Brownstown-Sefton News
No *S.O.S. reports this week
The S.O.S. (*Signs of Spring) reports came to a halt this week.
Dave Arnold’s account of the premature mosquito attack was the last report. As Dave is Brownstown’s resident (an honor, and gift, passed on to him from his aunt, the late Ruby Goldsboro) we figured a bit of poetry and prose would be forthcoming about the experience, but thus far, we have heard no more from him. He is a soul brother, because he appreciates the good things in life, such as morel mushrooms, about which he once wrote a poem … and …
… Even now, lurking under the ground surface are …
… the elusive, enticing, elegantly edible morel mushrooms! They are also economical, as we humans on the Homestead would rather have a plate of mushrooms than a steak.
If these comments seem effusive, I apologize, but having been brought up on Kaskaskia River fried catfish, turnip greens/vinegar and Illinois morel mushrooms, my tastes may be a little eccentric.
Iron skillet-fried chicken, mashed potatoes, white chicken gravy and biscuits also constitutes a favorite meal.
The yard and pasture are getting greener and a few sunny days and warm nights will surely bring up the mushrooms. If not, dandelion blooms taste amazingly like the coveted morel mushroom.
I can vouch for this, because I have prepared and eaten them … alone, as Bill would not try nor touch them!
We are Not Really Selfish, but…
… when we sold son, Todd, a portion of our woods, there is a clause (in small print) in the contract that any mushrooms growing in his neck of the woods are automatically to be turned over to us, as they are probably just our strays or escapees. Thus far he, evidently, has not rounded any of them up.
To Avoid Complaints from Readers …
… a few words about the Critters. All are doing well, but they are probably (like us) looking forward to warm, sunny, spring days. We noticed Monday that Madricka, the mother burro, and her son, Baby Buckwheat, were sticking their noses through the lower part of their fence, nibbling on the new, green grass. We will soon expand their area, when the weather is better.
Lady, the senior mini-mare, however, has to be limited on new grass grazing, because she was foundered on it when she was very young (before coming to the Homestead).
We let her graze in small measures, so she won’t founder again.
It will soon be time for our Critters pedicure person (hooves trimmer), Coleen Cole, to pay a spring tune-up visit and trim hooves (12 in all).
Our Sympathies and Prayers…
…to the family and friends of Bonnie Haslett. The funeral of Bonnie Haslett was held Sunday afternoon at 3 p.m. at the Brownstown First Christian Church.
She died on Feb. 23 at St. Anthony Hospital at Effingham.
Her husband, Louis Haslett, had preceded her in death six months earlier, in August of last year.
Both were residents in Aperion Care in St. Elmo. They were long-time cherished, residents of Brownstown for many years before residence in Aperion.
Coming Events
• St. Elmo Lions Club’s annual pancake and sausage breakfast is Saturday, from 7 a.m.-1 p.m. at the Phillips Building.
There is a $5 donation for the meal and a 50/50 drawing, with drawing proceeds to go to the scholarship fund.
• Helping Hands Ministry help is needed on March 10, 12 and 14. On March 10, help is needed to unload the food brought back from the food bank in Bloomington, at about 3 p.m.
On March 12 and 14, help is needed to distribute the food to those who need it, from 10 a.m.-noon.
This all takes place at the Methodist Church in Brownstown. This food is for anyone in Brownstown area who may need food.
• Sefton HCE Unit – Thursday is the unit’s annual “Wearin’ of the Green” meeting at the Emanuel Methodist Church, at 1 p.m. Wear something green and, if you are Irish, be thankful; if not, just be wishful, along with being thankful, anyway. Remember to takecanned food to donate to the food pantry. Our Irish colleens, Sally and Carol Behrends will hostess the event, with another Irish Coleen, Phyllis Pryor, presenting the lessons.
• Golden Years’ sake sale is Saturday, March 26, at 8 a.m. at the Brownstown United Methodist Church. Weather permitting, it will be held outside, easily accessible; in inclement weather, it will be held inside.
Looking Ahead …
… to Easter events in the area, which will soon be listed in this column.
Coming & Going
Homesteaders Visit Altamont Kinfolk …
… namely nephew Richard (Rick) and Konnie Smith.
Rick and Konnie’s daughter, Mrs. Scott (Lori) Silvestri, who lives and is attending college in Texas, is preparing a family genealogy chart as an assignment and needed names, dates and facts.
Delving into the families history proved a little bit challenging, but also became more and more interesting the further we got into it. With papers, records, facts, and related stories handed down through the generations in hand, we journeyed over to the Smith home and enjoyed visiting with them and exchanging findings.
An added bonus was getting to get in touch with niece, Linda, (in the state of Washington) and with great-niece Lori (in Taxas) during our visit, via Rick’s Smartphone, and all in a matter of minutes, (amazing!).
Konnie, the perfect cute little wife, mother, grandma, niece, hostess, etc., etc., had a busy day ahead, doing for others, but she still fixed a delicious lunch, complete with a dessert of fresh strawberries.
Rick was fighting off a fat little squirrel for possession of his deck, which overlooks the nearby timber (perfect for the squirrel).
We figured the squirrel appeared well-fed, due to the various birdfeeders around.
Liberty Christian Church
Liberty Easter Event will be listed next week
Announcements
• Liberty Christian Church is helping with the backpack program at the Brownstown Elementary School again this year.
For those who would like to help, they meet once a month at 1 p.m. at the school to pack the food for the students. The next scheduled meeting is Thursday, March 17.
• Liberty Christian Youth are very appreciative of all the support received from the Church during their coin wars and the Valentine dinner fundraisers.
They said that they have been blessed tremendously by the church family’s financial generosity, powerful prayers and loving encouragement to the students, and the lifting up of this next generation of Christ followers.
• CIY Believe on April 1-2 is a high energy weekend event for grades 6-8 students in Springfield.
March 13 is the deadline to sign up; submit $30 and sign up at the office.
Brownstown First Christian Church
The congregation of First Christian Church was greeted by Matthew and Jamie Smith as they gathered for Sunday morning worship.
Duane Willms led the Communion meditation. Cameron Callaway contributed special music, followed by the morning message delivered by Kendall Bopp.
Also serving: Sunday school nursery-Liz Oberlink; a.m. nursery-Tena Gould; toddler worship-Rae Lynn Koehler and Robbi Edwards; Quest-4-Christ, Q-4-C team; and shut-ins-Don Lovett and Brent Keyes.
Announcements
• Easter event on Saturday, March 19, at the BES cafeteria, from 2-4 p.m.
• Sunday, March 27-SONrise service at BFCC at 6:30 a.m. Jim Dann will be speaking. Easter service at 9 a.m.
Brownstown United Methodist Church
Jeff Kelly and Junior Williams served as ushers as the congregation of the United Methodist Church gathered for Sunday morning services.
Jarin Evans, Dillion Elam, Brayden Elam and Brayden Schwarm lighted the altar candles.
Pastor Don Thomas greeted all, recognized the birthdays and anniversaries, shared the announcements and prayer list, and led in prayer. The birthday song was sung to Jeff Kelly and Bill Stolte.
Thomas delivered the morning message.
Pam Orr led the children’s worship and served cakes and juice. Flo Allen led the adult class.
Announcements
• Sunday-“One Great Hour of Sharing.” This supports UMCOR projects with specific relief projects when disaster strikes. The team is there when needed. Fund needs are critical.