Point News – August 17, 2022

By Editor | August 16, 2022 |

By Carol Sue Carnes
618-883-2333

Starting out this Monday morning with a cool 67 degrees, also had a wonderful weekend of cooler weather. The St. Mary’s Picnic over the weekend had great weather and a great turnout. I heard they served around 1,500 dinners on Sunday. Know all the workers are happy it is over. My family and I attended on Saturday night to enjoy the fish sandwiches, turtle soup, side dishes, etc. John, Julie and Caleb Carnes took me to the picnic and Trevor and Cyndi Axford joined us, along with their daughter MacKenzie and friend Antonio and later when headed to the Golden Eagle Ferry they took me home. Enjoyed seeing and talking with many people I had not seen for a while. Cyndi especially enjoyed visiting with former classmates and friends from high school.
Hard to believe but 45 years ago today Elvis Presley passed away. All the hit songs from his beginning with Heartbreak Hotel back in 1956 until his death are still loved by his many fans, including me. That was also the year that I, accompanied by Don Seiferman and Whitey Pohlman attended his concert in St. Louis. It was hard to hear him due to the many screaming fans. A night I will never forget!
My company on Friday was Ruth Willenburg, who was married to my cousin, the late Kenneth Willenburg, along with her son and daughter-in-law Trent and Linda Willenburg, all of Fulton, Mo. We visited that morning then enjoyed a delicious meal at the Wittmond Hotel, then came back to the house and had ice cream and sliced peaches. My son John was here working on the farm so he had a chance to also visit with them. So happy to see them and enjoy a wonderful day with them. When John had finished for the day mowing, etc. we had a late supper and short visit before he headed back to Edwardsville. Thanks once again John for all your hard work.
On Saturday I saw Bill Taylor at the bank and told him how sorry I was to hear he had lost his dear friend of 70 years, Bob Hartman. He told me they met while in grade school. Bob was 78 years old and died suddenly last week. Bob drove the Calhoun Senior Citizen van for six years, taking seniors to their Dr. appointments, shopping, etc. According to his wishes he was cremated and a Memorial Service will follow at a later date. Keep Bill and Bob’s family in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Now that the Calhoun Picnics are over the next celebration will be the Kampsville Summer Sesquicentennial on Saturday, Aug. 20. This includes a parade at 11 a.m., followed by a BBQ cookoff, food, vendors, music, games and even a pageant. That evening fireworks will be the conclusion of the day. Sounds like lots to see and do!
Then on Sunday, Aug. 21, the Calhoun Community Foundation is hosting a 90-minute musical adaption of “ A Midsummer Night’s Dream.” This will be led by the St. Louis/NYC based theater artist, composer and founder of WerQfest. This musical event will feature costumes by acclaimed fashion designer Brandin Vaughn. The event is being held at the Heritage Park in Brussels beginning at 6:30 and is free to the public. Bring a lawn chair or blanket and enjoy this musical under the stars.
So many sudden deaths the past week beginning with Gene Beisman of Batchtown who passed away on Aug. 7. Deepest sympathy to his wife Barb, daughter and children Keith (Jayme) Beisman and Michelle (Shawn) Motley and their families. Next was Bob Hartman of Golden Eagle, followed by Kenny Bick of Batchtown on Wednesday night. His visitation and funeral was earlier this week. Deepest sympathy to his wife Judy, children Jennifer (Mark) Nolte and Derrick (Jan) Bick and their families. Also siblings Delmar and Lindy Bick and Shirleen McCarey and Gertie Snyders. The fourth death was Ellis “Blue” Johnson of the Hardin area.
Birthday Blessings this week to my granddaughter Madison Axford, also Roberta Hurley, Tony Caselton, Barb Tepen, Charlene Haug, Shirley (Nolte) Kennedy, Mary Kay Wieneke, Kurt Pohlman, Marissa Kuhn, Larry Kulp, Judy Pohlman, Emily Kronable, Hannah Carey, Kannon Kamp, Mary Ohlendorf, Loren Kulp, Shawn Ohlendorf, Donna Hurley, Albert Jenkins, Lucy Fraschini, Carol Drainer, Traci Caselton and all others celebrating their natal day at this time.
Happy Anniversary to Keith and Carol Pohlman, Jack and JoAnn Kirn, Ralph and Erna Halemeyer and all other couples celebrating their wedding anniversary this week.
With school beginning in the very near future, my prayer is for safety for the students and teachers.
Lord Jesus, as school resumes, we lift up our youth. Give them inquisitive minds, help all learners get the tools needed for success in this world. We also ask for Your special blessing for the teachers. They face the challenges of social, mental and physical problems in their students. We pray for strength and stamina for our teachers and ask that you would fill them with love for their students. Protect both students and teachers from the turmoil of this world. We ask this in Your name, AMEN