Point News – December 27, 2023

By Editor | December 26, 2023 |

By Carol Sue Carnes
618-883-2333

I hope everyone had a Merry Christmas and you remembered “Jesus is the Reason for the Season. Since my column didn’t make it to the Calhoun News Editor last week, this is what I wrote. It’s still floating around in outer space somewhere. Now at this time, I want to wish my family and friends, near and far, a very Happy and Healthy New Year.
Friday evening, December 15, the ladies of the Brussels Woman’s Club met at the Wittmond Hotel. The final meeting of the year was conducted by President Elaine Eberlin. Discussed was the club’s 90th Anniversary in 2025 and the ladies plan to have a cookbook published of recipes of deceased members, as well as former and present club members and anyone else who cares to submit recipes when the time is announced. 2025 will also be the Bicentennial Year since Calhoun County was formed on Jan. 10, 1825. Ladies (and gentlemen) start looking through your favorite recipes and be ready to submit them at a later date. After the meeting everyone enjoyed a delicious dinner. Present were Elaine Eberlin, Judy Burch, Jean Barton, Susan Haug-Kinder, Linda Wrigley, Mary Kirn and myself. Gift exchange followed.
Paul and Mary Lou Goetze hosted a Goetze family Christmas dinner and afternoon together on Saturday, Dec. 16. The event was held at St. Matthew Church Hall in Brussels. Present besides the host and hostess were Patricia Goetze, Paul and Ann Marie Pohlman, Wyatt and Gracie of O’Fallon, MO. Fred Goetze and friends Richard and Mayme Goetze and family of Griggsville.
Also enjoying a Christmas dinner and afternoon together on Saturday, Dec. 16, at the Hills and Hollers Hunting Lodge and Event Center in Batchtown was the Droege family. This included the children, spouses and their families of the late Edward and Irene Droege. Present was Phillip and Bev Droege of Rock Falls, IL, Paul and Jeanette Droege of Brussels, Richard and Karen Droege and David and Janet Droege all of Meppen, Paul and Margie (Droege) Friedel of Bethalto and Mary Droege of Batchtown, wife of the late Henry Droege.
On Sunday, Dec. 17, the Hills and Hollers Hunting Lodge and Event Center was occupied by the Larry and Mary Kay Wieneke family. Present were Jeff and Mary Wieneke, Jason and Brandi Wieneke and Donnie and Jessica (Wieneke) Droege, all of Batchtown and Jacob and Stephanie Wieneke of St. Peters, MO and all their families. Another great day of food, visiting, playing games and of course taking photos.
On Wednesday, Dec. 20, Yvonne Baecht of Golden Eagle attended the Christmas luncheon and party at Principia College in Elsah. Yvonne was a former employee at the college in the housekeeping department for many years.
Tuesday evening St. Mary’s School held their Christmas Program and Party at the Brussels American Legion Hall. The student’s program was entitled “Mass and the Manager.” Many parents and family members attended the event and enjoyed the program and beautiful Christmas songs, as well as refreshments afterwards.
On Sunday afternoon, Dec. 17, a Celebration of Life in memory of Bruce Williams was held at the Knights of Columbus Hall in Hardin. Many family and friends were in attendance for the food and fellowship. Survivors include his wife Lisa Williams, son Justin and daughter Rachel (and TJ) Shampine and family.
Birthday Blessings (Dec. 17-31) to Keith Hagen, my niece Stephanie (Carnes) Davis, Kevin Halemeyer, Rosemary Schnettgoecke, Kelly Mazzacavallo, Carol Ann (Ducept) Kiel, Angie Willman, Camden Bonner, Samantha Macauley, Madison Willman, Jayleigh Droege, Owen Macauley, Barb Sperlo, Kris Hagen, Leah Miller, Ben Hanneken, Holly Swan, Joan Bonner, Jaize Johnes, Megan Nolte, Dorothy Meyer, Terry Woelfel, Kevin Carey, Sharon Nance and all others celebrating their natal day at this time.
Happy Anniversary to Phil and Carole Seiferman, Derrick and Jan Bick, Lloyd and Debbie DeSherlia and all other couples celebrating their wedding anniversary at this time.
Deepest sympathy to the family of Edwina Meyer who passed away on Sunday, December 17. Visitation was on Friday morning at St. Matthew Lutheran Church in Brussels, followed by the funeral service officiated by Rev. Michael Shempf. Burial followed at St. Matthew’s Cemetery. Edwina is survived by her daughters Alicia, Coralie and Andre, and brothers David and Robert Schulze and all their families. She was preceded in death by her husband Gilbert, her parents Edwin and Alice (Halemeyer) Schulze, brothers Donald, Carl and Paul Schulze and a sister Janet Schulze.
NEW YEAR’S PRAYER
Dear Lord, As the New Year begins soon, we look to You for our hope, joy and peace. Give us the courage to do all that you ask of us. Help us to enter the New Year joyfully, remembering the many gifts you have given us throughout the past year. Bless us to prosper, walk in good health and never stop growing in your grace, knowledge, wisdom and love of Christ Jesus. Amen