log house and ceramic critters).
Coming & Going
Bingamans Honor Bill Voisin At Pond-side Picnic
Bill (Foster) Voisin grew up in Brownstown and left when he was a young man to make his way in the world. He did so, successfully, but he has never forgotten the village he grew up in, nor the people who contributed to his growing up to be a man of integrity.
Many of those he remembers so well have passed on, but he still has a grateful heart for, and a sincere interest in, the good of the community. He and his wife, Barb, have demonstrated both in a tangible way with their continuing support and encouragement.
The Bingamans and members of the Friends of the Brownstown Branch Library honored Voisin with a picnic which was to be held at the Bingamans’ lakeside, but the threatening weather convinced Connie to move the tables just inside the patio doors, but still near enough to the water to enjoy the view.
Present were: Voisin, Fred and Connie, Karleen Fulk, Joann Strobel, Shirley Mattes, Richard and Elizabeth Kastner, Betty Miller, LaVonne Kramer, Patti Williams, Lana Potter, and Bill and Panzi Blackwell.
Catching Up With the Puleos and Debbie
The Puleos are happy to get some fruit and vegetable plants set out and also more knockout roses. They gave up on the predicted rain and watered the plants themselves. More plants are on the way.
On Sunday, May 15, Debbie McDonald went to visit her sister, Connie Meskil in Sandoval. Ken and Wanda had tickets to see the Jersey Boys show at the Fox Theatre in St. Louis, but due to a fire on the fifth floor of the Fox building, both shows for Sunday were canceled.
Instead of the show, the Puleos enjoyed dinner at Red Lobster in Fairview Heights.
Friday, the Puleos’ and  Debbie went to the graduation of Ken’s grandson, Logan Booker of Sullivan. The ceremony was held at the Decatur Civic Center, with more than 700 degrees and certificates being awarded. Logan received three of them, from the culinary department of Richmond Community College.
Saturday and Sunday, the Puleos and Debbie enjoyed watching Jared Bunfill play baseball at Bethany, joining Jared’s parents and grandparents.  
On Saturday, Debbie again visited her sister, Connie, in Sandoval, and they enjoyed shopping and pizza.
The Puleos were able to exchange their May 15 tickets for May 22 tickets (which were better seats) and enjoyed the Jersey Boys’ show very much.
Sefton Unit HCE Hold Mother’s Day
Luncheon/meeting
Nineteen members and four guests were present for the Sefton Unit HCE’s annual Mother’s Day salad luncheon/meeting on May 19, at 11 a.m., at the Golden Years building in Brownstown.
The four guests were Brenda Meyers, Helen Klitzing, Christine Hobler and Kali Bruno. Panzi Blackwell asked the blessing for the potluck salad luncheon.
Following the meal, President Flo Allen opened the meeting and led the pledge to the American flag. Roll call was answered with “My best house cleaning tip,” with the most popular answer being the use of vinegar for cleaning.
Shirley Klitzing, treasurer, gave the financial report. Allen announced the possibility of the yearly dues being raised from $10 to $12 next year and stated this will be voted on at the annual meeting.
Kali Bruno, granddaughter of Phyllis Bruno and a second-grade student at the Vandalia Christian Academy at Vandalia, sang two songs, while making accompanying motions with her hands. She received a big round of applause.
Connie Bingaman dropped by and reminded everyone that “The Church Lady, Nadine,” a television performer and a very funny lady, will be coming to Brownstown on June 25 to perform at the Brownstown Branch Library fundraiser, and that tickets will soon be available.
Lessons were given by Elizabeth Kasten (“Breathe-Exercises That Are beneficial); Shirley Klitzing (Better Car Care-Better Gas Mileage); Phyllis Pryor (Adjusting Recipes For Healthier Living); and Flo Allen (Outdoor Grilling).
Carol Oldham brought soda can tabs and 15 bars of soap for the club’s projects. Allen had taken 20 children’s books to the Fayette County Health Department.  
Allen gave a reading entitled, “Why God made unwanted papers and documents, others.” Door prizes were won by Bonnie Kramer, Sally Behrends, Phyllis Pryor, and Shirley Mattes.
Present were: Sally Behrends, Annettia VanValey, Hilda Phillips, Debbie Swain, Lora Foutch, Lucille Fisher, Rosamond Hobler, Sharon Wilhelm, Alice Scott, Panzi Blackwell, Phyllis Bruno, Elizabeth Kasten, LaVonne Kramer, Shirley Mattes, Phyllis Pryor, Shirley Klitzing, Flo Allen, Carol Oldham and Marge Weiss.  
The next Sefton HCE meeting will be held at 1 p.m. at the Golden Years Club building. Hostesses will be Annettia Van Valey and Phyllis Bruno. Shirley Klitzing will bring the special feature, “Let’s make HCE the place to be,” and Flo Allen will bring the major lesson, “Making your own cleaning supplies.”
FCC Ladies Fellowship Hold “English Tea Party”
The Ladies Fellowship of the First Christian Church held their monthly meeting on Saturday, May 14, at 2 p.m. with an “English Tea Party.”
Ellen Willms began the meeting sharing a prayer, after which all enjoyed “tea snacks,” including cucumber sandwiches, cream cheese/bacon bits sandwiches, scones served with three kinds of jelly and cream cheese, and English bread with sugared cream cheese in the center.
Many flavored teas were served including: blackberry, raspberry, cinnamon, mint, pekoe, vanilla and several others. Tena Gould gave the history of the English tea parties while the ladies were enjoying the tea.
Tena and her daughter, Tiffany, prepared all of the food and decorated the tables elegantly with teapots filled with hot water, crystal votive cups with red candles and crystal teabag holders.
Placed at each end of the table was a complete silver tea service, belonging to Joann Strobel. Deanna Hovious, a collector of 65 ceramic teapots, brought 20 of them for display.
Several of them have special meaning as they belonged to relatives, neighbors, and friends. A game of musical garment sack was played, with Cathy Haynes declared the winner of an antique cup and saucer. Several of the women brought a special cup and saucer and used them for their tea.
President Tena Gould held the business meeting, during which many upcoming ideas of coming events and community projects were discussed. Praises and prayer requests were voiced, after which all the ladies formed a prayer circle and Gould led in prayer. The ladies present expressed their appreciation to Tena and Tiffany for the effort put forth for a wonderful “tea party.”
Brownstown UMW Hold Annual Breakfast
The Brownstown United Methodist Women enjoyed their annual Breakfast on May 19, at 9:30 a.m.
The fellowship hall tables were gaily decorated on spring colors of purple and yellow, with spring flower centerpieces and pansy napkins keeping the theme. The food was prepared and served by Betty Williams, Connie Green, and Pam Orr.
Betty Miller was the “surprise speaker.” She spoke on the changes of the season. In keeping with the celebration of “Mother’s Day,” Miller talked about her mother, who was well-known in the Brownstown area and whom many called “Grandma Brazle.”
All were reminded to be thankful for their mothers and for the many fond memories brought to mind.
A short business meeting was conducted by Carol Severns. Most of the discussion was on how to use the money raised by the UMW recent rummage sale.
Following discussion and a vote, it was decided to divide the proceeds among five different organizations, three of them being local groups. The UMW ladies are appreciative of all who helped make their rummage sale a success, by donating items, or helped in any way.
Upcoming meetings for June are:
•June 15-District Day Apart, held at the Altamont UMC. Reservations for the meal need to be made by June 5; call Carol Severns.
•June 27-The BT-UMW will join Evergreen Outreach at Vandalia UMC. Take cookies for refreshments.
•July-No unit meeting will be held. The annual IGRC classes will be held at Springfield, at the Northfield Inn, July 29-Aug. 3. Call Carol Severns or Marilyn Yakel for reservations.
Attending the May Breakfast were Betty Miller, Connie Green, Betty Williams, Marge Weiss, Phyllis Bruno, Carol Severns, Phyllis Smith and Carol Henna. New members are welcomed, as are visitors.
First Christian Church
First Christian Church held its graduation recognition on Sunday, May 22, during the morning service Charlie Watson recognized each graduate and presented them with a card and certificate.
Graduates were: eighth grade: Shayla Stokes, Zachary Koehler, Kaitlynn Reed and Kayla Summann; high school: Amy Cox; and college: Kaitlyn Enlow, Erin Guerrero, Jennifer Lovett, Samuuel Miller, Amy Palacek Gretchen Schaible and Jennifer Tackett. Each college student told of the school from which they graduated, their major and their future plans.
Brownstown United
Methodist Church (May 22)
Following the lighting of the candles by Bradley Schwarm and Bette Stolte’s playing of “I Saw The Light” on the piano, Pastor David Bigley greeted the congregation.
After sharing the announcements, he asked for joys and concerns, followed by the morning prayer. The congregation then joined Bigley in celebrating the baptism of Kyler Lane Fulk, infant son of Zach and Jessica Fulk. Liturgist Flo Allen led the congregation in the morning worship music.
Schwarm and Hubert Williams presented the tithes and offerings. Bigley delivered the message.
Liberty Christian Church (May 15)
The congregation of Liberty Christian Church was greeted by Paul and Deb Parkison, and welcomed by Jim Dann. Teresa Mayes, Barb Morrison and Brittany White led the congregation in songs of praise, accompanied by guitarist Dick Childress, drummer Eddie Carson, pianist Kim Miller and Tammy Carson on the keyboard.
Kyle Anderson shared the praises and prayer concerns and led in prayer. Childress and Eddie Carson presented special music, followed by the message.
Paul Parkison led the Communion meditation and prayer. Aaron Miller led the offering prayer. The announcements/youth minute were led by Rick and Jim.
Also serving: serving at the table-Delmar Miller, Paul Parkison; serving the congregation-John Grames, Ken Lamb, Aaron Miller, Charlie Moore, Brian Sasse, Jon Washburn; assistants-John Schaub, Sheldon Satterthwait; ushers-Gary Smith, Brian Smith; sound system-Tom Mayes; Powerpoint-Josh Robison; nursery-Sarah Stonecipher, Chloe Carson; Communion preparation-Lisa Smith; Communion rounds-Vernon Brazle; welcome center-Ruth Ann Stewart; junior church-Brittany White, Kylee Crown; pre-K worship-Katrina Wollerman, Kaylee Sefton.

Panzi Blackwell

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